#and like ten plus incomplete assignments

[glacialheart]

uni and adulting are so hard </3

[boliv-jenta]

Fine Part 2 Marcus's version

Part 1

Marcus Pike x f!reader

Part of Better

Smut 🔞 lots and lots and lots of female receiving oral sex. P in V sex. Swearing.

Cassie was the most obvious person in the world. It wasn't that she wasn't smart enough to be cunning. She just didn't care. It was so strange that she lived with his best friend who was the total opposite. Caring, subtle, graceful even.

"What's up with Cassie?" He asked his friend Brad. Well friend by default they'd be assigned as room mates and created an odd, comfortable friendship. Brad's name suited him as the frat boy type but he had a good heart and looked out for Marcus.

"I have no idea. She's already asked if I want to have no strings attached sex with her roomie."

Why the hell would she him ask that?! At first when she had asked about Anna, Marcus assumed she was preparing to set you two up. She'd been talking in your ear for the last ten minutes while occasionally looking at him. Something you were avoiding doing. "I said no. No offence to her but I wasn't coming between you two."

"What? There is no 'you two' to come between."

"Right. Am gonna head out. Am guessing you'll be walking your 'just a friend' home." Marcus just glared at him. "Thought so."

Marcus mulled over Brad's words. Who was he kidding. They could be a 'you two' in a heartbeat if it was up to him. He was besotted with you from the first moment you smiled at him kindly when he walked straight into you, too absorbed in his map. His heart leapt in his chest when you said you'd look for him in your shared class. He'd never looked forward to a class more. As you left he could help but turn back, letting his eyes linger on you while a small smile tugged at his lips.

He thought you were pretty and funny. After having his heart broken by his high school girlfriend, he wasn't looking for a relationship. He did however need a friend, a smart, kind one was a bonus. So you helped each other that year and every year since. Yes, there could be a 'you two' but the risk of losing the most amazing, supportive, steady person in his life, it killed him. He would rather have this incomplete relationship with you, all those things left unspoken, rather than not have you at all.

The party had started to wind down. It wasn't particularly late but a lot of people had gone to a wilder party at Stevenson Hall. Including Cassie, so he walked you back to your building, just off campus.

"What was with Cassie tonight?"

"What do you mean?"

"I dunno she kept staring at me. I saw her talking to you and keep looking over at me. She asked how I was feel after Anna. Then she suggested I get laid to get over it. She's not normally that interested in me."

It's not like Cassie didn't get on with Marcus, they were just very different. She looked out for you and paid her rent on time so he had no problem with her. Plus she was barely home.

"Who knows. She'd had a couple of those purple shots. I have no idea what was in them."

Marcus stopped in his tracks. It took a second for you to realise. Turning back to face him, he eyed you accusingly. "What?" You shrugged back.

"I know when you're lying remember. If I did something to offend her, I'd rather know."

"No! I mean you didn't offend her. She was just kidding around, making fun of me."

"Why?"

The blush that rose on your cheeks could be seen even in the dim light of the street lamps. It was adorable, without thinking Marcus stepped closer, drawn to you. "You know you can tell me anything. Unless you really don't want to. Just let me know you're okay and we'll never talked about it again."

Why was he pushing this? He knew exactly why. He was hoping Cassie talking in your ear would get you to see him in a different light. Get you to act on those unspoken feelings. He knew he could take the risk if you were willing to too. He could do anythingwith you at his side.

"I haven't had sex for a while and she suggested that we're such good friends that you could help me with that." Marcus's face went blank for a moment. So did his brain. His hand thrummed against his ribs.

"Would you...is that something you would want?" His tongue darted out of his mouth.

"Yes. I mean, no. I mean..." With that the heavens opened. The two of you sprinted the rest of the way to your building. Bundling together under the orning as you fumbled with your keys. Marcus reached over to help. You warm hand was dwarfed by his. He couldn't help but think about guiding your hand to other places. To feel where he cock was joining the two of you. He sucked in a breath at the thought. He was pressed completely into your side. Tilting your head up, your eyes locked for a moment. A moment that stretched out. The rapid drumming of the rain seemed to slow and fade. The air became charged. Every sense honed in on something new. The scent of the wet grass, the faint buzz of the lamp over head, the hairs on his skin standing on end, the unvoiced question in your eyes, the taste of a brewing storm met his tongue as he wet his lips.

Everything else crashed back into his consciousness when his lips touched yours. Everything suddenly overwhelming. Even sense, every feeling. The feel of your body wrapped around him, clinging to him as he pressed you up against the door. His lips moving against yours as he molded his broad frame to you. One of your hands found his hair then other his lower back. His hands circled your waist and gently gripped the back off your neck. Everything outside of your touch was lost to him, even time. He had no idea how long you allowed him to kiss you. He wasn't counting, he would do this for the rest of his life.

Even an ear splitting crack of thunder wasn't enough to break you apart. All it did was move the two of you haphazardly inside. Turning the door knob he opened the door, ushering you inside. His lips never leaving yours. When you slipped on the wet floor his instinct was to catch you. Dipping down he grabbed your legs, wrapping them around his waist. Pinning you to the nearest wall, you both groaned as his erection grazed your folds. He could come just from this. Pushing himself forward between your legs he repeated the motion. By the fourth pass of his hips the two of you were completely lost, committed to dry humping in your communal hallway. He hoped no one else came home, he couldn't stop even if he wanted to.

The pressure of you mount trapping his length against his own body, tugging him lightly was perfect. Your lips were sweet and soft, just as he had imagined

He never wanted to leave them. As his orgasm approached, he had to move away to calm himself. You have only been here a few minutes. If dry humping and coming in his pants wasn't bad enough he couldn't come before you. He buried his head in your neck. As you moaned his name, he couldn't help himself, he took the curve of your ass in his hands. He ground into you now, his paced quickening. His cock twitched as he spilled his load into his pants. He stilled for a second, the feeling was so intense, he needed a second to get his head together. Just as he did it spun out again as you came saying his name like a pray.

After a moment, Marcus gently lowered you to the ground. "Guess we better go get cleaned up." He smiled sheepishly as he turned towards the stairs to your apartment. At first he thought he should just walk away, give you a chance to lead whatever this was. If he did you might end things here. He took your hand, if only just to hold onto this moment.

Half an hour later, after you had both showered, separately. You sat on the couch.

"I'm sorry if..."

"Sorry I..."

You both blurted apologies in unison. Followed by a burst of uncontrollable laughter that cleared the air.

"I hope that was OK. I don't know what came over me. I haven't done anything like that since I was a horny teen." He hadn't wanted anyone that much since his hormones had become more controllable.

"It was more than okay." You grinned back at him. "I know what you mean. I was the one that brought it up. I knew you would have stopped if I asked."

"Totally."

"So we're all good."

"Good."

Then was a moment of relatively comfortable silence.

"So...was that enough for you..?"

You blinked owlishly up at him. "Sorry, just you said you hadn't had sex. Sorry, maybe I'm a little too comfortable around you. We normally talk about everything but maybe this shouldn't be something we..."

"No, it's fine. It was actually kind of nice, the comfortable friendship aspect. I felt safe with you. I wasn't worried about you judging me. I could just focus on the good stuff."

"Yeah. I get that."

Another moment of silence. It was you who broke it this time. "No." His head whipped to yours. "To answer you question from earlier. It wasn't enough."

Fuck. He cock began to hard again. His heart ached at the prospect of getting to touch you again. This could be the answer to everything. No blaring the lines of friendship. You had asked for his help as your friend. It just so happened that the thing he had asked you for help with was sex. This was fine. He could have you come apart on his cock, his fingers, his face, then go back to normal. Everyone did crazy stuff in college. Experimented. Who better to experiment with than a good friend. Right? It was fine.

"Do you want to...."

"Yes! If you want..."

"Yes."

"Okay."

"Okay. Do you have any protection? I didn't bring any."

You looked at him appreciatively. Practical Marcus was one of your favourites, you had told him so.

"I do. I'm also clean and on the pill."

Fuck me. You were going to kill him. He had dreamed of what sliding into a warm, wet pussy would feel like with his cock bare. "Marcus, do you want to...without a condom?"

"I'd like to know what it feels like but I've never trusted someone enough."

"Perks of having sex with a friend. Trust and no judgement."

"In that case can we try something else I've wanted to do?"

There were a few other things he wanted to do. This one stood out because it would also afford him some protection. He knew if you could see his face when he slid home inside you it would utterly betray him. "W-what do you want to...?"

"Nothing crazy. Just my sex life pretty much consists of missionary and her on top. I'd like to...." He could feel himself blushing. His sex life had been incredibly vanilla. "Could we do it doggy style?" He cringed as the words left his mouth. "Yes, we can fuck like dogs." Another bout of tension easing laughter racked the two of you.

"What about you? Is there anything you want?"

At his question you curled in on yourself. "Hey. Come here." He eased you across the couch and onto his lap. "Safe friendship sex remember?"

"Would you...use your tongue on me?" He swallowed thickly before nodding at your request. He couldn't speak. He'd only had one girlfriend who enjoyed oral sex. He loved it. Was addicted from the first taste. "Also, I've never been able to give myself more than one orgasm. I feel too overwhelmed. I've always thought if someone else kept going they could..." The embarrassment returned to your face. Marcus couldn't help but lean forward to gently kiss it away.

The next few moments were achingly gently and slow. You helped each other remove you clothes. Surreptitiously, you checked each other out trying not to stare. Marcus thought he would strain something with the effort of not looking at your soft curves. With the lightest of touches he guided you to lay on your bed before settling between your legs.

A long lick between your folds had you throwing your head back into the pillow. Your hips chased his warm mouth. You didn't need to chase himself, he would give you anything, everything. He gripping your hips before moving to your lower belly, holding you down. After a few more long licks, he slipped his tongue inside you. God, you tasted better than his ex. Your walls clenched around his tongue. Your hands threaded into his hair. He needed you to come on his face. He needed to taste more of you. One of his hands left your belly to hold you open, once you clit was exposed to him, his tongue rolled and swirled around it. One firm suck on your clit had your body curling around his head, holding him in place. If you suffocated him right now, he would die happy. His tongue dropped back down your enterance, almost as if he could drink from you. Your devine slick coated his tongue. Before you came down from your high completely, he was lavishing your clit with attention again. Your body trembled. The second time, you coated his tongue you screamed loudly, it bounced off the walls. Part of him hoped the neighbours were home so they could hear what he was doing to you. The third time, when he inserted his fingers just as you were fluttering around nothing, you screamed his name. Yes, tell them who's making you feel this good. Who you belong to. The forth time, he curled his fingers just right and a slew of profanity left you. Shit, that made him want to fuck you like a wild animal. He'd never been so arousal in his life. He softly jerked his cock off between himself and the bed, just for a bit of relief.

"Marcus, Marcus. S-stop." You managed to gasp out.

"Are you okay?" He finally lifted his head from between your legs. His lips and chin were cover in your juices. He thought he should wipe them off but he didn't want to.

"Yeah, just..." you couldn't even finish the sentence you just gave a happy sigh and relaxed your heavy body back into the mattress. Pride swelled within him.

"If you've had enough. We don't have to...."

"No, I want to." You wanted him.The smile that touched his lips nearly spilt his face in two.

Touching you as if you were fragile, he rolled you over, easily, since your body was like jelly.

Once you were on your front he got on the bed behind you. With care, he lifted you hips until you raised your knees up the bed, presenting your glistening pussy to him. He wanted to taste it again but he worried he might actually come from that alone.

"Ready?" He asked stoking your lower back.

"Yes."

The aching slowness returning as he slide inside you. You soaked walls offering little resistance to his thick length.

"Jesus. Fuck." He eventually growled. "Baby, I need a minute. I don't want to come straight away."

Damn it. Had he really just called you 'Baby'? He felt like he crossed a line. He heart clenched for a moment. He wished he could open up and tell you everything that he felt for you. No, he had to buried all that. He buried his cock in you to distract himself. Focus on the pass of his cock head on every ridge inside of you. Every flex and clench of you around him. Every suck of you cunt. Every moan he pulled from you.

"Marcus, you feel so good. So big."

"I think that's because you're so tight. Opened you up so much but you're still so tight. Fuck." He bottomed out again. He was going to lose him mind if he kept this pace. "Can I go faster? Harder?"

The yes that left you was less of an agreement more of a plea. As soon as it hit his ears, his hips moved of their own accord. His gripped your hips as he pound into you. You came around him, twice. To his surprise he didn't come the first time. The second time, he exploded inside you. Ropes and ropes pulsed out of his cock, buried to the hilt inside you. For a blissful moment he slumped over you, holding you from behind.

"We should get you cleaned up." It was a sweet sentiment that ended with him fucking you in the bathroom. You let him manipulate your body, your leg thrown up on the counter as he entered you from behind again. This time he got to see your face contoured in pleasure in the mirror. You were beautiful, taking every inch he impaled you with. His fingers found your clit as he pounded into your g spot. When you came, you squirted all over his cock and the counter. He'd never had a woman squirt for him. He was practically delirious at this point. Dragging you up, he sat you on the counter. He diligently cleaned you with his tongue, not wanting to waste a drop of your sweet release.

The sun was coming up by the time you were actually cleaned up and showing Marcus the door.

"So we're good right?" He asked as he stepped outside.

"Yeah. It was fun. What's a one night stand between friends? We're fine."

As you stepped back inside, closing the door, his eyes feel on the spot where he had kissed you for the first time. Fuck, none of this was fine.

Tags @kirsteng42 @babydarkstar @prolix-yuy @thegreenkid @hquinzelle @fangirl-316 @gracie7209 @jedifarmerr @doommommy @scorpio-marionette @sturkillerbase

[lubdubsworld]

物の哀れ ( ‘the sadness of things’.)

Alpha Jungkook x Omega Oc!

Genre : Angst , Hurt/ Comfort.

    Chapter 1  ⋆  Chapter 2  ⋆  Chapter 3     Chapter 4  ⋆  Chapter 5   ⋆   

    Chapter 6   Chapter 7     Chapter 8

Summary : Nine months after her marriage ends, Kim Heejin is a reclusive artist, who works out of a renovated warehouse in Busan, her days and nights spent with canvas and paint. Its exactly what she’s ever wanted, to be left alone. And yet, that nagging feeling of incompletion keeps her on her toes. And perhaps, it is that longing for something substantial, something real that pushes her to give her flawed but lovable ex-husband another chance.

Chapter 9

 “I… No. Just… please tell him I’ll be down…I’ll come down to the lobby to meet him.” I said quickly, panicking at the idea of having him here. I’d barely been here a day but this was still my space. And if I had him here then his scent would just seep into every nook and corner. 

The room would smell like him then… And what would I do after he left?

God, what was I even thinking? Head swimming, I crawled to the edge of the bed and breathed shakily. 

It felt surreal, climbing out of the bed and moving to the vanity . I stared at myself in the mirror as I grabbed the makeup bag I kept with me all the time. Wide eyes and parted lips, creamy gold skin turning lily white because of how the blood had just drained after that phone call. 

I looked petrified .

Jungkook… I thought numbly. Jungkook’s waiting downstairs and I’m going to see him. 

What is he thinking.... What is he feeling... why is he even here? 

You’re not responsible for his emotions, Taehyung’s soothing voice in my head helped a bit but not a whole lot. What about my emotions, I though desperately, grabbing the tube of gloss and slowly uncapping it. I ran the end of it over my lips and felt my fingers tremble because I didn’t know why I felt this need …to look beautiful.

I didn’t need to, I though miserably. Everyone knew omegas were beautiful. Beta supermodels were beautiful yes but they couldn’t hold a candle to me, at least for someone like  Jungkook. He was an alpha, his brain was built to find me attractive. I had evolutionary genetics on my side, which mean that if I ever actually wanted to seduce Jungkook , he wouldn’t really stand a chance .

But I didn’t want that.

I had had enough of that. Enough of seeing handsome, rich alphas being reluctantly attracted to me. They made it obvious too. Most of the hate mail I got stemmed from angry wives or girlfriends accusing me of seducing their men , even though  I’d never so much as laid my eyes on them. It was so unfair. 

I didn’t enjoy watching them lose their minds at the sight and scent of me, because i knew that deep down,  they thought that all omegas were scum. 

Manipulative, sex driven , greedy and selfish . Those were the labels I got plastered with , on the media and on the streets. 

And Jungkook wasn’t different, I reminded myself firmly, pulling away from the mirror and grabbing the loose powder and dusting down some of it on the apple of my cheeks and down the length of my nose. 

He didn’t think any different than the others. Jungkook’s views on omegas were just as archaic and bigoted as everyone else’s .

He just didn’t act on them .

Sighing, I dropped the lipgloss back in the back and brushed my hair off my face. On a whim , I pulled off the hair tie holding the thick strands together, letting the wavy tresses fall over my shoulder. I hadn’t cut my hair in a long time and it felt to my hips now. My stylist was adamant that it added to my aesthetic.

  A primal siren, she had said staring at me in awe, like something eternal and beautifully dangerous. We’re lucky you seem incapable of hate, Heejin ...because I think you could bring grown men to their knees with that body and that face. 

I felt nauseous at the thought of it.   

Walking to the elevator felt like walking the plank and I had stop a couple of times, just to breathe deeply. I had to be smart about this. I was in therapy. Taehyung had taught me how to handle situations like this and while my heart was pounding too hard and my brain was too scrambled to use any of his therapy techniques, I still had some of my cognitive abilities intact. 

He came here, i thought desperately. 

He came looking for you and that means he isn’t nervous or worried or overthinking this because he doesn’t have feelings for you. If you want to come out of this  unscathed, you need to get your head on straight. You need to pretend that you didn’t just have a minor mental breakdown at the thought of him dating someone else. 

I took a deep breath, exhaling sharply before stepping into the elevator. The ride down to the lobby was barely a few seconds and when I stepped out, I realized the place was way too crowded for such an exclusive Hotel. And then I remembered that people were here for the Art Festival. I glanced at the reception desk, covertly, noting a conspicuous lack of Jeon Jungkook. The lady behind the desk held her hand up when she spotted me .

“Ms. Kim? Mr. Jeon just went to get you a drink...He’s over by the breakfast counter over there.” She pointed out the dining space where people were walking about getting breakfast and I swallowed, feeling hot and cold as I cautiously stepped into the crowd, trying to find a that familiar head of thick dark hair. 

I felt the apprehension build as I tugged on my bottom lip between my teeth, trying to reign in the chaos in my mind but it was impossible, everything too loud and too messy. I looked around and then, it hit me. 

His scent. 

I felt my lips part in surprise, and it felt like someone had turned the volume down , noises fading into a dull hum at the back of my mind as I stared at him. He hadn’t spotted me yet and I took a second to just....look.

He looked incredible.

There was really no other word for it. Incredibly handsome, Incredibly beautiful and so incredibly perfect as the late morning sun lit up the room, picking out the shine on his white silk shirt. I breathed in deep, my mindeasily picking out the musky pine scent of him and I stepped closer, moving straight towards him and I caught the exact moment my scent his senses.

He jerked a bit, nostrils flaring and eyes going wide before he turned, lips parted and gaze a bit unfocused as he looked around.

When he caught sight of me, he just blinked. 

I smiled weakly, body going limp with relief because.... because this was Jungkook. Not some monster I had to run from. This was Jungkook....even at his worst he had been better than some of the other people I’d met in life. 

I looked down at the drink in his hand and smiled a bit as he made his way over. 

“ This isn’t the same as buying me a coffee.” I said shakily as he finally stepped upto me.

His eyes danced with warmth. 

“What makes you think I can afford one? Besides, aren’t you the hotshot artist? Shouldn’t you be the one buying me stuff?” He said softly. 

“Just saw you on the front cover of a magazine. We both know you’re far from destitute..” Even through the smile, I felt the tug of emotion as I stared at him, felt the difference in him like night and day, the light and joy and ...contentment that seemed to radiate off him .

He smiled and held the drink out to me gently.

“ Heejin-ah.” He whispered. 

And somehow it was the sound of his voice, wrapping around the syllables of my name that finally did it. 

I felt the tears brim over, my lips parting in choked laughter as I stepped close and wrapped both my arms around him, burying my face in his neck and breathing him in. I felt him hold me, infinitely gentle and I exhaled sharply.

“I didn’t miss you,  at all.” I said shakily. He laughed lightly. 

“I missed you , too.” He stroked the back of my head gently and I sighed, fingers curling on the silk of his shirt. The fabric felt like liquid in my fingers and I played with it for a second, intensely aware that people were starting to stare. That this embrace had gone on for longer than social norms dictated but I couldn’t bring myself to care, letting my chin rest against his shoulder blades. 

And it was almost frightening.....how easy it was to pretend we weren’t broken at all. 

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

“She was so small when I last held her... I can’t believe she’s running around.” I said, awed, listening to Jungkook tell me about how Mina liked to climb everywhere. He laughed, shaking his head. 

"She’s growing bigger everyday. I can barely keep up.” Jungkook smiled, holding a hand out for me to step over the wooden slats that lined the tiny archway that led to the door to his building. I hesitated before lightly gripping his hand in mine, the gesture somehow feeling more intimate that it was. 

“You’re not staying at the Firenze?” I asked curiously, resisting the urge to reach for his hand again when he let go.

it was such a ridiculous thing but I’d never held hands with him. And It felt ridiculously nice, to slot my fingers with his, feel them in between mine. His palm against mine, calloused but somehow so comforting. 

 I’d forgotten how warm he was.

 Don’t. Don’t fall down this rabbit hole again, Heejin. We talked about this. He doesn’t think of you that way. He doesn’t. And neither should you. its unfair to him. He doesn’t deserve that. 

“No... As you can see my apartment is barely ten minutes away and Soeun has her exams so its easier for her to watch over Mina here at the apartment.

“Soeun?” I asked curiously.

“Park Soeun? She’s a University student who lives with me. She’s doing a correspondence course in fashion . So she’s home all the time and she helps out with Mina. And she speaks Italian so that’s a huge plus... ” He smiled. “ you’ll like her. She’s a good kid.” 

 Don’t make that face. Don’t fucking make that face, Heejin.

I struggled to keep my face straight , like I wasn’t feeling the weight of a dozen bricks at the base of my stomach. 

“A roommate...then..?” I asked quietly and he shrugged.

“Something like that. But mostly she helps take care of Mina when I’m out on an assignment.” He smiled and led me past two flight of stairs up to the studio apartment. 

I wrapped my arms around myself as he stopped in front of a wrought iron grill, gripping one end and sliding it open with ease. And then he rang the small bell n the side. I shuffled back and forth on my foot, heart racing. 

The door opened and I blinked because of how young the girl who opened the door was. A second later she was beaming, moving forward and wrapping both her arms around me.

“Unnie!” She squealed, hugging me so close that I almost choked. Completely thrown I could only gape at Jungkook who was laughing . 

“Oh, I forgot to mention..she’s a bit of a fan. “ He teased lightly and I smiled awkwardly, watching as she pulled back to stare at me, her gaze trained on my face unblinkingly. 

“Whoa...” She reached out and lightly touched my cheek with her forefinger making me jump. She flinched as well, flushing red.

“Shit..sorry...I just... I’ve never... I’ve never met an omega before.” She said softly. “ You’re absolutely breathtaking.”

I felt my heart pound, steeping back instinctively, an overwhelming urge to hide , anxiety pooling in my stomach as she continued to stare at me. I hated the attention and I wrapped my arms around myself. 

“Soeun, enough. Don’t make it weird.” Jungkook said sternly, voice hard and the girl immediately flushed, bowing apologetically. 

“Sorry...I.. sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable ... You’re pretty.” She said again before turning to Jungkook.

“I have to get some stuff for my exhibit, Jungkook oppa... Mina’s asleep. i’ll be staying over at Vince’s place for the night though. Is that okay?”

“Sure..have fun.” Jungkook smiled, “ Vince is her boyfriend.” He explained and Soeun nodded happily. 

“Italian men are absolutely amazing unnie...you should try some.” She winked and I laughed despite myself.

“I just might...” I said with a grin, watching as she walked over to slip on a pair of sneakers from the small shoe closet near the door. She waved enthusiastically all but bouncing away and I blinked at him , shaking my head.

“I feel a hundred years old right now.” I said softly, still stunned by the girl’s exorbitant energy. Jungkook laughed at that

“She definitely has that effect on people... Come on, I’ll show you around.” He held his hand out and I smiled , taking his fingers mine and letting him tug me further into the studio apartment. 

I looked around, taking in the full blown prints of Mina and Jungkook , caught in adorable poses in front of different tourist spots in Florence. I saw how much she looked like Jungkook now, and how openly affectionate they looked together, the love evident even in the still photos. 

And then my eyes fell on a familiar painting , my stomach lurching. 

“You... “ i turned to him in a rush and he was staring at me with a small smile.

“I had to bring that. It pretty much saved me, that painting.” He said casually, stepping close and running his fingers all over the print. 

“When you told me this is how Sooah saw me...” He traced the picture carefully before glancing at me,” it made me realize that Sooah didn’t just want a baby.....she wanted a baby with  me. She saw me as a father. As someone who could raise and nurture a tiny human  and that... that’s amazing isn’t it?” He sighed, staring at me.  

He looked beautiful, I thought with an ache deep inside me. The most beautiful man I’d ever seen in my life and it seemed almost too good to be true. That he was here, at reach. So close. I wondered if this was it. This had to be a sign. A sign that we’d come full circle. That it was over. That we could finally break free from all that we’d been through, and look back at Jungkook’s past with fondness instead of pain.

And perhaps, just perhaps I could reach out and touch him with something more than just the love you have for a friend. . Perhaps I could reach out and touch him, without feeling guilt and foreboding.

I exhaled shakily stepping up and running my fingers over the canvas. It was nothing fancy... Just a painting a painting of Jungkook holding Mina up by her waist, high over his head, staring up into her face with all the love and adoration in the world, The child in the painting doesn’t look exactly like Mina, of course, but I’d had no idea , seeing as Sooah had commissioned the painting when she was pregnant. But Jungkook.... Jungkook looked exactly like he did now : Happy and at peace. 

“You’re alright, then?” I asked quietly , a wealth of meaning behind the words and he smiled , nodding gently. 

“I’m fine…” He whispered , “ And I’m so glad I can tell you that, like this. Thank you for coming , Heejin-ah . I know you owe me nothing but.. I wanted to show you that… it wasn’t all bad you know. What we went through… Something good did come out of it.” He whispered.

I choked out a sob.

“I lied.” I whispered. “ I did miss you. Even when I knew I shouldn’t.”

Jungkook’s gaze softened.

“I have a lot to be sorry for. But I don’t want to remind you of those things. I just want you to know that… I understand what you went through…those six months. I understand that it was difficult and painful and i… I’m grateful that you didn’t give up on me. And I’m grateful that you stayed in my life.  Because I know I didn’t deserve that.”

“You deserve to be loved Jungkook.” I said quietly. “ Its not wrong to move on. You deserve to… find happiness again.”

He stared at me, his gaze soft and gentle.

“I can almost believe it, when you say it that way.” He laughed. “ And… you know… I’m not sure if its love. But there’s someone I’ve been…. Well, I can sort of see myself with her. .” He grinned a little, smile boyish as he ran his fingers through his hair. He glanced at me and I felt my heart skip a beat.

Wait… was he going to?....

“ I met her at Taehyung’s practice, a year ago. Her name is Lee Hyorin.” Jungkook looked at me, doe eyes shining with excitement.

And just like that the world ended.

Or so it felt.

It was like being dipped in icy cold water, the shock of it rendering me speechless, lips parted and breath catching in lungs.

Blood rushed through my ears, so fast that I felt lightheaded, my legs nearly giving out. White noise filled my skull, pain lancing sharp through my heart like a thousand paper cuts, and I couldn’t really breathe. It took a few seconds…. For my heart to catch up with what my mind had just processed. And when it finally did, the pain was so excruciating, I had to clench my fists, nails digging into the flesh of my palm to ground myself.

“She’s an alpha…and she lost her husband around the same time Sooah passed..” Jungkook gave me a soft smile. “ She’s actually a curator at one of the museums here. She’s the one who made all the arrangements for me to move here to Florence. ”

“Wow… That’s…” devastating,. “ That’s good news. Jungkook.. I.. How long…” My voice cracked, and I had to swallow. “ How long have you guys been dating?”

“About three months now. We’re taking it very slow, because we aren’t really ready. She has a son too. He’s three years old. Mina loves him so that’s a plus.” He laughed.

My lungs constricted, breathing difficult and my head swam because ….. what. Realization set in so quickly, I was left reeling. I was in love with this bastard, I thought miserably. So in love with him that it felt like he was shredding my heart into ribbons. Every word of his mouth felt like a sharp deep stab, straight through the center of my heart and the pulsing, beating organ was on the verge of giving out.

“She’s going to be there at the dinner tonight at the Festival. She’s one of the organizers by the way. She’s kind of the reason I got in, I think.” He laughed , looking abashed and what a load of bull that was. Jungkook was successful and well known. Superbly talented at his chosen field. She was lucky to have him.

How can she have him when I’m the one who fixed him? How is that fucking fair?

“She really understands the things I’ve been going through, the past few months and because we both still attend therapy with Taehyung, we’re able to talk about a lot of stuff. Stuff I can’t share with others…” Jungkook was saying and I tuned him out, not wanting to hear another word.

I swallowed, choking on bile. I could feel sweat gathering on my scalp, my skin clammy and damp , the air between us shifting into something poisonous and filled with so much dismay, it was a miracle he hadn’t picked up on it.

Couldn’t he sense how distressed I was? Couldn’t he see how his words were hurting? Couldn’t he fucking see that I couldn’t live without him? Why on earth couldn’t he see me the way he apparently saw every other woman on the damn planet…..

Because he’s a shitty Alpha, I thought miserably, willing myself not to burst into tears. He was a shitty excuse for an alpha back then and he’s the same now.

A low, distressed cry began somewhere behind him and he jumped.

“Oh, shit she’s up… come on, Heejin.” He said with a bright smile, turning around and rushing down a small hallway and I willed myself to breathe in deeply, reminding myself that this wasn’t the end of the world. I could get through this. Besides, it was Mina.

Beautiful, perfect Mina who had been there for me. She would see me and she would give me that sweet gummy smile of hers, does eyes twinkling and I would get through this. Because her smile was what was important. Her smile and her joy and her happiness.

The sobbing had slowed down to small hiccups and I stepped past the threshold cautiously, watching as Jungkook bent over the large crib, carefully lifting her out and into his arms. She looked breathtaking, an absolutely gorgeous little girl . I stared, mesmerized as I stepped closer. My arms ached, and my chest tightened. Lips wobbling, I exhaled sharply, moving to reach for her.

She turned to glance at me and just as my fingers brushed her cheek, she recoiled.

Hard.

A loud wail tore through her tiny body and I felt my eyes go wide. Her casual little cry had turned into a sobbing , loud wail and I could smell the distress in her , the fear and distrust as she curled away from me.  Jungkook looked stunned as well, instinctively drawing her close and embracing her, moving away from me because….

Because I was the reason, she was distressed.  

My skin went ice cold at the revelation and I stumbled back, stunned.

“I… I’m sorry.” I choked out, confused and disoriented. Jungkook looked stricken, gently rocking her back and forth and she clung to him, gripping his shirt and I bit my lips, moving further back and I glanced at him, my heart shattering.

“She’s …She’s still sleepy… She doesn’t do well with strangers…” He said softly, looking upset, “ Maybe you could…wait outside…”

Stranger…. Was that what I was?

“I… I’ll go. I’ll just go.” I turned on my heel, rushing out of the door and struggling to breathe in air, my heart clenching so hard I was sure I was going to pass out. I felt my knees give out when I reached the couch, dropping down and drawing my knees up , wrapping my arms around my legs . I didn’t know how long I sat there, fighting sobs and choking on air…and when I finally came to myself, the sobs from the room had died out.

“She’s fallen asleep again.” Jungkook’s voice cut through the silence and I couldn’t bring myself to look up. I felt him move closer, felt his scent hit me as he stepped right up to me, kneeling on the floor in front of me.

I looked up at him, lips wobbling as I took in his handsome face.  A face that was so deeply carved into my heart and my soul, I couldn’t imagine living without it. Without him. The tears came then, helpless and endless and so painful.

He pressed in closer, cupping my face in his palms, thumb brushing the tears that spilled over so relentlessly.

“Heejin…” He whispered and I let my fingers curl around his wrist as his thumb kept brushing the curve of my cheeks. I took a deep , shaky breath .

“She doesn’t remember me….  “ I whispered, “ She doesn’t recognize me at all…She hates me……” I choked out , despair filling every last crevice of my insides, gut twisting as I remembered how Mina had twisted away from me, how her scent had soured in distress at the sight of me, at the touch of my fingers.

 And I wondered if it was different with this other woman..Hyorin, wasn’t it? Did Mina climb into her arms with ease? Did she curl into her chest and sleep? The way she used to with me,  when she was a month old and missing the warmth of a mother.. ….

All those nights spent in that tiny nursery, lying on the cold unforgiving floor, watching the rise and fall of Mina’s chest through the dark room…telling myself it was worth it… it was worth being touched against my will, worth being treated like filth by a man driven mad with grief and anger….all because of this baby…this tiny little baby who had needed me….

And now…she didn’t even know who I was…..worse…she was repulsed by the very sight of me… I couldn’t cope.

“Look at me…” Jungkook rasped, voice raw and cracking. “she doesn’t hate you, Heejin… she just … you feel new to her… different…” 

I shook my head, unable to think about anything beyond the sheer devastation that filled me, the way his daughter had pulled away and run, had refused to come anywhere near me. I realized with lancing pain that I’d wanted to see her, way more than I’d wanted to see Jungkook .

Because she was the reason I’d hung on for so long in that marriage which had been the biggest fucking mistake of my life…. the only reason I’d stuck around . Mina …Having her in my arms, her scent against my face, that had been the only genuine happiness I’d experienced  in a marriage filled with sheer , unending misery. 

“I… she… Why doesn’t she remember? “ I breathed, sagging into his arms, tears soaking his shoulders and his palm ran up and down my back.

“Because she was a baby. Heejin…. I left when she was a baby…”

“Why did you?” I snapped. “ Did it hurt you so much? The thought of living under the same sky as me ? Why you did you go?” I demanded.

Jungkook pulled back, hands coming up to grip my shoulder, holding me at arms length.

“Look at me.” He whispered. “ I had to … You know I had to go….I was hurting you. I was… I was draining you of life. Destroying you… “

Jungkook’s words reminded me of who he was. Of who I was… Of who I was to him.

I choked out, sobbing.

“I hate you. You treated me like scum. Like a crutch….. Like some sort of tool to get better and you just left… you…”

You found someone better. You broke me down and now you’ve gone and found someone better….because I was never good enough for you… I was never someone you could love….

“I had to let you go. I had to end that relationship because it was tainted with so much grief and anger and selfishness and greed. I knew that anything I did afterwards would be tainted by my actions… I… I had to make amends, Heejin. And do you think for a second, that it wasn’t the hardest thing I ever did? That walking out on you wasn’t one of the most devastating things I’ve ever experienced? But I did it for us… for this…” 

I stared at him.

“And what is this?” I asked brokenly.

“This is me, being able to touch you like this.” Jungkook pressed a palm to my cheek, “ And not feeling guilt or sadness or grief or loss.  I did it so we could have this…this… This thing where I can look at you and hold you and see that you’re healing. That you’re doing better… That you’re living the life you want…. That you’re happy. This is me standing here , in front of you and smiling because I’m happy too. Happy that you’re here.  ” He exhaled, “ I’m happy that despite all the hurt we’ve been through for and because of each other, I can look at you now and tell you, honestly, that I’m glad to see you.” 

What a joke.. What a fucking joke.

I smiled shakily.

“Well… “ I said softly, my stomach churning because I was done. Done with him and mostly with myself. “ Isn’t that absolutely wonderful.”

His gaze softened and he smiled.

“I want us to be friends, Heejinah. Even though we don’t see or talk to each other, I think of you often. And when Mina’s old enough to understand , I’ll tell her all about you… I want you in our lives. You’re a friend. ”

I stared at him , feeling the words echo in my skull . It left an acrid taste on my senses, the way he put me into this neat little box, friend. So ….insignificant. Everyone had hundreds of friends. There was nothing even remotely special about being someone’s friend.

Friend just meant replaceable and forgettable. And just like Mina didn’t remember me…. Someday Jungkook wouldn’t either. The knowledge filled my veins spreading all over my body and leaving a fierce, heavy ache in my chest.

It was my fault, I thought despondently. My fault because I had been an idiot.

Jungkook was the sane one here , I thought miserably. These nine months, while I’d been dwelling on him and worrying for him…he had done the healthy thing , by moving on with someone he could actually envision a future with….

What had I done, these past nine months? Dreamt up a fantasy world where somehow we found our way back to each other and built a life together… It seemed so foolish now, in the light of Jungkook’s words and his confession….

Jungkook had done all of this, not for me…but for himself. For his daughter whom he loved and for his wife , whose memory he wanted to honor. And perhaps it was my own delusion that made me think that I’d played some stellar role in his healing…. Maybe if I hadn’t been there, he would have gotten better just the same…. Maybe I hadn’t been a tool …as much as a hindrance …to his healing.

I shook my head, bitterness coating my tongue.

“I should get going.” I whispered , voice shaking.

This is it, I told myself. This is the last time you look at him with that heaviness in your heart. You deserve better. You deserve… a lot of things. And just because people don’t give it to you doesn’t mean you have to settle for less……

“So soon? Hyorin will be back in a couple of hours… I could show you some of my work, and we could get lunch ….”

I shook my head quickly. I didn’t want to meet her in his home. Didn’t want to see him being domestic and affectionate and …normal with her when all I’d ever seen was Jungkook in his anger and grief, either yelling abuses or gripping me with a lust that was tainted with violence and rage. I stared at his hands, the ones I’d liked holding….

How did I forget? That those were the same hands that had held me down and done things that should, rightfully have landed him in prison?

I shook my head, to clear the images out of my head. Looking at him now,  Jungkook looked eager, happy and healed. And I realized that he’d just pushed all of his own actions out of his mind. Forgotten all about it. And that was fair. He probably didn’t even remember any of it. He had been drunk out of his mind, lost in his head and surely, forgetting must’ve been easy… A relief.

I didn’t begrudge him that.

But…

I hadn’t been drunk. I’d been stone cold sober under him on that bed and so, maybe forgetting didn’t come that easily for me. And I was glad that Jungkook could move on and be happy but….

But I couldn’t stay here and pretend that it was the same for me. I wasn’t happy or healed, I thought miserably. And maybe , maybe the sight of him moving on was a sign that I had to stop thinking that healing meant going back to him and his daughter.

“Heejin… What’s wrong? Is it because of Mina.. she’s just not used to…” He began but I quickly pressed a palm to his chest, smiling.

“Strangers.” I said softly. “ I know. That’s not it… You know I have to introduce my exhibit at dinner tonight. I don’t know what the itinerary is or what I’m supposed to say…. None of it.. I need to meet my agent and prep myself a bit. Its alright…I’ll see you tonight.” I said softly.

“I’m sorry… I can’t walk you back because Mina-“

“Of course. Don’t worry about it…. I’ll just…”

The doorbell rang, startling me.

“Jungkook!” A strong voice called out and I went still.

“Hyorin?” Jungkook’s face lit up and I felt my stomach churn. God, the universe really was against me wasn’t it? Sighing in defeat, I wrapped my arms around myself, sitting back down on the couch and waiting.

Behind me , I could hear hushed whispers, soft laughter and shuffling feet. My mouth went dry.

“Ms. Kim….”

I turned around, greeted by the sight of a tall, strapping young woman, pretty by any standards. She was dressed in a pant suit , her hair long and straight, hitting the top of her shoulders. She looked smart… Important.

“Ms. Lee… Its nice to meet you.”

She held her hand out and I shook it gently.  Jungkook smiled at her fondly and his phone rang from somewhere inside the studio.

“Hang on that’s probably Soeun…” He smiled at me and moved away and I watched him leave before shifting my gaze to Hyorin, who was staring down at me with a small smile.

“Are you here in Italy by yourself? Or with one of your many …uh… patrons ?” She smirked.

I blinked.

“Patrons?” I asked softly. “ Excuse me?”

“Jungkook and I’ve been following all the stories about you, back in Korea. You get around quite a lot… don’t you? Every alpha within a 100 mile radius wants a piece of the lovely Kim Heejin… And honestly, could anyone blame them? You look exquisite.”

I stared at her, stunned. The implication was so obvious that I would be an idiot not to realize what she was hinting at. So this was the woman , Jungkook chose? Yet another prejudiced bigot?

I laughed a bit, feeling my heart sink.

“I’m not seeing anyone. If that’s what you’re asking.” I said quietly.

Hyorin smirked at that.

“Of course you aren’t… We all know that isn’t really something your kind does… monogamy, right?”

“Do you have a problem with me Hyorin ssi?” I asked roughly and she laughed.

“Oh come on.. we’re all adults, here. And Heejin, you  agreed to be a part of this festival, knowing full well, that’s what we think . Its because deep down you know I’m right….. Omegas can’t stay with one alpha. They need sex to survive and they are usually open to it with anyone. Not that I’m blaming you or judging you for it. It’s just how you’re built.”

I smiled wide, ignoring the urge to claw at her face. .

“Well, you’ve definitely got me all figured out haven’t you? “ I shook my head, glancing at Jungkook who was making his way over.

“What are you talking about?” He asked curiously and I smiled, glancing at her.

“ Hyorin ssi was just telling me how my sub gender makes it impossible for me to not go around whoring with every alpha I see…….” I glanced at him and Jungkook straightened, looking stunned, “ Well, I hope you two enjoy your beautiful monogamous relationship with each other something an omega like me can only fantasize about…. Right Jungkook?” I smiled and he looked completely lost.

“Wait…What? Hyorin what did you say?” He demanded and she was glaring at me now.

“Please don’t take it personally, I was only talking about omegas in general. “ Hyorin frowned, before bowing and moving away to stalk off in the direction of the bedrooms and I watched her, feeling dirty and terrible.

“Heejin, ignore her.. she’s just old fashioned and-“

“Is that what you’re going to call it?” I snapped and Jungkook froze.

“Heejin…”

I shook my head in disbelief.

“I’m not upset about what she said. I’m upset that she feels comfortable enough, spouting that bullshit to me , in your house. Makes me wonder what else she’s told you about omegas, and how much of it you probably agreed with.”

Jungkook stared at me , lips parted.

“I… I don’t feel that way. You know that.” He said stiltedly.

“Do I? All I know is that she knows about me, about who I am and apparently, she can call me a slut…. In front of you, without worrying about it upsetting you. And that tells me you’re as much of a bigot as she is.”

“Heejin… You know that’s not it. We all grow up being fed certain things and –“

“But you did grow up right?” I snapped. “ you grew up and you can think and act for yourself. As can she. Once you’re an adult, you don’t have a single fucking excuse for being racist or homophobic or bigoted because being an adult means having the ability to unlearn the toxic things you’ve been taught and relearn how to be a decent fucking human.”

I shook my head as he stared at me.

“And you know what…please just… just don’t call me or consider me as a friend.” I laughed. “ Because I don’t think I can consider you one. Not anymore. You can’t…...You can’t just love certain parts of me and be disgusted by others you know? I don’t need a friend who can care about me and love me and help me as long as he can forget that I’m an omega….. I need a friend who can love every jagged, broken , part of me. Who can call out people who talk bullshit at me , who can look someone in the eye and tell them they’re wrong when they’re calling me names  and that’s not who you are……. You’re not it.” I snapped.

Jungkook looked stricken, reaching out to hold me and I stepped away, annoyed.

“I’m sorry, Heejin, you’re right … I’ll talk to her… I’ll…” He began but I shook my head.

“Whatever.  Just don’t call me a friend. We can’t be friends. Let’s just be what we always were , yeah? A big fucking mistake that never should have happened.”

I stormed out of the door, shaking.

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

“What do you mean, there are no flights available for today?” I snapped. “Tell them money isn’t an issue. I need to get out of this place right now.”

Minho looked incredibly stricken, hair messy from how often he’d run his fingers through.

“ We just arrived seven hours ago, Hee. Of course there’s no flight yet…. We can stay another day…attend the dinner and-“

“No.” I snapped. “ Absolutely not. I’m not here because they find my art good  or worth putting up. I’m here because they know the alphas around here will want to pay more , to pour in more cash for a chance with me.” I held the embossed booklet up, waving it in his face.

“Heejin…” He protested but I shook my head.

“ Did you see the cost to get into my pane ?. Extra ….for alphas? And yet…apparently they had to pre book it and its filled? You think any of the lecherous bastards who paid money to see me , gives a shit about my art?  And apparently, there’s a meet and greet, for alphas only if they purchase seven or more paintings worth over 10000 Euros. Do you think, that’s what I’m worth?”

Minho looked down at his shoes, ashamed.

“I .. I’m sorry, Hee. You’re right. Its offensive . And an insult to your art and talent. We shouldn’t have come here, you’re right. And I regret it… But just… give me a few hours, yeah? I’ll find a way to get us out of here….”

I exhaled sharply, exhaustion weighing heavy on my head. I felt like I’d taken a pounding, physically and mentally and I wondered how a day that had started so well, could go so wrong, so fast…

Shaking my head, I trudged wearily to the elevator, knocking on the buttons before sagging against the wall, letting my eyes flutter shut.

Jungkook was dating.

Jungkook was dating. His girlfriend thought I was a slut and here I was about to prove her right.

I wanted to slit someone’s throat.

Sighing, I watched the door slide open, grabbing my keys out of my bag,  and moving to the suite. I opened the door before making a beeline for the bed. I collapsed on the soft duvet, groaning. I was torn between wanting to call Taehyung to yell at him about Jungkook and calling Minho to demand an update on the flights.

I was spared the dilemma when the phone in the room rang. Groaning, I moved to swat at the phone, turning on the speaker.

“Ms. Kim? There’s a Mr. Jeon here to see you?”

I blinked, feeling disbelief swell inside me. Did he not get the hint?

Annoyed, I sat up.

“Send him up.” I said, in no mood to go all the way down to see him.

“Up?” She sounded surprised, “ To your room?”

“Yes. To my room. Is that a fucking problem?” I growled, annoyed.

“Not at all Ms. Kim. He’ll be right up.”

I got out of bed, shrugging off my jacket and taking off my dress as well. It was a little damp because I’d sweated through the fabric. I grabbed one of my oversized t shirts , slipping it on and moving to open the door before retreating back to the inner room. Feeling annoyed, I walked up to the vanity and grabbed the hair brush, running the bristles through my locks. I heard his footsteps outside and stiffened.

“If you’re here to defend your shitty girlfriend, you can just leave Jungkook. I swear to God, I’ve had enough of this.” I shouted. He didn’t reply and my hackles rose.

“Listen, I’m sorry if I said something harsh-“ I froze when I reached the doorway, staring at the man in front of me. He had a large , almost humongous bouquet of wild orchids and roses in his hand and I stared at his face.  

This was definitely not Jungkook.

“Umm… hi.” The man bowed awkwardly, his gaze going straight to my legs, where my t shirt ended, just a couple of inches past my waist. I felt the blood rush to my face.

“Who are you…Get out !!!” I shouted, horrified, diving for my jacket and holding it up against my bare thighs. The man held both his hands up, eyes wide..

“I’m sorry… I… you said I could come up to your room….” He protested and I scowled, confused.

“What? “ I stared, stunned… “ Who…what?”

“I’m Wonwoo. Jeon Wonwoo. I’m uh….one of the sponsors for this festival. And a fan. Huge fan.” He was staring at me beseechingly and I felt my head begin to throb.

The sheer relentlessness of this day…..

“I… Mr. Jeon…” So weird, God, “ There’s been a misunderstanding. I’m not…. I thought you were someone else.”

“Jungkook yes…your ex husband, right? You were married to him for six months after he lost his wife….. He’s also one of the artists exhibiting their work here.” He nodded quickly, running long fingers through thick glossy hair, lips parting in a hesitant smile and I stared at him.

“How do you know all that? ” I demanded, heart pounding. He immediately held his hands up again.

“I’m sorry… I sound like a stalker, shit. But Trust me I’m not. I just am a huge fan.. I looked up some stuff about you….before.” He shuffled a bit awkwardly, finally looking up at me.

I tried to catch his scent. No scent to speak of. A beta then. Relaxing just a bit, I swallowed. At least I wasn’t in any immediate danger. But still, I had no intention of letting him see me in nothing but a t shirt. Embarrassed, I gripped the jacket tighter.

“Why are you here?” I demanded angrily, taking in his appearance. He didn’t look like a hoodlum or someone dangerous. He was good looking, dressed in a white t shirt and black Jacket over plain black slacks. His shoes looked expensive and I didn’t miss the shiny Rolex on his wrist either,.

“Well, for one thing I own the Hotel.” He chuckled and that made my stomach turn. “And also like I said, I’m one of the main sponsors for the Festival itself.”

“Right.” I was too disoriented to process this, head throbbing. “Of course. Is there a reason why you wanted to see me?”

“I was downstairs…just now… I couldn’t help but overhear you with your agent. You wanted to leave as soon as possible. To pull out of the event and I’m just here to try and change your mind, Ms. Kim.” He smiled earnestly and I realized he was really quite young.

I sighed.

“Could you… Could you wait outside? I want to put some clothes on before we talk any further.” I said tiredly and he bowed quickly.

“Uh… These…I’ll just leave these here.” He placed the large bunch of flowers on the table before quickly leaving the room and I swore, racing to the suitcase in the corner. I quickly grabbed a pair of jeans, slipping them on hastily and zipping myself up before glancing at the mirror again. This would have to do.

I moved to the door and opened it, finding him right there, looking lost.

“I… come in, please.” I said hesitantly and he bowed again, moving in and waiting for me to close the door and take a seat on the couch, before sinking into an arm chair across from me.

“Did you see the itinerary? It doesn’t get more sexualized than this.” I waved the booklet and he flushed.

“I understand you’re upset about … certain things. I’m sorry that you feel objectified , in the festival. It wasn’t the intention I had when I first told Hyorin and the others that I wanted them to invite you. But , I’ve been busy the past month, and I didn’t go over the complete agenda. If I did, I definitely would have made sure that you were treated with just as much respect as the others. Unfortunately, there’s not much I can do now, but I’ve had a word with all of the panelists and also the hosts. We won’t entertain any question or comments of a sexual nature and if anyone tries to insinuate anything , I’ll have them removed from the panel myself. “ He said firmly.

“I’m only here because you told me you would exhibit my mother’s works too.” I said sharply and he bowed.

“ Your mother’s works are just as exquisite and I’ve arranged for them to be displayed right at the center of the arena, with a running slide show of her childhood , her art technique and the great love she had for her daughter.” He said firmly.

I could only stare. He sounded incredibly sincere and there was no mistaking the earnestness in his tone.

“I’m….” I bit my lips, “  Listen, Mr. Jeon, I’m flattered but honestly, I never wanted to be here. I… there was … something else that made me want to come and well, that turned out to be a huge mistake. To be honest, I’m not sure if I have it in me to suffer through days of people treating me like I’m some kind of sex crazed bimbo.” I shook my head.

“how about this.? You let me be your date for tonight and you let me display your work, today at the dinner itself. I’ll be right by your side. And then, I’ll have my private jet on standby and we can fly back to Korea. You deserve the spotlight, Heejin and I want people to see how good you are at what you do. I don’t care if I lose money over this… As long as you’re comfortable. ”

I gawked at him, stunned.

“Private Jet?” I choked out. “ Okay, now I’m genuinely concerned.”

He laughed.

“I’m a Hotelier, and I have properties all over the world and I like to inspect them personally most of the time. Its more practical to have a private jet than to try and align my schedules with everyone else.” He smiled.

“Right. Convenient.” I shook my head. “ I’m no stranger to excessive wealth, Mr. Jeon and trust me, it’s always left a  sour taste in my mouth.”

“I don’t flaunt my wealth, Ms. Kim. These clothes? Got them on the streets of Florence. I drive a Mazda. Wealth has no meaning to me. People do. People like you, who bring beauty into the world with their craft. You’ve made my world beautiful and I just want to repay , in some way.” He smiled,  “ Also,  You’re very  beautiful.” He added and then immediately looked away. “ I’m sorry. That was… dumb . I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry if that made you uncomfortable.”

Endeared against my own wishes, I found myself fighting a small smile.

“Just tonight’s dinner?” I asked quietly.

“Just the dinner party.” He assured me quickly.

“Alright. But I’m not getting into any private Jet. My agent will book me tickets and I’ll find my way back to Korea.”

“As you wish. I’ll pick you up at seven. What color is your dress?” He asked casually and I blinked.

“Uh… Wine red? I guess? Why?”

He grinned, looking boyishly handsome.

“I’ll see you at seven, Ms. Kim.”

He bowed, before pausing by the bouquet. He grabbed a couple of  flowers, holding them up for me to see.  

“Daffodils and Lilacs.” He grinned, “ To finding something new to love. And to new beginnings.”

Wow.

Subtle.

I shook my head, momentarily forgetting all about Jungkook as I grinned all the way back to the bedroom.

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

“I told you… coming with me will earn you major points.” Wonwoo smirked as he pulled me in by my waist , holding my dress up for me as I stared at the sleek black limousine at the Hotel entrance. I watched as he held my wrist gently, latching a string of sterling silver and red rubies around the delicate curve of it.

“This is too lavish…I don’t want this…Who are you?” I demanded, flushing because of the way the flashes went off in every direction, reporters scrambling when they caught sight of him. He was clearly popular, if the number of photos being clicked were any indication. I regretted everything.

Wonwoo pressed a kiss to my wrists, right near the bracelet and gently placed my palm on the curve of his elbow, leading me over to the car and I watched the chauffeur open the door for us.  

“ Someone who can get anyone here fired. Be careful , sweetheart.” I watched in mute horror as he bent low, picking up the hem of my skirt so I wouldn’t trip, while climbing into the limousine. The reporters began whispering excitedly and more flashes went off . My face completely red, I hastened to climb in.

“These people look at you like you’re some kind of King.” I stared out of the tinted windows seeing the sheer multitude of people and Wonwoo chuckled.

“ That’s because I am. At least for tonight. And that’s why I’m the perfect guy to protect you Heejin. They’re all terrified of me.” He winked.

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

Jungkook found me, fifteen minutes into the event. I hung by the large archway, near an alcove, sipping champagne and nibbling on some hors d’oeuvre as people threw glances at me. I noticed the conspicuous lack of a date on his arm and straightened, sighing and bracing myself for more unpleasantness as he picked his way through the crowd, eyes trained on me.

“Can we talk?” He said, the minute he was at hearing distance and I exhaled.

“No.” I said casually and he made a noise of impatience.

“Fucking, hell Heejin..just…” He swore again, looking upset. “ Why are you doing this to me? What do you want from me huh?”

I stared at him in disbelief.

“What do I want from you? Oh, fuck off Jungkook. I want nothing from you.” I snapped, turning on my heel, ready to leave but his hand shot out, gripping me right above my elbow, fingers curling in hard.

“Fuck.. listen. I don’t know what she said to you. I .. I’m sorry if she offended you…. Alright? She’s an alpha… I can’t change the way she thinks…”

“I didn’t ask you to. I merely said that if you associate yourself with people who think I’m scum, I won’t let you into my life. Because I respect myself too much for that.” I said firmly.

“She doesn’t think you’re scum, Heejin come on. She just has some misconceptions about certain things.”

“God, Jungkook…just stop. Alright? Stop. Because I’m not asking you do anything. I’m leaving on a flight tomorrow morning and you’ll never see me again. That’s all there is to it.”

He froze at that, fingers curling harder around my arm and it hurt, the skin turning red. Stupid fucker, never knew his own strength.

“Ow, Jungkook let go.” I whispered, and he did, albeit reluctantly.

I rubbed at the bruised skin, furious. I watched as the redness healed over, the pain fading to a throb and then into a pleasant heat and I hated it. Hated that being an omega meant that Jungkook’s rough touch turned to pleasure on my skin.

“What do you mean you’re leaving tomorrow? The Festival is for two weeks.”

I sighed.

“I didn’t come here for the festival. I came here to see you. To see if you were as hung up on me as I was on you…but apparently not.” I snapped.

Jungkook went perfectly still at that.

“What the fuck does that mean?” He said softly and I laughed, shaking my head.

“Wow. You really never even considered it huh? Us? Together.?” It wasn’t funny at all, but I could only laugh. Probably because I’d been so sure.. So certain that there was something there.

He opened his mouth to answer but I felt a warm solidness behind me, an arm wrapping around my waist and a second later, Wonwoo was there pressing up against me.

“Jungkook-ssi… Such a pleasure to meet you.” He held his hand out, and Jungkook frowned, his eyes trained on where wonwoo’s fingers curled around my waist.

“Get your hands off her.” He said shortly and Wonwoo blinked, pulling away from me and stepping back .

“What the-? No. Fuck you.” I snapped, glaring at Jungkook before grabbing Wonwoo’s hand and bringing it back around me. “Don’t you fucking dare take your hands off.” I held my finger up at his face and Wonwoo looked momentarily stunned.

“Really, Heejin? You’re doing this?” Jungkook glared at me. “ We need to talk.”

“So talk.” I snapped. “ Tell me why you think a bigoted bitch is the best you can do in terms of dating. Tell me why she’s the only one who can ‘ understand’ “ I made air quotes, shaking my head, “ You think you and your shitty have monopoly on grief Jungkook? I’ve lost people too. Just because I haven’t screwed other people over because of it, doesn’t make my grief invalid….yeah.”

Ringing silence followed and I regretted everything.

“Fuck.” I whispered, shaking my head. “ I .. Shit. I need to get out of here.”

I pulled away from Wonwoo, moving out of the huge ballroom and Jungkook was right behind me, of course he was.

“Heejin…fuck. Wait. You’re right. I didn’t mean to imply that you didn’t understand me. Of course you did. Its why you stuck around… I know that. And you’re right, she had no business talking about you like that. I’ll have a word with her… But…”

I sped up, wanting to get away but he grabbed me again, tugging me closer out of the hall way and into a darkened alcove and I flinched when he pushed me up against the wall, caging me in, as he pressed in closer.

“What did you mean by that?” He demanded, hands coming up to grip my waist, curling gently and my chest heaved at the touch of him, the enclosed space making his scent turn potent, strong and impossible to avoid. My nostril flared as I breathed him in, familiar and yet so foreign, comforting and yet so fucking dangerous.

“By what?” I snapped and his hands moved up, shaping the curves of my body , thumb grazing the tip of my breast and making me jump, before moving up, gripping my face, gently. He pressed his thumb into my lower lip, rubbing back and forth, face impossibly close and I swallowed, throat sandpaper dry.

“About us? Together….” He breathed and I exhaled shakily.

“You know what I meant.” I whispered. “ If you don’t then I can’t explain it.” I whispered and he swore, head dropping against mine, forehead resting against mine, and lips less than a hairsbreadth away.

We’ve never kissed, I thought suddenly. I licked my lips, turning my face away but his fingers gripped my chin at once, yanking me around to stare at him again.

“Look at me, baby. Tell me… You thought about us together?” He whispered .

I breathed shakily.

“Of course I did…. “ I snapped.

“Then clearly therapy isn’t working for you.” He snapped right back and I flinched.

“What-“

Jungkook pulled away staring at me.

“ Do you even remember all the shit I did to you?” He asked quietly. My stomach dropped.

“Jungkook.”

“I broke your ribs.” He said calmly. I swallowed.

“That.. That was an accident. You didn’t mean to.” I protested. “ And we’re past all that… I don’t… I don’t blame you for it.” I said, which was honest enough.

“And what about the nights I got drunk, Heejin….” He said softly and my skin went cold.

“That… That was just… It was just an outlet for your grief… “ I looked away and he scoffed.

“You’re calling it an outlet for grief. I believe the world calls it rape.”

I felt my entire body shiver at the word , moving up to wrap my arms around his neck, trying to pull him close but he was stiff as a board.

“ Don’t” I snapped. “ Don’t …. Its over…it’s in the past.”

“It was still me. I was the one who did it and I can’t… I can’t pretend it didn’t happen.”

I pulled away to glare at him.

“So , what? You won’t give us a chance because of something I’ve already forgiven you for?”

“Yes.” He said shortly. “ Because you may have forgiven me, but I haven’t forgiven myself.”

I felt my body sag in disbelief.

“Jungkook that’s-“

“You deserve better. You always have. I’m not… I don’t deserve someone like you Heejin. You’re kind and breathtaking and I’m just… a broken mess of a man who’s barely getting by.”

“Oh, right… So broken.” I scoffed. “ You’re on the front page of magazines, you have a successful career and a beautiful girlfriend,,,,forgive me if I’m not breaking my heart over your failures.”

Jungkook exhaled shakily before looking up at me.

“  You wanna know the truth about me, Heejin-ah?” He swallowed. “ I just got out of rehab last week.”

I went still.

“What?” I was sure I’d misheard.

“I… I came here and about a month or so in…I started drinking again…” He glanced away and my heart turned over inside me.

“Jungkook, what?” I demanded, horrified.

“I got drunk and got into an argument with a cop. I hit him. They found out I was a single father and-“ He shook his head, “ I got arrested for disorderly conduct , Public intoxication and assault.”

I stared at him in disbelief, unable to keep the disappointment out of my tone.

“ Arrested for assault... Jungkook why?” I breathed and he flushed.

“I know…. It was stupid.. I… I was stupid.” He said softly.  “Soeun isn’t a baby sitter. She’s a social worker. She’s here to keep an eye on me because they want to make sure I’m not a threat to Mina. If I slip up, they’ll deport me back home and then the state will likely take her away from me. Soeun likes me….so she agreed to lie to you ……And as for the girlfriend…” He laughed, shaking his head, “ Hyorin broke up with me after I got arrested. We’re not… We’re not dating. She was only there to get some prints for the panel tomorrow.” He finished shakily.

I stared at him.

“Why?” I demanded . “ Why would you lie to me… Jungkook ….”

“Because I didn’t want you to think I was a screw up.” He said shakily. “ I know I’m supposed to be getting better and I have but… But sometimes I just…I miss…. I miss home. “ He shuddered. “ And you.”  He looked up at me. “ I miss you a lot, Heejin and it hurts and I feel like the only way I can forget about you…about us together is if I drink. And I’m sorry. I know I don’t have the right to miss you, not after everything I put you through but I… it’s how I feel. ” He glanced away, trembling a little.

I wrapped my arms around myself, stepping away, feeling myself go cold.

We stayed quiet for a few seconds, both of us staring at the floor lost in our own thoughts. I felt drained. Miserably so. Like someone had sucked all the strength out of me. I realized how badly I had wanted Jungkook to be okay. To heal and be himself again. And I’d spent the last nine months, fully convinced that he was. That he was doing what he loved, bonding with his daughter building a life for himself.

But apparently, he was also spiraling back into addiction as well.

It was like we were back in that apartment, both of us miserable  but desperate to be something we clearly were not : Okay.

“Does Taehyung know?” I asked finally and Jungkook hesitated before nodding.

“He was at my court hearing three weeks ago. He’s the reason I haven’t already lost her.” Jungkook whispered.

“What did he say?”

“He thinks I should come back to Korea.” Jungkook said quietly. “ He wants me to start therapy again with him. Every week. “

I nodded.

“Fair enough. And what do you think?”

“I think I will. My probation ends in three days. I’ll… I’ll start making arrangements afterwards. I’ll probably be back in a few weeks time. ”

I stared at him, finally seeing the things I hadn’t noticed this morning. The shadows beneath his eyes, the worry lines on his brow. I wondered if he would have ever told me the truth, if not for this little confrontation between us.

Silence descended again and I bit my lips, a million thoughts running through my head. I felt the pull of his scent through it all, an instinctive urge to reach out and touch and draw him close and I wondered if this was it. That for the rest of our lives we would just be drawn to each other, reluctant and hurt but unable to stay away.

“You’re leaving tomorrow then?” He asked quietly breaking through the fog in my head.  

“Well obviously not.” I snapped. “ I’m not leaving you. I’ll tell Minho, we’ll be staying here for a few weeks. Do you actually have a possible job back home? If you don’t I can ask my agent to find one for you….”

Jungkook was staring at me like I’d grown an extra head.

“ What?” I asked roughly.

He swallowed.

“No.. I .. I don’t have a job there.”

“We’ll get you one. And my apartment is big enough so you can stay with me till we find you a place of your own. And I think it’ll actually be good for you, because there’s a Fine Art photographer, pretty well know guy who stays just a few blocks away and e can probably- “

“You haven’t really changed have you?” Jungkook cut me off in the middle of my rambling .

I flushed, looking away.

“What do you mean?”

“Back when we were married… it was just like this.. I’d fuck up and do something awful and you’d just take it all in stride, get ready to help me out of it….”

“I don’t know what you mean…” I said quickly, “ Let’s go back to the party we’ll talk later-“

He grabbed both my arms, pulling me back to face him when I tried to get past him and I yelped, staring up at him in surprise.

“What?” I demanded. “ What is it now?”

“How do you do this thing, Heejin ?” He asked roughly. “ How do you just get ready to clean up every fucking mess I make like it doesn’t hurt you? Like I don’t hurt you?”

“What are you talking about?” I tried to wriggle out of his hold but he tugged me closer.

“How do you just…” He shook his head, “ accept me so unconditionally? Like… Its like no matter what I do, you’re just willing to look past it and I don’t fucking understand Heejin… why do you put up with me, damn it?”

I stared right at him. Caught his gaze and held it, refusing to look away.

“You know why.” I whispered, licking my lips, throat dry,  “ And if you don’t…. I’m not going to tell you.”

His eyes widened , lips parting and he exhaled sharply, before letting me go and stepping away.

He looked away, shaking a little and I sighed.

“Let’s just get this night over with, yeah?” I said quietly. “ and then we’ll talk.”

He didn’t reply, merely standing aside and motioning for me to leave first.

I shook my head, moving to grip his arm instead.

“Together.” I said firmly. “ We’ll get this night over with, together.”

 Author’s Note : i love these two. i’ve never wanted two people to be together so much. 

@taeshuworld  .@girlinthemikrokosmos  @xius-exos  @sugainfireslex  @yunkichiee@kpopstudybee @ephyraaaa  @peachoney9795 @ggukkieland  @veronawrites  @blr1004   @tinyhoagiepartylover @btsis7okay @squishyjk  @itsdingdong @emmmui  @honeeybunneey  @yeonkiminnie @just-me-and-myselfs  @delicate-snow-flake  @kpop-lore  @beautifulvirgobutterfly @sumzysworld  @btsmylife21  @teresaisla .@melrosaeparker @taestannie @dchimminie  @ meraki–life  @somewhereinthestates  @mawwnsterr  @kookiesbreaky  @chimchoom  

@namjooningelsewhere  @itsdingdong  @ungodlyjoon  @caratarmy131  

@ladyartemesia  @hardggukk @iliveforjin  @loveemariee

@unicornbabylover  @dchimminie  @nope2214   @landl7xoxo

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@mylittlestrangeandsweetworld   @kookiesxbananamilk     @lovra974   @supernoonanyc  @kokoandkookie​  

[midnightsconspiracy]

The Missing Piece

The Missing Piece - @midnightsconspiracy

Summary: Hank being jealous of your and Jay’s platonic relationship leads to a relationship of his own

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1801

Requested: Yes!!

‘I need some jealous hank pleeease 😩💖🙏🏻’

A/N: This is my least favourite thing I’ve written so far, I just feel like it doesn’t flow well but we move :)

I only have one request at the moment so send in as many as you like, trust me when I say this you are not ‘bothering’ or inconveniencing me at all, I love when people message me or send requests in. So don’t overthink it, just do it!!! :)

Masterlist

Your life always felt incomplete, like something was missing, but you could never put your finger on what the thing was. You had a modest apartment, a positive relationship with your family and a job with co-workers you absolutely adored. So what left did you have yet to find? Every having romantic relationships in the past left you feeling that way still, a void that could only be filled by a specific something, without knowing what it was. It was infuriating, finally feeling happy with your life but still, there was a piece of you missing, a bit that felt empty. But maybe you would find that something was nearer than you thought, and maybe that something was a someone.

The day started off as normal, getting up, making breakfast then heading out to start the day at your job in intelligence. Pulling into the car park you noticed Jay beside you, sitting In his car, reading something on his phone. Looking up as you got out of your car, he smiled, proceeding to also get out of his vehicle, greeting you just like he did each day. You walked into the district together and to the upstairs intelligence unit, talking about some recent gossip while having the same playful conversation, laughing with huge smiles on your faces. Once you had reached the unit’s floor, you both headed to the coffee machine, needing your caffeine fix before you started. Noticing that others already seemed to be deep in work, you closed the door behind you, hoping to keep as much noise in as possible. Drinking your coffee, you continued talking to Jay, putting off work for as long as possible and wanting to know anything new that could get from the man. Any time you conversed with him, it always had an unconsciously flirty undertone, not because you liked him that way, but because it was in both of your natures, not being able to turn it off specifically for each other. After a while, you still hadn't noticed that the coffee had been drunk already, the time having flown by, neither of you realising you should have started working ten minutes ago.

Unaware to you, Voight was in his office, working on some files from a case that had been passed down to him from people higher up, stress levels increasing with each sentence he read. The sound of yours and Jay’s conversation breached the walls, seeping into his office, making him angrier than he already was. ‘Why did you have to flirt with Jay all the time, was he not good enough for you?’ He thought to himself, the attraction he had for you clouding his mind. Clenching his jaw, he went back to reading his document, knowing when he thought about you too much it bought out his emotions, and that’s not what he needed right now. But he couldn’t help it when he heard your laugh, knowing it wasn’t caused by him, but instead Jay. That man was a damn good detective but also a bloody good flirt, and in Hank’s eyes that made him a threat. He wanted you badly, having liked you since you’d first joined the unit, although Jay was not the only thing in the way. The biggest problem was himself. He was so insecure, thinking that if he did eventually have the courage to ask you out, you would say no. It was just you were so much younger than him, and much better looking and just all these other things that made him think you were better suited to someone like Jay. However, that still didn’t stop him from getting angry when Jay was buttering you up. Suddenly, he stood up, not being able to stand hearing you and Jay in the room next door anymore. Swinging the break room door open, he stood in the doorway, a stern expression on his face. As soon as the door had open, you and Jay had turned towards the intrusion. Noticing it was just Voight, you both relaxed, thinking he was going to idly chat with two of his favourite detectives.

“Hey Sarg, there is some coffee leftover if you want some,” Jay started, not thinking anything of Hank’s expression, considering he usually had a scowl on. This set the flames alight as the detective completely overlooked the anger he held in his eyes.

“Both of you should be working by now! You’re ten minutes late to start and I don’t appreciate you spending that time In here having fun and joking when you both know damn well there is a case you could be helping to solve,” he shouted, not only startling you and Jay, but also your fellow detections who had looked up from where they were working away quietly.

“Sorry Voight, guess we didn’t realise that time had gone past so fast,” Jay tried to rationalise, not understanding why Voight was getting so aggravated for something that would usually just result in a slap on the wrist.

“Get to work, both of you. Plus you both know the rules about in house dating, so sort out whatever this is out immediately.” And before either of you could tell him otherwise, he had stomped back to his office, slamming the door shut in the process. Looking at Jay, you gave him a confused look, trying to figure out why your boss had come up with these conclusions as you returned to your desk.

Throughout the day, you noticed multiple strange things happening. Firstly, Jay refused to look at you at all, looking at the wall or ground anytime you would address the room or would look away as quickly as possible if you accidentally made eye contact. It was abnormal, to say the least, considering you at Jay were usually tied at the hip, spending a lot of time together, both inside and outside of work. It had started even before Voight had split you up and assigned everyone in the unit new partners. Maybe you had subconsciously annoyed him? That you didn’t know but you tried your best throughout the day to get him to even acknowledge you, but each time failing completely. The second strange thing was the looks you were getting from both Hank and Alvin as well as the looks they were giving each other. Anytime you would look up from your work, you would spot one of them staring intently at you, then quickly retreating to look at each other. The ones from Olinsky seemed to be those of intrigue as if they were trying to gauge your reaction. But the ones from Voight seemed different. How it was different you couldn’t really pinpoint, but it seemed to be more out of fondness and concern, but you couldn’t really be sure, barely seeing it before he looked away. God, what was it with all these men today? One not wanting to look at you at all, the others wanting to look at you all the time it seemed. Eventually, you and your new partner Olinsky were sent out to talk to some woman. Wanting to know if she was aware of the illegal activity her boyfriend was running. After receiving some useful information, you both got back in the car, settling in for the short car ride ahead. A couple of minutes into the drive you turned to him, adamant about getting answers on why these men had been unnecessarily watching you all day.

“Why do you and Voight keep looking at me?” You ask abruptly, wanting to catch him off guard so he would answer your damn question.

“You should speak to Voight in his office after shift.” He replied, the car falling back into silence for the rest of the journey.

The statement played on your mind for the rest of the day, but finally, you would get some answers as the shift came to a close. Waiting for everyone else to leave, you wrote your statement longhand, knowing it would eat more time up. As the last person left the room, you got up, walking into your boss' office, closing the door behind you. He looked at you as you entered, holding an undistinguishable expression on his face, despite the nervous disposition he held inside.

"Detective Y/LN, what can I do for you," he asked, looking down at his papers as if he didn't care, although his brain was screaming at him to do something!

"You keep looking at me." You bluntly stated, wanting to pull him out of his comfort zone and get the answers Olinsky wouldn't give you.

"You are my agent arent you? Therefore I am entitled to look at you." Gazing up at you, he stared into your pretty eyes, resisting the urge to just get up and kiss you.

"B-but, this is different. You keep glancing at me as if you have some sort of adoration for me," thinking he was going to look up and find a disgusted expression, he was surprised as he found nothing but a small smile upon your face.

"Maybe I do, but that doesn't matter though does it? Considering you are seeing Detective Halstead." Confusion, once again fell on your features, still not understanding why he thought this madness, you are Jay were merely just friends.

"Me and Jay? We're just- Wait what did you say? Y-you, feel for me?" The confused look on your face deepened, never thinking this would happen. You weren't unhappy by any means, thinking very fondly of the handsome Sergeant, but he was your boss so why would he go for someone like you when he could have Burgess or even Platt! Rounding his desk, he walked towards you, stopping at a comfortable distance, not too far, not too close.

"Do you deem that as a bad thing?" Stumbling on your words, you managed to mutter a 'no', as you looked back into his eyes, finding a warmness there that started filling that void inside you. Not thinking, you flung your arms around his neck, hugging him tightly, placing your head in the crook of his neck as you inhaled his scent. Maybe he was that missing piece?

"Jay and I are just friends and will always just be friends Hank," you told him, removing an arm from his neck to softly stroke his cheek. He gradually tightened his arms around your waist as you reassured him of the matter.

"So you would mind me doing this?" He asked, leaning down to capture your lips in a searing kiss, full of passion, portraying all the things he'd ever want to say to you.

Just as his wish had come true, yours had too, as that missing piece of you started to make its way back to you.

[autoirishlitdiscourses]

Discourse of Saturday, 17 October 2020

Would you? At the same time, and the way: What do you want to recite: 5 pm section on 27 November and 4 of Ulysses that we did not, let me know! Failure to turn your final paper in a way that is necessary, but it's often confused with one. So, here. Which texts I have you down to it. If all else fails, you need to represent them even further is a missed opportunity in multiple absences and is as follows: Up to/one percent/for/scrupulous accuracy/in vocally reproducing the/exact text that they didn't cover but that you give, and you met them at you unless your medical status that I built in the manner of an A-would be unwise simply to wait until I'd spent the day before Thanksgiving. Again, well, but forget which one. Which made me realize that I can link to the research resources on the midterm; is the case that 16 June 1904: The Dubliners perform The Patriot Game, mentioned in/Ulysses/alas, recording is of course that it would have helped to get an incomplete grade for the group as a first response would help for you, plus a few things very well. But the Purdue OWL is a very thoughtful job of drawing fair implications out of ink, network connections go down this road, a high B. I think that your own presuppositions in more detail. Either 1:00, in your mind to some extent in their papers, so if you've already lost on the eleventh line; and so your paper depends on a larger purpose while also leaving options for getting me a photocopy of that motivation should be read as having the courage to pause and build dramatic tension rather than the rules. Reminder: tonight at 7 p. It's true that you don't have a recording of your questions might have been of concern in the specificity of your performance and discussion to end up.

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I can see it promptly and therefore limit your late penalty, you can respond productively if they haven't done an acceptable job of thinking about identity formation, I think that your paper's overall point or points to which you can find applications in the morning shift if that works better for you in section that you might, of course I know that I wasn't engaged in memorization and recitation of a terrible thing: your writing is very unlikely even a perfect score on the you two both gave strong recitations and did a good number of sections attended, in juxtaposition with your paper would most need in order to do is meaningfully contribute to reproductive success by selection pressure, in your discussion notes, but really, really nice work. Part of the obscenity trial surrounding it.

It was a make-up final on Wednesday evenings and bring them to connect them to go into in order to achieve this—I'm not as bad as it could be. I'm behind where I wanted to write questions on the exam, send me the page numbers for the specific language of your introduction and conclusion do some of the text. She had that cream gown on with the play, but it's not necessary and that you picked a good question, people are reacting to look for cues that tell us? One example of a country Begins as attachment to our own field of action And comes to find love so hurtful so often to be taken by the group as a response to such a good way, the sex-food combination pops up! You've got a potentially very productive, though again, a fair amount of points in this arena is a specific analysis and what question you're answering. James Joyce's Ulysses/is available. Please let me do so. Here is what I initially thought I was now a month and a good one a lot of ways: 1 avoid the specificity that you want it to me, and is mentioned in lecture or section, and getting a why you picked to the right page on your midterm and the phrasing of your material effectively and provided a good thumbnail background to the group.

Still, she's a dear girl. This being a good quarter. You have some very good textual choices and analytical methods just depends on where you land overall in this direction would be to make other people to avoid this would require that you look at my paper-writer may be more help. Doing this effectively is to let it motivate other people who never ask naive questions never stop being naive.

Let me know and we'll work out another time to accomplish in ten to fifteen minutes if you'd like. The code that I've pointed to some extent as you write, and 4:30 spot at the beginning of the research or writing process is also a Ulysses recitation tomorrow. I'll stay late. It's not.

Hi!

A-range papers often have a copy of the arrival of Irish identity are instantiated in the hope that helps! I'll see you next week: have several options: prepare a short phrase from it into an effective job of discussion that night for you by this lack of Irish literature in English department look into it for you. Similarly, perhaps not, let it motivate other people to do so. Is that Walter definition of flaneur?

I'll put you down a little bit before I pass it out in section this information allows them to provide useful input. You also picked a difficult business and requires a historical text, though never seriously enough to juxtapose particular texts could be squeezed in most places is basically avoiding the so what? —And to be one of the multiple works that you're aware of what's going on here that are important to you for a lot of material. If a fellow gave them a few days once you've produced a draft maybe let them do so, because the 5 p. There are many other gendered representations here. The Emigrant Irish aloud near the end. So you can deal with the Operator or Tails plug-ins, you may not look at at it from the course of the text and helping them to the page number for the recitation itself that is a good passage and showed this in any reasonable way, and sometimes the best way to do this at this stage in the discussion requirement. Here's a count of various grades assigned to my students on the assignment, so I'd say to i says in this way. Com that you have disclosed any part at all who says you got most of that looks good to me about them more quickly. Of course, it will help you to reschedule, and that's also an impressive move on your feet in response to divergent views and responded in a strong reason for pushing the temporal envelope this far open makes it impossible, very perceptive readings of the disappointed reaction to painkillers and had some interesting comments about some kind same thing for you—I've tried to gesture toward these in more close detail. Which isn't to say, Welp, guess I'll just say that I am giving you this week. Also, my point is more of an overview on a very good papers and given out three.

I graded it you write your thesis. And I think that your ethical principles are often sophisticated and interesting thoughts, are faulted by society at large for failing to turn it in general is a piece of background information demonstration of why you picked those particular texts could be. No, I think that you leave town. 5% on the section Twitter account in a packet of poems tonight.

Too, I will definitely be there. I have a perceptive argument that, for instance, and I will probably drag you down for 'A Star. Again, thank you for being such a good sense of the final, you will also have a basically strong delivery. The Stare's Nest and of showing how the poem on the same time, and you related your discussion plans. I'll probably do this would result in an email last week due to the aspects of the performances you gave a solid job, and this is a fantastic document/outline/explanation of why you feel this way. 2, again tying them to larger concerns of the pleasures of travel is to listen for the quarter have been to be read as, say, I hope your surgery went smoothly. I think that asking open-ended that people saw in the sense of rhythm. You've done a solid job here. I want the paper just barely push you down to an oversight: there is a specific point about that.

I'm sorry to have thought of it. A-range papers do not impede the reader's ability to serve as mnemonic aids and that what you're saying and what Molly thinks about after 2 a. More administrative issues? Which texts I have to schedule a presentation as a foster-mother to him, perhaps Gertie's thoughts directly? Thanks for being such a good job of weaving together multiple thematic and plot issues and weaves them gracefully without losing the momentum of your own work will help you be absent from lecture or section in a close-reading exercise of your paper. Discussion Section Guidelines handout, which is rather complex. Choosing a few exceptions, listed in a term paper of this would have paid off here. Despite these things would, I can't recall immediately and have some strong work here, and it looks like there are many ways. But I'll take back over your own experience as a major theme of crime drama: the only person in each passage. All in all, you did a very good work here. Well, God is good and reflected the assertive hesitations of the poem and its background.

I think that it might come off as much as you can go, though there were things that I set the image properties, then go ahead and cancel the add period and how does the show is that the student's ideas. On it, because that will be. If you are of course welcome to send me a couple of administrative announcements the most up-to ten-digit code, which is not caught up on the female figure and with your approval, I'll post them unless you have some very, very good readings of Godot and would give you good advice and I'll see you next week. I would also like to hand on. Are the descnts of Irish literature that you use. All of these are genuinely astounding bonus, this is a good student so far, mid-century American painter Willem de Kooning's Woman series is full. Again, please consult a writing tutor in CLAS can help you to stretch your presentation, not a bad idea. 4% in the corners sometimes. Explains the currency in question. If you miss the 27 November and discussion by the selections in which this could conceivably boost your attendance/participation grade is at least a preliminary selection of what you're expecting. Wow, that's incredibly comprehensive. This is a penalty of/The Music Box/1932: There will be out of that grade range—not just closely at whether every word, every B paper, but I'll have your paper topic. Your discussion and which texts you want me to answer questions in order to be, the word love generally covers a specific claim about Yeats's relationship to each other you give a close reading of the section as a whole, though never seriously enough to be aware that it could, theoretically informed paper, or didn't when you know you've got it perfect. Does that help? Let me know what that third plan looks like you're writing more of the poem responds to these questions, OK? I can attest from personal experience it can be. 79%, a B on your final draft, letting it sit for a productive set of numbers is in this world and the fact that marriage is supposed to have dug into these in my office with the course of the room. Can we talk about the format or point totals should map onto letter grades onto point totals. You could probably find the full text of the one hand, I'm leaning toward putting you either cross them or want you to demonstrate mercy, I really liked it. And I do tomorrow, you should be to find evidence on their experience of love is perhaps one of the novel. Again, I can't think offhand of work to be as successful as it might be worth 150 points. I can just tell me when I pass out a draft, letting it sit for two or three most participatory people in, first-person pronoun in a word processor fails to conform more closely on the syllabus assigns for the sake of having misplaced sympathies for criminals. Not surprisingly, the more interesting way to think about Ireland as a section you have any questions, OK? Let me know if you would need to do is meaningfully contribute to reproductive success by selection pressure, in my mailbox South Hall.

Thanks! If you need 94% on the matter have I emphasized enough that you may not be relevant to the next two presenters, and it can be a hard line to walk, admittedly, and a server error on the midterm to get back to you staying within Irish culture. All in all, an A for the quarter, then I will not necessarily the order I will offer you some thoughts.

Thinking about this very open-ended pick three texts requirements fairly loosely, provided that you express that claim guide you to engage in micro-level course, with your score regardless of race that is particularly difficult in this range do not participate, then the two things. I will probably involve providing at least 24 hours in advance will help your grade I'd just like to put that would help you to structure your weekend so that I have to give McCabe a really difficult selection, effectively, not to avoid responding to emails that it naturally wants to do is either of the interpretive problems that I've made some very impressive moves here.

I use a standard list of works cited page for each one. You've done a lot of information about your other email in just a tiny bit over, and I have to be answering a question is a broad home. I like, and effectively positioned it as soon as possible, OK? You've written quite a good student this quarter: U2's Sunday Bloody Sunday. He's been a good job of interacting with the question of influence on your group makes it an even bigger honor to win—people who are doing poorly in this way. You memorized more than the syllabus. As promised in the twelfth episode, Cyclops, which pulled the grades up for a comparatively difficult poem to the specific, this is a minor inconvenience. Participatory-ness, I will not be everything that you carry in your paragraph before. Think about what Yeats wants to do well just by one-third of a few spots open, so you can get the same way my first year in grad school? Thanks! 137. I think that this is not something that other people uncomfortable enough that I would recommend that you want to keep bubbling in the Ulysses lectures which, as well. Ultimately, think about how you can give you an additional five percent/of opportunities to reschedule, and nearly three-syllable metrical foot, accented-unaccented. Does that help? Grammar, mechanics, and more than a very good work in the early stages of planning I just got swamped responding to emails from students: You dropped or from the other hand, a fraction between zero and one days late unless you go to, close your eyes open and relish the experience of the things you'll have to turn your final tonight went or is going well, it's no skin off my back, and I completely appreciate that you're capable of being paid to serve as mnemonic aids and that her suicide occurs when Francie runs away, which is one of the difficulties involved. This is a good idea in a moment. Your writing is so impassioned. At the same as totalitarianism, though it was a good number of different ways that you make in your thesis to say is that your midterm and recitation of at a different direction. Think about what your paper needs to be changed than send a new follower on Twitter. It may be performing an analysis of a set of images to look for ways to relate Ulysses to cubism as the weeks progress, and you've been a pleasure having you in section I was going to be less emphasized than, say, none are egregious or otherwise just saying random things about what you're actually using, and larger-scale project. I'll remove my copy and redirect the link from my student, has dictated that this is a suggestion, then waited four days after the fact that a paper that takes this approach is basically very much so. I think that more explicit thesis statement to take another look at some point in the sequence twice; changed It seems _______________ is to drop by, you can't go on because there are certainly other possibilities. So you can which specific part of your newspaper article, too, and not because you clearly have excellent things to say and got a general sketch of what your most important thing to be necessary, but if you do an excellent quarter! In addition to section. Failure to turn in your case, bring me documentation from a medical provider for me if you have a point of thinking even more front and center would help to avoid trying to say about the recitation half of your total score for base grade-days late unless you have any other absences for any reason, it will probably drag you up for the quarter is completely over. I think, is 50 10% of your specific question. All in all, this is because it's a draft maybe let them do so. There are no meaningful differences—there are a number of important goals well, too, about what you want to go for the quarter when we first scheduled recitations. This may be that the maximum number of ways. Attendance and Participation I track your absences from each section and leave it.

Discovering at the document from Google Docs spreadsheet or downloading and installing LibreOffice, which seemed to warm up quickly is not yet posted, with the texts you've chosen, and this paid off for you to follow up with a good choice, and their relationship. You picked a wonderful book, on p.

To put it another way, I did to so I can reasonably fault you for doing a very impressive. Discussion notes for week 9. I hope that helps you prioritize. It was a pretty rigorous framework at the beginning, and the expression of your peers with the professor is behind a bit flat in establishing their relevance, because I'm mean but in your life, and over the printed words. It's a good holiday! Let me know what you want to reschedule, or else you will be out of that text correctly. I don't think that student lists from eGrades didn't have the overall logical/narrative path through them in detail is the MLA standard actually doesn't require students to make sure that you finished final revisions too soon before it jerked; added that to me like the Synge vocabulary quiz on John Synge's play, and you really want to make sure that you will have to have practiced a bit nervous, but it doesn't look like anyone else at all to the food-based mnemonic devices that make much other course poetry easier to get to everything anyway, but I can plan for section attendance and participation. Anyway, my point is to avoid specificity, and the group-generated midterm study guide for his opinion directly in section.

All in all ways to think about this during our last two stanzas are good I think that even this was a sneaky kind of viewer is likely to drag you down to, but leaves important points, actually. Ultimately, you'll get other people have prepared as your main points of the people who attended last night's optional review session last night, and it would help to motivate them to lecture with me. You may also be read, so I'm not sure how much you knew about the issue, I do have some idea of what you're actually claiming about the course of the room to make this paper to be productive to discuss your grade: You may not have started reading Godot yet if they're cuing off of earlier discussion, and various relationships between those points, and you do so would be unwise simply to talk about why the comparison is worthwhile, because you won't have the gaze. I was of course thinking of a letter explaining specific reasons why the IRA's treatment of his lecture pace rather than an omnivore would? You also picked a selection of an A-and rhyme-based mnemonic devices that make sense? And, again, did a really difficult selection, in part because its boundaries are rather difficult passage, getting 95% on the paper, this could conceivably drop the class if you fall back on if you're trying to force a discussion of the class and did a good rest of the harder things to do what the real payoff for your recitation in front of me wanted to remind people. What that person's ancestry also includes more material than you'll actually be factored in until your final decision on which it takes a bit more space to examine the assumptions that you really do have a few minutes talking about, and seemed to be successful in any case, that proofreading and editing a bit better, and will use these two. I think that it never hurts to think about how readers respond to the shaven-headed woman tied up outside the range of the list, I think that one way to go down might involve Umberto Boccioni: Dynamism of a small boost. Hi! I will respond as quickly as possible! Etc. Ultimately, I grade the first three paragraph exactly of the passage you chose a longer-than-required selection and delivered your lines from Stare's Nest by My Window Heaney, Requiem for the quarter when we first scheduled recitations. You have some very good job of putting your texts, and I'll print it out in a lot of things that would need to be examined, please leave the group may help to specify a more likely scenario is that the smarter thing to do quite like your lecture orientation was motivated by nervousness, and I will make what I think that what your paper must represent your thoughts have developed a great deal since you wrote, basing your argument though I think that articulating a specific point, the attraction of the country, though it's probably not the only ones going at 5 p. That is, again, a high bar for anyone to assume that they'll be able to avoid discussing it in without hurting your grade, but leaves important points, would be not providing a thumbnail background sketch of what interests you about The Butcher Boy was not acceptable, that your very fair in a comparative analysis of a group means that a you have an A for the group is, in part because its very everydayness shows how strange Francie's life is not yet made a huge number of important ways.

This is quite good. But really, really is a high B. Realistically, calculating participation will probably drag you down more if you have also explained this to many other parts of the paper does what it needs to be the most famous parts of The Butcher Boy both are a lot of ways here. Again, you're welcome to attend even if you want to attend section during which you dealt. 59 p. I'll have them. What I'd encourage you to dig into a more general note, do not override this mapping. If you choose and which texts you propose to read and interpret as a whole tomorrow; In front of the test in another pattern.

[canyouhearthelight]

The Miys, Ch. 20

Happy Tuesday, everyone!  Here is the latest chapter.  Although there is nothing graphic contained within, I want to be very clear about the following items it does contain. If I have forgotten something, please send me a message an let me know.  All in all, I really like this chapter.  We revisit a very early mention of gender affirmation surgery

Warnings for:

- discussion of a religious upbringing

- polyamory

- birth control

- nonbinary identity

- deadnaming (does not happen, but is discussed)

- transgender identity

- anti trans violence (only mention of the after-effects, nothing graphic)

The week after the swimming area opened in BioLab2, the Council meeting opened unexpectedly with comments from Councillor Huynh.  Grey had apparently approached him in the meantime with insurmountable logic and exhaustive data to show that they had thrown their support behind the platforms that had been previously postponed.  To be fair, Giang Huynh was very gracious in his complete surrender, admitting that building the platforms would be a valuable challenge for his team. Looking directly to me as the one overseeing Occupational allotment, he asked how many workers could be dedicated to the task.

“I have fifty-three engineers and twenty-three apprentices that are currently not assigned,” I advised.  I had the data so that I could argue in the event that he pushed back; I never expected Grey to approach him in private.  Though I was unfamiliar with their background, Councillor Hodenson had always seemed very by-the-book.  I was impressed.

“I want priority given to the engineers with apprentices,” Huynh responded firmly, breaking me out of my musings. “The apprentices need their training hours.  Estimates show that we would only need twenty-seven workers on the project, due to need for materials to cure.”

Xiomara scowled. “You want to fill the work allotment with mainly apprentices?”

“Negative.  I want all twenty-three apprentices, plus their mentors, and ten more engineers just in case to help out.  Apprentices are not cleared to work without direct supervision from an approved mentor. If any of the apprentices’ mentors are not certified in underwater welding or fabrication, I’ll find them temporary mentors who are.  In fact, Councillor Reid? If I can find enough engineers to mentor any of the rest who do not have underwater experience, do we have the resources to at least rotate them out in the remaining slots?”

I was speechless for a moment.  Huynh was notorious for being thrifty with labor, begrudging every head assigned to any given project.  But here he was, asking for more personnel to be assigned to this than necessary?  “Um, I mean…” I cleared my throat. “Yes. I believe we do, but you are talking about having nearly sixty people assigned to a project you just told me should only need twenty-seven.”

“Underwater welding and fabrication are valuable skills,” he announced. “And it is very unlikely we will have another opportunity on the ship for these people to learn it.  Kepler 442b is a very wet planet, so I foresee it being a skill they need. If I can find the necessary skillsets to train them, I would be grateful if you can juggle the logistics of rotating the personnel out. It will cause the project to take longer overall, but I think it will maximize the benefit to those onboard.”

“I will do my best,” I promised, still slightly stunned.

“Does anyone have anything else to add before we move to the first topic on the agenda?” Grey asked lightly with a glance around the room.  As everyone was silent, they took that as an indication to proceed. “The first official item on the agenda this week is an update on the gender affirmation surgeries.”

Murmurs broke out around the table.  The genetic surgeries had started not long after I came on board, and had been deemed necessary procedures for anyone who chose to undergo the testing and surgery.  However, they were not required, so overall it was a hot-button topic.  Only three genetic surgeries could be done at a time, while over six hundred had qualified.  The solution was argued over for nearly a month before we found a method everyone could agree on: names on slips of paper, drawn from a receptacle by one of Noah’s avatars.  The oldest style of lottery in history, for the most advanced reason we had ever found. Only the Miys were allowed to handle the slips of paper, which had been printed in raised script to make it possible for them to read the names. Once a name was drawn, the recipient had the option to undergo the surgery or gift their slot to someone else.

In a turn of humanity that should not have surprised anyone on board, but nonetheless made the Miys utterly baffled, every single person who identified as transgender or nonbinary had signed up for the lottery, whether they wanted it or not.  When a name was drawn of someone who qualified but did not want the genetic surgery, they immediately were gifting it to anyone they knew who had been tormented for their identity on Earth.  Grey had even participated, gifting their slot to a man who had been mutilated with acid Before the End for the artificial atrocity of being born with a female body.

Clearing their throat to break up the low noise around the table, Grey continued their report. “As of this morning, one hundred and seventeen individuals have completed genetic surgery.  All reports indicate they are thriving and happy, including the reversal of both new and old injuries sustained prior to the surgery.  The largest complaint we have received is regarding the incidental removal of tattoos, but the overwhelming sentiment is that it is a small price to pay.” A watery grin crossed their face, remembering the man who they had given their slot to.  While he was by no means handsome, Grey insisted his was the most beautiful face they had ever seen after surgery. “Of the six hundred and seventy-four who qualified for the surgery, four hundred and six have opted to undergo it.  All completely androgen insensitive individuals preferred the bodies they already had, requesting only that internal testes be removed, while most incomplete AIS patients have decided to undergo the genetic surgery for whichever gender they are most comfortable with.  The Miys have accommodated this fully. Several individuals who identify as non-binary but qualified for the procedure have declined entirely, while others, such as myself, requested only for cosmetic surgery to align with our identities of being neither male nor female.”

“If I may ask,” Xiomara interjected. “For those who do not want the surgeries, why are they enrolled in the lottery?”

Grey nodded firmly. “The lottery is, by all means, the agreed upon way to decide on the limited slots available, especially knowing that all will get their opportunity by the end. However, there is no truly fair way for any one person to evenly weigh the emotional strain on every person in the lottery.  For myself, my logic was thus: if I can change, even in a small way, the very possible random chance that all those who were tortured, mutilated, or abused in the Before for something beyond their control, it is my responsibility to change it.  By putting my name in and giving my slot to Hendrick, I changed the chance that he would be last. He now has his own face, both hands, all his hair, because I took that chance.  His fully functional body drastically outweighed my need to be androgynous.”  A thrust of their chin showed the defiance they threw in the face of anyone who would question.

Xiomara only smiled. “Thank you, Grey.  I never doubted the concept, I just want it on the record in the event there is an objection at a later date.”

“My pleasure, Councillor Kalloe.  Moving on, regarding the population implications, I have been assured by our host that genetic samples were taken both before and after all genetic surgeries, and are being compared for which is most viable before allowing the donor to ultimately make the choice on which or both will be included in Colonial stores.”

Several members winced at that.  Huynh was the one to speak up.  “Can we not come up with a better term than ‘Colonial’? I know we will be establishing a colony on another world, but for several of the cultures on board, the term just has a bad feeling attached to it.”

I raised my hand for attention. “I can take a poll of personnel on the ship. We have not decided on a name for the new planet, anyway, and this gives us a perfect opportunity to decide.”  The idea met with unanimous approval, allowing the meeting to move on.

After we adjourned, I found myself trotting briskly down the corridor. “Councillor Hodenson.  Councilor Hodenson!  Wait up!” They stopped and politely waited for me to catch up. “I have some questions, and I feel like you are the best person to ask, if that’s okay?” They nodded. “You mentioned population implications of the gender affirmations, and genetic material being taken.  Please forgive me, but I’m newer to the Council, and I don’t completely understand.  Can you explain what that was about?”

“Of course, Sophia,” Grey nodded, pushing their glasses up. “You are likely already aware that the entirety of the ship has temporarily had any reproductive abilities suspended for the duration of the voyage?” It was my turn to nod; while I wasn’t absolutely sure that was the case, I had definitely appreciated not have a menstrual cycle in the entire time I had been on board. “One of the issues that led to the collapse of Earth’s biosphere was overpopulation.  Add to that the fact that the ship can only carry a finite number of passengers and is loaded to absolute capacity in all residential spaces, children are not a good idea while we are in transit.  So, as we were all brought on board, the Miys provided everyone with an implant that will prevent reproduction until removed.”

“Okay, I’m following, but I have a question: there hasn’t been a religious uproar?”

“Very minimal.  Mostly handled from within their particular sect, though largely all handled the same: Any deity who commanded they be fruitful would want them to establish a fruitful colony before a fruitful family.  The decline of Earth has been used frequently as an example of how a fruitful family before a fruitful environment was erroneous.”

“That’s fair. Okay, continue please.”

“Gladly.  While implanting the reproductive blockers, the Miys also took genetic samples of each person brought on board.  This will be used, once we are on Kepler 442b, to start producing children for the new world.  We have to establish the settlement first, of course, and the Miys are going to monitor our colonial growth as they allow children, simply to ensure that we can support the new additions. Also, no two children will have the same two parents; the goal is to ensure genetic diversity. At that point, we will still have our reproductive blockers, but once all the genetic material currently on board has been used – and there is enough for each person to provide for two offspring – then reproductive blockers will be removed for anyone wishing to naturally produce additional offspring.”

I gave a low whistle.  They were ensuring the best possibility for every single genetic trait on board to be passed down to future generations.  It was pretty ingenious. “What about people who don’t want children, or may not be able to care for them?”

“We have just over ten thousand people on board, Sophia,” Grey gave me a skeptical look.  “Surely you realize that enough of those come from large families that they would rather have additional children sooner than wait for the ability to produce their own? There is already a triad who requested to go on record as being willing to take in up to twenty children if necessary, even if none are any of their own genetic offspring.”

“It’s like the Duggars,” I muttered, remembering an older family on Earth that had been held up as an example of ‘irresponsible reproduction’ before the End.  In only two generations, they had gone from two people to well over a hundred.

“Not quite,” was the chuckled response that let me know I had been heard. “It is very common for plural marriages to produce and/or raise a significant number of offspring, from what my research details. Also, bear in mind that several cultures on Earth practiced plural marriage, even historically.  Despite the Christian bloc being the most vocal in the past three centuries regarding monogamy, they also had the oldest historical records of men marrying multiple ‘wives’ and having consorts besides.”

I quirked an eyebrow in curiosity. “Did you grow up Christian?  I thought you were Jewish.”

“How you came to that conclusion, I would greatly like to know.  No, I did not grow up as part of any Abrahamic religion, actually, although I did grow in in Israel.  My parents – all four by the way – were part of a very strict religious sect that emphasized accepting the life we were provided and working hard at what we had.  They did not believe in any deity, actually, but also discouraged emotion as “there is no use appealing to an uncaring universe for anything you cannot change”.  That apparently included the gender you were born to, as they were very – unaccepting of my nonbinary identity. All of my parents insisted that I was a girl, and should behave as one, marry, and produce a family.  None of them accepted that I am not a girl, nor am I a boy. I am just… Grey.”

“Neither fish nor fowl, nor good red meat,” I said with a smile.

“And what does that leave me?” they asked indignantly.

“The vegetables, clearly, which I am heartily fond of!  Who has a roast without potatoes and carrots? And a bit of onion, usually. It just isn’t muchy enough if you don’t have vegetables on the side, usually two.  I love food, and food need vegetables, all the time.   I blame your parents, honestly. All four.” I winked at them as they looked somewhat confused. “Come on, they named you Grey. Neither black, nor white. Both and neither. Grey.  I think it suits you.”

“I chose that name, honestly.  My birth name – “

“Don’t know, don’t care,” I cut off. “YOU are Grey, you are my friend.  Grey is the only name I have ever known for you, and I like it even more knowing you chose it. You did a spectacular job there – it’s very pleasant, in every regard. If you insist on telling me your dead birth-name, I will gladly listen and never call you that name.  But know this: that name wasn’t you.”

For the first time, they smiled fully at me.  It was gummy and eye-crinkling, and delightful.  A very good smile. “I think I would rather you just call me Grey.”

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[aion-rsa]

Star Trek: Ranking the Stories Set in the Present Day

https://ift.tt/3Eu4Xd0

So the new Star Trek: Picard trailer has dropped and among the big plot twists it revealed are the fact that Picard & Co are going to be travelling back to Earth, circa 2022 AD. We’re looking forward to exciting scenes of people from the 24th century being unable to drive cars (despite the pretty lengthy car chase we saw in the last episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks), Q and Picard sparring again, and wondering how Guinan fits into all this. My personal theory is that after her adventures with Picard and Mark Twain in the 19th century, Guinan decided to stick around on Earth, eventually posing as an actor called Whoopi Goldberg.

This is far from the first time Star Trek has travelled back to the present day – even if “present day” is pretty broad for the 55-year-old franchise. We have no way of knowing why the series keeps returning to this setting that doesn’t need the manufacture of any new props, sets or costumes, but it seems like a good time to look at when Star Trek has done this before and ask “Who wore it better?”

6. Assignment: Earth

This episode would prove to be a particularly tricky one for nearly every single time travel episode that has come since, in that it shows time travel for the Federation is so easy and routine that the Enterprise can just nip back to the Cold War to see why we never Great Filtered ourselves out of existence. Unfortunately, in this episode Kirk and Spock don’t get to see much of 20th century Earth, or indeed do much of anything.

‘Assignment: Earth’ was conceived as a backdoor pilot for a new series about Gary Seven, a human bred and raised by aliens to act as a secret agent on Earth and protect us from our own capacity for self-destruction. This means Kirk and Spock’s role is little more than to sit around and say “Wow, this looks like a great idea for a television show!”

Still, I can’t help but wonder about a Star Trek franchise in the parallel universe where its first spin-off was a spy show set in 1968.

5. Carpenter Street

This episode of Star Trek: Enterprise stands out because it is perhaps the only episode on this list where they decided the present day should be filmed any differently from the space future. The lighting, the camera work, the whole episode feels much more like Angel, or a cop show from the period than the Star Trek style that had been uniformly adopted since The Next Generation.

Usually when Star Trek comes back to our time it is to take us on ‘a romp’, where people point out Starfleet uniforms look like pyjamas and the crew go around misunderstanding pop culture references. This, however, feels like Star Trek invading a much grittier show.

Unfortunately, you can tell that this is a network science fiction show trying to show how adult and gritty it is, because within the first ten minutes of the episode we see a sex worker abducted. Maybe one day science fiction shows will find a way to show that they are proper grown-ups without a drive-by or disposable sex worker character appearing in the first ten minutes, but ‘Carpenter Street’ is not that show.

The other thing Star Trek’s forays into our century do is emphasise how far humanity has come, or still has to travel. This is where ‘Carpenter Street’ really falls down. Because this was Enterprise’s dark, post-9/11 Xindi storyline, we see Archer literally beat information out of someone – not for the first time in this season. It’s a scene that highlights everything that’s wrong with this version of Star Trek.

It’s also the bringer of bad news, as at one point T’Pol asks about fossil fuels to be told that “It’s not until 2061 that…”

The sentence is left incomplete, but that sounds like bad news for our 2050 emissions targets.

4. Tomorrow is Yesterday

This is Star Trek’s first trip back to the 20th century, and it sets the rules for so much that comes later. Agonising about changing the future, having modern day characters remark on how silly everything is, Star Trek characters being taken prisoner and taking the piss out of their interrogators. The formula is refined in many ways from here on, but the ingredients are established here.

It also establishes, as ‘Assignment: Earth’ later confirms, that any ordinary warp-capable ship can perform a manoeuvre to travel forward or backward in time at will, a plot device most of the Star Trek canon has heroically stuck its fingers in its ears and shut its eyes to avoid.

The main reason this entry doesn’t rank higher is that the action is almost entirely confined to US military bases, denying us the fun of seeing our favourite Starfleet officers wandering around our day-to-day world as if it’s the Planet of the Week.

Read more

TV

Star Trek: Enterprise – An Oral History of Starfleet’s First Adventure

By Ed Gross

TV

Star Trek: Picard Season 2 is an “Encounter at Farpoint” Sequel

By Ryan Britt

3. Future’s End

This Star Trek: Voyager two-parter, on the other hand, gives us that in spades. It knows what the fans want and it is here to give you a big steaming bowl of it. Neelix and Kes watching daytime soaps? Check. Tuvok having to ensure he wears a beanie at all times? Check. Paris getting his 20th century history and slang hilariously wrong? Check. An oddly jarring turn by a young, pre-comedy stardom Sarah Silverman? Okay, maybe you weren’t asking for that, but check!

It even throws us some subtle continuity porn to argue over. In Sarah Silverman’s office we see a model of the launch configuration of a DY-100 class ship- the ship used by Khan Noonien Singh to escape justice following the Eugenics Wars that were supposed to happen in the mid-nineties.

This is more than just an Easter egg (unlike, we’re assuming, the Talosian action figure on Sarah Silverman’s desk). Over the course of the episode we learn that the entire microprocess revolution that created the world we know and love was the result of stolen 29th century tech.

Does this mean history was changed? That all Star Trek following this episode takes place in a divergent timeline where the Eugenics Wars never happened? This has some fascinating connotations that we will touch upon later in the article, and which I will explain to you at length after precisely one and a half pints.

The episode does have its weak points however – Voyager being seen on national television never seems to go anywhere, and neither does the whole subplot where Chakotay and Torres end up prisoner in a survivalist compound for a bit.

As we’ve already mentioned, there’s also a lot of agonising about how Voyager will get to the present, when we already know that they just need to whip around the sun at warp speed and boom, the series is over.

Oh, and this is an extremely minor gripe, but Janeway tells us she has no idea what her ancestors were doing in this time period – despite subjecting us to the tedium of her story in ‘Millennium Gate’ which was set only four years after this.

2. Past Tense

This episode might be considered a cheat, since at time of broadcast it was technically set in the future. However, since it (along with Irish Reunification) is supposed to take place three years on from now, I think we can say it counts.

This Deep Space Nine story is decidedly not ‘a romp’. Yes people make fun of the characters’ clothes, and Kira and O’Brien’s jaunts through history raise a smile, but more than all but a select number of Star Trek stories, this is about just how far our reality is from the hoped-for future of Star Trek.

Bashir lands some lines that hit quite a bit heavier now than they did in the nineties, from “The 21st century is not one of my strong points – too depressing” to the plaintive “How could they have let things get so bad?” at the story’s conclusion.

And while it is set over twenty years in the future from the perspective of the broadcast date, it wasn’t far off. Stories evocative of the sanctuary districts are easy to find, and as writer Robert Hewitt Wolfe says, “We weren’t being predictive. We were just looking out our windows in the ’90s.”

Only two things really mark this episode out as an anachronism. One, the technology looks painfully 90s – our technology looks far closer to the 24th century than the bulky monitors seen everywhere in this. But then again, this episode was broadcast prior to ‘Future’s End’, so maybe Henry Starling hadn’t kickstarted the microprocessor revolution in this timeline yet.

The other, far grimmer element to have dated is the idea that one innocent black person being shot by police could be enough to cause the sea change this episode says it does.

1. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

There wasn’t ever really going to be any debate over this, was there? Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home is hands down the one to beat if you’re writing Star Trek characters travelling to the present day. The film itself was something of a departure for the franchise. Rather than Robert Wise’s epic, sombre, proper science fiction in The Motion Picture, or the bombastic action of Nicholas Meyer’s Wrath of Khan, The Voyage Home was helmed by a director who would be best known for the cult comedy, Three Men & a Baby.

This 20th century feels far more inhabited than other portrayals, with screen time being given over to casual conversations between bin men, and workplace arguments independent of the former Enterprise crew.

Of course, by now the crew of 1701-no-bloody-A-B-C-or-D should be old hands at Earth in the 20th century. This is their fourth trip here, not counting planets-that-mysteriously-resemble-Earth-in-the-20th-century.

But these fish are never more out of water than they are in this film, and the results are charming. Kirk explaining swearing to Spock, Kirk observing people “still use money”, Chekov standing in the middle of the street asking for directions to the “Nuclear Wessels”, Scotty’s “Hello Computer!” and Kirk Thatcher getting nerve-pinched for listening to his own music on a ghetto blaster. Plus countless more zingers, sight gags and throwaway lines that I’m still finding new ones of after many, many re-watches.

And the cast are clearly having the time of their lives. Shatner’s comic talent was always on display, but in this movie he is really allowed to cut it fully loose giving reaction shots that make you feel bad about every time you mocked his acting.

But no matter how silly it gets, this film knows, more than any other, the point of sending Star Trek characters into the modern day. It is to show us the difference between our ideal selves and where we are – and it does it no less starkly than ‘Past Tense’. With a light comic touch, Kirk and co. encounter capitalism, the spectre of nuclear war, and most of all, the devastating environmental impact we’re having. Even if we reach the ideal Star Trek future, this film says, we could still lose things we can’t replace along the way.

Star Trek: Picard is going to have to work hard if it wants to walk in its footsteps.

Honourable Mentions

While not taking place in the present day, it’d be remiss of this article not to mention ‘City on the Edge of Forever’, which refined ‘Tomorrow is Yesterday’s formula and is just one of the all-out best Star Trek series ever, and ‘Little Green Men’, which twists the usual Starfleet-in-the-20th-century formula by having the Ferengi arrive in the 20th century and find humans far more brutal, greedy and stupid than even they suspected.

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Also, I don’t want to alarm you, but by the end of this decade we’ll be closer to the events of Star Trek: First Contact than we are to the release of Star Trek: First Contact.

The post Star Trek: Ranking the Stories Set in the Present Day appeared first on Den of Geek.

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[ephemeralem0tions]

Stow Away PART 3 - Hanji: Home

Now I’ve posted a full chapter here on tumblr unlike the last one wherein I asked people to go to my AO3 account instead. But I would appreciate it if you check out the AO3 Version as well

Theme: Captain Levi and Stow Away

Rating: PG

Warning: Curse Words, Eye Water? Maybe, Graphic depictions of violence (does this count as nsfw?)

AO3 version overe here x

Send a request here >>> ASK

PART 1 || PART 2 || PART 4 || PART 5

"Levi!" she waved at the short man as he passed by the dock, jogging with his co-trainees. She picked up her pace and caught up with him who scowled at the sight of her. "I know you missed me" he 'tsked' at her statement while she laughed.

"Shitty glasses what are you doing here, aren't you supposed to leave at damn five in the morning? Took a quick crap or something?" his sense of humor never changed.

"Yeah, quite a long shit actually" he tripped and she chuckled even more. "I'm just here to say goodbye"

"You talk like you'll never return four eyes" he hissed.

"Of course I'd be back!" she assured him. "Just not leaving for five months without you knowing. Plus you'd be graduating in a few more weeks, I figured I should say good luck for your final assessment and congratulations for being a General" she smiled at him while he stopped on his tracks to look at her with a surprised face.

"What do you mean General you four eyes?" he whispered.

"I'm not supposed to tell you, but Erwin had plans to make you a General" she ran away from him.

"Oi shitty glasses come back here!" he growled while she just laughed, running back towards the galleon where they would sail in a few moments. She smiled, she could never get used to finally sailing the world in expeditions. This would be her third assignment, two years after graduating, yet her excitement never faltered.

"I'll be back I promise!" she hollered, staring back momentarily before resuming her sprint towards the ship.

"Miss Hanji!" Moblit screamed as soon as her feet padded the wooden platform to board. "We've been looking for you for about ten minutes now, we would have already left you" he scolded her, and on cue, the ship began to move, just as she hung on to one of the sail’s ropes.

"Well I can't leave without assuring him of my return, he'd already lost enough when we were attacked in the barracks almost two years ago" her eyebrows furrowed at the reminiscent of the unfaithful night.

"But I hope you won't run away so suddenly all the time" Moblit sighed. She placed her arm around his shoulders as he crouched down to her height.

"I'll be fine as always Moblit, don't baby me" she chuckled. "I made it out of training and did not get deployed for office work. I've went through so much hardship you can probably throw me in the ocean and I'd find my way back safely" she joked. "So lighten up and stop being such a huge ball of anxiety" she patted his shoulder with her free hand. "Now! We sail the seas!"

Her hand gracefully moved through the paper, defining lines and removing those that don't matter much. The sun warming up her face on contrast to the semi-cold wind that brushed through. She had just finished monitoring the water conditions, it was a perfect day to sail, and a perfect day to relax. She wondered if Levi also saw the beautiful calm sky at the moment, or if the weather was even perfect back in Britain. He sure deserved a better world, one where he could feel safe and never alone.

She set down her journal, finally satisfied with the portrait of Levi she drew. Moblit was a better artist than her, she made a mental note to have him fix the portrait for the later. It wasn't perfect, yet as long as she got the eyes right, she was okay with it. It was what mattered, his cold and unexpressive eyes that only she, had the privilege to see right through.

A loud thud startled her. She stood up from the side of the deck and followed the noise. A faint groan followed after, something was wrong. She fished out the knife Levi had given to her as a gift when she graduated. It was a replica of his own, nothing like the others. It was beautiful, with intricate patterns carved in silver along the handle. She treasured it, and brought it everywhere like he did with his. It was always latched down her thigh, prepared for any battle that came in her way.

"Titans!" a booming voice shouted from the top of the foremast before a black signal flare was fired. Soon after, hooks came shooting from below every direction of the deck.

Her blood ran cold, a sense of deja vu happening inside her mind. How she despised the titans for making hers and Levi’s life miserable. It had been three years since she fought war with them unexpected, and here she was again, feeling the flames of the enemy’s wrath.

She hid herself behind some barrels, not having any gun to fight with. A shot rang, the soldier who first spotted the terrorists plunging down to the hard wooden floors of the deck, bleeding and without life. Her heartbeat accelerated, she was seeing her colleagues lifeless and murdered once again.

"Watch out!" she heard from behind her, just as a bomb rolled a few inches from her. She quickly rolled away, covering her ears as the explosion happened. She hissed at the heat and checked herself as she stood up, no burns, but a scab had formed on one of her arms that hit the floor. She stood up, flipping her dagger to block an opponent's sword in front of her. She gave him no time to recover and kicked him right at the stomach, causing him to fall with a groan.

"Miss Hanji!" Moblit's worried voice echoed through the crowd.

"Moblit I'm right here!" she screamed, trying to head towards his direction, only to be blocked by another Titan who looked at her with a dirty smirk.

"Lassy, what do you say I spare you if you come with me for some fun aye?" she cringed upon his words.

"There's no way I'd side with an enemy, but I'd spare you a dance!" she shouted and spun to hit his foot, but he was quick to jump and punch her to the gut.

"I hate to break it to you lassy, but I'm a good dancer" he smirked.

“Wanna bet?!” she growled, remembering Levi’s lesson about footwork, she went from under his legs when he attempted to kick her and slashed his right ankle. He fell down, hissing as a red streaks began to trickle down the floor.

"Miss Hanji! Where are you! No! Don't lower it yet please!" she heard Moblit again, pleading.

"Moblit!" she screamed back, yet she was grabbed by her opponent on the floor. "In a real war, nothing is fair, even if the combat had been done, if your enemy is still alive, there’s a chance of you dying" she growled, muttering her own words. She lunged her dagger towards the hand that wrapped around her ankle. Decapitated fingers dropping to the deck and she made her escape, dodging from side to side.

Another bomb exploded from the bridge, The captain crawling out when his incomplete lower limbs failed him. Her breathing became ragged, hearing, becoming deafening silence, then a long beep. Fire covered her surroundings, hot and suffocating, the wooden fourth of the deck behind burning within the rage. Her mind drifted off to Levi, who would be waiting for her to come back, supposedly after five months. She could not give up, someone was waiting for her. She certainly would not die here and now, not when there is something beautiful waiting for her back home.

"No please we have to wait for the rest of the Intelligence Division! Miss Hanji Zoe and Miss Ilse Langnar are still in there!" Moblit pleaded once more, his voice snapping her out of her trance.

"Boy we aren't dying here! Lower the mast!" she saw him, as he wailed, trying to get out of the escape boat, his voice desperately searching for her, yet he was held down by all the frightened men who refused to make his request.

"Miss Hanji! She's right there!" his eyes met hers while he pointed, asking for his comrades to save her.

"There are other boats about to be let down boy get down!" just as she was about to run to be spared, five explosions simultaneously blew, targeting the other escape pods. Moblit's boat fell down to the ocean, mast breaking from sudden the tension.

"Moblit!" she peaked from the deck, while he waved furiously at her. "Moblit I'll find a way to get out of here! Go now!" a growl approached from behind her, she whipped her only weapon, almost out of time.

She held the sword she was blocking from the dull side of the blade and pushed as hard as she could, her back leaning towards the railing of the deck. A sudden sting from her left arm made her wince. Blood trickled down from her peripheral vision, but it only served as another motivator for her to fight, and go home. The man she was faced with smirked, she followed his gaze down to her beloved knife and growled.

"Ohh no you ain't getting this" she hissed, using her knee to hit him at the side and twist his arm forward. She bended, bringing the man to her back and hoisted him to fall towards the water. She dodged another one that punched and lifted a leg so her new attacker would also fall off the ship. She silently wished the ocean would devour them, all of the Titans, but she knew it was impossible.

A massive explosion came from the rudder and the galleon started to tip from behind. She ship was totally hopeless, it was going to sink. She immediately ran towards the bow sprit, if something was to sink last, it would be it. She watched as others rolled and fell, loosing balance and sliding through the floor, possibly meeting their death once the ship completely sinks as they get covered and drift off to the depths of the ocean. She dodged through them, keeping her target location in mind. Her journal slid at the deck, she caught it and held on to a stray rope which was thankfully connected to the wooden bow sprit. She used all her strength, pulling with her arms and ignoring the burning sensation on her palms.

Once she reached the the top of the sinking boat, she tiptoed carefully to the edge, placing both the journal and the dagger in her belt pockets. She didn't think twice, diving towards the water as soon as wood started to crack. She swam as far as she could before grabbing a stray piece of oak that floated beside her. She panted, laying her head to the side as she watched the galleon sink, deeper and deeper until it was out of sight. Her eyes began to searched for Moblit's boat, they already seemed like a small spec from the other side of her.

“Moblit!” she screamed, although her throat was restrained from the saltiness that came through her lips when she dove. “Moblit!” She hollered again, hoping for a response, but she got none. Tears started to fall from her face, as the small spec of hope she once saw, finally turned to nothing.

She coughed out the remainder of the water that entered her system, gasping to replace them with air instead. She threw the piece of wooden plank that kept her afloat for hours aside. Her legs wobbled like jelly, eventually giving up as she laid down on the sand, not minding the grains that stuck to her hair, fingers, and wet clothes. She was beyond tired, having to swim non-stop till she sighted land.

“Dios mío!” (My God) she whipped her head to the sound of the voice, a platinum short-haired woman running down barefoot to her aid. “Querida- dios mío! Qué le pasó!?” (Dear- my God! What happened!?) her eyes squinted, not knowing what the girl who now knelt beside her, was saying.

“Rico! Encontraste un sirena?” (Rico! Did you find a mermaid?) another man started to jog to their direction.

“Mitabi! No es el momento para bromas! Ayúdame aquí!” (Mitabi! This is not the time for jokes! Help me here!) the tall man groaned, lowering himself down before lifting her up. She flinched at the sudden touch, but her mind clouding up with fatigue, slowly making her drift off to unconsciousness.

“Querida! Cual es su nombre?” (Dear! What is you name?) the girl’s voice was starting to put her to sleep, the foreign language ringing unto her like a lullaby, beautiful and sweet. “Querida! Quédate por favor! Quédate con nosotros!” (Dear! Stay awake please! Stay with us!), the tempting slumber finally taking over her.

“Ella empieza a despertar!” (She’s starting to wake up!) she groaned, feeling the soreness of her whole body as the unfamiliar language rung against her ears once more.

“Bueno, no asustes a la pobre chica Mitabi” (Well, don’t startle the poor girl Mitabi) the woman shushed her companion as she finally took a clear look at them, this time, not in the verge of passing out. “Cómo estás?” (how are you?) she was sure the woman asked her a question, based on her tone, but she did not know what it was, nor what to answer.

She started to lift her back up from the bed, her hand flying to her head almost immediately as she felt sudden dizziness. She took notice of the way her scarred arm was now bandaged, her white button up now changed into a yellow one. As much as her legs felt numb and her body ached, she remembered her journal and dagger. Her eyes searched frantically for her items, upon not feeling down down her thigh.

“Ay ay ay querida! Necesitas descansar primero!” (Oh no dear! You need to rest first!) The girl placed hands around her shoulder attempting to make her calm down.

“My dagger!” she hollered. “Where did you take it!” the woman only looked at her confused, a language barrier suddenly making her frustration ride even more. “My knife! Where did you take it!?” she screamed, the woman flinching at her sudden volume.

“Rico! Un paso atrás” (Rico! Stand back!) the man protectively had his arms around his companion while she stood up, enduring the pain that she felt.

She scouted the small house, a space with nothing much to hold except the bed she laid on, a small kitchen and dining table enough for two, and one long couch to rest on. Her eyes finally set on her holster that was placed safely on the kitchen counter, along with her now dried up journal. She quickly limped towards her belongings and latched them around her tie, a sense of security taking over her.

She looked back at the duo who had only seemed to take care of her for what she could assume was a couple of days. She sighed, knowing she had done nothing for them in return, and even scared them with her impulsive behavior.

“Thank you” she softly whispered, taking one final apologetic look at her saviors before making it out of the small shack.

She put her hand out unto her eyes for shade as sunlight and tropical heat enveloped her as soon as she stepped out on the streets. The sound of waves hitting the shore were faintly heard as she looked around her. Her surroundings looked like a small town beside the sea, one that lived off fishing and trading basing off the small market that she was now padding on.

It was a busy place, merchants and buyers hollering over the foreign language se could never get accustomed of. She was searching of a clue on where she was, hoping that she could at least make a way for home once she knew the place. Vendor stalls had one thing in common, ‘Cádiz’ written on the wooden frames before what they sold. She thought well of her geography, and silently thanked her knowledge for knowing that she was in Spain.

A ship’s honk caught her attention, the loud blare echoing through the busy street. She followed the noise and spotted trading galleons in the distance, her feet padded forward, towards the wooden dock, then down to hide inside an empty barrel. She peeked outside the hole, cautious of any person who might detect her presence. She waited till she was lifted, men groaning and complaining about how one particular load was heavier than the others. She may be guilty as a stow away, but she’d get used to the consequences of getting lost over time.

Her laughter erupted from the roof top, as foreign curse words hollered from below. She bit an apple, sticking out a tongue at her pursuers who could do nothing else now that she was four or five meters off the ground, unreachable and definitely full of loot.

It had been almost a year since she had left the mother land, a year she’s been far off from home, and a year away from Levi. Even if she was used to being a shoplifter to get though, shifting towns everyday or two, cities in a week or less, and countries in a month or more, day by day, her thoughts would always go back to the home where she truly belonged. Heart yearning to go back, and hopes, never dying that she would soon board a boat that would be her free ticket home.

She slung her newly filled sack over her shoulders and threw the finished core back to the angry mob, chuckles masking the apologetic and sad look on her. She was used to being a criminal in order to survive, but it didn’t mean she liked it. It was just a final resort when running out of choices, a decision she made to sustain herself. Not that she’d be staying in one place too long to be caught by local police or military anyway.

She hopped off from the roof and landed on a secluded alley way, devoid of any human attention. She slung a merchant’s cloak she had stolen from the past city she had been to, over her shoulders, and pulled the hood down her head to cover her face. The next agenda was to make it out of the town, an hitch a ride on a farmer’s carriage to go to Brazil, where hopefully, she can board another ship and sail to another destination.

The crowd kept her blended, she made her way through the streets without getting caught and soon found a kid she bribed with a bag of candy.

“Cuál es tu nombre?” (What is your name?) she asked him with the smile, the boy seeming kind enough, responded to her.

“Connie Señora” (Connie madam) he smiled.

“Adónde te diriges?” (Where are you headed off to?)

“Uruguay” the boy answered. She took the small pouch out of her bag and looked in, counting if it would be enough to repay the teen. Nostalgia washed over her, remembering the time she gave Isabelle a bag of candy so she could pipe down. Now, she would double over, or even give all the candy in the world just to hear her voice again. She brushed away her thoughts and gave the kid the bag of sweets.

“Puedes dejarme abordar contigo? Por favor?” (Can you let me board with you? Please?) the boy took a peek, then drew one out to taste. Once his face lit up, he gave her a sweet nod, making her grin much wider.

“Por favor, espere un momento, señora. Usted puede montar en el carro con las mercancías mientras que llamo a mi amigo Sasha” (Please wait a moment madam. You can ride in the carriage with the goods while I call my friend Sasha). She followed the boys request and patiently sat at the rear, while the boy retrieved a brunette from a nearby cantina. They were soon off from Argentina, then Uruguay where she knows she can walk till the boundary and shores of Brazil.

She took out her journal carefully, looking at its worn out and nearly full pages. Aside from new discoveries and language notes, she kept a small diary in it to confide whenever she felt the need to. But most important of all, the small portrait of Levi she drew before the tragedy, served as a small reminder for her, that he’d be waiting no matter what.

She looked at the ship in front of her, the familiar name having a ring on her, although she had forgotten why.

“S.S. Wings of Freedom” she read, having to squint, due to her worsening eyesight. Five years, she didn’t change glasses, and five years, her hopes never changed. She just kept on hitch hiking, walking, traveling, living the life as a stow away, knowing one day, she may go home.

Her figure reduced immensely, ribs and bones, showing off, unlike the time when she trained, and muscle was prominent despite her thin stature. Her cheeks had caved in as well, becoming more hollow than before.

She admitted to getting tired of the life she lived, but she was never tired of searching for home, for a way back to him. Although sometimes, her mind would tell her that its logical to just give up, probably starve somewhere or go to jail and have no problems about finance and food for the next ten years, her heart would always have home etched unto it. She might have been declared dead from the last expedition she partook in and failed, but she had her instincts that told her to move forward. A feeling, that someone is also looking for her, and that someone, was in the name of Levi.

She poked out her tongue and scratched her head, trying to remember where she saw the Wings of Freedom before. She had thought of the chances that she already board the boat before, after all, the Philippines is a small country compared to those she roamed around in for the past few years, but it did not quite ring for that option. She thought of an insignia, or a clan that came up with it, but to no avail, she thought of nothing. Her instincts yet again, bothered her, telling her to board and be either, home, or at least close to home.

“Oluo!” A ginger woman screamed, making her hide behind a crate in an instant. She looked at the in coming pair, a set of British features and language making her eyes light up, but the sight of blood, making her wince despite the injury not being her own. “I really wonder how you manage to bite your tongue so much” she scolded her companion.

“Geez Petra you worry to much! Lets just load the crates and be gone with this filthy dock” the way he spoke, quite familiar to her, yet not quite, and weird.

She sneaked inside one of the crates labelled ‘watermelons’, keeping an eye out through one of the holes to observe her surroundings.

“Stop acting like the captain and just do some work will you” she leaned backwards as the pair made their way to her direction.

The man started to lift her crate, he made a smirk at the woman beside him while she rolled her eyes, an amused grin plastered across her lips as he tried to show off. He huffed and cracked his knuckled, preparing to lift. Hanji muffled out a laugh as he dropped the crate back to the dock with a thump, not even an inch up the air. The woman laughing as well with his mishap.

“Don’t laugh at me!” the man growled, but the girl never stopped laughing. “Oi Gin! Help me with this one! Shitty melons so fucking heavy!”

“I said stop copying the captain” the girl turned back to a serious tone as the crate was finally lifted off the ground.

“Aye aye Petra” she heard him groan.

PART 1 || PART 2 || PART 4 || PART 5

[chereche]

Co-worker :/

So when I started my current job a next woman started as well - same position. She is at least ten years older than me (the most she would say is that she is 35+) and the backstabbing potential is so high and I am both amused and disturbed by it so bad because I just do nothing in response. I haven’t from the first day I realised because like I told my parents, people will realise eventually and they have and today in response she upped the trying to outdo me?

So like we’ve been there 5 weeks and the way part of our job works is that we do live editing. We were each until this week responsible for 15 minute sessions, and what she would do from the very first day is always volunteer to start thereby (in her opinion) showing that she has initiative. But the killer is, she would never live edit 15 minutes of audio. She would *work* for 15 minutes then stop and move on to whoever else whenever is our next ‘shift’. The result was me editing my full session which could be anywhere from 8-12 pages, and she would do 3, and she would keep telling one of our supervisors that I must be working really slowly to be still doing stuff when she is done when in reality she has NEVER finished any of her assigned work.

I think the reporters we were editing for finally realised that they were continuously getting complete work from me and incomplete from her and said something because this week both of my supervisors added themselves to our live editing roster and worked with us, and she still did it. The order was her, me, sup 1, sup 2 on repeat. Except she would still only work for her session (reduced to 10 minutes) the do nothing for 20-30 minutes and then start. Also she COMPLETELY ignored the roster and when called out on it said that since her name was first one the page she thought that every half an hour she was supposed to go first, and that no one told her about keeping time etc etc to which everyone sort of just..stared at her. Then she asked what I was doing and I said...following the roster and I think she got mad because I actually did my stuff? And when she got called out on not doing her full 10 minutes of audio, she literally told the supervisors that I was supposed to do that since I followed her and they were dumbfounded?

Anyway, I think she finally realised that she had fucked up (mind you I honestly do not think this was a genuine accident because I have been telling her that she was not doing what she was supposed to from day 1) and today was like in I MUST OUTPERFORM CHERECHE mode. Like I am the second closest to our department’s phone so when my supervisor isn’t at her desk it’s fallen to me to play pseudo-receptionist. She has NEVER answered the phone before. She would blatantly leave it the fuck to ring if I was doing something I couldn’t immediately stop to answer it if my supervisor had left. And yet today she was all over that phone, announcing loudly “I’ll get it” whatever and sort of watching me smugly? And I just fucking laughed when she didn’t know what to do about the request that came through. Like she put the phone down and walked way the fuck over to the other section to ask someone what to do, and when she was told to get a typist, she then walked over there to do that for the typist to THEN come to the phone, whereas all she had to do was transfer the call in the first place?

And then wherever possible she spent time trying to justify how her work is harder than mines because that is the ONLY REASON I am so far ahead of her in proofreading and my files MUST be thinner etc etc whatever the fuck and I am like...? No, there is no harder or easier, we are fucking proof-reading, just for different legislative branches...

Then she started commenting on my appearance? Like I was wearing a choker today and she said how...interesting in that snide-ish tone and how she would NEVER wear that and what not, and I just looked at her and went, well I would never wear the wig you have on, but to each their own? Plus she kept commenting on how tired I looked and how studying can’t be that hard etc etc and I had to literally walk away because the savage in me was *right* there? 

Like lol, I am sleep deprived, stressed and just in a general state and you want to come BS me right now? LOL. For her own damn sake I hope she gets over whatever the fuck is happening asap or realises that redeeming herself cannot happen by her trying to lessen me. She thinks the two of us are in competition (There’s reasons for this that I dont’ care to mention right now because it is a fucking non-issue to me whereas it’s her end goal) and I think yesterday made her feel like she’s not winning and she’s trying to compensate for that whereas my only goal is to fucking do the work I’m hired for? Like I don’t measure myself against her deliberately. I don’t try to outdo her etc etc. It’s just happening that way and before she tries to improve herself she’s trying to drag me down to her level? 

Meh, anyway, just needed to get that off my chest, so now to study I go!

[devontroxell]

19 Tips for Highly Effective Marketing Meetings

Meetings are a vital business tool to exchange information, facilitate communication, and progress toward company goals. But, far too often, meetings are long, boring, or missing a clear purpose. What’s more, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a shift in how many companies conduct meetings from afar.

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The good news, however, is best practices for marketing meetings are largely the same, whether they’re in-person or virtual. Here’s a closer look at precisely what steps to take to make sure your marketing meeting is effective and engaging—so that you can ensure no one ever wishes your meeting was an email instead.

Tips for all marketing meetings

The first set of tips here will make all your marketing meetings more successful—whether they’re in person, online, or have mixed attendance.

1. Figure out who should be there

According to Lee Gimpel, founder of Better Meetings, a meeting design, facilitation, and training firm, one of the first steps in planning an effective meeting is to invite the right people. The ideal scenario includes the necessary decision-makers but does not cast such a wide net it ropes in individuals who don’t really need to be there and wastes their time—and company resources.

“Think about sending invitations to a meeting like packing for a trip,” he said. “When we pack for a trip, we lay out what we think we need and then we’re instructed to ruthlessly cut out what we won’t really need and what’s duplicative with what we already have. The same goes for effective meetings: Extra weight in the room will just serve to slow you down.”

In addition, like Amazon’s infamous two-pizza rule—in which meetings never have more people than can be fed by two pizzas—you should limit the number of participants to around five to ten, said Vince Fishbone, head of marketing at Kingpin Private Browser.

At the same time, Sam Harrison, Author of Creative Zing, IdeaSpotting, and IdeaSelling, said to ensure invitees are diverse in terms of age, gender, talents, job levels, and backgrounds to elicit a range of perspectives.

“The same old people keep coming up with the same old ideas,” he added.

2. Determine the meeting’s purpose

Another early step is to figure out the purpose of your meeting. That, of course, helps avoid the dreaded meeting that could have been an email instead.

“A classic pitfall of marketing meetings is to stuff them full of things to discuss and decide,” Gimpel said. “In trying to cover a dozen things, none of them are given the time they really need or deserve … but if you pare back and focus on what’s really important, it’ll give you a more realistic meeting and a better chance at walking away thinking you spent your time effectively.”

Establishing a purpose can help eliminate unnecessary recurring meetings, too.

“For example, weekly status is not a purpose, it is an occasion and usually turns into a boring checklist of people's to-do lists,” said Maria Vorovich, founder of the consultancy Goodques.

An old example of a great meeting invite. All the facts, including the purpose.

And, after you’ve identified your meeting purpose, make sure attendees know what it is beforehand.

“Note whether the purpose of the topic is to share information, seek input for a decision, or make a decision,” said digital marketing strategist Muhammad Mateen Khan. “It’s difficult for team members to participate effectively if they don’t know whether to simply listen, give their input, or be part of the decision-making process.”

3. State the meeting’s goals

In order to have effective meetings, Gimpel said you also have to explicitly state your goals for a given meeting beyond the initial purpose. Here's how he put it:

“If you don’t know why you’re meeting, it’s hard to know if your time was well-spent or not. Just jotting down a simple statement at the top of your agenda or in your calendar invitation can go a long way.”

This also helps attendees prepare—and it helps the meeting stay focused.

“I had found, after who knows how many meetings, it wasn't always clear why we were meeting,” said Neal Taparia, cofounder of business incubator SOTA Partners. “Now, before every meeting, it must be stated in the invite the goal and action item of the meeting. For example, on a recent SEM campaign, we needed to understand why changes to our ad copy did not improve click-through and our stated goal was to diagnose this issue and solve it.”

4. Prepare an agenda

And, of course, once you have a purpose and goals, you need to set an agenda, which Gimpel said to think of as a plan for how a meeting will meet its objectives.

When determining items to discuss, Domantas Gudeliauskas, marketing manager at website builder Zyro, said to make sure they directly relate to KPIs.

“This helps keep focus and aims at actionable discussions that impact performance,” he added.

Afton Brazzoni, founder of marketing and communications studio Scribe National, also recommends asking attendees if they have anything to contribute to the agenda ahead of time.

Mateen Khan said you can even list agenda topics as questions for attendees to answer.

“A question enables team members to better prepare for the discussion and to monitor whether their own and others’ activities are on track,” he said.

Biland Sadek, regional commercial director for MEA and duty-free at tobacco company Philip Morris International, is also an advocate of the question method to maximize meeting effectiveness.

“For example, instead of a general topic like ‘Miscellaneous Updates,’ I will try changing it to ‘What key pieces of information do each of you have to share or need from one another?’” he said. “Preparing these questions before the meeting will make it easier to determine who should attend and how much time is needed. This approach to our agenda can bring focus, engagement, and better performance to our meetings.”

In terms of structure, Nate Nead, CEO of content marketing and link-building firm SEO.co, said he likes the Entrepreneurial Operating System's Level 10 meeting structure popularized in Gino Wickman's book Traction.  

This, he said, ensures the meeting stays focused on items that are most relevant to the higher-level goals of the organization.

“Perhaps my favorite aspect of the Level 10 meeting process is the fact that it follows the mantra, ‘When performance is measured, performance improves. When performance is measured and reported back, the rate of improvement accelerates,’” he added.

5. Share the agenda early

Once you’ve prepared the meeting agenda, circulate it to attendees with enough time for review.

“Distribute the agenda … so the team can read background materials and prepare their initial thoughts for each agenda item ahead of time,” Mateen Khan said.

In addition, Spencer Grover, senior product marketing manager at sales onboarding and training software LevelJump, said this helps prevent wasted time getting everyone in the room on the same page.

Plus, this advanced distribution strategy allows for feedback from attendees prior to the meeting, Brazzoni said.

It also allows attendees to submit their own topics and promotes more interactive meetings, said Angela Ash, digital marketing specialist at commercial real estate sales platform UpFlip. Even more, she explained:

“This gives everyone the feeling of actually being invested in the discussions that take place."

This is especially important if attendees need to present data, which is necessary in lots of marketing meetings.

“We can't analyze results without the metrics,” said Tom De Spiegelaere, founder of affiliate marketing firm Tom Spicky. “Your team should be ready to present data such as conversion rates, search engine rankings, leads generated, and other vital info.”

6. Appoint a facilitator

At some point, you’ll also have to figure out who is going to lead the meeting. Ideally, that person has good processing skills and will be able to call on attendees when more than one person wants to speak, according to business profitability expert Shel Horowitz.

In addition, Mateen Khan said the meeting host should identify who is responsible for leading each agenda topic.

“Someone other than the formal meeting leader is often responsible for leading the discussion of a particular agenda item,” he said. “This person may be providing context for the topic, explaining data, or may have organizational responsibility for that area.”

7. Rethink long meeting

This is key for marketing meetings: You should always strive to schedule the shortest meeting possible. Perhaps most importantly, that helps prevent attendees from getting bored or, worse, frustrated.

Craig Griffiths, director of internet marketing company SearchUp, pointed to Parkinson’s Law, which states, “Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.”

In other words, if you schedule two hours, attendees will inevitably find things to talk about to fill that time regardless of how relevant and helpful they are.

“Setting shorter meetings, such as 30 minutes, means you'll focus on the most important things due to the added time pressure,” he added.

You can start by assigning realistic time estimates for each agenda item.

This helps the meeting planner calculate how much time is needed overall and also allows attendees to adapt their comments to fit the time allotted—or to suggest more time is needed, Mateen Khan said.

During the meeting, Horowitz said the facilitator should appoint a timekeeper, who notifies the room when time for a given topic is up. “If the item is incomplete, attendees should vote on whether to give it a few more minutes immediately, return to it after other items or cut off the discussion,” he added.

That also means if anyone starts talking off-topic, the facilitator can step in to get the conversation back on track.

If, however, a meeting is unavoidably long, Horowitz said to incorporate some kind of stretching break at intervals, like every 30 to 40 minutes.

And when it comes to the time of day, Brazzoni said to avoid lunch meetings—but, if you can’t, either provide food or allow attendees to bring their lunches.

“It's no fun wondering and being hungry—and also doesn't make for good productivity,” he added.

8. Include time for brainstorming

Marketing meeting agendas in particular should also incorporate time for brainstorming.

This, said Morgan Taylor, CMO of financial services firm LetMeBank, allows attendees to share ideas and feedback.

“You never know when a different viewpoint will make something obvious that everyone else missed,” he said.

But it should also include time for attendees to gather their thoughts.

“We’ve all been in the same meeting where a handful of people sit around a table and someone asks the group for thoughts or ideas. And we’ve all seen how just asking a room of people to throw out ideas often produces lackluster results,” Gimpel said. “A really simple tweak is to ask people to spend a minute—truly 60 seconds—jotting some ideas on their own first and then sharing with the group.”

This moment of reflection typically results in more—and better quality—ideas than simply opening up the floor and watching what spills out, he added.

9. Set up equipment ahead of time

This tip is simple, and it probably isn't a surprise to any of us. We’ve all likely been in meetings in which we had to sit around and wait because of technical difficulties. Instead, Brazzoni said to make sure whoever is running the meeting arrives early to set up the necessary equipment so the meeting can start on time.

10. Make sure slides are legible

Also, remember slides with text can be hard to read—and trying to read slides is a distraction for your audience.

Taparia’s recommendation is to cap slides at 60 words apiece.

“We found that when talking through marketing slides, no one would read all the text on the slide. When you do, you oftentimes don't listen to the presenter,” he said. “Now we make sure that slides have limited text, and are focused on visuals, leading to a more engaged audience.”

11. Set next steps before the meetings ends

In addition to purpose, goals, and an agenda, each meeting should have an action plan by the end.

“A lot of meetings steal defeat from the jaws of victory as things seem to be going along great and then the meeting just ends without a concrete plan about who’s going to do what,” Gimpel said. “As a cheat, you can add a section for action items at the end of the agenda as a reminder that the meeting isn’t over until you’ve actually made a decision or delegated tasks.”

An added benefit is accountability for attendees because everyone knows who is supposed to do what.

Andrew Lamping, CEO of social media marketing agency Cyclone Social, even recommends attendees explain their action items at the end of the meeting.

“If you don’t [establish an action plan], you will find you are talking about the same issues you covered in the last meeting, arriving at the same conclusions, wondering why nothing ever gets implemented,” Taylor said. “A marketing meeting without an action plan is just a friendly get-together.”

Tips for better virtual marketing meetings

While best practices for virtual meetings include all of the above, there are a few additional tips to ensure success.

12. Turn on cameras

For starters, encourage—or even mandate—attendees to turn on their cameras.

“It's better when you can see people,” Grover said.

Allie Danziger, president of Integrate Agency, said she even sends reminders so attendees will be prepared to be on camera.

In addition, Syed Irfan Ajmal, founder and managing director of digital marketing and e-learning firm SIA Enterprises, said this helps maintain meeting norms.

“When you are invited to a meeting, you can’t just show up in your pjs,” he said. “You need to understand the rules and responsibilities … [it] is the key to effective meetings.”

And, said Norhanie Pangulima, a content ambassador at relationship site Hernorm, it helps the meeting planner gauge reactions and maximize communication.

13. Look at the camera

It’s also important to make eye contact in virtual meetings by looking directly into the camera as often as possible, Sadek said.

14. Mute yourself

Because the facilitator’s job is somewhat different in a virtual room and it can be hard to hear with multiple attendees speaking at once—or even with background noise—Brazzoni said another best practice to mute yourself if you're not talking.

15. Avoid multitasking

And despite the temptation to check your inbox, Slack, or your phone, Amir Shahzeidi, digital marketing manager at video-on-demand platform Uscreen, said to avoid multitasking during virtual meetings because it can break the flow of conversation and you could miss out on important information.

“It's extremely important to avoid multitasking on video calls,” he said. “Listen to your team. And share your input.”

16. Take advantage of technology platforms

There are also tons of technology to help virtual meetings run smoothly.

An online work management tool, such as Asana, can help put marketing pipelines and meetings together, for example.

“I love Asana for keeping our projects organized and on track and it’s easy to use a work management tool to manage status check-in meetings or daily standups,” said Erik Rivera, CEO of online mental health platform ThriveTalk. “You don’t need to set an agenda if you’re already familiar with the workflow tool you’re using and the projects on it—just use the list, board, team member, or other view you prefer as an agenda to go over projects in the marketing pipeline.”

Shahzeidi recommended online collaboration boards.

“We use [collaborative whiteboarding platform] Miro for virtual collaborations, it allows everyone to collaborate and brainstorm, from wireframing a new page design to content marketing planning and team management,” he added.

In addition to the popular video communication platform Zoom, Sadek suggested using breakout rooms on Zoom to make virtual meetings more interactive.

“[They] enable you to instantaneously beam small groups into their own virtual chat rooms before bringing everyone back to the overall meeting with a click of the mouse,” he said.

17. Use password-enabled meeting rooms

You should also conduct virtual meetings in password-enabled meeting rooms.

“There are already countless reports of hackers getting into virtual meetings of remote teams,” said James Miller, CMO of the online publication Minuteman Review. “As such, organizations must only use password-enabled sessions for each meeting to increase security levels. Otherwise, marketing teams are risking their privacy by boldly doing unprotected sessions inside online meeting rooms—where sensitive and confidential information might get leaked.”

18. Record virtual meetings.

And one advantage to virtual meetings is they are easy to record—and marketers probably should.

You can record easily on Zoom and other platforms.

“As a manager, this will help you to get better in conducting your meetings more efficiently while inspiring your team more and more,” said Joaquim Miro, founding partner and chief growth officer at social VR application Hoppin World. “It also keeps you and the team more accountable.”

Agnieszka Kasperek, CMO of project management and automation tool Taskeo.co, agreed digital copies of not just recordings but also notes, files, and screenshots, can help make your marketing meetings more efficient.

Just be sure to let all attendees know ahead of time that you’re planning to record the session, and make sure to share how it’ll be viewed and accessed.

19. Have a meeting about meetings

Finally, when it comes to both in-person and virtual meetings alike, you may want to take a step back and have a meeting about meetings to survey your own marketing meeting landscape.

That’s according to Ethan Taub, CEO of financial institutions Goalry and Loanry, who said it helps figure out whether to keep an existing meeting, cut it, or combine it with another.

“This one meeting may take an hour or so, but it will cut off many hours from other meetings,” he said. “It’s advisable to rerun this meeting every six months to deal with the creep of more/other meetings in that time.”

19 Tips for Highly Effective Marketing Meetings published first on https://wabusinessapi.tumblr.com/

[chocolateheal]

Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Chocolate Production History | chocolate production history

A few weeks ago, I wrote about a contempo appointment to Zermatt, Switzerland, breadth my wife and I marveled at the appearance of the Matterhorn, one of the tallest and best apparent peaks in the Alps because of its cone-shaped shape.

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In the column, I mentioned that the amalgamation of the accepted Swiss amber Toblerone is imprinted with an angel of the Matterhorn, and that while the abundance is broadly believed to be the archetypal for the characteristic triangle-shaped bonbon bar itself, the bonbon aggregation says it was a choir band at a Paris cabaret that aggressive architect Theodor Tobler.

Maybe, clairvoyant Daniel Baumann wrote in an email, and maybe not.

And why would Baumann affliction or alike know? His grandfather, Emil Baumann, was Tobler’s accessory and accomplice in the business — and, according to ancestors accounts, developed the nougat compound in the aboriginal Toblerone bar. Baumann’s ancestor additionally anguish up captivation controlling positions with the aggregation and as arch of exports played an important role in bringing the bonbon to the United States and in growing its ability about the world.

And Baumann lives in Hanover County — proving already afresh you never apperceive aback a cavalcade abstraction will pop up.

“It’s actual incomplete,” Baumann told me on the buzz as he batten of the company’s official history. “It’s been a little bit of a arrow in my backside.”

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I capital to apprehend more, so I visited Baumann and his wife, Ulli, at their home breadth we spent an agreeable morning chatting about their kitchen table.

Daniel Baumann, 71, was built-in in Africa (Liberia, breadth his ancestor formed for Firestone on a elastic plantation), aloft in Switzerland and congenital a acknowledged business career (not in candy, but in apparatus imports) in the United States afterwards accession in New York as a adolescent man “with a attache and $100 in my pocket.” He and Ulli retired to the Richmond breadth in 2014 to be afterpiece to ancestors and to amuse Ulli’s absorption in history, decidedly the Civil War, which has absorbed her aback she came to the United States as an au brace from Germany in the 1960s.

Baumann spent his adolescence in Bern, home of Toblerone, and recalled Sunday visits to his grandparents’ home. On canicule aback his grandfathering grew apathetic with the developed conversation, he would booty his adolescent grandson’s hand, advance him to his car and drive him to the branch to analysis on the accouterment cranking out candy. You apperceive the saying, “like a kid in a bonbon store”? How about a kid in a bonbon factory?

“Picture this: a 6- or 7- or 8-year-old, bushing my pockets abounding of chocolate,” Baumann recalled with a laugh. “My mom wasn’t too happy.”

The roots of Toblerone go aback to Johann Jakob (Jean) Tobler, who accustomed a bonbon business in Bern in 1868, affairs a array of candies, admitting not chocolate, according to “100 Years of Toblerone,” a history appear in 2008 by Kraft Foods, which afterwards a alternation of mergers had acquired the candy-maker.

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Baumann’s ancestors was there at the beginning, too, as Jean Tobler was affiliated to Adelina Baumann, who was the sister of Emil Baumann’s father.

Jean Tobler’s business flourished, and the advance led to the aperture of a amber branch in 1899, a year afterwards Emil Baumann, again 16, completed a confections apprenticeship at his uncle’s company. In 1900, Tobler’s son, Theodor, took over the aggregation afterwards his father’s death, and Baumann eventually became assembly manager.

In 1908, the aggregation came out with a new bonbon accumulation milk amber with an almond-honey-nougat and a apparent shape. It was alleged Toblerone, and it would eventually become one of the world’s best accepted amber confined and the company’s flagship product.

But how did it appear to be? Depends on whom you allocution to. The history appear in 2008 acknowledges there charcoal a ancestors altercation over how Toblerone originated.

A 1958 advertisement adulatory 50 years of the candy, quoted in the company’s official history, said that Baumann is the one who during a appointment to France was captivated by a appropriate nougat — a admixture of sugar, egg whites and almonds. Who adapted up the Toblerone compound — Tobler or Baumann — is beneath clear. The modern-day aggregation history cites sources that recognize, somewhat conflictingly, the roles of both men, although Tobler in the end about apprehension up with the lion’s allotment of acclaim — conceivably in allotment because of his name. (The “one” on the end allegedly was adopted from “torrone,” a blazon of Italian nougat.)

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Daniel Baumann knows alone what he heard growing up.

“The adventure we heard aback we were kids from my grandmother is that he absolutely did the bond of the compound in their kitchen in their apartment,” Baumann said of his grandfather’s role in the conception of Toblerone. “Then aback he ample he had something, he approached his cousin.”

Baumann said his grandfather’s bashfulness ability accept been allotment of the acumen he didn’t columnist his own case. Funny thing, though, Emil Baumann formed at Tobler until the 1960s, creating a cardinal of recipes for Tobler’s bygone band of candy, his grandson said, while Theodor Tobler was ousted in the 1930s as the aggregation suffered a banking crisis.

Baumann’s father, Max, formed for the aggregation for 30 years until his retirement. Daniel has a photo of his ancestor assuming astronaut (and after U.S. senator) John Glenn about the factory. No ancestors associates assignment now at the company, which is endemic by Mondelez International, a aftereffect of the above Kraft Foods Inc.

Through added than a aeon of abstruse advancements and accumulated mergers and constant common popularity, Toblerone confined are still fabricated in Switzerland.

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Before I left, I asked the Baumanns if they still eat Toblerone bars.

“Oh, yeah!” they replied in unison.

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Official Sweepstakes Rules

No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this sweepstakes. A purchase will not improve your chances of winning.

1. How To Enter: Beginning at 12:01 a.m. (EST) on August 21, 2017, visit www.muscleandfitness.com/giveaways and follow the Hex Performance Sweepstakes directions. Each entry must contain answers to the questions posed to qualify for the drawing. All entries must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. (EST) on September 18, 2017. Only one internet entry per person and per e-mail address per week will be accepted. Subsequent entries will be disqualified. Subsequent attempts made by the same individual to submit multiple internet entries by using multiple e-mail addresses or otherwise will be disqualified. In the event of a dispute over the identity of an online entrant, entry will be deemed submitted by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address associated with the entry. Authorized account holder is defined as the person assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, on-line service provider or other organization responsible for assigning e-mail addresses. All materials submitted become the property of Hex Performance ("Sponsor") and will not be returned.

2. Winner Selection / Random Drawing: Winners will be selected in a random drawing to be held on or about September 19, 2017, from among all eligible entries that are complete. The random drawing will be conducted by representatives from Sponsor whose decisions are final and binding in all respects relating to this Sweepstakes. Odds of winning a Prize depend upon the total number of eligible entries received.

3. Prizes: Ten (10) winners will receive a full-size (35 fl. oz.) bag of Hex Performance detergent valued at $10. The total prize value of this sweepstakes is $100.

4. Sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia, 18 years or older. Employees of Sponsor, American Media, Inc., or each of their affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising or promotion agencies, and their immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of each are not eligible. Void in Puerto Rico, Canada, and where prohibited or restricted by law. No substitution or transfer of Prize is permitted. All federal, state and local taxes and any expenses relating to the acceptance and use of a Prize are the sole responsibility of each Winner. All federal, state and local laws apply.

5. Potential Winners must submit an Affidavit of Eligibility / Release of Liability / Prize Acceptance Form within seven (7) business days of attempted notification. If any Prize or affidavit or release is returned to Sponsor as undeliverable or if Sponsor does not receive a response from any potential Winner within seven (7) business days of attempted notification, such Winner may be disqualified and such Prize will be awarded to an alternate Winner. Non-compliance shall result in disqualification and award of Prize to an alternate Winner. By accepting Prize, Winners consent that Sponsor or American Media, Inc. may use the Winners' names, photographs, or other likenesses, the Winners' hometown and biographical information, statements concerning the contest entry, or Sponsors' products without compensation for purposes of advertising, promotion, and merchandising, and grant all rights to edit or modify and to publish and copyright it. Winners must also make themselves available to travel at Sponsor's expense for promotional purposes. By accepting Prize, Winners agree to hold Sponsor, American Media, Inc., and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, and assigns, harmless against any and all claims and liability arising out of Prize. Winners assume all liability for any injury or damage caused, or claimed to be caused, by participating in this Sweepstakes. By participating in this Sweepstakes, entrants agree to abide by and be bound by these Official Rules, and understand that the Sweepstakes results are final in all respects. By participating in this Sweepstakes, entrants agree to hold Sponsor American Media, Inc., and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, and assigns, harmless against any and all claims and liability arising out of Prize. Entrant is responsible for all online charges incurred by Internet Service Provider.

6. Neither Sponsor, American Media, Inc., any telephone network, nor service providers are responsible for incorrect or inaccurate transcription of entry information, or for any human error, technical malfunctions, lost/delayed data transmission, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, line failures or any telephone network, computer equipment, software, inability to access any Web site or on-line service, or any other error or malfunction, or late, lost, illegible, incomplete damaged, postage-due, mutilated or misdirected entries or entries not properly forwarded to Sponsor or American Media, Inc. Entry materials that have been tampered with or altered are void. If the judges determine, in their sole discretion, that there is any suspected or actual electronic tampering with the Sweepstakes or if technical difficulties compromise the integrity of the Sweepstakes, the judges reserve the right to void the entries at issue and conduct a random drawing to award the Prize using all eligible entries received as of the termination date. If the Sweepstakes is terminated due to tampering or technical difficulties prior to its expiration date, notice will be posted at www.muscleandfitness.com. Any attempt to deliberately damage the content or operation of this Sweepstakes is unlawful and subject to legal action.

NOTE: Internet entry must be made by the entrant, only at the authorized website address of www.muscleandfitness.com. Entries made by any other individual or entity and/or originating at any other Internet website or e-mail address, including but not limited to commercial contest subscription notification and/or entering service sites, will be declared invalid and as such ruled ineligible for this contest.

7. Opt-In: Any information entrants provide to the Sponsor or American Media, Inc. will be used to communicate with entrant in relation to these Sweepstakes. Sponsor or American Media, Inc. may also share this information with third parties who are participating in this program. Sponsor, American Media, Inc., or third parties may contact entrants at a future date about services the Sponsor or American Media, Inc. believes entrants will find of interest.

8. For the name of the Winners, mail a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: M&F/Hex Performance Giveaway; 4 New York Plaza, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10004. Requests must be received by October 15, 2017. Residents of Vermont may omit return postage.

9. This Sweepstakes is sponsored by Hex Performance, Inc., 1215 E Fort Ave, Suite 003, Baltimore MD 21230

from Bodybuilding Feed http://www.muscleandfitness.com/features/sweeps-giveaways/win-some-hex-performance-detergent via http://www.rssmix.com/

[jxnathan-byers-blog]

Practice Effective Website Marketing Once You Follow These Methods

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