#ebs white card

[p0ckykiss]

to the moon and back - choi soobin

summary -> who is sending you these letters….they certainly know everything about you, more than you expected. perhaps a stalker?

warnings -> stalker soobin x female reader, yandere

the crinkling of the perfectly sealed envelope and the unfolding of the delicate paper with the most intricate handwriting. swoops and swerves and strokes marked with the darkest ink.

a secret admirer? you smirked to yourself. it sure was such a flattering thought to think you had a secret admirer. you began reading the beautifully crafted words.

dear y/n.

your beauty simply astonishes me. i want to run my fingertips along your smooth bare face and breathe in the scent of your lavender perfume. you’re running low on it, have you noticed? make sure to buy more. it’s simply my favorite scent in the world. the lasagna you made last night looked scrumptious. would you save a piece for me? you’re the most beautiful girl i have ever come across. love you to the moon and back.

a gasp. what in god’s name..? that certainly did not live up to your high expectations. the paper floated to the pavement like a snowflake falling from the sky. your shoes smacked against your long driveway as you bounded up to the front door.

the click of the lock and the shuffle of curtains closing all around the empty house. you grabbed your perfume bottle and threw it down. the glass pieces scattered across the dark hardwood floor, reflections from the sunlight cascading off of the tiny fractures.

lavender isn’t your scent any longer. not after some creep told you it was his favorite. were you being watched? what a creep. an actual stalker. just the thought sent a shiver down your aching spine.

days passed. nothing out of the ordinary seemed to make it’s presence known. no unwanted letters or mysterious envelopes with a pearly white lace trim. you actually allowed yourself to breathe a sigh of relief. you should’ve known to hold your breath

dearest y/n

oh how i’ve missed that sweet perfume of yours. are you sure you got all of the shards? they were quite plentiful. has that cut healed yet? i’d be more than willing to aid you back to good health. i know you keep the bandages under your bathroom sink. do you know i’m always thinking of you? that black dress you tried on looked magnificently ravishing. no date to homecoming though. let me know if you need a plus one. after all, i’m always watching. i love you to the moon and back.

a high-pitched, shrilling, terrible cry left your vocal cards and pierced through the frostbitten coldness of the afternoon sun. what kind of sick person would go to such lengths? your home, now a place you no longer feel safe in. a shame that is. it really is a beautiful house.

letter after letter after letter. the sender iust wouldn’t quit. the harassment continued and ebbed and flowed like curves in a river. a display of different emotions. happy letters, creepy letters, sad letters. and, your least favorite.

angry letters.

dear y/n,

aren’t you going to write me back? are you not the least bit curious as to who i am? such a shame, really. think you and i would really hit it off. you were getting close to beomgyu yesterday. just friends, you are? hm. it doesn’t seem so. the flirtatious touch of a boy and a girl, and all in front of me? you dare hold his hand in front of me? and to think i really liked you. well, i won’t stop so easily. i’ve got my eyes on you, my love. i love you to the moon and back. -s

a clue! a sign of the quote on quote secret admirer that’s been occupying your mailbox with stacks of words as tall as the highest mountain range. but just a letter. one singular syllable. s. s? s could mean a myriad of things.

another letter followed by a scoff. this guy really has the nerve. he doesn’t scare you anymore. you tore through the envelope, not even trying to be careful this time.

dear y/n,

you betrayed me. what did i say about beomgyu? now you’re taking him to homecoming? what about little ol’ me? you smile when you text him. ive noticed you never smile while you read my letters. is that because you’re not aware of my identity? it’s not like i hide it. you should know by now. i thought you were smarter than that. you’re wearing a new scent lately. lilac, was it? it soothes the nose. but i certainly miss the lavender. i cant wait to see you in your dress tomorrow night. i love you to the moon and back.

your head shot up from your burned gaze on the tear stained paper. he was watching you this whole time? was he watching right then? right now? how incredulous: you need to get out of here. your safety is on its last lifeline.

one more envelope. one more beautifully scripted letter. one last word vomit of all of the things he wanted to say. needed to get off his heavy chest and share with you.

dear y/n;

you’re not going to accept my love, are you? that kiss you shared the other night was a sight for sore eyes. you had to stand on your tiptoes to reach, even in your heels. i guess that’s your type. why isn’t it me? well, i suppose i should give up. he’s won. i don’t want you to feel threatened, so i won’t watch anymore. unlock your doors and leave your curtains undrawn. you’ll be just fine. but still, i love you to the moon and back. -soobin

[writteninlunarlight-years]

Moon~

(Some pretty upsetting stuff happened to me, and like always, when I am down, I gotta write those emotions out so I don't have writer's block. This is sad and ouchie, yet let me know if you want Husk’s side of the story or even a happy ending. Thank you to those who support me and my writing)

Tw: verbal abuse, rage, depression, anxiety, poor life choices, unresolved issues

The day you two met was still ingrained in your memory like yesterday. You were being chased by mob bosses on the streets. The moon's glow guided you as you thought about seeking refuge in that glitzy Casino; fingers crossed, you would be lost in the sea of noise and flashing lights. Though your wish came true and you managed to avoid the boss, Scott free, you never expected to land face-to-face with the man you had.

He had a beautiful black and white tuxedo fit, a half-buttoned dress shirt with an excellent-fitting pinstripe jacket, and a cigar hanging from his mouth. Looking up at him, you know fear was the feeling that should be coursing through you, yet what you felt was unadulterated lust and desire. He was your aphrodisiac; nothing else would compare.

He took a special interest in you, too. Not every day does someone bring danger into the feared Casino Overlord's home, let alone look him dead in the eye the way you did. Originally, it was just a job, a simple work experience to help keep you out of trouble. That changed all too soon, though.

Gifts appeared at your hotel room door, from lovely outfits to perfumes and even jewelry. He tried to woo you, but you had already fallen for him. Eventually, your job at the bar turned into sitting on his lap at the card table. You would relax him when he lost and congratulate him when he won. One excellent win resulted in him bedding you, claiming you as his. One soul contract later, and you were his and his alone.

To go back in time and alter reality would be a miracle; that isn’t life, though. Instead, your life here was a moment of looking up at the moon from a new location that was no longer the Casino.

You and Husk got in your fights; everyone did. Yet Husk, when he was drunk, was temperamental; he was angry and hated losing. No amount of sex, cuddles, or kisses could fix it. What went from gifts and showers of affection turned into arguments and cold nights of sleeping alone. He would never raise a hand to you, but raising his voice became a new constant as his power in the scene of the Overlords faltered.

Years of arguments and false promises about things getting better and you two overcoming anything opened you both up to weakness… Then they came in—the young upstart overlords Vox and Alastor, ready to gamble with the big cat on day one. The two were charming, and charisma ebbed off of them in waves.

You did your due diligence at your job that damned night, smiling, flirting, anything to knock them off their game. If Husk beat the up-and-coming stars of hell, maybe he would feel better than he had been. You were wrong, though, because he didn’t win, and neither did you.

A deal was struck. The man you loved and grew to care for, even through the fighting and long cold nights, sold you off. In one game, your new soul owner was Vox. It was a blur—there was yelling, chains breaking and forming, and you being taken away.

When you woke the next day, you were in a small penthouse of Vox’s. You were his ‘lover’ now, as he put it. Husk had sold you off. Tears streamed down your face as you realized the love you harbored for him was not the same love he harbored for you.

Vox was kind to you; he cared for and treated you like royalty. When his fallout with Alastor happened not too long after, you two only had each other to pick up the pieces; you wouldn’t say the relationship that formed between you two was out of desire or want; it was a necessity to stay alive.

You two may sleep together and pretend in front of cameras, but at night, you both think of who you once loved. The people who hurt you both in intricate and damning ways. The people who strengthened your bonds together to the point that you two found the most comfort in one another.

You were always on the sidelines when the Vees came around and got big. The connection you and Vox had made you off limits to the other two Vee’s. He didn’t want you whored out; He didn’t want you as a model; he wanted you to find happiness like he was searching for.

Yet every night, you two lie on opposite sides of the bed, looking out the grand window and remembering your happiness left a long time ago. Your’s when Husk sold you off like a pawn, and Vox when Alastor became too good for him. Both of you have deep, untreated wounds. Vox grew angrier as years turned to decades, yet he never raised his voice at you. He knew of the life you lived prior to him taking on your soul. As for you the pain over the decades just turned to more profound loathing and sadness for you.

You loved Husk, you still did, and on nights when Vox would go out with the Vees or consummate their relationship, you would find yourself sitting outside on the balcony of Vox’s penthouse, staring at the moon. Sometimes, you wonder, ‘Does he see the same moon as I do?’ ‘Does he miss me like I miss him?’

Your questions were sadly answered one day, much to your dismay. You were opting to witness the downfall of Alastor with Vox on the day of the extermination, and that’s when you saw him. Not only did Alastor not die, and the hotel stood tall once more, but Husk was one of Alastor’s souls…making those same eyes he once made for you at a spider demon.

Vox noticed your change in mood and quickly calmed his destructive rage to help you, but it was too late. You saw it all right there on his 4 K screen. You were replaced, unloved, and not wanted. You were only ever a pawn to try and keep power for as long as he could, until Alastor had his soul, and then Alastor dropped Vox.

Swallowing the tears, you excused yourself to the room and went straight to the balcony. Looking on the horizon, you could see the Hazbin Hotel, where Husk was probably smitten with the spider demon. Choked, pained sobs left your frame as you screamed at the moon like it was all its fault for leading you to that casino when you were running from the mob bosses.

When Vox found you, it was a sorry sight. You were curled up on the balcony in a ball, silent sobs wracking your body. Vox explained that the spider was one of Val’s souls, that he knew Husk was Alastor’s soul, but that since he had your soul, Alastor would never let you near. You laughed sadly; Vox wasn’t wrong. The minute that word got out that Alastor stole an overlord's soul, he dropped Vox. You never imagined the soul would be Husk’s.

Vox helped pick you up and leaned you against his chest as you two looked up at the moon, “Hey, Vox, do you think they are looking at the same moon?”

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Kelly Rissman and Ariana Baio at The Independent:

President Donald Trump announced a new path to U.S. citizenship: a pricey gold card. The U.S. is going to “sell” gold cards for $5 million, Trump announced in the Oval Office Tuesday. “We're going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million and that's going to give you [permanent resident] Green Card privileges, plus it's going to be a route to citizenship,” the president said. He branded it as “somewhat like a Green Card but at a higher level of sophistication.” “Wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card,” he continued. “They'll be wealthy and they'll be successful and they'll be spending a lot of money and paying a lot of taxes and employing a lot of people. And we think it's going to be extremely successful and never been done before.”

Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick clarified the Trump administration plans to terminate a somewhat similar EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and “replace it with the Trump gold card.” The EB-5 program allows investors to apply for permanent residence in the U.S. if they “make the necessary investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States” and plan to create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs. Lutnick said the EB-5 program was “full of nonsense, make-believe and fraud” claiming it was poorly managed. “It was a way to get a green card that was low priced, Lutnick said. Once vetted, gold card holders “can invest in America and we can use that money to reduce our deficit,” he added. While the gold card visas are a slight shift from the EB-5 program, they are not an unprecedented idea. Other countries such as the United Kingdom, Spain, Greece, Malta, Australia, Canada and Italy have had similar programs.

[...] When asked if there would be restrictions on people from certain countries such as Iran or China the president said they likely would not restrict countries but would evaluate individual people. Trump was then asked if Russian oligarchs could qualify to which he responded, “Possibly. I know some Russian oligarchs who are very nice people.” The Kushner family was sharply criticized eight years ago after the sister of Jared Kushner, then senior White House adviser to his father-in-laws Donald Trump, traveled to Beijing to tempt wealthy Chinese with an EB-5 Green Card with an investment in one of the Kushner family’s real estate projects — an offer that a former White House ethics lawyer under George. W. Bush called “corruption, pure and simple.” The new citizenship pathway comes as the Trump administration cracks down on immigration into the U.S. 

Another asinine idea by Traitor Tot.

See Also:

Daily Kos: Got $5M? Trump’s got a path to citizenship for you

Scripps News: Trump proposes a $5M 'gold card' visa system as path to US citizenship

[ivanttakethis]

Before Round 7 - Tov’s Log

Daiki (?) vs. Tallis (?) - ??? Win

��———————————————————

Aurien was gone.

So was Solei.

The only thing left behind was the bloody stage.

Tov learned about all of the new security measures in a message from the production team the next morning.

Each contestant’s threat level would be reassessed. The number of guards patrolling the complex was doubled. Anyone who misbehaved would be collared permanently.

Agents from the AREPH had set up a satellite base in the complex to continue their investigation and deter any further escape attempts.

The rescue was a miracle for Aurien, and a death knell for everyone else.

No one was coming to save them.

There were only two ways out.

Win or die.

Tov didn’t sleep. She didn’t eat either.

To someone on the outside looking in, she likely appeared stoic. But there was a storm simmering just below the surface.

It had been brewing since Azure took his last breath, ebbing and flowing like the tide as the season dragged on and claimed more victims.

Now it was Tallis’s turn.

Whatever fate the stars had for him, Tov would be there to witness it.

Her biggest regret had been not getting to see Moran one last time before her round. She wouldn’t make that mistake again.

Even if it ended in the death of another one of her stars.

Trying to convince Cassio to let her go with them would be the hardest part.

There was a rhythmic knock at her bedroom door.

“Tov?”

“Come in.”

Cassio opened the door just enough to peek their head in and smiled. “Ah, good. You’re already up and about.” They said. “Would you like to join me backstage for Round 7?”

Tov blinked. Cassio blinked back.

What?

There was no way it was this easy.

She was expecting pushback, a counter argument, outright denial, something.

But all she got was a little smile and slightly raised eyebrows expectantly awaiting her answer.

“Uh,” Tov struggled to recover from the blindside, “Sure?”

“Wonderful. Get dressed then, we’ll need to leave soon.” Cassio said, shutting the door behind them.

Tov felt… uneasy.

After Cassio’s insistence that she stay home for the last three rounds, she thought for sure she would have to fight to go this time. Or at the very least, she would have to be the one to approach the topic first.

Why are you asking me to go now?

What changed?

It didn’t matter right now. She could figure out Cassio’s motivations later. What mattered was getting to Alien Stage and seeing Tallis.

———

Tov was back in the maze of hallways that made up Alien Stage’s backstage area.

She wasn’t as frantic as she had been during Round 3.

Some of the signs and marked doors rang familiar as she passed them.

Despite the lack of sleep and sustenance, Tov’s head only got clearer the further she wound her way through the tunnels.

She knew what her goal was and had a general idea of where she needed to go.

“The contestants will be in their dressing rooms by the time we arrive.” Cassio had told her. “They’ll be situated at the end of a long, wide hallway and around a corner on the first underground floor. It’s secluded, so you should be able to speak freely without fear of being overheard.”

The last part of their explanation had caught Tov off guard, but there was no time to question it.

She waved her badge over a card scanner and pushed open the electronic doors to a long, wide hallway. It was completely empty.

Tov felt her heart skip a beat.

“At the end of a long, wide hallway and around a corner.” She muttered to herself, quickening her pace and making a sharp left.

She stopped dead in her tracks when she turned the corner.

In front of her were two matching doors side by side. Both doors had a white card tapped in the center with a name written in black ink.

On the left: Daiki.

On the right: Tallis.

Only one door separated Tov from one of her closest friends.

Tov knocked three times. One for each of them. Tov. Himei. Tallis.

“The door is open!” A familiar voice called from the other side.

She slowly opened the door and stepped inside.

Tallis was at the large vanity with his back to her. She could see him worrying his bottom lip between his teeth in the reflection of the mirror. A nervous habit he hadn’t grown out of.

Tov stepped closer, making her presence known, “Tallis?”

Tallis’s eyes widened at the sound of her voice and he quickly turned around, his mouth slightly agape.

“Tov?” His voice was soft around the edges, “What are you doing here?”

“I came to see you.” She said.

Tallis nodded, trying to collect his thoughts. “Well, here I am.” His voice wavered a bit at the end.

She could tell he was nervous, yes. But there was something else underneath it.

They didn’t have time to dig any of that up. Tov wasn’t even sure how to.

She and Tallis stood there for a moment, looking at each other.

There was so much she thought about saying to him once she got here, but the growing lump in her throat refused to allow it.

She would just have to show him.

Not wanting to waste another moment, Tov closed the distance between them and pulled Tallis into a hug.

He stiffened at first, likely from shock, but wrapped his arms around her in return. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, burying her face in the crook of his neck.

He was warmer than Himei was when she hugged her. His heart was beating faster too.

Tov couldn’t remember the last time they’d hugged. Now she wished they had done it more often.

The very thought made her heart ache.

Tov wasn’t the type to beg. But if she could ask the stars for anything, it would be for Tallis to survive.

Please. She chanted. Please please please.

She pulled back from the hug just enough the cradle his face in her hands. His cheeks burned against her palms.

Up this close, she could see the different shades of green in his irises and all of the freckles across his nose.

Growing up, Tov was jealous of them. Tallis’s freckles looked like the clusters of stars she worshipped.

She remembered trying to count them all when they would lounge under the shade of the big tree in Anakt Garden, or when she couldn’t sleep during nap time. They were fascinating.

Tallis was fascinating.

She never told him that. There were a lot of things she didn’t tell him. But there was one thing she wouldn’t let go unsaid.

Their eyes met, and Tov held his gaze like a lifeline. “Do your best.” She said quietly,

“I love you.”

————————————————————

So anyways, I cried while writing this. I love that even though Tov and Tallis aren’t the most talkative people, they share a deep understanding of one another that’s unique to them 🥹

This is also the first time that Tov has told Tallis that she loves him. Usually she shows she cares through actions, but she wanted him to know exactly how she felt.

I didn’t want Tallis to say too much because he’s not my oc and I don’t want to mischaracterize him, so the ending is basically me kicking this over to @lookatmysillies if they want to expand on it (no pressure, of course).

Tallis, Himei, and AREPH belong to @lookatmysillies.

Solei belongs to @solei-eclipse.

Aurien belongs to @aurienneirua.

Azure belongs to @azureitri.

[nightghoul381]

To My Dearest Love~ Yves Kloss x Reader

Over halfway through the challenge, thank you @aquagirl1978 and @violettduchess for hosting!

Prompt: 8. Postcards Pairing: Yves Kloss x Reader Genre: Angst Warning: Implied Death of Reader

Pictured: A dazzling arrangement of roses

May 14th

My dearest love,

I saw the first bloom this morning as I was looking out to the gardens. The sunlight was just peeking over the horizon, you would have told me how much the golden hue of the sky reminded you of my hair. I wish you could have been there with me. It means nothing, I know it means nothing and yet I still feel compelled to write this postcard. I know you’ll never read it. I don’t even know why I’m doing this. But for whatever reason it makes it seem less lonely.

Forever Yours,

Yves Kloss

Pictured: The night sky over crashing waves

July 10th

My dearest love,

I accompanied Nokto on a business venture in Benitoite and I needed to tell you about it. The coast is so lovely. Not nearly as lovely as you, of course, but I can imagine the sparkle in your eye that you would have, taking in the sandy shore and ultramarine waters. It makes my heart ache to know that we will never get a chance to experience this together. I must admit, I was hoping that by now the pain would have eased a bit. Yet, it seems to continue to reawaken, ebbing and flowing like the tides. You would have wanted to feel the water, to walk along the beach. That is precisely why I couldn’t. I did try, but my breath would catch each time and I just… I just couldn’t. Anyways, enough dire talk. I do miss you and I know you would have loved to visit Benitoite.

Forever Yours,

Yves Kloss

Pictured: Windswept Plains

August 21st

My dearest love,

I visited the Jadean capital and had tea with Prince Keith. It was pleasant, the air was warm and the scent of flowers filled the air. It smelled like you. That night, I had a dream that everything had gone back to how it was. It felt so real. I could feel the warmth of your body as we held each other. Waking up was such a difficult thing to accept. I longed to spend even another minute in that dream with you. That’s all I have left. Memories and dreams. I return to Rhodolite castle tomorrow. I almost dread returning to those familiar halls knowing I’ll never again see you running down them to greet me. My, I really have let my dour mood influence this card. I love you, I will love you until the end of time.

Forever Yours,

Yves Kloss

Pictured: White roses amongst green leaves

September 17th

My dearest love,

The summer has come to an end. Yesterday my brothers forced a surprise party on me. I had no intention of celebrating my birthday. Without you, I can’t seem to find anything to celebrate anymore. If only birthday wishes could come true. I’d wish for you to be back in my arms. I’d wish to see the smile on your face that greeted me each morning. This will be the last postcard I send. My brothers are concerned with me continuing to write to you as though you’re still here, so it’s time I move forward. I know this, yet it is still so painful to say goodbye. My heart will always belong to you. I will never know a more wonderful person; none could possibly compete. Know that my love for you will remain eternal. You have me, all of me, forever. You are always on my mind. We shall meet again someday, I promise.

Until I find you again,

Yves Kloss

Akatsuki swallowed thickly as he crouched over the tombstone, placing the stack of postcards in a small divot he had dug along the side.

“It’s good to know that you were so loved.” He murmured, scooping the displaced dirt over your lover’s words. “I don’t think that boy realized that I would read the postcards he had sent to the bookstore, but he clearly thought the world of you. I’m glad you were able to experience such a deep love during your time on this Earth.”

Rising to his feet, he gave one final statement, “Rest well, dear one.”

[aerospectrum]

@wexarethewalkingxdead asked: you know the key to running a convincing bluff? every once in a while you've got to be holding all the cards. (from Carol to Jamie)

"Yeah? is that so?" Sitting on the empty stairwell Jamie folded his hands together and pressed them over his mouth, exhaling the cool air against his palms. "You don't know anything about me, Carol, you just don't." he glared out at the horizon over the small garden that rested just beyond the porches of the houses lining the streets. "You don't know if I'm good or bad." he kept his hands over his face- the red slowly ebbing away to reveal the bruising of the left side of his face.

"Fuck!" he exclaimed, “I don’t belong here- I don’t even wanna be here.” It was easier to hate himself than to admit that this Negan guy was being a dick just to exert his power one more time. “Why did you bring me back here- why didn’t you just shoot m-.”

The sting from her hand was harder than the slap itself; but the sudden jolt of the sound made his eyes open wide and his whole chest swelled up; his breath raced so hard he could’ve combusted right on the stairs. His tongue darted across his split lip and he could taste the salt and iron on his tongue from where Negan had knocked him down.

“You know what?” When he stood to his feet Carol angrily rose to match his stance; with hardened eyes and a twisted expression of both rage and disappointment that Jamie would even consider her as a cold hearted killer. Her jaw tensed and her lips pushed forward in a steady glare; like she was ready to burn down the entrance to heaven and hell if he ever asked her to shoot him again.

Jamie swallowed down second thoughts and gripped the handrail so hard his own knuckles turned white. “Fuck you, fuck you and this entire place- I didn’t ask for you to drag me back here; I didn’t want your help, I didn’t need it!” He yelled at her, but the way his blue eyes turned red with tears mixed with anger and frustration and shock didn’t give him the heir of intimidation he was looking for and she saw right through his misplaced anger.

“You didn’t have to hit me.” His glowered at her, dark heavy brows arching downwards at her. “And you didn’t have to come sit over here and play some "poor baby narrative" with me- I can take care of myself, I didn’t need your help I could’ve handled him myself!” He knew he was still towing a very, very fine line with Carol. Then again she’d just slapped him and it was apparent his anger clouded his judgment. Or rather his pain that he chose to mask with anger for his own self preservation. “I- I... i don't need you to tell me you understand because you don't! You don’t know anything about me."

“I know enough!” Carol snarled in her response; her jaw clenching as she fought back the onslaught of tears threatening to break her own walls.

“Yeah and what the fuck is it that you think you know enough of huh?!” There was a despair tangled into his question that was so deep it would take centuries to tear it out completely. It wasn’t even that it truly was aimed at Carol; it was like decades of wondering and needing to understand finally worked their way through his repression and denial.

[clone-trooper-cheese]

Echoes of Ice and Steel: A Clone Wars Odyssey

Chapter One: Frostbitten Loyalties

CHAPTER ONE:

Frostbitten Loyalties

Word Count: 1,574 Spelling & Grammar: Checked

Snow. The frozen microcrystals coated the landscape like a blanket over a bed. It was just as beautiful as it was dangerous, easy to get lost in its beauty when the lines that separated the horizon from the sky were washed away by the pure white powdery crystals. It was nothing new to him. A clone Corporal that had been specially trained for cold climates and high altitudes, hence, the name he chose; Polar. 

“Corporal? Sir? Are you there?” His comm link rang out.

“Oh, Um, Yes-” Polar stammered, “Yes I'm here, Butch… What is it?”

“You missed your check in… That's all, Sir.” The Clone named Butch replied. He was a stickler for protocol and orders, making sure to follow them exactly how they were supposed to be done. 

Polar found it a little annoying, but endearing at the same time. “All good, trooper. I was just thinking, that's all.” He said before going quiet on his end again, staring back at the landscape. Rico, another member of his team, teased Butch about calling the Corporal out like that, since it had only been barely a minute since the check time passed. Butch was still a shiny, so doing things by the book was how he'd been trained. Polar listened to them go back and forth about things before finally stepping in. 

“Girls, Girls! You're both pretty, Now cut the chit-chat on the main comms.”

“Yes, sir.” was heard from both of the bickering troopers after the other.

Polar stood on the outskirts of the base after checking the motion sensors and cleaning the icicles off of them. He looked up at the mountains, his eyes tracing the peaks and valleys. He started making his way back to the base, the cold was just now starting to get to him after hours of being out there. His phase I armor was the cause of that. It had built in life support and temperature regulation, unlike the new phase II armors, which were more cheaply made to be lighter and easily mass-produced. 

The durasteel blast door creaked as it slid open, then closed it behind, as the cold Corporal came into the bay to warm up before going up to the control bridge with the rest of the crew. As his helmet Depressurized with a hiss, Polar thought about the first time it happened in an accident. He had been hiking a high mountain to recover one of his fallen brothers from a group of bandits who had stormed their base to steal their supplies and just wreak havoc in general. 

His helmet depressurized, causing him to nearly suffocate as the oxygen was too thin for him to breathe.  He ended up holding his breath for nearly ten minutes while he tried to fix the pressure seal on the rim of the helmet. After he arrived back at the base.  He trained his lungs to be able to hold his breath for a long period of time to be able to survive like that if nobody was there to help him if his helmet depressurized again.

“Sir? You alright?” Ebony, the door guard trooper, asked Polar. Ebony was confused and concerned as to why his Corporal was just standing there, staring into nothing.

“Oh, yes, sorry… just lost in thought. Thanks for letting me in, Eb.” Polar answered while taking off his helmet. Thin strands of loose platinum blond hair stuck to his face from a tiny sheen of moisture that collected on his forehead from the heat of the helmet. He took a long breath and wiped his head, brushing back his hair as he and Ebony proceeded to the elevator. The filtered oxygen of the base was a lot nicer than the filters in the helmets; not only more pure, but warmer. 

Polar and Ebony made their way up to the main control room of the base. Butch, Offbeat, Nonk and Rico, who were sitting in the room at the table playing cards, quickly stood at attention when they saw Polar enter the room.

“At ease boys…” He said, and they immediately slackened their posture and went back to casual stances. “Anything interesting happen while I was gone?” The light haired clone asked, setting his helmet down on a table before walking to look at the holo screens to observe the data logs. 

“Nothing really important… Rico stubbed his toe and said swears that I didn't know existed, so that's cool I guess…” Ebony said in his usual apathetic tone and slumped onto one of the benches lining the table. 

“That's not surprising… Are you sure he didn't just make them up?” Polar inquired, “Because it wouldn't be the first time he's done something like that.” He chuckled and shook his head as Ebony rolled his eyes and looked back at his datapad. 

A chime came from the computer and a transmission request came through… it was from the chancellor himself. He answered it, and the others turned their attention from their tasks to the hologram display of the chancellor in a hooded robe.

“Execute Order sixty-six.”

“Yes sir.” The whole team, except for Polar, said and then went back to their business. There was no Jedi in sight, or even on the planet for all they knew, so there was nothing to do except continue with their other activities. Polar had a puzzled look on his face.

“Uhh…. What was that order again?”

“Order sixty-six is to execute the Jedi, Sir, they are traitors.” Brutus replied as if it was no big deal that they had just been told to kill the people they’ve fought with since the beginning of the war.

Polar exclaimed in an utterly confused tone, “HUH!?” and Brutus’s hand went to his blaster holster.

“Are you saying you’re not going to obey the order? Sir? Good soldiers follow orders.”

“No, I- was just- confused, that's all, Brutus…” Polar put back on his commanding voice and told Brutus to stand down. 

He thought for a moment, before walking to grab his helmet and leave the room. 

“I'll be in my quarters, if any of you need me… just come get me- or call me on the comms.” The Corporal said as he went out of the sliding durasteel door and into the corridor towards the team's quarters. A perk about their team being the only one at the small base was that they each got their own small, private rooms instead of a big barracks room like on Kamino or on a larger base. Being a clone, where your needs weren’t always met the same as nat-borns most of the time, having a private room was a small luxury, but still a luxury that he had. Taking off his armor, he thought about the order just given to him and all of his comrades. Polar tucked away his armor pieces, and his tattered cloak into the storage box, then sat on his bed in his blacks. He contemplated changing into his fatigues, or just into another pair of blacks, he ultimately ended up choosing the clean pair of blacks over the loose fatigues. 

About two hours of reading a holo-drama novel, Polar’s eyes started to get heavy and droopy. He yawned, setting his datapad down on the nightstand and getting up to turn the lights down, still keeping the room lit with one single light so it wouldn't be pitch black darkness. As he was walking back to his bed, he took the elastic ribbon out of his hair, the piece that was keeping it up in a small bun, and let his hair fall down. He sighed in the slight relief caused by the release of the tension in his scalp. Scratching his head and sitting down on the side of his bed, he stretched one more time and laid down, pulling the blanket over himself. 

Just as he was falling asleep, his comm went off. Beep beep beep beep beep beep.

He grabbed it and answered it with a tired voice, “This is Corporal Polar.” 

“Hi sir, Um, we just got a request to come back to Kamino within the next two rotations for an event.”

“Okay? And you needed to tell me this now?”

“Well, I suppose I could have waited…”

“You could have, yes. Bright as always Brutus… Is there anything else you'd like to tell me while you have me on call?”

“Um, nothing I can think of right now, I’ll call you again if I think of anything, Sir!”

“Well, Brutus, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I would like to sleep, so only call me if it’s really urgently important, ‘kay?”

“Affirmative, Sir! Sleep well, Sir. The boys say goodnight too.”

“Thanks, Good night…”

The communication signal ended with a click noise, and Polar put his comm back onto the nightstand. He closed his eyes and tried to do his routine of tensing all of his muscles and releasing them with a deep breath, starting with his face; he scrunched it, making the scar across his nose bridge pull slightly painfully, but a bearable amount. After his routine was over, he was much more relaxed and closed his eyes, pulling his blanket back over his shoulder and settling into a comfortable position. 

Chapter one end

Characters used:

Corporal Polar (Has Lieutenant privileges but thinks Corporal sounded cooler with his name)

Sergeant Rico

Trooper Ebony

Trooper Butch

Pilot Offbeat

Pilot Nonk

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I'm kind of just making this for fun, so sorry if its inconsistent. I plan on posting the chapters all together when it is done on Ao3, but I have to wait for the invitation first.

[crmsnmth]

September Sky Chapter Five, part 8

The place was busy. Blacks and reds and whites floated around the bar and dance floor. At the moment, Mike Shinoda's remix of "Enjoy The Silence' was pumping through the carefully hidden speakers. The dance floor was crowded with people flowing and ebbing, and not always in time with the song's beat. That's the greatness of the goth dance. All you have to do is flow. That is, unless you were a cyber-goth. Three of them stood off with their neon and black straps, standing against the wall. The strange and hypnotic that was industrial dance was almost hypnotizing when it's done well. These three looked as if they were pretty serious in it.

A bartender dressed in a black shirt and black jeans came up to us. Anyone who looked at him could probably tell he was not a happy person. I don't think he wanted to be here on goth night. Hence why he wore the bare minimum look. I handed over my card before Addison could even slightly protest. I even but the first round for everyone. I'd been a third wheel for so long, that I felt like being generous.

Once we got our drinks, Addison and Kayla started having some quiet conversation I couldn't hear. I looked around, taking in my surroundings. Basically looking for the exits. I always look for the exits.

"How's things been?" I loudly asked Conner.

"Good. Finally got a job at the distribution center." Conner was talking about a Target distribution center that sat on the outskirts of Oconomowoc. The place paid really well and the job's were extremely easy.

"Ah nice. Actually making something?" I promise you, he was making more than I was.

"Enough that one check can pay our rent plus go grocery shopping."

"You guys moved in together?"

"Two months ago. Nobody told you?"

"No. I'll have to get you guys a potted cactus as a housewarming gift. I guess it's official, I'm out of the loop." I laughed. I was never in the loop. You have to pay attention to be in the loop, and even before my head broke, I had a very short attention span.

"Nah, not yet. You're like Pluto. Way out on the edges of the loop."

I may have not been a very social person, but I truly enjoyed the time I spent with the friends I'd managed to have latched on. These moments had been far and few in between, but I wouldn't trade them for anything.

"So how is that working out?" I asked.

"Great. really good. She keeps me in check."

"That's awesome, man. I'm really happy for you guys."

"What about you? What've you been up to?" Conner looked around quick, his eyes scanning the room.

"Work. Home. Repeat. Dropped out. For real this time."

"Just couldn't do it anymore?"

I laughed slightly as I sipped a very strong whiskey sour. I grimaced and swallowed it down. Maybe I'd have to ask him to make mine light. I didn't feel like getting wasted tonight. Not here. Not now.

"You know, there are other places you can go." Conner had met me before Emily, and he got to see a side most of my friends forgot. The teenage anarchist. Loud, obnoxious and fearless. Now I was in fear all the time. Fear of my own head.

"I go other places sometimes."

"Name one."

"I went to Dimes last week."

"Last week."

"What's wrong with that? Once a week is pretty good."

[sloan-baux]

The sailor shut the gate behind him and slid to the floor, his back brushing against the wooden surface as he shrunk. A wail escaped him when he touched down on the cold stone. As he sagged his head, sweet rainwater began dripping from his hair mixing with the salt that crusted his skin. He hugged himself tremulously, vicious cold permeating his bones. The ruined castle might have been a suitable hideout but was no refuge against the elements. Heat was escaping him, and so was lucidity.

His recent memories were akin to a nightmare, intermittent and unreal, made of visceral impressions and warped images.

A storm at sea, the towering forms of black waves backlit by lightning.

A deluge of seawater, screams, and a shower of wood chippings.

A desperate grasp on his forearm, slipping, nails under his skin, fingers against fingers rummaging for a grip.

Dark silence, the weight of the depths pressing against his orifices.

Squelching and scurrying across a waterlogged path, chased by eight-legged abominations, an image that tasted like panic.

A lithe, white-gloved hand proffered. This last one was very vivid, and it gave the man a pause.

Timidly he lifted his gaze to find a girl connected to the offered hand, her form adorned in a velvet mousse of a dress, gaudy with creamy frills and bows, a bold expanse of skin covered only with lace, magnificent gems illuminating her.

"Come. Dance." A crisp, zesty accent savored her jingling voice, one that the sailor had never heard before. Wary, he took her hand, and so they danced.

Elusive lights played teal and blue against the checkered floor they glided through, masked figures rushing by in their periphery, spiraling in concert with the doleful music that sounded wrong, backward, like the strings and flutes were not releasing, but sucking in the discordant notes that already saturated the air.

"Why are you sad?" The girl inquired, she cocked her head, looking to meet his downcast eyes.

"My crewmates. They're all dead." The sailor responded, "Only I survived, and I'm lost on this forsaken land."

"Dearest. Nothing is ever lost here." she placed a hand on his cheek.

"Come. I have something to show you!"

They drifted towards what seemed to be a pool of opaque light across the foyer, slowly ebbing as they approached, revealing an ornate tall gate. As if the castle made an inviting gesture, the gate opened and sounds of carousing and playful bickering flooded the hall. Along came a gust of warm air laden with bitter hops, sweat notes of port wine, and the savory scent of roasted pork.

The sailor's eyes grew, he smiled, then laughed.

"Captain! The boys! They all survived too?"

The girl didn't answer. She returned his excited look with a rueful smile and poked her head toward the commotion.

"Go to them now."

This is my drabble (again, not 100 words but at this point breaking rules is my love language XD) for the card Opulent Foyer requested by @iljodjeshi. This one is definitely more chill than the previous one, but hey I write whatever the card brings out of me 😊.

I still have Deny for @furtiveseal (I might be able to use my WIP for this) and Practical Perfectionist (gonna be spicy!) for @flowingmoons coming up but feel free to suggest more. Although I'll probably have to slow down with them because I should work on my WIP instead. XD

Anyway, if you've liked this feel free to check out another card I did, Solitude:

[notepc1]

高品質 FNB-V96Lia バッテリー【 FNB-V96Lia 互換品、新品です】

ブランド : YAESU 電池

タイプ（材質） : Lithium-ion

容量 : 2000mAh

電圧 : 7.4V

商品コード : ECN131D93_Oth

FNB-V96Lia 次のモデルで利用可能:FNB-V96Lia FNB-V96Li FNB-V96製品 YAESU FNB-V96Lia  製品モデルとは YAESU VX-350 VX-351 VX-354 完全に互換性があります:For Yaesu Vertex Radio VX350 VX351 VX354 Note : not Compatible FNB-V130LI, Due to the two different and incompatible battery chargers, please pay attention to the battery code when purchasing! FNB-V96 CD34 charger FNB-V130 CD58 charger The two battery compatible machines are the same, only incompatible due to charger issues!購入チャネルの推奨JP: YAESU FNB-V96Lia 電池 US: YAESU FNB-V96Lia Other Battery FR: YAESU FNB-V96Lia Batterie Compatible ES: YAESU FNB-V96Lia Batería Compatible IT: YAESU FNB-V96Lia Batteria Compatibile PL: YAESU FNB-V96Lia Kompatybilna Bateria UK: YAESU FNB-V96Lia Other Battery 他のタイプのYAESU電池モデルを見るYaesu FNB-V96Liバッテリー2000mAh 7.4VYAESU SBR-28バッテリー1750mAh/12.95Wh 7.4VYAESU SBR-25LIバッテリー1950MAH/14.43WH 7.4VYAESU FNB-80LIバッテリー1500MAH 7.4VYAESU SBR-24LIバッテリー2000mAh 7.4VYAESU SBR-24LIバッテリー2000mAh 7.4VYaesu FNB-83バッテリー1400MAH 7.2VYAESU FNB-80LIバッテリー1500mAh 7.4VYAESU FNB-V57バッテリー1400mAh 7.2VYaesu FNB-80LIバッテリー1650MAH 7.4V人気の検索商品モデルFITBIT LSSP411415 バッテリー; Fitbit Charge 2 Fitness Watch FB407; 63mAh 3.7VCITIZEN MT920 バッテリー; Citizen 7820A 7870A 7872A 7875A 7877A 7W70; ZTE Li3716T42P3h705742 バッテリー; ZTE Q301C Q301T; 1650mAh/6.1WH 3.7VBose 071478 バッテリー; BOSE HARVEY DP3 745531-0010; 2300mAh/17.02Wh 7.4VLISUN ER26500 バッテリー; LISUN ER26500 C Size 3.6V 9000mAh LS26500 High Energy Li-SOCl2 with white plug; 9000mAh 3.6VEssential HE323 バッテリー; Essential PH-1 A11; 3040mAh/11.7Wh 3.85vNETGEAR W-15 バッテリー; Netgear Nighthawk W-15; 5040mAh/19.78Wh 3.85VYANER 802439 バッテリー; YANER drone; 700mAh 7.6VLAKALA KS8223 バッテリー; LAKALA POSS; 5000mAh/18.5Wh 3.7VCATERPILLAR B26 バッテリー; Caterpillar PHONE; 1500mAh/5.55WH 3.7VSAMSUNG EB-BS916ABY バッテリー; SAMSUNG Galaxy S23 +; 4700mAh/18.23WH 3.88VLENOVO L23B4PF1 バッテリー; LENOVO IdeaPad Pro 5 16AHP9 Yoga Pro 9 16IMH9; 5385mAh/84Wh 15.6VJVC BN-VF823 バッテリー; JVC GRD771US D771US GR-D771EK GRD771EK D771EK GR-D771EX; 4200mAh 7.2VZTE Li3716T42P3h595251 バッテリー; ZTE Q501U/T Q201T N798+; 1650mAh/6.1WH 3.7VICOM BJ-265 バッテリー; ICOM IC-U80E/V80E/F4008/F4108 IC-V80 IC-V80E; 1800mAh 7.2VCOOLPAD CPLD-225 バッテリー; COOLPAD 26; 4050mAh/15.59WH 3.85VWISEASY BTO1 バッテリー; WISEASY Card swiper; 6000mAh/22.2WH 3.7VDELL 8C0JV 電源; Dell Optiplex 3060 5060 7060 Inspiron 3470; 100-240V~/3.2A 50-60Hz 200W +12VA==/16.5A, +12 VB=/14ASamsung EB-BA415ABY バッテリー; Samsung Galaxy A41 SM-A415F; 3410mAh/13.16WH 3.86VICOM BP-287 バッテリー; Icom IC-R30 Receiver; 3120mAh 12Wh 3.6V

[meret118]

Trump Crypto Coin Buyers Offered VIP Tour of White House

According to the coin’s official website, its top 220 holders will be invited to a special May 22 dinner at Trump’s country club outside Washington, DC.

An even more special perk is in store for the 25 biggest holders, who “will be invited for an ultra-exclusive private VIP Reception with the President. And separately by us to a Special White House Tour.” Although littered with grammatical errors, the coin’s website emphasizes at every opportunity that it’s promoting an event with the sitting president of the United States.

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/04/trump-crypto-coin-white-house-tour/

Trump says he will offer ‘gold cards’ for $5 million path to citizenship, replacing investor visas

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the Trump Gold Card would replace EB-5 visas in two weeks. EB-5s were created by Congress in 1990 to generate foreign investment and are available to people who spend about $1 million on a company that employs at least 10 people.

https://apnews.com/article/investor-visas-trump-immigration-eb5-gold-cards-cdb943dd1633bc234bb715fa20914e05

'See how this works?' Cases dropped against corporations that funded Trump's inauguration

https://www.rawstory.com/trump-ftc-2671824687/

'This Is Welfare for Billionaire Tax Cheats': Trump IRS Ditches Effort to Close Major Loophole

https://www.commondreams.org/news/trump-irs-tax-loophole

'Tax attorneys say IRS has become a 'zombie' as agency cuts staff and halts audits of the wealthy

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/taxes/tax-attorneys-say-irs-become-zombie-agency-cuts-staff-halts-audits-rcna201739

Trump's 'attack' on the IRS could cost the government $1 trillion, former Treasury Secretary says

https://www.businessinsider.com/larry-summers-donald-trump-cuts-irs-cost-government-trillion-2025-4?op=1

[cnuan]

Beneficiary, pt. 4

Ellison straightened. "Hello! Mrs. Simons?"

"Speaking. How may I help you?"

"Hi! My name's Ellison; I'm from Evers & Marks Insurance Agency—" Abruptly, a burst of static erupted from the phone, and Ellison jerked the device from his ear.

"He...llo?" The woman's voice waded through the ebbing crackling.

"Oh, yes! Mrs. Simons, I just had a few questions for you," Ellison hastily continued.

"Oh? Now's not really a good time." The woman's voice fizzled in and out with the hiss of white noise between her words. "I'm out shopping with a few girlfriends, you see..."

"Ah, right, I'm sorry. I'll try to be quick," the insurance agent insisted.

A sound like tearing paper grew until he could only make out the words "...schedule another time...?"

"Yes, yes! We can reschedule! If you can tell me a day that's good for you, I can—" CLICK… doot doot doot… The call dropped. Ellison looked up at Mr. Simons. "We got cut off."

The older man tilted his head and frowned. "See if she calls back. Ah! But, she might be at the mall, and there are plenty of dead zones there," he reasoned.

Nodding, Ellison pocketed his phone and pulled out his business card. "It's fine. We were talking about rescheduling for another day; so, the two of you can talk it over and just call me when it's convenient," he said.

With a small, sympathetic smile, Mr. Simons accepted the slip of paper. "Again, I'm sorry we've caused you so much trouble."

Ellison waved the apology away. "It's a strange industry and an even stranger world; it happens," he replied. Chuckling, Mr. Simons plucked a cookie from the tray, and Ellison eagerly reached for his own neglected confection. <<Part 3 Part 5>> *(Beneficiary banner photo by Chris Buckwald a.k.a. scorpkris at unsplash.com)

[journeyjottings]

What Is a Green Card: Here’s All You Need to Know, From Eligibility to the Application Process, New Updates, and More

The United States government issued a document called the Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as the Green Card, which grants immigrants the right to permanently live and work in the United States.

However, the green card approval rate has recently reached a new low, with pending green card applications increasing from 10 million in 1996 to almost 35 million today. In the same period, approvals have fallen from 7.6% to under 4%.

According to a recent report by the CATO Institute, only about 3% of people who applied for green card applications in FY 2024 will receive permanent status in the United States, while the remaining 97% will not.

In response to this, the 2023 Eliminating Backlogs Act was introduced to address the backlog of green card applications and reduce the critical labour shortages in the United States. Furthermore, certain individuals who have been waiting in long lines from high-immigration countries with caps, such as India, China, the Philippines, and Mexico, would be granted immediate eligibility for green cards.

Additionally, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has launched myUSCIS organisational accounts, which allow multiple people within an organisation and their legal representatives to collaborate on and prepare H1B registrations, H-1B petitions, and any associated Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service.

The White House recently stated that the US President, Joe Biden, is currently taking steps to improve the H-1B visa process and address the green card backlog, along with other issues related to the country’s legal immigration system.

Here’s everything one needs to know about green cards, including eligibility criteria, the application process, and other relevant details.

What are the eligibility criteria for Green Card?

To be considered for a green card, one must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the categories below. Upon identifying the category that aligns with your circumstances, click the provided link to access details on eligibility prerequisites, application procedures, and the possibility of your family members applying alongside you.

1. Family-based Green Cards:

Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens: This includes spouses, unmarried children under the age of 21, and parents of U.S. citizens (the petitioner must be at least 21 years old to petition for a parent).

Other Family Members: This includes unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens and their children, spouses and unmarried children (minor and adult) of permanent residents, married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, their spouses and children, and siblings of adult U.S. citizens and their spouses and minor children.

2. Employment-Based Green Cards: Categories range from EB-1 to EB-5, covering priorities from persons with extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, multinational executives, professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, skilled workers, and investors who create employment opportunities in the U.S.

3. Refugee or Asylee Status: Individuals granted asylum or refugee status can apply for a Green Card one year after their designation.

4. Diversity Lottery: The Diversity Immigrant Visa Programme makes up to 50,000 immigrant visas available annually, drawn from random selection among all entries from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.

5. Special Immigrant Status: This category includes several specific groups such as religious workers, employees of U.S. foreign service posts, retired employees of international organisations, alien minors who are wards of courts in the United States, and others.

6. Victims of Abuse, Crime, or Human Trafficking: This includes VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) self-petitioners (abused spouses, children, or parents of U.S. citizens or permanent residents), U visa holders (victims of certain crimes), and T visa holders (victims of human trafficking).

7. Long-Time Residents: Individuals who have lived continuously in the U.S. since before January 1, 1972, may be eligible to apply for a Green Card.

How to apply for a Green Card:

Applying for a green card, officially known as becoming a lawful permanent resident, involves several steps, which can vary depending on your eligibility category. Here’s a general overview of the process for the most common categories:

Step 1. Determine your eligibility category: Identify under which category you qualify for a green card. Common categories include family sponsorship, employment, refugee or asylee status, and the diversity visa lottery.

Step 2. Have someone file a petition for you (if applicable): For most categories, the process begins with someone else (a family member or employer, for example) filing a petition on your behalf. The petition usually goes to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Family-based: A relative files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative).

Employment-based: An employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker).

Special categories: Depending on the category, there might be different forms or procedures. For example, a U Visa requires Form I-918, and a self-petition under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) requires Form I-360.

Step 3. Wait for a decision on the petition: Once the petition is filed, wait for it to be approved. Approval times can vary widely depending on the category and specific circumstances.

Step 4. File your green card application: After your petition is approved (or if you are eligible to file a petition and a green card application simultaneously), you can apply for the green card. The application process varies depending on whether you are applying from within the United States (adjustment of status) or from outside the United States (consular processing).

Adjustment of Status (within the U.S.): File Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) with USCIS.

Consular Processing (outside the U.S.): Wait for the National Visa Centre (NVC) to notify you to submit the necessary immigrant visa documents, pay the fees, and then attend a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.

5. Attend the biometrics appointment: If you are applying from within the United States, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment for you to provide fingerprints, a photo, and a signature. This is used to conduct a background check.

6. Attend the interview (if required): USCIS or the consulate may require you to attend an interview. Be prepared to answer questions about your application and background.

7. Wait for a decision: After your interview, USCIS or the consular office will decide on your Green Card application. The time it takes to receive a decision can vary.

8. Receive the Green Card: If approved, you will either receive your Green Card in the mail (if adjusting one’s status in the U.S.) or a visa to enter the U.S. as a permanent resident (if processing abroad).

Additional Notes:

Fees: There are fees associated with the filing of the forms and the biometrics services.

Documentation: You will need to gather and submit various documents throughout the process, including proof of eligibility, identity documents, and financial support documents.

Legal and immigration advice: Considering the complexity of immigration laws and the potential for changes in procedures, it may be beneficial to consult with an immigration attorney or accredited representative for guidance tailored to your specific situation.

This process can be lengthy and complex, with specific steps and required documents varying widely by individual case and eligibility category.

Source: The Indian Express

[thecajungator]

Nico's gaze remained soft and patient. As Husk's hand touched the cards, they took on a faint red glow, like the red of Husk's brows and the red of the pattern in his wings. Then black, like his fur, before briefly flashing gold. Finally, the color ebbed from the glow, turning white. "Perfect."

Nico put the deck down on the table. "Now, before we continue. I'll up the proverbial ante, and make a deal wit'chu." Nico snapped his fingers and conjured a very basic agreement. No fine print, it was labeled plain and simply. It flat out said that for the purpose of the reading, and while Husk played host to Nico in the casino, the Tarot Overlord could not lie to the Gambling Overlord. Nico had already signed it, it only needed Husk's approval.

"I want ya to know I speak the truth, and the readin' ain' just bullshit. too many customers thinkin' I'm just hustlin' 'em." He said with a shrug. "If you don't wanna sign, I get it, but it's a show of respect from me t' you." And if Husk truly wanted, he could abuse that whole 'while Nico's in the casino, he can't lie to Husk' thing.

Either way, while waiting, Nico took the deck and put it on one end of the desk before putting his hand atop and sliding the cards down to arrange them side by side. "All you gotta do now is pick any three cards. Whatever calls t' you. The deck has your aura; the cards'll be right no matter which three you pick."

"I think you'd like my place. But it ain't like this; It's not so classy." It was a worn down clubhouse kind of joint once ravaged by an Extermination Day, that Nico and his group, his 'congregation' built up. They'd throw long, wild parties and people would report strange sounds and music coming from inside.

"Well, here's how it goes." He did another shuffling trick, then offered the deck out in one hand to Husk. "Touch yer dominant hand t' the deck. We gon' imbue the cards wit' ya energy. Then I'll lay the cards out, and you'll pick any three. They'll show me ya past, present, and ya future." He said, waiting for Husk to touch the cards.

[theearlywarning]

Lethal Flaws - The EBS False Alarm of 1971

‘We interrupt this program. This is a national emergency. Important instructions will follow in 30 seconds...’

—

Today is February 20th 2020. The current time is 9:33 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. Many people across the US at this time are likely enjoying breakfast, driving to work, dropping their kids off at school, or perhaps relishing in a day off.

49 years ago on this day, at 9:33 a.m. EST, the Emergency Broadcast System was activated in error nationwide, sending over 5,000 radio and 800 TV stations on alert for a national-level emergency and bringing America to a standstill for nearly an hour. A system so vital to the safety and security of US inhabitants suddenly had several glaring flaws that left citizens vulnerable and civil defense officials scrambling. It was this false activation that paved the way for the development of our modern Emergency Alert System, which sought to solve for the imperfections of the old system and give Americans a speedier, more accurate and more usable means of early warning in case of emergency.

"I can't imagine how the hell I did it."

—W.S. Eberhardt, teletype operator

The incident occurred on a Saturday morning at the National Emergency Warning Center at the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD), stationed in Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado. The NEWC was a division responsible for two crucial EBS functions: running regular weekly tests of the EBS through to radio and TV stations, and sending out actual warnings for national emergencies.

That morning, civilian teletype operator Wayland S. Eberhardt was responsible for conducting that week’s required test by feeding a tape through the teletype, which connected directly to the Associated Press and United Press news wires, sending it to stations across the US. There were three tapes near the teletype: the test message, EAN message #1 White Card, and EAN message #2 Red Card. With each of the three tapes comes a set of monthly codewords used by stations to authenticate the message. For Eberhardt, a veteran operator of 15 years, feeding the weekly test through the wire was as mundane and routine as doing one’s laundry.

But everybody makes simple mistakes. And this morning, Eberhardt didn’t feed the test message through as he intended. He sent the EAN White Card and its authenticator words through the machine by mistake.

“I thought I was going to have a heart attack trying to open that damned envelope. I haven’t felt that way since John Kennedy was killed.”

—David Skinner, WEVA radio

The message came through the wire to teletypes nationwide. An interconnected typewriter-like device using bells, paper tape reels and telegraph capabilities, the teletype’s daily series of news stories and reports was interrupted by a whopping ten bells —a signal of an extremely urgent message— which were immediately followed by a text announcement that read the following:

MESSAGE AUTHENTICATOR: HATEFULNESS/HATEFULNESS

THIS IS AN EMERGENCY ACTION NOTIFICATION (EAN) DIRECTED BY THE PRESIDENT. NORMAL BROADCASTING WILL CEASE IMMEDIATELY. ALL STATIONS WILL BROADCAST EAN MESSAGE ONE PRECEDED BY THE ATTENTION SIGNAL, PER FCC RULES. ONLY STATIONS HOLDING NDEA MAY STAY ON AIR IN ACCORD WITH THEIR STATE EBS PLAN.

BROADCAST EAN MESSAGE ONE.

MESSAGE AUTHENTICATOR: HATEFULNESS/HATEFULNESS

20 FEB

Widespread confusion followed over the air as Americans listened. An estimated 20% of broadcasting outlets that day followed proper national emergency activation procedures and prepared listeners to hear an urgent message from then sitting President Nixon. Others followed procedures but ceased the interruption before the all-clear message was received. Still others ignored the activation entirely, as they had noted that the alert was transmitted at the exact time a scheduled test was supposed to come through. This chaos only spread to the ones on the other end of radios and screens. Listeners around the country called stations in a panic, trying to figure out what national emergency was going on.

Senior operators at NORAD quickly identified the error and attempted to correct it. They sent several cancellation messages through the wire, but without proper cancellation authenticator codes needed to officially end the EAN. Finally, at 10:13am EST, 40 minutes after the erroneous activation, Cheyenne Mountain sent out a cancellation message with the proper authenticator word, IMPISH, to all broadcasting stations, officially ending the alert.

A teletype machine wired to the United Press International newsfeed. These machines were the live news sources of radio and TV stations across the country.

While Nixon himself declined to comment on the incident, the Pentagon quickly laid blame on the Office of Civil Defense, which oversaw the National Emergency Warning Center. The Office of CD itself concluded that the false alarm was nothing more than a mishap. Corrective measures were taken, but Eberhardt himself was not fired for the mistake that left him “seriously shook up”. After the incident, the two tapes for EAN scripts were sealed in envelopes and placed in cabinets away from the transmitter, leaving only the test tape by the unit. This was done to ensure that a simple act of muscle memory wouldn’t allow for another false alert.

But this still left several painfully apparent flaws in the EBS out in the open, leaving officials with a lot of improvements to make. Years later, the EBS was officially decommissioned in 1997 to make way for the Emergency Alert System, which remains in use today as part of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, or IPAWS. 

The false alarm of 1971 remains obscure in the history books as only a blip on the Cold War overview. This event, however, was pivotal in modernizing public warning systems across the United States, and The Early Warning recognizes its importance as such.

Below this post is a video containing two recordings of the false alarm as it happened, one heard on WOWO AM, the other on WCCO AM. I invite you to give these recordings a listen. It’s hard to imagine the nerves of the announcers as they read the White Card and the fear of the ones who were listening, but it is sobering to know that all of this happened only 49 years ago. 

February 20, 1971: America panics as emergency warning is broadcast in error

The Nuclear Attack That Wasn't: February 20, 1971

Code Word “Hatefulness”: The Great EBS Scare of 1971

[famwhy]

Saviour Complex (II)

Yandere! Tangerine X Reader

Act 1 | Act 2 | Act 3

Synopsis: One night, you're pushed straight into an incoming train, causing everything to go black. When your eyes open up once more, you find yourself in a completely different country and face-to-face with your favourite character whose demise was right around the corner. Too attached to the man, you find yourself hatching a plan to save him - unaware of the consequences.

Word Count: 7,232

Act 2 - A Quest to Die For

The Hornet was yet another assassin that boarded the train. She was able to infiltrate by dressing up in a large costume of Momonga, a popular Japanese cartoon character in the movie - it even had a whole carriage dedicated to it on this bullet train; a carriage which indirectly caused the death of the White Death's son by basically giving The Hornet a free pass onto the train. But, what can ya do?

Speaking of The Hornet killing the White Death's son, this was the exact scene where that occurred. Now, in the original scene, the seat you were in was empty - making it so that there was no possible way for any witnesses to chance upon the poison being stabbed into the Russian's neck - thus, nobody else had to die.

Now though, you were on the other side of the carriage, sat at the seats which were supposed to be vacant - making it so that you would most likely witness the murder and - knowing The Hornet - she would get rid of you too.

You had absolutely no chance against poison made to make your blood congeal, clogging your veins until you bled out from your eye sockets and every other hole in your body. Crimson substance gushing out of your mouth as you desperately tried to choke out your last words, regret for-

-nevermind. You had other fish to fry right now; the biggest fish at the moment being The Hornet.

You could always escape this carriage but that would make you look supremely suspicious to both Tangerine and Lemon.

Picture this, a girl you just met on this very train ride was sat near the person you were meant to protect for this very train ride. You then go off with your brother, leaving both of them alone for a few moments. Once you come back, the person you wanted to protect was bleeding out of his eye sockets and the girl you just met was now gone.

Yeah... not a very good look, huh?

But... you digressed.

Now... how were you going to get yourself out of this one? 

Leaving was a definite no-go. Staying was also risky but at least that way, you wouldn't lose Tangerine's trust if you played your cards right.

You just had to figure out a way to keep The Hornet from killing you too.

A puff of air left your mouth. This was very different to all those times in the past where you had to get yourself out of a very tricky situation. Back then, it was as quick as 'bang!' and the problem was gone. Maybe you should-

-no, no you shouldn't.

How could you even think of doing such a thing?

You swore to yourself- you swore never to do it again.

Bang, a noise reverberated in your head.

The first time you heard it caused a loud ringing to echo not long after, drowning out the rest of the world and zooming straight into the liquid splattered against your face; the liquid that stained your hands.

You couldn't bare to look at yourself in the mirror the next week, too haunted by the vision of the red that covered your hands and face. Every time you caught a glimpse of yourself, it was there, poignant and prevalent as ever.

Bang.

The second time you heard it wasn't as bad as the first - there was still a ringing, but it wasn't so loud; so quick to drown out the world around you. No - instead, it was just there in the background - persistent but not as provoking.

You still couldn't fathom looking at yourself in the mirror but at least the constant view of red splattered across your form had died down, slowly ebbing away from the confines of your mind.

Bang.

The third time was the most terrifying. Not because the ringing came back, or your hands that went from being slightly stained with blood to completely soaking in it - no. 

It was because you were so unbothered by it; as though you were getting used to the feeling; as though you were just accepting it as it was... as though you were learning to live with it.

The thought was horrific.

The thought terrified you.

And then, just like that- it was gone. No ringing, no red in the mirror - no nothing. Not even a single thought about how scary it was to think that way.

It was just all gone...

When you tuned back in to the movie, to this reality, you noticed a large form approaching this carriage - a large form belonging to a certain Japanese cartoon character. 

Your eyes widened as your chest heaved up and down at a more rapid rate, visions of the wedding scene with all the guests throwing up blood having flashed through your mind in that exact moment.

In an act of quick thinking, you tipped your sunhat over your eyes - careful not to have the gun fall out - before leaning your head against the window and steadying your breath as much as you could.

Hopefully, she'd buy the act.

The squeaks of her voice slowly grew louder as she approached, probably waddling her way over to The Son.

Then, the faint sound of skin pushing against fabric let you know that she was right next to him - probably about to inject him with the poison.

Your prediction was, once again, proven to be correct as muffled screams made their way over to your ears alongside a 'shhh' coming from a large costume that was right beside you.

A lump formed in your throat and you tried very carefully to gulp it back down.

Even as her squeaks faded away, you chose not to remove the sunhat from your head. Again, patience was key in moments like these. You couldn't drop your act until you were absolutely sure that you wouldn't get caught.

So you waited.

And soon, you heard two pairs of footsteps followed by a voice.

"Right, so, slight change of plans-

-ho!"

A pause.

Then another voice piped up.

"First his wife, now his son? That's a lot o' white deaths."

Ah, this was the scene where Tangerine and Lemon happened upon the body right?

If you recalled correctly, they should-

"'Ang on a minute." Tangerine said.

-huh? That line wasn't in the movie.

After that, he went silent, and you wondered what he was doing...

...that was, until, you felt the pressure on your head start to shift as your hat lifted up ever-so-slowly.

A light gasp left your lips as your hand shot up to clasp the ring as hard as you could, stopping it from moving any further before your head tilted up and your eyes met with that beautiful blue you were so fond of.

"Tangerine?"

"You alright there, love?" He rose a brow, placing one hand on your shoulder and causing the area to immediately feel all warm and tingly.

"Uhh, yeah." You desperately tried to restrain yourself from looking over at the hand he placed on your shoulder, not wanting to make it seem like you were uncomfortable - if anything, you were the complete opposite. "Did something happen?"

You found your gaze naturally trailing to the side, about to land on the bleeding eyes of the White Death's son. You were unable to do so, however, when your vision was blocked by your favourite character himself. He quickly sat down beside you, taking both of your hands in his own and unknowingly causing your heartbeat to spike up as your stomach fluttered from both the proximity and the contact.

"No, nothin' happened." He denied your words. "I was just worried about you is all. You 'ad a bit of a fall earlier, didn't you? Just wan'ed to make sure you were alright from it."

He was lying. You knew he was.

He was just trying to draw your attention away from the dead body on the other side of the train as his brother quickly dealt with making it seem like the guy wasn't dead.

You knew he was lying and yet, you couldn't help the warmth that flooded through your veins at his words.

"Oh... that's uhh, really nice of you." You looked to the side, gaze softening as a smile tugged onto your lips and your resolve for being on this train, your desire to save your favourite character, strengthened.

When your eyes returned to his form, you saw the softened look on his face and damn was it enough to make you melt.

Soon enough though, he cleared his throat and got up; quickly wiping the soft expression off his face.

"Well, if that's all, love."

You frowned, missing the feeling of his hands in your own. But... the show must go on, no?

He then turned to his brother and said, "we gotta make sure he doesn't step a foot off this train. You see the case? Deal with 'oever 'as it."

"Alright." Lemon responds. "How do I do that? Talk to 'im? Or like, talk to 'im." The second time he said 'talk', he opened his coat up by the slightest amount and reached a hand inside - no doubt signifying he was reaching for his precious gun.

Tangerine gave him an incredulous look before saying, in a tone leaking with sarcasm, "I dunno. Why don't you tell him about the story about how Gordon met Percy and how Percy's now bleeding from his fucking eyesockets!"

After he spat the sentence out, he immediately took off - going down one side of the train in hopes of catching the criminal who's so incredibly lucky, it was unbelievable sometimes.

With one last comment, Lemon went the opposite direction just as the train stopped.

Now... what were you going to do?

It wasn't until quite a while later that Tangerine's death scene would come up, you should probably spend this time planning on how you could prevent it.

Before you planned on preventing it, you had to recall how exactly it happened.

It was right after Tangerine got a call from one of the White Death's men warning him of what would happen if he made it to Kyoto; telling him that he would die as soon as the White Death got his hands on him.

Then, he entered the same carriage as The Prince and she put on an act to trick him into thinking she was an innocent girl. It worked at first. But then, he saw the sticker that Lemon put on her back.

See, Lemon was a huge fan of Thomas the Tank Engine. He often compared people to the characters in the show, hence why he was so good at reading people (or so he claimed). He always carried stickers of the characters in the show with him.

One of these said characters was Diesel. The worst of the bunch, a guy who always took it too far - the character you had to watch out for.

And that was also the very same character stuck onto the back of The Prince.

Thanks to his brother, Tangerine knew that Prince wasn't all who she made herself out to be and, because of his newly-gained knowledge, he put a gun to her head. 

Unfortunately, just as he was about to pull the trigger, Ladybug stumbled into the carriage and lunged for the gun after Prince acted, once again, like an innocent girl scared for her life. As the two struggled for possession of the weapon, a 'bang!' reverberated through the air...

...and then, blood sprayed out of the neck that belonged to your favourite character as he choked out a warning, trying his best to inform Ladybug of the deceptive individual he was trying to protect.

You still remembered screaming out a 'no!' when you first watched it, upset that your favourite character had just died. You didn't cry though - at least, not until later on; when Lemon stumbled upon the body, to be specific. The sight of the broader male seated beside the dead body of his brother as the slow, mellow song echoed in the background was just too much and, before you knew it, the tears cascaded down your cheeks like a waterfall.

You couldn't let it happen now that you had the opportunity to stop it; you wouldn't let it happen.

You were going to save Tangerine.

The only problem was: how were you going to do that?

His death was a complete accident, Ladybug didn't mean to pull the trigger; he wasn't trying to. 

How on Earth were you supposed to prevent an accident like that from occurring?

Maybe you could prevent Tangerine from ever approaching The Prince in the first place?

Before you could ponder on any further strategies, the sudden need to relieve yourself overwhelmed you.

A full bladder? Dammit, when was the last time you went to the toilet?

With a deep sigh laced in frustration, you pushed yourself up abruptly, grumbling under your breath about your human limitations as you awkwardly scooched out of your place between the seat and table.

Once you were fully stood up, your hands rose up to the ridge of your hat and you gave it a firm tug, fixing its place on your head as you felt a slight movement from the cold material laying under it. Once you were sure the weapon was secure, you started to walk down the aisle - heels clicking against the floor as you rushed out.

As the doors opened to the capsule between your carriage and the next one, your eyes flitted over to the toilet stall, cursing as you saw the colour red near the lock.

Occupied.

This went on for the next few carriages.

Then, you happened upon something.

"I didn't realise I was gettin' a babysitter to come cut my bollocks."

It was Tangerine, taking yet another warning call from the White Death's men.

"I'm a professional. We're making sure the case and his son are perfectly safe.

"Can I please go do my job now?" He continued and, if you recalled correctly, went on to cut off the man before he could continue speaking, with a tone heavy in sarcasm. "Oh, very kind of you. Thank you very much."

He then hung up the call before looking to the side and fixing himself up in the mirror - something which would have normally made you laugh had you not been bursting for the toilet.

It was then that he noticed Ladybug hidden in a side room and jumped.

"Fuck me! Jesus Christ." He cussed, placing a hand over his chest.

Ladybug then decided to pipe up with an unnecessary remark. "It's very rude talking on the phone, on the train. In Japan."

"This rude enough for ya, ya fucking prick?" He then pulled the curtain shut as harsh as he could. "Shove that fuckin' hat up your fuckin' arsehole, you 'ear me?"

He then turned around again and jumped once more when his eyes landed on your form.

"Fuck me! Fuckin' 'ell, again?!

"How long have you been standing there, love?" He continued.

"Long enough... look, I don't really care about what you, uhh, were on about." You confessed as you tilted your head to the side, eyes fixed on the stall behind him. "I just... need the toilet so, if you don't mind..."

"Oh, of course." 

He moved to the side, allowing you to finally gain access to the room you'd been needing for a while now.

You immediately wasted no time in rushing right inside, closing the door behind you and locking it before you went about your business.

Once you were done, you cleaned up and washed your hands before stepping out of the stall with a relieved sigh.

Now, you had two options here. You could either, a, go back to the carriage you came from - or, b, explore the train a little so that you could detect anything that may be able to help you in your quest.

On one hand, if you explored the train, you could stumble upon the perfect solution to your problem. On the other hand, this was a train filled to the brim with assassins that weren't opposed to killing you to get that one silver briefcase. You were too out of practice to risk it so, going back to your seat it was.

With a little sigh, you headed off - footsteps lighter than before as a sense of calm fell over you.

That sense of calm, however, was soon to be overridden by pure shock as soon as you entered a certain carriage containing a bar filled to the brink with alcoholic beverages and two people stood by the dead body of The Wolf.

"Oh shit." You whispered. "Wrong way."

Who was it that you stumbled across? Well, the very Diesel herself, The Prince.

The Prince narrowed her eyes at you before she turned to Kimura and ordered, "kill her."

"Are you fucking crazy?!" The Japanese man widened his eyes in disbelief.

"I don't suppose you want your son dying, do you?" 

The way she said the words so nonchalantly was enough to send a shiver straight down your spine. Seeing her in the movie was unsettling enough but seeing her act this way in real life? Damn, Joey King did an amazing job.

You couldn't spend too long praising the actress, however, as soon, the barrel of a gun was pointed directly at your head and Kimura was mumbling something with an apologetic look on his face. He was saying sorry in Japanese.

Ah shit.

Quick to react, you bent over backwards just as he pushed down on the lever of his gun - simultaneously causing a loud 'bang!' to reverbrate through the room.

The bullet managed to just barely graze your stomach, forming a cut which leaked red.

"Hm, interesting." You couldn't see her face but judging by her tone and whatshe just said, she was intrigued. "Are you one of the assassins the White Death hired?" 

You chose not to respond - instead opting to flick your feet upwards and collide your heels against Kimura's hand, kicking the gun out of his grasp and sending it flying through the air. You then used the momentum to flip upright once more, one hand reaching up to your hat to help stabilise it again.

Crouching down, your fingers stretched outwards, grazing the handle of the gun before flinching back as your heart beat picked up its speed.

Now was not the time for a mental breakdown.

With that thought it mind, your feet pushed your body up once more before you swiftly turned on your heel and made your way out of the carriage, gone just like the wind.

You rushed down the right way this time, eyes barely present in real time as they flashed through the events that just occurred to you.

You just had an encounter with The Prince and Kimura - and you were lucky that it was them and not The Hornet.

The Prince had no combat capabilities whereas Kimura was well-versed in it but had enough morale to not attack you back there.

You were so lucky to have run into those two of all the people you could've ran into.

"Note to self: be more cautious of the layout of the train." 

Soon, you stepped through the automatic doors that led to your carriage and, not too long after that, your eyes landed on two forms - one of which was caught in a headlock by the other.

This was the Ladybug and Lemon fight scene.

And it seemed like it was just coming to an end judging by how Ladybug was able to thrust his legs into the seat opposite him, escape Lemon's grasp and then grab his laptop and smash it against his head, instantly knocking him out.

It all happened so much more swiftly than it was depicted in the movie and you had to blink twice before properly processing what had just happened.

When you tuned back in to the world, you witnessed Ladybug adding the powdered substance to the Fiji water near Lemon and decided to approach.

"Woah, what are you doing man?"

Slowly, his gaze trailed upwards and his eyes landed on your form before they slightly grew in size.

"It's not what it looks like? Actually, it's probably exactly what it looks like."

A glint of amusement shone in your eyes as your lips twitched upwards. In order to fight back the smile that was inching onto your face, you had to take in a huge gulp of air before letting it out after holding it in for a few seconds.

Once you regained your cool, you continued speaking. "It seems like the tables have turned."

He gave you his own smile, sheepish and clumsy; full of awareness of the fact that he was just caught red-handed.

"So, what are you doing, big guy?" You asked, amusement laced in your tone.

"Look, I'm just trying to survive, okay, lady?" 

"I have a name y'know? It's Y/N."

"Nice to meet you, Y/N." He nodded in acknowledgement. "I'm Ladybug."

You already knew that but-

"Nice to meet you too."

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to take a call." He took the cartridge out of the gun in his hands, eyes zoomed straight in on it.

"What are you doing with that gun?"

"Not keeping it for later use, that's for sure." He gave you a pointed look as he stashed the gun on the shelves at the top of the train.

"Touché." 

You then watched as he took Lemon's phone and used face ID to unlock it. Stupid that it worked even though the owner was unconscious but whatever.

After he checked the texts on the phone, he left in an abrupt panic - no doubt having seen Tangerine's texts informing Lemon that he was on his way.

That left you with Lemon's unconscious body laid against the table.

Now, you would slap him to get him to wake up but then he would immediately slap you back and you weren't too keen on getting slapped by a male with ten times your muscle mass. So, you simply stood there, one hand up to your chin with a half-contemplating, half-concerned expression on your face.

It was then that you heard footsteps to your side. You knew who it was so you didn't bother looking over, choosing, instead, to simply say, "he's only unconscious - not dead."

Tangerine rushed over, grabbing his brother's chin and lifting his head to observe his injuries. "Jesus Christ, he's 'ad a bit of a bosh, 'asn't 'e?"

His eyes then turned to you before slowly trailing downwards and landing on your abdomen.

You rose a brow. "What are you-?"

Before you could even react, he was no longer beside his brother and the sudden feeling of his rough, calloused hands against your own bare skin had your own gaze falling down as you caught sight of your newly-attained cut.

Oh right, you forgot about that.

"What 'appened?" He asked without straying his gaze from the slit in your clothes.

You were about to respond but winced instead when he pressed down further on the wound. He then slowly removed his fingers and you saw the blood that coated them; your blood.

"I, uhh, just fell on a really sharp rail, that's all." You dismissed his concerns.

"A really sharp rail? It must've been sharp enough to cut a fuckin' dick off, dahlin', 'cause that's a deep cut."

"It's not that deep."

The look he gave you after your words was the same look your sister gave you before you set off to work; the look that told you that they found what you just said utterly ridiculous.

He then guided you towards a seat, gently having you sit down before facing him as he crouched down - observing the wound with squinted eyes. 

Meanwhile, you held in your breath at the close proximity, hyper-aware of the fact that his hands were firmly clasped around either side of your waist, holding you with a sense of care running across his fingertips; a sense of care which prevented him from harming you. Just the thought that a guy like this, someone known for his aggressive demeanour and bad temperament, could handle someone like you, someone who he just met, with such gentleness was enough to cause your stomach to flutter.

You watched as he took out a handkerchief from his inner pocket, rapidly striking it through the air several times before carefully moving it over your stomach and pressing down a little too hard.

"Ack!"

"Ah shit." He cussed. "Sorry, love."

You just bit your lip and nodded.

After a few more pats against your skin, he pulled the cloth away.

It was clean, yes, but it wasn't covered - no bandaid to barricade the bood inside your skin or alcohol used to fully sterilise it. But, to be completely honest, you were just lucky that he cared enough to even treat your wound in the first place. He was an assassin, not a medic for crying out loud.

"Thank you." You breathed out, voice barely even a whisper.

He looked up, lips merely millimetres from your own as his breath mixed in with your and the hair that rested atop his upper lip just barely tingled against your skin.

If you moved even a little bit closer, your lips would meet.

Unfortunately, the moment was ruined after he pulled away and cleared his throat, a tiny hint of red on his cheeks. "Yeah, well, I'd be a right dickhead to ignore a lady's wounds like that."

You pouted - he was a right dickhead for pulling away like that. What a tease.

He then parted with a brisk nod of his head, on his way to go find Ladybug if you remembered correctly. Too bad he wouldn't be able to after the male pays another guy to wear his hat and deceive the assassin.

You heaved out a sigh before leaning backwards, back falling against the window seat as your gaze shifted to the roof, eyes half-lidded in contemplation. Now that you relieved yourself and got away from The Prince and Kimura, you should finalise your plan to save Tangerine.

The scene just before his death shows him discovering the 'dead' body of his brother before receiving a threatening call for the nth time from his employer, causing him to grow agitated even further than before. This would make it so that if you wanted to stall him from finding The Prince, you would risk causing him even further annoyance and cause his feelings for you, whatever they were, to turn into utter loathing. Now, you wished you could say you didn't care so long as he survived but that wouldn't be true at all. You cared; very much so. He was your favourite character, after all - why wouldn't you care about how he felt for you?

You supposed you could stall Ladybug instead? Yeah, that could work.

But 'could' isn't sure enough. It's a word that implies whatever it's referring to has a possibility of working; you couldn't afford possibilities, you could only afford a hundred percent chances of working.

Just then, your hat shifted a little on your head and, with it, came the feeling of cold metal sliding down.

Your eyes lit up as an idea came to mind.

That's right! Your unloaded gun! As a back-up plan, you could swap out your gun for Tangerine's - that way you knew for sure he wouldn't be able to be shot in a tangle with Ladybug.

The only problem with that plan, though, was that the both of you had two different models of guns; he had a revolver whereas you had a pistol. How was he not going to notice the difference?

If you were lucky, the hysteria he goes into after finding his brother's dead body would be enough to cloud his judgement and you could slip the gun in grasp no problem.

You just needed to hope he wouldn't notice - at least, not until they actually pulled the trigger and nothing went off.

You let out another sigh and, quite abruptly, you felt something brush against your legs as a breeze flew over your form; forcing you to sit up in order to see what the cause of it was. You then caught sight of blonde hair disappearing down the carriage - blonde hair no longer covered by a grey hat. It's not too long after that you turn your head in the opposite direction after hearing the automatic doors open and reveal the frustrated form of Tangerine.

His brows were furrowed and one of his arms was covered by his suit draped over it. His previously slicked-back hair was now messier than before, giving him more of a roguish look. 

There was no doubt in your mind that your eyes turned into huge hearts as you gazed at him, lips pulling upwards into a large, dreamy smile that you were quite lucky he took no notice of - instead, making a bee-line towards his brother and slapping him awake while also earning himself, as you recalled, a slap straight back.

Tangerine then took a seat beside the broader male before raising one of his hands and rubbing it under his nose to check for blood. After confirming there wasn't any, he gave Lemon the side-eye before saying, "there 'e is."

"He got by me."

"Yeah, me too... I guess our best option now is, uhh, bring the White Death the man who killed 'is son."

Lemon turned to the other male, shaking his head. "Yeah, but glasses didn't do it."

You would've loved to continue watching their banter (those scenes were actually among your favourite ones in the movie) but a thought occurred to you; a thought which caused your whole form to freeze up and a chill to go down your spine.

When Tangerine went towards the carriage Ladybug was in, he discovered a bunch of suitcases blocking his way - forcing him to shoot them through a Momonga teddy so that he could get through without alerting passengers. When he did this, he released the Boomslang snake - the very snake whose fangs contained the venom that caused the death of the White Death's son. And now, that deadly thing was let loose in the train to freely roam and bite whoever it wanted.

Great, now on top of your quest to save your favourite character, you had to also look out for a dangerous snake that could take your life.

You let out a sigh before tuning back into reality, noticing Tangerine's form sat opposite and facing his brother on the other set of seats.

"We need to find that glasses twat like right-to-the-fuck now." He scoffed before letting out a long, drawn-out groan. "I'm gonna go up, you go down. Double back when you're done. If you see him, fuckin' deal with him, yeah?"

Ah, so they just 'tricked' the White Death's men at the station you just passed into thinking his son was alive, huh?

The both of the brothers looked from side-to-side before Tangerine said, "up is..?"

"That way." Lemon deadpanned before jutting his thumb in the direction towards the front of the train.

You watched as they both abruptly got up before Lemon started speaking once more.

"And look, be careful," you could barely control the smile trying to fight its way onto your face at the Lemon showed his brother, "something else is going on 'ere."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, I still feel like there's a Diesel lurkin' about." Lemon looked from side-to-side.

"Swear to God, what'd I say?" Tangerine drew his brother's attention back towards him before repeating, "what'd I say? I said I'd fucki-"

"-shoot me in the face." His brother finished for him.

"Yeah, that's right."

"Thomas still taught me how to see people, read 'em for real."

"Yeah..."

"And I'm never wrong, am I?"

Your favourite character's gaze drifts to the side. "No."

"Glasses, he is not our guy."

"...okay." 

Tangerine didn't understand what his brother was on about now but you knew he would later find out exactly what he meant after coming face-to-face with The Prince.

You then witnessed your favourite assassin hand a gun to his brother. "Shoot first, come up with the answers la'er."

"Always do."

Lemon then took off, heading down the carriage before his brother called out to him again.

"Lemon."

"Yeah, man?"

"You be careful too."

The male with silver hair sent a wink his brother's way before continuing once more.

The moment brought you back to a time where you worried for your own sister's life after one particular job; a job which, for once, took away all of your carefree nature and replaced with an anxiety-ridden individual who couldn't even hold a weapon without shaking to the core. 

But... that was all irrelevant now. Your sister wasn't here and neither were you the person you once were back then.

So, with that thought in mind, you called out towards Tangerine - causing the male to turn your way with a raised brow.

"You're going towards the front of the train, right? Can I tag along? I'm feeling a little peckish right now and all the snack are at the front." You gave him a sheepish smile, one hand going to scratch the back of your head.

"Yeah, sure, why not?" He nodded, giving a little gesture with his finger before he began to walk.

You walked straight behind him, a smile showcasing all your joy spread right across your face.

"Hey, Tangerine?"

"Yes, love?" He gave a quick glance over his shoulder.

"You're such a gentleman, thank you for accompanying me." Your smile shined brighter, excitement from being with your favourite character seeping into your tone and into the hop in your step.

He sent you a soft look before nodding. "Of course, dahlin'. Can't leave a pretty lady like yourself alone, can I?"

He thought you were pretty...?

Your favourite character thought you were pretty?!

Did you die and get sent straight to heaven?

Uhh, well, maybe you could've?

No, wait, that was impossible. You'd done too much to go there.

"You're quite the looker yourself, y'know?"

He looked over his shoulder once again to send you a sly smirk. "That so?"

Suddenly, the intense look in his eye, partnered with that smirk he gave you, was enough for all of your confidence to flush down the drain as your gaze trailed to the side - unable to cope with the eye-contact.

"Oh, 'ere we are." His words caused you to look up and see that you were, indeed, where he wished to be. "I've got to stay here, dahlin', but the next carriage should be the snack one."

You gave him a brief nod before choosing to walk passed him, about to enter the next carriage before you casted one last glance over your shoulder to see his easy-going look had turned back into his agitated one as he faced the toilet.

Once you were in the carriage, you waited a little bit before you saw a certain blonde man enter after you. After he saw your form, however, he swerved behind you and peered over your shoulder.

It wasn't too long after that the brown-haired male emerged from the same door with a furious look on his face.

Ah, so you were being used as a hiding place?

Very well.

Tangerine's eyes laid on your form before they trailed behind you and landed on the other. After he saw his target, he took in a large amount of air through his nose.

"Look, love, I usually don't hit ladies but I won't fucking hesitate because I, for one, wanna keep my fucking limbs intact and I won't be able to if I don't get that fuckin' briefcase." The tall male glared down at you, pure rage boiling in his gaze, ready to spill over any second.

"Wow," Ladybug's voice chimed from behind you, "you'd hit a lady? That's a low blow, dude. Even for you."

"You fucking bastard." Scoffed the male with slicked-back brown hair in front of you, glaring at the blonde behind you with an intensity so harsh - you were sure that he would be a million feet under if looks could kill.

"Look," you raised both of your hands up as a small, nervous smile made its way onto your lips, "how about we settle this peacefully, yeah? I'm sure we can all talk this out."

"I agree with her." Ladybug piped in.

Then, Tangerine started slowly strutting over to you - facial expression shifting from the angered one he usually wore to a more neutral one you rarely got to see on him in the movie.

As he approached, you could feel your heart beat start to pick up both in pace and in volume - butterflies beginning to flutter around in your stomach with adamance.

Dammit, was now really the time for your stupid crush on him to be acting up?

Soon, he was stood right in front of you, face a mere centimetre away from your own.

And then, one of his hands rose up from his side, gradually approaching your face as two of his fingers extended out of his fist and slowly placed themselves under your chin; tilting your head up and causing a hitch in your breath.

"Love," he spoke quietly, calmly and in the smoothest voice you have ever had the pleasure of hearing. "Move aside and let me kill that fucking arsehole."

His breath mixing in with yours as the hair on his upper lip grazed your skin (for the second time that day) flustered you enough for you to pull out of his grasp and hide your head in your hands, hunching over slightly to do so. 

Fortunately for him, that slight hunch over was just what he needed to sock Ladybug right in the face.

"Agh! Fuck!"

And with that, their brawl continued.

Meanwhile, you decided to fully crouch down and shrivel in on yourself - too flustered to even think to stop the fight.

"Wait wait wait! I know who killed the kid!"

"I couldn't give a rat's arse, where's my fuckin' case?!"

They rolled carts straight into each other, hitting one another in the gut before grabbing jars and preparing to throw them at one another.

They both paused, however, when they heard the sound of the automatic door opening as a member of staff stepped in with a cart full of food.

After a moment of silence, you heard the woman ask if they wanted anything in Japanese.

"Oh no thank you, we're okay." Tangerine dismissed her with a little strained smile. 

"Oh I would love a bottle of water." Ladybug requested.

You felt a small smile crawl onto your face as you remembered the incredulous look Tangerine sent him after that sentence - no doubt finding it utterly ridiculous that he would ask for water in the middle of a fight.

"You know what? Do you have, uhh, anything sparkling? With bubbles?"

You heard glass clang as she rummaged through for exactly what he wanted.

"That's the one, thank you." And he proceeded to say 'arigato' in the worst-sounding Japanese you had ever heard in your life. "Bro, I just remembered I gave all my money to that guy to wear my hat and glasses."

Tangerine then let out a sigh, giving Ladybug a look that made you giggle as you peered through from your position.

"How much for the bo'le of wa'er, love?" He asked before she responded with a number and he gave her the money. "Yeah, no, your welcome. A thousand yen, that's ten quid for that bo'le of wa'er, mate."

She then proceeded to leave as Ladybug drank his newly-attained drink and you giggled some more.

"You sure you don't wanna talk this out?" He asked Tangerine to which he responded with-

"Not particularly, no."

"Okay."

He then swung the bottle straight at the other assassin, aiming straight for his head as it hurdled through the air. Before it could land, though, you shot up from your position on the ground, fingers lacing around the bottle and just about stopping it from hitting the man.

"Not," you said, "the face."

Tangerine gave you an appreciative look, which totally didn't make you squeal on the spot, before his expression shifted into one of pure rage and he charged at Ladybug, yelling cusses as he pushed him into the next carriage.

Meanwhile, you let out a sigh of relief. Well done you for saving the handsome facial features of ATJ.

Before you could wallow in anymore praises however, your eyes caught something moving in your peripheral.

Was that... the Boomslang snake?!

You screamed, rushing onto the other carriage and clinging onto Tangerine while he was in the midst of choking Ladybug.

Unfortunately, you had done this at the wrong time because it happened to be the moment where Ladybug hit the emergency button with his leg so that he could escape the grasp of the handsome assassin; the emergency button which caused the door to be ripped off the train, sending the three of you flying straight outside of it through the sheer suction of the wind.

And so now, here you were, clinging onto Tangerine's waist for dear life as you hung off the side of the train - the wind like blades against your skin.

Well, this was quite the predicament.

Tangerine says things he doesn't mean so don't take it to heart when he said he wouldn't hesitate to hurt you. He would do way more than hesitate.

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