#that Clara is going to ask a person who is going to jail thanks to them

[hephaestuscrew]

Thinking about the protective way Clara tells Fleet not to go into DeVries' dangerous-looking training set-up, and about how when Septimus mentions Fleet's friend Fleet's immediate assumption is that he must mean Clara, and about "This is Miss Clara Entwhistle, my partner - in business, my business partner." / "I'm also his friend, but he doesn't like to say it.", and about how Fleet rarely smiles but he smiles to himself at Clara having a good idea (and Clara notices the change in his expression), and about how Clara is trying to work out Fleet's birthday through a process of elimination, and about how Fleet tries twice to shut down the conversation with Frances Byrne that's making Clara uncomfortable, and about how panicked and angry he sounds after realising she's been poisoned...

[timeandspacenovelist]

Amour Infiltré

Rating: T Chapters: 1/7

Summary: After being asked by Kate to help, the Doctor and Yaz find themselves in Monte Carlo, on the hunt of an escaped fugitive. With no other choice, the pair go undercover as a couple and realize that catching the escaped prisoner is the least of their problems…

Read this story on another platform: Archive of Our Own

“No, I mean... she likes you”

 “Well, dates are not something I really do, you know. I mean, I used to. Have done. And if I was going to, believe me, it’d be with you.”

“I wish this would go on forever.”

The Doctor stood at the console, hunched over, her brain a jumbled mess of words and emotions. Of course, she’d argue that this is how she was most of her lives, but this time.. this time, it was different. Those three statements (among many others) kept swirling around, all throughout her brain and, most annoyingly, her heart. She’d been here before, and she didn’t like it then either. It confused her, made her feel weird, and it just completely messed up how she does her work. Love fucks you up, she remembered hearing once, and it was ever so true in her mind.

She promised herself that this was over. That she’d sufficiently detach herself from anything like this… after Clara. She knew the risks, and she knew the pains that would come from it, and she felt confident that she’d avoided it. Just traveling with her Fam, hanging out, seeing the universe. Just like it had been with Tegan, Nyssa and Adric and Amy and Rory. Simple, wholesome. But as per usual, nothing in her life was ever simple.

I want more. More of the universe. More time with you. You’re like the best person I’ve ever met. 

Brilliant, beautiful, fantastic, amazing Yasmin Khan. Just the mere thought of her name now made the Doctor’s heart skip a beat. It had been that way since New Year’s Day, when everything seemed to change. Of course she was pretending. Of course she knew. She kept her at an arm’s length for a reason. She would not make the same mistake twice, like she did with Martha. All she had needed was to wait for the right time and then she’d let her down gently. They’d move past it and be time traveling best friends like she wanted. Like what she felt she needed. But… she ended up on her own with her. 

______________________________________________________________

She’d been so… broken once she returned from jail. She’d hardly even had a spare second to even ponder about the bombshell that changed who she thought she was when she was thrown into prison for decades. She wanted to think about what the Master told her, but she spent nearly every waking minute worried for her friends, not knowing what became of them. Once she came back to them, she thought she could just get back what they once had, but the universe didn’t give her a win, not this time. 

Yaz’s shove only further showed her how much had changed… how much she had changed. She immediately found out what Yaz was doing in the spare Tardis once she got there, and for one of the few times in those few days, she smiled internally. It felt nice to know that at least someone missed her as much as she missed them.

But it was only a temporary joy. She still had to deal with the fact that she’d no idea who she was anymore. She thought stopping the Daleks would be the key to unlocking it, but it only made her feel worse. It just brought back painful memories of going too far before, being thankful this time she could bring herself back from the brink. She still mourned the loss of that Tardis, however. But the ever changing nature of her life didn’t stop there. 

She didn’t blame Ryan and Graham for leaving, as much as it hurt to see. She knew how many times she wished her friends had left earlier, in order to prevent a tragic end, and she was thankful she didn’t have to go through that with them. She was glad Yaz stayed, but she still knew of the impending talk she’d need to have with her. It all seemed like it was working out the best it could be based on the cards dealt, but she didn’t want that.

She wanted the original days she had with them. Where the worst thing they encountered was Tzim-Sha, where she knew exactly who she was and she had plans of taking Yaz under her wing like Ace. So yeah, why wouldn’t she want to go back in the Tardis and change it back to how it was before? Start over. It would have been so simple to do it. But then she felt the hand on her back. ______________________________________________________________

Calming, pleasant and soft. Like a reassurance that she didn’t know she needed. It felt like at least some weight was being lifted off her shoulders for once. She’d been holding in so much and trying to act like everything was fine, like it would just be normal again, that when she heard those five words, she nearly didn’t know how to react.

It’s okay to be sad. 

She took half a second to really register what was said, and who it was said by, but… it did what she wanted. For the first time in those few days, she simply let herself breathe, relax and for once, just accept that everything wasn’t ok. She’d left Yaz standing there not long after and had (admittedly) a big cry in her bedroom, only stopping once she heard her outside the door, worried. Of course, she put on a brave face, wiped away her tears and assured her she was ok when she clearly wasn’t. Yaz didn’t need to know all the reasons she was like this, but she assumed she at least knew one of them. The Doctor thought that was it and that she’d be left alone, but Yaz’s foot stopped the door. She stepped into the Doctor’s room and simply looked at her, with an expression the Doctor couldn’t register, before crossing the space between them and hugging her. There were no words shared between them outside of one muffled “Thanks” and “No problem” each as they held onto each other. The Doctor silently thankful Yaz did what she did. But it did not stop there. 

There was a tiny moment where they locked eyes as Yaz was leaving the room, so quick that you’d not know it happened as a casual observer. But as soon as the Doctor’s greens made contact with Yaz’s hazels, she could feel this rampant surge of energy inside of her. Building quickly up from her stomach to her face and out came… a blush. She nearly gasped at the feeling, unexpected as it was, looking away immediately. But the noise she made got Yaz’s attention, which allowed the Doctor to see the same blush on her cheeks as well. Eyes locked onto each other again. This time, time seemed to stop. 

There was a nervous smile between them as Yaz quickly darted out of the room. The Doctor chuckled to herself at how cute it was, before the realization hit her. That feeling in the pit of her stomach did not go away.. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Doctor!” Yaz shouted, breaking the Doctor’s thoughts.

“What? Oh, right!” 

She rushed back into the thick of it, quickly remembering what she was doing. She fiddled and twisted different switches and buttons, all in the name of getting the Tardis exactly where she needed it to be. She looked at the ship on the scanner, the distance between itself and the Tardis not being that much, smiling to herself. She didn’t have to look far to know why they were in such a good position, happy her lessons were proving to be valuable. 

“Keep holding it down! It’s giving us the right amount of speed. I’m going to see if I can boost it!” The Doctor said, determined, hitting a part of the console with a hammer. 

Yaz looked over, watching her work as the ship jerked forward, getting closer to its target. Yaz inched over as she looked to continue their increase in speed, reaching over to flick a switch. But the Doctor had the same idea, as their hands brushed against each other.

“Sorry, I didn’t know you…” The Doctor stated, the apology flying out of her mouth.

But the accident didn’t phase Yaz, who simply grabbed onto the Doctor’s hand and squeezed it with a smile, serving as her apology acceptance. The Doctor smiled as well, once she felt it, as she quickly got back into position, tracking the stolen ship. 

If you’d told past Yaz that she and the Doctor would be at a point where something like that was possible, she’d anxiously wait for it to arrive, but it was here and very real. But it wasn’t always that way.  ______________________________________________________________

She’d had crushes before. Of course. It’s a standard human thing most of the time. But entering a world where she was becoming an adult, soon entering her 20s, she felt like she was.. past them. She had a job, a new life. She was moving on past childish things. She needed to get serious. At least, that’s what she’d tell herself most of the time, making up for the fact that she didn’t always enjoy her job. So imagine her shock and relief when she went to investigate a train with her old school friend, and saw…. her.

Mad, impossible, pretty as hell. She was instantly captivated by her, and any kind of idea that she was knowledgeable on her own merit melted away. She could tell that this woman knew so much and had been through so much and just wanted to learn as much as she could. And while being transported into space wasn’t the ideal way she wanted it, she still cherished the ability to continue being with the Doctor. Races around the universe, meeting Rosa Parks and dealing with mutated spiders. It would seem like the stuff of dreams or nightmares to any regular person, but to Yaz, it only solidified how she felt about her. She meant what she said. The Doctor was the best person she’d ever met, and she had no intention of letting her go. The next few months only proved her right for what she wanted. 

No one needed to check on her after what happened with her Nani and Prem, and frankly, she’d have been fine if she was left alone. But the Doctor still came up to her, assured her everything worked out ok and even offered to stay with her to talk. By the end of her first year on the Tardis, she’d call the Doctor her best friend. Every new adventure was a chance to enjoy herself with her, a chance to do something new, learn something new. If you’d asked her, she’d say she didn’t want to leave, but felt that she could leave anytime she wanted. But the situations changed.  ______________________________________________________________

She’d never call herself someone who was ever terrified. While not foolishly brave, she’d usually be the one walking into danger alongside the Doctor. But once she found herself in the alien place when those glowing figures took her, she’d never been so scared in all her life. She’d no idea if she’d even survive in that place, let alone see anyone she loved ever again. So once she saw that light coming towards her again, she assumed that this was it. That her time was up. So when she somehow found herself face to face with the Doctor in a box, she assumed it was some kind of last moment before her death. It took a bit of time, but she slowly realized she was still alive. 

It was the Doctor’s face and her words that finally calmed her down. She knew Graham was there, but every fiber in her being told her to focus on the Doctor. All she could remember from the rest of that night was wearing the Doctor’s coat as she kept from shaking, the Doctor’s eyes staring directly into hers as she made her feel safe and secure. 

From that moment on, she knew, she just knew. That she would never be parted from this woman if she had the choice. She’d never felt so safe around someone, felt like she needed someone so much. Felt like she wanted to be with someone so much… Back then, she thought it was just a strong, friendly bond, but eventually she realized it was something much more than that. That it was a feeling beyond just friendship… ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Yaz, we’re never gonna catch that Zygon if we don’t keep it in our view! It’s getting away.” 

Yaz shook her head of her thoughts, as she ran over to keep the pressure on the ship. 

“Sorry!” she said, in the Doctor’s direction, who nodded in acceptance. “Why are we going after the Zygon for, anyway? You never told me. You just said it was for Kate.”

“They’re an escaped prisoner from during the Zygon uprising. Flew the coop once Kate was gone and the Grand Serpent took control.”

“The Zygon what?” Yaz said, eyebrows raised.

“Zygon Uprising of November 2015? Do you not remember what was going on? The posts online?” 

Yaz simply shook her head. “I was getting ready for Christmas A Level exams.”

“Fair point.”

An explosion from outside then rocked the Tardis, nearly causing the duo to fall. 

“It would appear that they are now shooting at us!” Yaz said, holding onto a piece of the console.

“I noticed! Need to get out of the line of fire now!”

Another shake up but this time intentional, as the Doctor tried to keep pace while keeping out of range. It had been a long old while since she’d been so dogged in a chase like this. But secretly, it was more than a routine thing for her old job. 

Once she had been informed of the Grand Serpent’s role in the dismantling of what she knew as UNIT and Kate going dark soon after, she had felt terrible about it. She used to routinely check in on them, as she was unknowingly helped in her time after losing Clara and her memories. She owed them a lot for that, and it bothered her constantly that she wasn’t there for them in their time of need, especially Kate and Osgood. So, when Kate called to inform her about this Zygon, she immediately took the job. Although she could have more fun with it, if she was honest. 

“It’s heading towards Earth!” Yaz said, eyes wide, aware of the impending target. 

“What year?!” 

“Uhh..2022!”

“Oh good! Oh, we were just there! I hope Dan’s date night is going well.” The Doctor said, a cheeky grin on her face, which got Yaz to giggle as she recalled how they left him. 

Yaz had hardly had time to help straighten his bow tie when the Doctor dragged her back into the Tardis once she got a lock on the Zygon. Dan could only wave confusedly at a dematerialized ship as the duo got on the chase. 

Both ships sped into Earth’s atmosphere, with the Tardis keeping a safe distance from the weapon touting Zygon ship. Thankfully, they could keep it in sufficient view, not straying too far away from it.

“Where is it heading?!” the Doctor shouted, taking full control, leaving Yaz on scanner duty.

“Uh, Europe, I think!” she responded.

“England most likely. It’s always England!” The Doctor said, shaking her head. But Yaz surprised her this time. 

“No, it’s…. Monaco!”

“Monaco?!”

“That’s what the scanner is saying!”

It was definitely a departure from where she normally ends up, but she was very much ok with a difference in destination. Only problem was that the fugitive was speeding up, and with the Tardis already being mistaken for a UFO before, the Doctor didn’t want to risk getting shot down, so she had a different idea.

“Yaz, take us a bit closer! I need to do something!”

Yaz quickly headed over to the Doctor’s side and took control as the Timelord ran towards the doors. The Tardis gave her an air bubble to protect her from the rushing winds as she snapped the doors open, taking her sonic out. She steadied herself and pointed directly at the ship, which was just beginning to get closer and closer thanks to Yaz. 

“You’re not getting away that easily.”  

She pressed the button, and the sonic emitted a pulse which hit the back of the ship, unbeknownst to the Zygon, as she also got some vital information. She quickly shut the doors and headed back to the console. 

“Take us down.” She informed Yaz, who, while not hesitating to do so, was interested in why.

“How come?”

“I got its signal. Its battery was running low too. It’s gonna have to land to let it recharge. Turns out pushing your ship to its limit that you’ve not used in ages has its disadvantages.” 

Eventually, the Tardis descended into the area with a familiar thud. The pair quickly burst out of the Tardis, the Doctor in front, sonic in hand and pointing. They took a few paces forward before the sonic began beeping. The Doctor’s smile at the sound enchanting and confusing Yaz.

“What did you find?”

“It’s landed, not too far away from we are.”

“Which is?…” 

The Doctor looked around before finding a patch of grass, picking it up and naturally tasting it. Despite spending the last few years with her and feeling how she did about her, even Yaz still couldn’t excuse the plant tasting method of place discovery. Nevertheless, the Doctor did pop back up, chewing it and attempting to figure out their position. 

“It’s definitely a Thursday night. I’d say about late June. Though I’m not so certain about the place.”

“Monte Carlo.” 

“Ah! That’s it! Just got it! How’d you guess?” the Doctor asked, intrigued. 

Yaz pointed up to the sign that clearly demarcated that that’s where they were. “Just looked up at the sign.” 

“Oh.” The Doctor said, disappointed. “Good work.”

“You’re mad you didn’t check there sooner, aren’t you?” Yaz said, smirking.

“A bit, yeah.” The Doctor responded, relenting with a smile, “Can you give me your phone? I’ll let Kate know where we are.”

“Sure.”

She then stepped away from the blonde, allowing her some space to radio in. There were certainly worse places to be chasing an alien. She could suggest a few from their travels together. She’d seen Monte Carlo in films and books before, but had never been, so it could definitely be considered a perk here. Traveling to alien planets was always fun, but it could never beat good old Earth. Especially a place that was known for inspiring such beauty, such riches, such…

She turned towards the now laughing Doctor, as her smile seemed to light up the place more than the street lights itself, as her heart fluttered. 

Such romance….

[musicfeedsmysoul12]

Plague Rat Chapter 2

REMINDER- If People WANT to be tagged they need to MESSAGE me. I have a hard time going through notes to find people. 

@kibastray, @virgil-is-a-cutie @anastasian-dreamer  @thesunanditsangel, @magicalfirebird @thefoxandthewofs, @storyecho

Hospitals were sadly a breeding ground for Akuma. People angry at their diagnostics, people angry about waiting so long, doctors furious hat people were being idiots. 

Often Ladybug and Chat would let some Akumas rampage a bit if they felt it was needed. One memorable one was a woman who’d lost her baby and who had needed to rip into the river who had hit their car while on the phone. She had forced everyone to see what had happened to her and her baby when they were hit.

 Car accidents had dropped quickly after that. 

 Due to that often the news would stake out hospitals, and they had custom alarms to alert them to the fact there was trouble. The hospital would send a photo to the news quickly to warn the public.

 So no one was to shocked to see a new Akuma, even if she was a bit odd-looking.

  Adrien knew it was Marinette as soon as he saw it. Hawkmoth had seen her as Multimouse it seemed and was happily using it to taunt them. He felt a spark of guilt in his stomach at seeing her. Everyone knew what had happened- that Alya had exposed her to her sick sisters because of Lila. The entire class was eyeing Lila now, even as she claimed new things, that she hadn’t meant for this to happen.

 Adrien felt a little sick.

 He did believe in the high road, but he had tried to make sure Marinette was okay. He fought for her, told Lila off and managed to prove to Nino and a few of the others that Lila was lying about Marinette. 

 But it was never enough. And it wasn’t like Lila really meant harm right? She wasn’t that far gone. Maybe she had simply thought Marinette was exaggerating the issues she had with her immune system. Maybe…

 Adrien didn’t want to think he could have messed up so badly- that Lila wasn’t a good person or that he was wrong and some people were just bad. He wanted to believe in the good in everyone and maybe that was naive but he did. 

 Still, maybe you know… taking the long route to go save Lila might be a good idea. You know to see if any civilians were hit.

 Not to let Marinette’s get a few hits in of course not!

-0-

 Alya had been the first hit. Plague Rat had used her IV stand like a weapon and had shot her with a dark energy that swarmed her.  She had started coughing, black marks covering her arms. The akuma… Marinette had told her if she told the truth it would be her cure before she’d left, mentioning she wasn’t her target.

 Alya had hesitated before confessing but the coughing was slowly getting worse and so she just started talking. Confessing she had dumped the twins on Marinette and never paid. Confessed she had been sneaking out at night. Confessed she had been jealous of Marinette. Confessed she felt like a bad friend to Marinette and she had been desperate for her to be lying so she could prove to herself she wasn’t. 

 She had even confessed she had been lying to herself and that she had always known that Lila’s stories were far fetched but at the time they made sense until she really started to look and then she started lying to herself because she was scared. Scared about what it meant about her that she went for them, treated her friend badly. What it meant for her blog.

 When she was done her cough and black marks were gone and she felt better. Her parents looked stunned while Marinette’s had left when she started talking. Didn’t want to hear it.

 She didn’t blame them.

-0-

 Tikki flew around the hospital, looking for someone to help. She needed to find someone who would give the earrings back, who would be willing to fight.

 She found her answer in a nurse.

 “Ack!” the nurse jerked back, eyes wide upon seeing her. “What… wait, you’re a Kwami!”

 “... Were you there when Queen Bee revealed herself?” asked Tikki.

 “Yeah, I was… shit, was Ladybug hit? Is she… no.” the nurse shook her head. “I don’t need to know.”

 “Thank you. I need your help, please! We need a ladybug!” Tikki begged. The nurse blinked, before she opened the door she was near to show a doctor standing there, eyes wide. 

 “Uhhh, Dr. Sole-”

 “Go.” the doctor said. The nurse nodded.

 “I’m Amy by the way,” she told Tikki, taking the earrings and removing her studs to put the earrings in.

 “Tikki. Now, normally an adult can use the Miraculous multiple times before needing to untransform, but the Ladybug is different in it uses a lot more magical energy and you need to be in tune with it. You’re a healer, you’re in tun enough you can use me for about six minutes after using Lucky Charm.”

 “...How young are the current Ladybug and Chat?” asked Amy and Tikki had to answer, wincing.

 “Ladybug is fourteen. She has great magical potential and resonates incredibly strongly with me. In the future…”

 “I get it.” Amy sighed. “Long term gains. Still- I’ll give you my address later. They can swing by if needed to chat or for first aid.” She nodded and asked for the transformation phrase. Tikki grinned.

 She liked this girl. Maybe she would work with a Miraculous herself.

-0-

 Plague Rat, most of Paris decided, was more of an annoyance then a threat. She didn’t have destructive powers, she just made you sick until you confessed your lies. Which some of the police were finding helpful as criminals were being forced to confess things and did cause a few people to get slapped when they confessed they were cheating on their partners. 

 Someone for fun began live streaming and following the Akuma. No one thought it was that bad, and a new station quickly managed to pay to have the stream be put on their show.

 No one thought it was bad.

 Until the Mayor got hit and he collapsed, covered in dark spots and vomiting blood.

 “Confess or die.” Plague Rat told him. “Your lies are numerous and you will die if you do not confess.” The mayor screamed she couldn’t do this to him but as his breath became shakier and his body, in front of everyone, began breaking down, began to confess. Every bribe, lie and extortion he had done. Every single thing he had done to become mayor. The fact he had paid off the judge not to put Chloe in jail for her actions as Miracle Queen. The fact he took bribes from Hawkmoth not to have the police go after him. The fact he was cheating on his wife with a dozen women. 

 It kept going, and slowly the plague began slinking off him. Plague Rat simply watched as did everyone else. The Livestream kept going and all of Paris realized that while she wasn’t causing destruction, Plague Rat really was a dangerous Akuma.

 Every person like the mayor felt terrified. None more so than a teenage girl who had been cornered by the first victim of Plague Rat, and through her discovered that like a true plague, the Akuma’s disease was contagious even after being cured.

 Lila vomited blood in front of her mother, who had been with her, in front of her classmates who had also come to confront her, in front of Alya’s camera.

 “So you are nothing more than a fucking liar,” Alya said, voice shaky as she stood there. She had begged her parents to let her confront Lila, begged them to let her Livestream this. She had just wanted the girl to be exposed. She didn’t want this. “Tell the truth, Lila, tell it!”

 “I’m not-” Lila coughed and more blood came out.

 “We all saw it on TV Lila, you keep lying and don’t confess…” Alya closed her eyes and then opened them. “I wouldn’t have come if I knew I would infect you. But I doubt that Marinette wouldn’t have come herself.”

 “You’re right.” a voice said, and the Akuma was behind them. “I would have.” They all turned to stare at her but the Akuma was looking at Lila. “Confess or die.”

 “You wouldn’t kill me,” Lila said, but she screamed as she collapsed and one of her legs looked like it was rotted away. 

 “Why?” The Akuma tilted her head and waited. Lila looked so lost and scared as she lay there. “You’re nothing but a liar. What power do you have over me?”

 “I worked with Hawkmoth!” Lila snapped, and a tiny amount of black marks vanished from her. “He wouldn’t-”

 “You’re nothing to him. You have no protection from him. You’re nothing.” Plague Rat told her and Lila looked so lost while everyone else was in shock. “Confess.”

 Lila didn’t but she ended up vomiting again, this time teeth coming with it. It was enough.

 “I lied about knowing Ladybug, Jagged Stone, Clara Nightingale. I lied to my mother about school being closed and told everyone I was in Achu. I don’t know Prince Ali.” Lila began and it kept going. She talked and talked, telling every truth she’d lied about. About getting Marinette expelled, about lying about Marinette bullying her. She told how she had lied to Gabriel Agreste about the class and how she had been manipulating Adrien to try and force him to date her. Including her attempt to claim he had slept with her but refused to date her. Gabriel hadn’t believed it and it had caused issues with her business partnership she was trying to correct. 

 “... you know I never thought lies hurt people.” Remarked a voice and they looked to see Chat Noir standing there. “Her lies were so stupid I thought they weren’t worth exposing. But…” 

 No one knew he was kicking himself, thinking of the fact it took him hearing he was her next target to make him realize she was dangerous.

 “I can’t…” Mrs. Rossi looked ill while Lila scowled at them all, almost fully cured.

 “I want to know- did you know I could die when you told Alya I had to be lying? Did you purposely try to kill me?” Lila looked at the Akuma, her face screwed up. A long moment passed.

 “I don’t give a single damn if you live or die. I wanted you in the hospital. If you died… I would have been happy.” Lila spat out and Alya dropped her phone, while everyone stepped away from Lila in horror.

 Plague Rat nodded.

 “That’s all I wanted to know.” She turned and looked as an adult in red and black landed. The woman looked like she had black armour on, with the red dots on her chest forming a red cross. “Who are you?”

 “Ladybug was one of your first victims at the hospital. She couldn’t confess as her lies were about being Ladybug, so her kwami looked for someone to help. I’m a nurse there. Call me… Nurse Bug.”

 “...Ok.\, that’s bad.” Chat said. “Healer Bug!”

 “That’s bad too.” Nurse Bug told him while Plague Rat tilted her head and a butterfly appeared around her face. She was silent for a second before she began speaking, but this voice was different.

 “I did not know the extent of Miss Rossi’s actions. I would never condone them.” Hawkmoth’s voice came from Plague Rat. “However, I still demand your Miraculous!” Nurse Bug and Chat Noir got ready to fight. 

 “Any combat training?” Chat asked quietly.

 “Some judo training.” Nurse Bug said before they launched themselves at Plague Rat who used her IV stand to bat them away. Nurse But however dodged under it and grabbed it from her, twisting around and bringing it down to smash on the ground, releasing a butterfly she quickly used the yoyo to grab.

 “...What the fuck?” Chat asked.

 “Do you know how many patients try to hit us with that. That’s normal.” Nurse Bug said, purifying the Akuma. 

 The people watching though were more focused on Lila who still wasn’t fully cured of the plague caused by the Akuma. Meaning she had many, many more lies to say.

When Marinette stood there, shaking in her flimsy robe, Alya said in a very dark voice to Lila.

 “I will gladly give this video to the police. Mrs. Rossi, are you willing to let Lila be charged?” Lila opened her mouth but her mother beat her to it.

 “Yes.”

 Lila’s face went pale.

[pinaasang-umasa]

tagged by: @mamamoshrek and @louisgaslitt

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AJ’s Questions

1. Do you believe in the presence of a Parallel Universe?

actually, mas naintindihan ko lang yung idea ng Parallel Universe dahil kay Clara Benin, but wala talaga akong idea ron before. then here comes her song, and maybe there is talaga. hoping na sa kabilang universe we’re far way happier and better than what we are now.

2. If you could go back in time, would there be anything that you would want to change?

maybe i would change my mindset. i’ve been used to be so competitive sa lahat ng bagay and i always make it to the point na i’m dealing with others standards. siguro kung umpisa palang eh lowkey na ako, hindi siguro ako aabot sa ganitong thinking about life and acads and everything.

3. If you were given the chance to wield Thor’s Hammer, who would you smash first with it?

DDS MAMI AND U-KNOW-WHO!!! char not char hahahaha pero kasi nakagagalit lang talaga and wala akong ibang maisip na may deserve ng pefect smash aside sa kanila.

4. Would you change your name if you’d have the chance? if yes, what would it be?

no, kasi satisfied naman na ako sa tracey kasi medyo hindi common (madalas nga lang mali sa spelling but izzokay naman)

5. What is/are your comfort food?

red velvet and matcha!!!!!!!

6. What would you do if you were given invisibility powers?

siguro magtra-travel ako around the world kasi syempre libre yown. tapos magpapaka-fangirl ako sa mga concerts, pupunta ako sa backstage or sa mga bahay nila HAHAHHAHAH ang creepy pero kasi naman chance ko na yown tapos wala pang gastos.

7. If you were given the chance to learn a new language, what would it be?

korean para kapag nag-sokor ako (using my invisibility powers stated above) hindi ko na kailangan ng subtitle para maintindihan sila HAHAHHAHAHA zzz

8. If you were to be reborn to another nationality, what would you choose? (could be mixed e.g., half german, half shepherd)

wait, bwesit napaisip ako kung aso ba ako o tao. HAHAHAHHAHA half-korean siguro para naman ma-fulfill ko dreams ko kahit sa ganitong tanungan lang HAHAHAHAH

9. Describe your ideal date.

my ideal date could be sa concert grounds siguro or sa isang mellow-gig sa jess & pat’s or kahit saan basta may gig ng indie bands, tapos chill lang kayo, jamming with all those beautiful love songs. hindi ko na kasi masabing ideal date yung sa concert ng LANY kasi i already experienced it tapos hindi naman kami nung kasama ko pero soon jks HAHAHA

10. Is there someone you look up to? If you were given a chance to ask them any question provided that they answer you with all honesty, what would it be?

there’s no specific person na gusto kong matanong, but i really look up to those registered Civil Engineers and ask them how they made it kahit na ang hirap hirap. don’t wanna sound dramatic pero grabe, idol ko silang lahat lalo na pag laude or topnotchers. gusto kong magpatapak!!!

11. If you were given $1,000,000,000,000,000,000 now, what would you pay for first? (e.g., PH debt 2020)

andami masyado, sige pambayad nalang ng utang ng pinas. kapag may sumobra at hindi nakurakot, tsaka ko na babayaran utang namin HAHAHAHA jks

Kamil’s Questions:

1. Is there an icon you aspire to be like?

albert einstein tayo!! ano pa bang mahihiling mo sa sobrang talino niya tapos lahat prinoblema niya na hanggang ngayon prblema ko parin yung iba. ARGGHH!!!

2. What is the cheesiest/most romantic stunt you’ve ever pulled up on someone?

hinayaan kong matulog sa tabi ko yung crush ko kahit hindi ko alam kung crush din ba niya ako? HAHAHAHHAAH omg. tsaka natry ko rin gumawa ng box na puro letters tapos iniwan ko sa bag ng crush ko. (wala akong naging jowa sakanila AASHGSYG)

3. Which house do you belong to in Hogwarts?

GRYFFINDOR!!!!!!!!

4. If you end up in jail, what would be your crime?

pagbatikos siguro sa gobyerno lalo na sa sitwasyon natin ngayown huhu

5. If you had to name yourself now, what would it be?

still tracey siguro kahit hindi ko alam kung paano ko maiisip yon, pero stick tayo sa tracey hahaha

6. What tv show or book do you want to be in?

if a tv show, i would like to be a part of ELITE or any kdrama hehe. if a book, i want to be in a hundred and one reasons!!!

7. Who would play you in a movie about your life?

i want Ester Exposito!!!!!

8. What would you like to be known for?

that i’m a Registered Civil Engineer!!! ARGHHHH

9. What is the first thing people notice about you?

my speaking voice and how i interact with other people. they find me friendly and makapal yung mukha kasi talaga HAHAHAHHA

10. What’s the quickest way to your heart?

just make me laugh, madali akong ma-fall mami.. ZZZ

11. Do you collect anything?

any keroppi or cartoonish-frog!!! i have almost 100+ na gamit na frog yung design AHEHEEHZ

My questions:

1. When is the last time you experienced nostalgia?

2. What’s the scariest dream you’ve ever had?

3. What’s the weirdest thought you’ve ever had?

4. What animal would you want to be reincarnated as?

5. If you could visit one planet, which would it be?

6. What super power do you wish you had?

7. What’s your very first memory?

8. What did say as a kid when asked: What do you want to be when you grow up?

9. What country do you most want to travel to?

10. Which foreign language would you like to learn?

11. What’s the most ticklish spot on your body?

Tagging: @alwaysthesleepy @solaceinbetween @jillaxkalangg @thewrittencupofsolana​ @klang-y​ @carminology​ @made-by-nonsensical-creature​ @jawanalife​ @celestialmoonbae​ @wholeheartedlycat​ @qtmiming​

[motleyfuckingcruee]

Patience (Nikki Sixx x reader)

Summary:

From the prompts list: "Wanna bet?" And "This is, without a doubt, the dumbest plan you've ever had. Of course I'm in."

Requested:

Anon

Warnings:

Mentions of drugs, language, fluff

SONG THE TITLE IS BASED OFF OF:

Patience

REQUESTS ARE OPEN!!!!

COMMENT IF YOU WANT TO BE ON A TAGLIST! OR GO TO MY BIO TO ADD YOURSELF TO ONE!

//

You knew that you would start to regret coming on tour with the guys. You usually opt out, deciding to stay at home to take care of things. You live with Nikki and he’s a messy bastard. You spend hours while he’s on tour trying to get the Heroin House clean. You hate that he’s so addicted to heroin, but what can you do? He won’t stop, no matter how much you beg and plead with him. He’s just too hard-headed. You stick by him, though. You always want to be there for him.

What made you regret your decision is Nikki’s supposed ‘brilliant’ idea. You and Tommy are waiting to hear his plan now. You already know that it will either kill you or get you arrested. “The most fun you can ever have.” According to Nikki.

“Okay, so I’ve been thinking,” Nikki starts, but you cut him off by sniffing the air.

“Huh,” You say, feigning confusion. “I would’ve thought by you ‘thinking’, there would be a fire somewhere.”

“Oh ha ha,” Nikki laughs dryly. “You’re so funny (Y/N). I mean really. You should be a comedian.”

“I already am. I gotta keep the humor fresh if I gotta deal with you assholes all the time,” You respond, crossing your arms.

A genuine laugh comes from Nikki and Tommy, causing a smile to spread on your lips. That’s something you love about being friends with the guys. They never take anything too seriously when it comes to you. Usually if you keep a straight face, no one would know you’re joking around. The guys, even Mick, know your joking when you say something mean. The only way they know you’re not joking is if you got angry at one of them, or all of them which has happened a few times before, and then said something mean while yelling at them. All your life you got into trouble for being a ‘smart ass’ as they put it. In reality, however, you just have a mean sense of humor.

When they finally quiet down, Tommy speaks up.

“So what’s the plan, dude?”

Nikki smirks at the two of you. “I’ve been thinking this through for a long time now.”

“So instead of writing new music or trying to get clean of heroin, you’ve been thinking through a stupid ass plan?” You say.

Nikki ignores you, continuing with his explanation. “I think with the three of us, we pull it off.”

“Tell us NIkki,” Tommy nearly begs, getting antsy.

You know that Tommy can barely sit still for five minutes, so standing in the hallway of the hotel while Nikki gives the back story to his plan for no reason is absolutely killing the poor guy.

“I was thinking we could steal the limo,” Nikki says.

You think that he realized that if he didn’t spit out the plan, Tom would think of his own and end up in jail. You and Nikki have mastered the ways of not getting thrown in jail. You guys have been doing it since you moved to Los Angeles when you were still teenagers. Although, all you had to do to stay out of jail back on the Strip, was flash the officer. They would let you and Nikki off the hook almost immediately.

“Nik, what’s the point of stealing the limo?” You ask, sounding completely unamused.

Nikki opens his mouth to respond, but is quickly cut off by an excited Tommy.

“This is, without a doubt, the dumbest plan you’ve ever had,” Tommy says. “Of course I’m in!”

You giggle at his enthusiasm. He really is just like a big puppy. You’ve always loved Tommy. I mean, who couldn’t? He’s so adorable and sweet!

“Oh T-Bone,” You say, wrapping your arm around his shoulders the best you can. He is 6’2 after all. “You are truly the purest person I know.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Tommy asks.

“It means, you’re absolutely adorable.”

Tommy pouts. “I don’t think that adorable is how people describe rockstars.”

You snort, shaking your head at Tommy. “I still see you as that kid that Nikki found to be in his band that he had such high hopes for.” You turn your head to smile at Nikki. “Turns out he was right about you guys.”

Nikki looks shocked at your compliment, which is understandable. You never say anything that nice. He quickly covers up the shock with a cocky smile. “I’m always right.”

You roll your eyes. “If anyone is ‘always right’ in this relationship, it’s me.” You walk over to him, putting your hand on his arm. “It’s not gonna kill you to say ‘thank you’, you know.”

Nikki shrugs your hand off. He looks mad, but you know that he’ll give in. Nikki has never been one to hold a grudge with you.

You don’t know this, but Nikki has been in love with you since you moved to LA. He’s seen you fall in and out of relationships over and over again. He was beyond jealous any time that Tommy or Vince would flirt with you. He was so angry one night when you went to a show and Guns N Roses was opening for them. Duff flirted with you relentlessly. You’ve always had a crush on the blonde haired bassist, so of course you flirted back. Nikki found you guys and went completely mental. He felt bad about it, but he couldn’t help it. He wanted you all to himself. And still does.

“Thank you,” Nikki says under his breath.

“You’re welcome!” You say in an overly happy voice.

“Let’s go guys!” Tommy says, jumping.

You start to walk towards the elevator when Nikki grabs your wrist. You look back at him, confused. He was so excited about his plan, now he’s, what seems to be, hesitating?

“Meet us in the lobby, Tom,” Nikki says, not breaking eye contact with you. “I need to talk to (Y/N). Get us some Jack while you’re down there.”

Tommy grins at the two of you, knowing what Nikki’s going to do. He’s been rooting for you guys to get together since the day he met you. He could tell how much Nikki liked you just from the loving looks he would give you. Nikki still gives you those loving looks.

“Okay!” Tommy says, going towards the elevator. “I’ll see you two love birds downstairs with some liquid courage.”

You blush at the name he often called you and Nikki. You’ve liked Nikki for so long now, and Tommy knows that. You hate that he’ll say things that might give away your crush for the black haired bassist.

“What’s up, Nik?” You ask. He looks extremely nervous.

“Well,” Nikki says looking up at the ceiling. “I, uh. . .” He looks back at you. Your (E/C) eyes stare back intensely at him, almost causing him to back out. “I want to make a bet with you?” He says it almost like a question, confusing.

“Wanna bet?” You ask, accidentally leaving out the ‘you’ in your question. Good thing he knows what you’re talking about.

“Yes,” He says, trying to think through how to get this to work in his favor. He thinks of something. Instantly the trademark smirk comes back onto his face. “I bet that I can make you fall in love with me.”

Too late.

“Okay. So what are the stakes?” You ask. You already know you’re going to agree to this ridiculous bet.

“If I win, I get to take you out on a date and I’ll quit heroin,” He responds. “If you win, I’ll let you pick the next house we move to, and I’ll quit heroin.”

“So either way, you’ll quit heroin?” You ask, a hopeful tone in your voice.

Nikki smiles.”I’m just looking for something to motivate me to quit.”

“Fair enough,” You laugh. You hold out your hand. Nikki reaches out and shakes it. “Alright, rockstar. You’ve got yourself a deal.”

“Now that, that’s cleared up. Let’s get down to the lobby before Tommy burns down the hotel,” Nikki says, walking to the elevator. You follow him.

God, you’re gonna need a lot of patience for this.

Taglist:

All fics: @the--blackdahlia @sugar-content @sharon6713 @siliwanoel @charlyallise @lo-bells @lauravic @livingdeadharley @kawennote09 @ozzypawsbone-princeofbarkness @hllywdwhre

Nikki: @moon-beame @slutfor-sixx @2dead2function @horrorpxnk @timeisthewound @wft-clara @just-a-normal-fangirl18 @nikkifuckinnsixx @daisystuffsstuff @guns-n-fucking-roses

[bookwormscififan]

Absquatulate

Absquatulate: To leave without saying goodbye.

Agathokakological: Composed of both good and evill

Finally, Alto’s backstory! He’s very agathokakological.

This is an angst fic; read at your won risk (and maybe with tissues)

Word count: 1986

Look at my musical theatre knowledge! Also, this was supposed to be an Il Muto Phantom of the Opera thing, but turned out more sinister.

Oh dear, I think I put more Stories Untold vibes into it than I intended.

“Thank you, Mr Septicie. We will be in contact.” Alto smiled at the men in the seats, and left the stage.

Heading to the foyer, he looked around. A poster reading Hunchback of Notre Dame Musical Auditions Today was pasted to every available wall, people were sitting in costumes revising the audition pieces, and food was being passed around. Nobody looked at the poor people shuffling around with food.

He gulped back some water and looked at his watch. The people in seats had told him the final decisions would be announced at six, and it was currently four. He had two hours before coming back here to hear decisions, unless they called him earlier. Taking his phone out of his pocket, he made a quick call.

“Hey, honey. I just finished the audition and was wondering if I could meet you for some afternoon tea? Half an hour, the café down the street? See you there.” Hanging up, he adjusted his jacket, cracked his neck, and left the building.

Meeting his wife at the café, he ordered a chocolate cake and coffee, then told her about the audition.

“It was amazing, sweetheart. They were so engaged, asking me questions about my music background, my acting skills, my vocal range. They weren’t scared of the gravel. And when I started singing… you could have heard a pin drop. I think I’m going to get this gig.” He reached across the table and took her hand.

“As soon as I settle into this career, the kids will be happy again. And you’ll be happy, too.” She smiled at him, blonde hair covering an eye. Alto had met her on the set of the reboot movie Casablanca. She was playing Ilsa, and he was a background character. They had accidently knocked over a prop, and were trying to pick it up, when she met his eye.

They got married soon after the filming was finished. The film never saw the theatres, though. The studio with all the film had burned down two days after they went on honeymoon. Nobody could afford to film again.

“Alt, sweetie, nobody blames you for the fall of our home. If anyone’s to blame, it’s me. I was supposed to pay the bills. We’re all just happy you found this opportunity.” She smiled as he scratched his head. Opening is mouth, Alto was interrupted by his phone. He held a finger up to hold the thought, and picked up his phone.

“Yes? What? Really? Thank you so much! Yes, I’ll be right there!” Putting the phone down, Alto stood up, kissed his wife, and left the café, calling behind him that he had gotten the part.

“Alto Septicie as Quasimodo. Why does that actually fit so perfectly?” alto could hardly contain his excitement, recreating the choreography from Singing in the Rain, only without rain, or actually singing.

He dashed up the stairs to the theatre and ran to the auditorium to join the rest of the cast. It was a good selection, people from all races and musical backgrounds. Alto had auditioned just after the woman who was playing Esmeralda, and he remembered her saying she had never done musical theatre before.

He politely smiled at her when she turned to look at him, and she smiled back, confusion filling her features as she realised he was going to play Quasimodo. Alto looked at his shoes, face flushing.

“Sorry, sir. How does Mr Septicie look like Quasimodo? He doesn’t have a hunchback or any deformities. Wouldn’t you have cast someone who at least looked like the character?” Alto suppressed a chuckle. Wait till she hears my voice. The director smiled politely at her, and cleared his throat.

“Sometimes, Miss Crimson, appearance doesn’t give people roles. Mr Septicie, if you don’t mind, could you please sing a few bars for me?” Alto, smiling, nodded.

“With pleasure.” He sipped a bit of water, then cleared his throat.

“Bu̧t ͏s͞ud͟d̷e̛n̡ly ͘an a̷n̴g͟e͢l͡ h̴a̛s ͞s̛m̷íl͝ed at ̢m̡e͞/And ͝k͢is̴sèd m͢y̨ c̀h͢e̴ek̢ ẁith͡ou͜t ̷a̷ t͢r̛a͟cè ҉o̧f҉ ̀f͜r̀i̸gh̛t.” He paused, and looked at the director.

“Thank you, sir. See now, Miss Crimson? The voice holds the character. Now, do we have any more questions about your cast mates?” Everybody murmured slightly, still reeling from Alto’s singing, but nobody asked anything else.

“Hey! Alto, right? Alto, wait up!” Alto stopped in his walk down the steps as Miss Crimson called after him. Turning, he saw her running after him, dark hair escaping its confines, boots crunching in the snow.

“Geez, you’re a fast walker. I wanted to have a little talk with you. I’m Clara.” She held her gloved hand out to him, and he took it. He motioned for her to walk with him, and, smiling, she matched his pace.

“How did your voice get like that? You look like someone who would have a perfect voice. Like an…” She drifted off, giggling at her train of thought.

“Alto? Yeah, lots of people have said that.” He laughed as she blushed.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t judge. I was in the wings after I finished, and I heard you’ve had a bit of experience with musical theatre. If you don’t mind, I’d really like to learn from you.” Alto smiled, and agreed.

It was opening night, three months after the cast had been chosen. Alto was prepping his costume, making final adjustments as he heard the din outside.

“Honey, you look wonderful.” He turned and smiled as his wife peered through the dressing room door.

“You’re going to do a great job. Break a leg, I’ll be watching from the wings.” She left quietly. Alto finished dressing, then headed to the stage so he could wait in the wings for his cues. He passed Clara, who seemed a little distressed.

“Clara? Are you alright?” She turned around, face pale, and took hold of his arm. Her hair was neatly held back, and her red dress almost seemed to glow in the backstage lights.

“Oh, Alto, I’m so nervous. I’ve never done this before. I know the rehearsals went alright, but I’m so afraid something will go wrong.” Alto patted her back and smiled.

“You are going to do fine. Trust me.” She smiled, then let him go and headed to her post. Alto looked around at all the props, looking up at the sandbags hanging from the ceiling. It’s good to be back here.

“Alto! Quickly, it’s your wife!” He turned from his post to see that a crowd had gathered in the same place he was standing not ten minutes ago. Looking up, he realised a sandbag had fallen. Running through the crowd, he saw his wife on the ground, a large crater in her head, and a sandbag by her side.

“What happened?” He looked from person to person, begging for an answer. The lights flickered, turning off, then back on. Alto was alone with his wife backstage, all the people gathered had disappeared.

“Alt…” His wife reached out weakly for his hand. Taking it, he looked at her broken face.

“Remember… I love you…” Her hand went limp, and her eyes closed. Alt tried to rouse her, but each movement emitted more damage to her head. He held her close as tears streaked through his makeup.

“Oh, this is bad. You weren’t supposed to be here as she breathed her last.” Alto opened his eyes to see the glowing red fabric of Clara’s costume. As he looked up, the dress dissolved into a black garment, covering her head to toe in darkness. Death.

“What did you do?” She smiled sweetly at him, leaning down to take his wife from his hands.

“You needed a push in the right direction. Don’t worry, I got rid of the children.” Alto stood up, hands shaking and red with blood. He glared at her, cold in the pit of his stomach.

“Why…?” She smiled.

“Because sometimes things aren’t what you believe they are. People, cast members, even this performance. They aren’t what you think. Look around.” As Alto turned, he saw the backstage area was covered in cobwebs, wooden planks falling around him. There was no din outside. Stale air filled his lungs, and the stench of blood stung his nose.

Everything resurfaced as soon as Death picked up his wife. He had done this. His wife wanted to leave him, and take the children. He drove her to the abandoned theatre, the place where he first performed, trying to show her how far he had come since he met her. She was trying to change the subject.

A loose rope, a plank of wood. Alto looked down as he registered the blood on his hands, and the plank of wood beside his feet. He had pushed her under the sandbag and broken her legs with the plank. Each swing brought forth a line of anger. There was no production.

He fell to his knees as the realisation sank in.

“I… killed… her. She’s dead because of me…” He looked up at Death.

“You reversed time to make me forget. But it kept repeating. Each time, I’d beg you to bring me back, so I could change it. But it never worked.” Tears sprang to his eyes as he remembered the twenty do-overs she had given him.

“Twenty is my limit, Mr Septicie. I can’t give you anymore reruns. This is the end. What do you want to do?” Alto looked at Death, fear in his eyes.

“Take her away. Don’t let them see. I can’t go to jail. I’ll leave the country.” Death nodded.

“Go to England. Your cousins will be happy to see you again. Say hello to Juxta Position for me.” With that, she disappeared.

Alto left for England the following week. All his clothes and valuables had been shipped the day before, and he had called ahead to let his cousins know what was going on. Malvern had seemed happy to hear from him, so he had a feeling he was welcome.

As he closed the door to his apartment, he looked back on his past, and held back tears as he remembered his family. He hadn’t given any context as to why he was going back to England. Nobody needed to know what he’d done.

He shuffled down the stairs, dragging his feet and looking at the ground. Quietly he opened the door of the cab and climbed in. He barely spoke to the driver, looking out the window. The It Must Have Been Love scene from Pretty Woman played in his head as he looked out and wished it would rain.

He walked slowly onto the plane, and sat with his head in the screenplay of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. It was his wife’s favourite film. 

Climbing the stairs to the house, Malvern raced outside and took his bags from him. He chatted with the actor the whole way to the room, and even offered to help him unpack. Alto politely declined.

Pulling a photo from his bag, he placed it on his nightstand and looked at it with tired eyes. I’m so, so sorry.

“Well, look who followed my statement.” Death sat on his bed smiling at him. He glared at her and began to put up his movie posters.

“Aw, come on, Alt. Aren’t you even going to say hi?” Alto just waved.

“Well, at least you have a sense of humour. Hey, tell you what. I’m gonna go chat with Juxta, then I’ll play a game with you two. How does that sound?” Alto looked at her, eyes wide.

“Hey, look! A reaction. Ok, I’m off to chat with my mute friend. As soon as the rest of your cousins move back in, the game will start. Bye!” And she disappeared. Alto shook his head, and finished with his posters. Without taking his clothes off, he lay on the bed and fell asleep.

[hellogoodbye741]

Genderbent!Clint just recruited to S.H.I.E.L.D and/or the Avengers is Fury's sub. Due to having not the best life, Clint thinks being a sub is equal to slavery/forced prostitution. Fury eventually finding out about Clint's viewpoint and proving her wrong. Please include (if you choose to do this) light angst, some whump, and a lot of comfort. Please exclude sex, and smut. Thank you in advance if you choose to write based of this prompt/request

Sorry for taking so long anon!!

Hope this is what you were looking for : )

Read it here at: First Mate Barton or under the link

Clara Barton was firmly not shaking in her size 6 boots. She wasn't. That would prove to them that she was scared. 

Clara was never scared. 

She could, however, admit to some reservations about the latest venture that had been thrust upon her. 

She stared up at the big, nondescript building. If anyone were to look at it, they would automatically assume it was some sort of office building. But it wasn't...

Oh no, this was the headquarters to Clara's newest masters. 

S.H.I.E.L.D.

They had captured her two weeks ago in Kazakhstan, offered her a deal. Work for them, or go to jail. She had chosen the lesser of two evils. She knew who she was, what she had done in life... Jail would, not be pretty. 

At least here she might have a chance. Maybe they would pair her with someone nicer, who wouldn't beat her all the time. That would be nice. Though she may have to prove herself first before she was paired with someone nice. 

It wouldn't be the first time she would have to prove herself. 

"Well, it's now or never" She murmured to herself, squaring back her shoulders. 

She strode into the building, and never looked back. 

  *******

"You wanted to see me?"

Fury grunted, waving Phil Coulson (his right hand man) into his office. "Pop a squat"

Phil sighed and settled into the seat, "What's up?"

Fury pursed his lips, leaning back in his chair. "You know our new recruit?"

"Barton? Yeah, I've done a few missions with her..." Phil Coulson said slowly. "...Why?"

"Tell me about her"

Coulson took a moment, tapping his fingers against his thigh. 

Fury knew that wasn't a good sign. 

Coulson was a master poker player, and has given a smirk while being on his fifth hour of torture. If he was tapping his fingers? That was a bad sign. 

"Cheese?" Fury prompted again. 

Coulson sighed, "She's... different"

Fury's eyebrow raised, "Expound on that"

Coulson leaned forward, looking Fury in the eye. "Just between us?"

Fury grunted in agreement.

Coulson sighed again, rubbing at his forehead. "She's a sub, right?"

"That's what her file says"

"Did anyone ever explain to her the rules with subs?"

Fury sat forward quickly, "What does that mean?"

Coulson leaned forward as well, "She acts like... I don't... I don't know how to put it"

"Just spit it out Cheese"

Coulson grimaced, "I have nothing concrete right now, that's the problem. But I don't think anyone told her that being a sub here wasn't like being a sub in jail..."

Fury's eye narrowed, "You think she's using her body to get what she wants?"

Coulson quickly shook his head, "No. I think other Doms are using her to get what they want because she thinks that's how it works here."

Fury's lips tightened together as he leaned back in his chair, "That's a heavy accusation."

"I know. That's why I need to try and get some proof. If you make me her S.O., I'll have the authority to-"

"Consider it done." Fury reached over and slid a file towards Coulson, "I had an inkling something was going wrong. You get me the proof I need Coulson, and get it to me yesterday"

Coulson grabbed the folder, "Consider it done Marcus"

Fury nodded, tipping back in his chair as he looked up to the ceiling. If what Coulson had insinuated, and what Fury had feared was happening was true.... Shit, there was going to be hell to pay. 

S.H.I.E.L.D. was an alphabet agency, for sure, but they didn't play by the same rules as some of the shadier places. They may hire ex-cons or world's most wanted, but they didn't treat them like it. Specially any subs they hired. Subs were treated like everyone else in this damn place, and if you were caught breaking the rules, it was a big fucking deal. Fury hadn't thought he needed to explain it to Clara, that was his mistake. Poor thing probably thinks because this was her only option besides jail, her sub position practically made her a slave to the rest of the doms. Or worse... 

He would kill any Dom that abused that poor girl. That was a promise. 

 *******

Clara felt like she was being dragged to the principal's office. 

Not that she had gone to school enough to know what that feels like... But she's seen movies!!! She knows that this is usually what happens when you get dragged there. She wondered what she did wrong. Did they not like the way she was doing her job? Was she not satisfying the doms enough? Maybe this is a good thing, maybe they're giving her her own Dom!! She wasn't about to complain, but she was getting tired of how many Doms she has had to work with the past couple of months. Most of them weren't very nice to her... Not that she was complaining!

The only Dom who hadn't expected anything from her was the one currently dragging her to Fury's office. She wondered if he had already had a sub. Not that that stopped a lot of Doms, but he seemed like a one person kind of guy. She knew Coulson was a total badass, but he had kind eyes. He had recently been made her S.O., and Clara really really liked him. It wasn't a chore to do anything he asked. He treated her like an equal, which was unusual. He listened to her ideas, and he seemed to always have her back. 

It was nice...

"Stop dragging your feet, you're not in trouble" Coulson finally said after awhile. 

Clara looked up at him, "Then why am I being pulled to Fury's office?"

Coulson sighed, looking down at her. "We just want to talk to you... Okay? I promise it's not anything bad towards you."

Clara frowned, "Oh..."

"Oh indeed, come on. Fury doesn't like to be kept waiting, as much as you aren't in trouble"

"Yessir!"

She followed Coulson until they reached Fury's office, the door opening as soon as they came up on it. 

"Did he hear us coming?" She asked, mostly to herself in wonder. 

"I hear and see all," Fury said from the doorway with a smirk. 

She couldn't help but blush and tuck her head. She shouldn't have said anything, it wasn't her place to. 

Fury looked her over, "Look up" he said softly. 

Clara shot her head up immediately. Was she wrong in doing that too??

"You don't have to keep your eyes down, ever. I hired you for your spunk and tenacity, not your meekness"

Clara blushed again, she didn't really know what was going on. Was he praising her and scolding her? She truly didn't know. 

Fury stepped aside, "Both of you sit down"

"Come on Barton," Coulson said at her side, gently pushing her towards the chairs in front of Fury's large desk. 

She timidly sat down, trying her hardest not to let her knee bounce with anxiety. Coulson had said not to worry, but how could she not?? She was with her C.O. And the Director of SHIELD! Anyone would be nervous about that. 

Fury sat in his chair across from her, looking her over with his one eye. He had a stone cold poker face, one that was almost impossible to read. It made her nervous when she couldn't read someone's facial expressions, couldn't tell their intentions. She didn't mind if they were bad ones, as long as she could tell. Coulson had a poker face too, but never with her. She always say his kind eyes and his smile. She wondered why that was? Maybe they were making Coulson her new Dom. She wasn't attracted to him in that way, but it would be nice to have someone like him for a Dom. Specially after all the Doms she'd been with recently at S.H.I.E.L.D. Not that she was complaining.. She would never complain. Anything would be better than her alternative. 

"Tell me Barton-" Fury said slowly, cutting into her thoughts. She shot her gaze back over to him quickly, trying her hardest to pay attention and not turn her gaze away again. 

"Yessir?" She prompted quietly when he didn't finish his sentence. 

"Tell me what you think being a sub is like here." He finished, leaning back in his chair. 

She shifted her gaze over to Coulson, and then back to Fury. "I'm sorry sir, I don't understand"

"It's a simple question Barton," Fury advised. "I want to know what you think being a sub is supposed to be like here. I want to know what you think the rules are"

Clara gulped, looking over to Coulson. "Have I done something wrong?"

"You haven't Clara, just answer his question for us... Please"

Clara turned back to Fury uncertainly. He didn't look angry, but with that damn poker face, who was for sure? Did she not service enough Doms, was that it? Did she do something incorrectly? They say she's not in trouble, but this certainly seemed like a punishment. 

"Answer the question" Fury prompted again. 

Clara took a deep breath, "Well... Being a sub means I have to do what the Doms tell me to do." She spat out quickly, looking back down at her lap. 

"Expand, please"

Clara gripped at her pants in anxiety, was that not enough for him? "I don't know how else to expand... Sir"

"What have Doms asked you to do?" Coulson asked gently. 

"Lots of things... Sometimes I do reports, or get them food, or sometimes they need-" Clara cut herself off quickly. Other Doms didn't need to know about when she serviced a Dom. That was standard, they shouldn't care about that. 

"Sometimes they need?" Fury said stiffly, sitting forward in his seat. 

Clara could actually tell he was starting to get angry. She wasn't sure was more disconcerting; the emotion, or the lack of it. 

Clara took a deep breath, "Sometimes they need services that only subs can provide... Not that I'm complaining! I would service any Dom you provide me with if it means not having to go to jail. I don't mind doing the extra work, I promise! I-"

"Clara!" Coulson cut her off, setting a hand on her arm. "Take a couple of deep breaths. You're not in trouble. In fact, you're in the least amount of trouble you can be. It's everyone else that we have issues with"

Clara felt her head tilt, "Huh?"

Coulson looked over at Fury, who just sighed. "Coulson, take some notes before you leave. Clara I want names of every Dom here that has taken advantage of you, and what exactly they asked for"

"Taken... advantage?" Clara didn't understand what was going on. 

"We apologize that we never explained the rules to you, but S.H.I.E.L.D. has a very firm no tolerance policy." Coulson said as he pulled out a pad and pen. "Back to when Peggy Carter first started... Doms and Subs are to be treated equally, and any Dom caught trying to coerce or force a sub in any way is severely reprimanded"

Clara felt her face pale as she began to understand. "You mean... I didn't...."

"No, you didn't" Fury finished. "And that will be something I regret for the rest of my days. But don't worry, we're going to make things right"

Clara could feel herself start to tear up, but quickly shut it down. "I'm sorry... I had though that it would be like-"

"We know. And we're sorry we didn't realize until too late. But you will be recompensed for this Clara, and we will make sure it never happens to you or anyone else again" Coulson gave her a smile. 

"Correct. Now let's start from the beginning. Suspect's name, approximate date, the assignment and/or mission, and what happened. Please"

Clara looked at Fury for a moment, taking the man in. She hadn't seen it before but... He had kind eyes too. She nodded and turned to Coulson, "I'm ready"

 ~

Clara was exhausted by the end, but she could tell both Coulson and Fury were pleased with her. That small thing made her happy, despite the last several months that she was coming to terms with. She had been taken advantage of, and now they were letting her take control. It was a hefty feeling. 

Coulson left almost immediately after she had finished, already to start cracking some heads. Fury had requested she stay back, and though she longed to bolt, she stayed put in her chair. 

"Thank you for everything, I know it must pain you to talk about it" Fury said after a few moments of silence. 

Clara shrugged her shoulders, "I thought it was the norm... That's usually the norm..."

Fury grunted, "And that's something we'd like changed too. Your status as a sub or dom should have no bearing on who you are as a person, or how you can contribute to society. Do you think being a sub has made you any less strong? Any less of markswoman?"

Clara was quick to shake her head. Being a sub had nothing to do with that! It was everything else...

"Exactly." Fury leaned forward, "What do you want to get out of S.H.I.E.L.D. Ms. Barton?"

"I'm sorry?"

"What do you want to get out of S.H.I.E.L.D.? What are your goals? Aspirations?" Fury elaborated. "Besides not going to jail" He cut in the moment her mouth opened. 

She quickly shut it, thinking. What did she want out of S.H.I.E.L.D? Out of life?  Clara had never been asked that question before. 

"I want..." Clara huffed, rubbing at her arms. "I want to be happy" she finished, lamely.

Fury looked pensive for a moment, before leaning back in his chair. "I think I can arrange that"

Clara looked confused again, but Fury was quick to dismiss her from his office. 

As she walked back to her small boarding room, she made the assumption that this would be the last time she would ever talk to Director Fury directly. 

 *******

She couldn't have been more wrong. 

In the months following their conversation, Clara could barely walk around a corner without Fury coming up on her. 

It was a very confusing time for Clara. He never wanted to have a full conversation, never asked anything of her. He would just come up on her and place his hand on her back or shoulder, and would ask her how she was doing. Sometimes he would bring her a piece of fruit, or a muffin (her favorite). He watched her sometimes when she was practicing her archery, or when she was in training classes. 

It didn't make her nervous, shockingly. More.. confused? She didn't understand what was going on. She eventually came to the conclusion that he was just watching out for her to make sure no Doms were taking advantage. 

Not that they would ever dare to again. 

There were a couple still waiting to have some of their teeth replaced. 

It was kind of funny to watch them quickly scurry away from her when they passed in the halls. 

Served them right for their behavior!

She found it easier to find her place in S.H.I.E.L.D. without the constant worry of always making sure she was pleasing someone. Without the worry of being sent to jail. She found herself giving real smiles to people, and getting them returned in ten-fold. Coulson had starting joking with her when they passed by in the halls, or over their comms. Something he didn't do much with anyone besides Fury. 

It was... Nice. 

And yet... There was something missing. Some small piece of happiness that she was just aching for. Sometimes that would go away, like when she got to eat her muffins. But  lot of times it just sat like a heavy weight in her stomach. 

But anything was better than the alternative so... She just dealt with it. Dealt with the sinking feeling, dealt with the confusion from Fury, deal with everything. 

 ******

This lasted several months, with Clara being non the wiser of Fury's true intentions. It took taking in the Notorious Black Widow into S.H.I.E.L.D. (against orders, but that was another story), and having her say something before Clara got it. 

"Why does he follow you around like you are his mate or something?" Natasha asked Clara, sitting across from her at the mess hall. S.H.I.E.L.D. had put the other woman in quarantine for a few days, and she had been released early this morning. After doing some paperwork, she had immediately tracked down Clara and stuck by her side for the rest of the day. 

Clara looked confused for a moment, before turning around. "Oh you mean Fury? Yeah he's being doing that for awhile"

"He must care for you a great deal"

Clara shrugged her shoulders, "Nah. He's just making sure no other Doms take advantage of me. It was a big thing when I first started. He and Coulson made sure I knew that subs weren't treated like slaves here. They both felt guilty that it had happened so."

Natasha tilted her head, "And does Coulson follow you around all day too?"

Clara took a bite of her food, and frowned. "No. Why should he?"

"Well if they both feel guilt, why is only Fury following you around? And why for so long? He must surely know by now that nothing is going to happen... So why still do it?" Natasha pointed out, stealing a french fry from Clara's plate. 

Clara was too distracted to notice. She had just become very blatantly aware of something that had passed over her head several times.

 ~

Clara knocked on Fury's door later that night. She knew he was still in his office because he slept about as little as Coulson did. Which was about little to non at all. She didn't know how they did it, she needed at least 7 hours every night to function on non-mission days.

"Come in" Fury called out softly. 

Clara opened the door and shut it softly behind her.

"Clara? To what do I owe this pleasure?" Fury asked from his desk. 

Clara stepped forward until she was standing right in front of him, only his desk separating them. She hesitated, looking down at him from his seat. Even though she was the one above him, he still seemed to tower above her with his very presence. 

"Clara?" He prompted again. 

"Do you like me?" She blurted out. 

Fury blinked (winked? She wasn't sure what it counted as with only one eye), "Pardon?"

Clara flopped down in one of the seats, "Do you like me?" She reiterated. "Not as a person but as.. as... as... like a sub or a mate?" She stammered out quickly. 

Fury paused for a moment, leaning back in his seat. "What makes you think so?"

Clara felt her knee bounce up and down. "Well... I mean.. Everything! You bring me food or gifts, you touch me all the time, you ask me if I'm okay, you're constantly watching me as I train. Plus... Nat thinks you like me" She finished with a grimace.

The silence was deafening. She twitched in her seat for as long as she could, before jumping to her feet. "Okay, I think that was answer enough. Sorry, I just thought today when she told me-" she headed for his door, but was cut off by his hand on her wrist. 

"I do"

She jerked her head around, "Sorry?"

"I do care for you" He said again with a smile. "I have from the beginning. But I didn't want to push you after what happened, so I tried to be subtle... Coulson said I was being too subtle since you never seemed to notice"

Clara winced, "I mean I did notice. I just thought you were making sure Doms weren't taking advantage of me... Sorry, sometimes I don't see the nose in front of my face"

Fury chuckled, pulling her close until she was pressed against his chest. "Don't worry. I know you see better from a distance"

Clara felt herself melt into his chest for a brief moment, before pulling away. "So does that mean....?" she left the question open-ended. 

Fury nodded, "If you wish it.. I would be happy to make you my mate, Barton. My first and only sub"

Clara felt herself blush, wrapping her arms tight around his waist. "I would like that very much" she said against his chest. 

Fury heard her words though and tightened his own arms. "Thank god, I was about to lose my mind."

Clara didn't respond to that, just kept herself tight against him. 

 *******

Many many years later

"Stark why in the hell are you laughing?" Clara said from across the room.

"I just realized, if Fury is a pirate, that makes you his first mate!!"

Everyone else in the room groaned. 

 The End 

[sprnklersplashes]

Hullo, saw your views on Rose, and I do agree a lot. I was wondering what you thought of the other companions, like Martha, Donna, the Ponds, River, etc?

I am glad you liked my thoughts. I’m sorry for keeping you waiting, but this ask prompted, wait for it, 2.5 thousand words on my love and appreciation for each of these darlings, because I do love them all.

Under the cut we go!!!!

Martha- Martha Jones walked away from all of time and spacebecause she wouldn’t do it with someone who did not respect her (no offense to10 but she deserved better than you) and that ladies and gentlemen is thedefinition of a strong female character. Even from her first episode I lovedMartha balancing doctor training with her incredibly dysfunctional family andinstead of taking a moment to break down and scream (which is what many of uswould do) she just gets on with it, a little sarcasm and eye rolling sure but she doesn’t let it put her down and doesn’t get bogged down in her stressful life. There’s also how she is a badass withoutneeding to be physically violent or use weapons. In fact I don’t remember a lotof scenes where she does use weapons (thought it’s been a while). She walksacross the Earth using nothing but her bravery and wits, she finishedShakespeare’s spell to the witches on the spot even when the Doctor couldn’t doit (also, Expelliamus, you babe, Martha), ended Joan Redfern with her knowledgeof the bones of the hand (which is some pretty complex information she whippedout off the top of her pretty little head), and talked down to the Daleks(which yes used a weapon but it was a weapon given to her). Whether she wasbluffing or not in that instance, that took some serious guts and homegirl didnot break a sweat while doing it. A small but beautiful moment for her is inher first episode where she says “How many people want to go to the moon? Andhere we are!”. She knows how scary the whole thing is but at the same time shesees the absolute beauty and knows how unique an opportunity it is, and that’sa beautiful thing for her.

Donna- Oh Donna Donna Donna. If there was ever a characterwho was more fitting of the ‘deserved better’ label, it’s her! I don’t think itis physically possible for someone to dislike Donna. Let’s get the obviouspoint out of the way first; best lines ever. I mean between “oi watch itspaceman” and “don’t get clever in Latin” she had some of the funniest lines onthis show. Now that that is out of the way, can we appreciate the hope she has?She sticks out with the belief she will see the Doctor again after the Runaway Bride, and I feel likeher changing her mind humanised her a lot. She said she didn’t want to butthen, things changed, because people change. I liked her taking matters intoher own hands re: Adipose and investigating thinking she could run into theDoctor there. Even from there, she is on equal footing with him. Now we move onto her compassion which is so lovely, especially towards other women, like MissEvangelista (and I love their relationship because I feel like Donna was comingfrom a place of understanding with her, knowing how it feels to beunderestimated, and making sure she thanked her and noticed her even if no oneelse did), Evelina, Jenny whom she immediately bonds with even when 10 isprickly towards her. She just wants to make friends with all the people shemeets and I think that’s an amazing character trait. Not to mention how she demands to be treated as an equal, no matter if it’s a UNIT soldier (”I’ll have a salute”) or an alien ( “Every bit as important as Time Lord, thank you very much”). Her growth was amazing.She didn’t acquire a lot of new skills, just the confidence to utilise the onesshe had! I am still so bitter and upset about her ending because she did notdeserve to have all her amazing adventures and development that came with thatstripped away from her.

Amy- Amy is “my first bb girl” in that s6 of Doctor Who wasthe first one I watched, and the first fandom I was in and Amy was my firstfavourite female character, so I am very protective of her. When we first meether adult self, Amy is desperate to shed the “Amelia” part of her, kick out thechildhood dreams, but even in season 5 we still see a sort of childlikeexcitement because she has not suppressed her inner child and that isbeautiful. She also has a lot of insecurities in her arc, shown in herrelationship with Rory-not in a “I worry that he’s too good for me” way but ina “I don’t know if I am ready for this level of commitment” way-which 1. imomade for a very relateable character and 2. Gave way for a whole level ofcharacter development, because by around the end of series 5/start of series 6she was wholly comfortable in that relationship. But even then she can’t sitstill as it were, she says to the Doctor that she can’t keep a job and, while Ido acknowledge is in part to the fact she is waiting for him to come back, sheis also finding herself, which right now, I relate to massively as a youngwoman. She doesn’t keep a job because she doesn’t know what she wants. Shemodels, she writes, she makes perfumes, she can’t sit still. Amy’s story islargely about growing up and learning to stand on her own two feet, and that iswhy it culminates in her choosing to go back in time with Rory. Now this is abit of my own personal thinking here, but to me Rory represents “normality”, anadventure free, dull life while the Doctor represented everything else. Thiswas her growing up and saying she was choosing normality, her “not a littlegirl anymore” moment. She doesn’t outgrow her flaws, she’s still very impulsivein season 7 but she learns to deal with them maturely. I imagine a lot of hertroubles come from the neglect she endured as a child and I curse Moffat fornot allowing her to deal with her trauma in a healthier way. But anyways, Ithought her growing into her own and maturing was lovely to watch.

River Song- Ah River, or as I like to call her “who my 13-year-oldself aspired to be”. She’s just, so beautifully complex. I think what I lovemost about her is she lives her life on her own terms. She takes a lot of risksbut she…. well I wouldn’t say doesn’t care but she certainly seems to thinkthey’re worth it. And she lived her life totally on her terms, even when shewas in jail! She just casually breaks out and in as she pleases, just waltzingaround like a babe! She also has so much confidence it’s inspiring. She’sclever and she knows it. She has most people wrapped around her finger, evenfrom her first expedition in the library we can see she is the (unofficial)leader. I don’t know if I would call her fearless, but she rarely showed fear.Vashta Nerada? Weeping Angels? She has got this. Plus, homegirl graffitied theoldest cliff face in universe like can you get any more iconic? She is alsogorgeous and she knows it. She has a great body and flaunts it because it makesher feel good and that’s a good lesson we ca all take away from her. I thinkthere is also a hugely tragic side to River. Every character on this show hadfamily issues; Rose lost her dad, Martha’s parents split, Amy was neglectedetc. and then there is River, who was kidnapped, tortured and brainwashed. Andyet she kept on fighting and as a child managed to fight her way out of anastronaut suit and braved the streets of 1960s New York as a child. And that’sjust the tip of it. I saw a post once that in the s6 premiere, when she isalone talking to Rory, in that moment, she isn’t just someone talking to a guyshe just met, she is a little girl running to her daddy and telling her she’s scaredand wants her parents, and it hurts god damn it, it hurts. Underneath thebravado, the flirting, the teasing, she’s scared. I am not amazed that she cameout of it a good person, I am amazed she came out of it sane. But she is such agood person. She managed to overcome her brainwashing and kill the person sheloves most, and then sacrifices herself in the library. One of my favouriteRiver moments is her moment with Donna when Donna asks “How come I’m not in thefuture” and River’s face (huge props to Alex here) just falls so much and thereis so much empathy in that scene. I also think her determination to rebuild herrelationship with her parents is so beautifully inspiring and we were cheatedout of scenes. I also think her past adds to her relationship with the Doctorsince he was likely the only person outside of her parents to care for herwhich is why she latched on to him (not saying that avoiding killing him was atall right, it was definitely wrong sorry bby girl, but it is kind ofunderstandable).

Clara- Oh Clara my Clara. If you couldn’t tell by my bio, Iam a massive Clara Oswald fan, and she is currently in a three way tie forFavourite Fictional Character Out Of Anything Ever (tied with Emma Swan andKillian Jones from Once Upon A Time). Where do I even start with her? Even fromher first episodes, confidence oozes out of her every pore and it is earned.From Oswin (who I fell in love with in 2 seconds flat) and her “total screaminggenius” to modern day Clara and “Clara Oswald for the win” she just knows howamazing she is and I totally love it. It’s not conceited arrogance, not “I ambetter than you” but “I am awesome and I know I am”. Now let’s move on to asimilar topic, baby girl is very smart as heck, even without the computerknowledge uploaded into her via Great Intelligence. She noticed the littledetails “a chimney that doesn’t blow smoke”, she thought on her feet “I’m theDoctor”/ “Your daughter, Skaldak”, she keeps pushing Bonnie and manages to stayequal with her by using her wits (sidenote, can we give all the awards to Jennain that episode because good lord), her whole time in Flatline (which isprobably my favourite Clara episode ever), with the clockwork robots she keptthem talking, risking her own life in the process because she knew how to.Also, right from the word go she is making it clear with the Doctor that she ishis equal and that she is the one in charge here, right from “come backtomorrow” and “see you next Wednesday”. This continues later in her arc “you’reone of my hobbies”. One of my favourite lines of hers is “I’m not a bargainbased stand in for someone else, I’m not going to compete with a ghost” and itjust sticks with me because she is there asserting her authority on the TARDIS,prepared to walk away right now if he does not respect her for who she is, andit is marvellous to watch. And then this comes back in 12’s run where she goesoff on him for abandoning her and I feel like he needed her to ground him andmake him more human. She is not afraid to call the Doctor out on his shit,whether it’s something big like in Kill The Moon or something relating to herdirectly, “speak for me again and I’ll detatch something from you”. Now let’smove onto another, beautiful topic, Clara and kids! We see this in the Bells ofSaint John how she gave up her plans to travel to look after Angie and Artieand then again in the next episode she comforts and all but adopts Merry Gallel,and her with young!Doctor, soothing his fears. It’s a little topic but it’s sobeautiful. She is also, for a lack of a better word, beautifully badass! Shehas stared down Cybermen, Daleks, Missy, all the Doctor’s greatest enemies, andnot blinked. That is how badass she is. She is also incredibly brave, rightfrom the start she volunteers to go into the Ice Warrior, she jumps into theDoctor’s timestream, she sacrifices herself for Rigsy. She’s a beautiful exampleof how bravery and fearlessness are not the same thing. Her dying words are “letme be brave”, which is a beautiful moment for her. There is also something somagical about her, so fairytale, the excited traveller. Her first request is tosee “something awesome”. She doesn’t care, she just wants to be impressed. She practicallydances when she arrives somewhere new. Underneath her no-nonsense “bossy controlfreak” exterior, there’s an excited young woman getting to travel. She ishugely flawed but she is aware of it, which I find amazing. She says in HellBent “I’d say I’m sorry but I’d do it again”. She is reckless and a littleselfish, and she knows it. Ultimately, it is what kills her, but it still makesfor a wholly unique and beautiful character.

Bill Potts- Ah my precious Bill. I think the quote either Moffator Pearl gave “she’s got her feet on the ground and her heart in the stars” (orsomething) is so perfectly her. She is just so open and in my opinion, we needcharacters like that, who smile through rainstorms. I mean, she wanted to go tothe future because she wanted to see if it was happy, which is kind of tragicbut also pretty beautiful when you think about it. I think the fact that sheshowed up at lectures even though she wasn’t a student was so great. All shehad was a love of learning even if she wouldn’t do anything with it, and yes, anatural curiosity about the Doctor himself. The Doctor says that when she doesn’tknow something, she smiles, which is another lovely detail on her character andagain shows her curiosity and just how much of a sunshine she is. There’s nofrustration in not knowing, it’s a new chance for her to learn. Her reactionsto everything around her are so amazingly realistic, calling the Victorianorphans “cute as”. I think her question to the Doctor in her first episode, “Doyou know any sci-fi?”, shows a lot about how she is the dreamer, the one whothinks up impossible scenarios and answers, she dares to think outside the box.Bill has such a strong mind that even being a cyberman could not stop her fromcaring and fighting back. Her teasing the Doctor is absolutely adorable and isreally her way of establishing her own authority on the TARDIS, unlike Claraand Martha, she doesn’t do anything where she demands his respect, she gentlyeases it out of him with her quirky teasing (“Time Lord, sounds posh”), notsaying one way is better than the other, just that it’s a cute and unique wayof her building an equal relationship with him. I think Bill is definitely oneof those characters we so desperately need more of in TV, little rays ofsunshine who want to make everyone else’s days brighter, who want to pushforward and achieve and try because why not, even if it won’t lead them anywhere,who wants to see if the world will still be a happier place tomorrow. And Ilove her for it.

[davidcarner]

Sarah vs The Unexpected Life, Ch 4, Save You Now

A/N You like this...you really really like this...thank you all so much!  I didn't know if this would get done today, three schools in three days and a lot of personal stuff going on today, but it turned out I need this.  For those of you waiting, we find the Intersect, but you have to pay attention.  Again, I can't thank you all enough, now for bad news.  I don't see anyway I can get a new chapter posted tomorrow, hopefully some time Friday, but I can't promise.  My daughter requires me to be Daddy Uber for a few days.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy Save You Now

Disclaimer:  I don't own Chuck, but I am certain Han always shot first.

Sarah entered the small building of Intersect Games, and was greeted by the receptionist.

“Hello,” the redheaded receptionist said in a thick New Jersey accent.  “How can I help you today?”

“Is Morgan available?” Sarah asked.

“May I ask who’s asking?”

“Sarah Walker, his girlfriend’s boss,” she replied.  The lady nodded, picked up the phone, and punched a few numbers.

“Morgan, a Sarah Walker is here to see-” she held the phone away from her ear.  

“What was that?” Sarah asked, having heard the sound.  Suddenly the door opened, and an out of breath Morgan was standing there, trying to appear professional.

“Daphne,” Morgan said, trying to get his breath.  “Anytime Mrs. Walker shows up, you let her just come right on back.”  Sarah smiled at him and entered down the hallway.  

“Interesting choice to be the receptionist,” Sarah said.

“We got her through a work release program,” Morgan explained.  Sarah looked surprised.  “We were having a cash flow problem early on.  We didn’t have any cash to flow.  So, if we let her work here, her salary was paid by the state.  You should always make sure you have your valuables after you talk to her though,” he said.  Sarah looked at him.  “She was in jail for conning people as a wedding planner.

“What makes you think she’s a pickpocket?” Sarah asked.

“Are there many in the con game that can’t pick someone’s pocket?” Morgan asked.  Sarah had to admit he was probably right.  They came to his office and he offered her a chair. She sat, and he sat across from her at his desk.  A large smile covered his face, and he steepled his fingers together in front of him, bouncing them together.  

“I’m so very glad you came here today to win my approval,” he said.  Sarah gave him a curious look.

“Who says I’m not here to make sure you have my approval,” she countered.  Morgan’s face fell, and Sarah couldn’t help herself and grinned. Morgan laughed.

“Okay, I deserved that,” he said.  “I’ve watched over him for several years, and I’m very protective of him.  Probably overprotective.”  He held up a pad and a list of questions he had made a copy of. “I’m made a questionnaire to make sure he has the right person.  I just don’t want to see him hurt.”  Sarah watched Morgan during his admission.  She thought he was genuine.  A little strange, but genuine.  

“Okay,” she said bouncing a shoulder and grinning.  “Hit me.” Morgan’s eyebrows raised in surprised. He quickly pulled out a pencil, licked the end, and prepared.

“If you’re on a deserted island what type of sandwich would you bring?”  Sarah blinked once, not sure she had heard him right.  Morgan noticed the look on her face.

“Okay, okay, maybe a little much for the first question, toss up, which is better Star Wars or Star Trek?”  Sarah had no idea.

“Who says either should be better than the other, they both have their own redeeming qualities.” Morgan nodded.

“Nice, I like it,” he said, making notes.  “Okay, marathon video game session with boyfriend’s best friend; feelings?” Sarah leaned in close.

“Probably the same that said best friend’s girlfriend feels, and that if we felt like we were being ignored, we might go do something we enjoy, like getting dressed up, drinking, and dancing.  All. Night.  Long.”  Morgan dropped his pencil on the desk and gulped.  Sarah sat back.  “Let’s skip to the big ones, I’m ready.”  Morgan nodded and found one.  He looked up, and locked his gaze on Sarah.

“Bad things I should know,” Morgan said, pencil ready.

“Did CIA wetwork,” she began, Morgan looked up over the paper he was writing on, his eyes huge. He drew his thumb across his throat. Sarah nodded, and Morgan gulped. Sarah smiled to herself and continued. “Father was a con man-”

“Two things, first, no offence meant by the pickpocket remark earlier.”  Sarah nodded it was fine.  “Second, you know I said bad things, right, not cool, impressive, things.”  Sarah smiled.  She shouldn’t be surprised with this reaction, but that meant he’d probably have the same negative reaction about some things.

“I dated Bryce Larkin, in fact, he is the last guy I dated since I started raising Molly.”  Morgan did not looked pleased, but then his eyes narrowed.

“Are you saying he broke up with you because you raised a baby?”  Sarah thought for a second.

“He thought he did, what he didn’t know was I was over him already,” Sarah replied.  Morgan nodded.

“I’m not gonna lie, the Bryce thing hurts you, I have been known to keep things from Chuck that have to do with Bryce,” he said, making notes.

“Like what?” Sarah asked, honestly intrigued.  Morgan thought for a second, and then head nodded like, ‘why not’.

“Five years ago, Bryce emailed Chuck on his birthday, and I deleted the email.  It was something stupid about Zork anyway,” Morgan replied. Sarah looked a little confused. “It was a text based Role Playing Game, or-”

“RPG,” Sarah finished. Morgan’s eyes lit up and he made notes. “Of course sometimes that does mean Rocket Propelled Grenade.”  Morgan was writing quickly, and his eyes were lit up like it was Christmas and he was a kid. “You were saying about the email?”

“Right, I deleted it, and the next day his computer was stolen.  We got another sent to us a few days later, must have been some strange replacement plan.  Listen, I have only one more question on here that matters.”  Sarah looked at him, ready.  “Why him?  He’s no one.” Sarah gave him a look.

“He’s your friend,” she said, sitting up straight in the chair, starting to get upset.  Morgan shrugged.

“Let’s be honest, he got kicked out of Stanford, it took every trick in the book to get him to finish up, he worked at the Buy More foreeevvveer, it took me, ME, Mr. allergic to work, to get him to work on our game, and we’ve only gotten one actually out, the other goes gold next week, and he’s a single dad raising a baby that’s not even his.  Loooooser.” Sarah slammed her hand on the desk, making Morgan jump back.

“That is the kindest, most giving man I have ever met!  He has put his life on hold for his niece!  He took the time to help a child he didn’t even know to get over one of the worst days of her life, when I, her MOTHER, didn’t even know how upset she was. How dare you speak of him like that! I thought you were his…friend….” Sarah noticed Morgan was smiling, glowing, and bouncing.  He ran around the desk and hugged her.  She knew over 100 ways to kill him, and he knew it.  He had done it all to find out exactly how she felt about him.  He let her go, and she was watching him, fighting a grin, afraid he might do it again.

“I’m going to need you to sign a few waivers-”

“You do know I know over 100 ways to kill you?” she asked.  Morgan tossed all the papers over his shoulder.

“Paperwork is very overrated, plus there’s the possibilities of unseen paper cuts,” Morgan said. Sarah stood, bent, and kissed him on the cheek.  Morgan’s eyes got wide and he touched where she had kissed him and looked at her.

“I wish I had someone who cared about me as much as you do him.”

“I think you do,” Morgan answered.  Sarah smiled and started out the door.  “He’s probably asleep in his office.  Clara was teething last night.”  Sarah turned and looked at him.  “He wouldn’t let anyone help. Alex and I offered to watch her so he could sleep, but he refused.  He’s been burning both ends of the candle trying to get the code right and the bugs out so the game can be certified.  He thinks he’s done with it.  Last night was supposed to be his sleep night, but Clara…”  Sarah nodded.

“I’ll take care of it.”

“I completely believe you. Take care of him, Sarah.  He’s a good guy.”

“Morgan, he’s a great guy,” she said smiling, “And, so are you,” and with that, she walked down the hall to Chuck’s office.  As she walked, her phone went off, she looked down, reread the message twice, and rolled her eyes.  She walked into the dark office and saw Chuck, stuffed on a couch that was too short for him.  She bent down in front of him, and for the first time since she met him, he seemed completely at peace.  

How can this guy affect me this much, this quickly?  She couldn’t help herself and ran her fingers through his hair.  There’s been no one to share my life with, so why him? She looked at him and smiled. Why not?  And with that, she made a decision.  She said she could be his baggage handler, and tonight she was going to be that. She pulled her phone out, and shot off another quick text.  

“Morgan,” she said softly, never having moved.

“Yep,” he replied from the hall, where she knew he was listening.

“Do you need him for the game for the rest of the day?”

“Nope.”

“He’s going home, for the day, he needs to sleep, but I need him to get his daughter.  She’s having teething problems.”

“If anything comes up, I’ll call him.”

“Morgan, call me if anything comes up,” she said.  “I know you got my number off his phone.”

“Am I in trouble?” he asked, his voice quaking.

“Are you going to use it wisely?”

“Yes,” he squeaked. Sarah smiled.

“Then no.”  She ran her fingers through Chuck’s curls again. He shifted and she saw him smile. “Chuck,” she said softly.  “Time to get up.”  His eyes opened, and he got the biggest grin on his face.

“Oh, it’s a good dream,” Chuck said.  “You’re so pretty.”  

“How do you know it’s a dream, Chuck?” she asked.

“Because you’re in my office, and you don’t know where I work,” he answered, with a sleepy grin on his face.  “Seriously, the pictures your mom showed me didn’t do you justice, you’re so pretty.” Sarah leaned in close.  Chuck’s grin got bigger.

“Chuck, I’m former CIA, how hard do you think it would be for me to find out where you work and get in here.”

“She’s got you there, buddy,” Morgan yelled from the hall.  The grin on Chuck’s face fell off.  

“I wouldn’t dream Morgan’s here,” he said with a panic on his face.  Sarah still close, grinned.

“I certainly hope not Mr. Bartowski.”

“Uh-oh, I’m in trouble. No one uses Mr. Bartowski unless I’m in trouble or they’re my teacher.”

“Maybe I’ve decided to teach you how to be happy, Chuck,” she said, unable to help herself. Chuck’s brain may have short-circuited with that one.  “As much as I’m enjoying this, I need your keys, we need to go get your daughter.” Chuck came out of his stupor quickly. “She’s fine, teething, and causing a small ruckus.  My daughter is causing a huge ruckus because of said small ruckus.”

“Do we have a problem with those two?” Chuck asked.  Sarah began to stand and offer him a hand to get up off the couch.

“I have it on good authority that some people believe helping others is what makes them tick,” she said, smiling at him.  “So we’d have to be a hypocrite to say anything.  Besides, how much of a problem could a five year old really be?”  Chuck’s face had a look of horror.

“You don’t watch movies, do you?” Sarah kind of shrugged, confused.  “You NEVER say something like that.  It’s like saying, one last mission and then someone dies.  It’s like saying what could go wrong and then you’re shocked when the water pipe breaks in the bathroom and ruins your floor and you have to move out of your house for a minimum of three weeks.”

“What.  Could.  Go. Wrong.” She said.  Chuck nearly fell off the couch in horror.  He covered his head, waiting for the roof to fall on him.

“Protect yourself, Sarah!” he shouted.  She rolled her eyes, grabbed him, and drug him out of the room.

}o{

“I still don’t understand why we’re in my car,” Chuck said.

“Because we need your daughter’s car seat, and yours is bigger,” Sarah replied.

“Why am I not driving?”

“You’re tired.”

“If, I was completely awake?”

“I’m a trained CIA agent.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“I’m more qualified to get us all home safer.”

“I think you’re just a bit of a control freak,” he said, grinning.  Sarah shut the car off and turned toward him, a slight grin on her face.

“Would that be so terrible?” she asked softly.  Chuck’s brain seized.

“That’s really not fair,” he wheezed.  She arched an eyebrow, the grin growing.

“Whatever do you mean?” she asked innocently.

“You know what, I’ve not slept much, and I think I misunderstood what you said,” he said, getting out of the car.  Sarah did as well, and as they both got to the front, she placed her hand on his arm.

“Maybe you didn’t,” she said, as she smiled and headed into the preschool alone.  Chuck was stuck in the parking lot, brain overheating.

“What does she see in me?” he mumbled to himself.

“Same thing Molly does,” Emma said from behind him, scaring Chuck half to death.  He calmed down, and started to ask why she was here when he realized he didn’t have a car seat for Molly.  “You’re a great guy, Chuck.  She’s been waiting for a long time for a great guy.”

“A guy, who breaks down, who’s wallowed in misery for years, a guy who’s out of his league with her?” Emma smiled.

“I’ll let you in on a little secret.  She thinks you’re too good for her.  In fact, if she wasn’t so happy and have her roots planted in her family, home, and job, she’d probably keep everything bottled up inside.”  

“I can’t ever imagine her like that,” Chuck replied, looking at the door Sarah just went through.  He looked back at Emma who shook her head. “What about you, Mom?” he asked with a smile.  “Am I good enough for your girl?”  She walked up to him, and hugged him.

“Chuck, you’re perfect,” she said.  She released the hug and patted his arm to get him to come in with her.  “Listen, Sarah is probably going to want you to fill out paperwork to let the two of us pick up Clara if you need someone else too.”

“I’ve got Morgan and Alex,” Chuck replied, a little surprised.  Emma nodded.

“I know you think the world of Morgan, but is he the best at handling a baby?”  Chuck realized that even though Emma didn’t really know Morgan, that she nailed his friend.  “And if Molly see’s Alex picking up Clara…”

“I asked you this morning if I had a chance against her, and you said no.  I asked Sarah if she’s going to be a problem and she answered, how much of a problem could a five year old be.  Which is the truth?”  Emma smiled.

“Sarah really didn’t answer your question did she?” Emma said and went inside.  Chuck followed, and saw Clara being held by Sarah, and Molly waiting for him.  Molly handed him papers to sign.

“Sarah, what is going on?”

“Chuck you need someone you can trust with your child, and Molly right now is determined to be a big sister.  If you don’t want this, it’s fine, but please don’t think it’s a bother.”

“Sarah, you barely know me.” Sarah smiled at him.

“Chuck, you’re wrong. I know you, we may not have known each other long, but I know you.”  Chuck couldn’t help but grin.  

“Okay, should I,” he began, but paused not wanting to step out of place.

 “The third form is for you to be added to my pickup as well,” Molly said, growing a little impatient. He looked at Sarah, who was trying to hold in a laugh.  She blinked a few times as if that would hold the laughter at bay.  Chuck pressed his lips together, blew out his cheeks, nodded slowly, and then shrugged.  He went through the papers signing them.  Mrs. Wood beamed at Sarah, and Sarah grinned back at her.  Chuck looked down at Molly.

“Don’t you dare try and pull something to get me to pick you up, Missy,” he said pointing at her.

“He’s not joking, Molly,” Sarah said backing him up.  “If you pull something, whatever punishment Chuck says, goes.”  Molly nodded, smiling like she had won the lottery.

“Okay, Mom,” she paused and looked at Chuck.  Chuck had a bad feeling what she was about to say.  “And, Mr. Chuck.”  Chuck let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding.  A look at Sarah told him she was wondering the same thing.  “Let’s all go home,” she said, taking Emma’s hand and leading her out the door.  “I’ll ride with Granny and you two can bring the baby.”  Chuck and Sarah shared a look.  

“I guess we’re going,” Chuck said, opening the door for Sarah and Clara.  Sarah shrugged, and took Clara out to the car.  He saw the look on Mrs. Wood’s face.  “You aren’t going to believe me if I tried to explain this would you?”

“Chuck, I don’t think whatever you’d try to explain, you believe anymore,” she said.  “I guess I’ll see the four of your tomorrow?” and with that she turned and went to the other kids, giggling.  Chuck shook his head and headed to the car.  When he got there he saw that Sarah already had Clara buckled in. Chuck joined them in the car.

“I like that seat,” Sarah said.  “Those ones when Molly was a baby were so difficult to fasten sometimes.”

“Sarah,” Chuck began. Sarah let out a breath, knowing what was coming.  “Thank you,” he said softly and reached out and took her hand.  Sarah was surprised, but happy.  She squeezed it, and decided in for a penny, in for a pound.  She leaned over and gave him a soft kiss on the lips.  

“It’s my pleasure,” she said.  Chuck couldn’t help but laugh, and the two drove away, happily.

}o{

When they got to Sarah’s they decided to do something easy and had pizza delivered; vegetarian with no olives, of course.  Clara started to fuss, and Chuck started searching for the gel to relieve the pain.

“You trust me?” Sarah asked. Chuck was surprised.

“Yes,” he replied not sure where this was going.  Emma handed Sarah a bag from a local store.  In it was a bottle with little pills.  She picked up Clara, and gave Chuck a chance to read the label.  He shrugged not seeing anything that could hurt her.  Sarah bounced Clara as she softly hummed.  Chuck thought he might fall asleep standing up listening to her it was so soothing.  Molly had disappeared and a terrible racket had come from another room.  Emma went off to see what was going on.  Sarah took one of the tablets, and gently placed it under the tongue of Clara.  In a few seconds she stopped fussing and smiled at Sarah.

“Mama,” she said. Sarah’s eyes got huge as she looked at Chuck.  He just laughed.

“Sarah, it’s no big deal,” he said.  Sarah gave him a look.

“Who’s that?” she asked pointing to Chuck.

“Dada,” Clara answered. Sarah turned toward Chuck, smirking, but when she saw his face, she knew she had messed up.  He wasn’t mad, just sad.

“I’m sorry, Chuck,” she began.  He waved it off, but went over and sat on the couch.  “Clara,” she said turning back to the little girl.  “I’m Aunt Sarah, and that’s your Uncle Chuck.”  Clara yawned, and put her head on Sarah’s shoulder. Emma came out into the room with something Chuck had never seen before.

“Is that a swing?” he asked. Emma smiled.  Sarah got Clara in the swing and turned it on.  Molly came into the room with an old bunny and started to give it to Clara.  “Sweetie, she’s teething and she’ll chew on it.”

“I know, but it’s her turn to have it now.”  Chuck looked at Sarah who shrugged at Chuck but smiled at her daughter.  “Okay,” he relented.  Molly handed the bunny to Clara who inspected it for a minute and then began to chew on the bunny’s ear.  In about 20 seconds, she was asleep.  Sarah turned toward Chuck, which was good, because he had just caught her in a bear hug.

“Thank you,” he said, sounding almost desperate.  “Thank you,” he whispered.  Sarah held him and patted his shoulder.  “I just hate I’ll have to wake her when I leave.”  Sarah pulled back and gave him a look.

“Where do you think you’re going?” she asked.  Chuck just stared at her.  “Clara is sleeping with Molly and Emma tonight.”  Chuck looked at Emma as she whispered, “good night,” and took the swing carefully back to her room.  Chuck gulped.

“Sarah,” Chuck began.

“Chuck, I’m going to stop you before you spiral.  Tonight you need sleep.  That’s all this is.  You’re half-crazed and sleep deprived.  Now you can sleep in your old room, which would make the most sense, or you can give me all the reasons why you can’t.”

“I can’t take your bed!”

“Who said you were?” Chuck’s eyebrows raised.  “Chuck we’re two adults, we can sleep in the same bed without having sex.”

 “I’m aware that we won’t be having sex, I just don’t want…” he trailed off, and lowered his head. Sarah took his hand and rubbed it with her thumbs.

 “Chuck, look at me,” she said softly.  He raised his head to see her smiling.  “I don’t think tonight will be the last time you’re in my bed, or I’m in your bed, but we certainly aren’t ready for that.”  Chuck blushed furiously.  “Furthermore, while I am very confident in myself, I’m not sure how my ego would handle it you falling asleep in the middle.”  Chuck laughed softly.  “You need sleep.  Tomorrow we’ll take the kids to school, take you home to change, and then you can take me to work.  And, if I have time you can take me to lunch.”

“What if I have something important to do?”

“Morgan already said you didn’t need to do anything.”

“Well, as long as it’s cleared by Morgan,” Chuck replied, grinning.  Sarah led him over to the couch.  She sat down, and patted her lap.  “Lay your head down.”

“Are you-”

“Chuck,” she said a little exasperated, cutting him off.  She did have a smile on her face though.  Chuck did as she asked, and he had to admit it was quite comfortable and quiet and….  Less than a minute later, Sarah heard his breathing change; he was asleep.  “What am I gonna do with you, Chuck?” she asked softly as she played with his curls.  She picked up the remote, found some program to watch with the sound down, and sat there, more content than she had ever remembered being.  She heard soft footsteps.

“Is he okay?” Emma asked. Sarah didn’t even bother trying to hide the fact she was playing with his hair.

“I think he will be,” she said with a smile.  “Mom,” she began.  Emma shook her head and chuckled.

“Sarah, just go with it,” Emma said smiling.  “Why shouldn’t you two be happy?”  Sarah looked at her, and tilted her head as is to say “why not?”  Emma went back to bed and Sarah continued to watch TV.  A few hours later, Chuck began to toss and turn.

“It should have been me,” he mumbled.  “It should have been me!”  Sarah hugged him the best she could.  “Ellie, it should have been me,” he said softly as tears rolled down his cheeks. Sarah shook him to wake him.

“Chuck,” she said softly. He opened his eyes and looked around, and saw her.  He sat up, wordlessly, looked at her for a second, and his eyes threatened to break again. She hugged him, and he sobbed quietly. “You’ve never had a chance to grieve, have you?”  He shook his head on her shoulder.  “Let it out, Chuck,” and he did.  For thirty minutes he cried.  He let out all the hurt, anger, and frustration of ten long years and the loss of his family.  When he was done, he pulled away, a look of embarrassment but gratitude.  

“Sorry, I think your shirt is soaked,” he said, wiping his eye. Sarah laughed, she couldn’t help it. How come in his worst moments he could make her laugh?  She stood up and took his hand.  She led him to the kitchen where another bag was.  She handed it to him and pointed to the bathroom.  He looked down, seemed to almost freeze up again, when she gave him a look and nodded her head toward the bathroom.  She went in her room, changed into a tee shirt and her sleep shorts. She pulled back the covers to the bed, and waited outside the bathroom until the door opened.

“Go pick your side,” she said as she headed to the bathroom.  She stopped, not able to help herself.  “Just remember, this will set a precedent,” she said softly.  She thought she heard Chuck’s brain lock up.

“You’re going to be the death of me,” he muttered.

“You’ll enjoy every second of it,” she said as she shut the door.  Chuck went into his old bedroom, got in the bed, and waited.  He wasn’t sure what he should do so he just stared at the ceiling.  Sarah walked in, not even hiding the grin on her face.  She got in her side, and scooted as close as possible, leaned down to his ear, and spoke very softly, her breath hitting his ear.

“Good choice,” she said. Chuck didn’t know if he’d sleep at all tonight.  In five minutes, he was asleep.

}o{

Chuck opened his eyes as the sun came in the window.  He had missed this, there was something about that window, the sun coming in, the blond hair laying on his chest…wait, what?  He looked down, and there was Sarah, wrapped up with him, her head on his chest.  He should probably get up, things would be awkward enough with Molly.  He felt something to his right.  He turned his head and there was Molly watching him.  

“How long until I can call you Daddy?  I would like a little brother to go along with Clara,” she said as she skipped out of the room.  Chuck noticed the weight wasn’t on his chest anymore.  He turned his head slowly to see Sarah looking at him.

“Remember yesterday when you asked if we had a problem with her?”  Chuck nodded his head.  “I think we have a problem.”  

A/N I REALLY like Molly.  Can you tell?  Hope you enjoyed it!

[thorne93]

What Are We Gonna Do? (Part 3)

Prompt: Imagine that you’re Spencer Reid’s wife, and you get the news of his arrest in Mexico. But you’ve been keeping something from him and the team. How will it affect Spencer?

Word Count: 2083

Warnings: Language, violence, anger, drama, angst

Notes: This picks up right at the beginning of Season 12, episode 13. Spoilers from here till then. Thanks to my beta @like-a-bag-of-potatoes​

Tags: @ultrarebelheart​ @cocosierra94 @marvel-imagines-yes-please

~~~~~~

“What?! No!” you cried out before Rossi gathered you in his arms and you started to sob. “No! No! They’re making a mistake,” you cried out. You turned in Rossi’s arms to shout at the police. “You’re making a mistake!”

 “Okay, let's go get some air,” Rossi suggested as he led your sobbing mess of a self outside.

 “I don’t need air, Dave, I need Spence,” you argued weakly.

“Right now, he needs you. He needs you to be strong, focus, think of anything we can do to get him out of here.”

 “I know, I know. It’s just so hard. I can’t be both an agent and his wife right now,” you admitted in an exhausted tone once you were outside the police department.

 “Who says you have to be both? Be his wife. Be there for him. Just leave the investigating to us, huh?”

 You nodded meekly.

 “Call Garcia and see if they’ve got anything on this. In the meantime, I’m gonna talk to Prentiss and Luke and see what we can come up with.”

 You nodded again and pulled out your phone as he escaped back inside. Garcia picked up on the first ring.

 “Tell me he’s okay!” Garcia said.

 “He’s not,” you choked out. “It’s bad, Garcia. They just charged him with murder…”

 “Oh no. Oh no,” she repeated, panicking rising in her voice as your hand went to your face to try and stop the crying. “Well how are you doing?”

 “I’m...I’m not okay. I don’t know how to do this. How do I be strong for him? Right now the evidence is stacking up against him and I can’t do a god damn thing about it.” You were shaking from rage and fear and sadness.

 “Oh my sweet girl...We’ll get through this. He’s a tough guy.”

 “Yeah but I’m not. Garcia, he’s my whole world. I can’t lose him. You mark my words, if this is Scratch, I will find that son of a bitch and make him regret ever thinking of being fucking conceived.”

 “Alright, wifey is angry.”

 “You’re fucking a I’m angry,” you spat. “This is bullshit.”

 “How did the cognitive interview go?”

 “Not good. He doesn’t remember much of anything. Anything on your end?”

 “Not so far. Oh, wait. Oh god, oh no.”

 The pit of your stomach dropped. “What?”

 “Reid’s going to...uh..He’s going to El Diablo by the end of the day. They just put in the transfer.”

 As if someone lit your insides on fire you gripped the phone so hard you thought you’d break it.

 “No, not on my god damn watch. This isn’t happening.”

 “What are you going to do?” Garcia wondered with worry lacing through her gentle voice.

 “I’m calling in reinforcements. If I have to get the President of the United fucking States here with the U.N. to release Spencer, I will.”

 With that, you hung up and made a few calls then went inside to tell Emily. Once that was done, you went back to the cell with Spencer.

 “Spencer, you really don’t remember anything?” you questioned again as you sat across from him.

 “No, I’m trying but it’s so hazy…”

 You moved to sit next to him as you linked your arm through his and rested your head on his shoulder. “I know. Hey, we’re going to get you out of here and get you through this, okay?”

 “How?”

 “I don’t know, but we always find a way,” you said as you leaned against him, fighting tears. What if this was one of the last times you could be with him...hold him...touch him...see his face? He hadn’t smiled once since you’d been there. What if you could never get him out of there and you’d have no more dates, no more cases, no more making love, no more movie nights...no more marriage, no more life...no more Spencer.

 “I’m not so sure there is one this time,” he whispered.

 “Hey, you can’t talk like that. If I have to burn down all the prisons in Mexico to keep you out of them, I will,” you vowed.

 “I really appreciate you standing by me,” he suddenly said.

 “Of course, why wouldn’t I?” you demanded as you pulled your head off his shoulder.

 He shrugged. “Because it looks pretty bad. Most of the time, women divorce their husbands in this situation.”

 “Yeah? What are the statistics on that?”

 “Roughly one in every four marriages lasts through one of the spouses being incarcerated,” he said.

 “There’s my brainiac.” You grinned and nudged him. Spencer spouting out the most random and trivial stats and facts was one of your favorite things, one of the first reasons you fell in love. You always had found knowledge sexy and Spence had plenty of knowledge.

 “How’s my mom doing?”

“She’s fine. Last I heard she was stable.”

 “Does she know where I am?”

 “No.”

 “Good.”

 “Spencer Reid, you know I love you with all my heart, right?”

 “Yes, why?”

 “Then you need to listen to me when I say you can’t give up. You’re going to have to fight as hard as we are, okay?”

 He promised, “Okay.”

 -----------

 An hour later, your reinforcements showed up and Emily showed them into the cell.

 “Reid, Y/N, we have some visitors,” she said as they came in.

 “Oh my God, you’re here,” you said with relief as you jumped up to greet Matt and Clara.

 They found out there was no contraband in the vials that you two had been giving Diana, so he was not on the hook for that. The news was small but finally it was something good. You gripped Spencer’s arm in hope, relishing in how he felt, because in the back of your mind you wondered if this would be the last time you’d get to.

 But that left the other drug and murder charges that he was facing. Clara began digging into why Spencer was here if Rosa was able to work in the U.S. where Spence had met her in Houston. Once Spencer figured out some of the ingredients weren’t indigenous, Emily made the call to Garcia and found out she had dual citizenships.

 “It’s time for his transfer,” officer Casteneda said as he stepped in. You instinctively moved in front of him.

 “We’ve had a break in the case. The victim was also American, this calls for extradition.”

 “I’ve got orders, sorry,” Casteneda said.

 “What? No, no, no!” you cried out as you wrapped your arms around Spencer and they began to handcuff him. “No!” you screamed until an officer pulled you off of him as you kicked and fought against him.

 “Get her out of here,” Casteneda ordered.

 “No!” you screamed as they walked him away in chains and cuffs, your heart beating faster than it should. “Let me go! He needs me!” you screamed. “Emily, Emily, do something!” you begged as you fought so hard against the officer, your core strength was keeping your feet off the ground.

 Emily immediately made the call as he rounded the corner.

 “Ma’am, you need to calm down. Can I trust you if we let you go?” an officer asked and you nodded, even though you wanted to punch him and spit in his face.

 “Go get him,” Emily said and Luke raced off after them and they brought him back and you threw your arms around him when he was in the cell and unchained and uncuffed.

 “Oh God, you’re okay, you’re okay, you’re okay,” you repeated like a mantra as you stroked his hair. His arms were tight on your waist. You never wanted to let him go but Emily was explaining what was happening so you felt like you had to.

 “I really messed up and I am so sorry,” Spencer apologized to you both.

 “Sweetie, no, you have nothing to apologize for.”

 “I don’t know what happened, I just know I didn’t kill anyone.”

 You nodded as you kept your eyes glued on his face. “We know. We know.”

 “They just approved the extradition,” Clara announced.

 “Effective immediately,” Matt added as they escorted him out and it felt like you could breathe again. It wasn’t the best news, but it was the best you could get in the circumstances.

 As you started to walk out, Casteneda stopped you and Emily and said, “You’ll forgive me if I feel like justice hasn’t been served with this move.”

 “Frankly, I don’t give a flying fuck what you think,” you said menacingly as you leaned down to get in his face. “As far as I’m concerned, you letting the suspect get away in that blue truck was unjust to me. So I suggest you get down off your fucking high horse and go look for him, instead of accusing my husband of anything more than helping his mother.” With that you stormed out of the jail and caught up to Spencer.

 -----------------------

  You all began boarding the jet as Emily and you thanked Clara.

 “Like I was telling her, when one of us is in trouble, we all are.” She gave you a sweet, sincere smile and you hugged her hard.

 “Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am forever in your debt. You need anything, you call me day or night,” you said to her and Matt. You turned to Emily and hugged her too.

 “I can’t thank you enough,” Spence said to Luke.

 “Okay, so here’s the deal. We can take you to the BAU when we land, but then we have to take you in ourselves to the district, and take you to the federal jail. Since you are arrested for murder, these cuffs are going to have to stay on until you are arraigned, but you’re not a flight risk up here.”

 With that, the cuffs came off, making you feel an iota better. The team began talking legal consult but all you could do was hold Spence. Your arms were around his waist as he held his arm around yours.

 “Mark my words kid, this thing has been a nightmare but we’ll get you through it. We’ll get you both through it,” Rossi said.

 Then Luke got the good news that a third person was in the motel room. Everyone took a seat and you cuddled up next to Spence and got as close as humanly possible to him. You snuggled up to him, even if he did smell really bad from being without a shower and all the dirt and grime from the jail was caked on him, but he was still your Spencer. He stroked your arm as you two sat in comfortable silence together, he kissed the top of your head as he plane took off.

 Finally, you were back at the BAU, but that meant the cuffs had to go back on. The noise and sight of it filled you with an emotion you couldn’t quite pin down. The welcoming committee was there to greet you two. Everyone hugged Spencer first, then you. He asked about his mom again and JJ said Garcia had it taken care of.

 “I’m so sorry, love, I was so busy with you, I just--” you tried, stroking his arm.

 “I know,” he assured.

 The ride to the precinct felt like a new hell. Instead of meeting him down in Mexico at jail, you were escorting him. The team had suggested for you to hang back, but you said you wanted every waking second with him you could get. You asked JJ to grab a change of clothes for him.

 Once they took him back, that final look on his face stayed burned behind your eyelids. You went back to your home to tell Diana where he was. She started crying, saying it was her fault. You soothed her though and she forgot where he was.

 Truth be told, you felt like Diana. Maybe if you’d just gone down there with him, none of this would be happening. You didn’t cry in front of her but you cried yourself to sleep that night in your empty bed, every little reminder of Spencer all around you. His watches on his nightstand, your wedding photos, his dirty socks that hadn’t made it in the hamper. You got text after text from the team asking if they could help you but you just wanted to be alone. All you wanted was Spencer and he couldn’t be there.

[seeselfblack]

Today, June 4, 2017 is the 45th anniversary of Angela Davis’ acquittal... 

Angela Davis Acquitted on All Charges By EARL CALDWELL

San Jose, Calif,, June 4--After just 13 hours of deliberations, an all-white jury found Angela Davis not guilty today of murder, kidnapping and criminal conspiracy charges.

The jury returned its verdict at 12:35 P.M., clearing the 28-yyear-old black militant of all charges against her. The announcement touched off a demonstrations so emotional that Judge Richard E. Arnason threatened to clear the courtroom.

Miss Davis, who had shown little emotion through the 13 weeks of the trial, broke into sobs after the last verdict had been read. "This is the happiest day of my life," she later exclaimed.

This was the third day of deliberations and the verdict came after reports had begun to circulate that the jury might be deadlocked.

Broke Off Session 

Thoser reports were first heard late yesterday when the jury broke off deliberations saying that it had reached an impasse. But shortly before 11 A.M. today it sent a note to the judge's chambers saying that it had reached a verdict.

An hour later, under the elaborate security that has been used here throughout the trial, the courtroom was opened and 30 minutes later the jury was brought in.

Judge Arnason directed his first remarks to Mrs. Mary Timothy, the research assistant at the Stanford Medical Center who had been elected jury foreman.

Verdict on 3 Counts 

"Have you reached a verdict?" the judge asked.

"Yes we have, your honor," Mrs. Timothy replied.

"A verdict as to each of the three counts? Judge Arnason asked.

"Yes we have, your honor," the foreman answered.

"Hand them to the bailiff," the judge directed.

The verdicts were passed from the bailiff to the judge, who examined them at length. He then passed them to Arthur Vanek, the clerk of the court, and instructed him to read them aloud.

Mr. Vanek first read the charge of kidnapping on count one of the indictment. When he reached the words, "we the jury find the defendant Angela Y. Davis not guilty," there was an immediate outburst of screaming and crying.

The crying continued as he followed with the verdicts for counts two and three of the indictment, those charging the former university professor with murder and conspiracy.

When he finished, the screams and shouts filled the courtroom.

"If there is any more noise, we're going to leave right now," the judge said sternly. "I will not tolerate any misconduct in my courtroom," he said.

But the crying, though muffled, continued. The defendant grabbed her close friend, Kendra Alexander, and her body shook her with sobs.

Judge Arnason asked if there was any request that the jury be polled.

Albert Harris Jr., the prosecutor, made his only remark. "The people will not request a poll," he said.

Judge Arnason again asked for quiet. But by now there were tears even in the eyes of the jurors.

After Judge Arnason thanked the jury, complimented the attorneys and closed the proceedings Miss Davis rushed across the courtroom and fell first into the arms of her parents who sat in the third row of the spectators section.

Later her mother attempted to describe her feelings. "The past 22 months have been a total nightmare," she said. "The nightmare has ended."

Although Miss Davis said that this was the happiest day of her life, she echoed her sister by saying that "A fair trial would have been no trial at all."

"It was what I expected," Howard Moore Jr., one of the four attorneys who defended Miss Davis said. "I never doubted her innocence."

Doubts Trial for Others 

As for the verdict, Mr. Moore said, "I knew that when any jury any place in this country returned a verdict that it would be not guilty."

Mr. Moore said, though, that justice had come at a high price. "It took a worldwide movement of people to acquit Miss Davis. Justice should be the routine of the system," he said.

Miss Davis refused to answer questions as to why she did not testify in her own defense. But Leo Branton Jr., who delivered a moving summation for the defense last week, said that she had been ready to take the stand and that it had not been until two days after the defense began to present its case that the decision was made not to put her on the stand.

He said that the case against Miss Davis was not a frame-up in the traditional sense but he added, "If Angela Davis were not Angela Davis, she would never have been prosecuted."

Miss Davis attracted national attention in 1969 when she was dismissed from her teaching job at the University of California at Los Angeles after admitting membership in the Communist party.

The charges against her were lodged late in August, 1970, shortly after Jonathan Jackson, 17, smuggled guns into a Marin County courtroom in San Rafael, Calif, and armed three black convicts. They then attempted to escape by using a judge, an assistant district attorney and three women jurors as hostages.

The judge was taken hostage with a shot gun taped to his neck. He died in the getaway vans outside the civic center along with Jackson and two of the three convicts who participated in the escape. There was always a question as to how the shooting began and in evidence presented during the trial this remained a question.

Although the judge was shot in the head with a blast from the shotgun, he also suffered a chest wound from a bullet that may have been fired from outside the van. Evidence during the trial showed, however, that either could have been fatal.

Miss Davis was connected with the case when it was learned that the guns smuggled into the court were registered in her name.

On 'Most Wanted' List 

Miss Davis was sought by the authorities nationwide, and she was placed on the "10 most wanted" list that is published by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

It was widely rumored that she had left the country but on Oct. 13, 1970, she was arrested in a New York City motel. She was extradited to California two months late and kept in maximum security imprisonment at the Marin County Jail as pretrial proceedings began to take shape.

In the fall of 1971 Miss Davis was granted a change of venue. The trial was shifted from Marin to Santa Clare County. The defense had asked that he trial be held in San Francisco but that request was refused.

Miss Davis was granted bail last February, five days after the California Supreme Court Ruled the death penalty unconstitutional.

Bail had been denied her on the ground that persons accused of capital offenses are not entitled to release.

In the trial the state argued that she plotted the Marin County escape attempt along with Jonathan Jackson and that she supplied him with the guns that she had purchased.

Mr. Harris, the prosecutor, said that the purpose of the escape attempt was not simply to free the prisoners but to take hostages. The hostages, he contended, would be used to extort the release from prison of the Soledad Brothers, three black convicts in whose defense Miss Davis had been intimately involved.

Mr. Harris argued in the court that Miss Davis was deeply in love with George Jackson, the best known of the three convicts.

Miss Davis conceded that she was in love with Jackson but denied the existence of any plot. Witnesses testified that the guns she bought were for the defense of the Soledad Brothers defense headquarters.

Before he dismissed the panel, Judge Arnason chose a passage from G. K. Chesterton's essay, "The Twelve Men," in the book "Tremendous Trifles" to express his feelings. From it, he read:

"Our civilization has decided and very justly decided that determining the guilt or innocence of men is a things too important to be trusted to trained men. If it wishes for light upon that awful matter, it asks men who know no more law than I know, but who can feel the things I felt in a jury box. When it wants a library catalogued, or the solar system discovered, or any trifle of that kind, it uses up its specialist. But when it wishes anything done that is really serious, it collects 12 of the ordinary men standing about. The same thing was done, if I remember right by the founder of Christianity."

Before the trial began there was much discussion as to whether Miss Davis could get a fair trial here in Santa Clara County. The defense was particularly bitter because there were no blacks on the jury.

But the jurors were loudly cheered as they left the courtroom today. Later Miss Davis met them in the press room and hugged each member. 

Also see: 

-- The Case Against Angela Davis

-- Angela Davis Legal defense collection, 1970-1972

[malfoys-pixie]

Of Mice and Men Essay

Yo. It’s been a while. I’ve always said I was quite an irregular poster.

But I’m here to post what I consider to be one of my greatest achievements to date, 5th March 2017.

I just completed a 1.5k+ word essay on the book ‘Of Mice and Men’, on the modified topic question of “Every good story needs a hero.” Does Of Mice and Men have a ‘hero’ character? And if so, who is it and why?

I’d like to dedicate this essay to Sian for their help in coming up with ideas for some of the harder characters like Curley, and believing that I could write this in a day, which I did manage.

Here we go. This is a whole days worth of work for me. I’m off to bed now.

Not all stories have a clear and defined ‘hero’ character, but that does not mean that the story is a ‘bad’ one. A story does not have to have a single ‘hero’ character, rather all characters are heroes in their own way. Each character is both ‘good’ and ‘bad’, there is no totally bad or totally good, only an in-between. Being a hero is a subjective, a singular reader’s perspective differs to the next.

A mere stablehand. A nigger. Proud. Aloof. Crooks the negro stable-buck was segregated from the fellowship of man that existed in the close quarters of the bunk house. He lived in a totally different world to what we in exist in now. Here in modern Sydney, the level of discrimination and hatred that was directed towards him over the course of his lifetime, made worse by his hunched back would not have been stood for, it’s more than barely legal, it’s prosecutable. The racial discrimination and slurs went above and beyond what anyone should ever have to go through, and yet he persisted. He knew that if he kept to himself, and left the white men alone, the racial language and actions against him wouldn’t be as bad, but no matter what he did it would always be there. Unescapable. The way he treats his possessions shows that if he had anyone willing to befriend him that he wouldn’t treat them like the dirt he was considered to be. His patience in such a dire time is truly indicative of a hero waiting for his time to come.

Mrs Curley, AKA Curley’s wife as she is simply known to us, was shown as nothing more than a tart and a whore though her provocative behaviour is most likely a hidden desire for fulfilling her personal dreams and hopes of a man to love and take care of her, as seen in the barn in Chapter 5 when she lets Lennie stroke her hair. Her own weaknesses led to her death, it’s a classic Aristotle model of tragedy in which the hero is seriously flawed, taking them down the path to their own downfall. Mrs Curley’s plans to seduce the ranchers failed, ultimately ending in her tragic death at Lennie’s hands, a pristine example of Robert Burns “the best laid plans of mice and men / often go awry” from the 1785 poem ‘To A Mouse’.

Candy’s name is one of the most fitting in Of Mice & Men. The soft-spoken amputee is the first character we meet on the ranch. From the moment he met George and Lennie, he welcomed them, though he may have simply dismissed them as just another couple a’ men passing through, until he hears George and Lennie’s dream. His heroic offering of his money to fund the purchase of their dream land is exemplary of a self-less man who simply wishes to see others reach their goals. When he and George discover the body of Curley’s wife, he aids George in the cover-up of her death, giving us a glimpse of his mindset that if he were to be discovered it wouldn’t matter, he was coming close to his time to go, similar to his dog.

In the novella of Of Mice and Men, Carlson, one of the ranch workers there at the time of George and Lennie’s stay and is more one of the silent background with a few standout scenes. His first scene in which we get a real glance of who Carlson is as a person is when he convinces Candy that his dog should be put out of its misery. Carlson’s forcing of Candy’s hand, as well as getting others in bunkhouse such as Slim who carries power, was all in name of the dog, who being “all stiff with rheumatism” wouldn’t have had a good life in the lead up to his shooting as his health deteriorated, and it would have declined as the weeks and months past. The dog’s combined conditions were not only detrimental to itself but detrimental to the health of those in the bunkhouse who had to share close quarters with the canine. Carlson as an occupant of the small, tight, shared quarters was heroic in that the diseases the dog could very well have easily transferred to one of the workers and spread like wildfire throughout the farm. He went after Lennie for the same reason that he went after Candy’s dog. He believed Lennie was threatening to the farm rancher’s lifestyle.

The boss’ son. Temperamental. Curley is hard to view as a hero and likeable from a modern day perspective, but if we were to be transported back in time to the Great Depression with the same mindset and knowledge of the local lads at the time and gone through the same struggles to survive that they suffered, he would truly be considered heroic in his actions and dead-set revenge wish to get back at the one who had taken his wife from their world, a true 'manly' quality for that time period. Though he is constantly antagonistic of the fellow workers, believing himself to be above the others, with the possible exception of Slim, he was simply acting on his testosterone and the reactants or stressors in his life.

The strong and silent character of this novel is clearly Slim. Slim’s longtime role on the farm is being the jerkline skinner, the job of head mule skinner. Though on the farm his position commanded respect, his word taken for granted along with his authority on any subject, his personality was quiet, asking for no trouble, kind. His gentle temperament has a high chance of being one of the reasons he kept his bitch’s pups. Many in that time would have shot them or sold them off for anyone willing to buy them as it was hard times and men did what they could to get by. Although he joins the other men in the whorehouse, all have their flaws and weaknesses. True heroes care for all man and animal kind and treat them as equals. Both Slim and Carlson show this trait. Slim didn’t want to go after Lennie, but as he’s still just a worker on the ranch and could be fired at a moment’s notice. Our jerkline skinner didn’t retaliate when Curley went after him believing Slim was getting down and dirty with his wife behind his back, he defended the innocent Lennie who had no idea what he was doing.

The first to speak in Of Mice and Men was George calling Lennie’s name, trying to keep his companion from making himself sick. He became an unknown hero from the very moment in which he took on Lennie as his companion and cared for him after his Aunt Clara died. George himself laments in Chapter 1 on what he could do if he didn’t have Lennie weighing him down, though he almost regrets his monologue when he inwardly realises that no matter what he says to Lennie, no matter how often he rants and gets mad at Lennie, Lennie is never going to remember. George’s protectiveness of Lennie and valiant efforts to keep him out of trouble shows that he does care for Lennie and tries to keep him out of trouble, it’s just impossible to be guarding Lennie 24/7. In putting Lennie out of his misery, George saved him from the only other two possible options he had. Lennie could have gone away to jail to most likely face the capital punishment of death for killing another. His only other option would have been death by another rifle at the hands of Curley, tortured and murdered in cold blood. George’s actions saved from a world of pain, when he pulled the trigger on the Luger aimed at Lennie’s head, he in a way heroically saved his friend a world of pain and suffering. Took him away from impending misery once and for all.

The simple-minded and endearing abominable snowman from Looney Tunes is unforgettable when he picks up Daffy Duck and says “I will name him George, and I will hug him and pet him and squeeze him.” The easily lovable snowman was based on this character, whose last name is ironic when you consider his physical frame. His physical frame definitely does not indicate his demeanour though. Lennie has his dreams and hopes for a better future just like any other of the other characters. He’s the most likeable thanks to his childlike simplicity which masks and hides nothing of his thought process from the world. His kindness and innocence show him as an unlikely hero if like many, we took each character at first glance and the levels of meanness shown by the others compared to the softness of Lennie.

Our subconscious’ automatically root for the best heroes, although not all are easily likeable at the first meeting, e.g Severus Snape in Harry Potter who we later learn held grudges toward Harry due to his parents actions and others misgivings around him. We as readers must learn to adapt our behaviour when reading, and not automatically jump to conclusions about characters and their ulterior motives before they have even finished a conversation.

[5hfanfiction]

LOVE, CAMREN ||| PART XI.

|| always put in mind that the italicized words are the happenings from before. || 

https://www.wattpad.com/story/48197359-love-camren-camren

Camila hasn’t had decent sleep ever since that night she saved Lauren from being raped by the football team captain. She sure couldn’t visualize herself being the heroine in the green- eyed girl’s life but now, in the whole university, that’s what everyone’s been talking about her. Sure if it was before, she must’ve despised going to the university and she would tell the admin to expel whoever it was spreading the news but now she didn’t care anymore. Moreover, she liked the fact that she was Lauren’s heroine.

She didn’t sleep peacefully at nights because she kept on remembering the green- eyed girl’s words.

Thank you. For being honest with me.

Thank you. For being honest with me.

Thank you. For being honest with me.

It was like a drug that’s been keeping her awake. She hated the whole idea that she’s being her vulnerable self when it came to the green- eyed girl but she had accepted the fact. The fact that she already surrendered herself to whatever Lauren could be.

Bryan was now in jail and his parents weren’t supporting him to go out because they said he needed to learn a lesson. Kidnapping someone is a serious crime and this wasn’t high school anymore. It only meant that there was never going to be a hindrance between them anymore and secretly Camila really liked that.

Except that her best friend Lucy still hated every bit of her and she didn’t know anymore. All the things she’s done for the green- eyed girl, her best friend didn’t seem to notice her unusual kindness. Could it mean that Lucy may like Lauren? No freaking way. Camila shook the thought away from her head. That couldn’t be. Lucy is straight and she will stay that way because Lauren will be hers in no time. She promised to herself.

But how sure could she be?

Camila removed the thought in her head; she didn’t want to feel stressed anymore. She was excited to see Lauren, if she was going to come to school today which was sure not going to happen anyways.

“Hello?” A voice, feminine and old, was heard through the phone call. Camila’s body was shaking and she didn’t know what to do. What she only knew was that her hand was trembling and her mind was forming words into coherent sentences.

She sighed heavily. “Is this Lauren Jauregui’s mother?” She asked, slowly.

The woman on the other line tensed up a little bit. “Yes. What happened to my daughter? May I speak to her?” She bombarded the brown- eyed girl with questions.

“I’m afraid you can’t for now, but you can come to the hospital.” Camila send the address and as much as she wanted to meet Lauren’s parents, this was such a bad time for it to occur. “See you in a few.”

Camila kept on staring at Lauren while her eyes were closed and while the nurse was fixing something with her bed. Lauren looked so peaceful; the total opposite of what she looked when Camila was messing with her life every time they came across each other in the school’s hallways. She smiled at the thought that she used to despise this girl without any reason why. But now, it seemed to come into a light in her mind, that maybe the reason why she hated her was because she never really could. She never really could hate her because she was different and she sparked Camila’s interest in people.

The nurse averted her gaze on Camila. “I’ll excuse myself now.”

“Okay. Thank you.” Camila smiled and the nurse left her alone with Lauren.

She walked towards Lauren and when she was inches apart from her, she let her hand touch her cheek. She was still warm and cozy. Camila smiled deeply. Lauren never did anything to make her feel this way and yet she strongly has been feeling this way about the green- eyed girl. She wasn’t complaining. She definitely wasn’t. Camila’s hand reached Lauren’s lips. She craved for it. But she couldn’t. She knew she couldn’t.

But Lauren’s lips were so inviting. Camila’s heart fought with her mind. Think about it thoroughly. She’ll hate you if she finds out. Do you want that? Camila closed her eyes for a bit.

Camila closed her eyes and unconsciously inched closer to meet Lauren’s face. Her hand was still caressing the green- eyed girl’s cheek.

Camila sighed. “You are so beautiful but you’re unaware of it.” She whispered to her and to the air who was the witness of her dying confession of strong feelings towards the girl.

She inched closer, but stopped herself when her lips were so close to Lauren’s, she stopped herself and shook her head completely. Camila just satisfied herself by leaving a quick soft kiss on Lauren’s forehead. Before she even changed her mind and went back to her lips, there was a knock from the door and she automatically walked towards it and opened the door.

A woman, seemingly in her 30 to 40’s stared at her. Camila smiled as a greeting. “Hi, I’m Camila. I’m Lauren’s friend. U-uhhh, you can come in.” She noticed that the visitors weren’t only Lauren’s parents but it also included Lucy from behind who was watching her intently.

Lauren’s mother walked towards her in a rush to check her condition. “Oh my God! What happened to my baby?” She asked mostly intended to Camila.

Lauren’s father comforted his wife. “Clara, calm down and let’s ask her friend about what happened.” Their attention averted to Camila who was still stunned that she already met Lauren’s parents. “Iha, I’m Mike and I’m Lauren’s father. Can you tell us what really happened and why our daughter ended up being in the hospital?”

Camila breathed for air at first and shared a look with Lucy who was waiting for her response. “It was at school. Bryan, the football captain seems to like Lauren and Lauren let him down.” She started. “When I went out of the school, I saw him kidnapping Lauren and I quickly followed him without letting him notice me.” Clara and Mike’s mouths were gaped, not believing her story at first in shock. “I instantly called the police because I don’t know…. I mean he could’ve brought a gun with him. Lauren got her chance to escape him and that’s when I followed her and when Bryan was chasing her, the police were already around to help us.”

Lauren’s parents, especially her mother was beginning to get teary and to Camila’s shock, Clara embraced her into a hug. “Thank you iha. We would’ve lost our child if you didn’t save her.” She whispered gratitude to her ear and it felt good. It felt good to be acknowledged after such a long time.

Clara released her from the hug and it was Mike’s turn. “My daughter is lucky to have you as her friend.”

“Likewise.” Camila smiled, anwering.

Suddenly her attention averted to Lucy who was checking up on Lauren. Lucy was silent for the whole time she was talking to the green- eyed girl’s parents and she had no reason in mind why. Maybe she still hated her. That’s not even a ‘maybe’. Sure she hated her that’s why she didn’t want to listen to the story. Lucy faced her and Lauren’s parents. Lucy smiled weakly at her.

“T-thank you for saving Lauren’s life.” Lucy declared and Camila thought her ears were betraying her. It also seemed that her voice broke. Lauren really indeed has been the most important person in her best friend’s life.

Lauren’s parents excused themselves to check on Bryan who was in jail at the moment. Camila was left with Lucy who was focused solely on her best- friend. “Will you leave her alone?” Suddenly she heard Lucy speak.

“Pardon?” She asked and Lucy faced her once again when the green- eyed girl’s parents disappeared from the door.

“I’m thankful of you. Don’t get me wrong because I sincerely am.” Lucy explained. “But I don’t know. She was okay. When you came into her life, all of a sudden she’s been getting involved into things that would get us worried about. I don’t know it’s a coincidence you can say but it happens a lot.” Lucy informed her.

“But-.”

“If you really want to save her,” Lucy exhaled. “Then do us both a favor and leave her alone.” Lucy told her with full of authority in her voice.

Camila was shocked was such an understatement. She thought she was going to approve of her friendship with the green- eyed girl but then again it was just an illusion of hers. Lucy walked to the door after checking on Lauren and left Camila stunned right there. 

“No. You’re not going to school.” Lucy told her. She was used to having her best- friend almost all of the time but now she kind of felt annoyed and just out of it. Maybe she was pms-ing? Or that because she was fresh from a really horrible incident? She just felt like she wanted to be alone but not literally. She wanted to be in a place crowded with people who don’t know her and who don’t give a damn about her. “Are you listening to me?” Lucy asked once more and Lauren sighed heavily in response.

“You just got home from the hospital. It’s not good for you. Let me take care of your professors and your activities in school.” Lucy offered. “I’m sure you’ll catch up. I’ll help you just like always.” Lauren didn’t want to hear any sermon anymore from anyone in their house.

Clara brought the plates of pancakes and put it on the kitchen table. It was morning and Lauren wanted to go to school to get away. “You should listen to Lucy.” It was her mother’s turn now. Damn it. “You should get yourself more rest.” She took a bite from her pancake, stomping and annoyed.

Lucy caught her morning attitude. “Lauren I’m just thinking what’s good for you. You don’t have to act like this towards me. I’m worried about you.” Lucy’s voice getting louder now and Clara excused herself from the girls knowing that this would be one of bestfriends’ little fights. Clara understood and so she left the two alone.

“How do I act?” Lauren asked rather sarcastically.

“That,” Lucy pointed at her. “You’re acting like an immature child right now in front of people who only think what’s good for you. We care about you, okay?” Lucy tried one more time.

Lauren put down the fork, still annoyed. “Well if you care then just let me go to school today. I’m perfectly fine now. See?” She urged Lucy to examine her. “See? You see? I can go to school and I’ll be fine.” She continued to argue with her best friend and Lucy sighed.

Sensing that her best friend would give up, Lauren stood up from her seat and on her way upstairs to prepare for her classes.

Lucy stopped her. “Fine!” Lauren felt joy inside. “But you will be with me every time. I don’t have my classes today, only works in the school’s office.” She frowned at the thought of being stuck in the school’s office.

She faced her. “God, Lucy! I’m not a 7 year- old kid anymore. You sound like a pathetic boyfriend right now and I don’t like it.” Lauren told her and Lucy was stunned as her best- friend rushed upstairs.

You sound like a pathethic boyfriend right now and I don’t like it.

You sound like a pathethic boyfriend right now and I don’t like it.

You sound like a pathethic boyfriend right now and I don’t like it.

She couldn’t shake away Lauren’s voice echoing in her mind.

Now, does she?

Clara came in and she didn’t notice. “Everything okay?” She almost jumped in surprise when she heard her voice from behind.

“Y-yes.”

“I’m guessing you didn’t change her mind?” Clara questioned.

Lucy simply nodded her head. “I’ll just check on her every time.” She assured her best- friend’s mother. 

“My my my! The portion in the university’s paper which talks about gossips and all always involve you!” Dinah pointed at Camila and informed her excitedly. She handed Camila the newspaper and she examined it thoroughly. This was the first time she ever had interest in reading their school’s newspaper. It always sucked in her mind. “Look, yeah right there, you a hero now?”

CAMILA CABELLO, FROM THE GREATEST BULLY TO BEING A HERO?

There, letters all caps and too visible in her eyes, she read it per word.

“Camila have you read the-.” Normani’s words were interrupted when she noticed Camila was already reading what she was about to tell her. “Oh so you’ve already read about it.”

Camila folded the paper and returned it back to Dinah. “Who made this?!” She asked both of them.

Startled, Dinah and Normani didn’t know what to answer. Not that they didn’t want to but it’s just that they couldn’t. They never cared about the school’s newspaper before and now suddenly it all changed. All because of a green- eyed girl.

“We can have someone check on it.” Normani offered. “Calm your head will-.”

The dark- skinned girl was interrupted once again. “Well, just tell them make sure Lucy Vives gets a copy.” Camila told them suggestively and her two friends couldn’t help but share a confused look with each other.

“What’s with Lucy Vives that we seem to be unaware about?” Ally asked, coming from behind. “She is your girl’s best friend right?” Normani almost looked like she was going to burst out laughing.

“That’s just it. She is Lauren’s best friend.” Dinah seconded the motion.

Ally seemed puzzled. “You’ve got a grudge on her? She’s just a best friend, Mila.”

But Camila’s mind was betraying her by putting all these thoughts that could make her feel easily mad about Lucy being the green- eyed girl’s best friend.

“Unless of course you know something we don’t know.” Normani conversed.

Camila spoke softly. “I don’t know… I mean at first she seemed protective, but…” She couldn’t just conclude and have Lauren hate her once again. But she just needed some people to share her thoughts with. “But something tells me that she likes Lauren too.”

“Can we share a moment of silence and emphasize the 'too’?” Dinah declared and suddenly all of her friends burst out laughing in front of her and Camila just rolled her eyes. “Okay hold up sorry! Now, so you’re implying that Lucy Vives could be gay?”

“Still in the closet.” Normani added. “That’s unbelievable.”

Ally seemed to be in deep thoughts too as she began realizing things. “You’re just too jealous, Mila. Lucy and I share class and I can’t see any tendency that she could be gay.” Ally told them. “But we’ll never know I mean not like I have a lesbian radar or something.” She chuckled.

“Only Camila has and she’s thinking of it so it could be possible, right?” Dinah was analyzing. “I mean we haven’t heard about Lucy being linked to some guy? Like, only Bryan and he got dumped.”

“Don’t even mention that asshole’s name!” Camila spoke, gritted her teeth. “I guess he must’ve enjoyed his leisure time in jail.”

Ally stopped all her friends before this turned into some argument. “Okay ladies enough! I could see your girl coming, Mila.” Ally winked at her and Camila didn’t believe it. How in the hell Lauren would come to school when she just got out of the hospital? Dinah and Normani searched for the green- eyed girl’s presence and when they did, instantly they shared a look with Camila.

“No no no you’re fooling with me again.” Camila told them even smiling but when Dinah and Normani and Ally left her alone while smirking, she was then left staring at those innocent, wandering green eyes. “What the hell?” She lowly whispered to herself while she stared at Lauren who was checking on her locker.

She looked for her friends’ presence but they were suddenly gone.

Suddenly, Lauren’s eyes wandered and met her waiting gaze. Camila caught her breath and almost lost her balance to walk towards her. The green- eyed girl closed her locker and Camila was expecting for her to run away once again.

Instead, she was walking towards where Camila’s at. The brown- eyed girl couldn’t believe that she went to school when she still needed to rest. “W-what are you doing here?” She managed to converse.

Lauren stared at her cocking her eyebrow. “What do you mean? In case you’re forgetting, I do study here too.”

Camila smiled when she noticed a smile forming on the girl’s lips in front of her. “You know what I mean, Jauregui. You just got out of the hospital and now you’re here? You need to rest.” She informed her.

Lauren groaned, thinking that Camila was just like her best friend. She wanted to go to school to get rid of those mature talks she’s been sharing with her parents and Lucy. “Well, I guess you’re not the one I should talk to.”

Camila stopped her by pulling her arm. “Wait,” She started. “What do you mean?”

“I wanted to get away and just stay at some place where no one knows me.” Camila was staring at her and Lauren was too. She couldn’t stop looking at how beautiful the green- eyed girl was. She was internally scolding herself from giving her so much pain when all she offered to the world was her own good. “Uhh, my a-arm?” Camila slowly let go of her arm but didn’t let go of her eyes.

Lauren was about to leave her when she pulled her once again. “What if I know a place?” She informed the green- eyed girl and she half- smiled.

“But if you come with me then it defeats the purpose of going because you know me?” Lauren asked, in such a tone in which she was faking her innocence.

Camila sighed. “Then just pretend we don’t know each other.” She suggested.

Camila almost forgot she already confessed her feelings to the girl.

Lauren may have sensed that was the other girl had in mind.

“I’m kidding, sorry.” Lauren told her. “I just want to say thank you again for saving me.”

“That’s not what you were thankful of last night.” Camila uttered in a whisper for Lauren not to hear.

Lauren stared at her, puzzled. “What did you say?” She questioned.

“Nothing.” Camila said and suddenly gaining much more confidence, she intertwined their fingers which didn’t go unnoticed to Lauren and her eyes widened instantly. “Just come with me.” They quickly left the place, hands holding each other. 

A/N: I had a writer’s block. Honestly. :( that’s why this chapter took so long. Sorry if it’s lame, but have a great day lovelies!

twitter: arthoeregui :)

[neptunecreek]

Content Moderation is Broken. Let Us Count the Ways.

Social media platforms regularly engage in “content moderation”—the depublication, downranking, and sometimes outright censorship of information and/or user accounts from social media and other digital platforms, usually based on an alleged violation of a platform’s “community standards” policy. In recent years, this practice has become a matter of intense public interest. Not coincidentally, thanks to growing pressure from governments and some segments of the public to restrict various types of speech, it has also become more pervasive and aggressive, as companies struggle to self-regulate in the hope of avoiding legal mandates.

Many of us view content moderation as a given, an integral component of modern social media. But the specific contours of the system were hardly foregone conclusions. In the early days of social media, decisions about what to allow and what not to were often made by small teams or even individuals, and often on the fly. And those decisions continue to shape our social media experience today.

Roz Bowden—who spoke about her experience at UCLA’s All Things in Moderation conference in 2017—ran the graveyard shift at MySpace from 2005 to 2008, training content moderators and devising rules as they went along. Last year, Bowden told the BBC:

We had to come up with the rules. Watching porn and asking whether wearing a tiny spaghetti-strap bikini was nudity? Asking how much sex is too much sex for MySpace? Making up the rules as we went along. Should we allow someone to cut someone's head off in a video? No, but what if it is a cartoon? Is it OK for Tom and Jerry to do it?

Similarly, in the early days of Google, then-deputy general counsel Nicole Wong was internally known as “The Decider” as a result of the tough calls she and her team had to make about controversial speech and other expression. In a 2008 New York Times profile of Wong and Google’s policy team, Jeffrey Rosen wrote that as a result of Google’s market share and moderation model, “Wong and her colleagues arguably have more influence over the contours of online expression than anyone else on the planet.”

Built piecemeal over the years by a number of different actors passing through Silicon Valley’s revolving doors, content moderation was never meant to operate at the scale of billions of users. The engineers who designed the platforms we use on a daily basis failed to imagine that one day they would be used by activists to spread word of an uprising...or by state actors to call for genocide. And as pressure from lawmakers and the public to restrict various types of speech—from terrorism to fake news—grows, companies are desperately looking for ways to moderate content at scale.

They won’t succeed—at least if they care about protecting online expression even half as much as they care about their bottom line.

The Content Moderation System Is Fundamentally Broken. Let Us Count the Ways:

1. Content Moderation Is a Dangerous Job—But We Can’t Look to Robots to Do It Instead

As a practice, content moderation relies on people in far-flung (and almost always economically less well-off) locales to cleanse our online spaces of the worst that humanity has to offer so that we don’t have to see it. Most major platforms outsourcing the work to companies abroad, where some workers are reportedly paid as little as $6 a day and others report traumatic working conditions. Over the past few years, researchers such as EFF Pioneer Award winner Sarah T. Roberts have exposed just how harmful a job it can be to workers.

Companies have also tried replacing human moderators with AI, thereby solving at least one problem (the psychological impact that comes from viewing gory images all day), but potentially replacing it with another: an even more secretive process in which false positives may never see the light of day.

2. Content Moderation Is Inconsistent and Confusing

For starters, let’s talk about resources. Companies like Facebook and YouTube expend significant resources on content moderation, employing thousands of workers and utilizing sophisticated automation tools to flag or remove undesirable content. But one thing is abundantly clear: The resources allocated to content moderation aren’t distributed evenly. Policing copyright is a top priority, and because automation can detect nipples better than it can recognize hate speech, users often complain that more attention is given to policing women’s bodies than to speech that might actually be harmful.

But the system of moderation is also inherently inconsistent. Because it relies largely on community policing—that is, on people reporting other people for real or perceived violations of community standards—some users are bound to be more heavily impacted than others. A person with a public profile and a lot of followers is mathematically more likely to be reported than a less popular user. And when a public figure is removed by one company, it can create a domino effect whereby other companies follow their lead.

Problematically, companies’ community standards also often feature exceptions for public figures: That’s why the president of the United States can tweet hateful things with impunity, but an ordinary user can’t. While there’s some sense to such policies—people should know what their politicians are saying—certain speech obviously carries more weight when spoken by someone in a position of authority.

Finally, when public pressure forces companies to react quickly to new “threats,” they tend to overreact. For example, after the passing of FOSTA—a law purportedly designed to stop sex trafficking but which, as a result of sweepingly broad language, has resulted in confusion and overbroad censorship by companies—Facebook implemented a policy on sexual solicitation that was essentially a honeypot for trolls. In responding to ongoing violence in Myanmar, the company created an internal manual that contained elements of misinformation. And it’s clear that some actors have greater ability to influence companies than others: A call from Congress or the European Parliament carries a lot more weight in Silicon Valley than one that originates from a country in Africa or Asia. By reacting to the media, governments, or other powerful actors, companies reinforce the power that such groups already have.

3. Content Moderation Decisions Can Cause Real-World Harms to Users as Well as Workers

Companies’ attempts to moderate what they deem undesirable content has all too often had a disproportionate effect on already-marginalized groups. Take, for example, the attempt by companies to eradicate homophobic and transphobic speech. While that sounds like a worthy goal, these policies have resulted in LGBTQ users being censored for engaging in counterspeech or for using reclaimed terms like “dyke”. 

Similarly, Facebook’s efforts to remove hate speech have impacted individuals who have tried to use the platform to call out racism by sharing the content of hateful messages they’ve received. As an article in the Washington Post explained, “Compounding their pain, Facebook will often go from censoring posts to locking users out of their accounts for 24 hours or more, without explanation — a punishment known among activists as ‘Facebook jail.’”

Content moderation can also pose harms to business. Small and large businesses alike increasingly rely on social media advertising, but strict content rules disproportionately impact certain types of businesses. Facebook bans ads that it deems “overly suggestive or sexually provocative”, a practice that has had a chilling effect on women’s health startups, bra companies, a book whose title contains the word “uterus”, and even the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unwanted Pregnancy.

4. Appeals Are Broken, and Transparency Is Minimal

For many years, users who wished to appeal a moderation decision had no feasible path for doing so...unless of course they had access to someone at a company. As a result, public figures and others with access to digital rights groups or the media were able to get their content reinstated, while others were left in the dark.

In recent years, some companies have made great strides in improving due process: Facebook, for example, expanded its appeals process last year. Still, users of various platforms complain that appeals lack result or go unanswered, and the introduction of more subtle enforcement mechanisms by some companies has meant that some moderation decisions are without a means of appeal.

Last year, we joined several organizations and academics in creating the Santa Clara Principles on Transparency and Accountability in Content Moderation, a set of minimum standards that companies should implement to ensure that their users have access to due process and receive notification when their content is restricted, and to provide transparency to the public about what expression is being restricted and how.

In the current system of content moderation, these are necessary measures that every company must take. But they are just a start.  

No More Magical Thinking

We shouldn’t look to Silicon Valley, or anyone else, to be international speech police for practical as much as political reasons. Content moderation is extremely difficult to get right, and at the scale at which some companies are operating, it may be impossible. As with any system of censorship, mistakes are inevitable.  As companies increasingly use artificial intelligence to flag or moderate content—another form of harm reduction, as it protects workers—we’re inevitably going to see more errors. And although the ability to appeal is an important measure of harm reduction, it’s not an adequate remedy.

Advocates, companies, policymakers, and users have a choice: try to prop up and reinforce a broken system—or remake it. If we choose the latter, which we should, here are some preliminary recommendations:

Censorship must be rare and well-justified, particularly by tech giants. At a minimum, that means (1) Before banning a category of speech, policymakers and companies must explain what makes that category so exceptional, and the rules to define its boundaries must be clear and predictable. Any restrictions on speech should be both necessary and proportionate. Emergency takedowns, such as those that followed the recent attack in New Zealand, must be well-defined and reserved for true emergencies. And (2) when content is flagged as violating community standards, absent exigent circumstances companies must notify the user and give them an opportunity to appeal before the content is taken down. If they choose to appeal, the content should stay up until the question is resolved. But (3) smaller platforms dedicated to serving specific communities may want to take a more aggressive approach. That’s fine, as long as Internet users have a range of meaningful options with which to engage.

Consistency. Companies should align their policies with human rights norms. In a paper published last year, David Kaye—the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression—recommends that companies adopt policies that allow users to “develop opinions, express themselves freely and access information of all kinds in a manner consistent with human rights law.” We agree, and we’re joined in that opinion by a growing coalition of civil liberties and human rights organizations.

Tools. Not everyone will be happy with every type of content, so users should be provided with more individualized tools to have control over what they see. For example, rather than banning consensual adult nudity outright, a platform could allow users to turn on or off the option to see it in their settings. Users could also have the option to share their settings with their community to apply to their own feeds.

Evidence-based policymaking. Policymakers should tread carefully when operating without facts, and not fall victim to political pressure. For example, while we know that disinformation spreads rapidly on social media, many of the policies created by companies in the wake of pressure appear to have had little effect. Companies should work with researchers and experts to respond more appropriately to issues.

Recognizing that something needs to be done is easy. Looking to AI to help do that thing is also easy. Actually doing content moderation well is very, very difficult, and you should be suspicious of any claim to the contrary.

from Deeplinks http://bit.ly/2UN1cap