#what is a contract research organization

[croservices]

Why Ignoring WHAT IS A CONTRACT RESEARCH ORGANIZATION Will Cost You Time an

Why Ignoring What is a Contract Research Organization Will Cost You Time and Sales

If you're in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, you've probably heard of Contract Research Organizations (CROs). CROs provide research and development services to pharmaceutical and biotech companies on a contract basis.

CROs can be a valuable partner for companies that don't have the internal resources to support all stages of drug development. However, CROs are not always a good fit for every company. In some cases, companies may be better off working with in-house staff or other external partners.

There are a few reasons why ignoring CROs can cost you time and sales:

1. CROs can save you time

CROs can save you time by taking on some of the burden of drug development. This can free up your internal staff to focus on other tasks, such as product marketing and sales.

2. CROs can save you money

CROs can save you money by providing cost-effective services. In some cases, CROs may be able to negotiate better prices for materials and services than you could on your own.

3. CROs can improve your chances of success

CROs can improve your chances of success by providing expert services and access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. CROs can also help you navigate the regulatory landscape and ensure that your clinical trials are conducted according to Good Clinical Practices (GCPs).

4. CROs can help you get to market faster

CROs can help you get to market faster by accelerating the drug development process. CROs can also help you navigate the regulatory landscape and ensure that your clinical trials are conducted according to Good Clinical Practices (GCPs).

5. CROs can provide flexible staffing solutions

CROs can provide flexible staffing solutions that can be tailored to your specific needs. CROs can also help you manage your staffing costs by providing services on a per-project basis.

Whether or not you decide to work with a CRO, it's important to do your research and choose a partner that's a good fit for your company. If you decide to work with a CRO, make sure you have a clear understanding of your objectives and expectations. Working What is a contract research organization

1. What is a Contract Research Organization?

A contract research organization (CRO) is a company that provides services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. These services include clinical research, preclinical research, regulatory affairs, and more. CROs help companies outsource their research and development (R&D) activities.

The global CRO market is expected to reach $64.8 billion by 2025, according to a report by Grand View Research. The market is growing due to the rising demand for cost-effective drug development and the outsourcing of R&D activities by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

CROs offer a number of advantages to companies, including access to specialized expertise, cost savings, and shorter timelines. CROs also offer companies the flexibility to scale up or down their R&D activities as needed.

There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a CRO, such as their experience, expertise, and track record. It's also important to make sure that the CRO you choose is a good fit for your company's culture and values.

If you're looking for a CRO to partner with, we encourage you to check out our directory of CROs.

2. The Benefits of Working with a Contract Research Organization

A contract research organization (CRO) is a company that provides support to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in the form of research services outsourced on a contract basis. CROs offer a wide range of services, from preclinical research to clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance.

The outsourcing of clinical research has become increasingly popular in recent years, as pharmaceutical companies look to cut costs and increase efficiency. CROs offer a number of advantages over in-house research departments, including access to a wider range of expertise, flexibility and scalability, and reduced time to market.

1. Access to a wider range of expertise

One of the main advantages of working with a CRO is that you have access to a much wider range of expertise than you would if you were to carry out the research in-house. CROs employ a large number of scientists and clinicians with a wide range of skills and experience, which means that they are well-placed to tackle even the most complex research projects.

2. Flexibility and scalability

Another key advantage of working with a CRO is that they offer a high degree of flexibility and scalability. CROs are able to scale up or down their operations quickly and easily to meet the changing needs of their clients. This is in contrast to in-house research departments, which can often be inflexible and slow to respond to changes in demand.

3. Reduced time to market

One of the main benefits of outsourcing clinical research to a CRO is that it can help to reduce the time to market for new drugs and therapies. CROs are often able to carry out clinical trials faster than in-house research departments, due to their greater experience and expertise. This can be a vital advantage for pharmaceutical companies looking to get new products to market quickly.

4. Cost savings

Outsourcing clinical research to a CRO can also lead to significant cost savings for pharmaceutical companies. CROs are often able to carry out research projects at a lower cost than in-house departments, due to their economies of scale and access to lower-cost labor. This can be a major advantage for companies looking to reduce their research and development costs

3. The Cost of Ignoring a Contract Research Organization

The cost of ignoring a Contract Research Organization can be high. By not understanding what these organizations do, you may be missing out on critical research and development opportunities. Here's what you need to know about Contract Research Organizations, and why ignoring them could cost you time and money.

What is a Contract Research Organization?

A Contract Research Organization (CRO) is a company that provides research and development services to other companies, usually in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries. CROs offer a wide range of services, from preclinical research to clinical trials.

CROs are an important part of the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, as they allow companies to outsource expensive and time-consuming research and development tasks. This can save companies millions of dollars, and allow them to focus on their core business.

Why Ignoring CROs is a Bad Idea

There are a number of reasons why ignoring CROs is a bad idea. First, by not using a CRO, you may be missing out on important research and development opportunities. CROs have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and their staff are experts in their field.

Second, not using a CRO can be expensive. Outsourcing research and development to a CRO can save you millions of dollars, as you won't have to build your own research and development infrastructure.

Third, not using a CRO can be risky. CROs are regulated by the FDA, and they must follow stringent guidelines. This means that they are held to a high standard, and you can be confident that their work is of the highest quality.

Fourth, not using a CRO can delay your product's launch. CROs can help you get your product to market faster, as they can conduct clinical trials more quickly than you could on your own.

Finally, not using a CRO can damage your reputation. If your product is delayed or fails to meet regulatory standards, it will reflect poorly on your company.

In conclusion, ignoring Contract Research Organizations is a bad idea. CROs can save you time and money, and help you get your product to market faster.

4. The Bottom Line: The Benefits of Working with a Contract Research Organization Outweigh the Cost of Ignoring One

There are many reasons why working with a contract research organization (CRO) can be beneficial for your business. Here are four of the most important ones:

1. You Can Focus on Your Core Business

When you outsource clinical research to a CRO, you can focus on your core business. This is because you don’t have to worry about the day-to-day management of clinical trials. This includes tasks such as recruiting patients, managing trial sites, and collecting data.

2. You Can Save Time and Money

Working with a CRO can also save you time and money. This is because CROs have the staff and resources to conduct clinical trials quickly and efficiently. They also have access to a large pool of patients, which can help to speed up the trial process.

3. You Can Reduce Risk

Conducting clinical trials is a risky business. There are many things that can go wrong, and if they do, it can cost you a lot of time and money. By working with a CRO, you can mitigate some of these risks. This is because CROs have the experience and expertise to conduct clinical trials successfully.

4. You Can Get Access to New Markets

If you want to expand your business into new markets, working with a CRO can be a great way to do it. This is because CROs often have a presence in multiple countries. This means they can help you to conduct clinical trials in new markets quickly and efficiently.

In conclusion, there are many benefits to working with a CRO. These benefits include being able to focus on your core business, saving time and money, reducing risk, and expanding into new markets.

[biscuitdragonwithastick]

Imagine you're a scientist. You work for, probably, not the most ethical of organizations. The work you do was supposed to involve research demonic power and it uses to better the world. But, instead, you've found yourself observing and dispensing of gallons of demon cum.

The idea started simple. Demons generate energy through their impulsive and sinful natures. So, if one can find a way to "milk" out that energy, then it could be used a potential limitless source to power anything one can dream of.

The drawback is that, between the seven deadly sins, Lust has been the only nature that's consistently drawn the most power over time.

Thus, you - standing in front of the observation bay windows - watching a demon pound away into a milking machine. He was large and muscular, thick horns jutting outwards and sharp enough to kill a man with the smallest of gestures. He had a name - supposedly - but demon language meant nothing but gibberish to human ears. You just called him "Dee".

The job wouldn't be so bad, The cum wasn't very useful and you had the job of disposing of it, if it weren't for the fact that the more "higher up" scientists had noticed this particular demons energy output rose exponentially when you watched them.

It wasn't being in the same room, whether it be through camera or window, the thing somehow knew when you were watching him. In recordings, he would fuck into the machine, for lack of a better word, "vanilla". Rhythmically fucking in and out almost bored by its predicament. But when you entered the room... When you watched the live feed...

Dee's breath hitched and he picked up the speed. His hips pulled out in long and swaying thrusts, becoming more targeted to the phantom mares inner collection chamber. As if he were fucking a real body. His body hunched forward and he breathed against the metal frame and spoke in demon tongue. And his claws, they dragged into the ground, being careful not "hurt" the fake body it was presented with.

It was showing off. Everyone knew that it was thinking of you when it thrust inside. That it wanted you to replace that the unfeeling, robotic hole that it fucked day in and day out.

And, what started out as disgust, was slowly turning warmth and arousal. You were growing jealous of the mechanical contraction it bred.

It should be you.

[edit: Link to the next parts ]

[reasonsforhope]

"For the first time in almost 60 years, a state has formally overturned a so-called “right to work” law, clearing the way for workers to organize new union locals, collectively bargain, and make their voices heard at election time.

This week, Michigan finalized the process of eliminating a decade-old “right to work” law, which began with the shift in control of the state legislature from anti-union Republicans to pro-union Democrats following the 2022 election. “This moment has been decades in the making,” declared Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber. “By standing up and taking their power back, at the ballot box and in the workplace, workers have made it clear Michigan is and always will be the beating heart of the modern American labor movement.”

[Note: The article doesn't actually explain it, so anyway, "right to work" laws are powerful and deceptively named pieces of anti-union legislation. What right to work laws do is ban "union shops," or companies where every worker that benefits from a union is required to pay dues to the union. Right-to-work laws really undermine the leverage and especially the funding of unions, by letting non-union members receive most of the benefits of a union without helping sustain them. Sources: x, x, x, x]

In addition to formally scrapping the anti-labor law on Tuesday [February 13, 2024], Michigan also restored prevailing-wage protections for construction workers, expanded collective bargaining rights for public school employees, and restored organizing rights for graduate student research assistants at the state’s public colleges and universities. But even amid all of these wins for labor, it was the overturning of the “right to work” law that caught the attention of unions nationwide...

Now, the tide has begun to turn—beginning in a state with a rich labor history. And that’s got the attention of union activists and working-class people nationwide...

At a time when the labor movement is showing renewed vigor—and notching a string of high-profile victories, including last year’s successful strike by the United Auto Workers union against the Big Three carmakers, the historic UPS contract victory by the Teamsters, the SAG-AFTRA strike win in a struggle over abuses of AI technology in particular and the future of work in general, and the explosion of grassroots union organizing at workplaces across the country—the overturning of Michigan’s “right to work” law and the implementation of a sweeping pro-union agenda provides tangible evidence of how much has changed in recent years for workers and their unions...

By the mid-2010s, 27 states had “right to work” laws on the books.

But then, as a new generation of workers embraced “Fight for 15” organizing to raise wages, and campaigns to sign up workers at Starbucks and Amazon began to take off, the corporate-sponsored crusade to enact “right to work” measures stalled. New Hampshire’s legislature blocked a proposed “right to work” law in 2017 (and again in 2021), despite the fact that the measure was promoted by Republican Governor Chris Sununu. And in 2018, Missouri voters rejected a “right to work” referendum by a 67-33 margin.

Preventing anti-union legislation from being enacted and implemented is one thing, however. Actually overturning an existing law is something else altogether.

But that’s what happened in Michigan after 2022 voting saw the reelection of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a labor ally, and—thanks to the overturning of gerrymandered legislative district maps that had favored the GOP—the election of Democratic majorities in the state House and state Senate. For the first time in four decades, the Democrats controlled all the major levers of power in Michigan, and they used them to implement a sweeping pro-labor agenda. That was a significant shift for Michigan, to be sure. But it was also an indication of what could be done in other states across the Great Lakes region, and nationwide.

“Michigan Democrats took full control of the state government for the first time in 40 years. They used that power to repeal the state’s ‘right to work’ law,” explained a delighted former US secretary of labor Robert Reich, who added, “This is why we have to show up for our state and local elections.”"

-via The Nation, February 16, 2024

[noirandchocolate]

RICE Alzheimer's Research Institute

Terry died on 12 March 2015, having given his PCA a run for its money.  Open about his diagnosis, he has helped to unlock the secrecy and stigma that often surrounds dementia.  His legion of fans is undoubtedly grateful that despite the inevitable progression of the PCA he was able to fight his ‘embuggerance’ and continue to produce a number of both well-received and well-reviewed books.  Terry was also a great example to me in emphasizing how important it is that, in caring for people with any type of dementia, we always look for what people with a condition like PCA can still do, rather than what they can’t: by maximizing what is possible, a person can still live well with dementia for a significant time.

–Professor Roy Jones, Director of RICE (taken from “Terry Pratchett: His World”)

I wanted to post something for the Glorious 25th about the Research Institute for the Care of Older People (RICE) in Bath, where Sir Terry Pratchett received treatment for Post-Cortical Atrophy, the type of Alzheimer’s disease that eventually took his life. From the organization’s website:

RICE established one of the first memory clinic services in the UK in 1987 – a service which has since been widely replicated and is now considered standard and best practice by the NHS. In fact, RICE now runs the NHS Memory Clinic in Bath and North East Somerset on behalf of the local clinical commissioning group and local authority through a sub-contract with HCRG Care Group. To date, we’ve assessed, diagnosed, treated and advised 12,000 people with memory problems and their families in our memory clinic. 

Most of RICE’s clinical services and research activities take place in our own purpose built, specialist centre located on the Royal United Hospital site. The building of the RICE Centre was possible as a result of generous donations from major donors, trusts and foundations, and members of the public. RICE moved into the ground and first floor of the centre in 2008. Following the success of the DementiaPlus Appeal and further generous donations from major donors, trusts and foundations and members of the public, RICE converted the attic floor in 2019 to create more office space. This has given us access to much needed additional rooms and offices which will enable us to grow and run more services and activities. We’ve worked hard to ensure that the areas of the centre visited by our patients meets their needs and we regularly receive feedback on how much our patients enjoy their visit to our centre.

RICE not only provides clinical services to patients, but also conducts research into aging and dementia, including performing clinical trials for new drug treatments for memory-related diseases and developing other “techniques for diagnosing, managing, treating and understanding dementia and memory changes in older adults.”

Lady Lyn Pratchett is the patron of the organization, and the website includes a page about how people can donate funds or volunteer at the clinic and participate in fundraising events.

SO, if you’d like to help fund Alzheimer’s research on this Glorious 25th of May–or at any time–in honor of the Man in the Hat, take a look!

[fxirysforesight]

Future Career Pick A Card

Directions: Take 3 Mindful Breaths and Pick The Work Set-Up That Attracts You The Most!

Disclaimer: This is a general reading. It may not resonate for everyone and that's okay! If you are having trouble choosing a pile, take a minute to relax and then try again.

Pile One:

What Career Path Is Pile One Looking To Go Into?

Judgment, 9 of Cups, 4 of Swords

I feel like this is my Legal Studies, Politics, and Healthcare Pile. A lot of you are looking to go into Law or careers where you feel as though you are doing the right thing. You may want to go into careers where you are representing people or being a voice of reason for someone. You all seem to be problem solvers or at least interested in conflict-resolution based careers. Those of you who chose this pile are probably all or nothing people. I don't think a lot of you have any Plan B's or C's. You probably decided very early on what you want to be or do and that's what your heart is set on. You are looking for a career that has everything that you want. A career that fits your wants and needs and is a source of fulfillment for you is ideal Pile One.

These Are Some Careers I See You All Looking To Go Into/Be: Lawyers, Judges, Administration, Healthcare (Doctor or Nurse, a Veterinarian as well), Legal Work, Therapist (Mental Health, Massage, Etc.), Yoga or Meditation Instructor? For some of you, I see jobs where you are the Middle Man like for example a Hiring Recruiter.

What Career Path Is Best For Pile One?

8 of Cups Rx, The High Priestess, Strength

Pile One, you need to go into a career path that you know you won't walk away from. A career path that is sustainable for YOU. Regardless of the pay or whatever other constraints there may be, you need to find a job that satisfies your soul and not just your financial or social needs. I said before how I think that you all may enjoy conflict-resolution careers. It would be best for you all to find a career from which you can learn from or solve problems within. You would likely excel in careers that involve caring for someone or something in some way, shape, or form.

These Are Some Careers I Think You Would Excel In: Healthcare (Doctor, Nurse, Vet, Psychiatrist, Psychologist) Detective Work, Professor or Teacher, Guru, Counselor, Medium, Psychic, Astrologer, Tarot Reader.

Significators: French, Frenchie, or French Tips, Aries, Spring Months (March, April, May), 20+, Dyed Hair, "Not Yet", 444, Libra, 7th House Placements (Specifically Mercury and Sun), Strong Pisces, 12th House Sun or Moon, Moon and Neptune Dominant, Leo or 5th House Placements.

Pile Two: (This Pile was very similar to Pile One. If you felt drawn to that Pile go and give it a read and see if it resonates!)

What Career Path Is Pile Two Looking To Go Into?

5 of Swords Rx, The Star, The Wheel Of Fortune

The first thing I saw and heard was "Giving Back". This is my Humanitarian pile. A lot of you are likely studying or wanting to study Humanitarian Studies. You likely find yourself leaning towards careers or social endeavors that benefit not only yourself but the rest of the world as well. Your ultimate goal in a career is overcoming challenges, compromising or ending a conflict of some sort. You all want to change the world and give the up and coming generations inspiration and hope for a better world to live in. You want renewal. A fresh start.

These Are Some Careers I See You All Looking To Go Into/Be: Public Service, Tech and IT Jobs, Motivational Speakers or Anything To Do With Public Speaking, Freelancers or Non Contract Workers, Nonprofit Organization Workers, Health and Safety Professionals, Human Rights Activists, Scientists, Researchers, Entrepreneurs, Advocates, Social Workers.

What Career Path Is Best For Pile Two?

The Emperor, 4 of Swords Rx, Ace of Wands

Pile Two, you need to go into a career path where you have the opportunity to lead. A career path that offers you stability and structure. A career path that is practical and logical according to your own needs. All jobs will make you feel stress, but I would advise you to enter a career that provides you with the sanctuary you need to rest and recuperate. I feel like those of you who chose this pile get tired or burnt out pretty quick? Extroverts with low social betteries? It would do you well to enter into careers that you see yourself building a future off of. Additionally, for some of you I think jobs that are more hands on and interactive would be better for you. Careers that provide you with passion, action, and excitement!

These Are Some Careers and Career Titles I Think You Would Excel At: Self Employment, CEO's or Bosses, Government Based Careers, Entrepreneurs, Engineers, Military, Managers, Administration, Manual Labor, Tech and IT Jobs, Freelancing, Careers That Allow You To Travel, Sports or Athletics. This Pile has a VERY strong Masculine Energy. A lot of you may find yourselves in Male Dominated Career Paths, and you may have a lot of Masculine Energy in your Natal Charts as well.

Significators: Aries, Leo, Aquarius, Libra, Spanish, 10th House Mercury, 10th House Uranus, Chart Ruler in 11th House, Air and Fire Dominants, Mars in 1st or 10th, Libra Mercury, Sun-Mars and Sun-Saturn Aspects, 555, Aquarius Midheaven and DSC, Uranus Dominant.

Pile Three:

What Career Path Is Pile Three Looking To Go Into?

Queen of Wands, Queen of Cups, Page of Cups Rx

Creative Workers. A lot of you who chose this pile may have struggles or are currently struggling with finding the career path that suits you. You WANT to do a certain career, but you may think that you NEED to do another career because the career you dream of is unrealistic or out of reach or maybe just doesn't fall into your life plans or budget. You are likely searching for a career that you have an emotional connection to. Although money is important to you, you're not really concerned too much about monetary matters, because you know that you can't be happy in a career that doesn't speak to you. You want a career that you get excited about being able to do, a career that allows you to feel as though you are in control of your own life. A lot of you want to work with kids and young people, I can tell.

These Are Some Careers I See You All Looking To Go Into/Be: Elementary School Teachers, Leaders of Some Kind, Child Counselors, Midwives, Nannies, Children's Book Authors, Music Teachers, Singers, Poets, Interior Design, Home Business (Maybe a Daycare), Family Therapist, Realtor or Real Estate. In contrast to Pile Two, there is a lot of Feminine Energy in this pile. You all may find yourselves in Female Dominated career paths and you may have an abundance of Feminine Energy in your chart.

What Career Path Is Best For Pile Three?

King of Swords, The Chariot, Justice

Pile Three, I would advise you all to go into career paths where you have structure and routine. A lot of you who chose this pile have very strong morals and values with all of this watery energy here. You are kind and empathetic but you are also logical and firm. You would do well in a position of authority, where you are allowed to demonstrate and enforce self-discipline and hardwork. You will likely be known for your candor and integrity in your careers pile three. You value honesty and fairness, and it will show regardless of what path you choose. You would thrive in careers that allow you to teach others about the wonders of the World, whatever that may mean to you.

These Are Some Careers and Career Titles I Think You Would Excel At: Counselors, Networking, Mediators, Influencers, Authors, Motivational Speakers, Auditors, Elementary School Teachers, Family Therapists, Behavior Technicians, Children's' Book Authors, Interior Design, Home Businesses, Real Estate.

Significators: "Soon", Cancer, Sagittarius, Gemini, 20+, Fire, Musician, 10th House Sun or Moon, 1st House Moon, Mercury in 9th House, 4th House Stellium, Water Dominant, Pisces Moon, Cancer Midheaven, Libra, Saturnians.

[elikajinnie]

The Heartthrob Code

Pairing: Fratboy!Jake x nerd!reader (+17)

Warnings: Alcohol use, foul language, misunderstandings, mature themes, tension, minor angst, suggestive content only.

a/n: I wrote this during ovulation week... i dont remember half of what i wrote. so there is no smut, its just very... detailed? like hooking up! i went feral honestly with it... I also did some research on everything prior, and some things was ridiculous so i took took some inspo from norweagian party culture :3 also jake is a not an asshole

(rec party song ↑)

--------------------------

On campus, the hustle and bustle of student life filled the air. Groups of friends chatted animatedly, study partners exchanged notes, and some carefree souls tossed a frisbee back and forth in the warm sunshine. Yet, amid all the noise and activity, you walked alone, holding your schoolbooks close to your chest.

You navigated through the throngs of students with ease, your mind focused on your destination. The main building loomed ahead, slipping inside, the cool air a welcome contrast to the heat outside. The hallway stretched out before you, bustling with students rushing to and from classes, but you knew exactly where you were headed.

The library, awaited you. You entered the hushed space and offered a polite greeting to the librarian, who nodded back with a warm smile, recognizing one of the library's most diligent regulars. You made your way to your favorite corner, a secluded spot where you could immerse yourself in your studies without distractions.

Settling down, you spread out your books and notes, diving into your schoolwork with determination. This free period was precious, a chance to get ahead and prepare for the challenges ahead. After all, you were a high achiever, and every moment counted.

The silence of the library wrapped around you, a cocoon of focus and productivity. Outside, the campus buzzed with life, but here, in your corner, it was just you and your ambitions. The minutes ticked by, each one bringing you closer to your goals, each one a testament to your dedication.

As the minutes ticked by, you remained immersed in your studies, absorbing every detail, every concept, with unwavering focus. Time seemed to stretch and contract in the quiet confines of the library, until finally, the chime of the clock reminded you of your impending class. With a sense of satisfaction at a productive study session, you carefully packed away your books and notebooks, ensuring everything was in its proper place before leaving your secluded corner.

Exiting the library, you stepped back into the bustling corridors of the main building, where students hurried to and fro, their conversations blending into a gentle hum. You made your way towards your classroom, navigating the familiar halls with ease. At the door, you paused briefly to gather your thoughts before entering.

Taking your customary seat at the front of the classroom, you arranged your belongings neatly on the desk, a habit born out of a desire for organization and efficiency.

You reached for your workbook, flipping it open to a blank page. The scratch of your pen against paper filled the air as you began to scribble, jotting down thoughts, ideas, and snippets of information that floated through your mind. It was a ritual of sorts, a way to center yourself and prepare for the lesson ahead.

Lost in your thoughts, you scarcely noticed the passage of time as you filled the pages of your workbook with your thoughts and musings. The classroom gradually filled with the eager chatter of your classmates, anticipation building as everyone awaited the arrival of the teacher.

And then, as if on cue, the door swung open, and the teacher entered the room. With a final flourish of your pen, you capped it and tucked it away, ready to focus your attention on the lesson about to unfold.

The teacher made their way to the front of the classroom, as they greeted the class with a warm smile. You returned the smile with a nod of acknowledgment, your mind already primed for the lesson ahead.

Throughout the lesson, you remained an active participant, raising your hand to offer insights or ask questions when prompted.

The minutes slipped away unnoticed as the teacher led the class through the intricacies of the subject matter. Before you knew it, the bell signaling the end of the lesson rang out, snapping you out of your intellectual reverie.

As the class began to disperse, you gathered your belongings, ready to exit the classroom and continue with your day, when the familiar voice of your teacher halted your movement. " Y/n. May I have a word?" they asked, and immediately, a flutter of nerves danced in your stomach. Did you forget an assignment? Fail an exam?

Your mind raced with possibilities, each one more anxiety-inducing than the last. But as your teacher spoke, relief flooded through you like a wave crashing onto the shore. "Y/N, you are one of my most prodigious students and I favor you very much," they began, and you felt tension release from your shoulders.

"I think you would be perfect to tutor Sim Jake," they continued, and your eyebrows furrowed in surprise. "What?" you uttered, caught off guard by the unexpected request.

"Yes! He's unfortunately falling a little behind in class, and I was hoping that you could help him catch up," your teacher explained, their tone earnest.

"Oh… well, I'm not sure. I have a lot of assignments," you responded, hesitating as you weighed the pros and cons of taking on such a responsibility.

"I know it may put more on your plate, but this is a great opportunity for you! I will even give you extra credit if you do this," they added, their voice laced with encouragement.

After a moment of internal deliberation, you relented. "Alright, I will tutor him," you agreed, albeit with a hint of reluctance.

"Brilliant!" your teacher exclaimed, their enthusiasm palpable as they thanked you for your willingness to help.

As you left the classroom, a sense of defeat washed over you. You weren't exactly excited about the prospect of tutoring Jake. Experience had taught you that tutoring students like Jake often proved to be a formidable challenge, and it had often been a struggle to keep them focused and engaged. With Jake, you could only imagine the added challenge, given his reputation and the distractions that came with it.

With a sigh, you resigned yourself to the task ahead. Perhaps, against all odds, Jake would surprise you. But deep down, you couldn't help but harbor doubts. All you could do was hope that he would be willing to put in the effort and listen to what you had to say.

After a long day of classes, you trudged wearily back to your dorm, the weight of impending responsibilities hanging over you like a dark cloud. As you pushed open the door, you were greeted by the sight of your dormmate, Liz, surrounded by a chaotic mess of papers and textbooks strewn across the floor.

"What happened?" you asked, concern lacing your voice as you surveyed the scene before you. Liz looked up from her sea of notes, her expression a mixture of surprise and distress.

"Oh! Nothing much, just found out that I have an exam in a few days!" she replied, her voice tinged with anxiety. You watched as she scrambled to organize her materials, a sense of sympathy welling up within you.

"In what subject?" you inquired, stepping carefully around the scattered papers to reach your bed, where you perched on the edge, observing Liz's frantic efforts.

"Physics," Liz answered with a sigh, her shoulders slumping. You nodded in understanding, silently empathizing with her struggle.

As you flipped through one of Liz's textbooks, absorbing the complex equations and theories within its pages, she interrupted your thoughts with a question.

"Anyways, how was your day?" she asked, her voice slightly strained.

"Oh, nothing exciting, except that I now have to tutor Jake in psychology," you replied nonchalantly, though the weight of the task ahead hung heavily in the air between you.

In an instant, Liz was on her feet, her eyes wide with disbelief. "What?!" she exclaimed. You blinked slowly, taken aback by her sudden outburst.

"I swear, that's the fastest I've seen you move…" you mumbled, a hint of amusement coloring your words as you watched Liz's animated reaction.

"You have been given the honor of tutoring The Sim Jake!" Liz exclaimed, her excitement palpable as she shook you by the shoulders, causing you to wince slightly at the sudden movement.

"Do you know what this means?!" she continued, her words tumbling out in a rush of enthusiasm. You struggled to keep up with her frenetic energy, trying to make sense of her excitement.

"No?" you replied, attempting to extricate yourself from Liz's enthusiastic grasp. She released you, her eyes shining with fervor as she explained her reasoning.

"A golden opportunity!" Liz declared, her voice ringing with conviction as she paced around the room, her excitement contagious. You followed her movements with bemusement, raising an eyebrow in question.

"How is it a golden opportunity?" you asked, the skepticism evident in your voice as you emphasized the air quotes around the phrase. Liz's cheeks flushed slightly, her enthusiasm undeterred as she launched into her explanation.

"With you being close to Jake and his friends, we can actually be invited to a frat party! And before we know it, we are climbing higher and higher in status!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with anticipation.

"I'm sorry, we?" you questioned, a hint of amusement coloring your tone as you watched Liz's reaction. She blushed slightly, her excitement faltering as she hesitated.

"Well, I mean…" she began, trailing off uncertainly. You couldn't help but laugh at her flustered response, shaking your head in amusement.

"I'm just kidding!" you reassured her, a smile playing at the corners of your lips. Liz grumbled playfully as she sank down onto her bed, her cheeks still tinged with embarrassment.

"Oh, you can be so mean sometimes!" she teased, though there was a hint of fondness in her words as she settled back into the familiar comfort of your shared space.

The library was silent, only the sounds of rustling pages and the faint tapping of keyboards orchestrated a symphony. In your usual spot, nestled amidst towering shelves of books, you were in your own world.

Yet, in a blink of an eye, the tranquility shattered.

One moment, you were engrossed in the labyrinth of your studies, the next, he appeared. Jake materialized beside you, as if summoned from the ether, his sudden presence jolting you. Startled, you spluttered in surprise, fingers instinctively reaching to remove the headphones that had been delivering a steady stream of music to your ears.

"Oh! Sorry, did I scare you?" he asked, his voice carrying a note of genuine concern as he regarded you with an apologetic smile. Wide-eyed and still recovering from the shock of his unexpected arrival, you managed a shaky nod, attempting to regain your composure, "Kinda, but it's fine," you managed to reply, your voice tinged with a hint of lingering disbelief. Jake's smile widened at your response, his features lighting up with an infectious enthusiasm.

"Great!" he exclaimed, his words punctuated by a burst of energy that seemed to radiate from him like sunlight.

"So, you are my tutor?" Jake's voice was filled with curiosity as he tilted his head, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. As you met his gaze, you couldn't help but be struck by the resemblance he bore to a golden retriever.

"Yeah, I am," you confirmed, your voice slightly softer as you met his gaze, unable to resist the warmth in his smile. There was something endearing about the way he looked at you, a genuine curiosity that seemed to bridge the gap between you.

Before you could fully process his response, Jake reached into his pocket and retrieved his phone, the screen marred by small cracks, a testament to its well-worn nature. His eagerness was palpable as he held out the device towards you, a hint of excitement in his voice.

"Give me your number, and we can set up a time to meet up!" he exclaimed, his words tumbling out with an eager urgency. You hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by his enthusiasm, before reluctantly accepting his phone.

"Alright," you mumbled, fingers moving with a uncertainty as you typed your number into his phone, the soft click of the keys punctuating the quiet of the library. Once finished, you returned his phone to him, a faint buzz from your own device signaling the arrival of his message.

"I'll see you later then!" Jake said happily, the warmth of his smile lingering in the air as he slung his backpack over his shoulder and strode away. You watched him go, a sense of contentment settling over you like a comforting blanket.

Admittingly, Jake had proven to be more receptive than you had anticipated, his genuine eagerness a pleasant surprise.

As you returned to your studies, a small smile tugged at the corners of your lips.

-----------------------------

Standing in front of the frat house, you felt a wave of apprehension wash over you, mingled with a tinge of self-doubt. It was a Saturday afternoon, and the streets relatively quiet, with only a few scattered figures milling about.

Glancing down at your phone, you double-checked the address, confirming that this was indeed the frat house Jake had invited you to. Originally hesitant about holding the first tutoring session at his place, especially with his friends around, you had eventually relented, swayed by Jake's assurances that you would have space to work undisturbed. Yet, despite his reassurances, doubts still lingered in the recesses of your mind.

The frat house loomed before you, its imposing facade softened by the warmth of the afternoon sun. A large banner adorned the front, proudly displaying the name "Enhypen" in bold letters, surrounded by a chaotic collage of symbols and images.

Taking a deep breath, you approached the door, your gaze flickered to the saggy couch on the front porch, its worn cushions reeking of beer and other less savory scents. You wrinkled your nose in distaste before refocusing your attention on the task at hand.

Summoning your resolve, you rang the doorbell and waited, the anticipation building with each passing moment. When the door finally swung open, you were met with Yang Jungwon, a figure familiar only through Liz's extensive briefing on Jake's frat house.

"May I help you?" he asked, his voice tinged with sleepiness. You offered a polite smile, your nerves fluttering in your chest as you met his gaze. "Yes, I have a meeting with Sim. He invited me to come here," you replied, your voice steady despite the faint tremor of uncertainty that lingered beneath the surface.

"Oh yeah, he did mention you would come!" Jungwon exclaimed, his demeanor brightening, "Come in, come in," he invited, gesturing for you to enter, as he opened the door wider, inviting you inside. With a grateful nod, you stepped over the threshold, your senses immediately assaulted by the sights and sounds of the frat house.

Taking in your surroundings, you noted the spaciousness of the interior, surprisingly devoid of the expected chaos and clutter. A few articles of clothing lay scattered here and there, but overall, the space seemed relatively tidy.

"Follow me," Jungwon instructed, leading you upstairs and down a hallway lined with closed doors. The air was thick with anticipation as you trailed behind him, your pulse quickening with each step.

Finally, Jungwon came to a stop, gesturing towards a door at the end of the hallway. "This is Jake's room. It was lovely to meet you," he said cheerfully before bidding you farewell and disappearing down the hallway. "Yeah, you too," you replied, though your words felt somewhat hollow as you watched him disappear.

Left alone in the hallway, you took a moment to collect yourself, before gathering the courage, you knocked on Jake's door and waited, listening as the sounds of shuffling reached your ears from the other side. Moments later, his voice called out, slightly muffled by the closed door. "Who is it?"

"It's me," you simply replied. Almost immediately, the door swung open to reveal Jake standing there, his face lighting up with a wide, eager smile.

"You're here!" he exclaimed, stepping aside to allow you entry. You returned his smile softly and walked into his room, taking in your surroundings with a sense of awe. Jake's room was spacious and remarkably tidy.

"Wow," you thought, unable to keep the thought from slipping out in a whisper as you took in the room's neatness and order.

Jake moved over to his desk and pulled out a chair, patting the seat beside him invitingly. "Come sit," he urged, his eyes still sparkling with that boundless enthusiasm.

You walked over and took the seat next to him, pulling out the materials you had meticulously prepared for the day's session. "Let's start," you said, your voice filled with determination and a hint of anticipation.

Jake nodded, his smile unwavering as he focused on the work laid out before him. Hours seemed to pass by in a blur as the two of you delved into the intricacies of psychology. You found yourself pleasantly surprised by Jake's engagement. Not only did he pay close attention to your explanations, but he also asked questions, showing a genuine interest in understanding the material.

As time neared 5pm, your phone buzzed with a message. Glancing at the screen, you saw that Liz had sent a message asking where you were.

"I have to leave," you told Jake, noting the sudden sadness that flickered across his face.

"Yeah, yeah, of course," he said, standing up quickly. "I'll follow you out."

You smiled in appreciation, gathering your materials and slipping them into your bag. As you left Jake's room, you were abruptly met by a shirtless guy sprinting past, causing you to stiffen in shock.

"Joonwoo! Put a shirt on!" Jake shouted beside you, clearly embarrassed.

"I'm sorry, most of the guys have already come home… I didn't want you to think we're too rash like the stereotypes," Jake explained, his cheeks tinged with a hint of color.

"No, no, it's fine. I get it, I see that not everyone here is too bad, especially you," you said, offering him a reassuring smile as you walked away. Unbeknownst to you, Jake's face flushed a deeper shade of red at your compliment.

Descending the stairs, you noticed a few guys lounging in the living room, their attention momentarily diverted from the TV to you and Jake.

"Who's that, Jake?" Sunghoon called out, curiosity evident in his voice.

"This is Y/n, my tutor," Jake introduced you, and you gave a small wave.

A chorus of greetings met your ears, and you responded with a polite nod. Jake gently guided you toward the front door, his hand resting lightly on your waist. The unexpected contact sent a flutter through your stomach, which you quickly pushed aside.

"Thank you for coming today," Jake said, leaning against the door frame with a grateful expression.

"Yeah, no problem," you replied, matching his relaxed posture.

"Well… I'll see you later?" Jake asked, a hopeful note in his voice.

"Bye, Jake," you said, giving him a final smile before walking away.

"Bye…" Jake echoed softly, watching you until you disappeared down the sidewalk. Only then did he close the front door, turning to find himself immediately surrounded by his housemates.

"That's your crush?" Ji-yeong asked, a teasing grin spreading across his face.

"She's cute," Jong-su commented appreciatively.

"How did it go?" Jay inquired, genuine interest in his voice.

"Any progress?" Heeseung added with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Jake groaned, shaking his head in exasperation. "It's only the first day, guys," he answered, pushing through the cluster of curious faces to make his way back to his room.

As he closed his door behind him, he couldn't help but replay the day’s events in his mind, a small smile tugging at his lips.

Days turned into weeks, and with each passing moment, you found yourself growing closer to Jake and his friends. Your initial apprehension about tutoring him in a frat house had long since faded.

Every tutoring session with Jake seemed to bring out new facets of his personality. He was attentive and genuinely eager to learn, and his enthusiasm was contagious. You began to look forward to these sessions, not just for the academic progress but for the easy, relaxed conversations that often followed. You discovered that Jake was more than just a popular rugby player and a frat boy; he was kind, thoughtful, and surprisingly insightful.

Gradually, you became a familiar face at the Enhypen frat house. Jake's friends welcomed you with open arms, their initial curiosity evolving into genuine friendship. Sunghoon often joined your study sessions, bringing snacks and providing light-hearted commentary that kept things lively. Jay and Heeseung occasionally popped in, their questions and banter adding to the warm, communal atmosphere.

One afternoon, after a particularly productive session, Jake suggested a break. "Hey, how about we join the guys downstairs? They're playing some games, and it might be fun," he proposed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

You hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Sure, why not? I could use a break."

As you made your way downstairs with Jake, the sounds of laughter and friendly competition grew louder. The living room was filled with activity; a group of the guys was huddled around the TV, engrossed in a video game. They greeted you with enthusiastic waves and cheers.

"Hey, Y/n! Ready to join the chaos?" Sunghoon called out, tossing you a controller.

You caught it with a grin. "Absolutely. Let's see what you've got."

------------------------------

One evening, as you sat on the porch with Jake, the two of you watching the sun set, he turned to you with a thoughtful expression. "You know, I never expected to enjoy being tutoring so much," he admitted. "You've made it… fun. And not just the studying part. Everything."

You smiled, feeling a warmth spread through you at his words. "I feel the same way, Jake. I didn't expect to get so close to you and your friends, but I'm really glad I did."

Jake's gaze lingered on you for a moment, his eyes reflecting a depth of emotion that took you by surprise. "You've become an important part of our lives, Y/n. My life."

The sincerity in his voice sent a shiver down your spine, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Jake's eyes held yours, and you could feel the intensity of the moment wrapping around you like a warm blanket. His gaze softened as he leaned in slightly, his eyes flicking down to your lips and then back up to meet your gaze.

Your heart pounded in your chest, and you felt yourself being drawn closer to him, almost as if an invisible force was pulling you together. The world around you seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of you in a bubble of shared emotion and unspoken words. Slowly, Jake began to lean in, closing the distance between you. You felt your breath hitch in anticipation, the air thick with the promise of a kiss.

Just as your lips were about to touch, the bubble burst with a sudden cacophony of voices.

“Jake! Y/N! Get in here, you have to see this!” Sunghoon’s voice boomed, followed by a chorus of laughter from the other guys.

Jake pulled back slightly, his eyes widening in surprise and a hint of frustration. He glanced toward the house, then back at you, his expression a mix of apology and lingering desire. You let out a shaky breath, the moment of almost-kiss still buzzing through your veins.

“Sorry about that,” Jake said, his voice low and a bit strained.

You managed a small smile, trying to calm your racing heart. “It’s okay. We should probably see what they want.”

Reluctantly, you both stood up and made your way back inside. The living room was a scene of chaotic fun, with the guys gathered around the TV, laughing and shouting at whatever was on the screen.

“There you are!” Sunghoon said, turning to grin at you both. “We were wondering if you two got lost out there.”

“Yeah, something like that,” Jake muttered under his breath, earning a chuckle from you.

“What’s going on?” you asked, trying to shift the focus back to the group.

“Just a ridiculous video we found,” Heeseung said, gesturing toward the TV. “You’ve got to see it.”

You and Jake settled into the couch, surrounded by his friends, the earlier tension between you lingering like an unfinished conversation.

------------------------

You sat on your bed with your computer on your lap, a movie playing on the screen while a bowl of popcorn sat beside you. With Liz working a late shift, you had the room to yourself, relishing the rare peace of not having any plans or assignments to stress over. The soft glow of the screen illuminated your face as you lazily munched on popcorn, completely absorbed in the film.

Before you knew it, your eyelids grew heavy, and the movie became a soothing background hum. You fought to keep your eyes open, but eventually, you succumbed to the comforting lull of sleep, the computer still perched on your lap and the movie playing on.

You were abruptly awakened by the sensation of someone jumping onto your bed. Your eyes flew open to see Liz grinning mischievously at you, her weight causing the mattress to bounce slightly.

"Had a nice nap, sleepyhead?" Liz teased, snatching the popcorn bowl with an impish grin.

"What are you doing?" you asked groggily, rubbing your eyes as you tried to shake off the remnants of sleep.

"What does it look like I'm doing?" Liz retorted, her mouth full of popcorn.

You rolled your eyes, a small smile tugging at your lips despite yourself. Glancing at the clock, you were startled by how much time had passed. "I slept for so long?" you exclaimed, noting the late hour.

"Yeah, you slept through my shower," Liz said, flopping onto her own bed with a satisfied sigh, still munching on your popcorn.

You clapped your computer shut and set it aside, feeling a mix of grogginess and amusement. "Oh joy," you muttered, staring up at the ceiling.

Liz noticed your distant expression and quirked an eyebrow. "What's on your mind? Thinking about your tutor sessions with Jake?" she asked, her tone playful.

You turned to look at her, still lying on your back. "Maybe," you admitted, a shy smile playing on your lips.

Liz chuckled. "You know, it's not every day you get to tutor a cute guy from a popular frat. Plus, it sounds like you're actually enjoying it."

You nodded, thinking back to the near-kiss between you and Jake. "Yeah, I guess I am," you said softly.

Liz's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I knew it! Just promise me one thing."

"What's that?" you asked, curious.

"Invite me to one of their parties someday. I need to experience the legendary Enhypen frat house firsthand," she said with a dramatic flair.

You laughed, shaking your head. "Alright, deal. But only if you promise not to embarrass me."

Liz crossed her heart with her finger. "Scout's honor."

With a contented sigh, you turned back onto your side, closing your eyes.

-------------------------------

You and Liz were sitting at a cozy café near campus, hunched over your respective textbooks and notebooks. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft murmur of conversation created a calming backdrop as you both prepared for an upcoming exam. The table between you was cluttered with papers, highlighters, and half-empty coffee cups.

The silence was only broken by the occasional rustle of pages turning or the scratch of your pen as you scribbled equations into your workbook. Liz's phone buzzed, and she picked it up, her fingers quickly scrolling through her notifications. You didn't look up, too absorbed in solving a particularly tricky problem.

Suddenly, Liz gasped. You glanced up, curiosity piqued, but she had already stood up and moved around the table to sit beside you. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she thrust her phone under your nose.

"Look!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

You took her phone and read the post that had her in such a state. Your jaw dropped. The screen displayed a post from Jake's fraternity house, announcing a frat car wash. The picture showed all the boys posing with water buckets and sponges, their playful smiles and toned bodies on full display.

"Oh," you managed to say, your eyes lingering on the image. Jake was in the center, his grin as charming as ever. "Oh," you repeated, feeling a strange mix of surprise and amusement.

"We should totally go!" Liz said, her excitement infectious.

"What?" you looked at her incredulously, handing back her phone. "Why?"

"Why not? We get to see shirtless guys wash our car!" she said, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

"Your car," you corrected her, trying to maintain a semblance of rationality.

"It doesn't matter, let's go! Take a break from studying," Liz insisted, already starting to pack her things.

"But..." you mumbled, feeling a bit overwhelmed by her sudden enthusiasm.

"No buts!" Liz added firmly, her determination unwavering.

You groaned but began packing up your own things. The idea of a break was appealing, even if you felt a bit out of your element. Within minutes, you both had your bags slung over your shoulders and were heading out of the café, the thought of the upcoming car wash making your heart race with a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

As you walked towards Liz's car, she kept up a steady stream of chatter, her excitement growing with each step. You couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm, even as you felt a flutter of uncertainty in your stomach.

When you arrived at the frat house, the scene was even more lively than you had imagined. Music played from a set of speakers, and the guys were already hard at work, washing cars with an energy that was both entertaining and impressive. You spotted Jake immediately, his easy smile and confident demeanor standing out among the crowd.

Liz nudged you with her elbow. "See? This is way better than studying," she said with a wink.

You had to admit, she had a point.

When it was finally your turn, Liz drove the car up to the designated spot. Immediately, a few of the frat boys began splashing soap and water on the car, their playful energy adding to the lively atmosphere. You watched with amusement as they started scrubbing the car with gusto.

Heeseung, standing by your window, smiled at you as he scrubbed the glass. His friendly demeanor was infectious, and you couldn't help but smile back. He then turned to Jake, who was a few feet away, messing around with two other boys. You followed Heeseung's gaze and saw him say something to Jake, who then looked up. Upon noticing you, a wide grin spread across Jake's face as he made his way toward the car.

"Liz!" you called out, but Liz was too engrossed in oogling the shirtless boys who were flirting with her to pay any attention.

Jake reached your window and waved at you. You gave a small wave back, but your eyes widened in surprise when Jake was suddenly splashed from behind by Young-chul. Jake gasped and spun around, chasing after Young-chul with a water hose. He managed to hose him down, much to the delight of the onlookers. You giggled at the display, enjoying the light-hearted chaos.

Your attention shifted back to the front of the car, where the guys were dragging Heong-min back and forth on the hood, pretending to give him a soapy massage. It was a bizarre but hilarious sight, and you couldn't help but laugh. A quick glance at Liz confirmed she was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle, her eyes gleaming with amusement.

You and Liz settled into the car as the guys enthusiastically scrubbed and washed it, their flirtatious banter and playful flexing drawing amused reactions from Liz. She was clearly enjoying the attention, giggling and blushing at their antics. You, on the other hand, remained more reserved, though you couldn't help but smile and blush occasionally. You had built solid friendships with some of the guys, and their displays were more amusing than anything else.

However, you felt a knot of discomfort tighten in your stomach when you noticed Ji-yeong. He was leaning against the car behind you, shamelessly flirting with a group of girls. Your mind flashed back to the time he had confessed his feelings for you. You had rejected him not just because you weren't interested, but also because of his creepy behavior toward other girls and his general assholery. Your glare from the side window was intense, your dislike for him palpable.

Just as your annoyance peaked, a wet Jake appeared in your window, his bright smile instantly lifting your mood. He scrubbed the window and, with a cheeky grin, drew a heart with the soap. You giggled, the tension melting away. Jake blew a kiss through the soapy heart before rinsing it off, his playful demeanor a stark contrast to Ji-yeong's unsettling presence.

Jay walked around, inspecting the car, and deemed it clean. Liz started the engine, and as you drove away, she couldn't contain her excitement. "See! That was fun, wasn't it?" she said, her cheeks still flushed with exhilaration.

"Yeah…" you replied, your voice trailing off as you glanced back at Jake, who waved goodbye with a warm smile.

----------------------------------

You were sitting in the dorm with Liz, both of you munching on snacks and watching a random movie that Liz had been begging you to watch. Finally, after much pestering, you had caved in, and now you both lounged on your beds, enjoying the rare moment of free time.

Your phone suddenly pinged, interrupting your concentration. You grabbed it and saw that Jake had sent you a message: "Hey, I know it's a little out of the blue, but we are having a pool party at the house now, and I was wondering if you wanted to come?"

"Pool party!" Liz exclaimed, peering over your shoulder to read the message. You looked at her, eyebrows raised. "We totally have to go!" she said, springing up from the bed with excitement.

"Why should we?" you asked, half-heartedly. You were about to protest further when another message from Jake came through: "I would like to see you there."

"Cause that's an actual invite! Now we are obliged to go!" Liz explained with a mischievous grin. You sighed, feeling the weight of obligation and maybe a touch of excitement yourself.

"Fine…" you relented. Liz didn't waste a second, pulling out her bikini with glee.

You typed back a quick response to Jake: "Be there in 15." Then, you got up and rummaged through your drawer for your own bathing suit. With Liz's help, you quickly put it on, the two of you adjusting each other's straps before slipping on jeans and crop tops over your swimsuits. Once ready, you both exited the dorm and made your way toward the frat and sorority houses.

When you and Liz arrived at the Enhypen house, it was already in full swing, loud music blasting and flashing lights illuminating the scene. You and Liz exchanged a look of anticipation before making your way to the front door, where a bulky guy stood guard.

"Invite?" he asked, eyeing you both with a scrutinizing gaze. You showed him the invite from Jake on your phone, and after a brief moment of examination, he nodded and opened the door, letting you both in. Liz grabbed your wrist and eagerly pulled you inside.

The colorful lights from the ceiling made you squint as Liz navigated through the throng of people standing and dancing around. You scanned the crowd, trying to find someone familiar. Near the TV, you spotted Jay, Sunoo, and Sunghoon playing games, their laughter echoing over the music.

When you finally reached the back of the house, you found a bustling scene around the pool. People were lounging on inflatable floats, others were splashing in the water, and a few were gathered in clusters, chatting and laughing.

"Let's find Jake," Liz suggested, her eyes scanning the crowd.

You nodded, your heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement. The atmosphere was infectious, and despite your initial reluctance, you couldn't help but feel a thrill at being there. As you continued to look around, you felt a tap on your shoulder. Turning, you saw Jake, dripping wet from the pool, a wide grin on his face.

Jake was wearing black swimming trunks that clung to his hips, highlighting his athletic build. His hair was wet and slicked back, glistening under the party lights. Water droplets trailed down his face and neck, tracing paths over his toned chest and abs before disappearing into the waistband of his trunks. Each movement he made caused more droplets to cascade down his body, glinting like tiny diamonds in the light.

"You made it!" he exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with excitement.

"Yeah, we did," you replied, unable to hide your smile. The sight of Jake, with his easy confidence and the water shimmering on his skin, sent a shiver of anticipation through you.

"Come on, let's get you a drink," Jake said, his voice warm and inviting. He led you and Liz towards the refreshment table, his hand lightly grazing your arm. The coolness of his touch sent another shiver down your spine.

As you walked, you couldn't help but steal glances at him. The way the water droplets traced the lines of his muscles, the playful glint in his eyes, and the effortless way he moved made your heart race even more.

Jake led you and Liz to the refreshment table, where an assortment of drinks and snacks were laid out. The thumping music and laughter from the pool area created a lively background as Jake handed you a cup. "Here, try this," he said with a wink, passing a drink to Liz as well. You took a sip, the cool liquid refreshing in the warm night air.

Jake's eyes sparkled as he looked at you. "How about a swim? The water's perfect."

Before you could respond, Liz piped up, "Absolutely! Let's go!" She grabbed your hand and started pulling you towards the pool. Jake followed, his presence reassuring as you approached the edge.

Liz, ever the enthusiastic one, quickly undressed down to her bright red bathing suit, tossing her clothes onto a random chair without a second thought. "Last one in's a rotten egg!" she called out, and with a splash, she jumped into the water, sending ripples across the pool's surface.

You stood at the edge, watching as Liz swam energetically, her laughter echoing around the pool area. Jake was beside you, his eyes flicking from Liz to you, his smile gentle and encouraging.

Taking a deep breath, you began to undress as well. You felt Jake's gaze on you, not intrusive but warm and supportive. You folded your clothes neatly and placed them on a nearby chair, revealing your bathing suit underneath. The night air was warm against your skin, and the pool water looked inviting.

As you stood there, looking at the water, you felt a moment of hesitation. The party atmosphere was lively, and you were slightly out of your comfort zone. Jake, sensing your uncertainty, took a step closer. "It's going to be fun, I promise," he said softly.

With that, you took a deep breath and stepped to the edge of the pool. Jake was right beside you, his presence a comforting anchor. You glanced at him, and he gave you an encouraging nod.

"Ready?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Ready," you replied, a smile forming on your lips.

Together, you both jumped into the water. The coolness enveloped you immediately, refreshing and exhilarating. You surfaced, laughing, the tension melting away. Jake was right beside you, his grin wide and genuine.

Liz swam up, splashing water playfully at both of you. "See? Isn't this great?" she said, her eyes bright with excitement.

You nodded, feeling a surge of joy. "Yeah, it really is," you admitted.

Without warning, Jake playfully splashed you, sending a spray of water over your face. You laughed, retaliating with a splash of your own. The two of you engaged in a lighthearted water fight, the sounds of your laughter blending with the music and chatter from the party.

"You're going down!" you declared, trying to splash him again.

"Oh, really?" Jake said with a mock-serious expression. He lunged forward, grabbing you by the waist and pulling you through the water. You squealed in surprise but couldn't stop laughing.

Liz cheered you both on from the sidelines, her own amusement evident. "Get him, Y/N!"

You wriggled free from Jake's grip and swam a few strokes away, turning to face him with a challenging look. "Catch me if you can!"

Jake's eyes sparkled with determination. "Oh, I will," he said, swimming after you. The chase was exhilarating, and you felt a thrill every time he almost caught up to you.

Finally, Jake managed to catch you, wrapping his arms around you and lifting you slightly out of the water. "Gotcha!" he said triumphantly.

You laughed, breathless but happy. "Okay, okay, you win," you conceded, enjoying the closeness and the warmth of his embrace.

Jake lowered you back into the water, but his hands lingered on your waist for a moment longer. "This is fun," he said, his voice softer. "We should do this more often."

You nodded, feeling a connection between you two that was growing stronger with each passing moment. "I'd like that," you replied, your smile matching his.

After a while, you found yourself by the pool's edge, Jake still by your side. He leaned in closer, his voice soft yet clear over the music. "I'm really glad you came tonight," he said, his eyes locking onto yours.

Before you could respond, a loud shout interrupted the moment. "Hey Jake, come over here!" someone called from the other side of the pool. Jake looked over, clearly torn between staying with you and joining his friends.

"I'll be right back," he promised, giving your hand a quick squeeze before swimming away.

You watched him go, a mix of emotions swirling within you. Liz swam up next to you, a knowing smile on her face. "Looks like someone has a crush," she teased.

"Shut up," you mumbled, though you couldn't help but smile.

But unbeknownst to you, not everyone at the party was thrilled with how close you were getting with Jake. In a corner of the backyard, a group of girls watched you with narrowed eyes, their whispers barely audible over the music and laughter.

"Can you believe how she's clinging to him?" one of them muttered, her tone dripping with disdain.

Another girl, her arms crossed over her chest, nodded. "She just showed up out of nowhere, and now she's acting like she belongs here. Jake should be with someone from our circle."

A third girl, who had been silent until now, smirked. "We should do something about it. Jake needs to see that she's not right for him."

As they continued to hatch their plan, their minds set on dividing you and Jake, Ji-yeong approached the group, a mischievous glint in his eyes. He had overheard their conversation and saw an opportunity to involve himself in a scheme that piqued his interest.

"Hello, ladies," Ji-yeong greeted, his voice smooth and confident. "I may have a little proposition for this problem we seem to be having."

The girls exchanged glances, curiosity and intrigue evident in their eyes. They knew Ji-yeong had a reputation for being cunning and persuasive, and his involvement could prove beneficial.

"We're listening," one of them said, her tone cautious yet hopeful.

Ji-yeong leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I've noticed how close Jake has gotten with her, and frankly, it's unacceptable. But I have a plan that might just work. We need to make sure she understands her place. And more importantly, make sure Jake sees it too. If we play our cards right, we can push her out and remind him where he really belongs."

The girls nodded, their interest piqued further. Ji-yeong's suggestion seemed like exactly what they needed to execute their scheme.

"So, what's the plan?" another girl asked, her eyes narrowing as she listened intently.

Ji-yeong smirked, his mind already whirling with ideas. "Leave that to me. Meanwhile, you girls can subtly isolate her, make her feel like she doesn't belong here. A combined effort will be much more effective."

The girls exchanged looks of agreement, their resolve strengthening.

You swam around the pool a bit more, enjoying the refreshing water against your skin. However, as you glanced back at Liz, you noticed she was already surrounded by guys, laughing and chatting animatedly. You smiled to yourself and shook your head, knowing she was having a great time.

Climbing out of the pool, you grabbed a towel from a nearby table and dried yourself off. You found your clothes easily but decided to keep your bathing suit on under your jeans, letting your top hang from your waist. Walking around the crowd, you eventually spotted Jake playing beer pong against another guy you didn't know.

Moving through the crowd, you approached Jake just as he won a round, his triumphant shout echoing through the air. He turned and noticed you standing there, a smile lighting up his face. "Hey! Wanna try it out?" he asked, gesturing to the table.

"I don't really know how to play," you admitted.

"It's easy, here, I'll show you," Jake said, guiding you to stand where he had been. He picked up a ball as the cups were refilled, and Heeseung, who was refilling them, smiled at you.

"You throw the ball into the other cups with the right trajectory, and when they drink everything, you win," Jake explained.

You nodded, watching intently as Jake handed you the ball. The girl you were playing against threw her ball but missed. It was your turn, and you focused, calculating the trajectory before confidently throwing the ball, landing it in one of her red cups.

"Omg!" you exclaimed, jumping up and down with excitement. Jake cheered you on from beside you as more onlookers joined to watch the game unfold.

As the game progressed, the crowd around you grew, and you felt a surge of adrenaline. You were down to four cups while your opponent had two. The pressure was on, but you remained focused, determined to win.

When your opponent missed her shot, you seized the opportunity, throwing the ball and scoring yet again. The cheers erupted as she drank from her cup, realizing she was on the brink of defeat.

With a final shot, you aimed carefully and watched as the ball landed perfectly, sealing your victory. "I did it! I won!" you shouted, the excitement coursing through you as the crowd erupted into cheers and applause.

Turning around, you saw Jake clapping happily, his smile beaming with pride.

The party had winded down, leaving you standing in the kitchen, surrounded by the remnants of the evening's festivities. You found yourself eyeing the snacks absentmindedly, contemplating in a late-night treat, when the sound of footsteps interrupted your thoughts.

Turning, you saw Jake entering the kitchen, accompanied by Jungwon. Jake's presence alone sent a jolt of anticipation through you, and you couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement at being alone with him.

"Hey there, you are," Jake greeted you with a warm smile, his eyes bright with genuine interest. Jungwon nodded in acknowledgment before grabbing a drink from the fridge and exiting, leaving you and Jake alone.

You returned Jake's smile, feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement coursing through you. As you finished your drink, tossing the glass bottle into the trash, Jake's question hung in the air. "Did you have fun today?" he asked, his tone slightly nervous but filled with genuine concern.

You turned to face him fully, taking in his earnest expression. For a moment, an mischievous thought crossed your mind, and a playful smirk tugged at the corners of your lips. "I did, thanks for inviting me," you replied, your voice tinged with playful ambiguity.

Jake visibly relaxed, a smile spreading across his face at your response. "I really had fun," you added, your tone softening as you took a step closer to him, closing the distance between you.

Suddenly, you felt a surge of boldness wash over you, fueled by the charged atmosphere between you and Jake. You trailed a finger down his clothed chest, the fabric of his tank top soft under your touch. Jake's eyes widened in surprise, his cheeks flushing with a deep blush as he stared down at you, taken aback by your sudden boldness.

"Oh," he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper, his eyes locked with yours in a mixture of shock and anticipation.

In that moment, time seemed to slow to a crawl as you both stood there, the air thick with tension and unspoken desire. With a shared sense of longing, you both began to lean in, the space between you shrinking until your lips finally met in a soft, tentative kiss, the world around you seemed to fade into oblivion, leaving only the electric current of desire pulsating between you and Jake.

Feeling emboldened by the intensity of the moment, Jake's hands found their way to your waist, pulling you closer to him until there was barely an inch of space between your bodies.

Lost in the haze of desire, you instinctively leaned into his touch, your hands finding purchase on his shoulders as you melted against him. His kiss deepened, becoming more fervent, more urgent.

With a low growl of desire, Jake gently guided you backward until your back collided with the cool surface of the kitchen counter, the sensation sending a thrill coursing through you. Without breaking the kiss, he pressed his body against yours, pinning you against the counter with a delicious weight that left you breathless.

The kiss deepened further, becoming more passionate, more consuming, as if the hunger between you could never be satisfied. You felt the heat of his body seeping into yours, the friction of your bodies igniting a firestorm of desire that threatened to consume you both.

As you gasped for air, the world seemed to spin around you, the haze of desire clouding your senses as Jake's lips continued to trail down your neck, igniting a trail of fire wherever they touched. "Jake," you whispered, your voice barely audible above the sound of your pounding heart.

He hummed in response, his lips still grazing the sensitive skin of your neck, sending shivers down your spine. With each gentle kiss, a wave of electricity coursed through your veins, leaving you tingling with anticipation.

"Let's go to your room," you whispered, your voice trembling with desire. Jake didn't hesitate, his movements swift and confident as he guided you through the crowded party and up the stairs, his touch sending sparks flying wherever it landed.

As you made your way through the dimly lit hallway, the sounds of passion echoed around you, a symphony of moans and groans "People are really getting into it," you thought.

Finally, you reached Jake's room, the door closing behind you with a soft click as he locked it securely. The room was shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by the soft glow of LED lights hanging from the ceiling, casting an eerie red hue over the space.

As you turned to face Jake, a mischievous grin tugged at the corners of your lips. The playful challenge danced in your eyes as you backed away, leading him deeper into the room.

The room seemed to shrink around you as Jake followed, a playful glint dancing in his gaze. Your heart raced with excitement as you retreated, a teasing smile playing on your lips. There was an undeniable thrill in the chase, a delicious tension that crackled in the air.

With every move you made, Jake mirrored, his movements fluid and purposeful. It was like a dance, a seductive game of cat and mouse, with you both caught in its intoxicating rhythm. Your pulse quickened as Jake drew nearer, his presence dominating the space around you.

In the dim light, his features took on a sculpted allure, his eyes dark pools of desire that seemed to draw you in. You could feel the heat of his breath against your skin, a tantalizing reminder of the closeness between you.

As you backed up against the edge of the bed, your heart pounded with anticipation. There was a hunger in Jake's gaze, a primal need that mirrored your own.

"Where do you think you're going, baby?" Jake's voice was a low, husky whisper, sending a shiver of anticipation down your spine. "I don't know," you replied, your tone teasing as you fell onto the bed, your back hitting the soft mattress. But before you could move, Jake was upon you, you tried to crawl away, but he captured your wrists in his hands, pinning them above your head with a playful grin. "I got you," he murmured, his voice filled with desire as he leaned down, his lips capturing yours in a searing kiss.

Caught in Jake's grasp, you melted into the kiss, your body responding instinctively to his touch. His lips were soft yet demanding, igniting a fire within you that burned with a fierce passion. Jake's hands trailed down from your wrists, exploring the curves of your body with a hunger that left you breathless.

You arched into him, craving more of his touch, more of his intoxicating presence. His fingers traced along your skin, sending sparks of electricity dancing across your senses. Every caress, every touch, sent waves of pleasure coursing through you, driving you closer to the edge of ecstasy.

Jake's lips trailed down your jawline, leaving a trail of fire in their wake as he explored every inch of your skin with a fervor that left you gasping for air. Your hands roamed over his body, tracing the contours of his muscles with a hunger that matched his own.

With a gentle yet urgent touch, Jake guided you further onto the bed, his body pressing against yours as he claimed you with a fervent passion that left you breathless.

As the intensity reached its peak, you found yourself sinking deeper into the heat of the moment, your body responding instinctively to Jake's touch. Somewhere in the midst of the passion, you felt a subtle shift in your positions, and before you knew it, you were straddling Jake's lap, his strong arms wrapped securely around your waist.

But as the haze of desire began to lift, you suddenly became aware of the new position, your eyes meeting Jake's as you pulled back from the kiss, the connection between you unbroken. Sitting up fully, you looked down at Jake, his gaze filled with a mix of desire and adoration, his hands lingering on your thighs.

For a moment, you both simply gazed at each other, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air between you. But as Jake's hands began to explore the curves of your body, tracing every contour with a gentle yet possessive touch, you felt a surge of desire coursing through your veins.

With a soft gasp, you felt Jake's strong arms wrap around you as he sat up fully, his back resting against the wall. He pulled you closer, his touch sending shivers down your spine as he adjusted his position, making room for you to straddle him more comfortably. You gasped in surprise at the sudden movement, but before you could react, Jake's lips found yours again in a searing kiss.

His hands moved to the small of your back, pulling you impossibly closer as he deepened the kiss, his touch igniting a fire within you. You melted into him, your fingers tangling in his hair.

As Jake slowly pulled back, releasing you from the fervent embrace, he lowered you gently onto your back, his touch tender yet possessive. You lay there, chest rising and falling with each deep breath, your gaze fixed on him as you took in the sight before you.

In the soft, crimson glow of the LED lights, Jake's features were cast in an ethereal light, his eyes dark pools of desire that seemed to drink you in. His hair was tousled, a testament to the passion that had consumed you both, and his lips were swollen from the intensity of your kisses. The absence of his tank top revealed a toned torso, muscles defined beneath smooth skin, adding to his allure.

The red light danced across his body, casting shadows that made him look almost devilish, a dark and irresistible force that drew you in even deeper.

You reached up to touch his face, your fingers tracing the sharp lines of his jaw. Jake leaned into your touch, his eyes never leaving yours. There was something both tender and fierce in his gaze, a mix of emotions that left you breathless.

In Jake's eyes, as he gazes down at you, you are the epitome of his deepest desires, the embodiment of everything he has ever wanted and loved. From the moment he first laid eyes on you, he knew there was something special about you. It wasn't just physical attraction; it was something deeper, more profound. He called it love at first sight, a feeling that overwhelmed him from the very beginning.

Now, as he hovers above you, his heart races with a mixture of passion and adoration. You are the girl he has dreamed of, the one he has yearned for with every beat of his heart. And now, here you are, lying beneath him, all for him to see, to touch, to love.

As your hands find their way to Jake's shoulders, you pull him down closer to you, craving the intimacy of his touch. He willingly complies, his lips meeting yours in a deep, passionate kiss that sends sparks flying through your veins.

With each kiss, the world around you fades away, leaving only the two of you in your own private sanctuary. His touch is electric against your skin, setting your senses ablaze with desire as he trails his hand down your jawline, sending shivers down your spine.

You respond eagerly, melting into his embrace as you lose yourself in the heat of the moment. His kisses are like a drug, addictive and intoxicating, leaving you yearning for more with each passing second.

With a surge of desire, you wrap your legs around Jake's waist, pulling him closer to you, craving the sensation of being as close to him as possible. He responds eagerly, his body pressing against yours with a fervent urgency that matches your own. One of his hands holds his weight, supporting him above you, while the other explores your body.

When Jake pulls back from the kiss, his lips trace a fiery path down your neck, leaving a trail of electric tingles in their wake, you gasp at the intensity of the sensation, your fingers instinctively clutching his bicep tightly.

His words, whispered against your skin with a fervor that ignites your soul, send shivers cascading down your spine. "You are so perfect," he murmurs, his voice husky with desire, each word dripping with sincerity and adoration.

As the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, gently illuminating the room, you began to stir from your slumber. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, you shifted slightly, only to find yourself cocooned in the comforting embrace of Jake's arms. His presence was like a soothing balm, wrapping you in a sense of security and contentment.

Lying there in the half-light of morning, you couldn't help but smile as you gazed at Jake's sleeping face, his features softened by the tranquility of sleep. He had curled himself around you, spooning you under the soft blankets, his steady breaths creating a rhythmic melody that lulled you into a state of calm.

Sighing softly, you decided to savor the moment a little longer, allowing yourself to bask in the warmth of Jake's embrace. After all, it was the weekend, and there was no rush to start the day.

However, as you drifted in and out of consciousness, you were eventually roused by the sensation of soft kisses against your shoulder. Yawning softly, you hummed in contentment, acknowledging Jake's presence with a sleepy smile.

"Good morning, baby," his whispered words brushed against your ear, sending a shiver of delight down your spine. In response, you murmured a sleepy greeting, rolling over onto your back to face Jake.

But the mischievous glint in Jake's eyes caught your attention, prompting you to raise an eyebrow in suspicion. "What is it?" you asked him, your curiosity piqued.

"Look in the mirror," he replied cryptically, his eyes twinkling with anticipation. Intrigued, you sat up, casting a wary glance at him before sitting up and turning to face the mirror beside the bed, you were met with a shocking sight that elicited a gasp of surprise from your lips.

"Jake!" you exclaimed, your voice a mixture of disbelief and indignation as you grabbed a nearby pillow and began to pummel him with it. "Hey, hey, ow! I'm sorry!" Jake protested, attempting to shield himself from your playful assault.

The reason for your outburst was glaringly evident in the mirror—the purple and pinkish marks that adorned your neck and shoulders. Though they were not bruises in the traditional sense, the telltale signs of hickeys were impossible to ignore.

As the reality of the situation sunk in, you couldn't help but feel a rush of embarrassment and self-consciousness.

"How do I cover this up?! They're everywhere!" you exclaimed in distress, your voice muffled by the plush pillows as you flopped face down onto the bed, your frustration evident in the tone of your voice.

But Jake's response was far from sympathetic, his teasing tone only adding fuel to the fire of your exasperation. "I mean, you could not cover them?" he quipped, his playful smirk evident even in the dim morning light.

With a groan of disbelief, you sat up to confront him, your gaze sweeping over his figure to find that he, too, bore the telltale marks of your shared passion. "Oh God… did I do that?" you asked him, your voice laced with a mixture of embarrassment and incredulity.

In response, Jake simply nodded, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes as he echoed your words with a teasing smirk. "Oh God? Now where did I hear that again?" he teased, his playful banter eliciting a groan of frustration from you.

Unable to resist the urge to retaliate, you delivered a swift kick, sending Jake tumbling off the bed with a yelp of surprise. "Ow!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing through the room as he quickly sprang to his feet, his movements fluid and graceful even in his disheveled state.

"If you'd like to stay for breakfast, I could fix it," Jake offered, his voice tinged with warmth and sincerity. But before he could finish, you interjected, declining his invitation politely. "No, no, it's fine. I have plans soon," you explained, your words punctuated by a gentle smile.

"Oh, that's fine," Jake replied, a hint of disappointment flickering across his features before he handed you the hoodie. "What's this?" you asked, curiosity piqued as you examined the garment in your hands.

"Well, it's a bit cold out now and... I thought you might want it?" Jake explained, his words accompanied by a sheepish grin. "Oh, thank you," you replied, gratitude lacing your voice as you pulled the hoodie on, relishing in its warmth and the faint scent of Jake that lingered on the fabric.

"Let's go," Jake suggested, his tone light as he unlocked the door and led you out of the room and down the hallway. As you followed him, you couldn't help but notice the chaos that reigned throughout the house, with people sprawled out on couches and floors.

"That's gonna be a nightmare to clean up," Jake muttered, his voice tinged with exasperation as he surveyed the scene before you. With a nod of agreement, you slipped on your shoes and made your way to the door, ready to face the chilly morning air.

"I'll see you later?" Jake inquired, his gaze lingering on you with a mix of hope and uncertainty. "Yeah, see ya," you replied, offering him a small smile before stepping out into the crisp morning.

-----------------------------------

In the days leading up to a exam, your interactions with Jake were limited as the pressure of impending tests consumed your focus. You devoted yourself entirely to your studies, immersing yourself in textbooks and lecture notes. You spent countless hours holed up in the library or sequestered in your room, pouring over your coursework with unwavering determination.

Whenever Jake reached out to make plans, you had to decline, unable to spare even a moment for leisurely activities. Your responses to his messages were brief, and sometimes you even found yourself ignoring them altogether. Yet, despite your lack of availability, Jake remained understanding and supportive, sending you encouraging messages every day and occasionally surprising you with coffee and food to help sustain you through your long study sessions.

As the day of the exam finally arrived, nerves churned in the pit of your stomach, threatening to overwhelm you. But as you sat down to take the test, a sense of determination washed over you, driving you to give it your all. And when you finally emerged from the exam room, the weight of the world seemed to lift from your shoulders, replaced by a surge of relief and accomplishment.

Instead of returning directly to your room, you found yourself drawn to the ENHYPEN house, seeking solace in familiar surroundings. Knocking on the door, Sunoo greeted you, "Hello, Y/N," he greeted you, "Hi, is Jake here?" you inquired, hoping to see him.

"Sorry, no, he's not," Sunoo replied, "He had a family emergency," he added, his words sending a ripple of concern through you. "Oh," you murmured, a pang of sympathy tugging at your heart. "Thank you, Sunoo," you said softly before turning to leave. "No problem," Sunoo called after you, his voice filled with genuine concern as he closed the door behind you.

Upon returning to your room, you wasted no time in taking a much-needed shower before collapsing into bed, the events of the day swirling through your mind as you drifted into a restless sleep.

You awoke from your nap, the room bathed in the gentle glow of afternoon light filtering through the curtains. Stretching languidly, you reached for your phone, only to find no new messages waiting for you. A sense of unease crept over you, prompting you to dial Jake's number. To your dismay, it went straight to voicemail. Frowning, you tried again, but once more, it ended up in his voicemail.

Growing increasingly worried, you sent him a message, hoping for a quick response. But as the hours passed, there was still no reply. Anxiety gnawed at your insides, fueling your concern for Jake's well-being. When your attempts to call him went unanswered yet again, you dialed his number one more time, your heart pounding in your chest.

To your surprise, a woman's voice answered on the other end. "Hello?" she said, her tone gentle but tinged with concern. "Hello? Is Jake there?" you asked, your voice trembling slightly. "I'm sorry, dear, but Jake can't come to the phone at the moment," she replied, her words sending a shiver down your spine.

"Why? What's happened?" you pressed, desperate for answers. "He's having some struggles right now that I think it's best he tells you himself," the woman explained, her voice softening with empathy.

"I understand," you replied, trying to keep your voice steady despite the rising panic within you. "May I ask who you are?" she inquired politely. "Oh, I'm Y/N," you responded.

"Oh, it's you! Jake hasn't stopped talking about you since, ever!" she exclaimed warmly, her words easing some of your tension. A nervous laugh escaped your lips as you absorbed her words. "I'm Jake's mother," she added, her voice filled with warmth and sincerity.

"Oh! A pleasure to meet you," you said, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. "I can say the same to you," she replied kindly before something caught her attention on the other end of the line. "Oh, I'm sorry, dear, I have to leave now. But don't worry. He'll be back soon," she reassured you before bidding you farewell and hanging up.

You sat there for a moment, the weight of the conversation sinking in. Despite the reassurances, worry still gnawed at your mind, leaving you restless and unsettled. With a heavy sigh, you resolved to wait for Jake's return, hoping for the best but fearing the worst.

The soft glow of the television illuminated your cozy bedroom as you settled in to watch a movie, seeking solace in its familiar scenes. Lost in the world of the film, you were jolted from your reverie by a sudden knock at the door. With a furrowed brow, you paused the movie and made your way to the door, a sense of apprehension knotting your stomach.

Opening the door, you were met with the sight of Jake standing there, a suitcase in hand. The worry etched on his face struck you like a blow. "Jake?!" you exclaimed, your heart leaping into your throat.

"Hey, Y/N—" he began, but before he could say another word, you enveloped him in a tight hug, relief flooding through you. "I was so worried! I came to the house, and Sunoo told me you were gone, and your mother said you weren't doing good! I feared the worst!" you exclaimed, your voice trembling with emotion.

Jake held you close, his embrace offering a sense of comfort and reassurance. "I'm sorry that I worried you… My dad wasn't doing so good and had to be hospitalized… I couldn't bear to see anyone," he explained, his voice barely above a whisper.

Pulling back slightly, you looked into his tired eyes, a wave of empathy washing over you. "It's okay, I forgive you. You're here now," you said, a warm smile gracing your lips as you reassured him of your forgiveness.

"Come in," you said, gesturing for him to enter as you closed the door behind him, barely giving him time to set down his suitcase before ushering him further into the room. "How's your dad doing now?" you asked, genuine concern lacing your words.

"He's doing good now. He was allowed to go home," Jake explained, a hint of relief evident in his voice.

"I'm glad to hear that," you replied, a genuine smile tugging at the corners of your lips as you felt a weight lift from your shoulders.

"Can I borrow the shower?" Jake asked, his voice tinged with exhaustion.

"Yeah, sure," you replied, opening the bathroom door for him as he made his way inside. As the sound of the shower turning on filled the room, you climbed back into bed, grateful for Jake's return and the comforting presence he brought with him. With a contented sigh, you unpaused the movie, allowing its familiar scenes to wash over you once more.

After a brief moment, the sound of the shower ceased, and Jake emerged from the bathroom, looking refreshed and clad in fresh clothes. "May I join you?" he asked, his eyes filled with a warmth that eased the tension in the room.

You nodded, a soft smile playing on your lips as you pulled open the covers, inviting him to join you. With a grateful smile, Jake climbed into bed beside you, his presence a soothing balm against the uncertainty that had lingered in the air. Cuddled up together beneath the covers, you both settled back to watch the movie.

-------------------------------------

As you walked through the bustling halls of the school, lost in your own thoughts, the sound of your name being shouted suddenly pierced through the noise. Startled, you turned and saw Jake running towards you, a wide grin plastered on his face as he waved a piece of paper excitedly in the air. He skidded to a stop in front of you, breathless but beaming with pride.

"What is it, Jake?" you asked, your curiosity piqued as he showed you the paper. As you took it in, your eyes widened in astonishment, a gasp escaping your lips. It was the exam from the subject you had tutored him in, and at the top, there it was—an A, shining brightly as a testament to his hard work and your dedication.

With a joyous screech, you threw your arms around Jake, enveloping him in a tight hug. "You did it!" you exclaimed, unable to contain your happiness.

"I did it!" Jake echoed, his voice filled with elation as he hugged you back tightly.

"We have to celebrate!" Jake declared, his excitement contagious. "Celebrate?" you asked, a smile spreading across your face.

"Yeah! We have a party tonight! You have to come! I'll send you the invite!" Jake said before kissing you swiftly and dashing off, leaving you standing there, filled with a mixture of astonishment and delight.

But your joy was short-lived as you were abruptly pulled into a nearby classroom by a harsh tug on your arm. Startled, you looked up to see five girls standing around you, their expressions cold and disdainful.

"You really think that just because you seduced Jake, you are now one of us?" one of them sneered, her words dripping with contempt.

"You aren't even close to our status," another chimed in, her tone equally disdainful.

Confusion clouded your mind as you tried to comprehend their words. "What do you mean?" you asked, your voice laced with uncertainty.

"Frat guys belong with sorority girls, that's the whole scheme, and you!" one of them spat, pushing you forcefully backward. "Are not one!" she finished, her words like a slap in the face.

Your anger surged as they continued to berate you, cornering you against the wall. "I will not," you declared, pushing back with all your strength. With a satisfying thud, the girl who had pushed you stumbled backward, landing on the floor with a screech. Seizing the opportunity, you darted out of the classroom, leaving the girls behind in a flurry of righteous indignation.

As you stormed back into the hallway, the echo of their insults still ringing in your ears, you muttered under your breath, "Bitches," a fire burning bright in your eyes as you continued on your way.

As you and Liz arrived late to the party, the scene was already in full swing, the air thick with the scent of alcohol and the sound of laughter and music filling the space. People were scattered throughout the house, some already drunk and others engaged in passionate embraces. You rolled your eyes at Liz, who wasted no time in flirting with a guy she had her eye on, before deciding to venture deeper into the crowded house in search of Jake.

Spotting him across the room, you smiled, eager to join him and share a moment together. But as you moved closer, your steps faltered, your heart sinking as you witnessed a sight that shattered your hopes. Jake stood surrounded by a group of people, mostly sorority girls, and with his arm draped around one of them. They seemed so comfortable together, sharing laughs and whispers, and you couldn't deny the pang of jealousy that gnawed at your heart.

Your mind raced, struggling to comprehend what you were seeing. You didn't want to believe it, couldn't fathom that Jake would move on so quickly. But as you overheard a conversation nearby, your worst fears were confirmed. The words cut through you like a knife, leaving you reeling with pain and betrayal.

"Who is the girl with Jake? His new girlfriend?" one guy asked another, the question hanging heavily in the air.

"Probably. You know how these frat guys are," the other guy replied nonchalantly, the callousness of his words only adding to your anguish.

A wave of emotion crashed over you, and before you knew it, tears blurred your vision, threatening to spill over. Without another thought, you turned and fled, the sound of your own sobs echoing in your ears as you raced out of the house and into the cool night air.

By the time you reached your home, the sobs wracked your body, tears streaming down your cheeks as you collapsed onto your bed, the weight of your heartache consuming you.

Unbeknownst to you, a group of people watched from afar, their faces twisted with satisfaction at the success of their cruel ploy. They had orchestrated the scene, knowing it would break you, reveling in the pain they had caused.

You stayed in bed for what felt like hours, your tears eventually subsiding into silent sobs. The pain of betrayal weighed heavily on your chest, making it hard to breathe. You couldn’t understand how Jake, who had been so kind and attentive, could hurt you like this. The image of him with that girl, his arm around her, kept replaying in your mind.

Eventually, exhaustion took over, and you fell into a restless sleep. The next morning, the light filtering through your curtains woke you up. Your head throbbed, and your eyes felt swollen from crying.

Determined to face the day, you forced yourself to get out of bed. You went through the motions of showering and getting dressed, but everything felt surreal. As you stared at yourself in the mirror, you could see the toll the night had taken on you. Your face looked pale and drawn, your eyes red-rimmed and puffy.

With a heavy heart, you left your room and headed to your first class of the day. You tried to focus on the lecture, but your mind kept drifting back to Jake and the events of the previous night. Every time you closed your eyes, you saw his smile and heard the girl’s laughter. The pain was almost unbearable.

The rest of the day passed in a blur. You kept your head down, avoiding eye contact with your classmates and friends. You couldn’t bear the thought of explaining what had happened, of admitting that your heart had been broken.

Later that evening, as you sat alone in your room, there was a knock on your door. Your heart skipped a beat, wondering if it could be Jake. You hesitated, your hand hovering over the doorknob, before finally opening it.

To your surprise, it wasn’t Jake. Instead, it was Sunoo, looking concerned and slightly out of breath.

“Y/N, I’m so sorry to bother you,” he said quickly, “but I think you need to know something.”

You stepped aside to let him in, your heart pounding with a mix of fear and curiosity. Sunoo’s expression was serious as he sat down, taking a deep breath before speaking.

“There’s something you need to know about what happened last night,” he began. “Jake had no idea you saw him with that girl. It was all a setup by a few of the sorority girls. They wanted to hurt you, to make you think Jake was cheating.”

Your head spun with confusion. “What do you mean?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

“They planned the whole thing,” Sunoo continued. “Jake was just being friendly. They made sure you saw it, and they even had people there to make comments that would upset you.”

Tears welled up in your eyes again, but this time they were tears of relief and anger. “Why would they do that?” you asked, your voice shaking.

“Because they’re jealous of you,” Sunoo said simply. “You and Jake have something special, and they wanted to ruin it.”

The relief of knowing that Jake hadn’t betrayed you was overwhelming, but the anger at those girls for manipulating you filled your chest. You knew you needed to talk to Jake, to sort everything out.

“Do you know where he is?” you asked Sunoo.

He nodded. “He’s at the house. He’s been really worried about you.”

Without another word, you grabbed your coat and rushed out the door, determined to set things right. The walk to the Enhypen house felt like it took forever, but finally, you were there, knocking on the door with a mixture of anxiety and hope.

Jake opened the door, his eyes widening in surprise when he saw you. “Y/N,” he breathed, reaching out to pull you into a hug. “I’ve been so worried. Are you okay?”

Tears streamed down your face as you clung to him. “I’m so sorry, Jake. I saw you with that girl, and I thought…”

Jake pulled back slightly to look at you, his expression filled with pain. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I swear, I had no idea they were planning anything. I was just talking to her. I promise.”

You nodded, sniffling as you wiped your tears. “I know. Sunoo told me everything. I’m just so glad it was all a misunderstanding.”

Jake hugged you tightly again, his relief palpable. “I would never do anything to hurt you, Y/N. You mean everything to me.”

You pulled back slightly from Jake's embrace, looking up into his eyes with a mix of relief and lingering confusion. "Jake, who was that girl?" you asked softly, your voice trembling a bit.

Jake sighed, running a hand through his hair as he met your gaze. "That was my cousin, Sophie," he explained. "She just moved here for college and I was trying to help her get settled in. I never imagined it would be turned into something to hurt you."

A flood of relief washed over you, but there was still a tinge of anger at the situation. "I can't believe they did that," you murmured, shaking your head. "I really thought…"

Jake gently cupped your face, his thumb brushing away a tear. "I know, and I'm so sorry, Y/N. I should have been more aware. I should have seen what they were trying to do."

You leaned into his touch, the warmth of his hand soothing your frayed nerves. "It's not your fault, Jake. I'm just glad it was a misunderstanding."

He nodded, his expression serious. "I love you, Y/N. I want you to know that. And I'll make sure nothing like this ever happens again."

A small smile tugged at your lips. "I love you too, Jake."

He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead. "Let's get out of here. We need to talk and just be together, away from all this drama."

You agreed, and together you left the Enhypen house, walking hand in hand back to your place.

Once inside, you both kicked off your shoes and Jake wrapped his arm around your shoulders, pulling you close as you walked to your bed.

As you both sat on the edge of the bed, Jake looked at you with a mix of apology and love. "I'm really sorry you had to go through that, Y/N. I promise I'll be more careful from now on."

You shook your head, placing a hand on his cheek. "It's okay, Jake. I trust you. Just, let's be more open with each other, okay? No more misunderstandings."

He nodded, leaning in to kiss you softly. "Agreed."

You stood up and stretched, feeling the tension of the past few days slowly melt away. "Do you want to watch a movie?" you suggested, hoping to lighten the mood.

Jake smiled, his eyes brightening. "I'd love that."

You picked a movie and settled back on the bed, pulling the covers over both of you. Jake snuggled in beside you, his arm around your shoulders, holding you close.

--------------------------------

Ji-yeong's face was twisted with rage as he towered over the cowering sorority girls. "The plan was perfect! But no, you lot just had to gossip so loudly about how brilliant the plan was! Everything I built up is ruined!" he shouted, his voice echoing off the walls.

The girls shrank back, their eyes wide with fear. "But…" one of them started timidly.

"No, I don't wanna hear it! Girls are good for nothing! The only good you bring is pleasure!" he spat, raising his hand and slapping one of them hard across the face. She whimpered, holding her cheek.

"My master plan on breaking up Jake and Y/N is ruined!" Ji-yeong raged, pacing back and forth like a caged animal.

"Um," another girl began hesitantly.

"What?!" Ji-yeong barked, spinning around to face her. He noticed all the girls were staring at the door, their faces pale.

He turned slowly, his blood running cold. Standing in the doorway were Jungwon, Sunghoon, Jay, Heeseung, Sunoo, and two other girls. They all glared at him with a mix of disgust and anger. Sunoo had his phone pointed directly at Ji-yeong, clearly filming the entire scene.

"Oh, hey guys! I was just setting these girls straight," Ji-yeong stammered, a forced smile on his face.

"Don't bother. We heard everything," Jay said, his voice cold.

"You have no respect for our name. You are off the frat," Jungwon declared, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"And when I show this to the dean, you'll be in big trouble," Sunoo added, holding his phone up as proof.

"Guys, no, wait…" Ji-yeong started to plead, but it was too late. They turned and walked away, leaving him standing there, his face drained of all color. The sorority girls quickly scattered, not wanting to be caught in the fallout.

Ji-yeong stood there, alone and defeated, the weight of his actions crashing down on him. The smug confidence he once wore like armor was gone, replaced by a sinking realization of just how badly he had miscalculated. His plan had not only failed but had also destroyed his standing within the frat. There was no coming back from this.

-------------------------------------

You and Jake were lying in his bed, ostensibly watching a movie together. However, you had long since lost interest in the film, your attention instead fixed on him. You absentmindedly played with the hem of his shirt, twirling the fabric between your fingers. Unlike you, Jake was clearly engrossed in the movie, his eyes fixed on the screen.

Growing bored with his lack of attention, you whined softly, "Jake."

He hummed in acknowledgment and paused the movie to look at you, "Yes?"

"I'm bored," you told him, a pout forming on your lips.

He raised an eyebrow, "But we are watching a movie? Do you not like it?"

"I would rather focus on something else right now," you replied, a mischievous glint in your eyes.

"Like what?" he asked, genuine curiosity in his voice. Before he could react further, you swung your leg over his lap, straddling him. Jake made a surprised sound from the back of his throat as he looked up at you.

"Like you," you said, smiling down at him.

He adjusted himself beneath you, spreading his legs slightly wider to accommodate you. The shift caused you to gasp softly as his hands found their way to your hips, his touch firm yet gentle. "Oh yeah?" His initial surprise had melted into a smug look.

"Why didn't you tell me sooner, babe?" he said, his voice low and teasing as he began caressing your hips, one of his hands slipping under your hoodie to rest against your bare skin, his touch warm and electrifying.

"I didn't want to disturb you," you mumbled shyly.

"What was that?" he asked, feigning ignorance as he brought his ear closer to your mouth. "Talk louder."

"I didn't want to disturb you," you repeated, louder this time.

Jake's eyes softened as he looked at you, a smirk playing on his lips. "So good for me," he murmured, and you felt your cheeks heat up at his words. "I think you need a reward for your patience," he added, pulling you closer.

With that, he tilted his head up and captured your lips in a deep, lingering kiss. The movie was long forgotten as you melted into him, every touch and caress pulling you further into the moment.

Jake's kiss was all-consuming, his lips moving against yours with a fervor that made your heart race. You could feel his fingers trailing under your hoodie, the warmth of his touch sending shivers down your spine. You deepened the kiss, your hands threading through his hair, tugging gently as you pressed closer to him.

He pulled back slightly, his breath hot against your lips. "You’re so beautiful," he whispered, his eyes dark with desire.

Your cheeks flushed at his words, and you couldn't help but smile. "You know just what to say," you murmured, your voice soft.

Jake chuckled, the sound vibrating through your chest. "Only for you," he said, his hands moving to your back, pulling you even closer.

You shifted in his lap, feeling the heat between you grow. "Jake," you whispered, your voice barely audible.

"Hmm?" he responded, his hands still roaming your body, exploring every inch of skin he could find.

"I need you," you said, your voice trembling with anticipation.

Jake's eyes darkened even more at your words, and he pulled you into another searing kiss. "I've got you," he murmured against your lips, his hands moving to the hem of your hoodie, lifting it slightly.

You broke the kiss long enough to pull the hoodie over your head, tossing it aside. Jake's eyes roamed your body, appreciation and desire evident in his gaze. "You're perfect," he whispered, his hands coming up to cup your face gently.

You leaned into his touch, feeling a rush of affection for the boy in front of you. "So are you," you said, your voice filled with emotion.

You tugged at Jake's shirt, your fingers gripping the fabric as you whispered, "I wanna see you too."

Jake's smirk deepened, and he raised an eyebrow playfully. "Oh, you do, huh?" he teased, his hands still resting on your hips.

You nodded, biting your lower lip as you looked up at him. "Yes, please," you said softly.

Jake's eyes sparkled with mischief as he lifted his shirt over his head, revealing his toned chest and abs. You couldn't help but run your hands over his skin, feeling the warmth and the steady rise and fall of his breath. "Your turn," he said, his voice a low rumble as he leaned in closer, his breath hot against your ear.

You felt a rush of excitement as you reached for the waistband of your sweatpants, your hands trembling slightly. Jake's fingers joined yours, helping you tug them down, his touch sending electric sparks through your skin. Underneath, you wore tight, black shorts that hugged your curves, accentuating your figure and adding an extra layer of anticipation to the moment.

Jake's eyes darkened with desire as he took in the sight, his breath hitching slightly. He ran his hands up your thighs, his touch both gentle and firm, leaving a trail of heat in its wake. "You're driving me crazy," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

You blushed under his intense gaze, feeling a mix of shyness and exhilaration. "Thank you," you whispered, your voice barely audible.

Jake leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to your lips before trailing his kisses down your neck and across your collarbone. His hands roamed over your body, exploring every inch with a gentle yet possessive touch. You arched into him, your breath coming in shallow gasps as his lips found a particularly sensitive spot on your neck.

"Jaeyun," you breathed, your fingers tangling in his hair as you pulled him closer.

With your hands trembling slightly from the anticipation, you moved to the waistband of Jake's pants. Your fingers brushed against his skin, sending electric sparks through both of you. Jake's eyes never left yours, dark and intense, as he lifted his hips slightly to help you slide his pants down. You took your time, savoring the moment, feeling the heat radiate from his body.

As you pulled his pants off completely, he was left in just his boxers. Jake's chest rose and fell with his deep breaths, his desire for you evident in every movement.

You leaned in, your lips brushing against his ear. "I can't get enough of you," you whispered, your voice filled with a mix of desire and affection. Jake's hands moved to your waist, pulling you closer until your bodies were pressed together, the heat between you almost unbearable.

He responded with a low groan, his hands gripping your hips as he guided you back onto the bed. You felt the cool sheets against your back, a stark contrast to the heat of Jake's body pressing down on you. His lips never left your skin, trailing kisses down your chest and across your stomach.

With a gentle smile, Jake leaned in, capturing your lips in a slow, passionate kiss. His hands explored your body, every touch igniting a fire within you.

The night passed in a blur of kisses, touches, and whispered words. As the night turned to dawn, you lay in each other's arms, your bodies intertwined.

Jake pressed a soft kiss to your forehead, his fingers tracing gentle patterns along your back. "I love you," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.

You smiled, feeling your heart swell with love. "I love you too," you replied, your voice barely audible.

With that, you both drifted off to sleep.

(IVE BEEN A NASTY GIRL, NASTY)

[palms-upturned]

For US unions like the UAW — which has thousands of members in weapons factories making the bombs, missiles, and aircraft used by Israel, as well in university departments doing research linked to the Israeli military — the Palestinian trade union call to action is particularly relevant. When the UAW’s national leadership came out in support of a cease-fire on December 1, they also voted to establish a “Divestment and Just Transition Working Group.” The stated purpose of the working group is to study the UAW’s own economic ties to Israel and explore ways to convert war-related industries to production for peaceful purposes while ensuring a just transition for weapons workers.

Members of UAW Labor for Palestine say they have started making visits to a Colt factory in Connecticut, which holds a contract to supply rifles to the Israeli military, to talk with their fellow union members about Palestine, a cease-fire, and a just transition. They want to see the union’s leadership support such organizing activity.

“If UAW leaders decided to, they could, tomorrow, form a national organizing campaign to educate and mobilize rank-and-file towards the UAW’s own ceasefire and just transition call,” UAW Labor for Palestine members said in a statement. “They could hold weapons shop town halls in every region; they could connect their small cadre of volunteer organizers — like us — to the people we are so keen to organize with; they could even send some of their staff to help with this work.”

On January 21, the membership of UAW Local 551, which represents 4,600 autoworkers at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant (who were part of last year’s historic stand-up strike) endorsed the Palestinian trade unions’ call to not cooperate in the production and transportation of arms for Israel. Ten days later, UAW Locals 2865 and 5810, representing around forty-seven thousand academic workers at the University of California, passed a measure urging the union’s national leaders to ensure that the envisioned Divestment and Just Transition Working Group “has the needed resources to execute its mission, and that Palestinian, Arab and Muslim workers whose communities are disproportionately affected by U.S.-backed wars are well-represented on the committee.”

Members of UAW Locals 2865 and 5810 at UC Santa Cruz’s Astronomy Department have pledged to withhold any labor that supports militarism and to refuse research collaboration with military institutions and arms companies. In December, unionized academic workers from multiple universities formed Researchers Against War (RAW) to expose and cut ties between their research and warfare, and to organize in their labs and departments for more transparency about where the funding for their work comes from and more control over what their labor is used for. RAW, which was formed after a series of discussions by union members first convened by US Labor Against Racism and War last fall, hosted a national teach-in and planning meeting on February 12.

Meanwhile, public sector workers in New York City have begun their own campaign to divest their pension money from Israel. On January 25, rank-and-file members of AFSCME District Council (DC) 37 launched a petition calling on the New York City Employees’ Retirement System to divest the $115 million it holds in Israeli securities. The investments include $30 million in bonds that directly fund the Israeli military and its activities. “As rank-and-file members of DC 37 who contribute to and benefit from the New York City Employees’ Retirement System and care about the lives of working people everywhere, we refuse to support the Israeli government and the corporations that extract profit from the killing of innocent civilians,” the petition states.

In an election year when President Joe Biden and other Democratic candidates will depend heavily on organized labor for donations and especially get-out-the-vote efforts, rank and filers are also trying to push their unions to exert leverage on the president by getting him to firmly stand against the ongoing massacre in Gaza. NEA members with Educators for Palestine are calling on their union’s leaders to withdraw their support for Biden’s reelection campaign until he stops “sending military funding, equipment, and intelligence to Israel,” marching from AFT headquarters to NEA headquarters in Washington, DC on February 10 to assert their demand. Similarly, after the UAW International Executive Board endorsed Biden last month — a decision that sparked intense division within the union — UAW Labor for Palestine is demanding the endorsement be revoked “until [Biden] calls for a permanent ceasefire and stops sending weapons to Israel.”

[vakarians-babe]

After a historic 6 week strike, the Temple University Graduate Students Association - the first graduate worker union in Pennsylvania - has WON.

When we went out on January 31st, I don’t think any of us thought that we would end up here. This was a long and arduous process that could never have been accomplished without everyone involved—and I do mean everyone.

Numerous news outlets have been reporting throughout the whole strike, but I’d like to run through what, exactly, it is we’ve done.

After well over a year of negotiations (we went to the table in January of 2022 after the administration delayed responding to our RFIs for months) and more than a year without a contract (it expired on February 15, 2022), we were stuck with an administrative team whose position was, resolutely, “we are happy with the contract as it is.” Their belief was that teaching and research assistants, who facilitate—at a conservative estimate—approximately one-third of all instructional work here on campus were “not a core function of the university.” Pay was structured around a tier-based system that generated inequity as part of its structure which ultimately manifested as race and gender based wage gaps, and that pay averaged out between 19k and 20k for the majority of our bargaining unit. We had only five days of parental leave in the event of childbirth. To cover a single dependent on the dependent healthcare plan required an individual to spend approximately 30% of their paycheck. There had been no substantive raises or adjustments for the cost of living since our first contract as a union.

During the strike, Temple university cut our healthcare and revoked tuition remission, attempting to break us through punitive bills and threats. They quite literally threatened peoples’ lives in addition to their livelihoods. International students were threatened for daring to exercise the rights they have as visa holders to engage in protected concerted activity. They attempted to break our will and our organization.

They failed. We didn’t.

On Monday, voting on a second tentative agreement closed. The contract negotiations team and the executive board unanimously endorsed that TA. It passed at an overwhelming 98% vote among our members. That TA, which will now become our contract, did the following:

Eliminated the tier system completely

Brought our pay up to 24k at the beginning of our contract, reaching pay of 27k by its end in 2026

Introduced 25% dependent healthcare coverage which, in addition to the pay raises, lowers the burden of single dependent care to just about 18% of one’s paycheck instead of 30%

Increased parental leave to 21 days

While this contract is not the most perfect contract, it is one of the largest single contract wins in recent history. It signifies an incredible amount of organizing power and it opens the door for future negotiations that will make TUGSA even stronger.

But more importantly, this strike and this contract are incontrovertible proof that graduate worker unions can win. They are proof that we can do it, and that administrations cannot expect to silence us through retaliation. We are stronger than them.

The fight doesn’t end here. The union of graduate workers, faculty, postdocs and more at Rutgers University has passed their strike authorization vote. The graduate workers at Duke University are fighting for their right to be recognized as employees, and that fight will soon be passed up through the nation to challenge rulings made at the National Labor Relations Board. Graduate workers at other universities in Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia area are moving to unionize. TUGSA continues to organize—our next contract negotiations will begin in less than two and a half years. Now is the time to support graduate workers. We cannot backslide. We have to fight for each other, because when we fight, we win.

[aziraphale-is-a-cat]

Planned Obsolescence

Pt 1

Danny liked to think he had made a life for himself outside of the hero gig, that he'd put down the metaphorical cape, gone to fancy engineering school, and landing himself a job at S.T.A.R. Labs.

So walking into the main lobby at 6am he was understandably a little unnerved to find a member of the Justice League there, waiting for him.

"Dr. Fenton!" His boss called him over from where she'd been chatting with the new guests. "We've been waiting for you, come with us."

Danny was suddenly extremely uncomfortable, part of the main hero force of his home dimension was suddenly staring at him intently. If they'd been tipped off about his dead-ness then he was in a whole world of trouble.

"Uh, Dr. Norris, what exactly is going on?" He asked, nervously.

"We'll discuss it in my office, follow me."

The slowly walk up to the office was a new type of torture, trying to push down his panic and watching the hero watch him from the corner of his eye.

With his supervisor and him were Nightwing and some random Dude who, while not in costume, still held himself with his shoulders squared and his stance wide in the same way.

The guy must've seen him staring and introduced himself. "I'm Ted Kord, I work as a, uh, civilian contractor with the Justice League."

Danny's eyes narrowed but he didn't voice his skepticism. "Damn, how do you even get a job like that?" Kord, that sounded familiar.

The guests all shared a look as they stepped into the office, Dr. Norris finding her seat behind her desk. "Well actually, that's what we came here for."

Danny was immediately on edge, he wasn't on good terms with the government already. He remembered in that moment where he remembered the name 'Kord' from.

"This is about my parents' work, isn't it?" He accused, continuing when he got no response. "You're from Kord Omniversal," he said to Kord, "You wouldn't go running to S.T.A.R. Labs, your competitor, unless we really had something you didn't." He let the silence stew.

Danny had put a lot of work distancing himself from the legacy of his parents, going so far as to pull most of their research from public access once he gained ownership of it after their deaths. It really bothered him to still be associated with them and their body of work now that he had a name for himself and a reputation he had built on his own.

Awkwardly, Nightwing stepped up to fill the silence, doing his best to ignore the mounting tension.

"We know you have your parents' complete research, but while we need that your expertise in building and designing," he gestured with his hands as he searched for the right word, "unique machines-"

"You want me to build you a portal." Danny interrupted shortly.

"To another dimension, yes." Nightwing responded, cringing a little.

Danny rubbed the bridge of his nose, wishing to the ancients that he could just run off and be a hermit in the mountains. Appalachia would work well, a healthy supernatural community for occasional social interactions and minimal contact with stupid fucking humans.

"What would I get out of it?"

"Money, government contract, that looks good on a resume." Kord responded.

He looked to Dr. Norris, pleading with his eyes for a reason not to take it.

"Dr. Fenton taking on a contract with the Justice League would open up some in demand employment opportunities for you here at S.T.A.R. Labs, positions with better pay and access to better materials." She pushed him a manilla folder smiling, and when he opened it Danny saw contract pre-written, addressed to him.

He snapped it shut and took a deep breath to ground himself. "Where do you wanna go?"

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Being picked up for work via Zeta Tube was a new brand of surreal, even for a Teen-Hero Turned Engineer.

The automated voice called out his designation, "G-09: Daniel Fenton", as he stepped into his new temporary laboratory. The workspace was top of the line, and lined with cameras. The constant surveillance was going to make this very hard, seeing as he's now stuck with staying humans the whole time, and is no doubt going to be bugged going home.

Something was sketchy about this whole ordeal. Danny hadn't seen hide nor hair of any of the other members of the Justice League, and even though he's handling a task drenched in the occult, he hadn't had to consult any League Affiliated occultists.

Batman was notorious for going through research and experiments with a fine tooth comb, and yet Danny hadn't been called in to explain himself nor the obvious holes in the material he submitted to them, intentionally omitting parts both to keep the more dangerous parts out of government hands and to see where he stood.

And it appears he stood at the crossroads- holding, though his unique and specialized knowledge, all the cards. Nightwing was desperate, something had at least a few of the more senior members out of contact, including whoever they had that knew anything about magic and the multiverse. And it had everything to do with what was on the other side of the portal they wanted him to build.

Any magician worth their own ass knew that mechanical portals outside their own group of dimensions, known as a format due to their similarity in inhabitants and history, never fucking work. Spell portals were the only type that ever made it out, and it took an exceptionally strong caster to open one for even a few seconds.

Any portal trying to leave would just find themselves in the hub, the space between dimensions in a format, same as any portal without a destination or goal which is why it was relatively easy for the Fentons to punch a hole into the Infinite Realms.

As it stood Nightwing really should know that what he was asking of Danny should by all means be impossible.

He purposefully set his file box down on his desk Infront of a hidden camera, it would be hard to work around later when he needed the space but it was worth it to make his point. He knew he was being watched. And he didn't like it.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Walking into the nearly empty conference room, Dick Grayson slid onto the table and laid down. Being alone with some friends in the watchtower free to sit on the fancy, expensive surfaces however he wished sounded like childhood Dick's dream, but now it was just depressing.

"You know you're taking a massive risk with this one, right?" Cyborg asked from the head of the table. "I know our options aren't too great, but this is just miserable."

"Cy, we are beyond the point of miserable."

The half machine groaned and put his head in his hands. "Constantine would shoot us for even trying this bullshit, first for mixing tech and magic, then again for hiring a Fenton!"

"Yeah well, the blonde bastard is stuck with the rest of the League on the ruins of fucking Azarath, and Dr. Fate fucked off to whatever he's deemed more important than us so there's not much by the way of options!"

Cyborg massaged his temples. "This guy's tech is off." He pulled out the papers Dr. Fenton had submitted on his research. "I know confronting him about the inconsistencies will just scare him off, but it's not just that! The tech he brought in, I tried interfacing with it and it just repelled me. There's something wrong with it."

Nightwing rolled his head over to look at him critically. "Something magic? Something interdimensional? Because if so that's what we hired him for."

Cyborg opened his mouth to respond but at that moment a bright flash of light filled the room as The Flash zipped into the room.

"Hey so I know you guys told me to check out his old home for signs of that portal, but the whole place is fucking weird."

[croservices]

Where Is The Best WHAT IS A CONTRACT RESEARCH ORGANIZATION?

1. What is a contract research organization?

A contract research organization (CRO) is a company that provides support to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in the form of research services outsourced on a contract basis. CROs offer a wide range of services, from preclinical research to clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance.

The pharmaceutical industry is under constant pressure to bring new drugs to market quickly and efficiently, while complying with ever-changing regulations. This has created a demand for CROs, which are able to provide the necessary expertise and resources to support drug development.

CROs can be small, specialized companies or large, full-service organizations. They are usually located in close proximity to their clients, which allows for a high level of communication and collaboration.

The benefits of working with a CRO include access to experienced personnel, reduced costs, and shortened timelines. CROs are also able to offer a level of flexibility that is often not possible with in-house staff.

There are some risks associated with working with a CRO, such as a loss of control over the project, and the potential for communication difficulties. It is important to select a CRO that is a good fit for your company in terms of size, location, and area of expertise.

The global CRO market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as the pharmaceutical industry increasingly outsources drug development What is a Contract research organization.

2. What are the benefits of using a contract research organization?

A contract research organization (CRO) is a company that provides research and development services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies on a contract basis. CROs offer a range of services, from drug discovery and development to clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance.

There are many benefits of using a CRO, including:

1. Access to expert knowledge and resources: CROs have a wealth of experience and expertise in drug development and clinical research. This can be invaluable for companies that do not have in-house expertise in these areas.

2. Cost-effective: Outsourcing research and development to a CRO can be more cost-effective than carrying out these activities in-house. This is because CROs can spread the costs of research and development across multiple clients.

3. Flexible: CROs can be hired on a project-by-project basis, which gives companies the flexibility to scale up or down their research and development activities as needed.

4. Time-saving: Using a CRO can save companies time as they do not need to invest in building up their own in-house research and development capabilities.

5. Risk-reducing: Companies can minimize the risks associated with drug development by using a CRO. This is because CROs can share the risks across multiple clients.

CROs can be an invaluable partner for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. They offer access to expert knowledge and resources, cost-effective services, and the ability to minimize the risks associated with drug development.

3. What are the disadvantages of using a contract research organization?

There are a few disadvantages of using a contract research organization (CRO). First, CROs can be expensive. Second, CROs may not be as invested in your project as you are, which can lead to subpar results. Finally, CROs may not have the same level of expertise as you or your team.

4. How do I choose the best contract research organization for my needs?

A contract research organization (CRO) is a company that provides support to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the form of research services outsourced on a contract basis. CROs offer a range of services, from drug discovery and development to clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance.

Choosing the best CRO for your needs can be a daunting task, but it is important to select a partner that will provide the highest quality services and the greatest value for your investment. Here are four tips to help you choose the best CRO for your needs:

1. Define your needs.

The first step in choosing a CRO is to clearly define your needs. What type of services do you require? What are your timelines and budget? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you narrow your search and find the CROs that are the best fit for your project.

2. Consider your options.

Once you know what you need, it's time to consider your options. There are hundreds of CROs to choose from, so it's important to do your research. Read company profiles, case studies, and testimonials to learn more about the CROs you are considering.

3. Request proposals.

Once you have narrowed your search, contact the CROs you are interested in working with and request proposals. Be sure to include your project scope and timelines in your request so that the CROs can provide you with accurate proposals.

4. Compare proposals.

Once you have received proposals from the CROs you are considering, it's time to compare them. Consider the quality of the services being offered, the price, and the CRO's experience and reputation. Select the CRO that you feel confident will provide the best services at the best value.

5. What are the things to consider when choosing a contract research organization?

When you are looking for a contract research organization (CRO), there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are five things to consider when choosing a CRO:

1. The CRO’s experience: You want to make sure that the CRO you choose has experience in the specific area of research you need. You can ask for references from other clients or look for case studies on the CRO’s website.

2. The CRO’s size: The size of the CRO can be important, depending on the project. If you need a large-scale project completed, you will want to make sure the CRO you choose has the resources to handle it. On the other hand, if you need a more intimate project, you might want to choose a smaller CRO.

3. The CRO’s location: The location of the CRO can be important, depending on the project. If you need a project completed in a specific country or region, you will want to make sure the CRO you choose has a presence there.

4. The CRO’s reputation: You want to make sure the CRO you choose has a good reputation. You can ask for references from other clients or look for online reviews.

5. The CRO’s price: You want to get a good value for your money, so make sure you get quotes from several different CROs before you make a decision.

[slugcatmusings]

What is the Rot? Why is the Rot?

Spoiler Warning and Holy Wall of Text Batman Warning. I got WAY too into questioning the turbo-cancer here, hopefully my rambling makes sense.

So, the Rot is… weird, from a biological standpoint. Really weird, if you stop to think about it. It’s most frequently described as some variation of cancer, and it certainly fits the criteria for it. Caused by damage to DNA? Check. Multiplies uncontrollably? Check. Comes in both benign and malignant forms, one stationary and the other mobile? Big fat check. Heck, even the Rot cysts eating other creatures kind of fits, according to some research I’ve done – there are apparently cancer cells that will eat other cells, which makes sense in hindsight since cancer cells are cells that have lost important genetic restrictions, which may include whatever lets cells identify other cells as “do not eat.”

(I ain’t a biology whiz and I’m doing research on the fly while getting my thoughts out here, so take whatever I say about biology with a grain of salt)

So, Rot is clearly cancer of some kind, right? Case closed. Except when me and a friend of mine were talking Rain World theories on Discord, she brought up some interesting points that got me thinking.

First point: Rot cells obviously mutate in a way that affects FAR more than just cell replication and termination. Some of the cysts can HEAR. As far as I know, cells in the body do not hear sounds. They communicate via chemical signals and maybe, MAYBE react to temperature. Hearing involves complicated, specialized sensory apparatus to pick up on vibrations in the air. Even if you simplify it and say that it’s only vibrations, that’s STILL a multicellular thing, not a single-cell thing. It’s something that took millions of years to evolve on Earth, if not billions.

And while Rain World’s timeline goes on for long enough that it those kinds of mutations might happen eventually, Rot cysts have the ability to hear pretty much right from the start – because even the Proto-Long-Legs react to your presence like the Daddy Long Legs do, and the Rot in Spearmaster’s campaign, where Pebbles has recently contracted it, reacts the same way as it does in later campaigns. It’s already able to hear.

As far as I know, cancer just means the same cell duplicating over and over again. Are more mutations possible with each division, as errors are made in the DNA during splitting? Probably. But not to THAT extent. There’s no way a lump of cancer somehow mutated the exact complicated genetic blueprint needed to grow organs, at least not without outside interference.

Second point: Cases of Rot are way too consistent across the board. Now, we don’t have a huge sample size to work from, but from what we see from both Pebbles’ Rot, and Hunter Long Legs, they’re… pretty similar. Hunter Long Legs is basically a mobile Rot cyst. They move the same way, seem to grow the same way (starts as a growth inside/on the body before eventually freeing itself from whatever wall/flesh it grew from in some capacity and moving elsewhere), they have the same senses, and they even eat the same way, via something like phagocytosis (how white blood cells “eat” invading organisms via engulfing them and breaking them down in a sac in their main “body.”)

Now, this doesn’t tell us much, because cancer, when it does emerge, is pretty consistent in symptoms/what the mutated cells do once they start replicating. It’s pretty much the same regardless of whatever organism the cancer is happening in. But what ISN’T consistent is what causes the DNA error in the cancer cell in the first place. IRL, cancer can be caused by all kinds of things – smoking, radiation poisoning, being out in the sun too long, drinking deadly chemicals and whatnot, anything that damages DNA. But in RW, the only time we ever hear Rot talked about, or see it present, is in the context of an iterator having f*cked up while mucking around with DNA. Pebbles was trying to create an organism that could change his own genome, and No Significant Harassment created Hunter as a messenger and probably mucked something up in the process in his haste to get them to Moon.

This doesn’t mean that there aren’t other causes of it, of course, we’re working with a sample size of two in an apocalyptic world with who knows how much potentially DNA-damaging stuff around, but… that’s still awfully consistent.

So, combining these points and everything we know to be canon, Rot is:

an organism that lives inside another organism

Until a certain condition is met, it cannot harm said host organism.

Once said condition is met, it goes out of control, wreaking havoc on the organism’s systems and mutating, giving it sensory capabilities and an appetite

Said condition is apparently someone messing up when re-arranging genomes, in yourself or others

It is widespread across multiple different species, at least iterators and slugcats but potentially other species as well.

Once you have a bad case of it, it is apparently NOT CURABLE. Pebbles tried everything he could think of but apparently exhausted all of his options by the time of the Survivor/Monk campaigns.

So, with all the context FINALLY laid out, here’s my wild theory: Rot isn’t a cancer. It’s a symbiote turned parasite. Specifically, I believe it’s a symbiotic microbe that lives inside the cells that make up every other creature in Rain World, and is held in check by a specific gene that all species share, and altering or getting rid of that gene causes it to go berserk, taking over and eventually mutating the host cells.

Yeah, I did watch Parasite Eve let’s plays as a kid, why do you ask? Anyway, hear me out here.

There is precedence for single-celled organisms living inside of other single-celled organisms. They’re referred to as intracellular endosymbiots (hopefully I got the spelling right there), and the most well-known one is probably the mitochondria. The powerhouse of the cell is thought to be descended from some bacteria way, WAY back that was engulfed by a larger cell and not only survived it, but BENEFITED from it. Since then those ancient proto-mitochondria and eukaryotic cells have mutually evolved to be dependent on each other. So it’s entirely possible for something similar to have happened in Rain World.

However, I don’t think it happened NATURALLY, here. Because something that’s able to take over a cell entirely and begin wildly mutating it is NOT something your average cell wants inside of it. There’s a VERY high chance of extinction if you do that. Which means that of course those funky bio-tech loving Ancients either took a look at a wildly dangerous cellular parasite and went “hmmm we can use this” or made one themselves.

Why did they do this? Who knows! Currently, I’m tied between “they needed a better powerhouse for the cell to power the various weird adaptations they’re building into various creatures,” “there was some sort of disease that this parasite gave immunity against and they wanted to make use of it,” and “it gave their creations massively powerful regeneration factors that made them much easier to maintain.” Possibly it was all three. Whatever the reason, the Ancients either found or created this parasite, and put it into their creations’ cells, hoping to reap the benefits.

Well, they got the benefits, but they also got a microbe that hijacked the cells and harnessed their pre-existing DNA blueprints to build organisms disguised as great big blobs of cancer. Which is not exactly ideal, but hey, they just had to figure out a way of keeping the cell hijacking from happening! And the way they ended up going about it was to alter the thing so that so long as there was a specific DNA sequence in the cell, it laid mostly dormant. All the benefits, none of the risks – so long as that specific string of genes remained intact.

And then BECAUSE it was so beneficial, they spread their artificial symbiote and it’s genetic reins throughout ALL of their creations, from the smallest pipe-cleaning slugs to the iterators. Which meant that as their purposed organisms replaced most of the original ecosystem, they spread the symbiote as well. Thus making it possible for pretty much ANY creature on the planet to come down with a bad case of the Rot. And with the iterators, I wouldn’t be surprised if this symbiote is tied to their self-destruction taboos. Try to cross yourself out? Well, it’s gonna maybe happen now, but it’ll be a slow painful death as you’re eaten alive from the inside and all your own parts turn against you, so was it really worth it?

And they never told their creations this perhaps even actively hid it, because why tell them the cause of the main deterrent to them mucking with their taboos? They might find a way around it. The iterators were left ignorant of how Rot works, and because of this they never figured out that Rot HAD a cure after all: rebuilding that genome that reins in the symbiote. Because why in the name of the Void would they repeat the same mistakes that gave them Rot in the first place, and potentially make it worse?

[1ore]

the problem with me is i will make up a joke npc for gw2 rp with @soulfullofold and then a day later he will have lore. anyway this is Vax Madmaxim, he does unethical science and got drowned in a vat of dragon blood by Bingus Ruinbringer. the dragon blood fixed him, though

"mad scientist"-type who is taking a systems ecology lens to everything, from steam machines to magical constructs to biological organisms. unsatisfied with conventional engineering, he starts dabbling in dragon magic to construct biomechanical monsters. (see: I failed bioethics)  

contracted in secret by Bangar Ruinburger to figure out how to control an Elder Dragon. Vax came up with the idea of tapping Jormag's blood, initially as an experiment in manipulating Jorms (a la contriving weapons out of Kralkatorrik's blood.) Later, of course, this is used to convert the Dominion to Frost Legion en masse when things start going south.  

caused an international incident during Legion-Dominion peace negotiations, which involved a gladiatorial tourney, two Pact Commanders, a hydra made of Searing crystals, and highly confidential Dominion blood magic.

Vax was thus detained and, for his failures, dunked in the vat of jormag juice that he had helped create. Bunkbed Ruinbringer evidently didn't need a way to control Jormag anymore, and Vax had greatly overestimated how indispensable he was.  

Jorms later drags him out of the tub and uses his half-dead body to set a trap for the Commanders, by turning him into a shambling blood-bomb (see: jormag bloodbag.) Given that this is the second worst thing that's happened to him since the worst day of his life, he isn't a very cooperative dragon thrall. He'd also developed some sort of nemesis-rapport with the Commanders by this point. As his last act, he warns them away, just before violently retching dragon viscera all over the floor.  

He was supposed to die-- Jorms was done with him-- but my man saw himself being turned into a disposable vessel of primordial goop and said "oh so im pupating? guess i'll metamorphose." I don't think that was Jormag's doing. I think he Just Did That. (see: change of heart)  

the newly eclosed Icebrood Vax offers himself to the Pact as a weapon against Jormag, repurposing his earlier research for more benevolent purposes. (see: staying positive)  

uhhh what else. nominally Iron Legion and functionally a gladium, but like hell is he going to let them take his name away. his allegiance is to unethical science first and whoever is willing to pay him to do unethical science second.  

Has kind of always been a piece of work, but became a bigger piece of work when he lost the "mad" warband under mysterious circumstances. Incidentally, this is when he started making frankenstein chimeras. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯  

   

he Has A Sensitive Side

[granulesofsand]

Reasons people underestimate the prevalence of RAMCOA:

Untraumatized people don’t think about trauma nearly as much as survivors

People don’t know what the signs are. Trainings are shitty when given, attendees don’t think they’ll need to use the information, and trainings offered are usually online and easy to walk away from

Mandatory reporters don’t usually follow through their contracts. This is sometimes a good thing, but it can leave room in the wrong places for endangered children

People who know the signs will ignore them. They think it unlikely, that they’re overreacting, or they just don’t notice

Survivors are quiet. Speaking up puts us in danger, and more people think of us as media material than peers

The police don’t do jack shit for us. Some stations train officers to overlook our cases, and it’s difficult to take to court if a survivor wants to. In larger cases, government works with organized criminal groups that perpetrate or do so themselves for research

We’re a test question. The only time we are brought up in psychology classrooms is if they want to nod to a DID diagnosis. Few therapists are educated and willing to take us on as clients

Abusers know how to make connections with local authority. In high control groups, members may be taught how to abuse and evade interception

All of this makes it hard to report anywhere how many survivors exist free, and the low numbers in turn make us less believable when we do report

RAMCOA includes severe religious abuse, manipulative coercion, programming, cults, trafficking rings, criminal gangs, and more. Survivors are your coworkers, neighbors, cashiers, librarians.

Signs to look for:

Ritual Abuse

History of self-harm, substance use, sui/homicidality, especially with prescribed patterns

Unusual phobias (red or brown foods, kinds of houses, churches, hospitals, fear of the dark or being alone in adults)

Aversion to or obsession with the occult/witchcraft or other faith traditions

Patterns of nightmares, aversions or obsessions with common or nondescript themes (gore, needles, bugs, rodents, monsters, babies, men or women)

Sudden or irresistible urge to relocate, recontact abusers, participate in abusive ceremonies

High pain tolerance

Repeated phrases with violent, aggressive or religious themes

Mind Control and Coercion

Unquestioning obedience of a person or doctrine

Defers to another, speaks as though scripted, frequently accompanied by another or has to ask permission inappropriate for their age

Sudden or dramatic change in behavior, hobbies, or long-standing habits

Refusal to consume media unless approved by another/without further explanation

Anxious or idealized descriptions of childhood home and family, unable to recall these things

No memory of childhood or missing years

Multiple self-states, especially in high quantities

Organized Abuse and Trafficking

Disconnection from peers, family and friends

Does not attend community events or faith services or is perpetually preoccupied with a single group

Repeated unexplained absences from work or school

Disoriented, confused or dissociated for long periods of time or without explanation

Fearful or self-persecutory behavior, especially with allusions to another person or group

Bruises, broken skin or other wounds in various stages of healing

Minors engaging in commercial sex (including CSEM or survival sex)

Timid, skittish, fearful or submissive behaviors (including when this is the norm)

Malnourished, dehydrated, exhausted or with untreated ails

Without belongings or suitable living space

Many indicators of abuses flow together, as do the events themselves. It’s common that RA and OA perps use MC to keep victims in line, and techniques are often implemented by default in abusive environments. A group using RA or MC also qualifies as OA. This is why the community acronym includes all three.

There are more discreet examples for each. It’s possible to find many symptoms of RAMCOA and have none of those maltreatments as the cause. It’s possible to have none and still be abused.

Noticing indicators in children should be followed up by alerting any available reliable authority. Children sometimes disclose using metaphors or slang words they have been taught, so keep this in mind if you work with them.

[noirandchocolate]

RICE Alzheimer's Research Institute

Terry died on 12 March 2015, having given his PCA a run for its money.  Open about his diagnosis, he has helped to unlock the secrecy and stigma that often surrounds dementia.  His legion of fans is undoubtedly grateful that despite the inevitable progression of the PCA he was able to fight his ‘embuggerance’ and continue to produce a number of both well-received and well-reviewed books.  Terry was also a great example to me in emphasizing how important it is that, in caring for people with any type of dementia, we always look for what people with a condition like PCA can still do, rather than what they can’t: by maximizing what is possible, a person can still live well with dementia for a significant time.

--Professor Roy Jones, Director of RICE (taken from “Terry Pratchett: His World”)

I wanted to post something for the Glorious 25th about the Research Institute for the Care of Older People (RICE) in Bath, where Sir Terry Pratchett received treatment for Post-Cortical Atrophy, the type of Alzheimer's disease that eventually took his life. From the organization's website:

RICE established one of the first memory clinic services in the UK in 1987 – a service which has since been widely replicated and is now considered standard and best practice by the NHS. In fact, RICE now runs the NHS Memory Clinic in Bath and North East Somerset on behalf of the local clinical commissioning group and local authority through a sub-contract with HCRG Care Group. To date, we’ve assessed, diagnosed, treated and advised 12,000 people with memory problems and their families in our memory clinic. 

Most of RICE’s clinical services and research activities take place in our own purpose built, specialist centre located on the Royal United Hospital site. The building of the RICE Centre was possible as a result of generous donations from major donors, trusts and foundations, and members of the public. RICE moved into the ground and first floor of the centre in 2008. Following the success of the DementiaPlus Appeal and further generous donations from major donors, trusts and foundations and members of the public, RICE converted the attic floor in 2019 to create more office space. This has given us access to much needed additional rooms and offices which will enable us to grow and run more services and activities. We’ve worked hard to ensure that the areas of the centre visited by our patients meets their needs and we regularly receive feedback on how much our patients enjoy their visit to our centre.

RICE not only provides clinical services to patients, but also conducts research into aging and dementia, including performing clinical trials for new drug treatments for memory-related diseases and developing other "techniques for diagnosing, managing, treating and understanding dementia and memory changes in older adults."

Lady Lyn Pratchett is the patron of the organization, and the website includes a page about how people can donate funds or volunteer at the clinic and participate in fundraising events.

SO, if you'd like to help fund Alzheimer's research on this Glorious 25th of May--or at any time--in honor of the Man in the Hat, take a look!

[bitethedevil]

A Portrait of A Cambion

Link to this fic on AO3

Summary: Raphael rejects his icky mortal feelings for Tav because he remembers what happens when one is distracted by matters of the heart. He reminisces about a woman who taught him how to paint and who stole his non-existent heart over a thousand years ago.

(This is essentially a sort of 'origin story' headcanon that I ended up writing into a fic because people were asking about my dark headcanon that Raphael has experienced love before, but Mephistopheles took it from him. It ended up as a fic because I had a very specific image in my head of how Raphael fell in love for the first time and how he lost that love. Also cambions don't have a heart. Source?: Pulled it out of my ass.) TW: Mention of Death, Blood, Abusive Relationship with Parent (although that should almost be a given with Mephistopheles in the tags)

Another nightmare about Tav. This time it had not been about her and her fellow adventurers besting him. Instead, he had dreamt about her dying a cruel death.

He shouldn’t care and he didn’t, but his mind was sabotaging him and in the midst of the dream, he had felt fear for her. It shook Raphael awake from his nightly meditation and made him sit up in his bed.

He rubbed his eyes and sneered at that disgusting mortal feeling that still lingered in his chest. He had to remind himself that she was no more than a means to an end.

He could not afford such distractions, especially now when the crown was so close…

Raphael’s eyes drifted to the right-hand portrait in his boudoir, the one where he hid his safe behind.

There it was again. That stabbing feeling in his chest. He could not even remember the face of the painter that had made the portrait, but looking at that painting was just the reminder he needed: Distractions will cost you dearly.

It was over a thousand years ago that he had met her. It was before he had even laid his eyes on the Crown of Karsus and witnessed Netheril’s fall. He was still perfecting his art when it came to soul collecting. Back then he mainly went after the most desperate of the desperate and this girl could not have been more perfect.

Her name was Lucienna and she lived in Westgate, a city known for its history with criminal organizations and piracy. The young human woman had managed to make herself quite unpopular with the group of mercenaries that ruled the city then.

She was on the run with two of Westgate’s best killers at her heels when Raphael unceremoniously whisked her away to the Hells. Back then he still lived in Cania under his father’s rule.

The young woman took in her new surroundings while she tried to catch her breath. She looked up at Raphael who was still in his human form.

“Where am I?” she wheezed, out of breath. “And thank you, I suppose.”

“The Eighth Layer of the Hells,” Raphael explained smoothly. He found no reason to pretend when her contract was already as good as signed with the circumstances, she found herself in.

“…Oh,” she said a bit too calmly for Raphael’s liking and nodded.

“Quite a mess you’ve found yourself in, dear,” Raphael said with a smile. “Was it worth it? The protesting, I mean?”

Lucienna narrowed her green eyes at him.

He had done his research. The whole reason that she was on the hitlist of the mercenary government of Westgate, was all because of some posters, she had made and plastered around the city. They criticized the government and called the population to protest.

“It was actually worth it, yes,” she said with defensiveness in her voice. “And I’d do it again.”

She crossed her arms and looked at him. Raphael looked her up and down with a smile on his face.

“I saw your work before they were all taken down and burned,” Raphael said. “You are clearly talented. As a great admirer of the arts, it would pain me to see someone with so much to offer the world dead in a ditch somewhere. Which is why I have a proposal for you…”

“Whatever you are selling, I don’t want any,” she said and interrupted his sales-pitch. “Who are you anyway?”

“Oh, do forgive my manners. I am Raphael,” he said with a bow and in a flash of fire he was in his cambion form. “Very much at your service.”

Her eyes widened for a moment at the reveal of his true nature, but she quickly gathered herself.

“I mean…” she said. “I suppose I could have guessed since you said we were in the Hells, but…”

She looked him up and down, studying his form for a moment before looking back at his smug face.

“I still stand by what I said,” she said stubbornly. “Especially if my soul is the price.”

Raphael’s smirk faltered. He had been so certain that this would have been an easy deal.

“Perhaps you don’t grasp the severity of your situation,” Raphael said with a dramatic hand gesture. “I can make this whole mess disappear if you simply sign my contract. If you do not, I will simply send you back to the exact spot I found you to be hunted for sport by the best killers Westgate has to offer.”

She nodded slowly.

“I’ll take my chances,” she said with a shrug.

Raphael’s brow furrowed. That was not what he wanted to hear.

“Suit yourself,” Raphael said with a sneer and snapped his fingers to send her back to where she came from.

If the little idiot so desperately wanted to walk into her own grave, Raphael would not stop her. However, it did infuriate him that she did not even seem the least bit interested in even hearing his offer. If she did, by some miracle, survive, she could be certain that Raphael was not done with her.

Raphael followed her movements through the city closely. Luck seemed to be on her side because she did eventually make it out of the city in one piece. He tracked her to a house in the middle of nowhere out on the countryside. He kept an eye on her little hiding spot for a couple of weeks before approaching her.

He manifested in a room where a small fortune in painting supplies laid scattered everywhere. There were paintings leaning up against every wall. His person of interest sat in the middle of the room. She looked up from the canvas she was working on and jumped at his presence.

“Are you ready to accept my kind offer or do you intend to hide here for the rest of your days?” Raphael asked with a smile.

“Shhh,” she hushed and put a finger to her lips. “Please, lower your voice. My father might hear you.”

She was bold, he would give her that. Raphael huffed in annoyance but complied.

“Well?” he asked in a more hushed voice.

“I’m perfectly content here, thank you,” she said while her focus returned to the painting she was working on.

Raphael could not believe what he was hearing.

“Please correct me if I misunderstand,” Raphael said. “You would run from the very city that you have been fighting to protect from tyranny, to stay here? You are aware that the mercenaries of Westgate do not forget a face and that you getting out of the city does not mean that you are safe?”

“I understand just fine,” she said calmly. “I did what I could, and it wasn’t enough. I know I’m not safe but that doesn’t mean I want to hand over my soul to you...No offense, of course.”

Her stubbornness was getting on his nerves. Perhaps, it would just be easier to leave her alone, as it seemed he was getting nowhere with her. She was a hopeless case.

“Raphael, was it?” she asked and looked at him.

Raphael nodded with a tired look in his eyes.

“I had a feeling that you would be back, so I have something for you, Raphael,” she said and got up from her chair. “If you don’t like it, I won’t take offense.”

Raphael’s brow furrowed as he watched her go pick up a painting. This was new.

She picked up the canvas that was almost as big as her and turned it around so he could see it. His eyes softened, despite himself.

It was a painting of him in his cambion form, painted in shades of orange. He was wearing armor and was holding a flame in one hand in the painting. He looked imposing yet regal. It was beautifully done.

“The likeness isn’t perfect,” she said with a shrug. “But I also only ever met you that one time, so…”

Raphael blinked and tried to hide how impressed he was with her work.

“Why did you do this?” he asked and looked at her.

“My little trip to the Hells was long enough for the people chasing me to lose my trail,” she explained. “So, if it hadn’t been for you, I probably would be dead.”

His eyes drifted back to the painting.

“Besides, I’ve never seen a devil before,” she said. “I thought you looked quite impressive, so I guess I got inspired. You did say that you were an ‘admirer of the arts’, so I thought it could be compensation for saving my life.”

He was flattered, even though he would never admit it. He could not remember ever receiving a gift willingly from a mortal like this.

“Do you like it?” she asked softly, as if she was half-expecting a ‘no’.

“It’s beautiful,” he said with a nod. “You are quite talented, like I said when we first met.”

“It’s yours, if you want it,” she said with a smile.

“Thank you,” he said briefly, smiling back at her. He snapped his fingers and teleported the painting to a safe location in his house.

They were quiet for a moment. For once, Raphael was not sure what to say. There was no more business to talk about, but it also felt wrong to simply leave after receiving such a gift. It was Lucienna that ended up breaking the silence.

“So, do you paint?” she asked.

“No, I do not,” he answered and cleared his throat. “I’m afraid it is one of the few things that I have never sat down to properly learn. Although, I do see the appeal and I certainly do appreciate the art.”

“Do you want to learn?” she asked. “I’ve taught students before, you know…”

Although the idea of some mortal teaching him anything did not fill him with joy, he was tempted. Perhaps he could gain her trust and make her sign his deal anyway, as he had already wasted too much time on her. It also gave him an opportunity to study this odd mortal who did not seem to fear him.

“Hm,” he hummed in thought. “Yes, why not?”

They kept meeting in her father’s basement as Lucienna taught him how to paint. Raphael started enjoying the sessions. There was something about it. It brought him a sense of peace to paint. He did not mind the compliments to his progress either. She was good at teaching him without ever being condescending.

“You’re a natural at this, you know,” she said, leaning on his shoulder as she watched him work. “The only note I have is to work on the colors. This part isn’t actually red. It’s brown.”

She pointed to the bowl of fruit on the table.

“Are you telling me that red apples are not red?” Raphael said with a chuckle.

She smiled as she mixed some colors onto a piece of paper and held it next to the apple.

“That’s because you use your head too much and not your eyes,” she said. “This is painting. Not writing.”

Raphael huffed. She was right, of course. He could see when she held the paper next to it.

Whenever he practiced at home, it was always the same motif: her. He was determined to eventually pay her back for the gift she gave him. He noticed that Lucienna’s hair was not red either, but rather nuances of brown, orange, and gold. Her eyes were also not entirely green, but rather shades of brown, green and yellow.

Somewhere along the way, the contract was brought up more as an excuse to be in her presence, rather than him actually wanting her soul. In the end it was not brought up at all. Raphael knew that she was too stubborn to sign it anyway, and perhaps she was right: perhaps she was truly safe in this peaceful little haven away from everything.

He enjoyed her company, though he loathed to admit it. The way she would lean on his shoulder when she was watching him work. The way that she looked almost insane when she was deep in concentration, with a paintbrush in her mouth or stuck in her hair as she painted like her life depended on it. The way that they could be in each other’s presence for hours without even saying a word to each other.

He knew that she liked him, but for some reason he did not want to exploit it in the same way he had done with earlier clients. It would have been all too easy to manipulate her into a deal by playing on her feelings, yet he never did.

Lucienna became an indulgence. Someone to take him far way from the endless clients and the toiling for his ungrateful father. Away from all the devils in the Hells that loathed him and away from all the mortals that feared him. Just for a moment.

It was the day when he finally decided to give her the portrait that he had painted of her that their relationship furthered into unknown territory for Raphael.

After he had made endless excuses about him not being as talented as her, he had shown her the painting that he had been working endlessly on from home. Her face brightened up and she pulled him into a kiss. After the initial shock, he wrapped his arms around her and melted into it.

Raphael was far from new to the concept of sex, although those below the Archdevils were not supposed to indulge in such things. The difference was that most of his sexual experiences had been with the incubi and succubi of his father’s palace, or rehearsed manipulation tactics he had used to lure clients. Both of which were exceptions that were acceptable for a devil of his lower rank.

This was new and most definitely forbidden, because this bordered on that awfully mortal feeling: love. Sex with her was so different from the almost theatrical performance of the incubi and succubi that he had been with during his longer visits to his father. Raphael also found no desire to put on a rehearsed performance himself.

Sex with Lucienna was clumsy and imperfect in a highly intoxicating way. They got completely lost in each other and nothing else mattered in that moment. It was heated and passionate, but in such a genuine way that it took Raphael’s breath away.

When they were done, Lucienna rested her head on his chest. Raphael was brushing his fingers through her hair when he suddenly felt her tense up a bit.

“What is it?” he asked softly.

“Your heartbeat…” she said and pressed her ear to his chest again. “You don’t have one…”

Raphael chuckled and smiled.

“I don’t have a heart, dear,” he explained. “It works differently for devils.”

“Hm,” she said and nuzzled her head against his chest. “Maybe you don’t have a literal heart, but you won’t convince me that you don’t at least have one metaphorically.”

“Oh, how dare you?” Raphael chided jokingly. “I have a reputation to uphold.”

“Mm…you can’t fool me,” she said and smiled. “It is slightly unsettling though…To not hear anything when you expect to.”

“I’m sure,” he said, tracing the soft skin of her arms with his fingers.

She got off his chest to lay down on her back. She patted her chest with a hand, inviting him to lay down on it.

“Here, listen to mine,” she said with a smile.

Raphael hesitated. The vulnerability of such an act did not sit well with him, but he had quickly found that he had a hard time denying this woman of anything.

He put his head on her chest and listened to her heartbeat. She held him close and rested her chin on his head. It would have looked comical for an outsider to see this much bigger man being held by this small woman, but Raphael found that he did not care.

He would never admit it to anyone, but he felt safe. Loved even. Perhaps, for the first time in his long life. There was a feeling, a flutter, in the place where his heart would have been, had he been a mortal man. They fell asleep like that together.

When he finally returned to his house in Cania in the morning, it was difficult to wipe the smile from his face. He could not stop thinking about her. He sat down to write, to try and clear his mind and record this feeling of happiness that he had not tasted for years.

“Mephistopheles missed you last night,” a voice said.

Raphael looked up to find one of Mephistopheles’s warlocks leaned against the wall, watching him. Raphael had forgotten everything about the meeting that he had promised to attend.

“Care to explain?” the warlock asked.

“I was working, Lestor,” Raphael replied coldly.

“All night? What a dutiful boy you are,” Lestor said with that shit-eating grin that Raphael had gotten so used to seeing.

It took everything to not lose his temper and tear the warlock apart for having the nerve to call him ‘boy’. Raphael knew the consequences if he did. Mephistopheles enjoyed sending mortal warlocks to spy on his son, simply to remind Raphael that he was not even worth sending another devil for.

“There were complications,” Raphael said through gritted teeth. “Please, do send Mephistopheles my deepest apologies.”

“Complications, eh?” Lestor said with a knowing smile that made Raphael slightly paranoid. “I will make sure to tell him how deeply sorry you are. Remember that you are needed at the palace these next couple of days. Whatever ‘work’ you have can wait.”

Lestor left his house. Raphael’s paranoia grew when he was left alone. Lestor couldn’t have known, could he? He had been so careful, and no one knew where she lived…

There was nothing that Raphael could do about it now. He had to get through the next couple of days before he could return to her, or he would feel his father’s wrath.

Five days later, Raphael finally had time for himself, and he decided to visit the woman who had occupied his mind ever since he returned to the Hells.

The first sign that something was wrong was that the door to the house stood open. Lucienna’s father was a paranoid man who always locked his doors.

Not two steps into the house, was the old man that he had only spoken to a couple of times during his visits. He laid sprawled on the floor, ripped apart and covered in his own blood.

Raphael’s blood in his veins turned to ice, as he saw the sigil of the mercenaries of Westgate smeared in blood on the wall.

“No…” Raphael mumbled to himself and ran to the basement.

There she was. A paintbrush in her hair, exactly where she always put them when she was focused on working. Her green eyes, that weren’t really green, stared emptily up into the ceiling above her.

“No…no…” Raphael said and fell to his knees beside her.

He leaned his head down to her chest. He knew there was no way she would be alive with the way she had been torn apart, but he had to check. The comforting pitter-patter of her heart that he had fallen asleep to just five days earlier, was gone. Raphael cried for the first time in a millennium.

“I told you…you stubborn woman…” he said angrily and brushed his fingers gently through her red hair. “You weren’t safe…”

He held her in his arms while he sobbed. He was spiraling. The emotional walls that he had used hundreds of years to build up had crashed down around him, and for a moment he was experiencing a millennium worth of pure mortal grief and sadness all at once.

He looked at her. At all the paintings that were stacked around him. He noticed that the portrait he had given her had already been hung up on the wall, and it sent a sharp pain through his chest where his heart would have been.

His eyes finally locked unto the sigil that was painted with blood on the wall, with the words under it: “Westgate does not forget”. His sadness slowly boiled into anger. Anger overtook every ounce of his being when he heard a familiar grating voice behind him:

“Mephistopheles wants to talk to you, boy,” Lestor said.

He could practically hear the smug smile in the warlock’s voice. That little shit had known, and he had informed Westgate of her whereabouts. Something in Raphael snapped.

Raphael spent that afternoon doing unspeakable things to his father’s warlock. When he was done, he burned the whole house down. He burned the all the paintings in there, the mangled corpse of Lestor, Lucienna’s father, and Lucienna, the one woman who ever loved him. A part of Raphael burned away in that fire as well. If he could, he would happily have burned down to ash with them. He felt dead inside as he returned to Cania to face his father.

“You spit in my face by not showing up to our meetings and now you arrive late yet again. I sent Lestor to collect you five hours ago. Where is he?” Mephistopheles voice boomed throughout the throne room.

“Lestor is dead,” Raphael answered.

“Dead?” Mephistopheles asked in a dangerously low voice and leaned forward on his frozen throne. “Why? Because he did his job and informed me that you were too busy fucking mortals instead of doing your job of collecting their souls?”

Raphael inhaled slowly, trying to calm the rage inside him.

“I promise you, son,” Mephistopheles said the word ‘son’ as if it was a joke to him. “Fucking mortal women isn’t worth the headache. It’s how you end up with useless fucking half-breed bastards like you.”

Raphael swallowed hard and looked at the ground, as the devils in his father’s court snickered and laughed at him.

“You have high thoughts about yourself,” Mephistopheles said. “But let me remind you that you are not even close to a rank where you are entitled to stick your cock in anything or to keep consorts! Those privileges are reserved for Archdevils exclusively, which you are not. The only reason you are alive, is because I see use for you. I will not tolerate you getting distracted from your purpose. You work for me! Is that clear?”

Raphael hated that his father could still make him flinch, just by yelling at him. He nodded.

“Yes, my lord,” Raphael said quietly, still grinding his teeth in frustration.

“Good, my boy,” Mephistopheles said with a smile that would make anyone uncomfortable.

Raphael bowed his head and turned to leave.

“One last thing,” Mephistopheles called out. “I have a gift for my little would-be lordling.”

Raphael took a deep breath and turned around. Whatever this was, it could not be good. Mephistopheles smirked at him and snapped his fingers. Someone entered the throne room and Raphael’s closed his eyes in embarrassment at the sight.

One of his father’s incubi that Raphael had slept with during one of his visits to the palace, walked through the door. They were wearing Raphael’s form. They sauntered into the room, wearing skimpy leather clothing.

The throne room was filled with roaring laughter. Even Mephistopheles was laughing from his frozen throne.

“A fitting consort for you, wouldn’t you say, boy?” Mephistopheles chuckled. “Since you only ever seem to think about yourself. Their name is Haarlep. Give it a few nights with them and you won’t even remember that little mortal bitch you seemed so obsessed with.”

Rage was threatening to overtake him. He wanted to kill every last laughing devil in the room. He wanted to give his father the most excruciating death he could think of. Raphael also knew that he was no match for any of them. He had to bide his time, and that time would come someday. He would make sure of it.

“What do you say then?” Mephistopheles said, looking down on him from his throne.

Raphael looked at the incubus with disdain and then at his father. Raphael wanted to say many things in that moment: That he would one day take his father’s throne. That Mephistopheles would one day cower at the feet of his son. That he did not care if he had to wait millennium after millennium for him to finally get his revenge.

Raphael took a deep breath and bit his tongue, though it took everything in him to do so.

“Thank you, my lord,” Raphael said through gritted teeth.

“Good boy,” Mephistopheles said with a smile. “Now get out of my sight. I hope you have learned something from this.”

Raphael was sitting in his bed, looking at the right-hand painting in his boudoir. The painting that Lucienna had gifted him all those years ago. He had spent so much money throughout the years on getting it carefully restored.

He couldn’t remember her face anymore, but he could remember all those colors he studied when he looked at her. Her red hair, that was not red, but rather nuances of brown, orange, and gold. Her eyes that were not entirely green, but rather shades of brown, green and yellow. He heard the sound of her heartbeat in his mind each time he went to rest.

When he looked at Tav, that stubborn whelp, he sometimes found himself wondering what her heartbeat sounded like. Wondering which colors he would use if he were to paint her hair and her eyes. And there it was again that flutter where his heart would have been if he had one. Lucienna’s words echoed in his mind.

“Maybe you don’t have a literal heart, but you won’t convince me that you don’t at least have one metaphorically.”

No. He didn’t and he couldn’t. That part of him was dead and gone and it would remain that way. Raphael shook his head and crushed that feeling in his chest. No more distractions. Not when he was so close to the crown. Not when he was so close to finally getting his revenge.

[racefortheironthrone]

Which federal laws and policies would you get rid of or modify in order to help the American labor movement.

I was looking through the labor law tag on my blog and your ask reminded me I haven't actually written a comprehensive post about this on Tumblr. (Indeed, you'd have to go back to my old, old policy blog from 2009...it's been a while.)

One silver lining of the Sisyphean struggle to restore American labor law that's been going on since the 1970s is that the labor movement and their allies in Congress, academia, think tanks, and progressive media have been thinking through this very issue of "what reforms would make a real difference" for a long time. I'm not going to say it's a solved question, but the research literature is pretty robust.

For the purposes of this post, I'm going to focus on the three most recent reform packages: the Employee Free Choice Act that was the main vehicle during the Obama years, Bernie Sanders' Workplace Democracy Act (which was introduced repeatedly between 1992 and 2018), and the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act) that is the current proposal of the Democratic legislative caucuses. There's going to be quite a bit of overlap between these proposals, because it's very much an iterative process where allies in the same movement are trading ideas with one another and trying to stay abreast of new developments, but I'll try to tease out some of the similarities and differences.

EFCA

While EFCA contained a number of provisions that sought to close various loopholes in U.S labor law, the three main provisions largely target the flaws that have made it extremely difficult to win a union through the National Labor Relations Act process devised in 1935 that has turned into a Saw-style gauntlet thanks to the professionalization of union-busting and the Federalist Society's strategy of death-by-a-thousand-cuts:

"Card check." Probably the most common pattern of union-busting in the workplace today is a war of attrition by management waged by an industry of specialized law firms. Generally what happens is that the union files for election with a super-majority of ~70% workers having signed union cards, then management delays the vote as long as possible to give their hired "union-avoidance" firm to systematically intimidate, surveil, propagandize, and divide workers, up to and including illegally firing pro-union workers pour encouragez les autres. Over several months, what happens is that the initial 70% of pro-union support starts to erode as workers decide it's just too dangerous to stick their necks out, until the vote happens and the union loses either by a squeaker or a landslide.

Card check short-circuits this process by just saying that if the union files with a majority of cards, you skip the election and the union is recognized. And for all the pearl-clutching by the right, this is actually how labor law works in many democratic countries, because the idea of a fair election that lets management participate is an oxymoron.

Arbitrated first contract. In the event that enough workers keep the faith and actually vote for a union, management's next move is to draw out collective bargaining for a year or more. After a year, the original vote is no longer considered binding and employers can push for a "decertification" vote, which they usually win because workers either give up hope or change jobs. So this provision says that if the two sides can't reach an agreement on a first contract within 120 days, a Federal arbitrator will just impose one, so that at least for two years there will be a union contract no matter what management wants.

Strengthening enforcement. As I said above, one of the problems with existing labor law is that there are basically no penalties for management knowingly breaking the law; companies literally just budget in a line-item and do it anyway. This provision would allow unions to file an injunction against employers for unfair labor practices or ULPs (at present, injunctions are only required for violations done by unions), and would add triple back pay for illegal firings and fines of $20,000 for each ULP. This would make union-busting much more expensive, because companies routinely rack up hundreds and hundreds of them during a campaign.

Workplace Democracy Act

Sanders' proposal includes the main proposals from EFCA, and adds a bunch of additional reforms, like mis-classifying workers as independent contractors, banning captive audience meetings, making "joint employers" liable for labor law violations by franchisees, legalizing secondary boycotts, and requiring employers to report to the NLRB on all anti-union expenditures during a campaign and barring anyone convicted of an unfair labor practice from being hired for anti-union campaigns and making "union-avoidance" consultants liable for fines for ULPs (which would kill the "union-avoidance" industry, because they commit ULPs for a living).

PRO Act

The PRO Act is very much an updating of the previous efforts we've talked about. It bans captive audience meetings, allows for secondary strikes and boycotts, massively increases fines and allows for compensatory damages, ends mis-classification, speeds up the election process, etc.

It also contains a couple new and ambitious proposals:

it allows unions to sue management in court instead of having to complain to the NLRB, which opens management up to a very expensive legal proceeding and discovery.

it bans "right-to-work" as established by the Taft-Hartley Act.

it requires that any worker who's fired for pro-union activity be immediately reinstated while their unfair labor practice process or civil lawsuit is going through the process. This would be enormous just on its own, because it changes the entire veto structure of illegal firing. As it stands, employers fire people and maybe maybe have to pay some back wages in a couple years when the worker has found another job and is unlikely to come back. This would reverse the balance of power, such that the worker is immediately back and other workers can see that they can speak up without getting fired, which makes illegal firings a giant waste of time and money for management.

In terms of stuff that's not on this list that I would add, I would say that an enormous difference could be made by simply making it illegal for management to lock-out their workers or hire scabs. You do that, and unions can win almost every strike.