Tumgik
#Investor sentiment
Text
What are the steps to get an H-1B visa for an Indian?
Tumblr media
For many Indians, the H-1B visa is a vital route for highly qualified foreign workers, and it offers an exceptional chance to pursue professional and personal development in the United States. The H-1B visa is highly desirable since it provides access to a wide range of opportunities in U.S. employment for persons with specific talents and educational backgrounds. 
To help Indian professionals navigate the complexities of the H-1B visa application procedure, this page attempts to function as a thorough guide. With this resource, potential candidates will be equipped with the information and resources they need to start their H-1B journey, from qualifying requirements to negotiating the sometimes intricate documentation procedures.
Eligibility Criteria For H-1B Visa For Indians.
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S. or foreign university. The degree should be in a field related to the specific H-1B job. The H-1B visa is often associated with jobs requiring at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. The USCIS may consider equivalent work experience in some cases. The degree obtained from a foreign institution may need to be evaluated to determine its equivalency to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. 
Independent credential evaluation services often do evaluations. The job that the applicant is being sponsored for must qualify as a “speciality occupation.” This generally means the position requires highly specialised knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher in a specific field. A speciality occupation requires the theoretical and practical application of highly specialised knowledge.
The position must meet one of the following criteria:
A bachelor’s degree or higher is the minimum entry requirement for the position.
The degree requirement is common for the position in the industry, or the job is so complex or unique that it can only be performed by someone with a degree.
The H-1B visa is typically tied to a specific job, and the applicant’s educational background and qualifications should be directly relevant to the position.
It is important to note that the H-1B visa process involves the employer filing a petition on behalf of the employee. Employers must submit various documents, including the Labor Condition Application (LCA) and evidence supporting the eligibility criteria.
Job Offer and Sponsorship H-1B visa for an Indians
Securing a job offer and sponsorship for an H-1B visa can be a multi-step process that involves finding H-1B sponsoring employers, job portals, networking, consulting with immigration attorneys, and effectively managing the job application and negotiation process. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
Utilise job portals that cater to international candidates seeking work visas, such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn. Look for job postings that explicitly mention sponsorship or H-1B visa support.
Network within your industry by attending professional events, conferences, and seminars. Utilise online platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field and express your interest in opportunities that offer visa sponsorship.
Seek advice from immigration attorneys who specialise in employment-based immigration. They can provide insights into companies known for sponsoring H-1B visas and guide you on the legal aspects of the process.
Some law firms may also have connections with employers looking to hire foreign workers, so exploring such possibilities is worthwhile.
Apply to job positions that match your skills and qualifications. Be transparent about your visa status and eligibility for H-1B sponsorship in your application.
Prepare thoroughly for interviews, showcasing your experience and demonstrating how your skills align with the job requirements.
Emphasise your unique skills and experiences that make you an asset to the company.
Once you receive a job offer, carefully review the terms and conditions, including salary, benefits, and relocation assistance.
Discuss this with the employer if H-1B sponsorship is not explicitly mentioned. Companies may be willing to sponsor if they understand the process and requirements.
If the employer is unfamiliar with the H-1B process, be prepared to provide information or connect them with resources to help clarify the steps involved.
H-1B Visa Lottery
The H-1B visa lottery is a process used when the number of H-1B visa petitions exceeds the annual numerical cap set by the U.S. government. The H-1B visa program has an annual cap on the number of new H-1B visas that can be issued.
Certain categories of H-1B petitions, such as those filed by universities and certain nonprofit organisations, are exempt from the cap. If the number of H-1B petitions received within the first few days of the filing period exceeds the available cap, a random lottery is conducted to select the petitions that will be processed for adjudication. There are two lotteries: one for the regular cap and another for the advanced degree exemption. The advanced degree lottery is conducted first, and unselected advanced degree petitions are then included in the regular cap lottery.
H-1B petitions are typically accepted starting from April 1st of each year for employment starting on October 1st of the same year. Preparing and submitting the H-1B petition on time is important, as the cap is often reached within the first few days of the filing period.
The lottery selects which petitions will be processed randomly if more petitions are received than the annual cap allows. Due to the high demand for H-1B visas, there is no guarantee of selection in the lottery. If your petition is not selected, it’s essential to have backup plans. This could include exploring other visa options, considering employment in a different country, or continuing education in the U.S. Some individuals may also consider adjusting their immigration strategy, such as obtaining Optional Practical Training (OPT) or seeking employment with cap-exempt employers.
The H-1B visa application process is a significant opportunity for skilled foreign professionals to work in the United States. While the process can be complex and competitive, understanding the key steps and requirements is crucial for a successful application.
1 note · View note
dencyemily · 4 months
Text
Analyst Insights: Ethereum's Bullish Breakout Points to Promising Altseason
Ethereum's recent breakout from its established price channel has ignited excitement in the crypto community, marking a strong start to what analysts and investors anticipate as the onset of an 'Altseason.' The surge in Ethereum's price, coupled with increased holdings among top wallets, reflects a positive market sentiment and hints at a broader rally in the altcoin space.
Technical Breakout:
ProfessorAstrones, a respected figure in the crypto space, highlighted Ethereum's technical breakout from its price channel, a trend that has persisted since October. The recent breach above the upper limit of this channel signifies a robust entry into a period historically associated with strong altcoin performance. The optimistic technical outlook has fueled a shared sense of enthusiasm among analysts and investors.
On-Chain Accumulation:
Supporting the technical perspective, on-chain data reveals a notable increase in buying activity, particularly from corporate entities and high-net-worth individuals. Post the approval of the Bitcoin ETF, the top 1,000 Ethereum wallets have significantly augmented their holdings, accumulating a total of 570,000 ETH and amassing a substantial 64.6 million ETH in total. This on-chain accumulation further bolsters confidence in Ethereum's potential for growth.
Market Reaction and Performance:
The market has responded positively to these developments, with Ethereum's current price at $2,529.98, reflecting a modest gain in the last day and a noteworthy 10.58% upswing over the previous week. Ethereum's market value, now exceeding $304 billion, reflects increased market participation and positive investor sentiment. The combination of technical breakthroughs and on-chain accumulation sets the stage for Ethereum's success and potentially signals the beginning of a broader altcoin rally.
0 notes
wealthview · 5 months
Text
Corrtech International IPO Date, Price, Company profile, risk & financial details
New Post has been published on https://wealthview.co.in/corrtech-international-ipo/
Corrtech International IPO Date, Price, Company profile, risk & financial details
Tumblr media
Corrtech International IPO: Corrtech International is a leading provider of pipeline laying solutions in India, specializing in hydrocarbon pipelines. They also manufacture precision components for gas and steam turbines, and serve the aerospace and defense sectors. The company operates in a crucial industry for India’s energy infrastructure and economic growth.
Corrtech International IPO Key Details:
Status: Corrtech International’s IPO has not yet launched.
Issue Size: The planned IPO will consist of:
Fresh issue: Rs. 350 crore worth of new equity shares.
Offer for Sale: 40 lakh shares from existing shareholders.
Price Band: The price band for the issue is yet to be finalized.
News & Developments:
Corrtech International received SEBI approval for the IPO in July 2022, but no further updates have been announced since then.
Recent developments in the oil and gas sector, including rising energy prices, could potentially boost investor interest in the company.
Given the company’s established position in a critical industry and the potential benefits of rising energy prices, Corrtech International IPO could attract investor interest. However, the lack of updates on the issue timeline and uncertainties in the broader market may dampen enthusiasm.
Corrtech International IPO Offer Details:
Securities Offered:
Corrtech International IPO will offer equity shares only. These are units of ownership in the company, and investors who subscribe to the IPO will become shareholders.
Investor Category Reservation:
As the IPO details haven’t been finalized, the specific reservation percentages for different investor categories are still unknown. However, based on typical Indian IPOs, the reservation could be something like:
Retail Investors: 35%
Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs): 50%
Non-Institutional Investors: 15%
Minimum Lot Size:
The minimum lot size for the IPO will likely be one bid lot. This typically represents a specific number of shares, for example, 100 shares. The final minimum lot size will be confirmed closer to the issue date.
Investment Amount:
The amount required to invest will depend on the minimum lot size and the final issue price. Once the price band is announced, you can multiply the minimum lot size by the lower and upper price band to estimate the minimum and maximum investment amounts.
Example:
If the minimum lot size is 100 shares and the price band is Rs. 20-25 per share, the minimum investment amount would be Rs. 2,000 (100 shares * Rs. 20), and the maximum investment amount would be Rs. 2,500 (100 shares * Rs. 25).
For more details refer Corrtech International Limited, Draft Offer Documents filed with SEBI.
Corrtech International Company profile:
History & Operations:
Founded in 1982: Corrtech has 41 years of experience in India’s crucial pipeline construction sector.
Core Businesses:
Pipeline Construction: Lays oil and gas pipelines with expertise in cross-country and directional drilling techniques.
Cathodic Protection Solutions: Protects pipelines from corrosion, ensuring their longevity and safety.
Precision Components: Manufactures high-quality parts for gas and steam turbines, catering to aerospace and defense sectors through subsidiary Corrtech Energy Limited (CEL).
Market Position & Share: A leading player in India’s pipeline laying segment, with a significant market share. Exact figures vary depending on project type and region.
Key Facts:
Headquarters: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Employees: Over 1,000
Revenue: Over INR 500 crore (as of March 2021)
Awards & Recognitions: Received numerous awards for operational excellence, safety, and sustainability.
Prominent Brands & Partners:
Brands: “Corrtech” is the main brand, recognized for pipeline expertise.
Subsidiaries: CEL leverages the Corrtech brand while specializing in precision components.
Partnerships: Works with major oil and gas companies, engineering firms, and government agencies on various projects.
Milestones & Achievements:
Successfully completed over 10,000 km of pipeline projects.
Developed proprietary trenchless technology for environmentally friendly pipeline construction.
Established CEL as a leading supplier of precision components to high-profile clients.
Competitive Advantages & USP:
Experience & Expertise: Established track record, skilled workforce, and proven project execution capabilities.
Integrated Services: Offers end-to-end solutions from construction to corrosion protection.
Technological Innovation: Continuous investment in R&D for efficient and sustainable pipeline solutions.
Diversification: Strong presence in multiple sectors strengthens financial stability.
Corrtech International Financials:
Particulars March-2022 March-2021 March-2020 Total Assets 766.32 618.99 594.77 Total Expenses 990.21 956.21 733.88 Total Revenue 1065.75 995.97 784.72 Profit After Tax 49.72 28.55 34.94 EBITDA 120.71 95.62 97.87
Lead Managers and Registrar for Corrtech International IPO:
Lead Managers:
DAM Capital Advisors Limited:
Track record: Managed 14 IPOs in the past 2 years, including successful offerings for companies like Concord Enviro Systems Limited, Galaxy Surfactants Limited, and Astron Paper & Board Mills Limited.
Equirus Capital Private Limited:
Track record: Extensive experience managing over 80 IPOs across various sectors, including recent successful offerings for Karda Therapeutics Limited, Chemcon Specialities Limited, and Amber Enterprises India Limited.
Registrar:
Link Intime India Private Limited:
Role in the IPO process:
Handles investor account management and share allotment.
Processes refunds for unallocated bids.
Facilitates dematerialization of shares after listing.
Acts as a communication channel between the company and investors.
Potential Risks and Concerns for Corrtech International IPO:
Industry Headwinds:
The oil and gas industry, which is a major source of revenue for Corrtech, is cyclical and faces headwinds like fluctuations in oil prices, environmental regulations, and competition from renewable energy sources. These factors could impact the company’s future growth and profitability.
Company-Specific Challenges:
Reliance on a few major customers: Corrtech’s dependence on a limited number of customers, primarily oil and gas companies, exposes them to the risk of losing significant revenue if contracts are terminated or renegotiated.
Debt burden: The company has a significant debt load, which could limit its financial flexibility and impact its ability to invest in growth initiatives.
Financial track record: While the company has shown improvement in recent years, its past history of loan defaults raises concerns about its financial stability and ability to manage debt.
Competition: Corrtech faces intense competition from other established players in the pipeline laying and EPC services industry. This could put pressure on margins and limit growth potential.
Financial Health Analysis:
Revenue: While Corrtech has reported revenue growth in recent years, it is important to analyze the sustainability of this growth and its dependence on specific projects or contracts.
Profitability: The company’s profitability remains low compared to its peers. Investors should carefully assess the profitability margins and future growth projections to evaluate potential returns.
Debt-to-equity ratio: The high debt-to-equity ratio indicates a significant reliance on debt financing, which can increase financial risk. Investors should examine the company’s debt repayment plan and its ability to manage its debt burden.
Conclusion:
While Corrtech International IPO presents an opportunity for potential growth, it is crucial to be aware of the associated risks and uncertainties. Investors should carefully analyze the company’s financial health, industry headwinds, and market volatility before making any investment decisions. Thorough due diligence and seeking professional advice are essential steps towards a well-informed investment choice.
Also Read: How to Apply for an IPO?
0 notes
aitalksblog · 8 months
Text
Transforming Noisy Investor Reactions into Actionable Financial Insights with ChatGPT
Disclaimer : The information in this post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Prior to making any investment decisions, conduct your own research and consult with a financial advisor. (Images generated by author with DALL·E / Bing Image Creator) In the finance world, earnings season is always a busy time for investors. Once those quarterly…
Tumblr media
View On WordPress
0 notes
maximizeyourmedicare · 10 months
Text
Who’s Afraid In Financial Markets? No One, Apparently
Who’s Afraid In Financial Markets? No One, Apparently Here’s when diversification works, because the glue is holding the pieces together, allowing greater allocation to the risky asset classes. When add up the two graphs, then higher markets is not difficult to explain. Ah, and then still, still, Uma. Never forget Uma, she’s powerful and her joke affects the psyche of the investing community.
Tumblr media
View On WordPress
0 notes
mortispoxi · 3 months
Note
I believe the workers who say Kurvitz was difficult to work with, especially Argo since he’s known the guy for a long time but now I have to wonder if those people now regret speaking in it.
Do I think they regret what they said? I can't say for sure because a) I cannot claim to know, let alone guess, exactly how they feel about this mess since I am not them, and b) unless someone decides to come forward about it we likely will never know.
But what I can talk about is what we do know for certain.
I've spoken on this before in a post I made about the misgivings I had with Chris Bratt's take on the ZA/UMa (ZA/UM drama) where I expressed that I felt like the video overexaggerated some of Kurvitz's behaviors and actions to make him appear like some kind of villain when we know he was slowly being frenzied by the investors for months on end. Now despite that, it still does not excuse the fact that Argo Tuulik, Kaspar Tamsalu, and Petteri Sulonen were hurt by him regardless of the circumstance (which they will resolve with him on their own time if they so choose). But as you’d also know, Tuulik has stated in his interview that even though he has his personal gripes with the man, he still greatly admires and respects Kurvitz which is a sentiment Kurvitz has echoed about all his former colleagues in an interview with Jacobin.
I can 100% understand where Tuulik is coming from in his statements about Kurvitz. It's always going to be a difficult adjustment when the person who you've been friends with for years becomes your boss because it suddenly creates a power dynamic that didn't exist before. At least in Kurvitz's case, who obviously didn't have any experience in leadership positions, it's no surprise he became such a shitty boss towards his friends and coworkers since the man clearly had no clue how to properly lead a team, was demanding perfection from everyone, on top of his stress levels being exacerbated from constant conflict with the meddling investors.
Now, if I were to speculate on this issue knowing all this, I'd say at the very least Tuulik probably feels like he's in the same boat as Kurvitz given the similarities of how they were dismissed from the studio. Whatever comes of this, whether it'd be reconciliation between the two or officially parting ways for good, is up to him. Honestly, I just hope he isn’t feeling guilty for bringing up both the good and bad about working with Robert Kurvitz in his interview. It was very brave of him to do as well as provided us outsiders with a window into the dynamic he had with Kurvitz. He couldn’t have possibly known the investors would one day retaliate against him and anyone else who voiced their dissent against their authoritarian rule of the studio. His only mistake was blindly trusting the people who spent years systematically othering Kurvitz and co in order to split the group apart so that they could be further manipulated by them.
11 notes · View notes
techminsolutions · 3 months
Text
Is Paytm Payments Bank in Trouble? Unraveling the RBI's Actions and Impact on Paytm's Future
Adapting to Change: Paytm’s Response and Future Strategies In response to the RBI’s intervention, Paytm is mobilizing efforts to navigate these challenging times. The company, known for its resilience, assures users that withdrawals are unaffected, offering a semblance of relief. Paytm, traditionally not heavily invested in direct lending, suggests it can manage the potential panic-driven…
Tumblr media
View On WordPress
0 notes
kc22invesmentsblog · 7 months
Text
Understanding the Decline in Utility Stocks in 2023: A Comprehensive Analysis
Written by Delvin The year 2023 has witnessed a significant decline in utility stocks, leaving investors wondering about the underlying factors contributing to this downturn. In this blog post, we will delve into the key reasons behind the decline in utility stocks and provide a comprehensive analysis of the situation. 1. Shifting Market Dynamics: One crucial factor behind the decline in…
View On WordPress
0 notes
signode-blog · 5 months
Text
Signs of Recession
In the complex world of economics, recessions are inevitable yet challenging events that can have far-reaching consequences on individuals, businesses, and entire nations. Recognizing the signs of an impending recession is crucial for making informed decisions and mitigating potential risks. In this blog post, we will delve into the key indicators and signals that economists and policymakers…
Tumblr media
View On WordPress
0 notes
investoropia · 10 months
Text
Federal Reserve Stress Test Sends Shock waves through Stock Market! JP MORGAN JUMPED 3.49%
Federal Reserve stress test results on U.S. bank stocks and their influence on the overall market. Gain insights into investor sentiment, regulatory concerns, and the future outlook.
Tumblr media
U.S. bank stocks surged in response to the results of the Federal Reserve’s annual stress tests, instilling renewed confidence among investors and traders. The comprehensive health checks provided insights into the resilience of major lenders, addressing concerns stemming from recent failures, including Silicon Valley Bank and other institutions. The impressive performance of bank stocks highlights their ability to weather an economic slump and underscores the importance of stress testing in ensuring a stable financial system.
While the stress test results boosted market sentiment, skeptics remain cautious regarding dividends and share buybacks. Heightened regulatory oversight and uncertainties surrounding the economic outlook contribute to concerns about the feasibility of larger payouts. Analysts at RBC Capital Markets caution that the recent banking crisis has driven banks to adopt a more conservative approach, potentially limiting share buyback activities for the remainder of 2023.
Continue Reading the Complete Article : Click Here
OTHER TOPIC:
Market Corrections: 5 Factors Every Investor and Trader Must Understand
Mastering the Stochastic Oscillator
THE POWER OF BOLLINGER BANDS
GDP Data: Economic Growth and Stable Inflation
Strong Economy: Understanding and Impact
How to Safeguard your Investments During a Market Decline?
0 notes
Text
fuck around and find out is a nice sentiment, but i feel like it's mostly a group of rich investors, geneticists, and paleontologists who fucked around, and us innocent bystanding theme park tourists who are finding out
13K notes · View notes
dcxdpdabbles · 7 months
Note
Cave Boy Danny is a dad and that one fact makes Tim less suspicious of him.
Because the contingency plan for Bruce is his kids. It's also really concerning HOW young Bruce is a parent. (How old is he?!)
And this story won't be complete without Dani showing up to cause mayhem while calling for her Father.
She commits to the bit without even knowing all the details. Or the bit.
So, in Cave Au, I had planned to have Danny call Dani, his adoptive sister, instead of his daughter to make the Waynes much more nervous about him, but I'll write a different Au for you to make up for it.
Dani Fenton is the new kid in Tim's class. She's moved with her single father, Daniel Fenton, from a small town in Minnesota. At first, there is not much to her, even with her large brian.
She's a scholarship girl with a mind for chemistry that could make any scientist green with envy. Her uniform must be better tailored, likely second-hand, because it hangs loosely around her body as if made for a taller girl. She doesn't talk to other students, often popping in headphones when they are dismissed to the next class or during breaks.
Most of Gotham Acadamy doesn't want to interact with her, and she's completely fine with returning the sentiment. Personally, Tim only noticed her because she had a Dumpty Humpty sticker on her laptop.
He's surprised to find anyone in his generation who even heard the band, much less enjoyed it enough to have merchandise. It was a rock band that was popular twenty years ago when Bruce was a teenager.
Tim only knows about them because Bruce sometimes puts them on when he wants to work on any Bat vehicles.
He recognized her sticker, but it wasn't a reason to go over and start a conversation with her. The only action this realization caused was Tim pulling up his playlist and pressing one of Dumpty Humpty's songs.
No, what caused him to talk to her was an incident that happened three weeks after she arrived at Gotham Acadamy. It's a well-known fact that scholarship kids were picked on. Even though Waynes attempted to curb the bullying, it still happened to the kids they gave financial assistance to.
Tim had stumbled across a group of girls surrounding Dani by the soccer field. She was sitting on the grassy hill overlooking the field, and around her were various art supplies. Dani had likely been painting when the girls had rudely interrupted her.
It didn't take any of his Bat training to see how they were mocking her, and he sped up just as one girl reached out to try and snatch her screech book out of her hand.
The key word being tried.
Dani had been much faster, for she not only tugged her book out of the bully's reach but also kicked out the feet from under the girl in the same motion.
"Nice try." Dani taunted, her accent just peeking through. "Now, do me a favor and get your daddy to buy you a yacht you can't drive instead of bothering me."
"At least my Dad has money!" The other girl screeched.
Dani snorted. "Oh boy, you really cut me where it hurts. How will I ever recover from that comeback?"
"You Bitch!" A blond girl yelled. Tim knows her. Tina Lumière, the youngest of Harry Lunmiere- a family who ran luxurious vacation services. A family that was always quick to lure in investors. She's been trying to flirt with Tim since Bruce took him in, convinced he'll fund her family business if she bats her eyelashes hard enough.
Tim hates interacting with her.
"Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. I'm a poor bitch that won't amount to anything, and I need to stay away from Timbo Dragon so you can go make rich stupid babies with him."
"That's not his name-"
"Look, I only have one day of the school week where I have a free period, and you're wasting it on this." Dani waves her hand around the group with an over-exaggerated squint. "I mean, honestly, why would I go after some guy? I'm a lesbian."
"You are?" The brunette in the circle of bullies asks, with too much interest. Dani sends her a wink, and the girl actually blushes. Tim is suddenly reminded of Steph, and that causes him to smile.
"That's not his name!" Tina shouts, stepping in between the flirting girls. Dani's face clouds over in distaste as she continues. "His name is Timothy Drake. I know you're lying about not being interested in him! I saw you staring at him in biology."
"I was looking at his rock band sweater. It's a band my dad likes-"
"Shut up!" Tina slaps Dani across the face, seemingly smug, but it doesn't last long since the raven-haired girl springs up with a nasty right hook.
It hits Tina right in the eye, knocking the girl down like her friend. She screams, which triggers all her friends to jump at Dani. Despite being smaller and outnumbered, Dani gives as good as she gets, throwing a girl over her shoulder and punching another in the throat.
Tim picked up his speed, walking into a fast run. He barely has the mind to pull out his phone and point it in the group's direction. "Hey, break it up! Break it up!"
The two holding onto Dani's hair let go like they've been burned. If a teacher had tried to stop the fight, they wouldn't have gotten far, but Tim is a Wayne. They have much more power than some poor staff.
"Tim," Tina wails. Her eye is already starting to bruise. She's going to look terrible for a while while it heals. "She attacked me!"
"No, she didn't," He says, rolling his eyes. He waves his phone at them. "Don't lie. I recorded the whole thing. Also, harassing others is super unattractive."
He didn't, but they don't know that. Tina's face falls apart as he helps Dani get her things and then escorts her to the main building. He doubts that will stop her harassment, but hopefully, it will detain them long enough for him to find a better solution.
"Thanks," Dani says after they finish walking. "That was cool of you."
"Don't mention it." He gives her a standard Wayne-dizzy smile. "What of mine sweater were you talking about?"
She grins. "The Dumpty Humpty one.'
"Oh yeah, that's my dad's. He loves the band."
Her eyes light up. "Mine does, too. Maybe we can get our dads to meet and discuss it."
Great. Dani Fenton was another opportunist trying to get Bruce to meet her parents. Pity.
"I'm sure there will be a chance in the future. Maybe the parent-teacher conferences, we'll run into each other," He says with a laugh, not giving her a direct answer. Dani nods and then walks off to her next class. He reports the girls, compiles enough evidence, and when he's sure the school will step in, he doesn't think about the afternoon.
Then, four months later, it's parent-teacher conferences. Bruce and Tim are just about finished visiting all his teachers, that are falling over themselves to get on Brucie's good side when Dani appears, dragging her dad behind her.
"That's him." She says, and Daniel's face lights up.
"You're the Dumpty Humpty fan?" He asks Bruce. His dad has no choice but to play along even though Tim knows he's dead tired and wants to go home.
"Of course. Who doesn't love a good Fairy Tale Ending to listen to on the way home?" Bruce laughs, and Daniel's grin widens.
"That's great, but I like Bloody Prince Charming more. Daniel Fenton, by the way." He holds his hand, and Bruce shakes it slightly more interest now. It's not that Dumpty Humpty isn't just old; it wasn't popular in this part of the country, so it's even rarer to find fans in Gotham.
"Bruce Wayne."
"Nice to meet ya!" Daniel chirps- seeing anyone other than Dick be that cheerful is odd. "Wish we can talk more, but I got to get to this one's art class."
"Of course," Bruce says, even though he's surprised they walked away so quickly without asking for anything more of them. Most try swinddle a second meeting somehow.
Dani waves Tim goodbye, and the Fentons are off down the hall, chatting between them in ordinary, eased tones. It's odd but a forgotten interaction for Tim after a few days.
Not so much for Bruce.
Tim finds out a month later that Bruce not only met up with Mr. Fenton again but even asked for his number on their second meeting. Then the two men went out for dinner, went to the mall, went shopping, and even did some charity fundraiser together.
Bruce would often message Daniel that it felt like he was the new teenager. Tim still did not think it odd.
Only when Damian burst into his room, dragging the rest of their siblings in. The youngest had called on a sibling meeting to discuss a new issue that worried him about Bruce.
"Tim, who is Father's suitor, and what are his intentions with Father?" The boy asked after everyone had settled.
"What?"
"Babybat has a point. I haven't seen Bruce this interested since Catwoman first appeared," Dick added. "I really hope this lover sticks around."
"What lover?" Tim questions Jason, who shrugs.
"A Daniel Fenton? The old man has been going steady with him for about a month now. Haven't you noticed? You were the one that introduced him."
"No, I've been focused on the Phantom case," Tim says, gesturing to the board covered in red yarn and a news clipping of the new hero.
Phantom had appeared a while back, going through the city and helping the little people. He's even harder to catch a glimpse of then Batman, but he's been helping to slowly cut down the pity crime and muggings, letting the Bats focus on the big guns like the Rouges.
The Bats had been trying to pin him down to offer assistance and gradated for all his hard work. They just catch him since Phantom is a meta and always slips away at the last second.
"Whatever the case may be." Damian started up again. "We must protect Father from those with less than honorable intentions."
"Hear, Hear," Steph and Duke cry, lifting up their juice boxes that Cass had passed out. It wasn't a proper sibling meeting without snacks.
"He can't be all bad," Tim said. "He's a single father."
"Having a kid makes him more worthy?"
"In my experience, step-parents have been really great." But Dana was incredible like that, so maybe Tim put too much faith in Bruce's dating life.
They all agree to closely monitor Daniel Fenton and his daughter Dani. There may be more than meets the eye.
904 notes · View notes
Note
AMITA for lying to everyone I know about my identity’s as a queer/neurodivergent person?
I (18M) am a bisexual, transgender man who is also autistic, ADHD, and OCD. When people hear this about me, even if they know me, I feel like they build up this image of me as an awkward, “cringy” 11 year old who’s obsessed with “cringy” fandoms. And while i have a qualm with this because I know they are looking down on people who are just less masked/higher support needs, I also dislike that they do this because it’s just not who I am. Without the labels, I mostly seem like just a normal dude, if not a bit nerdy.
I also used to be extremely bullied as a kid (7-12) to the point of a suicide attempt, mostly due to homophobic, transphobic, or ablest remarks about me. Since then I’ve completely changed community’s and do not talk to anyone i knew before high school.
When authority figures (Teachers, Show Directors, Investors of the teen programs I lead) apply ablest/transphobic stereotypes or prejudices to me, they also tend to be less,,, normal? around me. Less kind compared to other kids, call me an “inspiration”, or they’ll coddle me when I’m incredibly capable. I do a lot for someone my age- and I know the connections I make now at conferences and whatnot will help me in the long run. My dad’s family is poor, and my immediate family is more comfortable but not that much. I know I’m smart, and I can weaponize that to get a better life for my family by getting good scholarships and jobs in good fields. I can’t just let people who could be very important to my goals look down on me. So i just.. don’t tell them anything about me. They might assume Im odd or “not normal”, and for the most part I let them assume whatever, but if i’m ever asked directly about anything I deny it. Especially in relation to me being transgender; I have the very privileged ability to pass without any medical intervention, and I use that to pretend to be cisgender. Living in the deep south of USAmerica, most of who I am could make my social life very uncomfortable to downright miserable.
Here’s where the problem starts happening. when my social and (what i consider to be a) “professional” life occasionally touch, I wouldn’t be able to be out everywhere socially without someone I don’t want knowing finding out. So i don’t tell any of my classmates/friends/peers about any of my identities either. I hang out with queer and straight people, never be actively homophobic/ablest, and will be very vague about the two questions i’ve ever received about any of that stuff. It’s very, very exhausting to pretend all the time, every day, especially pretending that I’m cisgender because it’s a tricky game, but I can’t really back down and I’m afraid that I might get bullied again if I was ever open about it with classmates.
A few months ago, I was dating this guy, who i’ll call Kai (17M) Kai is also a transgender man, but does not pass at all and is comfortable with it. He’ll get shit sometimes, but also has essentially no straight friends. I told him I was queer when we became good friends, and then told him I was trans after we started dating. I also told him why I lie about being cishet or neurotypical, and while he didn’t seem happy he didn’t push it at first. I told him that I understood if he didn’t want to be in a secret relationship, but because of where we live and what I want to do I wasn’t comfortable with being out again. He said he still wanted to date me, and claimed he would support me, and we had a pretty good relationship overall.
A month after that, he started bringing it up again. He told me that I was more than my identity, and if people didn’t see me for who I am instead of stereotypes, it isn’t worth talking to them at all. And while I agree with the sentiment, it’d never be possible to just not hear someone if they were harassing me, and while I truely dislike a lot of the authority figures that I engage with, they are in the professional fields I’m interested in, and I’m incredibly lucky for getting where I am so early. Kai also said that since I am well known in our very small school (only 300 kids), being out could be a positive influence on what people think about autistic people or trans people. In a particularly heated fight, he even said I was doing a disservice or betrayal to my community by not representing or being proud of being apart of them publicly.
We broke up pretty soon after, but I think about what he said a lot. I know that I wouldn’t be the only out person at my school, and that my school is actually a lot better compared to most local schools, which are a lot larger and… dramatic, but I just don’t think I could be out without going back to how I used to be mentally. And Kai was right about how I could be a good influence on some of the meaner classmates- I do think some of my peers who I ingenuinely connect with might reconsider their prejudices if they knew I was transgender.
I’m intentionally choosing not to take the opportunity to do better. It wouldn’t ruin ALL my relationships with the authority figures I consider to be important holding, since it would just be my school, It might dampen one or two of them. Plus, I’m lying to pretty much everyone who knows me. They build relationships with a false idea of me, and I feel like an asshole sometimes because I’m not honest.
TLDR: I’m a transgender, autistic guy in a very bigoted community. Everybody thinks i’m cishet and neurotypical. AMITA for not being proud of who I am because of potential social losses, and AMITA for lying to people and giving friends/peers false ideas about who I am even if they would not be friends with me if they knew?
What are these acronyms?
134 notes · View notes
sleepingdeath-light · 2 months
Text
relationship hcs ; vox
Tumblr media
requested by ; mezzanottespazzatura (13/02/24)
fandom(s) ; hazbin hotel
fandom masterlist(s) ; here
character(s) ; vox
outline ; “Would it be possible to get some relationship hcs for Vox? Smut is optional, I just need more content with this man and I can't wait for season 2 hhhhhhhhh-”
note ; this may be a smidge shaky as i’ve never written for him before but this was fun to write either way so i hope you all enjoy it ^^
warning(s) ; none, just fluff!
though his busy schedule keeps him from being as physically attentive as he might prefer to be with you, vox does his best to make it up to you as best he can — granted this usually just means him attempting to buy your favour and forgiveness through lavish gifts and dates, but its the thought that counts… right?
this habit of his means that, over the course of your relationship with vox, you manage to acquire quite the extensive collection of lavish gifts — including, but not limited to: a wardrobe of clothes from hell’s top designers and brands that’s so large that it takes up several rooms in your shared penthouse (including all of the shoes and accessories to match each outfit), all of the latest voxtech devices and services at arm’s reach no matter where you may go, whole rooms dedicated to your interests (no matter how niche) including items that you thought were impossible to get ahold of in hell, the best skin and hair care items that money can buy (and that are suited to your exact preferences and needs), a veritable army of robots dedicated to tending to your every whim and need (kitty also gets lent to you by val on occasion but vox prefers that you use the bots he had made specifically for you), and so on…
unless he’s in a very intense argument with one of the other vees or locked into a meeting with other overlords or potential investors that requires his full attention, vox always has an eye on you — watching you through your television, your phone, the security cameras in your home, and every single device you walk past throughout your day
he claims it’s for you your own safety — after all, he’s been very public about your relationship and there are plenty of sinners that would gladly kill or kidnap you just to mess with his head and try and take over his territory — but really it’s because he’s a deeply insecure man that is both terrified of losing you to someone better than him, and extremely quick to anger if he sees anyone getting too close, too friendly, with you for his liking
in other words: your boyfriend is jealous as hell and, try as he might to hide it behind his usual facade of complete control and perfection, it’s extremely obvious to you and everyone else who has known him for more than ten minutes
as mentioned before, vox makes no attempt to hide your relationship from the public and very loudly and proudly claims you as his partner wherever and whenever he can — this partially to maintain his public persona of the likeable and respectable business mogul (hence why a lot of your dates involve frequenting spots where reporters tend to hang out so that he can show off just how much of a doting gentleman he is) but it’s also his own way of marking his territory and letting any potential suitors of yours know that you’re already very happily taken and that they have no chance of taking you from him
when it comes to pet names, he tends to default to either just calling you your name (or a shortened version thereof) or something more traditional like ‘honey’, ‘darling’, or ‘sweetie’ if he’s feeling particularly sentimental — likewise he prefers to be called his name or something similarly traditional by you in public (but the moment the two of you are alone he does tend to soften up quite a bit and will respond to anything you want to call him, so long as it’s said with the intention of being affectionate)
after a long day of work, or attending to val’s tantrums whenever they occur and knock his schedule out of wack, vox loves nothing more than being able to come home and rant to you about it all — cussing out everyone who has ever wronged him, no matter how small the offence, whilst you nod along encouragingly and rub his shoulders and urge him to sit down for a moment before he paces a hole into the carpet is, oddly enough, kinda therapeutic for him and it becomes something of a routine for you two
he thrives on praise and affirmation and loves it when you wrap your arms around him, play with the hem of his jacket, and tell him how amazing he is at everything he does in life: the perfect boyfriend, the best entertainer in all of hell, one of the most powerful overlords in the pride ring (bonus points here if you shit talk alastor and emphasise how much better at everything vox is), a man worthy of being praised and feared, and the list goes on — he’ll reward you in kind once you’re finished, of course, but he’s more than happy to push back his next meeting by a half hour or so if it means getting to bask in your adoration and praise for a little while
he texts you periodically throughout the day — usually when there’s a lull in his work, when he’s bored during a meeting, or if someone has just done something so exceptionally stupid that he needs to tell someone and you’re the only one that will understand — and for as much as he goes on about being super busy all of the time, he always responds to your texts within a minute or so of them being sent
you’re the person whose input and opinions he trusts the most out of anyone else in the pride ring: you’re the person who he bounces his latest ideas off when he’s just at the planning stage and something isn’t quite clicking, you’re the one he rants to about his frustrations with alastor and the other vees because he knows that you’ll always listen to him and help him calm down before he causes another blackout, you’re the first person he shows a new upgrade or outfit to because he always wants to look and feel his best for you, etc., etc.
you’re one of the few people that gets to see vox both at his best as a talented and capable overlord, and at his very worst when he’s on the brink of tears and one wrong word away from plunging the entirety of pentagram city into a blackout — you’re there to stand proudly beside him as the loving and supportive spouse to his confident and inventive businessman, and you’re also there to console and reassure him as he frets about alastor’s return and what that means for the empire he’s built in his absence
he’s not the most physically affectionate person in the world, but he can appreciate the basics: having you curled up on his lap when he’s working at his desk (or resting his head on your lap when you’re at home and you’re listening to him talk about something or another), kissing you before he leaves for work (or having you peck his screen whenever you visit him at the office), and resting a clawed hand on the small of your back or on your waist as you’re walking around or just standing side by side
110 notes · View notes
cocteaucherry · 4 months
Text
𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚 pt. 3
Tumblr media
𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙮- 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙨, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙩
〘 tw- 18+ ,arranged marriages, fem reader, naked geto, controlling geto, forced marriage, angst, nsfw, unprotected p in v (wrap it up) grinding, hickeys, mentions of satosugu. soft dom suguru
𝙖𝙣- 〘I did not enjoy writing smut for this, but here’s another part ^^ the last part will be coming soon! Thanks for the love and support for this series it truly makes my day <33
taglist - @chigiii @certainduckanchor
Suguru had one true love, but that was gone now
Memories buried deep in his mind, deep in his bedside cabinet the sentimental reminder of his long lost youth, he’d often reminisce about his time at Jujutsu High as his daughters brushed his hair. “Geto, may I ask a question?” Mimiko questioned brushing through his long raven hair gently, “Of course.”
“How come- uhm.. how do I say this?” Mimiko stammered quietly as Nanako finished her sentence, “How come you married that woman, if she’s everything you despise?” The caramel-haired girl spoke rather bluntly, making Suguru smile. “Ways of business of course.” he lied straight through his own teeth.
truth be told Suguru didn’t know why he was so infatuated with you, when your parents offered your hand in marriage he felt incredibly disrespected. How could they offer him a useless nobody to be his bride? But as the warm summer nights bled into chilled autumn nights he felt his main task began to slip.
You were intelligent, easy on the eyes, you had no energy put he could feel your presence. It was similar to watching a sunset over the tall buildings of Tokyo, feeling refreshing cool ocean waves wash over your feet on shore, he couldn’t get enough. Everyday Suguru would walk you around the large floral garden, peace and quiet away from his family, his expectations, he could truly be himself with you.
“So that’s why you have that large scar?” You signaled to his chest as his large hand grasped over it, “Mhm, ‘don really like talking about it.” He watched over as you walked towards the wilted flowers, the fauna breaching into a new stage for the season: death.
“Y/N, can I ask you something?” Suguru asked, watching you pick a dead flower from the dry brittle stem, “Yes Suguru?”
“What do you expect out of this marriage?” ouch rough question, you thought for a minute before shrugging. “I couldn’t tell you, I expected the worst. I got a portion of my worst nightmare.”
Suguru sighed a weak smile gracing his features, he knew you couldn’t be happy here pretending to be someone you weren’t, pretending to put up with him.
“there would be a point to that.”
A pang of guilt surged through him, did he really wanna put another person through this shit? He was selfish, he wanted you all to himself and everyone knew that and it made him sick to his stomach. “I’m sorry you were put through this.” Suguru’s fingers twitched. He wanted nothing but to hold and love you and praise everything would be okay. Could he touch you?
you provided a weak nod looking up at him your eyes were glossy tears threatening to spill, “im over it n-now.” your shield broke and tears spilled as you tried to compose yourself.
until Suguru broke, he quickly wrapped his strong arms around you burying his nose into your hair. This was the first time he’s really genuinely touched you, “I don't want you to suffer anymore.” He said using his hand to tilt your head up, your teary eyes gazed into his amber eyes, he felt his lips gravitate towards yours, your lips were so close he could practically feel how soft they were.
Just as his lips were about to connect he was interrupted by a familiar voice walking towards the two of you, “Mr. Geto, you have a meeting with some investors in ten minutes.” Manami’s eyes darted between the two of you, Suguru feigned a smile releasing his hold on you. “Thank you Manami, let's get going.” Suguru’s touch lingered on your lower back. Did you care for him?
ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ
Hours later a night full of stars took place over the chilled cloudy day, you sat on Suguru’s bed releasing his raven hair from the thick hair tie. A few questions had been tugging at your head all day wondering about the state of your “marriage” . A few months ago he couldn’t stand to be in the same room as you. Now his fingertips grace your skin but leave fire behind, “How was your meeting today?” You asked, dragging the bristled brush through his hair. “It was good, just working on landing a new deal.” Suguru smirked, readjusting his position on the floor, “This plan has to go perfectly, even though it’s to take place in December it must be perfect.”
You nodded, placing the brush down, “I believe in you.” You hummed quietly swiping a stray hair that stuck to his face, Suguru closed his eyes relishing in the soft feeling of your fingers gracing his cheek, it had been so long since he was touched it was almost too much for him. His large hand found yours grasping it gently into his, Suguru’s lips placed a chaste kiss on your knuckles, a blush spreading over your face as his eyes stared into yours. Even upside down he was gorgeous.
You’re not sure what compelled you to do this but as the silence continued your lips lowered down to his and pressed a chaste kiss onto his partly dry lips, a blush became evident on his skin as he turned around continuing his gaze. All of a sudden his hands gripped the sides of your face as he smashed his lips against yours.
He stood up from the floor continuing the harsh assault on your lips, the kiss becoming more teeth than tongue, you let out a small moan as you both pulled away gasping for air. Suguru’s lips were bruised a bright pink as he stared down at you, “I-I’m sorry-“ you stammered out but he placed a hand on your jaw using his thumb to caress your bottom lip, “Please..” Suguru mumbled, “Just touch me.”
He sounded truly desperate and your eyes were blown wide, the man who despised you hated, your kind was now at your mercy. You grabbed his hand as you slowly pulled him onto the bed, he was on his knees now hovering above you. He leaned down to press his lips onto yours again, you let out a small whine as you raised your leg up to wrap around his waist but his hand moved and gripped your thigh rather roughly making you wince.
“S-Suguru..” you whined out as his lips left yours to nip at your neck, a groan falling from his lips at the way you said his name, “yes?” He stopped his motions softly caressing your thigh. “Just don’t tease me.” You smirked looking down at him. A big smile appeared on his face.
“We’ll see.”
You were both subjected to each other for the past two hours, the sound of lewd skin slapping filled the room along with the deep groans of Suguru and the whines coming from your lips. “F-fuckk Suguruu!” you whined as you continued to ride him, Suguru was below you his brows furrowed as his hands caressed the soft curves of your body. “S-Squeezin’ me so well..” he whispered, his hands moving to grip the fat of your ass.
the praise made you pick up your pace, moving with more vigor as Suguru’s noises amplified, “Please fuck me baby, please,” he praised in a whisper chant, the way you were moving and your soft moans were too much for him, you leaned down to bury your face in his neck one of his hands moving to play with the sensitive bud between your folds. You whined loudly from the tight friction feeling your orgasm approach, “I-I’m cumming fuck!” You opened your mouth to nip at his neck as Suguru continued to praise you, “doing so good f’ me~”
Feeling your orgasm clench him tightly he let out a loud groan stopping the movements on your clit to hold your hips down as he pumped himself upwards emptying himself into you, “I love you so much fuck fuck!” He chanted, closing his eyes tightly as he relished in the feeling of your fluttering cunt. Your body twitched as you peppered kisses on his neck. His body stilled inside you as his nose was buried in your hair inhaling your sweet scent.
Geto hadn’t been intimate in- well a long time , he could barely handle the softness of your body and the wetness of your lips. His strong hands rested on the small of your back rubbing up and down slowly, “Was I too rough?” He questioned and you pulled your head up to look at him. “no, you were perfect,” you panted softly with a smile, “Did you mean it?” you asked softly moving a piece of hair stuck to his sweaty face.
“Mean what?” His brows furrowed gazing at your fucked out face, “That you love me..?” You whispered readjusting your hips causing him to groan, “If you love me back.. either way though.. I’ll still love you..” he mumbled his hand coming to graze the marks he left on your neck, a smirk appeared on your lips before pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “I love you too.”
That night opened a new door for you and Suguru’s relationship, while there was love there was also lust. Whenever you both could get away from his members he’d push you against a wall somewhere and sloppily make out with you, taking time to pepper your neck with more marks.
“Suguru..~” you whined as his lips continued the assault on your collarbone, “mhmmm..?” he murmured against your skin, “Not in public Sugu come onn!” You giggled planting a hold in his hair to grip it back, that could’ve been the worst or best decision you made as you heard a tight groan come out of geto’s mouth. Your mouth opened into an ‘o’ form as his hand slapped over his mouth, “You got something you wanna say to me Sugu?”
“We’ll talk later.” He murmured embarrassingly, planting a kiss on your forehead before walking away.
ₓ˚. ୭ ˚○◦˚.˚◦○˚ ୧ .˚ₓ
Winter had come, the little garden you enjoyed turned into snow, all that remained were the crumpled brown petals of the flowers you loved. You walked alongside Suguru, his large warm hand engulfed yours as you crunched through the snow, “What time will you be back tonight?” His thumb grazed over your knuckle as a somber smile appeared on his face, “Not sure, if this kid doesn’t give me too much trouble I should be back before ten.” He hummed but his smile fell as he saw your nervous expression.
“Are you sure this is the best approach.. I mean.. he’s a special grade-“ “I’m also a special grade.” He chuckled lowly stopping in his tracks, “I’m just saying, I’m worried..” you mumbled looking him up and down, he looked too beautiful right now. Suguru’s hands softly grasped your face as he placed a kiss on your nose, “It’ll be nothing, I promise.. tomorrow morning we’ll be together on Christmas Day..” his forehead connected to yours.
And you believed him.
94 notes · View notes
flowercrowngods · 4 months
Text
j.r. harrington's christmas carol
in prose. being a ghost story of christmas. a modern au.
stave i
Three things in John Richard Harrington‘s life come with absolute certainty: tax returns, unsweetened black coffee three times a day, and the permanent headache once December inevitably rolls around, over time wandering from his temples to just behind his eyes, worsening his already sour mood.
“Idiocy, all of this,” he mutters under his breath as he pushes open the door to his office, leaving behind his stammering secretary and the ungodly blare of Christmas songs he cannot seem to escape this year. It’s grating on his nerves, and he hangs his hat on the coat-tree, damp with water because it never snows anymore. 
All the better for traffic, at least, because not a day passes that he has nowhere to be. Snow tends to thwart these plans. 
“Absolute humbug,” he grumbles once more, shucking his coat and smoothing a hand over the lapels, keeping them immaculate despite the rain.
There is a stack of documents on his desk, and it is a blessed vision, that. None of that dilly-dallying that the rest of the world seems so adamant on indulging this time of year, no. Not for John Richard Harrington, real estate magnate and financier by trade. The world of Money is not about to stop just because workers all across the globe are wont to forget about their employment for a few days of illusion and play-pretend. 
“Bah!” He sits down and finds note upon note from long-standing business partners and loyal clients, wishing him a Merry Christmas and expressing gratification and happiness towards their business this year. 
While Harrington does appreciate the loyalty and the premise of future business, he does not need their Merry Christmasses nor their Good Tidings. What he needs is responsible, determined employees who do purposeful work regardless of the holidays. 
But all he gets is a bunch of ungrateful, aimless good-for-nothings who, instead of working as they are expected to, spend all of December beseeching him to grant them just two days of Christmas vacation — and every year they get the same answer: “Stay home for Christmas and find yourselves unemployed.”
And every year they make the decision to come into work, restoring Harrington’s faith and goodwill that at times has been known to go so far as to sending them home a half hour early — paid! He is not a monster, after all; no matter what they say. He is a realist. A capitalist. A wise investor and a driven businessman. And business, he knows, at times necessitates a compromise. 
He will, however, not compromise a whole year’s work for a meaningless holiday that is in dire need of a better soundtrack. How people do not grow tired of listening to always the same songs on repeat each and every year is past him, and he won’t even try to understand it. So long as they keep their miguided cheer far away from him, he does not care if the first noël is born or if the midwinter is indeed bleak. 
A knock sounds against the heavy wooden door and he frowns, already anticipating the person behind the door even as he keeps sorting the stack on his desk, sorting mail into dedicated piles of business, sentimentality, and Steven. The latter has been empty for years now, but that is just as well. 
Another knock, and the old Harrington growls, his eyes flitting to the door as though he were capable of making the person behind it disappear by sheer willpower alone. Although he has to concede that making Cratchit disappear would be a poor move, as the man is one of his most efficient. Their acquaintance could be excellent if only Cratchit weren’t so adamant on experiencing the Christmas cheer each year without pause. 
John Richard sighs and leans back in his chair, still frowning at the door as he bids him inside. 
“Cratchit.” 
“Merry Christmas, sir!” Cratchit says, a glint of tease beneath the unfortunately entirely genuine sentiment that ricochets right off of Harrington’s scowl and returns to its sender, only brightening the man’s smile. 
“Tell me what you want and then get back to work, Cratchit. I don’t pay you for… lallygagging.” 
 Cratchit’s smile falters a little, and he clears his throat. “Well, you see, sir, my son. He has flown in from overseas, arrived this morning, in fact. Has come home for Christmas for the first time in three years, you see. He will stay over the holidays, and so I was wondering if, perhaps, you would make an exception this year and show a little heart—“ 
“Heart!” Harrington exclaims, effectively shutting up his stammering employee. “Compassion! And where will that get me, Cratchit? Let’s say I concede this year, you lot will expect it every year from now on. Add to that a vacation for New Year’s Day, and maybe a few days give or take until work ethic declines and you will only work from one holiday to another. Isn’t that what will happen, hm?” He scoffs, shaking his head in derision. “Compassion… I expected better from you, Cratchit.” 
The man withers, and normally Harrington wouldn’t mind that, would study his misery and hold it against him in future debates. But something about it, something about that grin disappearing, and with it that glint of something so youthful even though the man is only a few years his junior cracks at something inside him. Something that feels a lot like that empty stack of mail on his desk. 
“Please,” Cratchit says. “Please, sir, just… Just half the day tomorrow. It’s—“ 
It’s Christmas. It's humbug! 
Anger rises inside him and barely contains himself as it coils and bubbles inside him. “Get out,  Cratchit, before I’ll have you escorted outside.” 
“But sir—“ 
“Get out!” he shouts, watching as Cratchit flinches, entirely too soft for this world. Marley wouldn’t have hesitated to fire him thrice over for even trying to bargain over this. 
But Marley is dead seven years now, and Harrington is the only hard-headed man in charge of these good-for-nothings. And maybe it’s that; a tiny, misguided shred of mourning his business partner; or maybe it’s his hand reaching for the non-existent stack on his desk and finding his hand empty. Maybe it’s heart, as Cratchit put it, even though John Richard is known not to have one, and he is not inclined to disagree. 
Whatever the reason may be, Harrington calls, before Cratchit can hastily pull the door shut behind him, “And when you come back after Christmas, I expect to see you at your best performance, Cratchit. Understood?”
The man blinks, his eyes wide as saucers as he regards Harrington, his mouth falling open as he loses whatver composure he might have possessed before this. Five seconds pass and Harrington is inclined to take back his words when Cratchit shake shimself out of his stupor and falls into a tirade of gratitude and disbelief that Harrington really has no time for, calling for his assistant to escort Cratchit back downstairs. They have work to do after all. 
When the door falls shut once more, leaving the grand office in silence, he allows himself a moment to breathe and regret his moment of softness, hearing Marley’s grouching insistence that softness and compassion in a capitalist’s world will only lead to ruin and bitterness. 
But bitterness is there in Harrington’s life regardless, especially around this time of year. 
*** 
There is another certainty in John Richard Harrington’s life: He does not get nightmares. There are no terrors haunting him, no ghosts of future or past relationships to linger in the back corners of his mind, waiting to come out at night when he lets his guard down. 
That, however, does very little to explain this nightmare of Jacob Marley warning him of an eternity of sorrow and chains if he does not see the error in his ways, if he does not better himself and reconnect with the heart tapping a steady but withering beat in his chest. 
“I don’t undestand!” he calls into the void as the world spins around him, light becoming darkness and darkness turning into light, blinding and disorienting him as he feels colder by the second. 
“I wear the chain I forged in life,” Marley’s apparition says as Harrington falls, scrambling away from the Ghost, feeling real fear for the first time in his life. “You will be haunted,” resumed the Ghost, “by Three Spirits. Please them and yours will not be the same fate as mine. Expect the first one tonight, when the clock strikes One. The second will find you the night after that at the same hour. And the third will come when Christmas Eve turns into Christmas Day.” 
He shakes his head, refusing to believe this Ghost, ready to bargain that she should meet all these Spirits at once if they were real, that they should reveal themselves and absolve him of what crimes they think him to be guilty of. But Marley holds up his hand, forbidding John Richard to speak, and he does hold his tongue — more out of fear than real obedience. 
Before he knows it, the room fills with horrible wails of lamentation and regret, self-accusatory and begging for absolution so sorrowful that Harrington feels a cold shiver travelling down his back, a sensation he is not at all familiar with. 
And then, as quickly as it started, the spectre is gone and silence returns, the show is over. There is no time to collect himself, because he gasps awake the next moment, feeling no different than just seconds before and wondering if it really was a dream or if he was hallucinating. Unfortunately, a hallucination is just as impossible as a nightmare. 
The alarm clock on is bedside table shows 12:19 a.m. 
And for some reason, fear still coursing through his veins, John Richard Harrington decides to stay awake. Pretending not to count down the minutes until the clock stikes One and be assured to still exist in a world where ghosts aren’t real.
68 notes · View notes