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But is she worth the effort?", "count": "6", "submission_left_submission_id": "539476", "submission_left_file_name": "706217_Assilsasta_thenewyearincident.doc", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_huge": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/huge/706/706217_Assilsasta_thenewyearincident.jpg", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/706/706217_Assilsasta_thenewyearincident.jpg", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/706/706217_Assilsasta_thenewyearincident.jpg", "submission_left_thumb_huge_x": "185", "submission_left_thumb_huge_y": "200", "submission_left_thumb_large_x": "185", "submission_left_thumb_large_y": "200", "submission_left_thumb_medium_x": "111", "submission_left_thumb_medium_y": "120", "submission_right_submission_id": "3415642", "submission_right_file_name": "5195317_Neosate_fotre2_finished_.doc" } ], "description": "", "description_bbcode_parsed": "", "writing": "[center][b][t]The Courtship of Alexis Hawkins[/t]\n\n04 Pushing Buttons[/b]\n\nBy Assilsasta\n\n\n[b]\"-(???.???)->December 27, 2013<-(???.???)-\"[/b]\n\n\"-(???.???)->Predator<-(???.???)-\"[/center]\n\nSteven entered the courtroom as quietly as he could, and took a seat in the back. It had only taken a moment to find the right room, considering Alex had somehow managed to single-handedly take over the defense of underprivileged youths in the area only a few months after arriving and getting her license to practice locally. She still hadn't gotten an office, or joined any legal group in the area. She did most of her work in the courthouse or at the homes of those she was defending. \n\nHe had gotten into a routine of meeting her between hearings each week for lunch. They talked about the plans that the Dark Riders had for the house, the progress of the renovations, and more often than not, her opinion of other lawyers and the judges that she often worked with. But it was very rare that he actually got a chance to see her in action in the courtroom.\n\nHe watched as she stood at front of the room and laid out the story for the court. The difference in the way she held herself and spoke in the courtroom still amazed him. She was confident and composed yet fierce and intimidating. Her talons and beak were manicured and polished. As she moved through the space the light glinted off the sharp clean edges. Yet she flaunted and displayed her seductive feminine body, even through the tight, black suit that she wore. \n\nHe had almost forgotten the hearing about the young marmosets. Even though New Hampshire had no laws or rules allowing for emancipation, Alex argued that any change in the fifteen year old boy's situation would cause undue hardship on both him and both parents. Neither of the boy's parents seemed to care enough to show up for the court hearing to keep their boy out of state supervision, but Alex was determined to keep him free to continue his life as he had been.\n\nSteven thought back to their last lunch, when all she could talk about was this case. The boy's parents split up, but didn't get a divorce for religious reasons. But instead of the boy living with either parent, both his mother and father moved out of the apartment they were in, leaving him behind. She said things started out well enough, both parents staying the night and checking in on him separately. They did manage to keep the bills paid for a long time. Eventually, the parents' visits slowed and gradually stopped all together. At the age of thirteen he began working to pay his own bills, apparently with a forged consent on the working papers. The boy still managed to keep in touch with both of his parents and get additional support from them when he needed it. She said he was more responsible and mature than any kid his age should be, but to force him into a situation that would take all his hard work away from him would do more harm than good.\n\nApparently one of his teachers reported the situation to child welfare when she made a house call after neither parent came to a teacher conference. They moved quickly to get the child into protective services and go after the parents for neglect and abandonment. \n\nHow Alex found these cases he still wasn't sure, but when she did she always jumped in with both feet. She would look at the situation, do everything she could to aid the children, and she was merciless when it came to going after parents. \n\nHe still didn't know much about her past, but he was certain she lived a hard life.\n\nThe CPS worker that was there to represent the service apparently heard about the eagle as the rabbit visibly shook in his seat while Alex laid out her case. She almost looked and sounded like a completely different person than the crazy woman that slapped the oversized combat knife in his claws before she even knew who he was. She articulated every word, spoke clearly and concisely. He could see how dedicated and confident she was in her approach. \n\nFor an instant the eagle's composure crumbled and her well practiced speech fell silent as her eyes made contact with his for the first time since he had entered the courtroom. In a quick progression, the look in her eyes shifted from shock, to a instant of joy, then to a stern look of almost contempt before she turned back to the judge and picked up where she had left off. \n\nAs she finished, the judge looked down at her from his bench and said, ``Miss Hawkins, as always you have put me in a position to question the laws and regulations over the well-being of a young man. You have, as always, done your homework on the almost unprecedented case. With the factors of child neglect, that you so rightly pointed out have nothing to do with his ability to continue to thrive in his situation, fall squarely on the heads of the parents. Whom even now neglect their responsibility to attend this hearing. I will have to consider your position over the next few days. Until I come to a decision, the child will be remanded...''\n\nAlex sprang to her feet as she blurted out, interrupting the judge mid-comment, ``Da Dahk Ridahs...'' She almost instantly stopped herself as her more natural speech patterns peeked out. Steven could hear the muffled profanity as she started again, ``The Dark Rider House has prepared a room for him to reside during the proceedings, or until a temporary order that would allow him to continue as he has is issued by the court.''\n\n``Miss Hawkins, I will remind you again, this is not Chicago. The next time you interrupt me during these proceedings, without just cause, I will hold you in contempt. Do you understand?''\n\n``Yes, Your Honor.''\n\n``As I was about to say, the child will be remanded to...'' the judge looked over at the now sheepish hare that sat across from Alex, ``...to the custody of the Dark Rider House, which is recognized by the state as a safe harbour for youth. As the foundation is a non-profit, and has openly offered to house the youth, there will be no payment by the state for expenses at this time. We will reconvene in two weeks. I will render a decision on the final disposition of the child at that time.''\n\n``Your honor, I have out of state business that I expect to take until the end of January. Is it possible to have the hearing put off until that time?''\n\n``Considering that the boy in question has been living on hisown for several months now, and will be in the care of the Dark Rider House, I see no issue with the request unless the opposing counsel has and objections.''\n\nThe judge and looked over at the hair for a response only to see the timid person glance at the predatory bird and shake his head, ``No your honor, February will give us better time to prepare our case.''\n\n``Thank you, Your Honor,'' the eagle said as she turned to her teenaged client and whispered something to him before he nodded and left the building on his own. She then turned to look as Steven and said, ``Whada ya doin' `ere?''\n\n``Well,'' he said calmly, ``we had a lunch date, and I remembered that you said something about not being able to make it because of a hearing. So I thought I would stop by and take you to lunch after it was over.''\n\n`Is dat so?,'' she retorted as she packed the files back into her messenger bag. ``Ho do ya know I don' `ave otheah plans?'' \n\n``I don't know that,'' the kestrel answered with a shrug. ``But I do know you well enough to know that you're a workaholic, and if you do have other plans, it's more work. Let me take you to lunch, and relax for a little bit. You'll be more efficient if you do.''\n\nShe looked at him crossways. ``Relaxin'? More effichint? Ya tryin' ta win an ellection or get me ta go ta lunch wit'cha?'' She tossed her bag over her shoulder and added, ``It's easier ta' bribe me wit' goo' foo'. Where are we goin'?''\n\n``I know a place,'' the mayor responded as he opened the door to the courtroom for her. ``It's one of those greasy-spoon type restaurants. The owner's from your neck of the woods. It's the place to go if you want a taste of home. The menu, decor, everything about the place screams `Chicago.'''\n\n[b]\"-(???.???)->Ulterior motives<-(???.???)-\"\n[/b]\nSteven smiled to himself with the sight of the SUV in the parking lot as he pulled out of traffic. It meant that the young mongoose was likely already inside. He wasn't really sure what his plans would have been if Alex had refused to have lunch with him, but he also felt bad that he he had other motives besides just spending time with the unique eagle.\n\nThe Kestrel held the door open and the eagle walked through, her wings filled with assorted files. He could only shake his head at the workaholic. But all that was blasted away as , ``FUCKASS!'' was shouted in the most innocent voice imaginable. \n\n``Someone needs ta get control of dat kid'', Alex said as she stepped up to the hostess podium.\n\n``Actually,'' he responded a little sheepishly as he tilted his head to coax her in the general direction of the profanity. ``I kind of wanted to talk to you about that specific cub.\n\nShe gave him a sideways stare and followed him to a table. \n\nAs they walked to the table the kestrel explained, ``Well last month when I was at one of the soup kitchens handing out food, I came across this young mongoose...''\n\n``Las munt? What, `er parents not fit er sumtin?'' Alex asked clearly annoyed, ``ya know I gots of full plate fer da nex' munt.''\n\n``Actually, she doesn't have any parents,'' he said as he watched the emotion drain from the eagle's eyes, ``and has some issues where she might not fare well in the system.'' \n\nAs if on cue they heard, ``FUCK ASS!'' which brought both their attention to the young mongoose who seemed unphased by the words that came out of her mouth as she continued to eat a bowl of mac and cheese.\n\nWithout looking back at him she asked, ``And why did it take you a mont' to say somethin'?'' She didn't wait for an answer and continued to the table.\n\n``Well, you guys were still finishing up the renovations, and I honestly didn't know what you would...''\n\nShe continued to ignore him as she sat down at the table. ``Hi, my name's Boomer, and who might you be?'' She sat her stack of paperwork to the side as she focused her attention on the mongoose.\n\n``My n-name's Calliope, but eeeeveryone just calls me `Callie,'' the girl said, before launching into a series of tics. ``Are you a f-friend of the Maaaaayor?''\n\nShe looked at the kestrel crossly as she said, ``I guess ya could say dat.'' She leaned forward as a smile curled at the corner of her beak. ``Ya know, `ee always takin' me out to dese fancy places. Some time I tink `ee's tryin' ta fin'a menu I can't read.''\n\n``If that was the case, I would requested one in braille a long time ago,'' he chuckled.\n\n``I tink dats da only kin' ya `avent tried yet,'' she muttered. ``Anyways, dis feder `ead tells me ya looking fer a place ta stay, beside where ever `ees got ya tucked away fer now.''\n\n``Mister A-archer introduuuuuuced me to his sister,'' Callie explained. ``She's been - Shit! Dammitassfuckcockgobbler!'' The Mongoose blushed slightly at her outburst in front of the Mayor's female companion. ``I'm s-sorry about that. I haaaaave T-tourette's. I can?t help it.''\n\n``Leah has agreed to host young Callie for me until we can find a permanent arrangement better suited for raising her,'' Steven explained. ``I believe the best place for that would be with you and your friends.''\n\nAlex seemed to ignore Steven as she said, ``Stayin' wit a single woman wit' no udder kids, dat's gotta be a blas'. Whacha do fer fun? Paint yur nails and giggle `bout boys? Are you in school?''\n\n``I've been l-living alone in eeeeempty houses ever s-since - Cuntlickerbitchtwatwaffle! - Ever since myyyyy grandmother d-died,'' the girl explained as she shook through another series of tics. ``Compared to t-that, everything?s f-fun.''\n\nAlex rubbed her chin for a moment, ``Humm, Dat aint no way to look at ting's. I'ma have da fix dat.'' She reached out ant took the mongoose by the paw. ``First tin's firs, let's dich dis dive, I tink `Ank's got da snack bar at da `ouse stocked, an we still got's all da house guests from Christmas hangen aroun' til afer da new year.'' She nearly pulled the young cub out of her chair as she said, ``I'll indtraduce ya ta eveyone, I tink you'll fit righ' in. We'll take care of everytin' you just gotta worry about `omework once school gets started.'' She started walking toward the door with the cub stumbling behind her, leaving her paperwork and the kestrel at the table behind them. As she passed the hostess she jerked her head back and said, ``Ee's got da tab. We got some fun to do.''\n\nSteven just shook his head and chuckled to himself, before muttering, ``That was easier than I thought it'd be.''\n\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "
The Courtship of Alexis Hawkins

04 Pushing Buttons

By Assilsasta


"-(???.???)->December 27, 2013<-(???.???)-"

"-(???.???)->Predator<-(???.???)-"


Steven entered the courtroom as quietly as he could, and took a seat in the back. It had only taken a moment to find the right room, considering Alex had somehow managed to single-handedly take over the defense of underprivileged youths in the area only a few months after arriving and getting her license to practice locally. She still hadn't gotten an office, or joined any legal group in the area.  She did most of her work in the courthouse or at the homes of those she was defending.

He had gotten into a routine of meeting her between hearings each week for lunch. They talked about the plans that the Dark Riders had for the house, the progress of the renovations, and more often than not, her opinion of other lawyers and the judges that she often worked with. But it was very rare that he actually got a chance to see her in action in the courtroom.

He watched as she stood at front of the room and laid out the story for the court. The difference in the way she held herself and spoke in the courtroom still amazed him. She was confident and composed yet fierce and intimidating. Her talons and beak were manicured and polished. As she moved through the space the light glinted off the sharp clean edges. Yet she flaunted and displayed her seductive feminine body, even through the tight, black suit that she wore.

He had almost forgotten the hearing about the young marmosets. Even though New Hampshire had no laws or rules allowing for emancipation, Alex argued that any change in the fifteen year old boy's situation would cause undue hardship on both him and both parents. Neither of the boy's parents seemed to care enough to show up for the court hearing to keep their boy out of state supervision, but Alex was determined to  keep him  free to continue his life as he had been.

Steven thought back to their last lunch, when all she could talk about was this case. The boy's parents split up, but didn't get a divorce for religious reasons. But instead of the boy living with either parent, both his mother and father moved out of the apartment they were in, leaving him behind. She said  things started out well enough, both parents staying the night and checking in on him separately. They did manage to keep the bills paid for a long time. Eventually, the parents' visits slowed and gradually stopped all together. At the age of thirteen he began working to pay his own bills, apparently with a forged consent on the working papers. The boy still managed to keep in touch with both of his parents and get additional support from them when he needed it. She said he was more responsible and mature than any kid his age should be, but to force him into a situation that would take all his  hard work away from him would do more harm than good.

Apparently one of his teachers reported the situation to child welfare when she made a house call after neither parent came to a teacher conference. They moved quickly to get the child into protective services and  go after the parents for neglect and abandonment.

How Alex found these cases he still wasn't sure, but when she did she always jumped in with both feet. She would look at the situation, do everything she could to aid the children, and she was merciless when it came to going after parents.

He still didn't know much about her past, but he was certain she lived a hard life.

The CPS worker that was there to represent the service apparently heard about the eagle as the rabbit visibly shook in his seat while Alex laid out her case. She almost looked and sounded like a completely different person than the crazy woman that slapped the oversized combat knife in his claws before she even knew who he was. She articulated every word, spoke clearly and concisely. He could see how dedicated and confident she was in her approach.

For an instant the eagle's composure crumbled and her well practiced speech fell silent as her eyes made contact with his for the first time since he had entered the courtroom. In a quick progression, the look in her eyes shifted from shock, to a instant of joy, then to a stern look of almost contempt before she turned back to the judge and picked up where she had left off.

As she finished, the judge looked down at her from his bench and said, ``Miss Hawkins, as always you have put me in a position to question the laws and regulations over the well-being of a young man. You have, as always, done your homework on the almost unprecedented case. With the factors of child neglect, that you so rightly pointed out have nothing to do with his ability to continue to thrive in his situation, fall squarely on the heads of the parents. Whom  even now neglect their responsibility to attend this hearing. I will have to consider your position over the next few days. Until I come to a decision, the child will be remanded...''

Alex sprang to her feet as she blurted out, interrupting the judge mid-comment, ``Da Dahk Ridahs...'' She almost instantly stopped herself as her more natural speech patterns peeked out. Steven could hear the muffled profanity as she started again, ``The Dark Rider House has prepared a room for him to reside during the proceedings, or until a temporary order that would allow him to continue as he has is issued by the court.''

``Miss Hawkins, I will remind you again, this is not Chicago. The next time you interrupt me during these proceedings, without just cause, I will hold you in contempt. Do you understand?''

``Yes, Your Honor.''

``As I was about to say, the child will be remanded to...'' the judge looked over at the now sheepish hare that sat across from Alex, ``...to the custody of the Dark Rider House, which is recognized by the state as a safe harbour for youth. As the foundation is a non-profit, and has openly offered to house the youth, there will be no payment by the state for expenses at this time. We will reconvene in two weeks. I will render a decision on the final disposition of the child at that time.''

``Your honor, I have out of state business that I expect to take until the end of January. Is it possible to have the hearing put off until that time?''

``Considering that the boy in question has been living on hisown for  several months now, and will be in the care of the Dark Rider House, I see  no issue with the request unless the opposing counsel has and objections.''

The judge and looked over at the hair for a response only to see the timid person glance at the predatory bird and shake his head, ``No your honor, February will give us better time to prepare our case.''

``Thank you, Your Honor,'' the eagle said as she turned to her teenaged client and whispered something to him before he nodded and left the building on his own. She then turned to look as Steven and said, ``Whada ya doin' `ere?''

``Well,'' he said calmly, ``we had a lunch date, and I remembered that you said something about not being able to make it because of a hearing. So I thought I would stop by and take you to lunch after it was over.''

`Is dat so?,'' she retorted as she packed the files back into her messenger bag. ``Ho do ya know I don' `ave otheah plans?''

``I don't know that,'' the kestrel answered with a shrug. ``But I do know you well enough to know that you're a workaholic, and if you do have other plans, it's more work. Let me take you to lunch, and relax for a little bit. You'll be more efficient if you do.''

She looked at him crossways. ``Relaxin'? More effichint? Ya tryin' ta win an ellection or get me ta go ta lunch wit'cha?'' She tossed her bag over her shoulder and added, ``It's easier ta' bribe me wit' goo' foo'. Where are we goin'?''

``I know a place,'' the mayor responded as he opened the door to the courtroom for her. ``It's one of those greasy-spoon type restaurants. The owner's from your neck of the woods. It's the place to go if you want a taste of home. The menu, decor, everything about the place screams `Chicago.'''

"-(???.???)->Ulterior motives<-(???.???)-"

Steven smiled to himself with the sight of the  SUV in the parking lot as he pulled out of traffic. It meant that the young mongoose was likely already inside. He wasn't really sure what his plans would have been if Alex had refused to have lunch with him, but he also felt bad that he he had other motives besides just spending time with the unique eagle.

The Kestrel held the door open and the eagle walked through, her wings filled with assorted files. He could only shake his head at the workaholic.  But all that was blasted away as , ``FUCKASS!'' was shouted in the most innocent voice imaginable.

``Someone needs ta get control of dat kid'', Alex said as she stepped up to the hostess podium.

``Actually,'' he responded a little sheepishly as he tilted his head to coax her in the general direction of the profanity. ``I kind of wanted to talk to you about that specific cub.

She gave him a sideways stare and followed him to a table.

As they walked to the table the kestrel  explained, ``Well last month when I was at  one of the soup kitchens handing out food, I came across this  young mongoose...''

``Las munt? What, `er parents not fit er sumtin?'' Alex asked clearly annoyed, ``ya know I gots of full plate fer da nex' munt.''

``Actually, she doesn't have any parents,'' he said as he watched the emotion drain from the eagle's eyes, ``and has some issues where she might not fare well in the system.''

As if on cue they heard, ``FUCK ASS!'' which brought both their attention to the young mongoose who seemed unphased by the words that came out of her mouth as she continued to eat a bowl of mac and cheese.

Without looking back at him she asked, ``And why did it take you a mont' to say somethin'?'' She didn't wait for an answer and continued to the table.

``Well, you guys were still finishing up the renovations, and I honestly didn't know what you would...''

She continued to ignore him as she sat down at the table. ``Hi, my name's Boomer, and who might you be?''  She sat her stack of paperwork to the side as she focused her attention on the mongoose.

``My n-name's Calliope, but eeeeveryone just calls me `Callie,'' the girl said, before launching into a series of tics. ``Are you a f-friend of the Maaaaayor?''

She looked at the kestrel crossly as she said, ``I guess ya could say dat.'' She leaned forward as a smile curled at the corner of her beak. ``Ya know, `ee always takin' me out to dese fancy places. Some time I tink `ee's tryin' ta fin'a menu I can't read.''

``If that was the case, I would requested one in braille a long time ago,'' he chuckled.

``I tink dats da only kin' ya `avent tried yet,'' she muttered. ``Anyways, dis feder `ead tells me ya looking fer a place ta stay, beside where ever `ees got ya tucked away fer now.''

``Mister A-archer introduuuuuuced me to his sister,'' Callie explained. ``She's been - Shit! Dammitassfuckcockgobbler!'' The Mongoose blushed slightly at her outburst in front of the Mayor's female companion. ``I'm s-sorry about that. I haaaaave T-tourette's. I can?t help it.''

``Leah has agreed to host young Callie for me until we can find a permanent arrangement better suited for raising her,'' Steven explained. ``I believe the best place for that would be with you and your friends.''

Alex seemed to ignore Steven as she said, ``Stayin' wit a single woman wit' no udder kids, dat's gotta be a blas'. Whacha do fer fun? Paint yur nails and giggle `bout boys? Are you in school?''

``I've been l-living alone in eeeeempty houses ever s-since - Cuntlickerbitchtwatwaffle! - Ever since myyyyy grandmother d-died,'' the girl explained as she shook through another series of tics. ``Compared to t-that, everything?s f-fun.''

Alex rubbed her chin for a moment, ``Humm, Dat aint no way to look at ting's. I'ma have da fix dat.'' She reached out ant took the mongoose by the paw. ``First tin's firs,  let's dich dis dive, I tink `Ank's got da snack bar at da `ouse stocked, an we still got's all da house guests from Christmas hangen aroun' til afer da new year.'' She nearly pulled the young cub out of her chair as she said, ``I'll indtraduce ya ta eveyone, I tink you'll fit righ' in. We'll take care of everytin' you just gotta worry about `omework once school gets started.''  She started walking toward the door with the cub stumbling behind her, leaving her paperwork and the kestrel at the table behind them. As she passed the hostess she jerked her head back and said, ``Ee's got da tab. We got some fun to do.''

Steven just shook his head and chuckled to himself, before muttering, ``That was easier than I thought it'd be.''

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