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#World Trade Organisation
rashmeerl · 2 months
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#WTO extended talks by a day #MC13
Not because they like each other so much, but on account of deadlocked negotiations. Read #thisweekthosebooks on why world #trade matters to you https://thisweekthosebooks.substack.com/p/wto-abu-dhabi-world-trade-trouble-globalisation
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ngulminthangl · 1 year
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The World Trade Organisation (WTO) estimates that 80–90% of world trade relies on trade finance. It is a mechanism that not only ensures security between importers and exporters but can also extend a line of credit to companies desperately needing cashflow to get their operations moving. Pandemic disruptions, political upheaval and currency fluctuations have made companies more nervous to trade internationally.
“With every crisis, trust among the participants goes down and that’s when you reconsider the risk that is involved in open account transactions,” says Enno-Burghard Weitzel, senior vice president of Strategy, Digitalisation and Business Development at Surecomp.
“The more insecure these financial flows to physical supply chains are, the more you want to secure them with a guarantee” from trusted financial intermediaries. Unfortunately, trade finance has not always been a straightforward solution due to an excessively manual process, and a lack of access to smaller corporates who might not have the know-how to get the best deals.
Read more: https://ngulminthanglhanghal.wordpress.com/2023/05/22/democratising-the-trade-finance-process-through-digitalisation/
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theindustryng · 2 years
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World Bank, FAO, others call for urgent action to address global food security crisis
World Bank, FAO, others call for urgent action to address global food security crisis
The World Bank Group, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, (FAO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Food Programme, (WFP) and World Trade Organisation (WTO), have called for urgent actions to address the global food security crisis. The Director General of the WTO, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said that the COVID-19 pandemic’s interruption in international supply chains, and the war in…
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seachranaidhe · 2 years
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Take a look at this post… 'UK must accept border on Irish Sea is inevitable, says ex-WTO chief.'.
Take a look at this post… ‘UK must accept border on Irish Sea is inevitable, says ex-WTO chief.’.
http://seachranaidhe-irishandproud.blogspot.com/2022/05/uk-must-accept-border-on-irish-sea-is.html
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eduvisorofficial · 2 years
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India and Germany on Monday committed to reforming the WTO with a view to strengthen its principles and functions as well as preserve the autonomy of the two-tier appellate body of the global trade organisation.
Both sides also expressed their strong support for the upcoming negotiations between the European Union and India on a Free Trade Agreement, an Investment Protection Agreement and an Agreement on Geographical Indications.
Further, they emphasised the enormous potential of such pacts for expanding bilateral trade and investment, according to a joint statement issued after the 6th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations.
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awesomecooperlove · 1 year
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💣🔥💣
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nando161mando · 9 months
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Does anyone else think it's time for Live Nation employees to unionize? $139 million in one year
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inky-duchess · 6 months
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WorldBuilding Ask Game
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Here is a little ask game for WorldBuilding in your WIP to pad out one country or all of them! Use it for yourself or ask a friend and spread some love. Focus on a particular section and have fun!
Geography
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What does your world look like? What's the biome? Are there different ones?
Are there any oceans? If so, are they accessible? Are they a reliable source of travel and food?
Are there any rivers in your world? Any lakes? What's the longest river? Deepest lake?
Is there a safe supply of drinking water? If not, why not?
Are there mountains in your world? What's the highest one?
What is the weather like? How does this effect life?
What animals inhabit the world? What animals are indigenous or considered exotic?
What are some natural features your world is famous for? Is your world considered beautiful?
How many countries in your world?
How are countries divided? By natural lines or by agreements?
Population
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What's the population like? Is it large or sparse?
Is there any factors in population density? Do more people live in a certain area more than elsewhere? Why is that?
Are there different peoples living in your world? If so, how do they get on?
How important is nationality? Are foreigners tolerated? Or are they unwelcome?
What countries get on? What countries hate one another?
Are there any important cities? Why are they important?
What's the architecture like? Are there any outside influences?
What's a typical building material? What's considered an expensive feature to include?
What is infrastructure like? Are roads and railways in good condition?
Is there public transport? Is it reliable?
Government
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What system of government does your world adhere to? Is it popular?
Where is the seat of government?
Are there different governmental agencies?
Are there political parties? If so, what are their goals?
How much control does the government have over the average person?
Can your people vote? If not, why not? If so, who has/hasn't the right to?
Are there any parties or organisations that oppose the government?
How does the government crack down on sedition?
Are people allowed to criticise the government? If so, how? If not, how do they get around it?
How are laws made? Who makes them?
Is there any odd laws in your world?
What are some punishments to crime? Are they considered fair?
What crimes are unfathomable for the people?
Who handles justice? Is justice obtainable for all?
Are there any police? What's their reputation?
What role does the military play in your world?
Who controls the army? Head of state or government as a whole?
Is it considered a good career path?
Who can join the army? Are there any restrictions?
What is your world's stance on war? Are there any neutral parties? Or particularly warlike ones?
Commerce and Trade
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How is trade done?
Is currency universal or dictated by region?
How is your economy going? What effects it?
What trade is your world known for?
What are some exports? What must your world import?
Are any goods considered luxurious?
What services are available in your world? What services are niche?
What sort of work is common? Is work readily available?
Who is expected to work?
Are workers treated fairly or unfairly?
Are there any ways workers are protected? If not, what are some consequences?
Is your world more reliant on technology or on labour?
Is agriculture possible in your world? If so what can your people grow?
How big is industry? What goods can your people make?
What resources can your country exploit?
What are some barriers to trade and commerce?
Is your nation known for quality? Or Quantity?
Who does your country trade with most often? Who do they boycott?
Are there any major ports in your country?
Are there any banned goods? If so, is there a black market for their purchase?
Society
How society expect one to behave in public? Are there different expectations for different people/genders/ranks?
Is there a social order? Can one move up the ranks?
Is there any considerations made on account of rank, gender, age or position?
What is considered a social faux pas?
Are there any gestures or actions that are considered rude or socially unforgivable?
What would utterly shock somebody to see somebody do?
What are some opinions that are normal for your world but can be considered subversive in real life?
How can one rise up the status ladder? Is there much trouble to do so?
What denotes a person's place in society?
How is life different in cities compared to life in the countryside?
Daily life
Where would someone go to buy their weekly shop? Is food easy to come by?
What would be the daily routine of the wealthy? The common man?
How is hygiene handled in your world? Where does one go to spruce up?
What would be some day to day tasks one might face?
What is the favoured means of travel?
Are there any problems in your world that could effect a daily routine? Potholes? Gigantic spiders? Acid rain?
What ammenties would an average person expect to have access to?
Where would one go if they are injured or ill? What's healthcare like?
Do people feel safe where they live? Are there any places somebody might face danger?
How do people communicate? Is it difficult? Why?
What do people do for fun? What's considered normal fun versus hedonistic?
What pastimes are common? What kind aren't?
Is education valued?
Is there access to education? If so, for who?
Are the population educated? If so to what extent?
Family Life
What is the typical family set up?
Is extended family important?
Who can be considered family? Who can't be?
Is marriage considered a duty? Or is it more of a personal choice?
Is divorce possible?
Can people adopt children?
What happens to orphaned children?
Are children important? If not, why not? If so, why?
What are some typical toys children play with?
What are some games children play with one another?
How is in charge of household chores?
Is there a hierarchy in families?
Are children expected to take on certain roles?
What is the living situation like between the different ranks? Are the roles different?
What's considered the proper way to raise a child?
Culture and Languages
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Are there multiple cultures in your world? How do they differ? Do they mesh well together?
How are cultures similar? How are they different?
Are there any traditions in your world? How important is tradition?
What are some rituals your culture undertakes?
Are there any special days? Events?
What are some traditional values in your world? Does it effect daily life?
Are there traditional clothes for your world? Are they something somebody wears on a daily basis or just on occasion?
Are there any rules around what people can wear?
What would be considered formal dress? Casual dress?
What would happen if somebody wore the wrong clothes to an event?
What languages are spoken in your world? If so, how do they sound?
Are there any dialects? If so, how do they sound?
Are most people monolingual? Or bilingual? Or multilingual?
Are there any languages that are closely related?
What is considered a universal language?
Religion
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Is religion a thing in your world?
Is religion a staple of life or just a small part?
Does religion affect politics, personal lives and affiliations?
Is your world sectarian? Or ruled by religion?
What are some influences religion has on daily life?
What sort of religion is it? Monotheistic? Polytheistic?
What are some myths your people believe in?
What common rituals does one undertake on a day to day basis?
How does one please a deity?
Where do your people pray? How do they?
What symbols would denote a follower of a certain belief system to a stranger?
What places or objects are considered sacred?
Are there religious orders? If so, who can join?
Is there tolerance or violence over religion? If so, between which faiths?
Food and Drink
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What are some traditional dishes in your world?
What would be a basic diet for the common man?
What's considered a delicacy?
Is there a societal difference in diet? What are the factors that effect diet between classes?
Is there any influence from other cuisines? If not, why not? If so, to what extent?
What would a typical breakfast contain?
What would lunch be?
What would be a typical dinner?
What meals are served during the day?
What's considered a comfort food or drink?
Are there any restrictions on who can eat what or when?
Are there any banned foods?
What stance does your world take on alcohol? Is it legal? Can anybody consume it?
Are there any dining customs? Are traditions?
Is there a difference in formal meals or casual meals? If so, what's involved?
Are there any gestures or actions unacceptable at the dinner table?
How are guests treated at meals? If they are given deference, how so?
Are there certain rules about how one can prepare food?
Are there any restrictions on eating with certain people?
How is food generally prepared by?
History
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Who are some notable figures from history?
Who founded the country?
Is history looked back on with fondness? Or do your people rather forget?
Are there any heroes in history? Any villains?
What are some highpoints in the history of your land?
What are some points of history nobody likes to speak about?
Does history effect your land, people, culture, language in the present? If so in what ways?
What historic monuments are still around in the present day? What has been lost?
How do people learn about history? Do they learn the truth? Or just an abridged version?
What's a historical event that is important to the story?
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viljaangelica · 2 years
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Look behind the headlines!
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txttletale · 3 months
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why are you people so eager to criticize the tactics called for by people living in a fucking genocide? palestinians dont have years to organize a general strike theres not another option!
i think if you want to honour calls for a general strike it would be germane to do so by organising an actual effective labour action than by posting infographics about how everyone should stop buying groceries. trade unions across the arab world have in fact been organising real and useful strikes in aid of palestine -- this is not that. we are eager to criticise action that we do not believe to be effective because we want people's energy and time to be directed towards action that is effective.
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burninglights · 1 year
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the revolution is coming, but only if you learn to do the dishes.
You can read all the Marx and Lenin and Troksky in the world, you can own the hammer and sickle flag, you can use a photo of Thomas Sankara as your twitter profile, but theory and grandstanding means jackshit if you aren't going to back your theory up with action.
"but how do I fight against the hyperconsumerism that drives late-stage capitalism?" buy fair trade and ethically sourced! support local artisans! set up a barter system with some mates for skilled crafts and food items! establish a trade network in your community, so you're less reliant on corporations like Amazon!
"how do you want me to seize the means of production?" get involved with citizen advocacy groups! join a trade union or donate to funds to support picketing workers! look, if you wait for ~the revolution~ then you'll be waiting until your dying day. if enough of us organise and do a thousand little acts of revolution every day, then we can at least make a start.
Change soon come, but only if we take the steps to make it.
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rashmeerl · 2 months
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The World Trade Organization - WTO rules global #trade, though its dispute settlement mechanism remains defunct and a whole new dictionary is in use – decoupling,  derisking, reshoring, nearshoring, friendshoring. #thisweekthosebooks has Marc Levinson's thrilling account on how the shipping container enabled a global trade boom. And Neal Stephenson's trilogy that imagines how the world economic order was built.
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premimtimes · 2 years
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IFFs: From gunboat diplomacy to the negotiation table, By Bolaji Owasanoye
IFFs: From gunboat diplomacy to the negotiation table, By Bolaji Owasanoye
To end IFFs, action is required at different levels – the national level action; continental or regional action; and global international cooperation. There should be no illusion that this will come easily because there are vested interests at each of these levels of action that prefer the status quo. At the end of the day, we have to accept that tackling IFFs is a governance and political…
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don-lichterman · 2 years
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India Said to Oppose Moratorium on Customs Duties on E-Commerce Trade at Next WTO Meeting
India Said to Oppose Moratorium on Customs Duties on E-Commerce Trade at Next WTO Meeting
India will strongly oppose continuation of moratorium on customs duties on e-commerce trade at the WTO’s meeting in Geneva next month as it is adversely impacting the developing countries, an official said. The official said allowing the moratorium to lapse is important for developing nations to preserve policy space for their digital advancement, to regulate imports and generate revenue through…
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diejager · 1 month
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I saw something about Victorian COD so hear me out-
Victorian Price in the fanciest suit
I'm sorry but that man would be so hooooooooooot as a Victorian gentleman, it fits his vibe
p.s. Happy 2024!!!!!!!
I got to this 3 months later… Happy belated new year 😅
Cw: flirting? Price being a gentleman, older man/younger woman, established relationship, tell me if I missed any.
Your father’s business parties had always been boring, they were a chore for you to keep a perfect facade to the public, the frail yet strong lady of the house, donned in ridiculously frilly dresses and thighs corsets. Your mother had fussed over it your entire life, her rough fingers, brought from her commoner background, had made her harsher in every manner to keep her title, for you to keep yours as a noble born into a world of riches. But the upkeep of it was useless when you had no part in it, forced to play a part in something you had no right to be a part of. 
Granted, you had your reservation, understanding that being on the same side as your father had it’s perks, the power his title - soon to be passed down to your older brother once your father passed - and his money. You didn’t necessarily depend on it wholly, you might live in his home, eat from his cooks and call for the maids and butlers he employed, but you had your studio away from home, somewhere in the city where you painted under natural light and sold portraits to people who paid you for a commission. 
It wasn’t as grand as being a merchant, to sell the luxuries most nobles sought - gems, fabrics, gold and silver - but it built you connections, your work passed from mouth to ear, one noble at a time, and one town at a time. You had your clientele and your father had his, you had an image to keep for something you worked so hard for, but to invest an equal amount of face and finesse in a snobbish party was draining. Fortunately, a few of your father’s work affiliates were regular clients at your little studio, sending letters to you months in advance to organise dates for you to paint them, it varied between one and a few months.
Your favourite was a British merchant company, lead by one bear of a man that you knew well, managed by three - a kind-hearted brit with beautiful skin, a boisterous Scot with his unusual haircut, and a broad and rugged man who hid his identity under a fearsome mask - other you were well-acquainted with and advised by a strong headed woman too advanced for your era. John Price was his name, a man a decade older than you, but treated you kinder than any man had before him, a gentleman in a beautiful suit and slacks, a red shirt and waxed shoes. He - coincidentally - matched your attire, your frilly, red chemise with a high and bowed collar, the sleeves long and rumpled in waves of red silk, waist high pants that hugged your body the same way your mother’s corset hugged her form and slick shoes that shone under the high chandeliers. 
“You seem bored, love,” his soft and baritone voice never failed to make you shudder, his hand on your back a reminder than he was with you.
He was always the gentleman, a man who worked his way to nobility, gaining a title and land through blood, sweat and tears. He was known for his trades, selling and shipping a large variety of items that some considered exotic simply because nobles hated interacting with foreigners, a kind of bred racism and xenophobia through generations to fear any uprising from their colonies and other countries. He was as broad as his company was known, every core member of it respected for climbing the echelon of society through hard work. Some purebred nobles might hate him for taking a title without being born into it, but none could object his craft, like an artist couldn’t do hate their canvas. 
“There isn’t much to do, is there, John?” You nodded towards your father, knowing that he was observant enough to see the slightest of movement, “My father is… he loves bathing in luxury, in the popularity his name brings.”
He hummed, a low rumble from his throat, his eyes narrowed almost threateningly, but you knew the amused gleam in his eyes. You had years to get to know him, once an occasional client - a man who stumbled into your studio wanting to let a newly risen artist a chance to paint him, admiring your work for the smooth and confident strokes - who brought his art trade to you, now a trusted friend, someone you were blasphemously closed too for someone your age. 
Your friendship hadn’t lasted long, the constant coaching from Kyle and Johnny, the silent push from Simon and the proud smile from Kate had both of you meeting halfway, throwing you into his open arms and fooling around at the back of your studio until John could take you away to marry.Eloping and always sounded interesting, you weren’t needed at home, your father had an heir and your mother had your younger sister to worry about.
“He flaunts it foolishly, yes,” he agreed, raising the cup to his lips, tipping it until the champagne flowed down the glass rim, “But we have a contract, one I intend to uphold until he complete his end of it. And I met you.”
He turned to you, a tender smile hidden under his beard, his stormy blues softening as he peered down at you, adoration gleaming in his eyes. You wished you could kiss him, to grip him by the collar and pull him down to press your lips against his course ones, to kiss him deeply and show him the love you felt for him. 
“I would, love, but we’re in public,” had you spoken out loud? It seemed you did if John answered you, his chuckles shaking his shoulders, “Would you come home with me once I’ve finished my business?”
“Of course, John.”
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samkerrworshipper · 4 months
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hard times | awfc x reader
arsenal reader struggles with PTSD and new year’s eve is a particular struggle… but the arsenal girlies are there for her even if she doesn’t know she needs them
warnings: PTSD, anxiety, mentions of violence, mentions of guns, anxiety attacks, mentions of childhood trauma
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You don’t even notice you’re shivering and tearing up under your duvet.
New Year's Eve for most people is a night of celebration, a night of partying, a night of celebrations. For you, not so much.
New year's eve ranks pretty high up on your least favourite days of the year.
Instead of being fun and full of celebrations it was a night of terror and fear.
That’s how you’d gotten under your duvet, the covers of your bed providing a very small shield from the outside world.
It wasn’t a good fix to stop the current downpour of sound around you, you’d tried it all, airpods, earplugs, music, none of it worked.
So you’d settled for clenching your palms down onto your ears, it wasn’t providing any reprieve from the noise cascading around you, but for whatever reason it felt necessary.
This wasn’t even the worst of it, you knew it was only so long until the fireworks started, and as soon as that happened it was almost a guarantee that you would be thrown into a whole different level of stress.
It had been this way since you were a kid, new years eve was a nuisance, a figment of your worst nightmares.
You wished you could go out and celebrate, that you could be normal and be happy.
But ever since your childhood, since it all happened, loud noises and bright flashing lights have always been a big struggle for you.
So, every year, you go through the same routine of hiding under your covers until it’s all over. Normally, the loud noises coming from London strike up a pretty serious anxiety attack, so you don’t bother with hurting your friends with your presence, knowing that all you will be is a burden for them on a night that is supposed to be fun.
It’s fine, you’re used to it, this year though it’s a little bit harder.
With your transfer to Arsenal in the previous January trade period you had quickly found a new family amongst the Gooners.
It was so hard for you to decline the invite to the celebrations for the evening, especially considering that almost every other holiday over the year had been spent with one or a couple of your teammates.
That was the hard part of being the only person left in your family, it was the reason for your stupid fear.
It all simmered down to one stupid night that wrecked your whole life.
Just as you had begun to become completely absorbed with the thoughts in the back of your mind, you were taken out of your trance by a quiet voice and the mattress you were sitting on flexing downwards.
“Hiya honey, you wanna come out for me?”
It’s Beth’s voice, sweet, kind, lovely Beth who definitely should not be in your apartment right now.
It makes you wonder if you are potentially dreaming, sometimes when you get really anxious delirium is a side effect.
“Beth?”
You reach down to pinch your thigh, hard, and it hurts, enough for you to be sure that you aren’t dreaming,
“Yeah hon, I’m right here.”
Her voice is enough for you to pull the covers over your head, the duvet falling into your criss crossed lap.
Beth is perched on the corner of your bed, a smile mixed with concern and care reflecting back towards you.
“What are you doing here?”
Your words are murmured, and spoken downwards towards your lap, because you can’t quite find it in you to look at your older teammate.
“It’s new years, silly, we couldn’t leave you out of the celebrations, the girls that are in town are in the kitchen.”
It’s said so nonchalantly, like this is some organised plan that has been set in stone for weeks, even though this is the first you’re hearing of it.
Suddenly, a firecracker or something goes off somewhere in the distance and your body is jolting on the bed, fresh tears accumulating in the corners of your eyes as your whole face pinches shut whilst the waves of memories wash over your body.
“I thought you guys said you were going to South Bank to do the fireworks and celebrations.”
South Bank isn’t far from your apartment, a couple of blocks south, unfortunately for you, most definitely close enough for the fireworks to be seen and heard.
“Who needs fireworks? We’d rather hang out here with you.”
It makes your jaw clench and your eyebrows furrow, they’ve cancelled their plans to come to your apartment and you aren’t completely sure why.
“Beth, why are you here?”
It’s blunt, but with everything happening and your body in survival mode you don’t have time to beat around the bush, especially with the ticking time bomb which is leading to midnight.
“Less told us that you really struggle with new years, so we’re here for you.”
You know that all of the girls on the team, whether they mention it or not, know about your past, about what happened when you were a child, what led to you moving in with Alessia when you were 14.
Unfortunately for you, she’s spending her break with her parents in New York, so your normal emotional support for nights like these was unable to make it here tonight.
Something doesn’t feel the same about having Beth, and whoever else she’d managed to congregate being here with you, especially when you were significantly vulnerable.
“Beth, I appreciate it, but I don’t want to worry you guys, head down to South Bank, just leave me be. Tonight’s pretty hard for me and I don’t feel like doing much.”
Beth scoots her body up closer to yours, close enough that she can lift her hand up and set it down on your thigh, it doesn’t go unnoticed the way you slightly flinch away from her, the jumpiness running rampant in your body due to the anxiety.
“We’re not going anywhere, we’ve got you, let us take care of you yeah, you don’t have to do anything, at all, just sit on the couch and relax.”
You want to fall directly into Beth, let her give you a big hug and never let go, but there is still a part of you trying to obtain your self dignity.
“Beth, you don’t understand, tonight's really hard for me, and I don’t want you guys to have to deal with it, it’s not exactly something I’m proud of.”
Beth’s hand moves from your thigh, upwards until it’s gently sitting on your jaw, angling your face upwards so you are looking at her.
“Let us be here for you, between myself, Vivi, Leah, Lia, Kim, Laura, Jen, Lotte I’m sure we can all figure out some way to make tonight a little bit easier for you. You don’t have to explain anything, you don’t have to talk about it, we’re just here to show you some love and help you however you need, celebrations be damned.”
It’s hard to refuse when Beth’s kind, concerned and caring eyes are reaching deep into your soul. Tonight is hard, for you it’s like walking up mount everest, and it’s not exactly like you want to break down in front of your teammates but Beth seems pretty persistent about the fact she isn’t leaving.
“After the break in, after my parents and brother were killed, any loud noises resembling guns make me have anxiety attacks, it’s why I don’t like new years.”
Beth just nods and smiles, accepting the information but deciding to let you do the explaining instead of asking questions.
“That’s understandable, anyone in your position would feel the same, I’m sure it must be pretty tough, especially considering that you are still young.”
You bit down on your tongue, nodding to Beth, it is really fucking hard, especially considering that you don’t have anyone to talk about it with, because how could anybody understand.
“It’s why I freaked out a few months ago when you guys were popping balloons after Leah’s birthday party, I can’t help it, it just sometimes comes over me and I can’t control it.”
Beth nods immediately, feeling the guilt roll into her stomach at the memory of her and Katie popping all of the balloons, Beth now recollecting how you left with Alessia almost as soon as it happened.
“Y’know after my mom died it took months for me to be able to go anywhere near a hospital, Viv had to drag me to the doctors for my yearly check up. It’s funny what grief does to us. You want to know what works best for me?”
Beth is trying to find common ground, praying that it’ll work and exceptionally glad when you give her a little nod with your chin.
“I try to distract myself, whether it’s getting Vivi to talk to me or playing a game or watching the telly, helps take my mind off things, how about we try that and see if it’ll work with you, yeah?”
The idea makes you feel a little bit funny, but you are brutally aware of the fact that Beth is trying really hard right now to help you and you really want to be good for her and show her that you can do that.
“Okay, but I need it to be quiet, please.”
Beth just smiles and nods, her layed back demeanour shining through as she stood up from the bed, extending her hand to you.
Your hand is shaking furiously, but you manage to extend it out towards her, letting her own hand steady your as she pulls you up off the bed and gently tugs you towards the door of your bedroom.
To your surprise, when you exit the room the kitchen and loungeroom of your apartment are fairly quiet.
Lia, Kim and Viv are busy in your kitchen, pouring and distributing drinks and plates of pizza. Leah, Laura and Lotte are seated on your couch, a board game of sorts set out on the table, Jen is also joined in on the game, except she’s sitting on the floor directly in front of the table.
Viv, Kim and Lia all send a big smile your way as you slowly enter the room, it’s a spectacle to you, watching the group happily enjoying themselves in your apartment on a night where they could be doing far more than just lazing around.
“Do you want to go sit down on the couch, I know for a fact Leah will be cheating, you could go keep an eye on her, or stay up here in the kitchen with us, it’s up to you.”
The couch sounded nice, and you were aware of the fact that your body was quite tired and worn down from all the stress of the night.
So you cautiously stepped over to the couch, as soon as Leah saw you walking towards her she opened her arms up big and wide for you.
You didn’t second guess it, practically throwing yourself into Leah comfy and warm embrace, her body acting as a cushion to you.
The joint pressure and warmth from the hug did wonders at lifting some of the pressure off of your chest.
“How ya feeling?”
Leah’s voice is soft, whispered directly in your ear so that nobody else hears it besides you.
“I’ve been better, but having you guys here is nice, you don’t know how much I appreciate it.”
Leah just smiled, taking a break from the monopoly game they were playing to look at you.
“It’s nothing, we’re here for you whenever you need us, just trying to make the night easier for you however we can.”
You nod gently, Leah’s arm wrapping around your torso to give you a big hug and essentially bond you to her side.
“The fireworks are the worst for me.”
Leah nods, her eyes are so understanding, there isn’t any form of humour or disgust in them, just pure interest.
“Just watch the game yeah, don’t think about the fireworks, I know it’s hard, but just try. We could put on a show for you, how about the new episode of Love Island?”
It’s a offer that you can’t decline, so Leah gets Jen to chuck her the remote, turning on the tv and flicking it directly onto your favourite show.
You relax into Leah, your body falling limp against her and using her as a pillow whilst you intently watch the tv.
It’s all going fine, or as fine as it can be until you can distantly hear a countdown coming from somewhere outside your apartment.
Almost immediately it sets off alarms inside your body, your legs and torso jolting up from the couch.
Just as you are about to rush off, most likely back under your covers or into your bathroom, Leah’s arms grab a tight hold of you, bringing you flush against her body. In a matter of seconds, Viv, Beth and Kim are all surrounding you, somehow sheltering you from the noise outside.
You feel like a feral dog, thrashing against Leah, trying to get away from her, from your teammates, from the world.
As soon as the noises hit your ears though, you stop moving, both of your palms crushing down against your ears to try and drown out the cracking and popping sounds booming from outside your window.
Leah holds you tight to her chest, even as you begin to sob and the panic begins to overtake your body, every time it happens you feel like you are going to die, like this time it’ll be the last and inevitably you know that your wrong, that unfortunately you will live to see out the next year, but it doesn’t make the whole process easy.
Suddenly your brain is crowded with thoughts, memories, sounds.
The sound of your front door being broken down, nobody hearing but yourself, giving you the opportunity to push yourself out of bed and into one of the cupboards in your wardrobe.
Then the sound of heavy feet, doors creaking, and heavy, thunderous, cacophonous gun shots.
No matter how many times you relive it, no matter how many years go by that sound will never disappear from your mind, it’s unforgettable and haunts every single one of your nightmares.
It’s all consuming, until somebody is taking a hold of your face, and staring at you directly in your eyes.
“Y/n, listen to me, you’re safe, we’re all here for you, we’re in your apartment, safe inside, nobody is here to hurt you or anybody else, you’re at home and it’s safe here.”
Kim’s captain's voice is both soothing and terrifying, the Scottish players' words are strong and coated in directness.
Once she notices that you are hearing her she continues.
“We’re here for you, we’re safe, breathe for me honey, deep breaths, you’re here, not out there, don’t worry about any of that, just look at me and breathe.”
You nod at Kim, even as the tears are streaming down your face and you are struggling to breathe, you listen to her.
“Good job, keep breathing, remember where you are, we’re all safe in here with you, nothing or nobody is going to hurt you, I swear.”
Kim’s words do wonders to help you, and with her assistance, as well as Leah’s strong hold, Laura’s hands gently massaging your scalp, Viv’s strong fingers drawing patterns all over your arms, Lotte gently rubbing the tensed up parts of your calves, Beth holding the parts of you Leah can’t and Lia and Jen both flanking kim, looking at you with the same care and concern as she is looking at you with.
It’s a team effort, but you feel completely enveloped by your teammates love and care as you come down from the panic.
“Doing so well for us y/n, it’s all over now, you;re safe, we’ve got you, we’re not going anywhere.”
You look out to the window, temporarily removing your eyes from Kim’s and realising that your captain is in fact correct, all the noises, lights and pain has stopped, the world is quiet and you couldn’t be more grateful for it.
Slowly, as you become more aware of the world and your surroundings, one by one each girl gently removes themselves from you, until you’re left with just Leah, Beth and Viv, the three stragglers who are tasked with getting some food and water into you before sending you off the bed.
It’s a easy enough job, you’re spent and pliant, so Viv force feeds to a slice of pizza whilst Beth forces you to choke down some kind of electrolyte drink.
Once the two are done doting, they both leave you with a kiss on the forehead and gentle words whispered into your ear about how proud they are of you.
Leah is the one tasked with getting you into bed, and she does just that, getting you tucked properly on the covers before giving you a goodnight forehead kiss.
It feels weird watching her walk towards the door, like your being deserted, and you’ve been needy enough as it is tonight but you can’t help but reach out to Leah.
“Stay till I fall asleep, if it’s no trouble?”
Leah just nods and smiles like you’re asking her for a piece of gum, the blonde moving onto the empty side of your bed and leaving her hand flat against your back.
“You’re no trouble at all honey, we’ve got you, any time but especially on these nights.”
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