#'first i will work at an elderly care home for 1 year and ask for an unreasonably high salary. then get the small regular teenie tiny raise'

[pickapea]

telling my friends my elaborate genius plan on how i will manage to raise my salary to unprecedented heights by jumping thru different hoops and loops for years to cheat the system. and then realising that my imaginary dream salary in like 5 years time as a nurse will still be so low that the government wants to deport me

[flyingwargle]

sunaosa week day 1: festival

suna has a secret: he's wickedly good at the goldfish scooping minigame at festivals.

it's a skill that osamu witnessed firsthand in their first year. he went to aichi with him for a week during summer break, which coincided with the local festival. they didn't dress up, simply scoured the food stalls and games, when suddenly-

"here it is." suna stopped him at the goldfish scooping stand. an elderly man supervised the children failing to scoop a fish, paper sieves crumpling. osamu watched him toss a coin to the man, take the sieve, and crouch in front of the plastic tanks. "pick a fish, any fish."

"ya know these things are a scam, right?" osamu asked.

"just pick one."

he raised a skeptical eyebrow, crouching to have a better view. all the fish are about the same size, moving through the shallow water, orange fins gleaming under the lanterns. "uh, that one." he pointed to a fish swimming in the corner. "it looks easy ta-"

quick as a flash, suna's sieve dipped into the pool and scooped the fish. it flopped helplessly as he held it to the man, ignoring the kids' stares around them. "i'll take this one."

“that was slick,” osamu commented afterwards, as they weaved through the crowd to find a place to watch the fireworks. suna carried a small plastic bag with water, goldfish inside. “’tsumu an’ i could never scoop one o’ ‘em.”

"it's a skill. you know the fish tank in my living room?" at his nod, suna smirked. "those are all fish that i got from past festivals." when they left, the trio of fish became a quartet.

in their second year, osamu accepted his request to visit, again. the festival took place the weekend of their arrival, and suna asked him to pick out a goldfish for him to scoop. he added it to the tank when they got home, the quartet now a quintet.

"why d'ya scoop a fish every year?" osamu asked that night, sprawled on his borrowed futon on the floor of suna's bedroom.

"it's something that my mom did. i'm just keeping the tradition alive." it was the second time he mentioned her, the first being that she was no longer in his life.

unfortunately, during their third year, the festival overlapped with training camp a week before. although suna acted nonchalant during their visit, osamu sensed his disappointment and brought him to a pet store to buy a goldfish instead. “it ain’t the same as scoopin’ it, but at least we can keep the tradition alive,” he said. suna kissed him.

the tradition crumpled in the face of adulthood. suna moved away to play for ejp raijin, and osamu became occupied with work and school. the fish tank became empty after suna’s sister graduated and moved to hokkaido for university, their deadbeat dad barely able to care for himself, let alone fish. it was never mentioned again, and summer festivals became a fond memory from their adolescence.

until now.

osamu waits in front of the torii gate that leads to the festival grounds. a steady stream of people moves in and out, clad in yukata or normal clothes. he, himself, is in a yukata that his regular, a granny, gave him, a gray-striped garb that her son used to wear. his arms are folded in the sleeves, toes wriggling against his sandals.

“hey.”

he looks up. suna is also in a yukata, a beautiful shade of red with a checkered pattern and goldfish along the sleeves and hem. his eyes are soft, trailing toward the torii gate. “wow. we haven’t gone to a festival since high school.”

“that’s why i suggested it.” osamu extends his hand. “shall we?”

they follow the crowd. the delicious smell of yakisoba permeates the air, along with takoyaki and ikayaki. a long line is in front of the shaved ice stall, cutting in front of the games stalls. osamu doesn’t stop until he finds the goldfish scooping stand, turning toward suna. “let’s get a goldfish.”

suna frowns at him. "i'm not bringing it back to shizuoka, and you don't have a tank at the apartment."

“are those excuses i hear? d’ya lose yer edge?”

“of course not.” he scoffs, reaching into his wallet to toss a coin at the vendor, taking the paper sieve from him. he crouches, and osamu joins him. “pick a fish, any fish.”

it really doesn’t matter which fish it is, so osamu points at one along the edge of the pool. suna dips his sieve in the water to scoop beneath it, successful on his first try. “yer pretty good,” the vendor remarks, bagging the fish and handing it back to him. “ya do this a lot?”

“in the past, yeah.” his smile doesn’t quite reach his face, though, weighed by skepticism. osamu smiles to himself, pulls him along so they can buy cotton candy.

after the fireworks, the crowd begins to leave. osamu and suna wait until the initial rush leaves before exiting beneath the torii gate, but instead of heading to the train station, osamu tugs him toward the street. “let’s bring this lil’ guy home.”

“where?"

“you’ll see.”

they walk through the darkened streets, small bars still alight, until they reach onigiri miya. osamu brings him to the back, unlocking the door and pulling him inside. “why are we here?” suna asks.

osamu doesn’t answer, simply drags him into the seating area before stepping away to switch the lights on. suna blinks, stares, eyes widening. “i figured, now that we’ve got our rhythm back, we could pick up some traditions again,” osamu explains. “the goldfish mean a lot ta ya, so i thought we should start with that.”

they face a full-sized fish tank beside the wall of memorabilia, already decorated with colorful pieces of gravel at the bottom, fake coral, seaweed, and a filtration system. osamu switches the backlight on, so the fish will have light in the darkness. “i couldn’t quite remember everythin’ that yer tank had, but i think this is mostly it.”

“yeah,” suna whispers. “this is it.” he bites his bottom lip, lowers his eyes. “i…tried to keep up with it. i’d go with my teammates, but i never scooped any fish because it didn’t seem right. my mom taught me how to do it, but after she was gone, it became you. thank you, ‘samu.”

together, they add the first fish into the tank. over the years, it gains a companion, then two, then three, then four. although goldfish don’t have long lives, the memories of their lives will never fade, forever etched into the minds of those who brought it home.

--

inspiration: lots and lots of fanart of festival suna <3

[animatorweirdo]

The White-Scaled Dragon Princess Part 2

Part 1

You have found yourself a home in the new land, far away from Westeros and those who would wish harm upon you and your dragon. But then you face new types of challenges when you befriend a Noldor prince. Can you trust him and find a long-lasting friend in him? Will you ever overcome your fear of the world around you? Will you ever share your painful past with him? And could you possibly even find yourself in love with the said prince?

Warnings: mentions of injuries, passing out, Meraxes frightening people, reader being socially awkward, fear of people, Fingon being a tease and charming, Meraxes trying to kill Fingon a couple of times, heavy angst, anxiety, self-hatred, self-harm, reader needs serious therapy, reader trying to overcome her fears, adventuring, comfort, Fingon being caring, mentions of depression, and a happy ending.

(Note: I tagged those, who wanted to be tagged in the previous part)

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

- Three years had passed since you arrived in Middle Earth. 

- You had found a new home with an elderly woman named Ioreth, who had saved your life when your injuries from your fall became too much for you, and you lost consciousness. 

- Meraxes was the one to find her after you fell unconscious and possibly scared her into helping you. Luckily, Ioreth did not seem to mind treating you even though the dragon kept a careful guard and growled if she made sudden movements.  

- You were first scared of her when you woke up, thinking she saw you as a monster and prepared to leave as soon as possible, but Ioreth then fed you and asked for your story, showing no sign of hatred or fear toward you. 

- Feeling somewhat hopeful and trusting, you told her your story and how you got injured during a fall. To your surprise, she showed sympathy, and despite having been threatened to help you by your mountain-sized dragon, she offered a place in her home for you. 

- She had seen stranger creatures, so she was not much phased by your scales. And you were nearly the same age as her granddaughter, so she would only feel awful if she sent you away. 

- You nearly wanted to cry for her kindness. For your whole life, you believed no one would think twice before chasing you away and calling you a monster. And here was this elderly woman, who offered you a place in her home despite having been threatened by your dragon and knowing you only for a day. 

- And thus, you began to help her with the everyday chores, wanting to make yourself use for her. You would help her with the cleaning and the gathering of herbs as she was an experienced healer. 

- You might have shown over-eagerness to help her with everything as she snapped at you that she was not so old that she needed someone to gather her every need. 

- You felt ashamed, thinking you had overstepped and annoyed her, but then she comforted you and calmly explained that you could leave the house chores to her while you could deal with things that needed walking and traveling. You agreed to the arrangement, and you began to get comfortable with your new life. 

- You did find her home interesting since her house was built in the mountains, away from the nearby town. Ioreth explained she was not very fond of people and liked the peace of the mountains, which you partially understood, and it also worked for you since it meant you could stay near Meraxes. 

- When you recovered and decided to live with Ioreth, Meraxes found herself a cave in another part of the mountains, away from the town, but not too far that you wouldn’t be able to come visit her. 

- You incidentally made friends with Ioreth’s grandaughter, Freda, who was one of the only ones in their family eager to visit Ioreth whenever she liked. 

- You first tried to avoid her when she came to visit Ioreth. You did not want to cause Ioreth trouble by frightening her grandaughter and making the townspeople think she lived with a monster. But then you accidentally dumped on Freda without your cloak, and her reaction was not what you expected. 

- She reacted to you surprisingly well. She marveled the white scales that adorned your scales, touching them and tracing each line with her fingers. It was slightly overwhelming as you are not used to someone touching your scales like that. She stopped when Ioreth smacked her in the head and called her out for touching you without your permission. 

- She apologized and then started asking questions. You couldn't quite keep up with her questions but tried your best to answer all of them. 

- She then declared herself as your friend when you told her you did not have any friends in the mountain besides Ioreth. You were baffled by her because you had never met someone who just decided to be your friend after knowing you only for a day, but soon you became happy about it as she became one of your best friends. 

- You adored her eccentrics and how many things she had to say. She was so full of life, and you do not think you ever had a friend that was someone of your age. Even the new maids you were given did not talk so much to you. On the contrary, they never spoke more than three words whenever you tried to converse with them. 

- But despite your newfound friendship with Freda, you decided not to introduce her to Meraxes. She might have accepted you, but you did not want to risk her getting scared by your beloved dragon and have the whole town chase you away. Ioreth promised to keep it a secret, understanding your fear. 

- But you did agree to visit the town with Freda’s encouragement. 

- She wanted you to meet the rest of the family. You felt fearful of the idea of being seen by the townspeople, but you agreed as long as you got to keep your scales hidden by your cloak and the gloves she had gifted you. 

- It was unnerving to have so many eyes on you when you walked through the town with Freda. You followed her like a lost child, but you tried to push yourself and see things you never allowed yourself to see outside the walls of your home. 

- Freda’s family was kind to you and showed gratitude when they heard you decided to keep company to Ioreth, the stubborn woman refusing to live in the town with them after her husband's death. 

- Their welcoming presence felt comforting, and to your surprise, they did not get upset or pressure you to uncover yourself when you told them you felt more comfortable being covered by your cloak. They were respectful and assured you they would patiently wait until you felt comfortable showing yourself to them.

- You honestly did not know what to make of it, but their assurance made you eager to visit them more often. 

- After two years of getting to know Freda’s family, you decided to take the next step and show yourself to them. With your permission, Freda told them of your unique condition, and with enough prepping, you finally revealed your scales to them. 

- They were surprised when you showed them your white scales, and for a moment, you prepared to face rejection and run out of the house, but then you were surprised by their acceptance. They welcomed you wholeheartedly and praised the beauty they did not expect you to have. 

- Their constant praising left you flustered as you had never heard anyone call you beautiful— you were used to people staring at you and calling you unnatural. But, you rejoiced in their acceptance and now felt like you were part of the family. 

- They even offered you to stay with them. You felt touched by the offer but expressed your desire to remain with Ioreth, and they respected your decision. But you became comfortable showing yourself inside their home. 

- After three years had passed, you found yourself happy and having learned much about the world around you. 

- It was shocking to realize that no one knew about Westeros and that creatures such as orcs and gods called the Valar existed. The three imposing mountains you saw in the distance were called Thangorodrim, and the graceful beings you encountered were called the Elves. It was a lot to take in, but the only reasonable explanation you could muster was that you had somehow traveled to another world.

- You would have deemed yourself mad if you hadn't experienced your new life. Feeling a kind of happiness knowing it meant safety from Jaeherys and those who sought your demise, yet also a tinge of sadness, realizing you would never know the fate of your father. 

- You could only guess he had either been killed or executed.

- After three months into the new year, Meraxes suddenly fell ill. She exhibited reduced energy, ate less, and appeared noticeably grumpier than usual. Perplexed by the sudden change in behavior, you sought advice from Ioreth, who suggested that she might have ingested something that caused her illness, having seen similar symptoms in animals like pigs and cows.

- Ioreth had a medicine, but since Meraxes was bigger than any pig or cow, she would need to take a larger amount. 

- You were worried for Meraxes, and around the corner was a celebration held by the town.

-  Freda had urged you to join in. Despite your hesitation, you didn’t have the heart to deny her invitation, especially when Ioreth was joining the party too. It was somewhat exciting as you had never attended a party that wasn’t held in your home or by your father. 

- It was a type of celebration where the people would dress up and put paint on their faces to pay tribute to the Valars, so Freda suggested you would come to the party with your scales and additional paint. 

- You didn’t feel comfortable with the idea, but when her younger siblings asked if they could do your hair and put the pain on you, you couldn’t bring yourself to refuse them. 

- Freda and her mother seized the opportunity to pick out a dress for you, leaving you with no room to refuse as they were eager to dress you up for the occasion. It was a lovely dress that complemented well with your red cloak, which Freda insisted you wear instead of your usual green one. The combination popped out your scales, and Freda’s siblings did a wonderful job on your hair. 

- They had also painted your face with beautiful white lines and designs that perfectly complemented the scales on your skin.

- You nearly mistook yourself for a mystical being and even found yourself beautiful. Freda and her family did not waste the opportunity to dress you for the celebration. 

- You were still nervous when the night of the party arrived, but as Freda said, most of the town people had dressed up and painted their faces with colors. No one seemed to have suspected a thing when you walked outside with Freda, your scales showing and everything. On the contrary, you received many compliments and admiring looks when people realized you were Freda’s strange hooded friend. 

- For the time in your life, you had fun at a party, watching people dance, playing songs, and eating a large variety of foods. 

- You mostly stuck with Freda or any of her family members during the celebration as you didn’t possess strong social skills to talk with people. 

- You then noticed there were also elves in the party. It was a rare sight since elves did not often visit human towns. 

- Freda explained they were part of the Noldor. The age of peace had flourished since Morgoth had hidden himself away in his northern fortress, so the elves would always join a party whenever a chance occurred. 

- You curiously observed the partying elves. It was curious to see them, and for a moment, your attention was taken by an elf who had braids and what seemed to be golden ribbons in his hair. He was quite handsome. His raven locks were nearly as dark as the night sky above you, and it seemed he enjoyed the party the most out of his kin. 

- When it was time for a dance, you stood on the sidelines and watched. You liked it that way since you had never been lucky to be asked to dance before, so you never truly learned how to dance. Unknowns to you, you had caught the attention of the elf with the golden ribbons. 

- Fingon, the energetic Noldor prince, had joined the party upon change, wanting to escape the court and his duties for one night. He enjoyed parties, and the Edain always knew how to throw an interesting one. He felt pity he couldn’t celebrate it like he used to with his siblings and cousins, but as long as it took his mind away from the darker things of the world— it was enough. 

- He was in the midst of conversation and drinks with some friends till his gaze landed upon you. He nearly didn't believe his eyes. To him, you were drop-dead gorgeous. The red cloak made you stand out, but the white paint and the scale resembling stones that adorned your skin sparkled like diamonds. It was like Aule himself had dressed you in the earth’s finest jewels, and if it weren't for your rounded ears and your somewhat ordinary demeanor, Fingon might have mistaken you for a beautiful princess or even a Maia.

- Fingon was teased when his friends caught him staring at you and told him to go talk to you since he was clearly captivated by you. 

- He only laughed them off but decided to follow their advice and approach you. 

- You were startled when he suddenly came to you, and with his gentle yet teasing voice, he started talking. 

- “Now, what would a lovely maiden like yourself be doing here all alone while others have fun dancing? Is the party not to your liking?” Fingon questioned teasingly. 

“No… it's just,” you hesitated to answer. Fingon was captivated by your quiet yet soft voice and even more when he saw your violet eyes. 

“I’ve never been much of a dancer, and I enjoy watching others having fun,” you finally answered. 

- Enamored, Fingon continued conversing with you, complimenting your appearance. While you were somewhat charmed by his praise, you couldn't help but tease him. He was one head shorter than you, something you didn't expect when he approached you. He seemed a lot taller in the distance. 

- Fingon found your shyness and wit endearing, and he continued to keep you company. He introduced himself, mentioning that he was the first prince of the High King Fingolfin.

- “I’m (Name), the daughter of the ki—” you quickly stopped, realizing what you were about to say. Fingon introduced himself in a manner familiar to those in the court that the etiquette came back naturally to you.

Fingon looked at you curiously. 

“Just (Name), daughter of a simple man,” you fixed yourself with a fake smile. 

- Luckily, Fingon seemed to have bought it, and you two then spent a fun night together, talking and joining some games. It was perhaps one of the only times you did not wish for a party to end. 

- When the night came to an end, you two bid farewell to each other. Fingon felt shame that he had to leave so soon after meeting you. He would have enjoyed getting to know you more and then placed a kiss on the back of your hand as a goodnight. Your poor heart nearly exploded out of your chest by the act. You had never received such courtesy before, and you felt slightly ashamed that he was not kissing mere decorations on your hand but your actual scales. 

- Freda teased you endlessly when you told her what had happened and how much fun you had talking with Fingon. You tolerated her jests through the night until the morning arrived. 

- You considered going to the place where you had heard the elves spend the night in hopes of seeing Fingon again but decided to go to the mountains when Ioreth told you that she had prepared the medicine for Meraxes. 

- You took your red cloak as your green cloak was at Ioreth’s house, then made your way to the mountain with Meraxes’s medicine. You two decided you would try to give Meraxes her medicine through a piece of meat since food was one of the only ways to convince someone to take their medicine.  

- When you reached Meraxes’s cave, she was already waiting for you there. You greeted her, then handed her the meat you carried in your basket, letting her eat it from your hand and watching as the medicine seemed to have taken effect. She looked more lively and even asked for more.  

- Relief washed over you as you gave her pets, but unknown to you, someone had followed you to her den. 

- Fingon, who was preparing to leave with his kin, wanted to try to see you one last time before he had to return home. However, when he saw you leave your friend's home and make your way toward the mountains, he became worried since orcs and other creatures alike could be found hiding there. So, he followed you, only to be startled when he found you standing in front of a giant silver-scaled dragon. 

- It had been ages when he last saw the ferocious golden dragon, Glaurung, and the fact that this dragon was bigger and had wings was enough to make him call out to you and draw out his bow. 

- Meraxes was quick to go defensive and roar at the intruder. 

- You were momentarily stunned as you had no idea someone had followed you to the mountain. 

- Meraxes lunged at Fingon with her jaws open, but Fingon was quick to roll to the side, narrowly avoiding being bitten whole. Recovering swiftly, he drew his bow again, ready to aim for her one remaining eye.

- “No!” You yelled, pushing his bow away so that his arrow only struck Meraxes in the snout, aggravating her even further. 

- You then saw how Meraxes’s jaws began to glow with the familiar fiery glow. She was intending to burn Fingon alive. 

- Meraxes was protective and stubborn enough to ignore your orders, so the only thing you could come up with to save the elf was to grab him and run to the edge of the cliff. Meraxes released her flames, but luckily, you were quick enough to jump over the edge and slide down the hill before her flames could touch you. However, now you were sliding hard against the cliff wall with a far drop beneath you. 

- Your claws helped you keep a tight grip on Fingon and slow down your fall, but then you lost your hold, and you both rolled down the hill before you finally reached the bottom, surrounded by forest. 

- You both groaned in pain as you both suffered some cuts and bruises, but then you recovered when Fingon picked himself up and urged you to come with him before your dragon could find you again. 

- You were quick to explain that she was your friend and she only attacked because he was an intruder to her territory. Fingon was confused, and you had to go into details about how she was your steed and that you had her since childhood. 

- He only seemed more confused, questioning why you would want to harbor a creature of Morgoth. 

- You then explained that she was not one of Morgoth’s creatures and that you both were from somewhere where dragons were common and could be received as steeds. You then revealed that the scales on your skin were no decor but actual scales, things you had been born with. 

- Fingon seemed to believe you since he did saw how you used your claws to slow down the fall. 

- To your frustration, you found yourselves on the other side of the mountains, far from the town and other people. Fortunately, you were gifted with a keen sense of smell, so you began leading Fingon back to the other side by following the scent of people. Despite the long walk and climbing, you didn't deem it safe to summon Meraxes. She would most likely try to kill the elf again if you did. 

- Fingon started questioning about your origins and everything related to Meraxes and your scales.

- You tried to answer all his questions and assure him that you were not in league with Morgoth and that you came from a different place, a place he would most likely not find on maps.  

- It took you half a day to finally find your way back to the other side, but before Fingon could leave to join his kin, you stopped him and pleaded with him to remain quiet about you and Meraxes. 

- Fingon felt conflicted as it was one of his duties to tell what was happening on his father’s lands, but then you told him how you and your dragon had already lived three years without an incident and that you had nowhere else to go if you and Meraxes got chased away. 

- You begged and even told him you would do anything as long as you could stay in your new home. 

- Fingon felt a tug in his heart as you were sincere and looked like you were on the brink of tears. You saved him from the dragon but also loved the said dragon enough that you would choose to leave with it rather than abandon it. 

- It was a complicated situation, and all he could tell you was he would let you know what he would decide to do with the knowledge and then left. 

- Anxiety and troubled thoughts had haunted you ever since that day. 

- It had only been three days since the incident, and you were already considering packing your things and leaving with Meraxes while you still had the chance. Ioreth tried to comfort you after hearing about the incident, but nothing seemed to work to calm down the paranoia that cribbled you from within. 

- The thoughts became more terrible, and you started beating yourself for allowing such a mistake to happen. 

- It even got to the point where you ended up with a manic panic attack and started scratching the scales off your arm, trying to trim them away. 

- The lingering hatred you felt towards the scales resurfaced, driving you to scratch at them until the ground was covered in white, bloodied scales, and your arms were left bleeding from the numerous cuts and spots where the scales had once been.

- You would then silently cry and then clean up the mess before Ioreth could notice and get worried for you. 

- With Fingon, he struggled to decide what to do. On one hand, he knew he shouldn't keep something like this hidden from his father and people. However, upon further reflection, he realized he didn't want anything bad to happen to you. Dragons were primarily associated with Morgoth, and given your half-dragon nature, it was likely that you would be ostracized or even chased away if the people learned about you.

- Fingon could tell that you were not lying about the things you said, and he felt a little awful when he remembered the desperate look on your face. Would he only be damning your life if he told your secret? You had not done anything suspicious yet, so maybe…

- Shaking his head, he then came to a difficult decision.

- After the fourth day, as you were helping Ioreth do some stitching, Fingon came to visit you. You were surprised as he had come alone and not with a mob of people like you had first expected. 

- Fingon suggested a deal since you did save him from your dragon’s flames and helped him return to his kin. He would keep silent about you and your dragon, but to ensure nothing unexpected would happen, he would come to visit and monitor you. 

- You accepted the deal without a second thought. It felt reasonable to you and it meant you got to stay with Ioreth. 

- Fingon then began asking questions. He inquired about your homeland, your parents, and the reason for your stay in Hithlum. You answered honestly, sharing details about your background but omitting the parts about Westeros being in another world, your royal status as a former princess, as well as the circumstances involving your cousin and your need to escape.

- He also had strange questions, like if you could breathe fire and fly. They were the only questions that baffled you, but since Freda had asked similar questions on your first meeting— you were not bothered by them. 

- You could not breathe fire to your knowledge, neither were you born with wings. The only special features you had were that you could see very well in the dark, had a keen sense of smell, and were physically stronger than an average man. 

- The day went by quickly, with you answering his questions about you and Meraxes until it was time for him to depart. You thanked him continuously, trying to show gratefulness for his decision to keep your secret. 

- He seemed sincere and told you to expect him to come for another visit soon enough before sending him off. 

- The heavyweight from your mind was momentarily lifted. You were good at telling when people were lying, and Fingon was sincere through and through, so you did not have to worry if you could trust him. 

- He visited once a week. Fingon questioned a lot about Meraxes and then about you. It seemed like he was trying to monitor your every move, but he quickly softened up, and you two started talking about yourselves. Well, you mostly listened to him talk about his life and what his family was like. You had very few good things you wanted to share with him, and you did not want to ruin the good mood he often brought with your sad life. 

- You did fill out his curiosity when he asked about Meraxes and why she was so protective of you, and he seemed to have possessed some pity for the dragon when you told him how her previous rider died on her back. 

- However, you decided letting the two meet each other again wasn’t a good idea, especially after what happened last time. You did suggest that Fingon would leave you a glove or something with his scent on it so you could try to get Meraxes used to it and avoid further incidents. Reluctantly, he agreed to the plan for the greater good. Unfortunately, Meraxes proved to be difficult, only growling at the scent and huffing away when you tried to tell her not to harm the elf next time.

- An unusual friendship was born between you and Fingon. His warm and forward nature made you eager for his visits, and you started asking more about Middle Earth and news around the world. 

- One day, you dared to ask him if he could bring books and teach you his language. You held love toward languages and thought his people’s language sounded beautiful. 

- When he agreed, you were gleaming with joy. It was perhaps the first time Fingon saw you smile openly, and he thought your excitement was adorable. 

- You immediately started reading and learning when he brought you the books and took it as a little personal challenge to surprise him with your linguistic skills. You have always been a quick learner when it came to languages. 

- Then Freda suddenly came to visit when Fingon was there. She was quick to take a protective stance when she saw him and realized he knew about your scales and even threatened to beat him up if he dared to do anything foul to you. 

- You had to calm her down, though you felt touched that she came to your defense. She then gushed and teased you about your new friendship with the elf. She even teased if you had a growing crush on the elf. 

- You profoundly apologized to Fingon for the encounter, but he only smiled. He found it admirable and complimented you having a good friend. It made you somewhat happy because it proved Freda was one of the first true friends you ever had. 

- When you told him you had never seen much of the world around you except on Meraxes’s back, he suggested you two would go on an adventure together. 

- The idea made you fearful as you had never dared to venture the lands on foot. You also felt a bit embarrassed since you had flown for most of your life and didn't know how to ride a horse.

- Fingon did not tease you when you told him. He encouraged you and assured you that you would be fine with him around. No one will dare to harm you in his presence. 

- The voices in your head said no to the offer, but wanting to see the world at least once, you agreed. 

- Your body was shaking and nearly refusing to leave the house when the day arrived. Ioreth helped you pack necessities, but it was like your conscious and body wanted to stay in the safety zone, pushing all kinds of thoughts into your head. You nearly changed your mind until Fingon arrived on his horse, and you managed to compose yourself somehow.

- You felt excited when you climbed behind him on his horse, and he took you farther from the town. It became easy letting him ride you around, and you finally saw things beyond the borders of the town. 

- Fingon showed you all the beautiful sights of Hithlum. The fear and the blood rush calmed down as you were awed by the sights and things you never saw in the sky. 

- However, you would start shaking when Fingon would pass some other towns, and people would look at you. You were covered in your cloak, so they most likely looked at you because of the height difference between you and Fingon. You were one head taller than him. You might have also held a bit too hard on him during your shaking episode and felt embarrassed when he gently asked you to ease your grip around his waist. 

- You two then arrived at a good picnic spot and challenged each other in fishing. Fingon dared if you could catch a fish with your bare hands, and you accepted since you did have a quick reaction and keen senses. 

- However, when you pulled up your sleeve and focused on the small shadows in the water, Fingon noticed the state of your arm. He saw how it was covered in small cuts and appeared to have missing scales. The redness of your skin concerned him, as your arm looked like something had scratched it hatefully.

- You then tried to snatch the fish from the water. You got a hold of the fish and pulled it out, but it then slipped out of your hands and fell into the water. 

- You two laughed about it, and then Fingon tried to inquire about your arm. Your behavior changed as you explained you had a little incident and covered your arm. Nothing he needed to worry about. 

- Fingon felt suspicious of your words but pushed it back as you two then had a picnic and watched the stars when the night arrived, having planned to stay the night outside. 

- Fingon introduced you to most of the constellations and explained how Varda was the goddess who created the stars. You listened attentively, enjoying the stories and the sound of his voice. 

- When Fingon mentioned the life he still had with his family in Valinor, you felt a small rush of courage and decided to share more details about your past life. 

- You shared what kind of person your father was and how you were abandoned at birth by both your father and birth mother, and the only person who took you in and raised you was your father’s first wife. How most people treated you and how you were always known as your father’s half-monster daughter and the only surviving child out of all his other dead half-monster children. 

- Fingon was first surprised to learn you used to be a noble lady, but then he threw a few jokes and called you ‘my lady’ 

- You did not correct that you were actually a princess and found humor in his jokes. 

- You then revealed the true reason why you left your home, and Fingon felt sympathy for you, sorrowed how much hardship you had faced even though you were one of the most gentle-hearted people in his eyes. 

- He comforted you, and you found yourself surprisingly relieved for sharing. You two then spent the night sleeping against the tree till morning finally arrived. Unfortunately, trouble arrived right at the crack of dawn. 

- Fingon was still soundly sleeping till his ears picked up growling above him. He opened his eyes and looked up, seeing Meraxes snarling and glaring down at him with fury in her golden eye. 

- “Well, I hope you are here to apologize for the last time,” Fingon said before closing his eyes again. 

- You woke up to Fingon’s screams as your dragon dragged him by his foot. 

- You quickly acted, running up to him and grabbing his hands before Meraxes could pick him up and swallow him whole. 

- “Meraxes! Let go!” You yelled as you ended up playing tug war with your dragon, your elf friend being the rope. 

- Meraxes ignored your orders, even when you tried to yell in high valyrian, so you then took out your claws and smacked her hard enough in the snout that she finally let go of Fingon’s foot. 

- You both fell to the ground, but you quickly stood protectively in front of Fingon when your dragon tried to attack him again. You prevented her from getting past you and tried to tell her off. 

- She growled at you. You finally had enough and snarled back at her, revealing your teeth and warning her off. Meraxes finally took you seriously and backed away, releasing crumbles and glaring at Fingon. 

- You sighed in relief and started apologizing to Fingon for the mess. You were so eager to go on a trip with him that you had completely forgotten to tell Meraxes. She most likely thought he was trying to kidnap you or something. 

- Fingon tried to calm you down and assure you he was not angry, but you dismissed it, having been unable to keep Meraxes out of trouble and nearly getting him killed for the second time. 

- You then decided it was for the best that you two went home and flew back on Meraxes, feeling upset about the whole ordeal. 

- The next week felt excruciating, and you started dreading the next day when Fingon was supposed to visit. What if he hated you now? What if he deemed you were unsafe to keep around, and now he would bring people to chase you out? Why can’t you do anything right? 

- Those questions kept haunting you and nearly drove you mad. You did not dare to face Fingon again, but you also wanted to have some kind of answer to what he thought of you now. You did not want to lose the friendship you had with him. You liked being with him, and the thought of him hating you made the feeling worse. 

- You looked at your scales, and the looming sense of self-hatred returned. If only you had been born without them, perhaps you could have lived a normal life.

- Your heart began to pound painfully against your chest, and your breathing became frantic as you started scratching the scales again, desperate to remove them from your skin.  

- The scales dropped to the ground, and your arm began to bleed from the cuts you gave yourself from your claws. Your arm was burning with pain, but you ignored it and even started scratching your other arm out of its scales. You were too deep in your panic to notice someone approaching you. 

- Fingon tried to call out to you, but when you ignored him, he then grabbed both of your hands, forcing you to stop and look at him. 

- He gently calmed you down from the panic attack, but you looked away, pleading him not to look at you. 

- He comforted you and then begged you to tell him what drove you to hurt yourself. He continuously assured you he was there to help, but he wouldn’t be able to if you didn’t tell him. You couldn’t take it anymore and started sobbing, confessing to everything.

- You told him what kind of life you lived as the half-monster princess, how you lost your beloved mother when you were sixteen, how you killed the knight who killed her, how uncaring your father was of her, and how you were punished living in isolation, how your birth mother isolated you from your only friends, how your father committed more atrocities and how he was the reason you were born like this. And the last thing he did was to tell you to run away before your cousin could find you and kill you for being a monster. 

- You had no one else to turn to, and your half-monster side still prevents you from finding happiness. 

- Fingon listened to you while caring for your arms, cleaning them, and adding healing ointment given by Ioreth after telling her what had happened. He gently bandaged your arms. 

- He was nearly driven into tears by your story and how you possessed such self-hatred that you would even harm yourself. 

- He now understood why you were so scared of the world around you and why you always wanted to keep yourself hidden. 

- You then asked him not to hate you, as you genuinely liked him and wanted to keep him as a friend. He was one of your only friends besides Freda. 

- He comforted you that he never hated you in the first place and that what happened with Meraxes was an accident. Maybe the two were never fated to get along in the first place. 

- He then did something surprising and embraced you. He comforted you and assured you that he would never hate you just because your dragon doesn’t like him. He then kept telling you that being born unique did not make you a monster and that you were deserving of love and friends. 

- He also told you he knew people who looked normal yet were just as terrible as monsters. Compared to them, you were innocent as a dove. 

- You nearly couldn't understand his words, but the feeling of comfort in his arms was enough to make you hold on to him and cry. 

- Fingon then held you and did not allow you to leave till you had shed all the pain and tears you needed. 

- Fingon shared what happened with Freda, and the latter then forced you to live in the town with her family for the time being. The two believed you needed company and care so that you would not try to hurt yourself again. 

- It helped a little to improve your state of mind, and Freda’s family refused to let you go out, insisting you stayed inside until your arms were healed. 

- Fingon started visiting you more often, bringing elven remedies and helping you care for your arms. Even though you had the qualities of a dragon, you were still very human and thus vulnerable to infections. Fingon wanted to make sure you recovered without falling sick. 

- But since you opened up about your past and cried all the bottled emotions you had held back over the years, you became lethargic, thus making you smile became more challenging. 

- Fingon asked Ioreth and other healers what he could do to help you recover in mind and spirit, and one thing he learned was that music was a good remedy to heal someone from a depressive state of mind, so he decided to sing to you. 

- You became captivated by his singing voice and music, and it did help you become more lively. 

- Under his care, you started to look after yourself more, and to ensure you would not scratch yourself again, you trimmed your nails and claws. They would grow back, and that way, you assured Fingon you would not try hurting yourself again. 

- Although you still had the habit of picking scales off your skin, but not bad enough to cause injuries. 

- You even started going out again, mostly to visit Ioreth and Meraxes, though you were still upset with her for the incident. 

- You even started ignoring your beloved dragon, confusing her. She once came near the town to see you and was startled when you angrily told her to return to her cave. However, you soon felt awful for snapping at her and apologized to her. 

- You felt a little ashamed from the constant care by Freda and Fingon. In your home, such attention might have labeled you as short-tempered and overly emotional. Those were the traits you did not like sharing with your father. 

- But then you began to notice something within yourself when you continued listening to Fingon’s music or looked forward to his visits. 

- Your arms had gotten better thanks to him. The cuts had healed, and by the next month, your arms began to grow new scales. 

- Fingon was gentle with you and was always happy to play you a new song. His care and willingness to still come visit sparked something within your heart. 

- You two even got more things to talk about when you had told him your past, and the elven prince seemed not to have changed much, even throwing jokes and treating you like royalty. 

- It felt too weird to be regarded as a princess again, so you asked him to treat you normally, and he respected your wish. Although he did boast how he was right since you being a princess was his first impression of you. 

- Fingon somehow managed to keep you flustered, and it soon became obvious enough that you were falling for him. 

- You denied it at first. You did adore him as a friend, but falling in love with him was too far of a stretch. You were blessed enough not to have him hate you for his two near-death experiences, but having him fall for someone like you was simply an impossible fever dream. 

- Freda became excited when you shared with her about your feelings for Fingon and regretted it because now she was pestering you to go forward with them.

- You refused, and she said you were taking things too pessimistically. You should at least try to see if he had an ounce of interest in you. 

- Freda had a good way with words, so you became haunted by the thought and started observing Fingon when he visited you. 

- He seemed like always, and when you started taking walks outside the town, he was gentle with you and tried to keep up a good mood. You always listened because you enjoyed hearing him talk about random and mundane things, and he also started saying positive things about you. 

- He continued how you had many useful perks, such as a keen sense of smell, so you could always find misplaced things, could see in the dark so light was a never problem for you, and the scales being a natural armor for you, protecting you from small things like flies and mosquitoes who loved to bother everyone. That part made you laugh because you never really had a problem with mosquitoes. 

- His positive talking helped you to see yourself in a better light, though not fully removing the years of hatred you accumulated. 

- And to your startle, you noticed signs that he might be interested in you romantically. 

- You didn’t know how to handle that information. In a small part of your mind, it made you feel happy, but in others, it gave you new fears. 

- After being constantly pestered and advised by Ioreth that you should grasp happiness when it's offered to you, you decided to make a bold move and ask Fingon if he could take you on another adventure.

- You reasoned that revealing your past to him helped relieve the heavy weight from your chest, and you were also tired of living in fear all the time. You wanted to experience all that life had to offer before the end of your time.

- Fingon excitedly agreed, but he questioned if you were comfortable with the idea as he wanted to avoid pushing your limits. 

- You assured him that you wanted it. You did not want to keep hiding all the time. You just needed to assure Meraxes this time and ensure she would not jump to conclusions. 

- Fingon then insisted he would come with you to see her, to show her he was not a threat to you. You felt hesitant, but to your surprise, your dragon did not try to kill him in sight when you two came to visit her. 

- She did glare at him and crumbled while you told her of your plans, but she didn’t try anything and allowed you to leave without an issue. 

- It was a surprising change, but then you figured she must have changed her attitude so you wouldn’t get upset with her and ignore her like last time. 

- She was a stubborn old lady, but she always cared deeply for you. She was perhaps that overprotective, stubborn mother figure in your life– wanting to keep you safe from everything and making it hard for you to try new things. 

- You and Fingon then went on another adventure. You still became nervous at the sight of people, but now you felt less afraid at the thought of traveling. 

- Fingon showed you new places and even took you to see his home, which you thought was beautiful. 

- At the end of the day, when Fingon escorted you back home. You had contemplated about your feelings for him and finally decided to confess. You believed it was best to let him know than to hide them since you had done it for most of your life. 

- You stopped Fingon beneath a tree and told him of your feelings. How you had grown to adore his free yet gentle nature, how he had helped you see good in yourself, and how you had become less afraid of the world thanks to him. 

- You loved the sound of his voice, and his presence was like that of a warm sun. The world had become less dark to you when he arrived in your life. 

- You understood if he only saw you as a friend and then prepared to face rejection. 

- But instead of rejection, Fingon smiled and told you he accepted your feelings. He confessed that he had loved you since day one. 

- He then went far as to kiss the back of your hand like he did when you first met, making your poor heart pound with fluster before telling you he would be honored to court someone like you, a maiden with diamonds embedded on her skin. 

- You began crying, not out of sorrow or anger, but for the first time, in joy. You had found someone who loved you in return. 

- That night went like a breeze, but it was one of the happiest nights of your life.

Taglist: @foggyturtleknightangel @carlgrimessimp

[spinningwebsandtales]

Imagine Getting Close to Ban After He Protects You Pt. 2

Ban X FemReader

Rating: T

Warnings: Mentions of drunks and bars

Word Count: 824

Part 1 here

Requested by @rhilove1234​

(A/N:) I am so glad you enjoyed the first part enough to ask for a part 2! I’m sorry it took so long to get around to it as my life had been chaotic at that moment but now I am more than ready to grant your request! I hope you enjoy this second part! Until next time happy reading! ~Countess

After Ban had left, your life had returned to some form of normalcy. The drunk men didn’t give you grief near as much as they used to and you noticed the looks of the villagers turn to scorn. You missed the easy smile that Ban carried regularly and his jokes. But you mostly missed his touch. The place that you had grown up no longer felt like home. So months later after he left you, you decided to leave to better yourself. Packing your meager things and disappearing into the night you left your old life far behind. The guilt of leaving your family behind to work off the debt almost made you turn around. But even there you no longer felt like it was home. Ban had brought a sense of safety you never had and you weren’t going to make it without him unless you left and started anew.

He showed you that your life could be better, you just had to make yourself better. And that’s how you found your new life in a new town. You worked hard but you had everything you could ever want. Fresh groceries, fine clothing, and a sturdy roof over your head. It was a dream come true, the only thing that would make it more magical was if you were sharing it with the silver haired fox sin. You remembered him fondly and wished and hoped every night that you would see him again. To show him that you did make yourself better and that the life you were leading now was beyond measure. No more rough bars and groping drunks. You finally had a life that you could be proud of. You sighed wistfully at the thought before drifting off to sleep.

The next day you found yourself in the middle of the marketplace shopping for much needed groceries and some essentials for your home. It was difficult not to splurge this time for a few objects in the marketplace but you had to hold out until your next paycheck. You looked over a selection of potatoes from a vendor you were getting to know well when you saw a flash of silver and red. Your head immediately turning in excitement, but deflated when you didn’t see anything. You chalked it up to wishful thinking before going back to selecting the best potatoes before going onwards to your next stop. You stepped through the crowd, finally used to the hustle and bustle enough you could move through without being jostled too much. Once again out of the corner of your eye you saw the familiar flash of color. Looking again you were disappointed to see an elderly gentleman wearing a red scarf. You deflated, tears pricking at your eyes as you were once again disappointed.

“I don’t know C’apn doesn’t seem like there’s anything special here,” a familiar voice spoke.

You whirled around again finally spotting the person you had searched for and longed for for years. He looked the same but more at ease as he stood beside a much smaller statured blond boy. You choked on the sob as Ban yawned after speaking to his apparent captain.

“Trust me it’s here,” the blond stranger spoke making his way through the crowd again.

You dropped everything trying to call out, but your voice letting you down as it only came out in a choked sob. He was leaving again and you didn’t want to let this moment pass you by. You couldn’t let the one person you had come to care for more than yourself leave your life without telling him, how much he means to you.

“B-Ban,” you called once your voice found itself. You watched in awe as his head turned towards you. His whole demeanor changed from confusion to joy as he recognized you. You sobbed freely making your way to the tall lanky man. He pushed his way past people, ignoring their glares and curses. All he could see was you and he didn’t want to let nothing else stop him from coming to you. You leapt forward as large familiar arms encircled you with their warmth.

“How are you here,” he murmured breathing deeply that scent he had grown to adore in that short amount of time he’d been with you.

“I left,” you sobbed. “I wanted to better myself and maybe a little part of me hoped to find you again.”

He chuckled, “Congratulations you’re luck ran out. Here I am.”

“I think I’m the luckiest person in the world,” you melted into him. “And now I don’t want to let go.”

“Neither do I.”

You looked up into those ruby red eyes you adored so much. Ban leant down claiming your lips in a warm kiss. You had wished, hoped, and prayed for this one moment. This moment was worth all the lifetimes you could give, just for one more moment with the fox sin.

[kemetic-dreams]

Eartha Mary Magdalene (M.M.) White, a prominent African philanthropist and businesswoman from Jacksonville, Florida. Her life was truly remarkable and her legacy continues today through the Eartha M.M. White Legacy Fund.

Born in 1876, Eartha was the 13th child of two former slaves. She was adopted by Clara White, a woman who lived her life by helping others. In fact, Clara's favorite motto was,"Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, for all the people you can, while you can." Eartha embraced her mother's motto in her own life. She is pictured in the photo (standing) alongside her mother Clara.

In 1893, Eartha moved to New York City to avoid a yellow fever outbreak. There, she attended the National Conservatory of Music, which led to a job with the Oriental American Opera Company, which is known as the first black opera company in the country. Eartha sang soprano under the direction of J. Rosamond Johnson (brother of James Weldon Johnson), and traveled extensively with the company throughout the U.S. and Europe.

When she returned to her hometown of Jacksonville, Eartha, inspired by her mother's motto, began a life of philanthropy that continues today, well after her death in 1974.

She gave back to her community in many ways, as a teacher for 16 years and as an entrepreneur. She owned a taxi cab service, a steam laundry business, an employment and housekeeping bureau, and became the first woman employed at the Afro-American Life Insurance company in Jacksonville. It is estimated that from her various entrepreneurial endeavors, she amassed a net worth in excess of $1 million dollars, most of it used to fund her philanthropic efforts.

Those efforts include the establishment of an orphanage for African-American children, a home for unwed mothers, a nursery for children of working mothers, a tuberculosis rest home, the Boys' Improvement Club (1904) that worked to prevent delinquency, and helping to establish Oak Park, the first public park for African Americans in Jacksonville. Among the most notable of her efforts was the establishment of the Clara White Mission for the Indigent. Named after her mother, the mission fed the needy, and provided a variety of supportive services to Jacksonville's black community, which still exists today as the Clara White Mission.

In 1902, Eartha along with her mother established a nursing home for elderly African Americans, that later became known as Eartha M.M. White Health Care, Inc. In 2005, the assets from the health care company was sold, enabling the Community Foundation of Jacksonville to establish the Eartha M.M. White Legacy Fund, with a 1.4 million dollar endowment. The fund also made history, being the first fund with 1 million dollars in origin for the African community in Jacksonville.

In 1970, Eartha received a volunteerism award and was appointed to the President's National Center for Voluntary Action by President Nixon. When asked how she would spend her award money, she answered,"I've already decided I want it to serve humanity. What would I do with it? Sit around the Plaza Hotel? I'm too busy."

[kqysukii]

NEVER ENDING CHAPTER

chapter 1 ~

tw!; swearing, slight grief, couple arguments, lmk if there’s anything else!

~~~~

Chapter 1: Bittersweet Latte

__________________________

Thursday, 11:03am

Momma's home.

"I love you, baby.." My mother said wiping tears from her eyes.

"Ma', I'm only gonna be a couple hours away. I promise I'll visit every holiday, and I'll call you every day.." Chantelle says voice cracking, pulling her into a tight hug.

Chantelle Levines, a 21 year old girl who had just bought a new house in Atlanta. She had lived in Tennessee for most of her life, so this was a big step for her. She had got a job offer for a writer in Atlanta, and her family thought it was best if she moved there.

My mom smiled. "You're such a big girl now!" She said with her hands on my arms. My mom pulled me in for another hug, sniffling. "I love you baby.. please be careful. Make me proud."

"I will momma, don't worry." I say holding my suitcases walking towards the door. I open the door and turn around looking my momma in the eyes. She was such a strong woman. Raising me as an only parent, working multiple jobs to keep a roof over my head, she was my role model. There was a comfortable silence before I walked out the door, closing it behind me. Leaving the cinnamon flavored air, yellow and brown home, that the same woman raised me in.

I walk towards my car looking at what used to be my home. Leaving this place would be leaving all I've ever know behind. But I got this. I'll make my momma proud. And when I make her proud, I'm gonna buy her anything she wants. I'll repay her after all these years. And I just know my daddy's watching me from above. And I know if I have both of them, I can do anything. And with that, I pull off, and head for the airport.

Monday, 4:09pm

"Turn to the left on Main Street to reach your destination" My GPS says. A few minutes later, I'm staring at my new home. Not bad.

I open my car door, locking it behind me as I walk up to the front door of my house. My house is pretty big. It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, kitchen, and dining room. I would probably end up making one of the bedrooms my office.

A couple hours later, I start to unpack some of the things I had with me. The moving van was supposed to be coming that Wednesday. Maybe I could go out for some coffee? I had nothing better to do.. why not?? I thought to myself. I put my shoes on, and pull my hair back. I try to lay my edges down, and I quickly put on some light makeup. Nothing special, just going to pick up coffee...and maybe some guys too. I laugh at myself, as I pick up my car keys. I need to calm down, I literally just moved here..

In the coffee shop..

Butterscotch Café

6:32 pm

I open the café doors as a little bell rings in sync with the door widening. It looked really cozy, if I do say so myself. You could tell all different types of people from college students typing on laptops, elderly reading newspapers, music producers, writers, and so much more. As I looked around studying my environment, I make my way to the counter where several workers look ready to go home. To be honest, I don't blame them.

"Hello, can I take your order?" The worker asked.

"Hi! It's my first time here, what would you recommend..?" I say holding my arm.

"Actually, our drink of the day is our French Toast Latte. Me personally, I think it's pretty tasty."

"Oh, then I'll have that!"

"Great!" He says tapping the digital screen. "That'll be $6.23"

Damn, Georgia EXPENSIVE.. I wince at the price, but it's whatever. "Alrighty.." "I say taking out a ten dollar bill and giving it to him.

I sit down at a booth to drink my coffee. The dim light from the sun makes it way through the giant window next to my booth. The reddish-brownish seats I sit on with slight coffee stains, and the fabric ripping. Nice. I take a sip of my drink, and it was pretty good. I was very picky when it came to drinks, so I was shocked I enjoyed it. While I was here, maybe I should try socializing; I don't know anyone here.

I look around for anyone I might find friendly, but I cant find anyone, really. Everyone is either staring at a computer, or already talking to someone. But there's a guy in the corner, he looks nice. As I'm building up enough courage to go over there, there's another girl. Shoot, well there goes my shot at meeting someone. The girl walks over to him, hastily. She looks mad. She starts to talk to him, and it looks like they're arguing. I cant really hear much, but what I do hear is

"Goddamnit, Mason! You always fucking do this. You know what, I'm done. I'm done with this— I'm done.." Her voice cracks. "I'm done with you. We're over."

Damn.

"What the hell, K'yana? What did I even do? You're fucking overreacting!" The boy states.

"Oh, I'm overreacting? You sure weren't saying that when you left me because you were mad! Then hooked up with that ho? Hell no." She yells.

"Yeah. Cause' you thought you were too good for me. Don't forget, Ky, I was the one who fucking helped you when nobody else did." He shouts back.

Every word of the argument seems to get louder, while I'm over here sipping my latte, watching. It gets so heated, that they get kicked out of the café. Outside, you can see her throwing her coffee on him, and storming off.

"This could be my chance to go over there.." I think to myself. I throw what was left of my coffee away, as I make my way to the door. He has his hand over his head as he sits down on the sidewalk. Poor guy.

I act like I'm just now seeing him, to make it look more casual. I don't want to just sit next to him and freak him out or anything.

"Hey.. you okay?" I say softly.

"I...who the hell are you?!" He snaps back.

Oh! I guess this is what I get for trying to help a stranger.

"My name is Chantelle. You are..?" I say reaching my hand out to help him up.

"None of your damn business." He snaps back again.

"Oookkayyy..." I say as I awkwardly step back from him. "Just..uh. Keep safe, I guess."

He turns his head to look at me. He squints his eyes in confusion. Before I could look back at him, I quickly walk to my car and start it. As I sit in my car, I think about the previous interaction. What the fuck was that. "Keep safe I guess??" I bury my face in my hands to muffle my scream because, what the fuck was that? So much for Atlanta.

a/n

tysm for reading!! this chapter is also on my wattpad that I wrote like a year ago😭 I hope this gets attention because it’ll give me motivation to finish this. Sorry if there’s any grammar mistakes! I copied and pasted from my wattpad without changing anything so idk. anyways, tell me any thoughts or requests you have!! I’ll write more series along with requests!! byeee !

[olicitymckono]

This will be the last part of my nameless story. Any suggestions on a name would help so much. I hope you enjoy the story and I have a few other ideas for both Charles and Max stories. Please let me know if I should post more, your feedback would be amazing.

Thanks so much for the likes and follows 😊

Part 3

4 YEARS LATER:

Half an hour, that’s how long it was before they landed in Monaco. Y/n had mixed feelings of excitement and nausea as she was finally returning home for good. It had been 4 long exciting years and it wasn’t like she hadn't been home for short holidays, but this was it. She had received an offer just a few weeks ago from Red bull to come and work as their media liaison/photographer and she had jumped at the chance. She knew she was going to run into Charles at some point but after everything she was not going to let it stop her. She hadn't seen or spoken to him since that night 4 years ago, not for her lack of effort. On the day she left home, he didn’t show up or even call her to say goodbye. For over a year she had tried calling and messaging him every day, particularly on race days to wish him good luck and she had made sure to be there every year for the races at both Monaco and Silverstone. But he never replied to any message, he would read them but that was it. She hadn't even been able to see him when they were at the same racetrack. And he had to have known she was there because she had met up with some of her old friends like Max and Pierre. But after a while she stopped trying.

“Babe?”

She turned to her boyfriend of 3 years and saw the concern on his face. “Yeah?”

He took her hand, “You, ok?”

After moving to London y/n had become close friends with an elderly lady Alison who happened to walk her dog on the same route as Y/n went running, something she had started doing as a way to release stress. After 6 months, when Alison failed to show up one day for neither their morning or evening run, Y/n had gotten worried and went over to Alison’s house. Her concern had increased when she heard Ruby the chocolate lab barking but no one answered the door. After requesting a wellness check on her friend, she had met Eddie one of the policemen who showed up. Turns out Alison had rushed off to some family emergency and she was totally okay, but it struck up a friendship between her and the young brunette Brit. Three months later they became more than friends and she was happy.

“I’m good. Excited actually, I missed Monaco.”

He grinned, “I’m really excited myself.”

She smiled, “I can't wait to show you all my favourite places.”

He leaned over and kissed her just as the sign came on to fasten their seatbelts. This was it.... she was home.

 

The first few days had been extremely time consuming as they settled into their apartment and y/n running around to meetings with the people at Red bull. But today they could both finally just enjoy being together before heading over to her mother’s house for dinner. “What time did your mom say?”

“7pm.” she responded from the kitchen where she was currently finishing off the dessert.

He came in and stood next to her before trying to take a swipe at the cheesecake. She gently smacks his hand, “Aww.”

“Poor baby,” she pulled a tongue.

He chuckled. “Well babe, we need to go if we want to get there by 7.”

“Ok.”

 

“Mamma,” she threw her arms around her mother and hugged her tightly.

“Ma fille Cherie!”

Y/n looked at her mother, “You look fantastic.”

“You are too sweet my fille. Hi Eddie.” she hugged the young man who had taken care of her daughter.” He kissed her cheeks in greeting. “Claire and the boys are outside.”

He winked at Y/n before heading out to the back. Y/n was slightly confused though which Sylvie quickly picked up on. “You’ll see.”

“Mamma?” she asked.

“Come on.”

She led her daughter outside onto the patio where Lorenzo, Arthur, Claire and Pascale where sitting. Seeing her friends made her grin brightly. Arthur was the first to his feet and dragged her into a rib crushing hug. “I am so glad you’re home.”

“Can’t breathe,” she gasped.

“Sorry.” he smiled sheepishly while letting her go so that his brother and mother could have their chance.

“Mamma didn’t tell me you were all going to be here.”

“Well, mamma thought she would surprise you,” Claire said from her seat. Y/n wasn’t surprised that she didn’t hug her. But what did was the way her sister was looking at her boyfriend. Eddie thankfully was oblivious to it as he just stared at Y/n.

“It's the best.” Y/n hugged her mother again.

The doorbell rang, “Our last guest is here.” Sylvie clapped her hands together and left to answer it.

Y/n looked at Arthur, but he simply shrugged his shoulders in response. “Let’s get you a drink.”

A few minutes later Sylvie walked back out and was accompanied by none other than Charles. When Y/n saw him, she felt her mouth go dry and her heart jump.

He scanned the room before locking eyes with her. She had gotten more beautiful since he last saw her.

“Charles!” Claire broke the spell between the two and hugged him causing Y/n to walk away towards Eddie who wrapped an arm around her waist.

Charles noticed and felt jealous, but he wasn’t going to cause trouble. He needed to make amends with her.

A couple hours later Y/n was standing alone outside as everyone else was enjoying a nightcap. She felt his presence before he even said a word. He stood next to her with his back towards the balcony. “Hi.” he whispered gently.

“Hey.”

“I’m sorry.”

She looked up at him and she could see the sincerity in his eyes and nodded before looking back at the view.

“Can I have a hug?” he asked.

She took a second before stepping back and moving closer to him. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. Putting his face in the crook her neck she shivered as he spoke. “God, I missed you.”

She forced herself to move away. When he looked at her, he could see anger in her eyes. “You missed me?” she asked voice low.

“Yes.”

“So why didn’t you call? Message me back? Speak to me or see me when we were in the same country?”

“Y/n,”

She put up a hand to stop him. “Charles I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you sooner about leaving. But I tried to make amends and you ignored me.”

“I was in a bad space Y/n.’ he sighed. “I fucked up, I know but I need you to know how sorry I am.”

“I know you are. But that doesn’t mean you get a free pass.”

“I’m not asking for one. What I'm asking for is a chance to make it right. Please?”

The broken sound of his voice when he said please almost cause the entire wall she had built up to crumble. She looked back at him and nodded.

 

It was almost like no time had passed between the friends and soon they were almost back to normal. Almost. Charles knew it was going to take time for her to fully forgive him and he was determined to fix it. Hell, he would even deal with Eddie if it made her happy. It wasn’t that he didn’t like the guy, but she was HIS girl. The longer the races went on the more time he got to spend with her, and it made his heart leap. Everyone noticed how when she was around, he laughed and smiled more. Carlos and Max loved taking the micky out of him even going so far that he had to remind them that she had a boyfriend.

A fact she had to remind herself of lately it seemed. The more time she spent with Charles brought up old feelings, feelings she didn’t believe actually went away. She tried to tell herself that she was just happy that she had her friend back but every time he touched her, she felt herself get weak. Not to mention the feelings she got between her legs. She forced herself to focus on her relationship with Eddie, but he seemed to change. He would get extremely jealous and possessive whenever Charles was around or even when his name was mentioned. He would start an argument every chance he got. And today was no different. It was Saturday and she had to be at the Qualifying for the Baku race, and he didn’t want her to. “I get that you have to be at every race but why do you have to be there for the whole weekend?”

“We talked about this, it's my job.”

“Sure.”

She was frustrated and annoyed with him. “You knew this was how it was going to be Eddie when you decided to quit the force and come with me.”

“What I didn’t sign up for was all the time you would be spending with him.” She knew who the “him” was but choose to ignore it. “He’s not even on the team you work for.”

“Yes, but he is friends with Max and Checo.” She snapped. “He is going to be there.”

“Bet you love that.”

“Enough Eddie. I’m not going to justify having to do my job.” He chuckled sarcastically. “I’m not having this fight with you AGAIN. I have to go.” She grabbed her camera bag and keys. He grabbed her arm as she passed and held on tighter than necessary. “Just make sure your “job” doesn’t involve his bed.”

Y/n yanked her arm back and slapped him. “I am not you!”

He stepped back and placed a hand on his face where she had made contact. He had the decency to look ashamed. “Y/n, baby...”

She shook her head and left.

 

Charles had a spring in his step. He had just nailed qualifying scoring Pole Position and he had a good feeling about tomorrow. He was just exiting the Ferrari garage and was on his way to his car when he spotted Y/n in the Red bull garage. She was sitting against some locker's legs crossed with her laptop on her lap She had her earphones in and seemed to be absorb in what she was doing. “Hey stranger.”

She looked up from her screen and smiled weakly at him. “Hi.”

“What’s wrong?” he asked coming to sit beside her.

She took the earphones out and closed her laptop. “Nothing, I’m ok.”

“Wanna try that again?” he nudged her with a shoulder.

“Nothing I feel like talking about.”

He knew something was wrong and he hates the defeated look she had. He stood up and put out his hand. She gave him a look which caused him to chuckle. “Come on, I don’t bite. Not unless u want me too.” He wiggled his eyebrows and gave her a wink.

She shook her head with a smile, it wasn’t a full one, but it was his way on to get her to open up.

“You hungry?” he asked.

“I should,” she replied realising she had eaten breakfast that morning.

He took her, “So let’s go. I’m buying.”

 

He took her to one of the little cafes situated on the marine. He knew she would like it here as it had a magnificent view of the sunset. After ordering their food and drinks Charles sat back and just took in the view in front of him. He had always found her beautiful and had often thought about telling her. When she looked at him, he couldn’t hide his smile. “What?” she asked brushing a stray hair out her face.

“Just admiring the view.” He remarked making sure she knew it was her he was talking about.

She blushed.

“Mon Cheri, talk to me.”

She sighed. “Eddie and I had a fight.”

Oh. “About what?”

“Nothing, everything. I just feel like he resents me.”

“For what?”

“Leaving London and the force.” A waiter appeared with their drinks, and both thanked him before Charles asked her to continue. “When I got the offer from Christian to come work for Red bull, I told Eddie that it was going to chaotic at times. Travelling all the time and most weekends I would be working. He was okay with it. I gave him an out, but he wanted to be with me he said.”

“And now?” She started to bite her lip, something she started doing when she got frustrated or nervous. “Y/n,” he gentles said touching her hand.

“He hates that I’m spending some much time at the track and that it involves spending time with you guys.”

“Oh, he’s jealous.”

She rolled her eyes. “He doesn’t have anything to be jealous of. I mean sure if Max where to sweep me off my feet, then maybe,” she shrugged jokingly.

“And me?” he asked.

She gulped pulling her hand away from him. “You did great today.” She changed the subject.

They talked about the upcoming race well enjoying their food. But as they were making their way done the marine back to his car. He revisited the topic. “You never answered me.”

“About?”

He gave her a pointed look. “You know.”

“It's late, I have to go.”

He grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him till they were face to face. She gulped at the closeness as well as the fact that he was holding her close, so close that she could feel his breath against her skin. “Charles,” she whispered.

He leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. It was the lightest of touches, but it set her body alit. She should not be enjoying it this much. She had a boyfriend for goodness' sake. As he deepened the kiss, she felt herself responding. She felt his hand touch her bare skin as her shirt rode up and she gasped at the contact allowing him to slip his tongue inside. Her phone began to ring forcing them to pull about. He looked at her flushed cheeks and ran his thumb across her swollen lips as she tried to get her phone out of her bag. She looked down at the caller ID, Eddie. She stepped back from him forcing him to release his hold on her and she answered.

“Hi.”

“Where are u?” he heard Eddie ask.

“Work took a little longer. But I should be home soon.”

“You want me to come pick u up?”

“I have an Uber.”

“Baby I’m sorry.” He spoke.

Y/n looked back at Charles noticing he hadn’t stopped looking at her. “It's fine. Can talk about it later. I have to go, Uber is here.”

“Ok I’ll see you soon. I love you.”

“Me too,” she replied before ending the call.

Charles stepped closer to her, but she mirrored his steps backwards. Shaking her head, “I have to go.”

“Y/n,” he started but she shook her head and left

 

The next morning, she woke up to the small of cooking and tiredly climbed out of bed. She hadn't gotten much sleep the night before as her mind was swimming with the thought if the kiss. It had been so much better than she had dreamt about and even though she so desperately wanted to relive it she knew she couldn’t. The man she loved was just a room away and she need to get things with Eddie back on track. She made her way to the kitchen to find said man standing at the stove. She walked up behind him and wrapped her hands around his waist. He placed the spatula he was holding down and turned around keeping her hands firmly around his waist. He gave her a long kiss, which unwillingly she knew tasted different to Charles’.

“Morning.”

“Hi. What are you making?” she asked.

“Pancakes.” he smiled.

“I love pancakes.”

“I know. Babe I’m sorry about yesterday. I shouldn't have said those things.”

“I’m sorry I brought up Ashley.”

 

He sighed, “I deserved it. But I want to make it all up to you.” He released her and handed her the spatula. “Can you finish up the last bit? I need to get something from the room.” She nodded.

She had just finished the last of the batter and turned off the gas when he entered the room.

“Y/n?”

She turned around and her stomach dropped. Eddie had gotten down on one knee and had a diamond ring in his hand. “Y/n Russo I have loved you since the first moment I saw you and I know that lately things haven't been so great, but I know that I want to spend my life with you. Will you marry me?”

 

Later that day

“You cannot marry him. Not until you talk to Charles.” Y/n was standing in the Red bull Garage away from prying ears talking to Max. She had tried to get through to Arthur, but he was currently on a plane to Barcelona. Max was the next best person to talk to give the fact she most definitely was avoiding Charles. He had seen her and tried to talk to her, but she was able to avoid him.

“What is that going to help?”

“Y/n you and I both know that you are in love with him. Have been since we were kids. Not to mention that he is in love with you too.”

She furiously shook her head. “No, he is not. He just doesn't want me to be with someone and that’s the only reason he kissed me.”

“Sure. Listen Y/n I have to get ready for the race but trust me. Talk to him before you sign your life away to Eddie. I know you and Charles belong together.” he gently kissed her cheek as she wished him good luck and went over to his race partner. 

She took a deep breath before deciding what the hell and made her way over to the Ferrari garage. She asked one of the mechanics were to find him before heading towards the driver's room. She stopped as she reaches the slightly open door and felt her heart break. Charles was there with Charlotte and the girl had her arms wrapped around his waist. Y/n turned away just as Charlotte lend up for a kiss.

The race flew by with Max winning the Grand Prix by just seconds as Charles finished 2nd follow up by Lando in 3rd.  She made sure to do her job and expertly avoided both Charles and Max who tried to make eye contact with her. Charles sent her a smile, but she continued to focus on her task at hand. Max was however able to catch up with her at the paddock. “Something happened.”

“Yes, I took your advice.” she snapped.

He raised his eyebrows at her tone. “Excuse me?”

 

 

“Sorry. I went to talk to him.”

“And?”

“And nothing. He was making out with Charlotte so there wasn’t any need to talk to him.”

Max swore in Dutch under his breath. “There must be some sort of explanation.”

“Yep, as I said he doesn't have feelings for. He clearly still loves her, and the kiss last night was just him wanting something someone else has.”

“We’ll talk to him at the party.”

“I'm not going.” she replied.

“You have to be there. Kelly is coming and she is desperate to see you.

“I’ll call her and make lunch plans.”

“Schat, don’t let him pull you away from us.” he was practically begging. “You have to come help me celebrate.”

She scratched her forehead, “Celebrating your wins is every week celebration you know.”

He pouted, “But you’re my good luck charm.”

“Fine.”

He picked her up and span her around. “Thank you Schat.”

 

She managed to enjoy the party for a few hours before she saw him. He looked so handsome and when he locked eyes with her, she wanted to melt. She could see he was trying to make his way towards her, but several fan girls kept stopping him to take photos or get his autograph. She looked around her and got up grabbing Lando’s hand. “Dance with me,” she said.

“Absolutely,” he grinned getting up.

As the two hit the floor the Monégasque finally reached the table. “Where is she?” he asked.

Max answered with a nod towards the dance floor but stopped his friend before he could make a beeline towards to two dancers. “What is it you want from her?”

Charles looked back at him. “Just her.” he quickly walked over to the floor and interrupted their dance. “Lando, do you mind?” he asked trying to keep his annoyance at bay.

Y/n tried to beg Lando to stay with her eyes, but the young Brit knew better than to stand in his friend's way and he also knew Charles was in love with her. “No problem. She’s all yours.”

Y/n glared at him as he left her with Charles who took her hands in his pulling her closer. “Youve been avoiding me Mon Cheri.”

“Been busy.”

“Look me in the eyes and say that.” She couldn’t. “Do you regret it?”

“No.”

“So why are you trying to run away from me?”

“He asked me to marry him.”

He nodded. “Let's go somewhere less noisy.” He led her to a staircase that ended on the roof top. He could see her shivering and he wasn't sure if it was from cold or been alone with him. He took off his jacket and put it around her.  “Did you say yes”

She sat down in one of the deck chairs before shaking her head, “But I didn't say no either.”

He sat down next to her knees touching and she stared down at the spot. “Why?”

“Because I’m in love with you.” she gulped feeling tears in her eyes.

He put a hand on her knee and the contact on her bare skin made her tingle and feel calm at once.

“Is that a bad thing?” he asked.

She looked up, “I have tried so hard for so long to get over this, to get over my feelings for you.”

He lifted his other hand and brushed the tears off her face. “Why don’t you want to love me?”

“You were always with someone else. You would never see me as anything other than a friend,”

“That’s not true. It's always been you Mon Cheri.”

She shook her head. “I heard you.” he cocked his head questioningly. “Just before my 16th birthday. I heard you and Claire talking.”

He shook his head. “Youre gonna have to be more specific.”

“You mentioned my annoying little crush on you before you made out with my sister.”

“Oh!” he laughed slightly. “Okay first off I didn’t make out with Claire, she kissed me, quite aggressively I might add and two...” he ran a finger down her chin, “Did you hear a name of the girl we were talking about?” she shook her head. He nodded, “You remember Abigail Martin?”

“Sure, I guess. She was Claire’s friend.”

“Psycho is what she was. She used to stalk me. Actually, dodged a bullet there when she turned her attentions to Dean Thomas.”

“What?”

“Cheri, I have always thought of you being more than just my friend. You’ve always been my girl it just took me losing you to release that I am in love with you. And I let my damn ego get in the way. Not to mention the fact that I wanted the best for you.”

“How was any if this the best for me?”

“Like you said this life can be chaotic. I wanted you to fulfil your dreams. To have a life.”

“And what if I wanted you?”

“I didn’t make all the right the choices. But I want to make the right choice. Don’t marry him. Be with me.” he asked supping her face between his hands.

“What about Charlotte?”

“What about her?” he asked.

“I saw you before the race. You kissed her.”

He shook his head, “Cheri no. She was at the race and yes, she wanted to get back together and tried to kiss me, but I don’t want to be with her. I want only you.”

“This isn't really.”

He kissed her before placing his forehead against hers. “Did that feel real?”

She closed her eyes, “Yes.”

“Do you remember what presents you got when you turned 21?”

“Why?”

“Humour me.”

“21 Orchids.”

“Red to be exact.” he smiled as she moved away slightly and stared at him.

“How? Was that from you?” she asked in surprise. He nodded. “But Orchids are...”

“Your favourite.”

“Yes.”

He smiled. “Your favourite movie is the Mummy, you like chocolate but only white. You prefer cheesecake over any other dessert. You like to travel but would choose to visit places that have historical meaning then go to the usual tourist attractions.”

“What?” she began but he placed a finger against her lips.

“When you don’t feel well you get quiet. A week before your period you start feeling nauseous and don’t want to eat only drink lots of orange juice. When it comes you like to snuggle up and watch comedies while eating strawberries and dragon fruit. But no Mangos as your......”

“Allergic.”

“And you love reading. Mostly thrillers but on the odd occasion a sappy romance novel. Which you always seem to find unrealistic. When your happy your eyes light up the brightest shade of green but when your sad the go dark green. And you have the most gorgeous smile I have ever seen, something I want to make sure you do every day.”

She didn’t say a word, only kissed him. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her onto his lap. Only when air become a necessity did they pull apart. “How do you know all of that? Not even Arthur knows all of it. Especially the flowers. Everyone thinks I love sunflowers.”

“I paid attention, especially when it was about you. You always drew sunflowers, but I remember once when you were about 8/9 my dad took us to the nursery to get something for Mother's Day and I saw how you were in awe of the Orchids.”

“I love how beautiful and unique they are.”

“Just like you. One of a kind. I love you, always have.”

She put her head on his shoulder as he held her close. “What now?”

“Tell him no, then come home to me.”

“I like the sound of that.” she said kissing him again,

“Oh, one other thing.”

“What’s that?” she asked.

“At the next race youre wearing red, I want everyone to know your all mine.”

[daydreamerdrew]

Comics read this past week:

Marvel Comics:

Mythos: Captain America (2008) #1

This one-shot was published in June 2008, according to the Marvel Wiki. It was written by Paul Jenkins and painted by Paolo Rivera.

There was a lot that I liked in this story. Steve says, when describing his upbringing, “I got sick a lot. And it often seemed like there was no running away from that place except in the pages of a fantasy novel.” There’s a scene where his ill mother told him to eat his soup with carrots in it because carrots are good for your memory and he complained, “Why would I want to remember this? I’d just as soon forget.” This was surprising to me because there’s so much emphasis on memory with Steve’s character because he’s a man in the wrong time. Steve’s mother told him, “I want you to remember. Always be proud of who you are and where you came from. Never forget the people who helped you get to where you’re going.” That ended up being their last conversation before she died.

I also appreciated the new-to-me detail about Steve’s journey in his first year in Captain America, where the switch from being Captain America to pretending to be a lowly private at Camp Lehigh was difficult for him. Steve describes becoming an “icon” and a “symbol,” then says, “And so, with the weight of a nation’s altruistic rebirth hanging over my head… they shipped me off to basic training at Camp Lehigh in Virginia.” There’s a scene of him going through training and being called “worthless,” “useless,” “brainless,” and “gutless.” There’s a disconnect for Steve, being in the regiment he’d originally wanted to be in, but having to maintain a ruse and only do safe and simple jobs apart from the group and only truly work when he’d sneak off and be Captain America. Steve says, “Part of me yearned for the normalcy of the barracks, the camaraderie. But the truth could never be known.” This leads directly into the scene of Bucky stumbling into discovering Steve’s secret identity and becoming Captain America’s partner, providing a new angle for the significance of that relationship for Steve.

This story also provided the first good explanation I’ve seen for why Bucky would have entered Steve’s tent in the middle of the night; he was coming to tell Steve that Japan had attacked Pearl Harbor and the U.S. would now be joining WWII.

I also liked the repetition of the question asked after Steve was enhanced by the super soldier serum- “I was put through the most rigorous training imaginable in order to answer the most obvious question: What had I become?”-after Steve woke up from the ice, “I asked myself an old question: What had I become?”

What this story did really well was emphasize how much Steve cared for and mourned all of the ordinary soldiers he fought beside. At one point he says, “In battle, one learns a certain kind of calm as an alternative to the fear that dominates every moment. I could never find that elusive calm. It hurt too much to watch my brothers ripped apart by fire from a 10mm cannon, or shrapnel. The boys didn’t have the benefit of super-soldier serum to help them dodge a bullet.” At another he reflects on watching a “flood of troops” and says, “These were our own boys, come to right grave injustice far from home. I never felt so proud to be an American as I did at that moment.” Steve claims that, “The real heroes were the boys I once knew who feared for their lives, yet fought for freedom anyway.” This includes, “Micky Smith: Stayed on the beaches of Normandy, forever twenty-three.” In his ending monologue Steve says, “I’m Captain America, and I will be here long after the others are dead and gone. But as long as I live, I will never forget. […] We were boys once. We were young and stupid.” And the final words of the story are Steve visiting one last remaining, now elderly, soldier that he knew and saying, “God, Dougie… I miss those boys.”

the Captain America stories in Tales of Suspense (1959) #96-99 and Captain America (1968) #100

In this batch of stories and issue I went from August 1967 to January 1968, according to the Marvel Wiki. All were written by Stan Lee and penciled by Jack Kirby. The stories in Tales of Suspense #96-98 were inked by Joe Sinnott. The story in Tales of Suspense #99 and Captain America #100 were inked by Syd Shores. The story in Tales of Suspense #96 was 10 pages, the rest were 11 pages, and the Captain America issue was 20 pages since starting there Steve is no longer splitting a book with Iron Man.

In the preceding story, in Tales of Suspense #95, Steve quit being Captain America and also publicly revealed his secret identity, citing frustration with obligation to duty after Sharon Carter turned down his proposal because her work obligations were too important for her to get married. By the end of the story in Tales of Suspense #96 Steve has decided to become Captain America again, which was frustrating to me because I was genuinely interested in seeing him attempt to flesh out Steve Rogers, his personal life having long been neglected. As it is, the quick turnaround in mentality with the irrevocable consequence of no longer having a secret identity gives the impression of a kind of episode to me, as did Steve’s excitement to propose to a woman he didn’t know the name of in the previous story.

In the story in Tales of Suspense #97 Steve is being targeted by villains and he thinks, “It seems that I’ll never be truly safe! Never able to let my guard down for an instant! But, it’s the price I must pay for being- Captain America! A price I’ll never stop paying- for as long as I live!” It’s suggested to him that he get out of the city for while but he declines, partially because Sharon might call him because she needs his help.

In the story in Tales of Suspense #98 Steve thinks, “How many years has it been- since I’ve had a home? And, how many years will it be- before I can call any place ‘home’- before I too can find a life- and a love- of my own?”

In the story in Tales of Suspense #99 Steve must fight against Zemo’s old pilot, who is pretending to be Zemo, mysteriously still alive. One of his henchmen says, “Zemo was right! He said the very sight of him would shock the shield-carrying American into total helplessness!” But Steve declares, “I won’t die in vain- not while you remain alive!” Part of his motivation is that, “It was you who killed my partner, Bucky.” But Steve realizes that he’s not really Zemo in Captain America #100, and then his henchmen, who were also duped, turn on him.

Captain America #100 also contained a retelling of Steve’s backstory of being woken up in the future in The Avengers (1963) #4, which was standard practice for the first issue of these self-titled Marvel books launched in 1968.

In the story in Tales of Suspense #97 Sharon had wanted Steve to join her for a mission. At this point they hadn’t interacted since she turned down his marriage proposal. She thinks, “Now I must think of nothing- except my mission! Although, it would have been so wonderful, if only- No! I can’t- mustn’t keep wishing- and dreaming like this!” Still she concludes, “If only I could tell him- if only he could know- whatever may happen- whatever my fate- my last thoughts were of- Captain America- the only man I’ve ever loved!”

I appreciated that in Captain America #100 Dum Dum Dugan says, of the mission success, “It figgers!- Agent Thirteen wuz on the job!” And that when he acknowledges that it was ‘touch and go’ at points, Nick Fury responds, “Yeah- But that little gal ain’t never let us down yet!”

The Incredible Hulk (1968) #280

This issue was published in November 1982, according to the Marvel Wiki. It was written by Bill Mantlo, penciled by Sal Buscema, and inked by Andy Mushynsky.

DC Comics:

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight (1989) #6-10

These issues were published across March 1990 to July 1990, according to the Grand Comics Database. All were written by Grant Morrison and drawn by Klaus Janson. This was the “Gothic: A Romance” storyline.

The previous storyline mostly took place 6 months after Bruce became Batman, with some scenes before that. It seems that the format of this book is continuing in chronological order, with each subsequent story having Bruce a bit further in his career. In that story the Batcave was just beginning to be created, but in this one it is much larger and has a lot more equipment in it.

A recurring detail that I liked in this storyline was Bruce forgoing food to work as Batman. In issue #6 Alfred brings Bruce food while he’s brooding in his home and Bruce says, “No thank you, Alfred. I won’t have anything tonight. I’m going out.” In issue #8 he tells Alfred, as he leaves the Batcave in costume, “And Alfred, cancel the pecking duck I ordered for this evening. I won’t be home for dinner.” There’s also a scene in issue #9 where that Bruce, in his Batman costume, is eating the food Alfred brought him as they discuss the main mystery is very prominent, with close-ups emphasizing it.

I also enjoyed the ominous tone of the scene in issue #6 where criminals summon Batman with the first Bat-Signal to ask for his help. Bruce’s anger that they would summon him and the dramatic way he spoke, his usual way of speaking to criminals, was reminiscent of a mystical demon-summoning gone wrong.

And speaking of that he’s normally very dramatic when talking to criminals, like he’s reading from a prepared script, I enjoyed the writing of Bruce’s characterization as Batman in these issues, the times which he slipped into a more casual manner of speaking, which worked well because they weren’t the norm.

I also liked the addition to Bruce’s backstory that as a child he was briefly sent to a boarding school with an unhealthy environment- he described in issue #7 that, ��It was traditional to live in fear of bullying prefects. It was traditional to be beaten and humiliated and to fight off the advances of degenerate old teachers with doctorate degrees.”- and that one of the teachers there was a serial killer of children that was planning to kill Bruce next until Thomas Wayne intervened. In issue #9 Bruce remembers his father arriving “like a knight in armor” after he called his dad for help, and describes him as pale-faced after speaking to the teacher. In the present the serial killer tells Bruce, “Your father suspected. He knew that I’d killed those children. He saw through me as though I were made of glass. He would have exposed me if blind fate hadn’t intervened.” I think it’s a compelling incident for Bruce to have had in his childhood, and I like the problems of Gotham being portrayed as going that far back. Though I don’t like that this is so immediately tied to Bruce’s parents’ death, with the night Bruce returns home from boarding school being the same night they go out to that ill-fated movie showing, in the same way I don’t like it when flashback WWII Captain America stories are said to take place right before his final mission when he got frozen in ice. Also, this reminded me of the story “Flesh Made World” from Let Them Live!: Tales from the DC Vault (2021) #3, written by Scott Bryan Wilson and drawn by John Paul Leon, where it’s revealed that a bookbinder at a library that was significant to Bruce in his youth was killing people and using their skin to bind books. That story, in which Bruce is very confused because he’s been drugged, also had a very ‘magical realism’ feel to it to me.

And regarding this “gothic” storyline’s magical feel, Bruce’s discussions of the evidence he has throughout this book have a very fated feeling to them. In issue #9 Bruce cites that cathedral architectural design functions as a “transmitter, aimed towards god” and suggests that, “If architecture could be used to focus and direct spiritual power, then… then… Could it also be used for evil?” To me this would be an unhinged leap of logic if it didn’t turn out to be completely correct; the villain explains later in issue #9 that “I measured my shadow with this magic cord and by that act trapped by soul within the twine,” and is planning to commit mass murder in the cathedral and offer the souls to the devil in order to save his own soul. In issue #8 Bruce accidentally plays a tape of his father and gets pointed in a direction for his current case from it, which he justifies as, “If I can’t trust my father, who can I trust?” Then in issue #9 he says, “My father knew something. That’s why I’ve been dreaming about him.” This, of course, is also actually true.

In issue #10 Bruce is sent in the mail, presumably by the devil himself, the heart of the serial killer. When Alfred sees this he asks, “Shall I alert the tin-man, sir?” referencing the character who was in search of a heart in The Wizard of Oz.

I noted before that I liked the ending of preceding storyline, where at the beginning Bruce had been nonplussed by the accidental death of a killer he’d been tracking; but that at the end when they reunite and fight again and the man is accidentally fatally wounded, Bruce is kind to him in his final moments and says, “Rest in peace.” At the end of this story Bruce takes the heart of the long-lived killer to the lake where it’s said one of his first victims still roams, “searchingly endlessly for her tormentor,” and throws it in to her, saying, “You’re free. Go in peace.”

I also really liked how the final words of this story were, repeating from the abbot’s telling of a legend to Bruce in issue #7, “But these are only stories,” which feels applicable to the entire storyline and the character. The line is the abbot reminding Batman that the tale is merely superstition, but clearly he and Bruce felt strongly about it.

Flashpoint (2011) #1-5

These issues were published across May 2011 to August 2011, according to the DC Wiki. All were written by Geoff Johns and penciled by Andy Kubert. Issues #1-3 were inked by Sandra Hope, issue #4 was inked by Jesse Delperdang, and issue #5 was inked by Sandra Hope and Jesse Delperdang.

This was my first time reading this book; I read Flashpoint: Batman - Knight of Vengeance (2011) #1-3 a while ago. Also with that character I’ve read all but the last couple of issues of Tom King’s Batman (2016) run, Infinite Frontier (2021) #0-6, and Justice League Incarnate (2022) #1-5. I think the main thing left with this character for me is Flashpoint Beyond (2022) #0-6.

This book worked really well for me. I went into it already liking Flashpoint Thomas Wayne’s character concept, but Barry Allen’s journey was also well done. I already knew the twist coming up, but I thought a good job was done of building up to it without being too obvious. I liked Barry’s conflict of wanting his original, less doomed world back, while also feeling guilty about erasing the one he was currently in with the versions of the people living in it. I already knew about Thomas’ lack of attachment to his life and to his world; it was interesting to see it in action at this critical time. Despite that everything blew up at the end, this world wasn’t that dystopic to me in its status quo, in comparison to something like All-Star Batman and Robin, the Boy Wonder (2005), but I think it worked better that, despite the flaws, there were likable people in this world. I liked the ultimately personal stakes, where Thomas was pushing Barry primarily because he wanted his son to live. Thomas telling Barry that he was sorry about his mother and Barry and Bruce’s shared grief at the end got to me. Also, I was pleasantly surprised by the portrayal of the Shazam kids, who had more of a presence in the book than I expected. I wish the portrayal of them in the actual New 52 reboot had been more like this.

Fawcett Comics:

the Captain Marvel stories in Whiz Comics (1940) #88 and Captain Marvel Adventures (1941) #75 and The Marvel Family (1945) #14

In this batch of 7 stories I read the Captain Marvel appearances published in August 1947, according to the issue cover dates. The stories ranged from 7 to 11 pages.

The story “The Marvel Family in Captain Marvel- Invalid” (written by Bill Woolfolk; drawn by Pete Constanza) in The Marvel Family #14 has a very cute premise where Captain Marvel is diagnosed as having high blood pressure and needing to avoid any kind of excitement, lest he die, and Junior and Mary Marvel keep this a secret from him and try to discourage him from using his powers and handle crimes for him, making Captain Marvel and Billy Batson think that they’re jealous of Captain Marvel. At the beginning of the story Junior and Mary Marvel arrive after Captain Marvel has taken down a criminal gang, and Junior says, “There’s never much real work for us to do while you’re around!” And Mary Marvel agrees, “I’ll say!” After hearing of his diagnosis, Junior tells the doctor, “Please don’t tell Captain Marvel!” And Mary Marvel says, “The shock might kill him! We’ll make sure he gets the best of attention!” Later when the group sees a child endangered Mary Marvel holds Captain Marvel back and tells him, “It’s time you let us do something,” while Junior saves the little girl. Later Billy passively aggressively says on his radio show, “And in closing, folks, I’d like to add a word about jealousy! It never pays to be jealous of anyone!” The next time Captain Marvel tries to go out and fight crime, Mary Marvel goes out in his stead and Junior is tasked with keeping him calm and occupied. When Captain Marvel does finally fight, the kids panic, delineating their tasks so that Mary Marvel finishes up the crime-fighting while Junior forcibly carries Captain Marvel to the doctor. When it’s said Captain Marvel will need a blood transfusion, Junior quickly agrees to help, though Mary Marvel arrives in time to protest, “No! Take me!” Of course, in the end it’s determined that Captain Marvel’s blood pressure issue was a misdiagnosis.

The story “Captain Marvel and the Yeast Menace” (written by Otto Binder; drawn by Pete Constanza) in Captain Marvel Adventures #75 had a unique closing message. In the story a yeast experiment goes awry, causing the city to be threatened to be overtaken by an ever-growing yeast, until it’s revealed that it’s actually mitigated by water. Then the president of the ACME Chemical Corporation arrives, offering to buy the formula for this miraculous yeast, knowing that they can prevent it from getting out of control with water. And Billy says of this, “Many of our scientific discoveries only seem to be a menace until they are used for peaceful purposes!”

Ahoy Comics:

The Wrong Earth (2018) #1-6

These issues were published across September 2018 to February 2019, according to the League of Comic Geeks. The main stories were all written by Tom Peyer, penciled by Jamal Igle, and inked by Juan Castro. Issues #1-3 also had 5-page back-up stories about Earth-Alpha Stinger, styled like Golden Age comics, written by Paul Constant and drawn by Tom Feister. And issues #4-6 had 7-page back-up stories about Earth-Omega Dragonfly, styled like edgy modern comics, written by Paul Constant and drawn by Erskine. Note that I wrote those before reading The Wrong Earth: Night & Day (2021), so this is reflective of my thoughts just after reading this book.

I read this book years ago and remembered the gist of it and some specific parts but not everything; I think it worked even better for me with the added context of the prequel book Dragonfly & Dragonflyman (2019) #0-5. To a lesser extent the Earth-Alpha parts of that book, I think that world is simple enough that we understand it from what we see of it in this book, other than that for me the status quo of their ordinary times raises the question of how Earth-Omega Dragonfly will continue to function in that world. But the dynamic depicted there between Earth-Omega Dragonfly and his original Stinger adds a lot to his grief and his dynamic with Earth-Alpha Stinger here.

In Dragonfly & Dragonflyman Richard isn’t aware of what’s going on in Chip’s mind until it’s too late and their relationship is irrevocably damaged and Chip is moving out. Richard does speak harshly to Chip, but even when he doesn’t mean to hurt Chip’s feelings Chip is hurt anyway. Chip is clearly unwell and needs help that he’s not getting. In issue #5 when Richard walks in on what he thinks is Chip attempting suicide (Chip was actually removing a tracking device Richard secretly implanted in him so that he could move out and not be followed) he responds with anger and exclaims, “I can’t handle this. You need treatment. I’m not qualified to deal with-” This, and every other time he talks to Chip, is a far cry from how he talks in issue #6 of this book to Earth-Alpha Stinger- who had exclaimed in the previous issue “I wish I were dead!”- when he speaks negatively about himself, calmly and compassionately telling him, “You haven’t done anything wrong. Now I know you’ve been through a lot, but it’s time to pull yourself together, like the warrior we both know you are. This was always going to be a rough ride, kid. You’re going to feel some bad emotions. Give them the power and they’ll change you into someone else. Someone you never wanted to be.”

In Dragonfly & Dragonflyman Richard has the realization too late that, as he explains to Chip in issue #5, “This life. All this anger, all the ways I take it out on you. Because you’re there. Because I can.” I had said in my round-up notes for that book that ideally, while not stopping Chip from moving out, Richard should have tried to stay in contact with Chip and purposely worked towards being able to interact with him in a less aggressive and demeaning way, but I think all he did to process his feelings was torture Devil-Man to death. I’m still leaning towards that what happened is that Chip did eventually return to Richard and that their relationship continued to be unhealthy and Chip committed suicide rather than run away again. I don’t think that Richard’s remarkably different demeanor in this book is something he developed after Chip ran away, or even after Chip committed suicide, I think it’s specific to that he’s getting a second chance in a new, brighter world with Earth-Alpha Stinger. It’s referenced that he’s changed since his sidekick died, but I think that was just him becoming even more aggressive and brutal towards villains.

I really want to read a book that takes place inbetween this book and the prequel. Or maybe more information about that time period will come out when Earth-Alpha Stinger finally learns that his “Dragonflyman” is actually now Earth-Omega Dragonfly. I did get more context on the formation of Richard and Chip’s relationship: in issue #2 Richard asks Earth-Alpha Stinger about how he started fighting crime and Stinger answers, “My parents were evil criminals, just like yours. You took me in after you brought them to justice,” which is presumably a parallel to what happened in Earth-Omega. Chip had said in issue #0 of Dragonfly & Dragonflyman, “I’m here to save lives and beat up fascists!”

I also thought that the Earth-Omega back-ups in issues #4-6 added a lot for Richard’s characterization. In the one in issue #4 he tries to rescue teenagers who have run away from home, having been enthralled by a villain, and tells them, “Kids, your parents are worried about you. Let’s take you home.” In the one in issue #5 he expresses hopelessness about his world, then in the one in issue #6 he declares, “My hope isn’t for humanity. […] But every day I wake up with hope… The hope that I’ll have a face to punch, scum to stomp.”

I’m talking a lot about Earth-Omega Richard and Chip because that’s the relationship I’m most emotionally invested in, but I actually really enjoy the depiction of Earth-Alpha in this book. For example, Deuce! I liked her taking over Number One’s criminal gang. I enjoyed that she was the one working to get Earth-Omega’s Number One out of her world while Dragonfly wasn’t making any progress on that, and I liked that she was always able to physically overpower Earth-Omega Number One. I loved her looking after Stinger! I’m assuming that she’ll continue to be a relevant character moving forward, since she’s in the unique position of knowing that Dragonflyman is actually Earth-Omega’s Dragonfly, though maybe she’ll just be taking her bribe money and getting out of town. I also liked that, while she was kind of into Dragonflyman and was willing to blackmail Dragonfly, when Dragonfly asks her out in issue #6 she’s clearly weirded out and uninterested because from her perspective he’s a dangerous and violent man from another world with different rules. And I appreciate Earth-Alpha villains going after Dragonfly in issue #4 after they realize they need to “murder Dragonflyman- before Dragonflyman murders us!”

And the concept behind Dragonfly and Earth-Alpha Stinger’s relationship is so appealing to me. The fact that Stinger is such a sweet kid and he has no idea that his guardian is secretly a different man that is willing to kill people behind his back in order to protect him. Speaking of that, I don’t think Chef Escargot’s mallet would have actually killed Stinger in issue #6; I think it’s similar to the scene in Dragonfly & Dragonflyman #5 where Lady Eve protested hitting Chip with a car as too violent but really he was fine because he simply rolled with the movement as Dragonflyman had taught him. And that in Dragonfly’s mind Earth-Alpha and it’s light-hearted alternate version of him is absurd and stupid, but he enjoys the popularity and the ease with which he can operate that, especially since he’d given up on being able to fix his world. It will be interesting to see going forward if Dragonfly and Dragonflyman will be able to make any lasting broader change in the new worlds they’re in. I’m also curious if we will ever see scenes of either set of superhero and sidekick in their civilian lives, which has been largely ignored in both this book and the prequel.

The Wrong Earth: Night & Day (2021) #1-6

These issues were published across January 2021 to August 2021, according to the League of Comic Geeks. All were written by Tom Peyer, penciled by Jamal Igle, and inked by Juan Castro, except that Russ Braun drew an 8-page scene in issue #3 and Peter Krause drew the 8-page epilogue in issue #6.

At the beginning of the book, when Dragonflyman comes across to Dragonfly as indifferent about Stinger, I was thinking that maybe Dragonflyman was thinking about the world of Earth-Omega and how it influenced Stinger-Two and now had an emotional disconnect with Earth-Alpha Stinger, who hadn’t ever had to experience anything like that.

I do think that Dragonflyman and Stinger-Two have a more mature relationship from the fact that Dragonflyman doesn’t need to protect him from any knowledge that isn’t appropriate for his age or would be emotionally difficult for him, because growing up in the world that he did means that he’s already been exposed to a lot of horrible stuff, so they can talk freely on equal terms despite their different philosophies. I think the scene in The Wrong Earth (2018) #5 where Dragonflyman talks about how horrible he’s felt since being in that horrible world and Stinger-Two says he can relate to those feelings is really significant. I also personally really enjoy the sort of role-reversal where Stinger-Two thinks of Dragonflyman, while a “great man,” as “like a child” because of his beliefs and mannerisms.

And I found it really striking how in The Wrong Earth (2018) the mentality was that the people from Earth-Omega needed to be removed from Earth-Alpha because they were dangerous, but in this book Dragonflyman wants to bring Stinger-Two there, even though Stinger-Two still doesn’t follow Dragonflyman’s moral code, because he wants to give Stinger-Two a better life. And while Dragonflyman and Stinger-Two still have a good relationship after a year of him killing people, Dragonflyman can’t tolerate Dragonfly killing bad guys for a moment. I am looking forward to seeing how Dragonflyman’s two kids get along in the upcoming book and in particular how Dragonflyman handles that; I don’t think he’s really had real experience managing young people being difficult. Also, I don’t expect that Stinger-Two will feel positively towards Dragonfly.

I was disappointed in the ultimate handling of Stinger learning that Dragonfly had tricked him about Dragonflyman being trapped in Earth-Omega. I think the build-up of Dragonfly and Dragonflyman being worried about how to tell him was done well, but then when he is told I don’t think his reaction was that strong. I think it should have sparked a similar intense reaction as the original revelation did, feeling guilty over Dragonflyman having been stuck in another earth for a year, and also feeling stupid that he was tricked. I think the reason Stinger took blaming himself so strongly and immediately was suicidal the first time he realized it is because his life has been too perfect on Earth-Alpha and he doesn’t know how to handle legitimately bad things happening and bad emotions, which wouldn’t have been resolved in the one-year timeskip between books, despite Dragonfly talking to him a bit about bad feelings. On an adjacent note, while I’m sympathetic to Dragonflyman’s worry that Stinger was dead, just putting off talking about him to avoid hearing about what had happened to Stinger during his year away wasn’t very mature of him.

I noted before that Deuce was weirded out when Dragonfly asked her out at the end of The Wrong Earth (2018). Their relationship developed a lot over the year inbetween the books, the end portrayal of that here charmed and intrigued me. I made a post about how Deuce, now also known as Lady Dragonflyman, was bypassing the standard rules of her world, which was probably necessary for Dragonfly to be able to form a real relationship with her. Notably, Dragonfly doesn’t seem to have killed anyone in Earth-Alpha since Chef Escargot but is still being more violent with criminals than the real Dragonflyman would be. Stinger is ok with this because he’s oblivious to it, but it’s not clear to me where Deuce stands; she knew that Dragonfly killed Triviac and I think it’s unlikely she believed him that he didn’t kill Chef Escargot.

Deuce and Dragonfly are clearly intimate with each other. I enjoyed the moment in issue #1 of this book where he leans towards her with his hands behind his back and she playfully keeps him an armswidth away. Dragonfly says in issue #2 that he expected Dragonflyman to be “smug, sanctimonious,” but in issue #1 he tells Deuce that possibly “you can have the real thing again, instead of a poor substitute,” and he tells Dragonflyman in issue #6 “You’ll like her. I know she’ll like you.” Deuce, meanwhile, clearly doesn’t actually feel about this situation the way Dragonfly thinks she does and was sad about the possibility of him leaving forever. I also enjoyed Deuce’s continued care for Stinger (though she may have been, in his eyes, a wedge into his simpler relationship with Dragonflyman that he preferred).

[sweetreunions]

hey y'all, i'm april ( s/h, 21+ ) and this is kang jinah! she's technically a muse i've had for awhile but i've tweaked things here and there so bear with me as i figure her out fully once again 🥹 you already know the drill: background (tw: mentions of child abandonment + bullying) and plot bunnies under the cut, drop a like for plotting and i'll hit you up 🫶🏻

BACKGROUND

born in daegu to a young college couple that could barely afford to make ends meet for themselves, let alone their newborn child. she was left on the steps of the local fire department at the age of three and brought to a children's home not long after

she was six years old when a sweet couple from the busy bustling city of seoul adopted her, the wife having chanced upon the children's home and jinah during a work trip as a traveling nurse. little young jinah would become the light of their lives despite not being biologically theirs

jinah's childhood was spent adjusting to the bright and loud city when she had only known the quaintness of the countryside, but it didn't take her long to adapt and by the time she moved on to middle school, she was living life like a seoul local

if living like a local meant enduring the hazing and bullying of fellow classmates for being given up at birth. how they came to know such a fact, jinah would never know but that didn't faze her nor did it hinder her in any way because if there's anything that kang jinah is, it's resilient

that resiliency got her through public schooling and before she knew it, she was entering university where she could be anyone that she wanted to be. not that she particularly kept her adoptee status a secret, but it's not exactly something you spill on a first date over coffee, y'know?

it's also during university that she started to fiddle with the idea of finding her birth parents, figure out her true roots and what not. she was careful in letting her parents know of her thoughts and luckily for her, they were fully supportive of the idea as long as jinah finished university first. so that she did; with a bachelors in computer science from hanyang and a mountain of debt to show for it

and so she's back in daegu now, 20 years later to search for her birth parents after the immense amount of money spent on a private investigator alerted her that [redacted] and [redacted] on her file still resided there

for her personality she's very much sticking to the phrase "it is what it is", meaning she's likely to be one of the chillest people you've ever met. it's not that she doesn't care, because it's likely that she does, it's just that she chooses not to stress herself over things completely out of her control. she's sweet and almost always with a smile on her face. a nice girl that would help the elderly cross the street if she saw them struggle or wander around to help a lost child find their parents, you get the vibe we're going for here

PLOTS:

she's a relatively fresh face around the mall and clearly in need of a friend; that's where you come in! ever since you noticed her taking a break on her own you've made it your personal goal to check in with jinah whenever possible

for whatever reason, you find yourself digging through the racks and racks of items at isanghan thrift and she's got her eye on you for potential theft with the way you're ransacking through the shelves but really, you're looking for this (1) thing you lost and security says rumour has it it's landed here

something like this post where she notices you having a crappy day and when she inevitably asks what's wrong you say "nothing" except she's calling bullshit. she may be new to sunset but she isn't dumb, so spill

she's been dying to try out glogolf but she doesn't want to go on her own because "that's just sad" so she basically begs you to go with her and honestly...how can you say no to her 🥺

someone who she's known from seoul!! it can either be a friendship they had or perhaps they didn't get along so well back then, the possibilities are truly endless here

a new (?) city means a new dating pool and miss girl won't pass up the opportunity. that is until she finds out you also work at sunset and then it's jinah goes ghost!

miss compsci major is also a gaming nerd and she makes it pretty obvious with her spending breaks glued to her phone a lot of the time– oh what's that? you're a gamer too? oh she could just fall in love rn in this club

i'll add more as time passes (or perhaps make a legit plots page lmao) but this is all i've got atm. as always, if nothing works here i'm all for brainstorming so let's get itttttt 🌚

[isabelwcna]

Leading Nursing Homes Offering CNA Classes: Your Pathway to a Rewarding Career in Healthcare

Top Nursing Homes offering CNA Classes: Your Pathway to a Rewarding Career in Healthcare

Are you looking to embark on a fulfilling career ⁢in the healthcare ⁣industry? Becoming a Certified​ Nursing ⁢Assistant (CNA)⁣ might be the perfect path for you. With‌ rising demand for healthcare professionals, CNA classes offered by reputable nursing homes can provide you with practical training⁢ and⁤ a solid foundation in patient care.in this article, we will explore the top nursing⁤ homes that offer CNA classes, the benefits of joining such programs, practical tips, and real-life experiences shared by former students.

Why Choose CNA Classes ‌at Nursing Homes?

nursing homes are not just places for ‌elderly care; they can also serve as excellent training grounds for aspiring healthcare​ workers. Here’s why:

Hands-On Experience: CNA ⁣classes at nursing homes​ provide students with the possibility ⁤to gain real-world experience by ⁤interacting with patients directly.

Quality Instruction: Many nursing homes employ seasoned healthcare professionals who are ⁢passionate⁢ about teaching the next generation ‍of CNAs.

job‌ Opportunities: ⁤ Completing CNA ⁤training at a nursing home often leads to job ⁢opportunities ‍within the facility, creating a smooth transition from student to employee.

Networking: ⁤ Students ⁣can connect with⁢ professionals in the field, which may lead to further career‌ advancements.

Top Nursing Homes Offering CNA​ Classes

Here’s a comprehensive list of some highly regarded nursing homes that ‌offer CNA⁢ training programs:

Nursing ⁢Home ​Name

Location

Contact

Sunny Acres‌ Nursing Home

Springfield, ⁢IL

(123) 456-7890

Maple Grove Care Centre

Redwood City,‌ CA

(123) 987-6543

Golden Years ‍Nursing ⁢Facility

Dallas, TX

(123) 555-1212

Riverbend rehabilitation center

Seattle, WA

(123) 666-7777

Caring ⁣Hands Nursing Home

Miami, FL

(123) ⁢444-8888

Benefits of‍ Attending CNA Classes ​at nursing Homes

Choosing to pursue CNA training at a nursing home offers several advantages:

1.comprehensive curriculum

The curriculum typically⁢ covers a variety ⁤of topics,including:

Basic⁢ Nursing Skills

Patient Care Techniques

Emergency ‍Procedures

Dialog Skills with Patients and Families

2. Financial ⁣Assistance

Many nursing homes offer financial assistance or scholarships to cover the costs ⁣of CNA‍ training. Be sure to inquire about‌ available options when applying.

3. Flexible Schedules

working adults can benefit from the flexible scheduling of classes offered at nursing⁣ homes, allowing them to‍ balance work ⁤and education⁢ effectively.

Practical Tips for ⁤Aspiring CNAs

If you’re considering a career as a CNA, here are ​some practical tips to ⁢help you⁢ get⁢ started:

Research: Look into local nursing homes that offer CNA classes and ⁣compare their training programs thoroughly.

Ask Questions: Don’t ‌hesitate to reach out to nursing homes to ask about their instructor qualifications, class‍ sizes, and job placement rates.

Practice Good Study Habits: Adjust your study methods based on the ‍curriculum, utilizing‌ textbooks, online resources, and practical skills practice.

Network: Connect with current CNAs and join local healthcare groups to find out more about the field.

First-Hand Experience: CNA ‌Class Testimonials

Here,we share real ‍experiences from individuals who have taken CNA classes at ‍nursing‌ homes:

Jane’s Experience at Sunny Acres Nursing⁢ Home

“I chose Sunny Acres for my⁤ CNA training because of ⁢their great reputation. The ⁤instructors were ⁤incredibly⁣ supportive, and I appreciated the hands-on approach. I felt prepared and confident​ when I took my certification exam!”

Mark’s Journey at ⁤Caring Hands​ Nursing Home

“The flexible​ hours⁣ allowed me to work part-time while studying. My classmates became like family, and ‌we supported each ‍other through the tough parts of ⁤the course. ‌I landed a job at Caring Hands immediately after completing my CNA training!”

Conclusion

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is an excellent stepping⁣ stone into the healthcare field. With numerous‍ nursing homes offering CNA classes, you can choose⁣ a program that not only provides a solid educational ⁢foundation but also opens doors to valuable job opportunities. By enrolling in a CNA class, you will gain‌ essential skills, network‌ with experienced professionals, and ⁢embark on a rewarding career path in healthcare.Start your ⁢journey today!

https://coursescna.com/leading-nursing-homes-offering-cna-classes-your-pathway-to-a-rewarding-career-in-healthcare/

[stephleb]

Mastering On-Job Training for CNAs: Elevate Your Skills and Career Today!

Mastering on-Job Training for CNAs: Elevate Your Skills and Career Today!

nursing assistants play ⁢a crucial ‌role in healthcare facilities, ⁣providing⁢ essential care ​to patients and supporting nurses in delivering high-quality services. To ⁢excel ‍in this‍ profession, mastering on-job training is vital. This guide outlines practical tips, benefits, and real experiences to help ⁤you elevate your skills and ⁤advance your career‌ as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

The Importance ​of ​On-Job Training for CNAs

On-job training (OJT) for CNAs is an integral aspect ⁢of career growth. It involves hands-on experience where trainees can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.‌ Some key reasons why ‍mastering⁤ OJT is significant include:

Real-World Experience: OJT ⁣helps you understand the‌ daily ​realities of healthcare settings.

Skill Development: ⁢it enhances your technical and interpersonal skills,​ crucial for patient care.

Confidence Building: Practical experience builds ‍confidence ⁢in handling ​various situations.

Networking Opportunities: ⁢ you can build⁣ relationships⁤ with experienced professionals in the‌ field.

Benefits ⁣of Mastering On-Job Training

Investing time and effort into mastering on-job training can yield significant benefits:

Benefit

Description

Career Advancement

Improved skills lead to better job performance and opportunities for promotions.

Increased Job Satisfaction

Hands-on experience enhances‌ your ability to provide quality care, leading to job fulfillment.

Better Patient Outcomes

Skill enhancement⁢ can lead to improved care and satisfaction for patients.

Competitive Edge

Mastering OJT sets ⁣you apart ⁤from other candidates in​ a competitive job market.

Practical Tips ⁣for Mastering On-Job​ Training

To make the moast​ of your OJT experience, consider ‌adopting the following strategies:

1. Be Proactive

Take initiative in seeking out ​learning ​opportunities ⁣during your shifts. Ask questions and volunteer for tasks that allow you to gain experience.

2. Observe Experienced CNAs

Take time to watch and learn from those who are more experienced in the field. Note ⁣their techniques⁤ and dialog ​styles.

3.⁣ Seek Feedback

Regularly ask for feedback from supervisors and colleagues. constructive ‍criticism can help you identify areas for⁢ improvement.

4. Document ​Your Experiences

Keep⁣ a journal of your daily experiences, challenges,⁤ and successes. This reflection ‍can⁤ help reinforce learning and ​prepare you ⁣for‌ future situations.

5. Engage in Continuous Learning

Attend workshops, seminars, and online courses‍ to ⁢deepen your knowledge and skills outside of OJT hours.

First-Hand Experiences: CNAs Share ‌Their‌ OJT ⁣Stories

Learning from others’ experiences can provide valuable insights into the OJT journey. Here are a few first-hand⁤ accounts:

Jane, CNA for 3 years: “My OJT experience taught me the importance of ‍empathy. I learned that ⁣understanding patient emotions is as critical as addressing their ⁣physical needs.”

Mike, ⁢CNA in ⁤a nursing home: “I shadowed a senior CNA who showed me the nuances of patient‍ care, from communication techniques to handling emergency situations.”

Case ‌Studies: Successful CNAs and Their OJT Journey

let’s take a look at two ​virtual case studies​ of successful CNAs ⁣who utilized OJT effectively:

case Study 1: Anna’s Journey to Specialization

anna‍ started‍ her ⁣career as​ a ⁤CNA in a⁢ hospital. ⁣Through⁢ OJT,she developed a ​keen interest ‌in geriatrics. She pursued specialized​ training and now works as a Gerontology Specialist, providing tailored care to elderly patients.

Case Study 2: Mark’s Transformation into​ a Nurse

Mark ⁢began as​ a CNA ⁢with little confidence.His on-job training allowed him to hone his skills, leading to a⁣ nursing degree. Today, he’s a ⁢registered nurse, crediting his OJT⁢ experience for his confidence and competency in patient care.

Conclusion:‌ Elevate Your CNA‌ Career Through Mastering OJT

Mastering on-job training is essential for CNAs‌ aiming to excel in⁣ their careers. By embracing the real-world experiences OJT offers, honing ⁣your skills through practice, and learning ​from others, you can significantly enhance your job performance and‍ patient care capabilities. Invest in your professional development today,and watch your career as a⁤ Certified ‌Nursing Assistant flourish!

https://cnatrainingcentral.com/mastering-on-job-training-for-cnas-elevate-your-skills-and-career-today/

[hayleycna]

Introduce Your Healthcare Career: Top CNA Classes in Savannah, GA for 2023

Launch Your Healthcare Career: Top CNA Classes in Savannah, GA for 2023

Launch ​Your Healthcare Career: Top CNA Classes ⁢in Savannah, GA for 2023

Are you ready to embark‍ on a fulfilling career in healthcare? Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) ⁤is a great possibility to join ‌the medical‍ field, and Savannah, GA, ⁣offers numerous robust‍ training programs for aspiring cnas. In this article, we’ll explore the ⁢top CNA classes in Savannah for ⁤2023, covering everything from course details ⁣to benefits, practical tips, and first-hand experiences to help you make an⁢ informed decision.

Why choose ⁢a Career as ​a CNA?

Before diving into the top ​CNA classes, let’s​ explore why a⁣ career ‌as a Certified Nursing Assistant⁤ can‌ be both rewarding and ‍fulfilling:

High Demand: With the increasing elderly population,‌ the need for cnas is ⁢on the‍ rise.

Job Stability: Healthcare is a​ stable industry, ‌and CNAs ⁣are​ essential workers.

Short Training Period: ‌Many CNA programs can be completed ‌in just a few weeks or months.

Hands-On Experience: Gain valuable experience working directly with patients.

Opportunities for​ Advancement: ⁢Starting as a CNA can lead to ⁣further certifications and higher roles in ‌healthcare.

Top CNA Classes in Savannah, GA for 2023

To assist you in⁤ launching your healthcare career, we’ve compiled a list of the best CNA classes‌ available in Savannah, GA, this year.

Institution

Program Duration

Cost

Location

Contact

South​ Georgia State College

5 Weeks

$850

Waycross, GA

Visit Site

Platinum ​Healthcare ⁢Training

4 Weeks

$650

Savannah, GA

Visit ​Site

Savannah Technical College

6 Weeks

$1,000

Savannah, GA

Visit Site

Advanced Caregiver Training

4 Weeks

$720

Richmond⁢ Hill, GA

Visit Site

What to Expect from CNA Classes

CNA​ classes typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on ⁤clinical training. Here’s ⁤what you can expect‌ during your CNA training:

1. Classroom Instruction

Fundamentals of nursing.

Basic patient care techniques.

Understanding medical terminology.

Legal and ethical⁢ responsibilities ‌in healthcare.

Communication skills ​with patients and families.

2. Clinical Training

hands-on experience under the‌ supervision of licensed professionals.

Practicing⁤ skills such as bathing, feeding, and dressing patients.

Learners may interact with real⁣ patients to develop empathy and patient care skills.

Benefits⁤ of⁢ Becoming a CNA

Choosing to become a Certified ‍Nursing Assistant offers several enticing benefits:

Flexible​ Scheduling: ⁣Many healthcare facilities offer part-time schedules,allowing​ for work-life balance.

Immediate Impact: Your role as a CNA will directly influence ​the well-being ⁢of patients.

Supportive Habitat: CNAs are often part of a team,providing camaraderie‍ and support.

Continued Education: As a CNA, you can pursue advanced education ⁢in nursing or specialized fields.

Practical Tips for success

Here are some practical tips to succeed in your CNA program:

Stay ‌Organized: Keep track of class materials, ⁤assignments,⁣ and your study schedule.

Practice‌ Hands-On⁢ Skills: Regularly practice CNA skills with ⁣classmates to build confidence.

Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to⁣ seek help from instructors or peers when you need clarification.

Engage⁣ with the Material: ‍Participate actively ⁢in​ discussions and labs to enhance your understanding.

First-Hand Experience: A CNA’s Journey

To give ⁣you a glimpse of what a career as a CNA looks like,here’s ‍a brief case study from an individual who completed a CNA program in Savannah:

“I started my journey as a CNA at Platinum ⁢Healthcare Training. The‌ program was intensive‍ yet ‍incredibly ​rewarding. I learned ​skills ⁢that I apply daily in ‍my job at​ a local ‍nursing home. ⁣The support from my instructors and classmates made all the‍ difference. I feel proud to ‍make a difference in the lives of my patients, and this role has opened many doors for my ‌future in healthcare.” – Sarah T., CNA

Conclusion

Launching ⁣your healthcare career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Savannah, GA, is a viable and rewarding option in 2023. With various ​quality programs available, combining classroom ⁣knowledge with real-world training, you’ll be well-prepared to enter the ⁣healthcare field.⁤ Remember to⁢ explore the​ top CNA classes ‌listed,consider the benefits,stay‍ organized,and engage​ fully in your training.Your future as​ a⁢ healthcare professional ‍awaits!

https://cnatrainingcertification.org/introduce-your-healthcare-career-top-cna-classes-in-savannah-ga-for-2023/

[ashevilleflooding]

Celo Community Resilience post-storm

Meet Tal Galton: an educator, master naturalist, and homesteader. Tal's small business, SnakeRoot EcoTours, is centered around a deep love for the natural world and for the Appalachian region. 

Written on his website: “Snakeroot Ecotours is founded on the premise articulated by Rachel Carson: The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.”

Snakeroot is based in Celo, NC. He lives and works in one of the oldest Intentional Communities in the country, nestled in the South Toe Valley, in the shadow of Mount Mitchell (the tallest peak in eastern North America). 

Figure 1 (above) : The peak of Mount Mitchell, 30 minutes away from Celo Community. 

SnakeRoot EcoTours is currently on pause for now in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s impact on the region. It was only last August I had the privilege to attend a weekend away, with Tal guiding our tour group through the cloud forests of the Black Mountain Range. I decided to meet with him virtually to ask for his story and experience during Hurricane Helene. After a brief catch-up on life, Tal relayed the events of the storm to oer zoom for almost two hours. Here’s his story: 

The storm hit Celo Community on September 27th, 2024. The resulting chaos surprised him; he knew that there would be some flooding and heavy rains, which can be manageable. He recounted to me that he “lives right next to a creek…and remembers watching the flood waters come up the first steps to my house, then the second, then the third…” There are six steps to the entrance of his home, which he and his wife built on piers as preparation for a flooding event. When he was finally able to safely leave his home to check on neighbors, friends, and family members, he was shocked. The power, water, and cell services were all wiped out in the storm. It was like going out into the world blind. One shock he described to me that the bridge that connects the two sides of his community, as well as to the rest of the world, had been wiped out by the floodwaters. 

“You only know what you can see, with no outside communication.” 

Many people had left the safety of their homes to make sure everyone else was okay, and many used whatever resources they had available to move downed trees, rebuild the bridge, and distribute water, food, and medicines to the elderly and the disabled. As an Intentional Community, caring for each other was already a part of their ethos. But other neighbors from outside the IC stepped in to help as well, despite what differences they had.

Outside help finally came in on Tuesday, October 1st in the form of airlifts by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. Some supplies were dropped off, and the rest was left up to those who live in Celo.

Just about all of the real heavy lifting and groundwork was done by those who lived in Celo or the surrounding rural area. He told me, 

“A silver lining is the closer connections the community made, it brought everyone together…even in the face of the Donald Trump election, it felt not relevant after the damage the storm brought. We’re focused on helping each other.” 

After 5 days, some power/cell was restored. The average, however, was 2 weeks after the hurricane, but at the date of our interview, some in Celo and the surrounding counties still don’t have power. 7 weeks after the storm, kids in Celo finally went back to school- in November. 

Long-term damage to the community remains; the beautiful, handcrafted Celo Inn, where Tal hosted Ecotours is all but destroyed. The first floor will have to be gutted and rebuilt, and it is no longer fit for habitation by the Innkeepers. The IC's food co-operative is also gone, after decades of business. Houses along the river were flooded completely, and families were displaced. One of the major highways is going to take millions of dollars to repair, and potentially years of labor. The hospital that used to be a 30-minute drive away from Celo is now a 4-hour drive around the mountains.

Thankfully, as an IC, Celo had support networks already in place as a part of everyday life. They are continuing to work together, and donate what they can in terms of time, resources, and contributions to gofundmes.

Tal's experience begs the question: are small, intentional communities of family and friends likely to have more resilient and compassionate communities in the face of climate disasters?

If anyone would like to read Tal's own blog of experiences, or the Sierra Club's coverage of Celo Community, the links are below:

[laurencna]

Open Your Future: Enroll in Our CNA Certification Class Today!

Unlock Your Future: Enroll in Our CNA Certification Class Today!

Are ⁢you looking to kickstart a rewarding career⁤ in ⁢healthcare? Do you have a‌ passion for helping others? If so, our ​Certified⁤ Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification class is the perfect opportunity for‍ you to embark on a fulfilling journey. In this comprehensive guide, we ⁢will explore the ins and outs of becoming a CNA,‌ the benefits of enrollment, practical tips for success, and inspiring ⁤first-hand experiences. Let’s‍ dive in and unlock your future today!

What is a CNA?

A ‌Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)⁢ is a vital member​ of the healthcare ​team, ‍providing essential ‌care ‌and support to patients in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, ‍and private homes. CNAs assist with activities of daily living, monitor patient health, and offer emotional support to patients and their families. With the growing⁢ demand for healthcare professionals, becoming⁢ a CNA is a stepping stone into⁢ a rewarding career.

Benefits of Enrolling in Our CNA Certification Class

Quick Entry to ⁢the Workforce: Our CNA certification program is ⁣designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to⁤ start working‍ in just a few weeks.

High Demand in Healthcare: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of CNAs will grow much faster than the average for all occupations, guaranteeing job security and opportunities.

Flexible Work Hours: Many healthcare facilities‍ offer flexible shift options, making it easier to balance work with personal life.

Gateway to Advanced Positions: Becoming a CNA can ‍be a stepping stone to further education in nursing and healthcare, opening doors to higher-paying roles.

Personal Fulfillment: ​ The ability⁢ to make a difference⁣ in⁢ patients’ lives offers immense personal satisfaction and growth.

Program Overview

Our⁣ CNA certification program includes both theoretical coursework and hands-on clinical training. Below is a ‍brief overview of what you can expect:

Course ‌Structure

Module

Description

Duration

Module 1: Introduction to Healthcare

Fundamentals ​of patient care and healthcare systems.

1 week

Module 2: Basic Nursing Skills

Hands-on training in vital‍ signs, ‌hygiene, and patient mobility.

2 weeks

Module 3: Infection Control

Learn techniques to prevent healthcare-associated infections.

1 week

Module‍ 4: Clinical‍ Practice

Supervised practice in real healthcare settings.

2 weeks

Final Exam

Comprehensive evaluation of knowledge and ⁣practical⁢ skills.

1 day

Practical Tips for Success in ⁢the CNA Program

Stay ⁣Organized: Keep track of your class schedules, assignments, and ⁣clinical practice times to avoid last-minute stress.

Engage Actively: Participate in class ‍discussions and practical ​sessions. Asking questions and ⁤seeking clarification is⁢ key to understanding.

Practice Skills Regularly: Utilize practice labs and simulations to enhance your technical skills. The more you practice, the more​ confident you’ll become.

Network with Peers: Form study groups⁢ with classmates to exchange knowledge and support each other through the program.

Seek Guidance: ⁢Don’t hesitate to ask your instructors for advice or additional resources to help further your understanding.

Real-Life Experiences from Successful CNAs

Case Study: Maria’s Journey

Maria, a recent graduate of our CNA certification program, shares her inspiring journey. “I decided to enroll because I wanted ​a career in healthcare but ⁢wasn’t sure about committing to a long nursing program. The CNA course was perfect! It was fast-paced, and I learned so much. ​Now, I work at a nursing home, where ⁤I help elderly residents with daily tasks. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the difference I ⁣make​ in their lives. I’ve even started looking into becoming an LPN!”

First-Hand Experience: John’s Advice

John, a seasoned CNA with over 5 years of experience, emphasizes the importance of passion and resilience: “Being a CNA can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. I ​recommend always remembering why you ‌started. It’s about caring for ⁢others and making their difficult times a bit easier. Stay patient and committed, and it will pay off.”

Enrollment Details

Ready to take the first step towards a fulfilling career? Enrolling in our CNA certification class is easy! Here’s how:

Visit our website and complete ‍the online application form.

Submit any required documents, such as your identification and high school diploma or equivalent.

Pay the registration fee and choose your course schedule.

Prepare for your classroom journey and get excited about your future as a CNA!

Conclusion

Unlocking your ‍future as a ‌Certified Nursing Assistant is just a step ⁤away! Our comprehensive CNA certification class offers the training you need to succeed in a rewarding profession. With high demand for⁢ CNAs, excellent​ job⁢ security, and the ability to ⁢make a difference in the lives of others, now is the perfect time to⁢ enroll. Embrace this opportunity, invest in your growth, and start your journey towards a brighter future​ today!

https://trainingcna.org/open-your-future-enroll-in-our-cna-certification-class-today/

[themomsandthecity]

How Can I Have a Baby When I Already Take Care of My Elderly Parents?

"When are you having a baby?" is the question I've been asked the most since marrying my husband in 2021. At 36, I often wonder the answer myself. Even though I've always wanted to have a child, I'm not sure if it's in the cards for me anymore. Especially now that both of my parents' health has severely declined. For all of my life, my mom has been in and out of hospitals, and my dad has been our rock. He recently got sick, though, and it broke me. My mom's health issues advanced so much that she now lives in a nursing home, because my dad is not strong enough to take care of her on his own. And me? I live on the opposite side of the country. Because of this, I fly from my home in Los Angeles to crash in their one-bedroom apartment in Connecticut at least once a month. I'm happy to be there to support them, but these trips are physically, emotionally, and financially draining. When I'm in town, I'm their therapist, nurse, chauffeur, cook, assistant, and maid. I'm bouncing around hospitals, riding in ambulances, and waiting with them in emergency rooms. I'm acting as a liaison between them and their doctors, pharmacists, therapists, friends, and church. My parents are my best friends who did everything for me growing up, so the least I can do is be there for them when they need me the most. Motherhood would mean I could no longer be my parents' support system, and I'm all they have. But this had made planning for a baby nearly impossible. It's hard to prioritize anything over my parents, let alone getting pregnant. I already feel like a bad wife, seeing as I've spent weeks apart from my husband in the first years of my marriage. How could I possibly add a baby to the mix? Despite knowing all this, I often imagine what getting pregnant would be like. Would I be able to make these trips across the country while pregnant? Would I be able to make these trips with a newborn? Would I be able to support my parents with a child? The reality is, I don't think so. Motherhood would mean I would no longer be my parents' support system, and I'm all they have. I know what you're thinking: even though moving to be closer to my parents may seem like the logical solution, it's not an option for my husband and me. Not only is a cross-country move more expensive than plane tickets, but our careers are here in California. I also know some people might argue that I could make it work if I wanted a baby badly enough. Plenty of women out there become mothers while taking care of their parents, or without the support of their parents entirely. But I don't know if I'm one of them. It breaks my heart thinking about bringing new life into this world while my parents are in their worst physical states. The truth is, I really would love to be a mother. I'm just not sure if I want it to happen at my parents' expense. Related: I Don't Want to Be a Mom, and No, I Won't Change My Mind --- Gabi Conti is the author of "Twenty Guys You Date in Your Twenties" and the writer, executive producer, and cocreator of Apple's No. 1 fiction podcast series "Bad Influencer." You can catch her covering entertainment news for Hollywire or read more of her work on Cosmopolitan, Giddy, Betches, Best Life, HelloGiggles, Elite Daily, Mindbodygreen, and Brit + Co. --- https://www.popsugar.com/family/baby-elderly-parents-essay-49354998?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr

[mindtransferstaffing]

What Are Some Things You Should Know Before Hiring an in-Home Nanny?

Hiring an in-home nanny may be one of the most rewarding decisions you make as a parent, as you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your children are being taken care of by someone trained and qualified to deal with childcare issues. However, it’s also one of the more complex decisions you’ll make, especially since you won’t be around on a day-to-day basis to supervise and manage the process. Here are some things you should know before hiring an in-home nanny for your children.

1. Do Your Research

Nannies are often hired to care for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. This means they can be caring for children as young as 6 months old or take care of a loved one who is elderly or disabled. Before you hire someone to come into your home and care for your family, make sure that you have these five important questions answered:

a) What experience do they have in this field? If a nanny does not have experience working with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities it may be best to reconsider hiring them.

b) What is their philosophy about childcare? Every person has different ideas about what makes good childcare. Find out what the prospective care giver’s beliefs are so that there is no misunderstanding on either side.

c) What language skills do they have? Do they speak English fluently and understand cultural differences? A nanny needs to be able to communicate with your child in a way that will foster their development.

d) How much notice will you need if I want them to work fewer hours? Make sure that you discuss how flexible your potential caregiver is when it comes to schedule ahead of time. Some caregivers might only want certain shifts, while others might be available around the clock. Discuss this information early on so that everyone knows what they’re getting themselves into!

e) Will we need references from other families or employers from previous jobs?

2. Do Background Checks

When searching for the perfect care giver for your child, it’s important to do a background check. You’ll want to be sure that anyone who has access to your child is safe and trustworthy. To find out if they have any criminal history or anything else questionable on their resume, there are a few methods you can use. You can also run a Google search using their name and see what comes up. There might even be court records that pop up when running this type of search as well. The easiest way to find out about someone’s criminal history, though, is by contacting the police department where they lived previously and asking them about it.

3. Know What Questions to Ask

· What type of work experience do you have with children?

· What is your education or degree?

· Do you have any other certifications or special training for this role?

· How many years of experience do you have to work with children?

· What shifts would be available to the care giver if I were to hire them full-time?

· What days of the week and hours per day would they be available to work?

4. Stay Patient and Positive

You will want to stay patient and positive when interviewing potential candidates. Remember that there’s no perfect candidate, and it’s not easy for anyone to decide on this type of job. You may have the opportunity to meet with several people, so don’t settle for the first person who comes along. The most important thing is that your new nanny will be a good fit for your family and your children.

5. Ask for Recommendations

If you’re looking for recommendations of a qualified, reliable, and caring person, I can’t recommend enough my sister-in-law. She’s been a fantastic help to me and my family since she started working with us over ten years ago. The only one we trust to care for our children when they’re not at school or day care, and we have no intention of changing that anytime soon. She takes such good care of our little ones that they don’t mind when I need to go out of town.

6. Spend Time with Candidates

a) If you’re interviewing a potential nanny, spend time with them when they’re not working. You want to see what their interaction is like when they’re interacting with your child, not just doing their job.

b) Ask about their experience in childcare and/or as a housekeeper; these jobs have many of the same skill sets, so if someone has experience as a housekeeper, likely, they can also be a good nanny.

c) Ask for references from previous employers and talk to them about their experiences with the candidate; that way, you’ll have more insight into their personality and how much time they’ll need off (if any) on weekends or holidays.

d) Pay attention to their driving record. Many families use ride-sharing apps to get around, but if you drive all the time and there will be children in the car with this person regularly, then this may be something important to consider.

e) Talk to them about discipline techniques: do they believe in spanking? What are some of their pet peeves? Remember that this person will need to discipline your child sometimes, and you want someone who doesn’t have the same disciplinary methods as yourself because it might lead to confusion for your child.

f) Do not hire anyone without first meeting them!

Contact Us :

Address - 123 Vista Place Suit #3 Mount Vernon, NY 10550

Phone - (347) 320 2078

Email - lsmith@mindtransferstaffing.com

Website - Mind Transfer Staffing

Blog - What Are Some Things You Should Know Before Hiring an in-Home Nanny?