#Clara Towing

[stellarisium]

The Important Role of towing Santa Clara Services

Towing services play an essential function in making sure the safety and security as well as smooth flow of web traffic while driving of Santa Clara as well as beyond. As a crucial part of the automobile industry, towing solutions contribute considerably to the overall wellness of vehicle drivers as well as the area unconfined. In Santa Clara, where bustling urban life complies with extensive rural landscapes, the need for reliable towing solutions becomes much more evident.

Towing Companies In Santa Clara Participate In A Necessary Duty:

Making Certain Road Safety

One of the primary functions of tow truck Santa Clara solutions in Santa Clara is to improve road protection. When automobiles break down or even run into accidents, they may pose significant dangers to both the passengers of the car and various other street consumers. Urge and also qualified commercial towing Santa Clara solutions assist in promptly getting rid of these difficulties from the roads, reducing the threat of additional accidents and also ensuring the security of every person on the road.

Emergency situation Assistance

Break downs and collisions can easily take place whenever, leaving chauffeurs stranded and in requirement of immediate help. Towing companies in Santa Clara run 24/7, delivering essential unexpected emergency aid to chauffeurs in distress. Whether it is actually a blowout, motor failing, or a wreck, towing specialists are actually outfitted to respond quickly as well as properly, offering a feeling of alleviation to those dealing with unexpected car obstacles.

Protecting Against Traffic Congestion

Think of a situation where a broken-down auto obstructs a lane during the course of optimal hrs in Santa Clara. The resulting traffic certainly not only frustrates travelers but can likewise cause financial losses because of postponed shippings and also overlooked sessions. Towing services play a vital function in stopping such conditions by quickly clearing disabled motor vehicles from the street, decreasing visitor traffic disturbances as well as maintaining the flow of lorries smooth.

Keeping Vehicle Integrity

Towing solutions support the conservation of car honesty by making certain that harmed or even handicapped automobiles are actually taken care of with care during the course of the tow truck Santa Clara method. This assists prevent more harm as well as makes certain that cars hit fixing facilities in the greatest feasible circumstances. In Santa Clara, where citizens typically count greatly on their vehicles for regular commuting, keeping the integrity of these resources is actually of utmost usefulness.

Specialized Towing Services

Santa Clara's diverse landscape features both metropolitan locations as well as breathtaking country paths. Towing companies serve to this variety through delivering specialized towing services for several situations. Whether it's bouncing back a lorry from a difficult off-road place or even towing customized automobiles like bikes or even RVs, towing specialists in Santa Clara possess the competence and equipment to handle a vast array of towing necessities.

Verdict

In Santa Clara, towing solutions are actually much more than only a benefit; they are actually an important element of the area's transit ecological community. Through making certain street safety and security, offering urgent aid, avoiding traffic, and giving concentrated towing remedies, towing services contribute considerably to the welfare of both vehicle drivers and also the community. As the vehicle landscape continues to develop, the relevance of towing solutions in Santa Clara stays enduring, supplying a lifeline to those in demand on the city's roads.

Santa Clara Towing

1361 calabazas court #2 Santa clara, CA 95051

669-228-5951

[mixtapedoh]

bts bias order go

omg marry me ♡♡♡♡♡. LINDSAY DON'T LOOK AND DON'T @ ME

namjoon -> hobi -> yoongi -> jin -> tae -> jungkook -> jimin

✩⡱ send me a group and i'll tell you my bias order

[candor-whatwolf]

6 Key Factors To Consider When Selecting A Towing Service In Santa Clara

Choosing a towing company in Santa Clara requires cautious factor to guarantee you obtain punctual, dependable, as well as qualified support when you require it most. Whether you discover your own self stranded behind the roadway as a result of to a break down or even associated with an accident, picking the ideal towing service is actually crucial.

Key Variables To Look At When Making This Important Decision

Reaction Time

Some of the absolute most crucial consider picking a commercial towing Santa Clara solution is their feedback time. When you're adhered when traveling, waiting on assistance, every moment thinks that an endless time. Search for a towing service in Santa Clara that is known for its easy reaction opportunities. This could be especially significant during emergency situations when well-timed support is vital. A reputable towing provider ought to have a fleet of well-maintained trucks purposefully situated to react immediately to telephone calls for help.

24/7 Availability

Automobile failures as well as incidents do not follow a timetable, and also they can occur any time of the time or night. For that reason, it is actually necessary to choose a towing company that functions 24/7. Recognizing you can call for support at any hr delivers comfort as well as guarantees that assistance is actually on call whenever you require it. Check the towing provider's hrs of function and ensure they have a trustworthy unexpected emergency response body in place.

Stable of Services

Certainly not all towing solutions offer the exact same series of services. Some might focus solely on towing, while others supply extra solutions such as kerbside assistance, jump starts, tire improvements, and also lockout solutions. Consider your prospective necessities and also pick a towing company in Santa Clara that uses an extensive series of companies. By doing this, you'll possess a one-stop answer for several roadside problems.

Professionalism and also Reputation

Research the professionalism as well as online reputation of the towing solution just before creating a choice. Read customer testimonials and recommendations to evaluate the adventures of others that have used their companies. Try to find a towing company Santa Clara  along with a track record for professionalism and trust, service, and consumer complete satisfaction. You may check on the web evaluation systems, social networking sites, as well as request recommendations coming from buddies or even household in Santa Clara.

Licensing

Make certain that the heavy duty towing Santa Clara company you decide on is actually correctly accredited and covered. This is a crucial aspect that talks to the legitimacy and stability of the firm. Certified truck towing companies stick to industry specifications and also rules, offering you along with a level of guarantee that your lorry will certainly be actually taken care of expertly. Also, insurance policy protection secures your motor vehicle in the event of any damages in the course of the towing process.

Straightforward Pricing

Comprehend the towing solution's pricing construct just before engaging their companies. Reliable towing firms in Santa Clara supply clear prices and is going to deliver estimates located on your details circumstance. Covert costs and unexpected costs may include needless worry to a currently daunting circumstance, thus opt for a towing company that is actually upfront concerning their prices. Also, ask about remittance techniques allowed to guarantee a smooth and also problem-free deal.

To conclude, picking a towing company in Santa Clara entails taking into consideration factors such as feedback opportunity, 24/7 schedule, variety of services, expertise, licensing, and clear prices. Taking the opportunity to research and also select a trustworthy towing service will definitely certainly not merely provide comfort during emergency situations but likewise make sure that your motor vehicle is managed with treatment and experience. Through focusing on these elements, you may create a knowledgeable selection that fulfills your specific needs as well as choices.

Santa Clara Towing

1361 calabazas court #2 Santa clara, CA 95051

669-228-5951

[iftimeismoneyineedaloan]

The Vital Role of Santa Clara towing Services

Towing solutions play an essential task in making certain the protection and smooth circulation of visitor traffic while driving of Santa Clara and also beyond. As a vital element of the auto sector, towing solutions contribute considerably to the general welfare of vehicle drivers and also the area unconfined. In Santa Clara, where busy urban life fulfills extensive rural yards, the requirement for reputable towing companies ends up being also more obvious.

Towing Companies In Santa Clara Participate In A Crucial Part:

Making Sure Road Safety

One of the key features of towing Santa Clara companies in Santa Clara is actually to enhance roadway protection. When automobiles crack down or face incidents, they may posture major dangers to both the passengers of the lorry as well as other street users. Prompt and professional towing Santa Clara services help in promptly eliminating these difficulties coming from the streets, minimizing the threat of added collisions and making sure the safety and security of everyone when traveling.

Emergency Assistance

Break downs and crashes can occur whenever, leaving behind chauffeurs stranded and also seeking critical aid. Towing solutions in Santa Clara work 24/7, supplying crucial unexpected emergency support to drivers in distress. Whether it's a blowout, motor failure, or even a collision, towing specialists are actually geared up to answer promptly and also successfully, delivering a feeling of comfort to those facing unpredicted car difficulties.

Protecting Against Traffic Congestion

Visualize a situation where a broken-down vehicle obstructs a lane during the course of height hrs in Santa Clara. The leading traffic certainly not just frustrates commuters however may additionally trigger economic losses as a result of put off shippings and also missed sessions. Towing companies participate in an essential part in stopping such scenarios through rapidly getting rid of disabled autos coming from the street, minimizing web traffic disturbances as well as keeping the flow of motor vehicles smooth.

Maintaining Vehicle Integrity

Towing services add to the maintenance of motor vehicle honesty through ensuring that harmed or handicapped cars are handled along with care during the towing in Santa Clara CA process. This aids avoid additional harm and guarantees that cars reach fixing facilities in the most ideal possible circumstances. In Santa Clara, where locals typically depend greatly on their motor vehicles for regular commuting, maintaining the honesty of these resources is actually of utmost value.

Specialized Towing Services

Santa Clara's diverse landscape includes both urban locations and also picturesque country paths. Towing services serve this diversity through supplying focused towing answers for various scenarios. Whether it is actually recovering a lorry coming from a tough off-road location or even towing specific motor vehicles including motorcycles or even RVs, towing experts in Santa Clara possess the experience and also equipment to take care of a large variety of towing necessities.

Final thought

In Santa Clara, towing services are greater than simply a benefit; they are a vital element of the location's transport ecosystem. By making certain road safety and security, providing emergency situation support, protecting against traffic, and also offering focused towing services, towing companies contribute substantially to the wellness of both vehicle drivers as well as the community. As the vehicle landscape remains to develop, the relevance of towing companies in Santa Clara continues to be resolute, offering a lifeline to those in requirement on the area's streets.

Santa Clara Towing

1361 calabazas court #2 Santa clara, CA 95051

669-228-5951

[cosmicscarecrows]

Five Advantages Of Making Use Of Equipment Towing Santa Clara Service

Towing companies participate in a vital role in guaranteeing road security and also delivering support to motorists in necessity. In Santa Clara, where traffic is actually typically occupied, having access to a reputable towing service, like a tow truck in Santa Clara or even a trustworthy towing firm, can be profoundly useful.

Five Key Advantages Of Utilizing Towing Services In Santa Clara

Motivate Assistance in Emergencies

Some of the major advantages of using a equipment towing Santa Clara solution is the immediate help they supply throughout urgents. Whether you discover your own self stranded as a result of a break down or included in a kerbside incident, a tow truck in Santa Clara may rapidly come to the scene to tow your automobile to a garage. This quick action may decrease the threat of more mishaps as well as guarantee your security on the road.

24/7 Availability

Towing firms in Santa Clara commonly run 24/7, providing 24/7 help to chauffeurs. Auto problems as well as mishaps may take place at any moment, and also having a trustworthy towing solution offered in any way hrs guarantees that support is actually just a call away. This 24/7 supply is actually especially beneficial for those that find on their own in distress in the course of weird hrs or even in distant locations.

Professional and Skilled Assistance

When you opt for a professional towing Santa Clara company, you profit from the know-how of experienced specialists. Tow truck drivers are experienced in safely and securely towing lorries of all dimensions, making certain that your motor vehicle is actually taken care of along with care throughout the towing process. This professionalism helps prevent more damages to your motor vehicle as well as assures a smooth and also safe and secure towing adventure.

Convenience in Towing Services

Towing services in Santa Clara are certainly not confined to just towing impaired vehicles. Lots of towing companies use a variety of solutions, featuring jump-starts, tire adjustments, and gas shipping. This convenience suggests that, besides towing, they can give spur-of-the-moment services to various slight problems that might leave you stranded when traveling. This thorough help helps make towing services a valuable information for motorists facing a range of obstacles.

Cost-efficient Solutions

Unlike usual opinion, using a towing company in Santa Clara may be a cost-effective solution in certain situations. Attempting to deal with car issues without qualified support might lead to further harm, causing much higher repair work costs. Towing companies can successfully carry your vehicle to a fixing location, likely saving you amount of money over time through avoiding extra harm poor managing.

Verdict:

In Santa Clara, where the speed of life is actually fast and also the roadways are often clogged, having accessibility to a reliable towing company is actually a sensible choice for any sort of driver. The advantages of punctual aid, 24/7 accessibility, specialist competence, functional solutions, and also affordable remedies make towing services an important resource for handling unforeseen vehicle difficulties and emergencies when traveling. Whether you need a tow truck in Santa Clara or even aid with a minor kerbside concern, a trustworthy towing company could be your dependable partner in making sure a secure and also trouble-free driving knowledge.

Santa Clara Towing

1361 calabazas court #2 Santa clara, CA 95051

669-228-5951

[porschestevenscreek]

If finding a vehicle with a great towing capacity is your concern, then Porsche has got you covered. There are three models you’ll find at Porsche Stevens Creek that can help you haul a whole lot of cargo behind your luxury vehicle.

[claratowingteam]

About Us

Santa Clara Towing is dedicated to providing efficient and reliable roadside assistance throughout the region. Our mission is to offer a fast, dependable, 24/7 experience for all our customers’ needs. We strive to provide each customer with compassionate service that meets their specific requirements. Our vision is to be the premier provider of quality Towing and Roadside Assistance services in our local area while continually innovating and improving ourselves.

[genshingorlsrevengeance]

I have vague memories of a blog with I think was yours where the reader showed Klee the thumb tricked, She freaked out because she thinks reader just got hurt and runs to Jean to tell her what happened. And Reader had to awkwardly explain to Jean what happed. Yeah So I request that but for Clara and Svarog.

(Honkai: Star Rail) Clara thinking Reader's thumb is gone

That sounds like my blog, perhaps in the Blog-That-Was (the old one before it got banned). Can't seem to find it on this one, though I am also blind.

Svarog's monoeye flickered the moment it detected Clara's heartrate spiking up.

Before a second even passes, Svarog is already at the door with weapons powering on.

By the time three seconds have passed, Svarog bursts into the room, scanning Clara and (Y/N) in the room with no signs of intruders or anything amiss.

(Svarog) "Both your vitals are significantly high. What is the situation?"

Svarog zoomed in closer to examine Clara's face and noticed that she had tears in the corner of her eyes, making its' prediction algorithms activate and try to find the source of her distress.

Though it was unnecessary as Clara immediately responded.

(Clara) "Mr. Svarog! (Y/N)'s thumb is hurt!"

(Y/N) "H-Hang on a second!-"

Svarog's head whirred towards (Y/N)'s direction and analyzed their physical state. Nothing appeared wrong upon initial scan-

(Clara) "T-They removed their own thumb!"

(Svarog) "...Likelihood of prosthetics: Low. Explain, (Y/N)."

Even though Svarog's voice modulator did not fluctuate once, (Y/N) felt a cold sweat run down their head sensing they were getting angry for making Clara cry.

(Y/N) "Sorry! I was just doing a little prank! S-See, look!-"

(Y/N) quickly showed the monoeye currently burning a hole through them with its gaze their hand, putting their thumb into their hand and repeating the motion in a panicked state.

(Clara) "You're...not hurt?"

(Y/N) "No, Clara! Promise! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to scare you like that!"

Though they were apologizing to her, they were also apologizing so that Svarog didn't crush their skull.

Svarog remained quiet for a few more seconds before powering down its equipment, moving closer to Clara as she wiped away her own tears.

(Clara) "It's...it's okay. But...that was a neat trick!"

(Y/N) chuckled nervously before they immediately silenced themselves, Svarog's head suddenly turning towards them once again and startling (Y/N).

(Svarog) "Refrain from scaring Clara like this again."

(Y/N) "Y-YES SIR!"

(Clara) "Um...do you want to go outside with Perkins and I?"

(Y/N) "S-Sure, come on let's go!"

Svarog's mechanical head tracked (Y/N) the entire time, watching them leave with Clara and Perkins in tow.

Saying nothing else, it stood up and went back into its room to continue their scanning of countless areas.

Though, it did make a note to itself and any other robot accompanying Clara.

(Svarog) [Prevent pranks on Clara from (Y/N), Members of the Astral Express, and the Moles. Updating movie database to exclude scenes that may cause distress.]

[wonderlanddreamer]

Alfie Solomons x Reader

Summary: Just an all-around cutesy fun family fic based on this request. I'm so sorry this took me so long!

The living room was a sea of chaos and laughter. Alfie Solomons and his three sons, Jacob, Levi and Noah, were engaged in an epic mock battle. Pillows were strewn about like fallen warriors, and cardboard swords clashed with imaginary foes.

Jacob, the self-appointed leader, stood atop the sofa, brandishing his makeshift sword with authority. “To arms, men! We must defend the ship from invaders!”

Levi, ever the enthusiastic six-year-old, charged forward with a pillow shield. “Aye, Captain! No pirates shall cross this line!”

Noah, the youngest at four, followed suit, his eyes wide with excitement. “I’m gonna get the treasure, Daddy!”

Alfie, playing the role of the fearsome pirate captain, let out a hearty laugh that filled the room. “Arrr, you think you can best ol’ Captain Solomons, do ye? Well, you’ll have to try harder than that!”

With a playful growl, Alfie lunged forward, swooping Noah up into his arms and spinning him around. “I’ve got you know, me heartie!”

Noah squealed with delight, waving his arms around as if trying to fly. “Put me down, Captain! I’ll tell you where the treasure is!”

Jacob, not to be outdone, leaped from the sofa with a mighty battle cry. “Charge! Rescue Noah from the clutches of the pirate!”

Levi followed, the two brothers launching a coordinated assault on their father who feigned dramatic defeat, falling to the floor with exaggerated groans. “Oh, the mighty Solomons crew has bested me! What cunning fighters you are!”

You watched from the doorway, cradling your six-month-old daughter, Rosie, who cooed happily in your arms. The boys sprawled across the floor, laughter filling the room, which made you smile. “Okay, crew. Time to tidy up on deck. Our guests will be arriving soon.”

Today was a special day, as your sister Clara and her family were visiting from the countryside. Alfie, ever the doting father, ruffled each of the boys' hair affectionately before making his way over to you. With a tender touch, he cradled the back of Rosie’s head, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek and then one on yours. You rose on your tiptoes to return the gesture with a kiss on his lips before you all busied yourselves tidying up the delightful chaos of your home.

Your family arrived a little while later, just as Alfie and the boys had renewed their game of Pirates. Clara, always the embodiment of poise and grace, stepped into the bustling household with her husband Henry and their children, Emily and James, in tow. The contrast between the two families was immediately noticeable. Emily, a ten-year-old exuding quiet confidence, and James, her shy seven-year-old brother, stood close to their parents, their eyes wide as they absorbed the lively scene around them.

Henry, a man of few words with a fondness for order, appeared slightly uneasy. His gaze lingered momentarily on the scar etched across Alfie’s face—a vivid reminder of the life Alfie had lived and the battles he had faced. Sensing her husband's discomfort, Clara, ever the diplomat, gently nudged him and offered a reassuring smile as they ventured further into the vibrant chaos.

As you ushered them into the living room, Alfie paused in his play, his gaze softening as he greeted your sister with a warm hug. "Clara, love, it's been too long. Henry, good to see you, mate," he said, extending a hand to Henry, who shook it with a polite nod.

The children exchanged tentative smiles, with Emily and James hanging back slightly behind their parents, unsure of how to navigate the exuberant energy of the Solomons boys, who had resumed their play with newfound vigor. Emily, with her neatly braided hair and a book clutched to her chest, surveyed the scene with cautious curiosity, while James, clutching a small toy car, shifted nervously from foot to foot.

“Alright, you lot, settle down for a bit,” you called out, your voice a gentle command amidst the lively chaos. The boys, though reluctant, heeded your words, collapsing onto the sofa in a tangled heap of giggles and elbows, their laughter bubbling up like an unstoppable tide.

As dinner approached, you found yourself orchestrating a delicate balance between chaos and calm. The dining table, a long, sturdy wooden piece that had witnessed countless meals and family gatherings, was set with meticulous care. Each place was adorned with simple yet elegant tableware, and the soft glow of candles flickered gently, casting a warm, inviting light across the room. The aroma of roast chicken, infused with herbs and surrounded by a medley of colorful vegetables, wafted through the air, offering a comforting contrast to the lively chatter and occasional bursts of laughter that echoed around you.

Seated at the head of the table, Alfie took it upon himself to engage Emily and James, his natural charisma shining through as he endeavored to draw them out of their shells. “So, Emily, James, you like stories, yeah? I’ve got a few good ones about treasure hunts and daring escapes that'll have you on the edge of your seat,” he announced with a grin, his eyes twinkling with mischief and a hint of challenge.

The children exchanged nervous glances, their eyes flickering between their plates and Alfie’s expectant gaze. Emily seemed both intrigued and wary. James, clutching his fork tightly, was visibly torn between curiosity and caution. Despite Alfie's best efforts, the scar that bisected his face and his naturally booming voice cast a shadow over his otherwise friendly demeanour, making the children hesitant to engage fully.

Noticing their hesitation, you leaned over to Alfie with a gentle smile, your touch on his arm a subtle cue. “Maybe start with something a bit less adventurous, love. How about the story of how you outsmarted that fox in the chicken coop?”

Alfie chuckled, a deep, warm sound that softened the edges of his rugged exterior. He nodded, shifting his approach with ease. “Ah, right, that one’s a classic. So there we were, middle of the night, and this cheeky fox thought he’d have a go at our chickens…” His voice took on a playful tone as he launched into the tale, weaving humour and suspense into his words, gradually drawing Emily and James into the story with each vivid detail. Slowly, their apprehension melted away, replaced by smiles and wide-eyed anticipation.

As Alfie wove stories with animated gestures and a playful tone, the ice continuing to thaw. Emily and James listened intently, their initial apprehension giving way to genuine curiosity. Alfie had a way of turning even the simplest story into an epic adventure, and soon the table was filled with laughter.

Meanwhile, Jacob, Levi, and Noah, ever the mischievous trio, had taken it upon themselves to share their peculiar brand of "wisdom" with their cousins. The boys, with the kind of solemnity that only children can muster, demonstrated what they deemed the "proper" way to eat peas—by launching them like tiny catapults across the table using the backs of their forks. Each pea flew through the air in a perfect arc, landing with a soft plop amidst the plates and cutlery.

Your stern look was met with their exaggerated innocence, the boys' eyes wide and faces a picture of feigned ignorance. Yet, despite your best efforts to maintain a serious demeanor, you couldn't suppress the smile tugging at the corners of your mouth. The sight was both exasperating and endearing, a reminder of the boundless creativity and joy of childhood.

Little Rosie, perched in her high chair with a perfect view of the spectacle, was utterly delighted. Her tiny hands clapped together with glee, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she watched her brothers' antics. Her giggles, a sweet and melodic sound, filled the room, providing a joyful counterpoint to the mayhem. Her laughter was infectious, and soon even the adults found themselves chuckling, the initial chaos softening into a shared moment of family warmth and connection.

As the meal progressed, conversation flowed more freely. Clara and Henry shared stories from their quiet village life, while you recounted the latest antics of the boys, each tale more outlandish than the last. Alfie, ever the storyteller, chimed in with anecdotes that had the whole table in stitches, even managing to coax a few smiles from Henry.

After dinner, the children burst forth into the garden, and their liberation from the confines of the dining table met with joyful exuberance. The garden, a sprawling oasis of lush green grass and vibrant wildflowers, was bordered by towering oak trees whose branches swayed gently in the evening breeze. The sky above was a canvas of deepening blues and purples, with the first stars beginning to twinkle against the fading light of day.

The Solomons' boys, natural leaders in mischief and adventure, quickly took charge, inviting Emily and James to join them in a spirited game of hide and seek. Their voices rang out through the crisp air, filled with excitement as they dashed across the lawn, weaving between garden furniture and disappearing into the shadows cast by the trees. Emily, her braids bouncing with each step, giggled as she found a perfect hiding spot behind a sprawling rose bush, while James, his earlier reservations forgotten, crouched behind a large oak, his eyes wide with anticipation. The children's laughter echoed like music, a joyful symphony that spoke of new friendships being forged in the twilight.

Inside the house, you and Clara worked side by side, clearing the table in a seamless rhythm born of years spent sharing chores and confidences. The clatter of cutlery and the gentle scrape of dishes against the wooden table were soothing, familiar sounds. Clara paused for a moment, surveying the room with a smile that reached her eyes. “You’ve got quite the lively crew here,” she commented, her voice tinged with both admiration and amusement. “But I can see the love in every corner of this home.”

You turned your gaze toward the window, where the scene outside unfolded like a cherished painting. There stood Alfie, his silhouette sturdy yet gentle against the dusky sky. He watched over the children with a gaze that was both protective and tender, embodying the essence of a guardian and a father. Rosie, nestled snugly against his broad chest, was a picture of contentment. Her tiny hand clutched his shirt as she nuzzled closer, lulled by the rhythmic motion of Alfie’s hand, which stroked her back with soothing, whisper-soft movements. Her eyelids fluttered, heavy with the promise of sleep, as she basked in the warmth and safety of her father's embrace.

“It’s chaotic, but it’s ours. I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” you replied to Clara, a sense of deep satisfaction and love swelling within you. The chaos was a tapestry of cherished moments, woven together by laughter, love, and the vibrant energy of family life.

Clara nodded thoughtfully, her gaze shifting to Alfie. “And Alfie... he’s really something. I think he won over Emily and James with that story about the fox,” she said, her voice soft with appreciation.

A chuckle escaped your lips as you recalled the scene at the table. Alfie’s voice, usually so commanding, had taken on a playful lilt, weaving a tale that captivated the children and drew them into his world. “He has a way about him. Once you get past the rough edges, he’s got the biggest heart,” you remarked, your voice filled with affection and pride. Alfie’s storytelling was more than just entertainment; it was a bridge that connected him to others, revealing the kindness and warmth that lay beneath his rugged exterior. As you and Clara continued to tidy up, the laughter from outside mingled with your own, wrapping your home in a cocoon of love and togetherness.

As the evening gradually drew to a close, the first stars began to twinkle against the velvet backdrop of the night sky, casting a serene glow over the garden. The children, their energy finally beginning to wane after a day filled with laughter and adventure, were coaxed back inside with gentle words and promises of bedtime stories. The transition from the lively outdoors to the comforting confines of the house was seamless, the warmth of the interior enveloping them like a soft blanket.

Upstairs, you tenderly settled Rosie into her crib, her tiny form nestled among the plush blankets. Her eyelids fluttered briefly, a sleepy protest against the pull of slumber, before she succumbed to the peaceful embrace of sleep. Her breathing slowed into a gentle, rhythmic pattern, each exhale a soft sigh of contentment. The boys, still buzzing with the remnants of their outdoor escapades, were soon tucked into their beds. Their whispered conversations, filled with the lingering excitement of the day, gradually faded into the background, replaced by the soothing cadence of their breaths as they drifted off to dreamland.

Downstairs, the atmosphere was relaxed and convivial. Alfie and Henry sat comfortably in the dimly lit living room, each nursing a glass of whiskey. The amber liquid caught the light, casting a warm glow that mirrored the camaraderie between them. Their conversation flowed with ease, the occasional burst of laughter punctuating their dialogue and breaking the stillness of the room. The day’s earlier formalities had given way to a genuine connection, a shared understanding forged over shared stories and mutual respect.

You joined Clara on the sofa, the cushions soft and inviting beneath you. A comfortable silence settled between you, punctuated only by the gentle clink of tea cups and the soft rustle of fabric as James and Emily, their energy finally spent, dozed quietly with their heads resting on Clara’s lap. The moment was a peaceful respite, a chance to reflect on the day’s events.

“It was good to see you,” you said, breaking the quiet, your voice filled with warmth and sincerity. “We should do this more often.”

Clara nodded, her smile warm and genuine, radiating the affection of a sister and friend. “Definitely. It’s nice to be reminded of what’s important,” she replied, her gaze drifting momentarily to the sleeping children, her voice laced with gratitude.

As the evening wound down, the sense of fulfillment in the air was palpable. Clara and her family prepared to leave, gathering their belongings with the unhurried pace of those reluctant to part. The visit had been more than just a gathering; it was a celebration of familial strength and the joy that could be found amidst the chaos of everyday life.

Standing at the door, Alfie clapped Henry on the back with a friendly grin, the camaraderie between them evident in the easy banter. “You take care, mate. And don’t worry, next time, I’ll have even better stories,” Alfie promised, his voice a playful rumble that hinted at future gatherings filled with laughter and tales.

Henry chuckled, finally at ease, his earlier reservations long forgotten. “I look forward to it, Alfie,” he replied, the sincerity in his voice a testament to the newfound friendship between the two.

As you waved goodbye to Clara and her family, watching them disappear into the night, you felt a profound sense of contentment. The house, though quieter now, seemed to hum with a lingering warmth, a testament to the bonds that had been strengthened and the love that had been shared over the course of the day.

Turning to Alfie, who wrapped an arm around your shoulders and drew you close, you found comfort in his familiar presence. “Well, love, I reckon that went alright in the end, didn’t it?” he mused, his voice a soft rumble that resonated with satisfaction.

You nodded, leaning into his embrace, feeling the steady beat of his heart against your side. “It did, indeed,” you agreed, your voice filled with both relief and joy.

Together, you lingered in the doorway, watching as Clara’s car taillights faded into the darkness. The night settled around you, quiet and still, a gentle reminder of the connections strengthened and the memories made. Feeling the warmth of Alfie's arm around you, a sense of calm and satisfaction washed over you, knowing that the day had brought everyone closer.

[goldenamaranthe-blog]

Apple Seed 11: Abuela

Vaggie: (helping Charlie walk around the hotel) Just a couple more weeks and this will be all over, babe.

Charlie: (waddling like a fat penguin and holding her back) Thank fuck!

Lucifer: ....I'm risking it. (rushes up behind Charlie, lifts her up, places her feet on his, and starts waddling forward while singing) WWWWWWaddle like a penguin, quack, quack! WWWaddle like a penguin, quack, quack!

Charlie: DAD!!! I'M NOT THREE ANYMORE!!! I'M JUST PREGNANT!!! (looks down at her recently dropped baby belly) Very.... VERY.... pregnant....

Lucifer: Sorry, duckie. I thought this might help bring a smile to your face.

KNOCK!!! KNOCK!!! KNOCK!!!

Vaggie: Who the fuck is here now?! We put it out that we're not taking anymore sinners until after the baby's born!

Charlie: (slowly easing herself onto a lowered bar stool) Vaggie, be nice.

Baby: (wiggles, sending Charlie's whole belly pulsing)

Charlie: Baby agrees.

Vaggie: Yes, dear.... (answers the door) What do you- .......

Carmilla: (standing in the doorway with an imposing stare)

Vaggie: Carmine!? What are you doing here?!

Carmilla: (places an envelope in Vaggie's hand and enters the hotel with Clara and Odette in tow - dragging mounds of baby goods) I am here to check in on the princess and child while dropping off some much needed baby items.

Charlie: Aww~ That's awfully nice of you, Ms. Carmine.

Baby: (flutters)

Vaggie: (opening the envelope) This better not be an invoice for all of that! (pulls out a thick packet of paper and reads) WHAT THE FUCK???? You're ADOPTING me?!?!?!

Charlie: (jaw drops as she's in the middle of holding up a white baby onesie that says "I Love My Mommies" in rainbow from the pile) What?!

Lucifer: (Angry puppy face) Oh, no! That is MY daughter-in-law!

Carmilla: I figured it was overdue, especially with a child on the way. The baby needs an abuela in its life.

Vaggie: (opens mouth to say something only for her to close it with a snap) You know what? Fuck it. This is fine. Someone, give me a pen.

Odette: (hands over a pen)

Vaggie: Thank you. (signs the paper) There. Carmine, now you're an abuelita.

Carmilla: (staring at Charlie and the baby belly) Abuela is just fine.

Vaggie: Abuelita or nothing.

Carmilla: (opens mouth to counter)

Baby: (flutters excitedly and little fist impressions press against Charlie's belly)

Charlie: Awww~ They want to say "Hi" to their abuelita~

Carmilla: (flushes red and closes her mouth before shuffling forward and holding her hand over Charlie's belly)

Charlie: (smiles and gently presses her hand on top of Carmilla's, bringing it to her belly)

Baby: (tiny hand presses against the taught belly to meet the hand outside)

Carmilla: ......... (internally crying from sheer emotions) Qué pequeño tan precioso.

Clara & Odette: Can we feel the baby?!

Carmilla: (walks back over to Vaggie to retrieve the paperwork)

Vaggie: (smirking) Don't think I didn't hear that.

Carmilla: I don't know what you're talking about.

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

Protective Gale Dadkarios Thoughts

A/N: I am once again thinking about Gale being a father and it's giving me emotions. This man makes me soft guys!

Okay, first things first, this is more in keeping with my Single Mom!Tav, Gwen, headcanons (found here)

Basically Gwen had a tiefling child, Clara by a previous marriage. She and her husband divorced and after Gale and Gwen got married they had a daughter named Morgan

As I've kind of dove into here; Clara and Morgan have a hard time conceptualizing their father as an adventurer

Yes, obviously, he was, but to them he's just their dad; the one who makes bad jokes and cooks and reads them stories, it's not necessarily real to them

So imagine for a moment, Clara walking through the market with a little Morgan in tow

Clara old enough at this point to go by herself, but Morgan is obessed with her big sister and Gwen insist Clara bring Morgan with her

Clara begrudgingly agrees, taking the coin Gwen gave them to buy some things for dinner while Morgan tugs on her sleeve asking if they can get a treat

Clara is too distracted to notice at first the sound of horses hooves galloping toward them. The store keeper in front of them suddenly drops with an arrow to the chest. The rest is chaos.

Clara doesn’t know what to do except grab Morgan and start running back towards home. Morgan is scared though and too little to run properly.

Clara then ducks them between a few barrels just hoping nobody notices them. She only is just able to catch her breath when she feels a hand on her shoulder.

She starts to yell ready to start biting just like her uncle Astarion told her when she sees her dad kneeling down next to them.

Morgan throws her arms around him and Clara isn’t that far behind

Gale hugs them both asking if Gwen is with them. Clara tells him she’s back home. She then sees something in her dad’s eye she hasn’t seen before.

His jaw is set and there is something calculating in the way he looks out at the choas on the other side of the alley way. He then kisses them both of the forehead and tells them very calmly to stay hidden, he’ll be right back.

Morgan starts to reach out to her dad, but Clara holds her back. Something in how he said it makes her actually feel the necessity to do as he says.

Still, she can’t help it take a peak as she sees her dad step out of the alley with nothing but his staff.

The next thing she sees is a display of magic she’s only heard in stories.

The fire that rains down isn't done out of fury, but cool precise calculation

Time might as well have stopped

Gale isn't being extravogent or showing off, this is a wizard at full power cleaning up the mess in the most efficient way possible

When the dust clears, Gale stands in the middle of it all without a scratch on him

He then turns back to see Clara and Morgan peaking out of the alley way

He wants to chastize them for not hiding properly like he said, but he can't bring himself to do it, espeically when Morgan comes charging into his arms

Clara isn't far behind and he gathers them both to him

Everything is alright now, time to go home

Morgan is really too little to understand what she just saw, only that it was scary and the safest place she can think to be is in her father's arms

Clara honestly can't help but stare at him; she didn't think he was that...well, cool

Of course, this illusion is shattered the second he makes a bad joke in some attempt to get them to smile

At the end of the day, he's still their dad; soft, safe and warm

[seramilla]

Human au Sera get's sick and while she's normally the type to brush it off Carmilla makes her rest and spends time taking care of her

Sera doesn't generally think that highly of herself. To be honest, her self-esteem is as fragile and brittle as the finest glass. But if she takes pride in anything, it's her seemingly supernatural ability to dodge various aches and ailments.

Emily, as with any other child, is a germ magnet. She has brought home many contagions over the years, but Sera's diligence when it comes to cleanliness and sanitation has helped her dodge more proverbial health bullets than she cares to recall. With Lysol wipes and face mask in tow, she takes care of her sister through it all. Only once or twice has she been victim to a cold. Perhaps once to the flu, but she got over it quickly.

It's a much different situation, however, when there is not one, not two, but three young people in the house, coming into contact with who knows what out in the big wild world and then bringing it home. Cleaning is now an Olympic sport instead of a chore. Odette and Clara, thankfully, are adequate at it most of the time. Carmilla has drilled the old adage "cleanliness is next to godliness" into their heads since birth.

Emily, however, may be the spitting image of Sera in the looks department, but remembering to wash up after meals is rarely her top priority. She's also a chronic nail-biter, fingers always dancing around the corners of her mouth when the girl is nervous. Sera doesn't fault her for it. She's had a tough life, and it's a stress response borne out of everything she's been though.

But it drives Sera positively bonkers. And when it leads to Emily bringing home one nasty case of a respiratory virus one fateful day, the usually impermeable Sera is knocked completely off her feet.

While Emily fully recovers in a matter of days, Sera is bedridden for the better part of a week. This is probably her lifetime of dumb luck running out and coming back to bite her in the ass. Carmilla and the girls initially isolate in a different part of the house, but it's clear to Carmilla after the first few days that Sera is absolutely miserable.

Adding to her pathetic state is having to take care of herself while being unable to breathe properly. Shuffling around the house with sore muscles that refuse to fucking relax. Dealing with a pounding headache that just will not go away, no matter how many painkillers she takes...

Sera doesn't think she's ever felt or looked more pathetic in her life. She hates Carmilla having to see her like this. Hair askew and plastered to her face with sweat. Nose red and puffy with snot hanging out of one nostril. Eyes so bloodshot, she almost looks like a demon conjured up from Hell...

Sera's eternally grateful to have Carmilla at her side, even though she won't admit it aloud. The matriarch has set her up with a humidifier, a mountain range of tissue boxes on the nightstand, and an ice pack for her forehead to fight the headache. Really, she's gone above and beyond, and this is just too much. Carmilla should be working, not worrying about her. She can take care of herself. She can. She just needs to rest...

"Carmilla, please," Sera complains, trying to shoo away her partner with a weak wave of her hand. "I'm fine."

Carmilla gives her that look, like she doesn't believe her. Like she knows Sera means well, but that her partner is full of shit, and would be better off just letting Carmilla have her way. Carmilla always gets her way, one way or the other.

"That's a lie," Carmilla says. She fluffs up the pillow under Sera's head, and climbs into the bed next to her. Sera gasps, trying to sit up and push her away.

"No! Stop! You'll get sick!"

"Do I look like I care?" Carmilla snuggles up into Sera's side, not even bothering to cover her mouth or resist touching her. She actually kisses Sera on the cheek, in spite of it. "Whatever you might give me is nothing compared to the flu season when the girls were 3. That was actual Hell. I'll survive this."

Sera grimaces, coughs her sore throat raw, then blows her nose into a tissue, sounding like a car horn honking.

"I don't know how you can be so flippant about these things. You should take this seriously."

"I take everything about you seriously," Carmilla responds, looking Sera rather intensely in the eye. Despite being sick, Carmilla paying this much attention to her always makes Sera feel weak. "I want you to get better, and to take care of you, and do nice things for you. Is that so bad?"

"....No," Sera says meekly after a brief pause, blushing. "I just...don't know how to handle this. Someone taking care of me, that is. It's strange."

"Well, get used to it, mi amor, because it's going to happen a lot," Carmilla quips. "Whether you like it or not. I don't negotiate about this sort of thing."

Carmilla runs her hand playfully through Sera's mussed up hair, messing it up even more. Sera swats her hand away in mild annoyance. Just like Carmilla, she is stubborn, and doesn't like being treated like a child. She's still blushing, though, and can't pretend her flushed face is from the sickness alone.

"Come on now. Don't be like that," Carmilla whispers. She leans in, brushing her lips against the side of Sera's neck.

"That's not going to work on me. Not right now," Sera warns.

Carmilla smiles slyly against her skin. "You sure about that?"

Her breath ghosts against the area directly below Sera's chin, then over to her ear, where Sera's most sensitive, lightly grazing. Sera gasps, and doesn't push her away. Despite how horrible Sera feels, her body still responds viscerally to Carmilla's closeness, and Carmilla knows it, and will always play that card every chance she gets.

"Carmilla...mmm...!"

Before Sera can give in and lean further into Carmilla's touch, the other woman pulls away suddenly. Sera almost falls flat onto the mattress and whines.

"It's so unfair," Sera says, pouting profusely. "You always play dirty."

Carmilla chuckles and kisses her cheek again. Despite Sera's claims that she doesn't like to be babied, Carmilla surely sees the resemblance between the older sister and Emily. Sera is so predictable sometimes that it's downright charming.

"I'm sorry," Carmilla smiles. "Consider it a preview of what's to come, after you recover."

"Unless you get sick, as well," Sera reminds her. "You keep forgetting about that."

"Then we'll just share some snotty kisses. There are worse things, mi querida."

Sera looks at her, wide-eyed and open-mouthed, like Carmilla has just admitted to murdering someone and burying the body in their backyard.

"Carmilla! That's so...disgusting!"

Carmilla cackles. "What? Like we don't swap spit literally every day? You've never complained about that before!"

Sera buries her flushing face into a pillow, and vents her embarrassed frustration into the fabric with a long moan.

"That's different! You're incorrigible!"

"Yeah, well, you love it," Carmilla teases. "Now get better so I can make good on my promise, cariño."

[ghostwrittenmadness]

prologue- the major//minor archives

masterlist

"Hello, my name is Eliza." The blinking red light of the camera taunted her as she shifted from foot to foot. "Maybe I should have come up with a script for this, but the rest of it wont be scripted, so why should the intro?" Silence from the camera. Oh man this was going to be hard. From beside the tripod, James gave her an encouraging thumbs up. Clara seemed unamused.

"Anyway, my name is Eliza Jones, and welcome to my mini series! I'm going to call it Major and Minor! Its goal is to document The Condensing and its impacts. While it happened three years ago, and we have made many great strides to normalcy- there is still much to be done." She looked at her friends again. This time Clara was nodding along. "I was not directly impacted but The Condensing, but many of my close friends were. It's something that changed their lives forever, and it's disheartening to watch society loose steam about an issue so prevalent." Across the room, Robin opened the door quietly, two passengers in tow, and took a spot next to James. Perfect timing, everyone was here. "I know I'm using a lot of big words and talking about such a serious topic, but my goal of Major and Minor is to casually spread awareness through silly little vlogs with my friends! We attend Westdale College, which happens to be located in the most integrated city in the country. And yet, as you follow our lives, I hope you'll notice how much more we need to do. Ready to meet my friends?" She motioned for Robin and James to take her place in frame, before stepping behind the camera and taking it off the tripod. The Condensing, as it had been dubbed, was a vaguely described government plan to help with over population, lack of resources, and a nationwide housing crisis. According to them at least. It was hard to remember the specifics of what happened, partly because there was none. It was chaotic and fast. People were chosen at random to 'participate' in The Condensing, which was apparently a literal term. Participation wasn't optional, and nobody really knew what was going on until 25% of the population over the age of 15 was reduced to around three inches tall and moved into tiny cities across the country. The two groups were very separate at first, but in the three years since, places have put in work to connect the two groups. Eliza felt fortunate enough to have been raised in Westdale, the leading city to do so. "Everyone, meet James Nelson!" She said, zooming in on his face. He had light brown hair that fell slightly over his blue eyes. With his free hand, James waved, before Eliza lowered the camera to his other hand. "And Clara Grace." The three inch redhead was crosslegged in James' palm. She gave a half hearted salute. "Up next we've got Robin Gray," She panned out to the girl next to James, with cherry red hair and dark lipstick on. "Finally, thing one and two: Kai Bennett and Cooper Bell." The two were pressed close on Robin's shoulder. They were perfect contrasts of one another. Kai's short black hair against Cooper's wild blond strands. Kai's sweater was blue and Cooper's was bright orange. Kai waved at the camera and Cooper covered his face. "No flash photography." "Jesus," Clara groaned. Eliza set down the tripod and joined her friends in frame. "This will be fun! I've always wondered what it would be like to be a vlogger! Anyway, that's all for now, maybe I'll add more, maybe I'll post this intro on its own, but we'll see you next time!" Some of her friends had taken more convincing than others. Clara was hesitant, claiming to not have much of a life to document. Robin, a film major, was quickly on board. Kai and Cooper were split, but whatever one did the other did too, and Kai came out victorious. James humored the group, as always. Everyone had some sort of camera, even if it was on their phone, and the plan was to record their day to days individually for Eliza to compile. Maybe they'd throw in some themed videos too, but she didn't think that far yet. Clicking off the camera, she turned to her friends. "Lunch?" "Thought you'd never ask." "Let's go." "Finally." She shook her head with a grin.

next

[amphorographia]

Something interesting about Pathologic that I don't see people talk about very often is the fact that technically none of the protagonists are doctors and, of the three, it's actually Artemy that's the closest to a real physician.

The fact that Daniil is specifically referred to as a "Bachelor" of medicine is something that was always sort of confusing to me but is actually extremely telling when put together with all the other details we get about him.

There's an excellent video essay about Daniil's character by Horror Game Analysis which goes into more detail about this [x], but he points out two things about thanatology that I think are really significant:

It was first conceptualised as a field of study in 1903 by Ilya Mechnikov, a Russian-Ukranian immunologist and microbiologist, who felt that there was not enough known about the phenomenon of death itself; and

Thanatology straddles the line between the humanities and the sciences because it's investigations grapple with the physical, psychological, socio-cultural, philosophical, and spiritual elements of death

With all that in mind and Pathologic's ambiguous time period, Daniil could very much be read as the in-game world's equivalent of Mechnikov. Despite his (sort of) alignment with the philosophically-minded Kains, Daniil is consistently shown to be very much focused on the physical components of death. He came to the town hoping that "[Simon's] tissues will help [him] defeat death." Rubin, Artemy, Victor (and Lara, Yulia, Aspity, Anna, and Clara) all need him to collect and examine blood samples for evidence of the disease. Once the plague begins, his focus in on the creation of a vaccine - a tool for immunisation - instead of a cure.

All of the evidence points to Daniil, at his core, being a microbiologist and researcher. His medical knowledge, while far above average, is highly specialised and doesn't indicate that he has any practical experience as a physician. He's not a doctor, he's a bachelor of medicine using his theoretical and academic expertise to fight an impossible disease in the only way he knows.

Now, Artemy does have some practical knowledge. Isidor taught him about the traditional medicine of the town while he was growing up before sending him to "study modern medicine in the academy" when he was 16. However, in his opening description, all we are told is that Artemy is returning from several years of "travelling from town to town learning theoretical and pratical surgery." In Pathologic Classic, Artemy is canonically 26 years old so if he spent 6-7 years travelling, his formal medical education was likely either short or incomplete. Not to mention that the emphasis on Artemy as a surgeon and menkhu (much like Daniil as a bachelor and thanatologist) implies a very specialised area of expertise which, although closely related to practical medicine, is not the same thing.

This is reinforced in a number of ways. For example, while there are multiple dialogue options which let you dismiss the town's local medical practices, they appear mostly (or only) in conversations with outsiders - responding to Daniil's admission of underestimating the value of "steppe medical knowledge" with "there's nothing medical in their knowledge" and telling Block that he has "an education in the civilized world and ha[s] forgotten two thirds of the specific local practices." Ultimately, Artemy is more consistently aligned with the Kin's more bodily approach to medicine. That distinction between Kin and Town is important, since the traditional medicines Artemy makes are not valued or trusted by townspeople and the kin refuse almost all of the modern medicine (specifically antibiotics) sold in the town.

He also seems to be either unfamiliar or seriously out of practice with the more formal language of science and medicine a university-educated physician should know. At several points, Artemy is shown to be dependent on Daniil's medical knowledge, and various members of the town poke fun at him for asking clarifying questions - Boy: "You graduated from a university and this is your question…?" Rubin: "I thought you were [away] studying." Artemy's story is about trying to fill his father's role and, while he succeeds in becoming a menkhu, his position as the town's doctor is less clearly defined even after the plague. While he begins the game with the most practical experience of the three protagonists, the fact that he's not qualified to be a physician but has to act as one is what drives his story forward.

I won't go into Clara since it's obvious she's not a doctor. If anything, she's more like a personification of a cure for this one specific disease (just like her 'twin' is the plague). She couldn't reset a bone or diognose the flu any more than she could synthesise antibiotics or distinguish between bacteria in a blood sample. Still, she's an interesting comparison point and does serve to remind the player that the protagonists don't really represent different approaches to medicine, but different approaches to healing.

The Bachelor is the modern healer of formal scientific practices who sees healing as the result of understanding the body, disease, and their interactions.

The Haruspex is the traditional healer with the spiritual or ancestral right to protected knowledge and practices who sees healing as a reflection of cultural duty, customs, and community.

The Changeling is the divine healer chosen by a Deity (or Deities) to carry out their will on earth who sees healing as an act of religious faith and demonstration of the existence and power of God(s).

[glitterypin]

I fucking bet Twelve wouldn't have hesitated for a second before jumping back in the TARDIS (with Clara in tow) and leaving all those motherfuckers to die the horrible deaths they deserve, just sayin'.

And yeah, Twelve probably wouldn't have even realized what's going on, because they wouldn't have been racist to him, but I kinda feel Twelve just wouldn't have made it that far with them anyway, he would've been outta there the moment the rich white brat complains about getting chapped hands from her two hours a day at a desk job.

[featheredclover]

September Rain

Chapter Twelve

Read from the beginning

Also on Wattpad

Chapter Eleven>> <<Chapter Thirteen

Tapping her foot impatiently, Khushi leaned against the pillar. The line did not seem to be moving any faster. She had the strongest urge to scream her frustration. But mornings made her groggy, so she decided to just tap her foot a mile a minute.

“Morning Gupta”

She turned around, squinting as she saw Dhruv all fresh and ready to start the day. A bright smile rivalling the sun was plastered across his face. But today, Khushi couldn’t bring herself to be her usual polite self.

“Morning Iyer”, she grumbled.

He let out an amused chuckle. 

“Why so charming today?”

“You would understand , had you been waiting in line for thirty minutes”

She ran her hand through her hair,in an exaggerated expression of exhaustion.

“Is that so?” He caught her by her elbow.

“What are you doing?”

He shrugged, “Showing you the perks of being a sub captain”

Khushi gasped, as Dhruv marched up to the front of the line with her in tow.

She felt all her morning blues disappear as she flushed under the gaze of at least twenty other students.

“Good morning, Clara ma’am”

“Good morning, Dhruv”, the matronly lady smiled fondly.

“Me and my friend are in a bit of a hurry today, so I was hoping you could cut us some slack”, with a tilt of his head, he gestured towards the ever increasing line.

“Of course!”

And with that Khushi found herself sitting with Dhruv eating her toast and eggs on the best table in the Green house mess.

“I am impressed”, she smiled as she took a sip of her milk.

“How little it takes to impress you” Dhruv said with a sardonic smile.

She felt stumped for a moment. Shaking her head, she pressed on.

“I have been a subject of many cool glares this morning”

“Oh please”, he waved a careless hand.

“With the amount of work I put into being elected, it would be a crime to not let my friends enjoy the perks”

She smiled her thanks, and went right back into attacking her toast.

“I’ll be throwing an after party on Saturday. I have already invited your friends.”

“After party?”, she frowned.

“The match? Green vs Red? I am hurt that you forgot”

Dhruv leaned back on his chair, his eyes seemingly scrutinising her every move.

“Oh. That’s nice” 

“You clearly have something more to say Khushi. Go on”, he urged.

“It’s a little…..a little premature to declare an after party before winning, isn’t it?”

To her surprise, Dhruv burst out laughing. 

Shaking his head, “Oh, Khushi! Such little faith in your own team. Or is it that you have too much faith in the other team?”

“I was just…”

“All I want from you is to wear something green and cheer us on. We know how to win”

Khushi pressed her lips together in a thin line.

“I wasn’t doubting our team, Dhruv. I am just used to the after party being planned after the win”

“There’s no need to do that in this match. They are not in form. Hell, their best player can’t match up to our substitutes!”

She froze, tension bunching up in her shoulders.

“You know that don’t you? Raizada, the so-called ‘Flash’ is no match to us. Let’s see if he is able to lose with dignity”

Khushi clutched her fork so tight, her fingers had paled. She felt pure fury at the way Dhruv spoke about Arnav. The confidence she had so admired in him, had morphed into the worst arrogance overnight.

“-and don’t get me started on Mathur! My ten year old cousin can beat him to a goal!”

“They are my friends Dhruv”, her voice rigid with disappointment.

“You are not really being the sportsman you have always been”

“Khushi”, he shook his head with a smile, “Being a sportsman is one thing, but understanding how weak your opponent is, is just as-“

“I care for my house, that’s why I am telling you this”, she cut him off.

“You shouldn’t underestimate your opponents, neither should you insult them”

She picked up her bag and stood up, “I’ll see you on Saturday”

—————

“Shut up!” Mona stood akimbo.

 

They sat under the banyan tree, tucked away in a cosy corner of their campus. Khushi had dragged them here as soon as the bell for recess rang, ignoring all their annoyance. She had to get it out of her chest today, and so she did!

“I am so happy for you Khushi!” Preeto hugged her tight for a moment before dropping her back on the rock.

“I can’t believe he kissed you after you fought! And that too on the terrace!”

She blushed, looking around helplessly.

“It happened, okay? We didn’t plan it”

Mona scoffed, “Knowing Raizada, I know you didn’t plan it. But I can’t believe you were jealous of Lavanya just a few days ago”

“Hey! Yes, I was jealous. But who wouldn’t be?”

Preeto smiled, “I have no complaints about your jealousy! After all, that’s what gave you the courage to lash out at him”

“And gave him an excuse to kiss you”, Mona said with a smirk.

“Can you stop focusing on the goddamn kiss?”

“Uh-uh! Give us details. Come on, rate Raizada on scale of ten”

Preeto giggled, “ If you don’t stop right now, I think she will combust in flames! Anyway, Khush…we are really happy for you two. Childhood sweethearts….I can already imagine the bridesmaid speech I’ll give”

“Jane Austen was right! A lady’s imagination is very rapid;it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment”, Khushi rolled her eyes.

“I don’t know this Austen lady, but I agree. Get out of your dreamland Preeto! These idiots are only fifteen”

“You are such a cynic, Mona. I spy a wedding in ten years!”

“I spy you not getting invited to the said wedding!”, Khushi teased and was rewarded with a hit on her head.

———

Loud footsteps flooded their ears, before the door swung open.

“You are back early”, Mona commented, not bothering to look up from her books.

“Why are you so breathless Preets?” Khushi asked, a concerned frown blooming between her brows.

“I got kissed! And Arnav is planning to scale the walls tonight!”

“WHAT?!” 

“NK finally came to his senses!” Mona jumped.

“No no no! Okay, I am positively out of breath now”

“Sit down”, Khushi handed her a glass of water, exchanging a quick look of shock with Mona.

“I was in the stables, with the horses. I was actually cleaning the saddles. And Farhan arrived. Out of nowhere!”

Khushi sat down, her mouth agape.

“We talked. He talked about the game. Then he said he felt he scored the last goal because he saw me in the audience. He said something about me being a lucky charm. Then he… he pulled me towards him and he…he…”

“Stuck a tongue down your throat?” Mona supplied helpfully.

Preeto sat wide eyed, not commenting on Mona’s atrocious choice of words. That’s when the two knew their friend was a goner.

“Do you like him, Preeto?”

“I think I do? I mean I have known NK since forever, so I didn’t even look at anyone. But Farhan is..he is.. so nice. Yes. Yes,I like him”

Mona smiled, clutching her hands.

“Then what are you thinking about? Farhan is a great guy! Whatever one side crush you had on NK was over long before. You just had to meet the right guy”

“He asked me to be his girlfriend! I am so confused” 

Preeto paced around. The fan and evening breeze doing nothing to cool her nerves.

“How was the kiss?” Khushi asked cheekily.

Preetika bit her lip, “I guess I’ll be his girlfriend then”

Mona whooshed out a heart “Yes!”, as Khushi hugged her friend. 

“Wait, what were you saying about Arnav scaling the wall tonight?!”

“Oh ya! He wants to talk to you. So he is going to come in through the balcony facing the gardens. The wardens never go there-“

“What?! Why can’t he ask me to meet normally like a normal person?”

“I guess that’s because he is not normal, Juliet”, Mona laughed.

“How typical of Arnav! Is he going to bring a guitar to serenade you? Ooh! Or is he going to ask you to let down your hair just like Rapunzel?”

“This isn’t funny, Mona”, she rolled her eyes, “What if he gets caught?”

“Live a little Khush” Preeto said, her eyes faraway with a dreamy look in them.

“Oh god! How will I live with two love struck heroines?” Mona said, before dodging the twin pillows launched at her.

————

The clock struck twelve, as Khushi tiptoed out of the dorm and into the balcony. It was quite an old, rusty place. Maybe that’s why ,left unsupervised. She didn’t even know how Arnav knew about it! 

A whistle!

She peered down to see him,dressed in a white tee shirt and black jeans. Her heart thudded violently, as she saw him grasp at bricks and climb up. She felt cold all over, as he finally grasped the balcony railing and leaped up.

Letting out a breath, he whispered, “Easier that it looks!”

Grabbing his collar, in a move which surprised not just him, she angrily whispered,

“How dare you put yourself at risk for this Arnav? How dare you? Why couldn’t we meet at the stairs or anywhere else!”

“Khush”, his hands settled over her own, his eyes widening as he realised she was in shivers.

“I am sorry. I am really sorry, Khushi. But Bakshi declared that till Saturday, we were going to be only on the football ground, I knew I had to come tonight. We even got a special permission to miss classes”

“Two days!”, she hit him lightly on his shoulder, “You couldn’t wait two days before meeting me?”

He scoffed, “No! I couldn’t!”

She stood, her arms crossed staring at him. God was being really unfair! How could she resist him, when he stood there under the full moon.

Taking the two steps to reach him, Khushi stepped into his arms.

Sighing as he engulfed her further into him, she mumbled, “Mona was right. We are idiots”

“That we are”, he said with a hint of a smile in his voice.

Pulling back,Arnav  pushed her hair away from her face.

“I have big day on Saturday”

“I know” she whispered back, her eyes feasting on his lips.

“Khush…” he moaned before tilting her head back.

She was set ablaze, the cold air nipping at her skin, even as Arnav took her lips in a hard kiss.

He closed his eyes, almost painfully.

“I want to ask something of you”

“Go on” she smiled, ready to give him the moon.

“Support me. On Saturday”

She stilled, her hands crumbling his shirt beneath them.

“Arnav, it’s my house. I can’t just”

“Please…I know you can’t….but can you do something..something “

“Arnav”, her heart broke at the desperation in his eyes, “What is this about? You have played so many matches before. Why-“

“It’s important for me to win this time, Khush. And if you..you show me you are with me”, he sighed.

“Sorry”, he looked away, “ I am mad right now. I just wanted to…”

“Arnav”, she pulled him back to her.

He still wouldn’t meet her eyes.

“It’s late, Khushi. I have kept you out long enough. Go back to sleep” 

With a kiss on her forehead, he left, fading away in the darkness.

She stood in two minds. She couldn’t betray her house and yet she couldn’t not give Arnav what he had asked of her. Her dilemma didn’t seem to settle even as dawn broke into Nainital.

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