#I would take myself somewhere but I’m POOR cause all my spare money keeps going on things for my COUSINS WEDDING

[elysiumcalled]

everyone already has plans on my birthday am I still allowed to be sad about that at 25 lol

[onefourjisung]

Amiable Valentine (Stray Kids Felix)

Prompt: Felix went on a blind date on Valentines day only to be stood up, (y/n) was not going to just let their best friend spend Valentines day alone. (gender neutral reader, friends-to-lovers au)

Warnings: Cursing but not really

Word count: 1,561

Star Lix: I dont think shes coming

(y/n): r u for real rn?

Star Lix: unfortunately

(y/n): sigh

(y/n): I will beat her ass

Star Lix: (y/n)..

(y/n): k, sorry (((im not)))

(y/n): im omw don’t go anywhere

Star Lix: you really don’t have to

(y/n): I know, but I want to

It was Valentine’s day today and you being a happy single, planned to spend the day in your pajamas watching Netflix for the whole day. You originally invited your best friend, Felix, along but when he informed that he had land himself a blind date for the day, you were left to your own accords. Not for long apparently, as Felix had just gotten stood up and being the good best friend you are, without any second thought you turned off your TV before wrapping yourself up in the first coat you grabbed from the hanger and hurriedly walked to the coffee shop a few blocks away.

You were greeted by the familiar smell of coffee beans and a comforting warmth opposed to the cold end of winter breeze outside. You stretched your neck slightly, spotting the back of your brown haired friend. You spared some time to order your favorite drink before making your way to Felix’s table.  

Upon your arrival, Felix's head perked up in excitement, obviously expecting his date to show up, albeit being an hour late. When he realized it was you, he let out a sigh.

You chuckled, “are you really that disappointed to see me?”

“Sorry,” the boy across you smiled sadly.  “I don’t know why I'm still hoping either.”

You reached out to take a hold of one of his hand on the table. “Hey, she’s not worth your time anyways, Lix.”

“Well if I had known she wasn’t gonna show up, I wouldn’t have bothered to buy these,” he retorted, pulling a bouquet of flowers from the seat beside him. “It costed a fortune!”

“And how much is that fortune?” you asked teasingly.

“Seven dollars and fifty cents,” he muttered under his breath.

You chuckled. “Wow what a generous gentleman you are, Mister Lee Felix.”

“Still, I could get at least one cup of a fancy coffee with that money,” he argued.

“Well, it is pretty,” you commented, taking a closer look of the bouquet.

Felix glanced at you quietly. “Do you want it?”

“Huh?” Your eyes went back to make eye contact with Felix’s. “Are you for real?”

“Yeah,” he nonchalantly pushed it to your side of the table.

“Thanks,” you smiled. “I’ll make sure to buy you a fancy cup of coffee next time in exchange,”

“Nah,” Felix shook his head. “Just take it, I’m feeling generous today.”

You only scoffed in response before being cut off by a waiter delivering your drink.  

“I’m sorry I cut your date short,” Felix suddenly said after the waiter left.

You lifted an eyebrow, “I told you I didn’t have a date though?”

“Yes, you did,” he replied before adding “with Netflix.”

“You little-” You crumpled up a napkin nearby before throwing it to your friend’s face who was now laughing way too loud at his own poor attempt of a joke.

“But really, sorry I pulled you out of the comfort of your own home,” he said after recollecting himself. “It is pretty cold outside, you know,”

“Dude, don’t mention it,” you waved him off. “I wasn’t going to let my best friend mope around alone on Valentine’s day. I was running out of shows to watch anyways.”

“Thanks,” Felix replied genuinely.

“How ‘bout a walk in the park? How does that sound?” You proposed.

Felix tilted his head slightly to the side. “In this weather?”

“Just means there are going to be less people outside, right?” You were already standing up, a bouquet of flowers in one hand and a cup of your warm drink in the other.

Felix had no other choice but to agree. He followed you out of the café with the remaining of his own drink in his grip.

“Are you still in your pajamas?” He commented, amused.

“You are in no position to comment on my attire today, sir.” You bit back.

Your companion only laughed.  

You walked to the park while keeping a conversation flowing about everything but nothing in particular, several friendly teasing thrown here and there. Somewhere along the way Felix turned to carry the flowers for you when he saw you struggling to fish your phone out of your pocket.

As soon as you arrived at the park, you immediately made your way to the swing set –a habit that has formed over the past ten years you have lived in the neighborhood. Felix chuckled at your antics, following you by taking a seat on the unoccupied swing.

“Remember when we first met?” Felix suddenly recalled nostalgically. “You had a fight with your friend and you were just bawling your eyes out on this swing,”

You laughed at the embarrassing memory. “Well, I apologize for being a moody teenager, Felix. But at least you gained a friend that day.”

“That’s true,” he nodded. “I had just moved in and was taking a walk through the neighborhood, didn’t expect to see someone crying in the park, honestly,”

You smiled softly, recalling the historical day that would eventually lead to you having the fattest crush on the new kid on the block although knowing for sure that he only saw you as nothing more than a friend.  

“I was lucky it was you though,” Felix confessed.  

This perked your interest and you finally turned your head to him. “How so?”

He shrugged, a faint smile playing on his lips as his feet lightly kicked the ground making the swing go back and forth. “I just really like being your friend,”

You turned your attention back to the patch of grass below you. ‘Friend’, the word itself holds no detrimental meaning to it but why do you resent it so much?

“I’m getting cold,” Felix finally broke the silence. “Should we head back?”

You agreed shortly and started walking alongside him, taking back your flower bouquet from Felix’s hands after throwing both yours and his empty cups in to a trash can you passed by. The two of you eventually ended up at your house, Felix not wanting to say goodbye just yet. Considering it was not yet that late in to the evening, you didn’t argue.  

As you arrived in your room you turned your TV back on, the screen showing the last episode you’ve watched of a new show you just started watching.

“I thought you said you didn’t have anything to watch?” Felix remarked.

You smiled. “Well, I guess I lied,”

You missed the blush adorning Felix’s cheeks as you turned your attention back to the TV.

“Do you want to watch it from the first episode?” You asked, making yourself comfortable on your bed with the remote in your hand.

“Uh- no- it's okay,” he politely declined before joining you.

You thought for a second. “Nah, lets watch it from the first episode, I want to.”

Felix knew you didn’t actually want to, but you just made it a habit to do these little things for him every time you get a chance to and that made his heart flatter.

Although you replayed the first episode for him, Felix wasn’t even paying attention to the TV. His eyes just couldn’t seem to move away from the sight of you. At first you weren’t aware of the pair of eyes observing you, but as time passed by you finally turned your head towards the boy beside you, finding his face mere centimeters from yours. The close proximity causing blood to rush to your cheeks, but you couldn’t find the will to move away. The much more visible blush on Felix’s face complemented his freckles and you feel like you can just stare at them all day.

“Can I kiss you?” Felix asked softly.

You nodded your head without missing a beat and Felix finally closed the distance between the two of you. The kiss was short but soft, his lips just fitting in perfectly in yours. He pulled away slowly, not wanting for the moment to end so soon.

“I can’t believe I waited four whole years to do that,” he whispered just loud enough for you to hear.

“But we just met four years ago?” you pointed out.

Felix smiled. “I know.”

You were sure your cheeks were as red as tomatoes now and your thoughts was proven true when Felix chuckled at your flustered state.

“Why did you go on that blind date today then?” You finally asked.

Felix sighed, resting his forehead on yours. “I didn’t think you like me back, (y/n). And I thought if I open myself up to other people maybe I’ll get over my stupid crush on you,”

“It’s not a stupid crush,” you reassured. “I like you too.”

He grinned with that charming eye-smile of his. One of Felix’s hand reached to the back of your neck as the other one took hold of your hand. “I’m glad I got to spend this Valentine’s day with you.”

“Me too, Lixie.”  

Felix then kissed you again, this time it was deeper and more passionate, the show playing in the background long forgotten.

[ohgoddard]

Fist of Fire: Omega. 1-2.

I cease to exist once the helmet comes on. In its close hold on my face I find solace in myself. The pointed bronze acts like an arrow, guiding me towards those who need me. And I am always in need. The woman of steel, come to save the day. Of course, they don’t know I am a woman. Such is a secret I must keep. Funny, considering the identity and anti-vigilante laws in place. But I get by on a little technicality. See my dad… nevermind. Best keep those thoughts out of my head. Like the several punches I am taking right now. Every fight I get into starts and ends the same way. Well, it might change depending how much I care about it. Right now, several goons are swinging at me like drunk idiots while I stand still motionless, arms crossed.

“Boss.. I..I don’t think that we can take ‘em on like you said.” said a modestly muscular goon. I like that word, goon. I don’t think its used much nowadays. I really need to stay on topic, its going to make this book I'm writing in my spare time very hard to read. Anyways, I'm standing in this abandoned warehouse, several goons- er henchmen- are unsuccessfully punching and kicking me while I stand there. A good 6 or 7 of them. Dressed kinda goonishly, with the whole long-sleeves and beanie setup. They were here moving drugs and beating up some cop who found out, which added to the cacophony of the voices I heard. Their boss stands above them, a man dressed like a pimp from the 70s, white fluffy suit and all. I really liked his leopard print tophat and cane, I think it really tied his outfit together. Oh, right. He was very un-carefully cramming piles of money and bags of cocaine into a duffle bag. “BOYS! WHITE THUNDER AIN'T BEEN CAUGHT BEFORE HE AINT STARTING NOW!” 

Now, a really good and proper hero would have solved all this stuff really quickly and would dispatch all in the warehouse then go onto the next crisis somewhere in the city. But I am no proper hero so I just started laughing when he said his name. “White Thunder!? Seriously?? That's the name you chose?” I sat down, I was laughing so hard. The goons and Mr.Pimp himself stopped and looked on. Which only made it funnier, as then I got a better look at him. In addition to his white robe, which was a bathrobe upon closer inspection, he was wearing all white jeans and an undershirt like a backstreet boy turned waiter. And the cowboy boots, oh the cowboy boots. They were PAINTED WHITE. Oh I haven’t had a good laugh in days.

“No OnE!” His voice cracked by the way. “No one makes fun of White Thunder!” Then he pulled a gold handgun from his dufflebag and shot me. 

When I first got my powers, it was not a welcome day. I was attending the… an event. It was a happy one. I went with my dad, on one of his few days he could smuggle away for me. Though, if I knew then what I know now, I would have never bothered him. It must have killed him to sit in that chair and make idle conversation with me...poor choice of words. He and I were sitting at a table, and I remember the atmosphere was amazing. I was telling him all about my friends, the dog I got at my apartment, the engagement. So much was going right until it went wrong. And it really went wrong. Someone found out who he was, who I was. Made him…

Doesn’t really matter. I ended up with his powers. Powers I didn’t want, powers I didn’t know he had. Then they shot my dad right in front of me. 

I hope that explains what I did next. Why I stopped laughing and launched from the floor and grabbed the throat of White Thunder and threw him into the concrete floor of the warehouse. Why I relentlessly aimed punch after punch into the man, who had long since left the world of the living. One less drug dealer, who cares right? Who cares that I've just killed him? Who cares that I've done it again? That i’ll do it in the future? Oh but of course I didn’t stop there. I hunted down the goons, and I broke their legs. I didn’t kill them though, so at least I got that goin for me, y’know? No more drugs being moved in the neighborhood. At Least from those guys. There's always drugs in the neighborhoods.

Haven’t talked about the voices in a while. I heard them then, the entire time. Every second I spent on these guys and that buffoon ‘White Thunder’ was one where I wasn’t making those voices quieter. See, I'm not like every other crazy person. My voices mean something. My hearing means I hear everything everyone says. Which means every time someone is in danger and they call for help, do they call for the police? Anyone nearby? No. They call for Omega Man. Millions live in the city of Chicago. An unending choir of screaming is all I hear. Only when I wear the helmet do they go away, ironically. 

Anyways I killed White Thunder and incapacitated the rest of the goons. Of course the commotion it caused, mostly by throwing one of the poor guys through a wall and bringing them back into the warehouse. Other heroes showed up. But I was long gone then. I did a few more that night, stopped a bank robbery, posed for a few cameras. But I kept my brutality in check the rest of the night. Gunshots just set me off. Kinda makes me glad they’re becoming obsolete recently.

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

“That’ll be all Kiara, thank you.” I turn my head to look at Doctor Feltmen. She was wearing a new perfume today, vanilla. Must be going on a date later. Curse these powers of mine, always invading people’s lives. Her lab coat was pressed and clean, like it is every time I visit her. My eyes look her over, though they have not much else to do. The room is blank and white, nothing to focus on but myself or her. Its probably the purpose of the room anyway. I wish she’d wear something other than the khaki pants and green turtleneck. 

“You sure, doctor? I could go on for a bit longer.” My voice comes out insincere, which I’m certain she caught on to. She gives me a weak smile, full of contempt. “Our time is up, though I am looking forward to our visit next month.��� Her voice comes out like a barbie voicebox. So fake. I open my mouth to get another word in, but she cuts me off. 

“Session’s done, please take Ms. Keita back to her quarters.” When the door opens, I hear three heavy men walk in and take a hold of the gurney I'm strapped to and begin to wheel me out of the room.

The voices no longer bother me. The ones that scream for my help. I really chalk that up the doctor’s help. Though I wish I had better avenues to achieve this help. And not have committed what I did to land me here. Killing random street thugs is one thing. But heroes? It's so bad. Even when they deserve it. Now I get to spend my time listening to the other voices, the voices of those who are legitimately insane. I’m not insane, but when I spoke of the voices they decided I must be. I ran with it, much better than the execution I would have gotten otherwise.

When the orderlies close the door behind me and lock me in my room made of solid  crystal, some BS weakness my dad had that means absolutely nothing to me, they don't bother to unstrap me from the gurney. Of course, because they are too afraid to get near me. Which, I don’t doubt. I’ve killed a few hundred people and all. And a few heroes. Heroes? They weren’t heroes. Regardless, I killed people. I flex and tear the constraints off myself and throw myself onto my not soft bed. I bide my time, waiting for the right moment. Waiting to hear something from the news channel down the hall. The news of his exploits and where he might be. 

I listen for Whirlwind, the fastest man alive. Able to run seconds behind the speed of light. 

The man who shot and killed my dad.

[chemicalmagecraft]

The Gamer Hero, Deku Chapter 15

A/N: I'm back from the dead. Will probably update sometime next year. Have fun while it lasts.

Ultimate Pervy Sage: Yeah that happened offscreen. Figured it was implied and there wouldn't have been much else to the scene, so I didn't write the scene. Will imply that it happened, though.

jeanette9a: Bam, did it retroactively because I'm awesome like that.

Zane Tribal Tyne Alexandros: First off, thank you for the multiple reviews and I really wish I thought of the W.T.F. thing. Second off, as for Hagakure and illusions? Considering the fact that it's your suggestion, you tell me.

xoxoxo

"So now you have ten elementals?" Kacchan asked as we walked. We had a day off from school because of the USJ incident, so Kacchan and I decided to go to an arcade to have some fun and play games.

I nodded. "Yeah, with the six elements I got from Duality. I did all six rituals at once, actually."

"That was probably a fucking stupid idea."

"That's what Blaise said, though with more cussing."

"No shit," Kacchan said. "Seriously, what if that put you in a fucking coma!?"

I shrugged as we started to cross the street. "I felt less tired after summoning the higher my skill level was, and even beyond that Duality raised all my-"

I was cut off by a speeding van ramming into me. It made me take a step back and I took a hit to HP, but otherwise it was the van that was broken by the collision. I pried myself from the dent I made in the car and ran to the driver's side door. "Oh my gosh, are you guys okay!?" I asked. The door opened, and the man inside punched me in the face, which surprised me more than anything, and grabbed me by the neck. "Oh," I said as I felt him hold a knife to my neck.

"Alright, nobody move or this freak gets it!" the criminal yelled. His accomplices got out and brandished knives as well, though thankfully they didn't grab any other hostages. I heard a motorcycle coming.

Kacchan laughed. "You fuckers do realize that you just took the guy who unintentionally totaled your car by getting fucking hit by it hostage?"

The motorcycle sound screeched to a stop, and Present Mic ran up. "Hey! Stop!"

"We've got a hostage, jackass!" one of the villains jeered.

"Hi, Mic-sensei!" I said, waving at him.

Mic-sensei grinned. "Hey, listener! You okay?"

"I'm fine," I said. "Hey, can I ask you something about Quirk usage laws?"

"Sure!"

"I know people are allowed to use their Quirks to get out of situations where there is a danger to themselves, but I... don't actually feel threatened at the moment, so I don't know how legal it would be."

"I'll show you threatened!" the man holding the knife to my neck shouted, then tried to stab me. I say tried because apparently I couldn't be stabbed by normal people anymore, though to be fair the man was trying really hard. I noticed a text box that was probably the reason for that. It looked like I got it when I got hit by the car and just didn't hear it over the sound of metal hitting me. "The fuck?"

"What did I fucking tell you?" Kacchan said.

"I mean, they are trying to stab you..." Present Mic said.

"And let's just say," I continued, "that in my attempt to get away from the person threatening me with a knife I 'accidentally' incapacitate all three of them, can I be arrested for that?"

Mic-sensei chuckled and said, "Technically, you're good because you're being attacked by a weapon."

I nodded, then exploded into electricity. I arced through the three villains with exactly enough voltage to knock them over without causing lasting damage and reformed next to Kacchan. "That good?"

"Great! I'll need to snag you for a couple minutes for some paperwork, though."

xoxoxo

"Okay," I said, coming back to Kacchan. "So where were we?"

He stared at me for a bit as we started walking again. "You're fucking unbelievable," he told me. "You were just hit by a fucking car, then stabbed. What the fuck?"

"Physical Endurance prestiged and I wasn't actually stressed enough for Mantra to deactivate."

"Are you okay, kero?" a familiar voice asked me. I turned to see Uraraka and Tsu walking up to us. "That looked like it hurt," Tsu said.

"Thanks, but I'm fine," I told her with a smile. "As I was explaining to Kacchan, a passive skill of mine that reduces physical damage just reached max level, which means that I now take one fourth damage from any and all physical attacks."

Uraraka whistled. "That's pretty broken."

"Plus, because it maxed out, I got a new passive, Damage Reduction."

Tsu put her finger on her lip. "I think we already have a general idea, but what does that do, Midoriya?" She asked me.

"I'll have to test it, but judging from the description it removes point-five percent of my HP from all damage, which doesn't sound like a lot, but with my VIT that's a lot, especially combined with Physical Endurance. And assuming it levels linearly, that means that at max level it'll take an attack that does more than half my HP without the skill for me to actually feel it, which is pretty good."

"Deku's Quirk is fucking broken, who would have fucking guessed?" Kacchan said.

I chuckled. "Let's talk about something else, though. I take it you like space, Uraraka?"

"How'd you know?" she asked.

Kacchan snorted. "Gee I fucking wonder." Uraraka was wearing a galaxy-print skirt, a JAXA shirt, and a moon-shaped pendant. "Where the fuck did you get that necklace anyway? No offense, but isn't your family poor?"

"This?" Uraraka asked, pointing to the pendant. "It was a birthday gift from my cousin Shōta. He doesn't visit us often, but he always sends us stuff like this." She chuckled. "Mom's always worried he's spending too much on us, though."

"Though seriously, maybe you should've seen about staying with your cousin before you decided to get your own apartment?" Tsu said. "Didn't you say he lives somewhere near here?"

"You fucking what?" Kacchan asked.

Uraraka blushed. "S-so, my parents live in Mie..." Kacchan slapped his face.

"And that's why I brought Ochako-chan home with me, kero," Tsu said with a tone of... something in her voice. Annoyance?

Uraraka blushed a little. "I-it wasn't quite like that..."

Tsu nodded. "So luckily both of our parents were visiting yesterday-"

Kacchan glared at Tsu. "What," he demanded, causing Tsu to make a startled croak.

"My parents' jobs mean they aren't home all the time," she explained, a little faster than normal. "They leave me in charge of my siblings, but at the same time literally the entire neighborhood looks out for us, so don't worry about it, kero. They didn't leave us to fend for ourselves in an unfamiliar environment with no adult supervision Ochako-chan. So I may or may not have not been in the best state at the time, so because I was clinging to Ochako-chan we decided to just have lunch at my house. At some point Ochako-chan's... living situation... came up and now she lives with us. Our parents banished us from the house while they're moving Ochako-chan's stuff into our spare room. So where are we going, kero?"

"Kacchan and I were going to go to an arcade," I said. "You don't have to come."

"Nah, that sounds pretty fun and neither of us had actual plans other than the fact that I wanted to see if I could spot Ochako-chan's cousin in the wild, kero."

Uraraka made a little noise and pressed her index fingers together. "We have several thousand yen in coins, Deku's Quirk counted. Don't fucking worry about it, Uraraka."

"Thanks..."

xoxoxo

"Damn it!" Kacchan groaned after I beat him easily yet again in the old Street Fighter game. Tsu and Uraraka went elsewhere after Kacchan challenged me. "How the fuck are you so good at this all of a sudden, Deku?"

"Sorry, Tactician keeps activating," I apologized.

"Well I'm gonna fucking beat you anyways! Let's go again!"

I opened the skill boxes for Tactician and Mantra and read them closely. "Hang on, I might be able to cheat the system."

Kacchan snorted, then put another coin in the machine. "Whatever." I took a deep breath, then chose my character. As the match started up, I reminded myself that it was just a game, and that I didn't need the boost. Even when Kacchan got me locked in a combo, I never got the same feeling of clarity and rush of information that I became accustomed to with the repeated activations of Tactician. I just barely managed to beat Kacchan, and by the time I was done Mantra and Tactician both leveled up despite the fact that Mantra wasn't that near level up and I specifically didn't use Tactician. "I'll get you next time, Deku." He put in more coins for a rematch.

"So apparently Ochako-chan's actually monstrously good at fighting games," Tsu said once we were done. It was even closer, but I still managed to beat Kacchan.

"I might have almost accidentally used my Quirk on the machine once or twice," Uraraka added, blushing slightly. "That would've been bad..."

Kacchan stared at Uraraka for a moment, then popped some coins in the machine. "Right, I wanna see this. You and me, Round Face."

I don't think Uraraka had actually played Street Fighter before. She messed around in the character selection screen for a bit before picking a character at random. When the match started, she hit random buttons and just let Kacchan get some hits on her. "Oi Round Face, you're supposed to fight back," Kacchan said after stopping. "Have you not played Street Fighter before?"

Uraraka pressed the jump button a few times. "In my defense, my family doesn't have a lot of money, so I never really went to arcades. My cousin did get me a couple Pokémon games for birthday and Christmas presents, though." She started doing some attacks.

Kacchan twitched. "'Kay, no offense, but I don't really feel like curbstomping a total newbie right now. 'Specially one I'd actually be willing to call a friend. Might feel a little bad."

"Oh, don't worry. I think I've figured it out now." Without any more warning, Uraraka launched a near-perfect series of attacks on Kacchan. To be fair, I think it was more Kacchan's sheer astonishment than anything else that made him unable to fight back, but Uraraka still wiped the floor with him.

"Yeah that was my first match with her too," Tsu told me when the round ended. "The next couple rounds are even better." As Tsu said, the next round was a close win for Kacchan, followed by a close win for Uraraka in the tiebreaker. In the rematch, Kacchan didn't even win once, even if he came close. Kacchan's really good at Street Fighter, so that was impressive.

"Damn it. 'Nother round?" Kacchan asked.

Uraraka nodded. "I'm having fun." Kacchan grumbled, but put another coin in. That time it wasn't even close.

"How the fuck are you so good?" Kacchan asked.

Uraraka shrugged. "I have no idea but I'm not complaining."

"Right, much as I hate to admit it, you're too good for me." Kacchan looked over at me and grinned. "So's Deku, so let's see how you two fight."

"I'm fine with that if you are, Deku."

I nodded. "Let's go, then." Before we started, Kacchan cackled maliciously and whispered in Uraraka's ear.

"He told her some combos, by the way," Sonia told me. Oh boy. At first I tried to keep from using Tactician to be fair to Uraraka, but after losing a somewhat short first round I changed my mind. Even with Tactician automatically giving me both characters' entire movesets and each button she pressed on the controller, it was surprisingly difficult. I think that the only thing that let me win in the end was the fact that my DEX leveled up from the frantic button pressing and the Mantra I'd been using earlier.

"That was intense," Uraraka sighed.

"I know. Even with Tactician, you almost won," I said.

Tsu smirked and pointed at something. "Hey Ochako-chan. There's a flyer for a tournament over there. Says it's a week from now and there's a cash prize, kero."

Uraraka's head snapped over to where Tsu was pointing. "Cash prize?"

"Dammit, I was gonna compete..." Kacchan sighed.

xoxoxo

Aizawa Shōta sat up in his bed. Recovery Girl would probably have scolded him for doing that if she hadn't stepped out, but between her Quirk and the healing spells Midoriya had taught her, he was mostly just sore. He reached out with his good arm to grabb his phone from where Hizashi put it and opened up his photo album to a picture that he looked at often, even if he had a framed copy back home. It was twelve years ago, a few months before his mother's accident. She'd dragged eighteen-year-old him down to Mie for his cousin's third birthday, and they decided to take a family picture. 

He sighed at the younger Shōta who looked like he'd rather be anywhere else in the world than next to his mother. His gaze drifted over to his aunt, uncle, and cousin. His uncle was a large, burly man with light brown hair, while his aunt looked almost exactly like his mother, though her eyes were a different color and lacked the ability to erase the gravity of whatever she was looking at. Even if his mother was older, they were always mistaken for twins. And his cousin... Sweet, young Ochako already looked so much like her mother, even as a toddler. The only difference was the age and the fact that she had her father's hair. Aizawa looked at a few later photos, pictures of Ochako that his aunt and uncle sent him. He laughed at a picture of Ochako with her sixth birthday cake all over her face.

"What are you looking at?" Thirteen asked him. He always thought they looked a little odd outside of their containment suit, all thin and with pitch-black skin.

"Pictures of my cousin," he responded.

"Ah. Your cousin. You never talk about her much."

"I don't talk to most of my coworkers in general. No offense."

"None taken. So what's she like?"

Aizawa thought for a moment. He really was too secretive. Perhaps it was the concussion or the near-death experience, but he felt like he should change that. "You've met her."

"Oh? When?"

"Yesterday."

Thirteen shot up, then winced and gingerly touched the bandages on their back. "Ow... Who was it?"

"The girl who asked for your autograph."

"Ah. If you don't mind me saying, I didn't exactly... get that impression from you two, if you take my meaning."

Aizawa shrugged, then winced from the pain in his bad arm. He slowly lowered himself back down on his bed. "I see you almost every day and this is the longest we've talked, after we both nearly died. My family lives in Mie. You do the math."

"I see. I always see you with Kayama and Yamada, though."

"I've been friends with them since I was a student here and they basically adopted me with joint custody. They keep dragging me out to do things."

"So she hasn't met you?"

"No, she has. I don't visit often, though, and the last time I visited... Was it really four years ago?" Thirteen stared at him. He couldn't really tell what they were thinking, their face was too alien. "I send them money, though. My family isn't in the best of financial situations, and they don't let me spend too much money on them, but I send as much as they'll let me."

"So if they live in Mie, where exactly is your cousin staying? Mie isn't exactly a short train ride from Musutafu..."

"I... Son of a bitch."

"They told you she was fine and you bought it, didn't you?"

"Shit."

They chuckled. "I take that to be the case." Aizawa reached for his phone again. "Do it later. Hopefully she'll be fine for a day, and if not then at least she has friends, right?" Aizawa nodded. She was getting along well with Tensei's brother. "You, on the other hand, won't be fine if Shuzenji-baasan finds out you've been exacerbating your injuries by yelling at your relatives over the phone." Aizawa blanched and lowered the phone.

"Do you... drink?" he said after a while.

"I think if I didn't I'd die rather soon."

Aizawa rolled his eyes, then winced because his eye still hurt. "I meant, do you drink alcohol? Sake?"

"Ah. Hang on for one second." They sat up slightly, enough to take a sip of the water by their bedside. Then they spat it out. "Are you sure you didn't get hit too hard?"

"Ha ha," Aizawa deadpanned. "I absolutely did, though. It made me introspective. Want to get a beer sometime?"

"Absolutely, but clearly only after the both of us are out of the infirmary."

"Obviously."

"You're getting out tomorrow, yes? I mean, Shuzenji-baasan won't like it, but with her healing you'll be well enough by then and you aren't going to miss your class, are you?"

"No, I won't."

"What will you do, then?" Aizawa picked his phone back up and reopened his photo roll. Then he changed the picture because the picture of Ochako with chocolate icing on her forehead was horrible for any serious insight.

He stared at the family photo from over a decade ago. Ochako looked so young, so happy. And yesterday, she could've died. Aizawa could've, almost did die, before she even got to know him. "Learn more magic, for one thing," he decided. "I'm going to talk to Midoriya."

xoxoxo

I sneezed. Odd, it wasn't that cold and I didn't have allergies. If I was more superstitious, I'd have suspected someone was talking about me.

"How the hell did you still manage to beat me at DDR that last time?" Kacchan asked Uraraka. "You were sneezing up a fucking storm!"

Uraraka sniffled. "I habe no idea."

"Right, I should probably take Ochako-chan home," Tsu said. "It's probably going to be dinnertime by the time we get home anyway. Bye, you two."

"Oh, actually!" I said. "Before you two go, could I ask a favor?"

"What's up, Deku?" Uraraka asked as she rubbed her nose.

I pulled a scroll out of my "pocket." "This scroll contains knowledge on the Illusion Barrier and Space Invader spells. When Kacchan and I defeated each of our bosses for the first time, we got scrolls that I could use to learn a skill related to the boss. We have no idea if it's a side effect of my Quirk or not, though."

"So you want to see if that happens if we go in without you, kero?" Tsu asked.

"'Course, we didn't give it to any of our classmates because my Illusion monsters were made of fire, meaning it's entirely possible for the monsters to counter the user's element. That's not really a concern with Round Face, though. I didn't see it in person, but I heard you were fucking awesome in the USJ. Protect Tsu, won't you?"

Uraraka beamed at the compliment and saluted Kacchan. "Roger!"

"And Tsu should probably be able to do something about whatever the fuck gravity monsters Uraraka's insane magic spawns."

"I'll take that as a compliment, kero."

"Yeah most of the time Kacchan compliments people like that..." I said. "You two will do fine, though maybe Tsu should get a water elemental?"

"Yeah, I got one, kero. I was gonna show everyone tomorrow. Though if I may ask, how did you have that scroll on you?"

I chuckled. "That's actually from an elemental that I recently summoned," I said.

"One of six," Kacchan interjected. "All at the same time."

"That probably wasn't the wisest idea," Tsu said.

"I KNOW!"

"Right, so as I said," I said, then sent a mental command to Sonia. She nodded, then "materialized" a pair of floating turntable-like devices. "Huh. At least now I know who was reading Homestuck on my phone," I thought. She started fiddling with the records and gave me a very Strider-like nod. She somehow managed to mess with my BGM in addition to setting up a very subtle noise distortion field like I asked. "One of my elementals, Juniper, can control any organic material, with enough control that she can turn part of a tree into a pre-written scroll. Add that to the fact that my most recent upgrade to Summon Elemental actually granted my elementals some of the benefits of my Quirk, which includes shared Inventory when in range of me, and I was able to get that scroll for you guys from a nearby tree."

"You really play it fast and loose with Quirk usage laws, don't you, Midoriya?" Tsu said. Kacchan snickered.

"Yeah, that's fair." I had Sonia cut the field, causing me to hear a scratch that was hopefully just my Quirk before the normal BGM resumed. "Right, good luck you two."

"Try not to die," Kacchan added.

"We won't," Tsu said.

Uraraka waved at us as she started to walk away. "Bye!"

xoxoxo

A/N: By the way, JAXA, unless I am very much mistaken, is like Japanese NASA. I've seen a lot of Uraraka fanart where she's wearing NASA shirts, but I figured JAXA would be a better fit because she is Japanese.

And you can probably tell from how I wrote the Street Fighter scene that I've never actually played a Street Fighter game. Also Uraraka secretly being a genius is a concept that I find deeply amusing for some reason. It started with a tumblr post I made wherein Uraraka won the stock market...

[justablueeyedscribe]

It’s Just a Name

Summary: When Max’s home life finally comes to Camp Campbell, with the excuse that they showed up for Parents Day. But that was many weeks ago. So why are they really here?

WC: 1,747 Rating: T (Swearing, Very Mild Referenced Child Abuse/Neglect) Chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Chapter Seven: A Reveal

The ten-year-old ran as fast as his short legs could take him to his tent. He got to his tent, grabbed Mr. Honeynuts off of his cot, then stuck his head out of the tent. No one was around but just in case Max shoved his precious bear under his sweatshirt and proceeded to run back to the mess hall. Once he got there, he saw some of his fellow campers already gathering for the horseback riding activity. Luckily, Layla-Rae was outside by the mess hall. He snuck over to her and bumped her knee with his elbow. She kneeled down and brought her clipboard up to block Max as he handed her the bear. The black-haired assistant kept the bear hidden between her and her clipboard.

After a few minutes, all of the campers were gathered in front of the mess hall. Max spotted Nikki and Neal. He started to walk toward his friends but Layla-Rae grabbed his shoulder and whispered, “Don’t cause too much trouble,” she said with a wink. Max smirked but didn’t say anything. He joined up with Nikki and Neil as Devi came out of her bus again. Gwen stepped in front of the small group, “Okay,” she said as she clapped getting everyone’s attention, “So, it looks like a storm is headed toward us. It will be here in a couple of hours. In the meantime, we will be going down near the activity stations where Campbell, David and I set up a fenced-in area where you will be riding the horses. You will all be going five or six at a time until it starts to rain or until dinner. Whatever comes first. David will be staying here at the mess hall watching the storm. He will warn us when it is close. Let's head down there now.” Campbell and Gwen led the way, followed by Devi then all the campers. Max, Nikki, and Neil were in the back slowly walking. “So,” asked Neil quietly, “You’re not going to try anything, are you, Max? I know horses can be startled easily and-“ Max rolled his eyes, “Why in the world would I cause any trouble to ruin mother’s visit?” he said very sarcastically. Before Neil could say anything else, they arrived at the small, blocked off area. Devi started to explain how to get on a horse, how to steer, how to speed up and slow down. Max, once again rolled his eyes, then walked to a nearby tree and sat underneath it, he pulled out David’s pink cell phone and started to scroll through all of the apps on the phone.

Back at the mess hall, Layla-Rae was sitting at a table inside slowly stitching up Max’s poor worn-out bear with dark green thread. David stumbled through the mess hall doors carrying an old radio. Layla-Rae looked up and wrinkled her nose at the radio, “Why do you have that?” she asked turning back to the stitch she was on. The camp counselor dropped the radio on the table next to Layla-Rae, “I need to keep an eye on the weather, that way I can let Gwen know when the storm will hit,” he said as he started to switch through channels on the radio. “Don’t you have a phone to watch the weather on?” she asked. David nodded “Yeah but I have no idea where it is at. Max probably has it!” Layla-Rae smiled brightly and laughed, “That doesn’t surprise me.” Layla-Rae continued to stitch the bear. They sat in silence for a few minutes before David got rid of the smile on his face and spoke, “You said you were going to tell me about Max’s home life? If you're still up to talk about it, anyway.”

Layla-Rae tied a knot at the end of the stitch she just finished then looked over the bear just to make sure it was all sealed up. “Yeah, it is," she paused, "let me begin by saying that Max is not physically abused,” a look of relief washed over David’s face, “he is purposely neglected by Devi.” David had a look of confusion and concern on his face. Layla-Rae sighed, “Devi keeps him emotionally and socially neglected. Friends are not allowed. Outside contact is limited and monitored. He is strictly homeschooled. Max’s room is design specifically for the press. He’s not allowed to touch anything in there. He’s only allowed outside of the house with Devi. Then she will lie about everything. According to the press, Max is just a troubled child. She says he’s been kicked out of school, many of her staff have quit because of Max, and just stuff like that. She says that he brings so much stress to her.” Layla-Rae waved Mr. Honeynuts in the air, “This is the only constant, personal thing he has. I gave him this bear the year he turned three when I got my first paycheck from my first job and had extra money after paying bills. It’s really the only thing that Max has that he likes.” Layla-Rae looked over the bear again, “Devi has tried to throw this bear out so many times because she didn’t approve of it.” The woman sighed, “I try my best to get him away from Devi. That's why we go camping in the backyard." Layla-Rae's jaw set, "I’m the one responsible for him. I make sure he eats right, has clothes he likes to wear, I homeschool him and I play games with him. But the minute Devi catches him showing me any affection-" she sighed and shook her head, "I’m the only consistent thing in his life. I may have missed a year and a half of his life, and I will be the first to admit that I’ve made plenty of stupid and life-changing mistakes but I will make sure that he doesn’t get that fucked up,” David had stopped changing the stations on the radio and was just listening to Layla-Rae.

“So,” David started, “Why does she do all that?” Layla-Rae shrugged, “I’m pretty sure that it’s all my fault. Every time that Max showed any affection toward me, whether it be a hug or even a ‘thank you’ Devi separates us for weeks, sometimes months. And every time I get to see him again, after being separated, he always seems exhausted and distant. I should’ve just taken him away from Devi years ago. It has gotten worse in the last year when Devi went through a bad divorce. Her ex-husband was a good buffer between her and Max.” Layla-Rae was getting exhausted just talking about it. David placed his hand on Layla-Rae’s hand. “It’s not your fault,” said David giving a soft smile to the woman across from him. Layla-Rae looked up at him, “What do you mean?” she asked, “I could be doing much more. I should’ve taken him away from all of Devi’s drama. I should've taken him away years ago.” David shrugged, “Devi’s the issue, and you’re still there. You are a constant thing in his life. Even if you don't feel like it,” he said, “You’re doing everything in your power to make sure Max has a semi-normal childhood. I know it’s not easy. But I think you’re doing a great job with Max.” Layla-Rae and David smiled at each other, “Thank you. That means a whole lot to me,” said Layla-Rae. A few moments went by before they noticed that they were still holding hands. They both blushed. The woman coughed, “I’m going to run Mr. Honeynuts back to Max’s tent. I’ll be right back.”

It only took a few minutes for Layla-Rae to run there and back. She went through the mess hall doors and saw David still messing with the radio and still getting static, “I think the storm is causing that static. It also might get here a bit sooner than expected.” David looked up, “How can you tell?” Layla-Rae smiled, “I have a degree in environmental sciences! I specialized in Meteorology.” The counselor's eyes sparkled, “That’s amazing! So, I'm guessing that's why you take Max backyard camping?” “Yep!" she said nodding, "I take him out and teach him all sorts of nature stuff. Weirdly, Max's favorite stuff to learn about is geology,” The black-haired girl’s voice was very cheery, "He always ignores my comments about weather patterns. He always asks me about rocks though." David’s eyes still sparkled, “I didn't know that! So, does he like anything else about nature?” She shook her head, “Nope. Just rocks. He has a collection of them at home in the backyard. He gives his favorite ones to me though so I can keep them somewhere safe.” David has now left the radio and was sitting across from Layla-Rae. The assistant's face brightened, “Here,” she said pulling out her phone and bringing up the radar for their area, “Now you don’t need to worry about that radio!” David sighed in relief, “Thank you, Layla!” They where both quiet for a few seconds, “So what else do you like to do in your spare time?” Layla-Rae smiled, "I haven't been asked that type of question in years. I guess it was the last time I went on a date!" “I guess we are on a date now! I mean if it isn't creepy- I guess- I'm sorry, I'm making this weird probably. I'll just go." He stood up to leave but Layla-Rae grabbed his hand. “You aren't making this weird, David. So sit down. I take it you don't go out on many dates?" David sat down again and nodded, "Yeah. I just started actively dating pretty recently. And my last relationship didn't end that well." "Please, a guy like you? I don't see how a relationship with you would've ended so bad! It probably ended better than my last relationship!" "Well, I do consider myself a hopeless romantic," The redhead tugged at the yellow shirt around his neck, "But, uh, It ended- Well- I kind of, hit my ex's new significant other with a chair... at a bar..." Layla-Rae stared at him for a little bit before bursting out laughing, "No way! I would never think someone like you would do that!" She paused and smiled at him and saw how nervous he was talking about that, "Now if you think that's bad. My last relationship- now keep in mind my last relationship ended about 7 years ago now- but anyway...."

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[devsash]

Unexpected Meetings - Part 2

A collaboration with @tindomielsilverthorn

(Part 1 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7)

Stormwind city, mid-day

The flight was, to Tindomiel’s mind, far too short. The gryphons took a sharp turn, looped, and landed in the city roost. Tindomiel slid from the saddle and moved to the front of the large creature. She laid her brow against its beak, whispering her thanks. Taking a few steps forward to make room, she waited for Mehe. Her body was once again slightly rigid as she shifted her bags and skins into position.

Mehe's gryphon landed smartly behind Tindomiel's. He climbed off and lightly touched those soft feathers one last time before turning to the Kaldorei woman. Noting her tense posture, he deigned to comment on it and instead inclined his head. "Thank you for the ride. Shall we?" He gestured towards the city.

“Yes, please. Where is his shop?” she asked. She very much hoped it would be somewhere away from the crowds. Although, that would likely draw less business. Shaking it off, she stepped towards the exit.

"He works with Larson Clothiers in the Mage Quarter." Mehe set a brisk pace towards their destination, keeping his head down. His watchful eyes slid from person to person, silently analysing the state of their clothes, weapons and where they kept their money bags.

Tindomiel stopped suddenly. “Did you say Larson’s?” She seemed genuinely shocked.

Mehe stopped as well. "Yes. Why?"

“That’s where little Niquisse found a job recently.” What a coincidence, she thought. I wonder if they know each other.

Mehe's eyes narrowed. "Who is this Niquisse?" Anas had not mentioned her. To be fair, Mehe rarely stayed to watch Anas work in the shop. He preferred not to be underfoot.

“She’s a sweet, young Ren’dorei girl. She’s engaged to be married to my nephew.” She smiled happily at the idea. That meant the young one had at least one kind person working with her.

Mehe's expression darkened. A Ren'dorei? With Anas? He whirled around and bolted in the direction of the shop, not waiting to see if his companion followed.

“Mehe! Wait! What...” Tindomiel quickened her pace, unsure what she’d said wrong. But it was clear that he was angry.

Mehe ignored her call somewhere behind him. He whipped past startled faces, anger and worry for his mate coursing through his veins. Tindomiel threw down her bag and skins, running behind him. She was unsure what he might do, but she had every intention to prevent a fight if she was able. The trail of confusion, anger, and fear he left in his wake slammed against her like waves, but she pushed them back with every ounce of her energy.

Mehe's feet found the grassy ground of the Mage Quarter. The shop would be visible just around the corner. He put on a burst of speed, reaching the clearing in the middle of the quarter and finally glimpsing the shop. Tindomiel lost sight of the man as he sped ahead of her. People stopping in the lane to talk about the Ren'dorei bolting through blocked her path.

Mehe spotted Anas's familiar figure at the entrance to the shop. His hand was raised, an easy smile on his lips as he waved at the retreating back of a customer. And beside him...

Oh, Light damn it all.

Mehe stepped determinedly towards his mate and the Ren'dorei girl.

Niquisse smiled up at Anas. “I think she’s really pleased with how the gown turned...who is that?” She indicated towards Mehe. “He looks angry.” She slowly stepped backward into the shop.

Anas glanced at her, then in the direction she was pointing. He blinked at Mehe's thunderous expression. "Mehe, what--?" He broke off as Mehe grabbed his arm, yanking him out into the open.

"Why didn't you tell me there's a Ren'dorei working here?" he hissed, shooting a glare at Niquisse over his shoulder.

Niquisse tried to back away, stumbling over a bolt of fabric that was leaning against the counter. "Please, Sir...I don't know what I have done. I just work here!" Her eyes were wide, darting back and forth looking for a way out.

Mehe regarded her with undisguised disdain.

Anas raised his hands placatingly. "Mehe, it's okay. She's a nice person--"

"The Ren'dorei are a whole bloody lot of liars," Mehe snapped, his tendrils roiling as he turned his gaze on his mate. "They're not to be trusted!"

Niquisse's tendrils curled in on themselves, matching her body language. "I don't!...Please, I wouldn't!"

Tindomiel, finally catching up, stopped at the bottom of the ramp. She tried to figure out exactly what is going on. Seeing Niquisse shrinking back, she pushed past Mehe to comfort the girl.

Anas winced. He drew Mehe farther away from Niquisse, stepping between them to block Mehe from view. "Stop it, Mehe. The poor girl's terrified out of her wits," he said in a low voice.

Tindomiel wrapped her arms around Niquisse gently. “Ssshhhhh, it’s all right,” She whispered. “Mehe, please. I don’t know what you’ve experienced. But Niquisse is a sweet girl. She’s scared now and she’s done nothing to deserve this. Please!” Tears were already rolling down Tindomiel’s cheeks as she fought off the undertow of emotions threatening to pull her under.

"I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to react like this," Anas said quietly. "Niquisse does excellent work here. She's never threatened or hurt anyone." He lowered his voice further. "Please, my love. Stop this. I don't want to lose my job here."

Mehe glanced at Tindomiel, the heat of his fury diminishing at the sight of her tearful face. His gaze slid back to Anas. "You should've bloody told me," he said coldly before turning on his heel and stalking off in the direction of Lion's Rest, equal parts angered and hurt.

Niquisse sank down to the floor, looking a mix of stunned and terrified.

Tindomiel sat with her, looking up at the Kaldorei man. “You must be his mate. I am sorry to meet you this way. This was my fault. Please, forgive me. I didn’t realize.” She gently stroked Niquisse’s arm as she spoke is soft tones. She had really mucked that whole thing up. Why was this Ren’dorei so hostile to others? What had happened to the man?

Anas absently raked a hand through his mane of midnight blue hair, the corners of his lips turned down slightly with regret as he peered after Mehe. "It's my fault, milady, not yours. I should've told him about Niquisse ages ago when I had the chance." He stepped closer and knelt before the two women, offering Tindomiel a handkerchief as he regarded Niquisse apologetically. "I'm so sorry, Niqi. Mehe isn't fond of other Ren'dorei. It's why I didn't want to bring up the subject with him in the first place.”

Tindomiel wiped off her face. “Thank you. Although somehow I suspect once he learned, he would have reacted much the same.” Taking a slow, even breath, she gently brushed a lock of sapphire hair from Niqi’s face. The younger woman was calming down and some of her usually fire returned.

Niquisse’s face scrunched up. “I’ve never met him before! Why would he call me a liar? That’s not who I am. Anas, you know that! I even got in trouble for telling that lady the other day why her dress wouldn’t close. The real reason.” She looked up at him searchingly. “Why does he hate us? He’s one of us...”

Anas sighed. "It's quite a long story. Why don't we get ourselves some nice, calming tea at the Recluse and I'll tell you about it? It'll be my treat." He rubbed his forehead tiredly. "It's the least I can do after what happened."

“That won’t cause you any trouble will it? Leaving work like this? I don’t want you two to lose your jobs.” Tindomiel asked. She looked genuinely concerned. “I will go.” Niquisse said softly. She liked working with Anas. And she very much wanted to know why this Mehe disliked her so much.

Anas smiled at Niquisse, placing a hand on her shoulder. "It's usually slow going at this time of day so we should be fine, I think. I'll ask Wynne to spare us for a bit. Elune knows I could do with some tea myself." He ducked back into the shop to converse with the woman standing behind the counter. She shot Niquisse a concerned look before nodding. Anas rejoined them a moment later. "Short break," he said to Niquisse before looking at Tindomiel. "Shall we, milady?"

Niquisse smiles sheepishly at Wynne. “She’s probably regretting taking me on now. I’m going to have to work extra hard to prove to her that I should stay.” She stood and took off her work apron, hanging it by the door. Smoothing out her blouse, she nodded.

Tindomiel pushed herself up off the floor. Noticing the pins on Niqi’s apron, she grabbed one and used it to close up the tear in her pants. “Would you mind if I meet you over there? I dropped my things to chase behind Mehe. I should go gather them up.”

"Do you need help, milady?" Anas asked, concerned.

Wearily, she shook her head. “I’ll be all right. It shouldn’t take me long at all.” Niquisse placed her hand gently onto the older woman’s arm. “Let us help you, Lady Tindomiel. Please. If it won’t take long alone, it’ll be easier if we help.”

Tindomiel shook her head. She stood thinking a moment before a little grin appeared on her face. “You know what? I have a better idea.” She turned to the young boy standing in the corner. Holding out a single gold coin, she smiled at him. “Will you go find a blue wool bag and a stack of wolf skins for me? I dropped them near the bridge to the trade district. Bring them back here and I will collect them later.”

The child’s eyes lit up. He grabbed the coin and dashed out the door.

“Let’s go have some tea.”

Anas nodded before leading them towards the Recluse. Stepping inside the welcoming warmth of the tavern, he pointed at a nearby unoccupied table some distance away from the rest. "Get a seat, I'll get our tea," he said before striding off to the bar. Tindomiel bowed her head and the two women moved to the table. The Kaldorei woman positioned herself in the seat furthest from the other patrons.  She sank down into the chair with a heavy sigh. She felt entirely guilty for creating this mess.

“Lady Tindomiel? Are you all right?” Niqi looked worried.

“I’ll be okay. It’s just been a trying day for me. Too many strong emotions at once.”

Anas returned to the table, carefully balancing a tray bearing a teapot and three teacups. He sat down and began pouring the tea out. "Here you go," he said, handing Tindomiel and Niquisse a cup each.

They nodded their thanks. Tindomiel watched the man carefully. “Thank you. Forgive me. I did not introduce myself. Tindomiel Silverthorn. I am glad to meet you, though I do wish it had been a bit calmer at the start.”

"Pleased to meet you, Miss Silverthorn. I'm Reianas Starmane, but you can call me Anas." He offered her a kind smile before sipping his tea.

“All right, Anas it is. But only if you call me Tindo. Same goes for you, dear.” She looked at Niquisse pointedly.

Niqi shook her head. “Gilræn would be very disappointed with me if I did not afford the Consort proper respect.”

Tindo sighed, but smiled. “As you wish.” She spoke gently, “So why was he so angry? He was very hurt too, Anas. Truth be told, it felt almost like the two emotions were warring within him. He wanted to just be angry, but the hurt won out.” She added a touch of honey to her cup.

Anas swirled the tea in his cup contemplatively. "I'm not sure where to begin, really, but it has to do with how he fell in with Umbric and his followers."

Tindomiel tipped her head to the side. “Did he trust them at first?” She sipped her tea, nodding in approval at the flavour choice.

Anas shook his head wearily. "Mehe isn't the type who trusts easily. He was in search of some information about his past and they promised to help him find it by piecing together what glimpses they could gather from contemplating the Void."

“Does he not know of his own past?” Niquisse piped. “How can they see it in the Void? Is that something I could learn?”

Tindomiel raised a hand to her lips, stifling a laugh. “Slow down, Niqi. I don’t think Anas knows those details. Let’s stick with Mehe’s story.” She gestured to Anas to continue. “So I gather they did not make good on promise?”

Anas shook his head. "Nothing beyond a few tidbits here and there, enough to keep him desperate for more. It seemed they were more interested in studying his skill with the Shadow than actually helping him though." He sighed, taking another sip.

Niqi sighed quietly. She took several sips from her cup. “Then things happened and now we are what we are.”

"Yes." Anas glanced at her. "Mehe's really angry about it. He blames the Ren'dorei for his predicament." He sighed again, raking a hand through his hair. "I'm afraid he's finding it hard to adjust to life here in Stormwind. He still misses Quel’thalas very much."

Tindomiel sat back, listening. She wasn’t sure what to add, as she had so little information on the Ren’dorei and their situation.

Niqi whispered, “It wasn’t our fault. Most of us were victims in this.”

"I understand." Anas leaned back in his chair. "Mehe wasn't very long with Umbric and he's not exactly the type who likes to mingle. He hardly knows the rest of you or your reasons for ending up with that man. It's why he sees all Ren'dorei the same way."

“And he...he lives with you? Above the shop?” Niqi’s ears started to droop.

Anas nodded. "Mehe hates Telogrus Rift. He misses the light and peace of the Eversong Woods and the Rift has neither."

Tindomiel perked up slightly. “I have a suggestion, if you think he might be willing.”

Anas's ears twitched. "Let's hear it," he said. "I'm open to any ideas that could help him."

“My husband and I own a farm on Pandaria. Open air, sunlight, peace. The plants and trees bear similar hues to Eversong. And we have a guest house. You may bring him there, if you wish,” she offered.

Anas blinked at that. "Milad--I mean, Tindo. You... actually mean that?"

She smiled wearily. “Would it help?”

"I... think it might, actually." Anas's brow furrowed. "But I don't wish to trouble you or your husband."

Chuckling, she shook her head. “It would be a pleasure.” She pointed at the pencil over his ear. “May I borrow that?”

Anas plucked the pencil from behind his ear and handed it over, still reeling from disbelief.

She wrote down an address on a scrap of paper. “Write me here, in Halfhill, if you wish to come. I will make sure everything is ready for you. There is a small staff, but otherwise it is very quiet. I would imagine that would ease some of his anxiety.” She regarded the man seated across from her. “I have surprised you. Well, this is my nature, Anas. I help people. Especially those that need it more than they might admit.”

Niquisse fidgeted in her chair. She was staring into her cup, whispering to herself.

Anas peered at the address written on the paper. "It's... it's really generous of you, Tindo, but we couldn't just live there without paying rent or something. And my work..." He trailed off, glancing at Niquisse in concern. "Is everything okay, Niqi?"

Niqi head snapped up at the sound of her name. She shook her head, trying to clear away the whispers. “I was just...I was thinking I should find a different shop to work in. I don’t want to be the cause of trouble between you.” The hurt was evident in her voice.

"It's not your fault," Anas said kindly, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Mehe and I will work it out somehow."

“Still. I’ll put in my notice. I can find work elsewhere.” She started to stand when Tindomiel pulled her back down into her chair.

“I don’t think that’s the right choice.” Tindo turned to Anas. “Think of the guest house as a vacation spot. Come whenever he needs it. You can pay me back, if you feel it necessary, with one of your lovely gowns.”

Anas bowed. "Thank you so much for your offer. I'll discuss it with Mehe. Might be just the thing he needs to get away from Stormwind for a short while." He looked at Niqi. "Mehe once taught me a way to keep the whispers at bay by focusing on the breath." He placed a hand on his chest. "As you inhale, slowly count to three. As you exhale, slowly count to five. Do it until your mind is centered only on your breathing and the whispers will retreat."

Niquisse looked up at him, confused. “How did you know?” Her voice was soft, almost embarrassed. “Is it because of the shadows within you?” She covered her mouth suddenly. That was rude, she thought to herself. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

Anas shook his head, smiling reassuringly. "It's okay, you're not wrong." He poured himself more tea from the pot.

Niquisse’s ears raised back up just a bit. “So you’ve always known? And you still speak to me?”

"The Ren'dorei are more vulnerable than most to the whispers." Anas took another sip. "Mehe is skilled enough that he's able to keep them at bay though. He's the one who taught me."

Niquisse sat back and closed her eyes. She started taking slow breaths in and out. Tindomiel nodded her approval. “Thank you for that. That was very kind of you.” She looked out the door, sipping her tea thoughtfully. “I should go find Mehe and apologise.” She pushed her chair back with the intention of finding the man.

"I should go with you, but Niqi and I will have to get back to work in a bit." Anas sighed before draining the last of the tea in his cup.

“Any advice for me?” Tindomiel asked, unsure if he would even have any to offer. She looked once again at the young Ren’dorei. She was calming down to an even level finally. Tindomiel returned her attention to Anas. “You keep yourself very level, despite the mayhem around you. It’s admirable.”

"I'm barely keeping it together as is. Thank Elune for this short break." Anas smiled wearily. "As for advice, try to be patient with him. Mehe tends to shut down when he's upset, so he might not even talk to you. Don't take it personally."

“May I help a little? You, I mean.” She placed her hand, palm up on the table.

Anas glanced at her hand quizzically. "Help me how?"

“Give me your hand.”

Anas did as he was bid, still confused.

Tindomiel’s hand slowly began to glow. Pure silver and golden light wrapped around her fingers and up into his hand. Gentle soothing energy, calming but invigorating at the same time.

Anas sighed in relief. He peered at her. "You're a priestess," he murmured in realisation.

"I am," she replied gently. "Was it the clothes that threw you off?"

"Sort of." Anas glanced down, attempting to quell the sudden sadness in the back of his throat. "Thank you," he said softly before glancing at Niquisse. "We should probably get back, Niqi."

Tindomiel lowered her head, a pang of guilt coursing through her. "I am sorry if I did wrong. It seems my every attempt today is going a little sideways." She rose from her seat and bowed to him. "I will seek out Mehe and hopefully make amends. Be safe, both of you."

Anas shook his head. "You did nothing wrong. I used to be a priest myself and it just reminded me of those days." He gave her a comforting though somewhat sad smile. "When you find him, please tell him I'm sorry."

“I will do my best.” She inclines her head. “For what it’s worth, you seem like the right type of person to be a priest. Whatever caused you to break from it, know that Elune still sees your actions. And you make her proud.” She turned and walked towards the door.

"Elune be with you, Tindo." Anas glanced at Niqi. "Ready to get back to work?"

Niquisse smiled, nodding. “I don’t have much left on that hemming order. Will you let me look through your sketchbook some more?”

Anas chuckled, standing. "You know you're always welcome to it."

“Anas?” She sounded nervous.

"Yes?" He raised an eyebrow at her, concerned. "Are you okay, little one?"

“If he is still angry, you will tell me, won’t you?” She stood, though with her tiny stature, it didn’t make much difference in her height. “Because I can find another place to work. I don’t want to make things hard for you.”

Anas smiled gently. "Mehe will be okay. Whether he likes it or not, the other Ren'dorei are our allies now and they're here to stay. Perhaps he needs to see they're not what he assumes them to be."

She bobbed her head. “I’ll do what I can to let him see.” She smiled as she moved to the door. “I’m gonna make him a new shirt. Something comfortable to wear on your vacation.”

"That's a good idea!" Anas beamed encouragingly. "Thank you for that, Niqi."

She smiled most of the way back to the shop. As she pulled her work apron back on, she blinked suddenly. “You have his measurements, right?”

He chuckled. "In here!" he said, tapping the side of his head and giving her a wink.

Smiling, she gathered up a gown onto the work table and starting pinning up the hem.

[volleybabe101]

The 68th Hunger Games - Chapter 2: The Reaping

       The stage creaked as District 10's escort strode up to the microphone. The entire area had gone silent, the occasional ruffle of clothing or a soft cough being the only reprieves. Tatiana Asquith cleared her throat in the microphone, her pursed, brightly colored lips standing out from her pale white skin. Where our skin was light bronze, hers was like pale milk. The red of her lipstick was reminiscent of the blood shed in past Games, and for a moment I wondered if she would be so cruel as to plan it like that.

       She smiled down at us, her teeth straight and shiny. "Welcome, District 10! Happy Hunger Games!" Tatiana launched into the story of the Dark Days and the birth of the Hunger Games, one that everyone in the districts has heard so many times that we could recite it along with her. She took short breaks between sentences, making our history feel more disjointed and strange.

       Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the 12-year-old girls clumped together. They held each others hands, small bodies pressed tightly against each other, and all I could think about was how that sense of community would end soon. The Hunger Games caused just enough damage to destroy any togetherness we might have while we're still able to be reaped. If we worked together as a district, maybe there would be a way for us to do something about the Games, to fight back somehow.

       But when Tatiana spoke the infamous words ("May the odds be ever in your favor!") and I felt the crowd recoil from their neighbors, I knew that we would not be able to fight back for a very long time. We might not ever be able to fight back.

       Tatiana's puffy black sleeves seemed like they would interfere with her ability to snatch a name from the bowl, but with the elegant poise of someone who had been on TV for so many years of her life, she just smiled at the camera and reached in.

       The girls around me scrunched away. We were all in our own little bubbles of fear, of what if's and anxiety. Tatiana slowly unfolded the slip of paper. I closed my eyes. My heart pounded. I swallowed heavily, thinking of Maisie's confidence, of Mother and Father's quiet reassurance, of Bailey's kind eyes. We were a family. We were survivors. We would be okay.

       I opened my eyes, staring straight into a camera as Tatiana Asquith called my name as the female tribute from District 10.

      I let out a strangled gasp, or maybe the person next to me did, and then I stopped breathing. Ice cold fear wrapped around my body and squeezed. The girls around me moved away even more, making a path for the Peacekeepers to retrieve me when they saw I wasn't moving my myself. The men who took money from the Capitol grabbed my arms, pulling me, urging me, to walk. I couldn't feel my legs, but when I looked down they were moving at an awkward pace, like that of a newborn calf. I swore they were trembling, but my vision was beginning to blur with tears, and I was just trying to keep the sob from escaping me.

       The Peacekeeper's hands were covered with black gloves, but that didn't make their grip any less harsh. Bruises were probably already forming with the way they were dragging me across the main square. I probably wouldn't be alive long enough for the bruises to heal. I felt bile climbing up my throat.

       They brought me to the foot of the stage, then released me. I froze, but with a shove in the back, my feet began to climb the steps. My district was still silent. My palms were sweating and my heart was beating faster than I could ever remember as Tatiana shook my hand, beaming down at me. Up close her eyes were sleepy and framed by dramatic makeup. She said a few words to me (maybe a "Congratulations!" in her Capitol accent), dropping my hand a second later.

       "Are there any volunteers?" She waited for a second, scanning my district with joyous eyes. "No? Then we'll move on to the boys." It was a production to her, some elaborate staging before the real show. The people in the Capitol who would watch this would be enraptured with her breezy manner as she reached into the bowl to pick out the boy's name.

       The boy I would have to fight to the death.

       I looked over the crowd, not processing that these people, my neighbors, the people I've traded with, the people I've survived with, were sending me to the Capitol to kill other kids. Their faces all blurred together, even Colton's, who I'm sure was swimming somewhere in that ocean of people. I tasted my breakfast on my tongue again, this time in the form of a thick liquid that was begging me to open my mouth. I swallowed it back down, my heart hammering against my ribs.

       For a fleeting moment, I regretted all the tesserae I'd taken for my family. I couldn't remember how many times my name was in the bowl Tatiana stood behind. If I hadn't done it, if I hadn't taken so much, would I have even been called?

       And then my moment of anger and selfishness was over, because I'd reminded myself of how I contributed to keeping my family alive, and because Colton's name fell out of Tatiana's blood-stained lips.

       For one of the only times ever, fear overcame Colton's normally placid features. The Peacekeepers forced him to the stage too, the usually short walk dragging into seconds, then minutes. My little brother's big brown eyes were wide as he looked around. He didn't seem to be processing anything besides the simple action of walking, and even with that he was struggling, stumbling over the uneven stones. My little brother, my baby brother, my best friend. The person who would have to die for me to go home, if I even wanted to go home without him. Our eyes met and all I saw were the promises we'd made that would never get fulfilled, the jokes we'd laughed at, the plans we'd concocted, and then I had to look away before I began wailing at the unfairness.

       My gaze landed on Tatiana. Clothed in a black dress, she looked like the Grim Reaper. The black bonnet on her head was her hood, only it didn't mask her face, it provided a stark contrast to her pale flesh. Her red nails were piercing the white slips of paper as if they were her a part of her death book. I could practically see the blood that dripped down her lips, smearing onto her exposed chest and coating her hands scarlet. Her scythe was the microphone propped up in front of her, helping her cull the children of the districts down into manageable numbers. My body shook with anger.

       Colton shambled up the steps. I grabbed his hand, clammy palm meeting clammy palm, and looked at him, my eyes conveying my emotions far better than I could hope to.

       "Any volunteers to be the male tribute from District 10? Any volunteers at all? No volunteers? Then these are your tributes, District-"

       "I volunteer!" The boy who stepped out of the crowd had no shoes. His shirt was ripped, his pants covered in stains. I didn't know his name but I had seen him before near the orphanage where he lived. He was dirty and poor and now he was my hero.

       I hadn't even turned to Colton before the Peacekeepers were there, dragging him back off the stage for the orphan boy to take his place. The Peacekeepers tightened their hold around Colton, who was now fighting to get away from them, finally broken out of his stupor. They pushed him deep into the crowd, the kids who composed it swallowing him without another thought, accepting him back into the district.

       The orphan boy stood next to me. He smelled strongly of manure, and I saw Tatiana's nose wrinkle briefly before her wide, TV-ready grin reappeared. I could only stare at him in awe. He had saved my brother's life.

       "What's your name?" Tatiana asked the orphan.

       He looked up at her, then to the crowd, then back at her. His mouth was set in grim determination. "Wesley Cofield." He had only a small grimace as he said his last name, which all orphans in District 10 had. Wesley looked down at his dirt-stained feet.  

       "Your tributes, District 10!" Tatiana clapped. The look of pride in her eyes was real, and it made beads of sweat drip down my back. My toes curled in my shoes. The district softly clapped. They felt relief. Relief that it wasn't one of them, that it wasn't one of their kids. That it wasn't someone who mattered to them. Just a poor farm girl and an orphan boy, I could almost hear them saying, now let's go back to work.​​​​

       I hated my district for turning their backs on us, but I could remember all the times I'd breathed a sigh of relief after another reaping went by and I was able to return home. I never spared a thought to the two kids who could and likely would, die that year, until the Games went live. And then I would feel pity, because, God, being murdered by other victims was a terrible way to go. I had thought this while I snuggled back into my threadbare blanket, while I sipped a spoonful of broth, while I became more and more compliant with the Capitol.

[tentoriwrites]

Main Story 3

You chose to tell a partial truth.

Go back?

My name? I can’t tell him my real name, he’ll know I was associated with the Asakura! “I am often known as...” I replied quietly feeling his piercing gaze finally leave me.

“I know what your name is, Mejiro. You missed several spots on the floor. I expect you to clean the whole hall again tomorrow. Properly this time… If you were trying not to let me down, you’re setting a poor precedent.” His voice was very different this time. As if the whole affair now bored him and my presence before him was a trifle.

“Of course, Milord.” I nodded emphatically, relieved he didn’t press my identity further. Something told me this was just his way. But what he said next completely took me by surprise.

“Take the rest of the night off.” My gaze shot up to him in shock. The look on my face seemed to amuse him because he smirked. Then he just cocked his head towards the door. I followed his gesture with my head then nodded absent-mindedly, still a bit shocked. Slowly a smile curled my lips up and I bowed deeply again.

“Thank you, Milord. I shall take my leave if you have other use of me.” I answered reverently.

“Yes, yes… on with you.” He sighed and I got to my feet again.

“Before you go, shall we have a toast to welcome you to the Clan?” Lord Mitsuhide called after me as he offered me a cup of sake.

“Thank you, Milord.” I replied bowing before taking the cup with both hands.

“Welcome to the clan!” The retainers chimed before I knocked the cup back and downed the whole thing in one shot. I coughed quietly a few times before the smile returned to my face. There were more than a few shocked looks on the faces of the retainers as I bowed and turned once more to leave the main hall. One of the other maids stopped me and took the cup from my hands as I left.

 Meanwhile:

“There ya go Inuchiyo!” One of the retainers jeered. “I bet she could give you a run for your money.”

“Hey sssshut uuup!” Inuchiyo snapped slamming his cup down. “You don’t know anything aabout her…” He went on picking up a flask to refill his cup. “I mean sssshe jussst got here yesssterday…”

“She’s been here for a few weeks now, Inuchiyo.” Lord Nobunaga’s cook pointed out with a sigh. “I don’t think you need to drink anymore…” I went on trying to get the flask from his hands.

“HEY! I’m fine! The night issss jus gettin started!” He griped keeping the flask in an outstretched arm and holding me at bay with the other. The retainers nearby started to laugh jovially.

“Oh Inuchiyo… What am I going to do with you?” I sighed in a loving voice.

“Mitsuhide…” Lord Nobunaga commented quietly as his right-hand returned to his side. Lord Mitsuhide looked at him expectantly. “There’s more to that girl than she’s letting on. Find out what her story really is.” Lord Mitsuhide’s face turned grim as he nodded slowly. He got to his feet and strode out of the main hall.

 After leaving the main hall I found myself in the garden, attracted by the bright moon in the sky. I found a rather large rock to sit on and settle myself on it. I pulled my flute out and played it idly for a few moments. “Momma, Shintaro… I think I finally found a place where I belong. Please pray for me and I’ll continue to pray for you.” I prayed quietly to the moon in the clear sky above as I clutched the flute to my chest. Though I was crying, it was clear the tears were happy.

 Elsewhere in the Castle:

“What do you know of the new maid?” Lord Mitsuhide questioned the head maid the next day. As the maids gathered in the kitchen to help me prepare breakfast.

“Only that she used to work as a maid at a teahouse in Kyoto. Something happened and her family had to leave the Capitol. She came here looking for work so she wouldn’t be a burden to them during this difficult time.” The head maid replied thoughtfully. “She’s always reading before bed.” The head maid started laughing. “She’s so considerate she takes the lantern outside and reads so she won’t keep any of us up.” Then she reached her hand into her sleeve and handed him a piece of paper. “She asked me this morning if I could get her stipend sent here. If I had to guess, that’s where her family is.” He regarded the paper carefully a few moments before the maid spoke again. “She’s a very good woman, Milord, if you would like my opinion. Whatever worries you might have of her I assure you are unfounded.”

“Thank you Matsuko. I’ll see to it that her stipend is handled to her wishes.” Lord Mitsuhide’s expression eased as he folded the paper and tucked it into his sleeve.

“Thank you, Milord.” Matsuko bowed and took her leave of Lord Mitsuhide who returned to whatever task Lord Nobunaga had given him.

“Oh Milord!” Matsuko called as she turned to face him again. “There is one thing. You should definitely not underestimate about her…” Lord Mitsuhide looked at her expectantly. “She says she was too lacking to be a hostess or entertainer… I feel it rather her former employer was simply to blind to the treasure he possessed.” With that she bowed again and left, carrying a tray of food along with her.

 Later that day:

“I trust you have something to report to me.” Lord Nobunaga said curtly when Lord Mitsuhide entered his Lord’s chambers.

“It seems her story so far is valid. I was able to find out what teahouse employed her and sent someone there to investigate. She had a very odd request she made to Matsuko earlier today…” He explained as he pulled the paper from his sleeve. “She wants her stipend, all of it, sent to her family in Mikawa…” He handed the paper to Nobunaga. “By all accounts the only thing left in suspicion is why she and her family had to leave the Capital.”

“You can send most of her stipend to her family. Leave her something of her own.” Nobunaga replied absently as he handed the paper back to Mitsuhide. Nobunaga’s brows furrowed and he abruptly got to his feet. He went to the door without so much as a word to Mitsuhide and quietly slid it open. They both looked down the hall and saw the subject of their conversation on her knees scrubbing the floor.

“No spots! No spots!” I chanted a few times before I stopped and wiped the sweat from my brow. “I don’t suppose it would hurt anything if it’s just to myself now…”

“Ascend with me this bridge divine/Stand beside me o’er the infinite waters/Take this spear in hand with me/Together we shall make the world/Together we shall make all things/For you and I together are all things/From this love all the world grow/This love divine all the world shall know…

Ascend with me into the sky divine/Stand beside me o’er this infinite land/Entwine your will in mine/ Together we shall make the world/Together we shall make all things/For you and I together are all things/From this love all the world will grow/This love divine all the world shall know…” She sang as she continued to scrub the floor.

“Oh, who am I kidding…” I sighed stopping my cleaning on the verge of tears. “I’m just a maid now and that’s all I’ll ever be. Better a maid in a castle than a cold body in the ground.” I went on steeling myself. I patted my cheeks briskly then went back to cleaning the floor. “No spots… no spots…” I repeated over and over like a mantra.

Lord Nobunaga slowly closed the door again and looked at Lord Mitsuhide amused. “Seems we’ve inherited quiet the songbird, haven’t we?” He grinned devilishly.

“One that is rather well educated at that…” Mitsuhide added with an air suggesting he was impressed. “Wait songbird. From the Capital.” The wheels in his head started to al click into place. “I knew I had seen her somewhere before.”

“I take it you finally figured out her identity.” Nobunaga commented, the amusement melting off his face as he opened the door without any care to conceal the sound this time.

 I shot up stiff as a board and turned around in time to see Lord Nobunaga stride up to me. He gave the wet floor in front of him a discriminating look. “There may just be hope for a foolish girl yet…” He commented dismissively before turning on his heel and walking off down the opposite direction.

“Th… thank you, Milord!” I called to his back. “I hope I didn’t disturb a meeting, Milord.” I added when I saw Lord Mitsuhide leave Lord Nobunaga’s room and close the door behind him.

“No, not at all.” He answered with a slight smile. “Please don’t let Milord Nobunaga’s abrasive attitude strike you the wrong way. If he had an issue with the quality of your work it would be quite clear.”

“I’m used to people much harsher than him, Milord. Much harsher and no care towards anyone at all.” I replied with a smile. “I chose to come here for a reason, Milord and I do not regret that choice.”

“Do you have some time to spare? There were a few questions I wanted to ask you.” He commented with a gentle smile. I looked out at the sun high in the sky and instantly became mortified.

“Oh no! If I work through lunch again Matsuko is going to scold me terribly today!” I screeched burying my face in my hands. Lord Mitsuhide couldn’t help but chuckle in face of my reaction.

“Go fetch some lunch and meet me in the main hall. I’ll speak to Matsuko later about needing to speak with you.” I looked up at him a bit confused but nodded and got to my feet, taking the bucket with me. I got some food from the cook and ate it as fast as I could comfortably before dashing off to the main hall. Lord Mitsuhide was waiting for me, sipping on some tea. “Well that was faster than expected.” He mused motioning for me to come sit in front of him.

“I didn’t want to waste any of your valuable time, Milord.” I replied with a bow. Lord Mitsuhide just chuckled lightly and offered me a cup of tea.

“Lord Nobunaga is always interested in the story of how those who serve him found themselves here. He is convinced you have a story to tell and asked me to find out what it was.” Though he asked the question congenially enough, the words petrified me causing the cup to slip from betwixt my fingers pouring the contents all over my legs. “Ah!” He gasped immediately moving to sop the hot liquid off my legs. The moment his hands touched my legs, it is clear my whole body was trembling. He looked up into my eyes, surely showing the pain I couldn’t hide, tears spilling down my cheeks.

“My Father was forced to make an impossible decision because of me… A decision that cost him everything… I came here so I would no longer be a burden to my family…” I whispered as I stared vacantly at the wall behind Lord Mitsuhide.

“What kind of decision?” He pressed continuing to sop the hot tea from my legs, though I didn’t realize I should be in pain right now.

“I… I cannot speak of it…” I replied quietly as I started crying in earnest now. “The burden of shame I brought to my family is far too great.” I went on finally moving to blot the rapidly cooling liquid from my own legs. “Please just believe me when I tell you I came here to try to do right by them.”

“Is that why you asked Matsuko to have your stipend sent to them?” His earnest question caught me off guard and when I looked at him again, I felt the vacancy of feelings had been exchanged with great sadness and pain. Unable to speak I just nodded slowly. Lord Mitsuhide just smiled gently. “I’m sorry to make you speak of something so painful.”

“You had no way of knowing, Milord. Forgive me for losing myself.” I whispered as I wiped the tears from my face with my sleeve. He just shook his head and smiled at me. “If there’s nothing else, I’d like to get back to work, Milord. If I don’t finish that hall spotlessly, Lord Nobunaga will scold me again…” My voice was very small as he moved away from me.

“If your legs bother you, please come see me. I have a balm for burns.” He replied with a hint of worry. I just nodded.

“You honor me with your kindness, Milord.” I bowed deeply then left the main hall.

“No spots…”  I muttered quietly, resolutely. “I will work really hard here and make sure they never find a reason to let me go. I’ll make it on my own.” She sniffled. “I just hope you can continue to pray for me…”

 I was taking linens from storage to air out when Lord Nobunaga stopped me abruptly in the hall one day. “You know how read and write I presume.”

“Yes, Milord.” I replied immediately, though the statement confused me.

“Come with me.” He grabbed me by the arm and started pulling me backwards down the hall.

“Milord, could I at least turn around?” I asked trying not to stumble and fall given the brisk pace. As he dragged me around a corner, the inevitable finally happened and I fell backwards. In a flash Lord Nobunaga caught me and pushed me back to my feet.

“If it was that difficult for you, you should have said something.” He huffed.

“I distinctly remember asking to turn around, but you didn’t stop…” I instantly froze over in fear when I realized I said that out loud. My eyes creeped over to his face, there was a ghost of an amused smile on his face.

“So, we have a spine after all, do we?” Despite the hint of amusement in his voice I found myself trembling all the same. “Come on then face forward, I don’t have all day…” He added before striding off again. We finally came to a stop in front of his chambers. Though he walked in as if nothing was amiss, I waited outside looking around awkwardly. “Are you going to stand around all day or are you going to come in?”

“OH! Sorry!” I came in quickly and proceeded to stand around his room awkwardly. He let out an exasperated sigh and motioned for me to sit in front of him. I was feeling pretty insecure about being alone in a room with a man again. That didn’t go over so well the last time… He handed me a piece of paper and I took it with trembling hands. “What is this, milord?”

“A reading test.” He answered flatly. I looked down at it and reading it out loud to him. “Now write it out.” He slid a piece of paper and brush to me.

“O… kay…” Despite my confusion and my shaking hands I managed to write the passage back character for character. Though Lord Nobunaga said nothing and simply dismissed me. What was that all about anyways?

 Press the issue 

Leave it be

[jhessail]

My name is --- and if you are able to remember my name, it will cure any ailment you have. Seems incredibly impossible, I know and honestly, I would agree with you if I hadn’t lived this full sixteen years with the knowledge that any day my parents got sick, the next day they would be 100% as long as they said my name during the day they were sick. Again, seems impossible, I mean if it’s just a cold or a fever those kinds of sicknesses can break in a day no problem. However my dad got E Coli once because of a bad spinach batch, and we were terrified that he was going to die in that horrifying hospital bed but as he lay there pale and sick, he asked me for a cup of water with my name. The very next day we were checking out of the hospital with my dad skipping and singing a pop song very badly. That incident still makes me feel very squirmy and I really don’t want to witness anything like it again.

Okay so cool, I have a name that can cure fatal illnesses, that’s awesome and that must mean everyone in all of my classes were spared of things like the chicken pox, strep throat, and other varieties of children sicknesses, right? Wrong. See the difficult thing about my name, ---, is that it seems like hardly anyone [i]remembers[/i] it. Which actually really sucks because I got this awesome name that can cure people’s sicknesses if they just remembered it! I mean I could tell them my name until I’m blue in the face, but people tend to look at me with a dazed stare and awkwardly avoid my eyes just to say, ‘Hey, do you mind answering the question on the chalkboard table 12?’.

God, it’s the worst. There was this time a kid had been diagnosed cancer and I yelled, screamed, and cried until I was a heap on the ground for them to just say my name just once. Just one time, and bam, that cancer would be gone! I even tried to get them to get me to do a favor for them. Nothing, natta, and that kid still has to go through chemotherapy treatments because it just won’t go away. I’m just lucky my parents had to name me otherwise they would probably have the same problem. Though I guess one could remark that if they didn’t ever remember my name, I would just think it was a normal thing.

Eh, semantics.

I’ve done research on my name, and it isn’t anything really special. It is isn’t like YVHV, the supposed true name of God, where if you could actually try to speak it your tongue would tie itself up (at least for me that’s what happens when I try to say it, but can you blame me? It’s just a bunch of letters that sounds like that record skipping noise in party movies or whatever). Though I guess my name is old and I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone else in my life with the same name, so maybe because it’s unique I have this weird power? Or maybe one of my mom’s many scorned lovers (she’s told me that she was a very open lady back in her days, and I should feel comfortable to be as experimental as she, mom why) cursed me and they were legitimately good at magic. Whatever the reason, people have a difficult time remembering my name, and I hate it.

Which explains why I am in this really creepy house that I found on the Internet. Supposedly this house houses (snort) an old-timey wizard guy. I should probably question the existence of a wizard and even more on how I was able to find it on the Internet and my sanity for coming inside a dark creaky building that screams ‘I’ve kidnapped children, and there’s a sociopath somewhere in this building waiting to toy with you’. My quick and upbeat tone does little to show the lengths I’m willing to go to either fix the cure people’s sickness thing or make people remember my name.

The worst instance I can think to the lengths I’m willing for either being fixed would have to have been when I was twelve. I got kidnapped by a man who said candy would fix all my problems. Yeah, I’m wasn’t actually that [i]dumb[/i] of a child, but I couldn’t risk it not being true. Luckily for me, the guy came down with a terrible case of stomach ulcers and we got him to the hospital with my parents picking me up before anything terrible could happen to me. Well okay, I did get addicted to Cadbury Eggs for a bit. I did get to find out due to that addiction though that my name also can cure tooth problems, aha ha.

Anyway, besides getting side-tracked, I’m still in this haunted looking house. I’ve been at the front for like an hour, just staring at shadows and trying to find a light on the wall. Seriously what kind of house with electricity doesn’t keep lights by the front door? Hell, there’s a step down I need to take before I can get to the rest of the house, you could easily lose your step and break your neck here. I yelled inside the house, waiting for anything to respond. Nothing. After a few minutes with struggling to find the stupid light switch again, I decide to turn my cellphone’s flashlight on and start going through the house.

“Hello! My name is ---, I’m trying to find the wizard,” I frown momentarily because of what I was about to say, “Zox! I have a problem I think can only be solved by magic! HELLO!” I’m surprised by how big this place seems. When I entered it only seemed like a two-story building, but then again, maybe it’s so big because there’s like…nothing for furniture around. There aren’t any couches, entertainment systems, and when I explored the kitchen there was hardly any kitchen ware for food. Well, it wouldn’t be surprising the Internet could have lied to me that anyone lived here at all. I yelled for Zox again, making my way upstairs and repeating myself.

When I made the last step up the stairs, a very tall man stepped from the corner glaring at me with harsh dull blue eyes. I screeched in abject horror as I lost my balance from his sudden appearance. I started to fall back and I desperately yelled my name out loud and even as I crashed down all the way back to the bottom of the stairs, I felt no pain. When I got up, I pat myself to glare up at the man. Thankfully when [b]I[/b] say my name, I was pretty much immune to any kind of bone-breaking, internal bleeding kind of thing. That was always a pretty nice side-effect to this being able to cure sickness thing I had.

The tall man stared at me, at least I think he stared at me. It’s dark and damn it, my cellphone’s screen broke from that tumble. Unfortunately, electronics did not benefit from my name, which is a shame because my dad and mom have gotten several viruses in their computers and that would have saved a bunch of money if my name was helpful. I’ve also lost more cell phones than I care to admit. Anyway, so because it’s dark, I decide to speak to the darker shadow on the top of the stairs. “What the hell! You don’t just come out of nowhere in a dark place! That crap can get people killed!” The tall man’s figure just dived back around the corner and I growl in response. After a moment of tapping my foot impatiently, I decide to try to follow.

I get back upstairs and the tall man turns the corner again, this time though my reflex grabs the corner of the wall. I let out a sharp laugh, but the tall man decides he needs to cause pain to a poor teenager today because he forcefully pushes me down the stairs. I yell out my name again and stumble all the way down. When I get up and I yell and curse at the tall figure who runs around the corner again. Honestly, I shouldn’t go back up again, but having a mystical name that makes it impossible for me to be hurt would make anyone reckless. Though this time I just crawled up the stairs and when the tall man turned the corner from the noise I made at the top, I simply bull rush his legs, forcing him to fall over. I laugh at him.

“That’s what you get asshole!” I yell as he groans miserably. “Now, are you the wizard Zox or just some jackass?”

“If those are my only two choices, I’m a jackass I guess.”

“Damn.” I get up and squint my eyes towards the tall man on the carpeted ground. “Of course you’re a jackass, you literally pushed me down the stairs.”

“You’re the freak of nature.” The tall man got up and rubbed his eyes. “Why aren’t you huddled on the ground in pain?” I fold my arms and debate inwardly whether to tell him or not. I decide not too and ask my question,

“Are you the wizard’s guardian? Do you make sure people looking for him are legitimate people who need his magic?”

“Kid you’ve got a wild imagination.” He turns and I flinch as he turns on a hallway light on. I can see him clearly now, he looks like he’s in his early thirties with wrinkles built on his forehead and at the edge of his eyes. He had black hair that was thinning and besides his age, the only thing that stood out by him was the thing that I noted earlier his height and eyes.

“Fine, who are you?”

“Does it matter? I’m just the jackass.” I felt a little annoyance show through my eyes and I obviously voiced,

“You could be a burglar hiding until the cops stop searching for you. I could report you’re here.” The tall man turns to me with a disgruntled look and then scoffs. He starts to walk off to a room and I follow, visibly pouting. “Seriously, though, are you the only one here?”

“S’far as I know.” The man sits down in the first furniture I see throughout this whole house, a surprisingly fancy and rich looking bed. “What’s your name kid?” He then asks me, pulling out a book from underneath the pillow from the bed. I sigh,

“---“ He pauses and looks at me, confused. This is a very common interaction I have.

“What?”

“---“ I simply say again, starting to explore the room, hoping I’d find a secret lever to show a room where the wizard was hiding. Maybe I really do have a wild imagination.

“Kid I can’t understand your mumbling.”

“It’s not mumbling. My name is ---.”

“I’m starting to get pissed kid.” I throw my arms up into the air, turn to him and yell my name out at the loudest volume my lungs could take. I know my face turned red and my whole body quivered as I kept shouting it over and over. Seeing my body visibly quake, I think the stranger finally got the message as he threw his arms up, “Okay, okay, whatever! I don’t need to actually know!” I hold my head in the palm of my hands for a minute, getting my breath back from the annoying reminder for the reason I was here.

“Okay,” I start after recovering from yelling my name so loud that my ear ached, “What are you doing here Mr. Jackass? I was searching the wizard Zox.” The stranger rubbed his forehead.

“What?” He couldn’t help but ask.

“Okay, I know I’m going to sound stupid, but I was looking for a wizard. You know how you don’t remember my name? I want to get that fixed.”

“I’d be able to hear your name if you weren’t being a brat about it.”

“Oh my God.” I take the pillow from the bed and throw it in his face. After that action though, I see something really big in the spot where the pillow before was. “What the hell is that?” Putting the pillow down, he then picks up the huge necklace. When I say huge, I mean it looked like it should fit around an elephant’s neck. The stranger sighs and looks off to the side with his face flushing slightly.

“I’m looking for the wizard too.” He whispered, obviously embarrassed about it. I guess it’d be more embarrassing for an adult to admit they were looking for the occult to help them with something then a teen like me. Didn’t mean he could treat me like I was crazy for looking for the same thing he was.

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

“Well you haven’t exactly been helpful in answering [i]my[/i] questions, why should I answer yours?”

“Cuz I’m a kid.” He rolled his eyes. “I don’t have to know the answer to everything.”

“Well, neither do I kid.” We were at a standoff. After about two minutes of awkwardly staring at each other, I decided to leave the room. Just because Mr. Jackass won’t tell me anything, doesn’t mean he’s actually searched everywhere in this house. He obviously doesn’t have my imagination, probably has never even watched a fantasy in his life. I didn’t have a lot of places to look and soon had to stop my search. While my phone’s screen was cracked, the alarm I had set was still working well enough to tell me I had wasted five hours in this house and it was 8 at night. I move to the room where I hoped Mr. Jackass was, which he was,

“Goodnight! See ya tomorrow!”

“Don’t come back!” He yelled, his eyes still firmly glued to the book he had.

“I’m going to find the wizard before you old man!”

“That’s just rude.” I walk down the stairs, determined to find a clue about the wizard and maybe a clue about Mr. Jackass. Seriously, who the hell just knocks someone down the stairs?

I continued to explore that dingy creepy house and meet up with Mr. Jackass each day, eventually finding out the reason he was looking for the wizard was because the necklace cursed to him. Apparently, it made it impossible for him to get dates, and he wasn’t sure what he did to ever deserve such a fate put on him, seeing as he had never been out on date with anyone before he started to think about it in his life. I felt a decent amount of sympathy after hearing that. He wanted to settle down with someone and live one of those white-picket fence lives. He even had the kind of dog he wanted to run in the fenced area, a pug.

God help me, I can’t hate a man who loves dogs. While Mr. Jackass was soon just Jackass, we eventually decided to team up to try to find clues. After all, there was still something that continued to pull us to that house. For Jackass it was the book he had found the first day he had explored the house, apparently each day he could read a new page and with an obvious set of magic in front of his eyes, it gave him hope that reading the book to completion would answer where the hell the wizard was. Sound…magicial? Logic. But man that would take way too long! The book was at least 300 pages and Mr. Jackass said he was only on page 30. Meaning he’s been at this place for thirty days!

For me…well the Internet had yet to help me find a different way to find anything else and seeing as how Mr. Jackass had a magical book just aided me to try to search every nook and cranny of the house. I didn’t bother trying to read the book after we had tested to see if I could read past the first page. It seemed to set that a person would have to start from the beginning of the book even if someone had already read past them. It’s annoying but it is what it is.

We got to know each Jackass and me. Besides his dating problem he liked to paint on his day offs and he was an office worker for my cell phone provider (a fun coincidence!) and he apologized for pushing me down the stairs because he had earnestly believed I was a monster. That day the page had told Mr. Jackass of the story of the honest-to-goodness Boogeyman that could not be hurt and ate people’s toes. I asked him why he didn’t just run away and he answered he hoped I was a dumb Boogeyman who he could keep pushing down the stairs until I got tired of climbing up.

Funny but dumb.

He never gave me his name because he couldn’t remember mine and I guess he assumed we were the kind of partnership where it’s best not to know who we are to one another. Again, kind of funny but even more dumb, considering he’s talked to me about the details of his life and his hope for the future.

Both of our lives changed when he reached page 72. I thought I had explored every inch of the house and was sitting down on a chair I had brought into the room with the bed. Jackass was busy reading the page and I was toying around with my phone when all of a sudden a boom of flashing light echoed in the center of the room. We both yelled he ducked underneath the pillow where he kept his necklace and I just whispered my name while closing my ears and eyes. Moments later I opened one of my eyes which was followed by the second eye as I gapped at a seriously old-looking man.

He looked like the kind of guy you’d see in cartoons that needed help across the street. He stretched his back until I could hear an audibly loud pop. Well, it’s nice to know that it was just really a waiting game for his wizard. The wizard blinked around the room, studying the still hiding adult and me. He stretched again and a loud yawn escaped his mouth.

“Are you the wizard Zox?” I finally ask, seeing as the man wasn’t going to speak and Jackass was still hiding underneath the pillow. I wonder if page 72 had some detailed monster explanation of a monster that would eat you if you looked at it. The magical (what else would you call someone who appeared with light in the center of the room) man turned entirely over to me.

“I am.” I could feel my entire body sing with joy as I jumped off from my seat.

“We’ve been looking for you!” Jackass tossed the pillow away as soon as he heard those words and jumped to my side. “My name is --- and I need help!” The wizard looked at me confused for a moment but didn’t get much of a chance to talk to me as Jackass physically pushed me away,

“I also need your help!”

“Jackass!” I yell, getting up immediately and start to try pushing him out-of-the-way. Something I found early in our many days we spent together was that he also apparently had a weird obnoxiously amount of muscle to back up the intimidating tall being he was, despite being a huge coward. He kept me away pretty easily. Zox chuckled slightly but then he started to cough. The two of us stilled as we watched the wizard inch towards the fancy bed, coughing harshly every step of the way. Oh no. Oh nononono.

“Say my name! I’m ---!” I can’t help but panic, tears starting at the edge of my eyes.

“Can I get you some water Mr. Zox?” Jackass asked. Zox kept coughing. Panicking, I hit the old man’s back and Jackass screams at me, pushing me away as I start to yell my name. At the hit, the wizard collapsed in the bed with his coughs stopping. Jackass moves the old man so he faces up and we stare at the old man.

I recognize the lack of movement and the slow cool of his red face. I’ve seen it three times in my life. One from a failed Heimlich maneuver (there’s a reason people needs to be trained to do that) and two others from the same instance I've seen Mr. Zox go through.

“He’s dead.”

“Son of a bitch!” Jackass yells, holding his hands to the side of his face. “You killed him!” I can’t help but start crying. “Oh no, it’s…he probably came back to die anyway!” Mr. Jackass tries to calm me as my lips quiver and harsh sobs start to exit my mouth. He touched my head, remarking words of comfort but I keep crying. It isn’t fair! The both of us finally had something that could have potentially solved both of our problems but he goes and dies!

“Oh for Heaven’s sake, did he die again?” The two of us turn to a voice behind us and stare numbly at a gorgeous woman. Damn her boobs her grea-I mean she’s got the prettiest eyes I’ve ever seen. Yup, that’s totally what I mean. “Honestly Zox,” she walked through us, separating the two of us, “your bodies don’t last as long as they used too.”

“Hello?” Jackass decides to talk first.

“One minute.” The temptress says and moves her hands in a very hypnotizing action. I was too busy staring at her hands (yup, don’t doubt me, good old honest ---) until Jackass gasped. I shifted my eyes to see that Zox’s body was being fricking cloned in front of us. The woman then bent down and kissed the corpse on the forehead and we watched numbly as green goo oozed out from the dead body’s ear and slowly inch towards the cloned body. The temptress seemed satisfied as she gave a lovely smile and then she gave us her full attention. “How can I help you?”

“Who-?”

“I am the lovely lady Milena.” She put her arms into the air as though she was a showgirl and she certainly had the figure to back it up. “I am a long-lived siren, attached to the mighty wizard Zox.” While we did ask for her biography, I did appreciate it, if only to watch as she stretched and pantomime in a fantastical way. Jackass didn’t seem to appreciate it as much as he placed the book in front of his face, whimpering,

“Siren?”

“Yessir.” She smiled. Ignoring Jackass’s obvious fear, I go ahead and speak,

“My name is --- and I have a problem I think only magic can fix.” She blinks at me, as though truly spotting me for the first time.

“Could you say that again?” She asked nicely and I feel a little despair creep in my arms.

“My name is ---.” Milena’s face grew blank, tilting her head as though trying to look at me from a different perspective. She closed her eyes after that, breathing deeply with a concentrated air. Her hands moved again, though this time looking like she was trying to grasp at something invisible. The woman opened her eyes and said,

“I’ll try and get to you in a minute. How can I help you, sir?” She asked Jackass and I feel my tears drop from eyes again. Jackass was still shivering from behind the book but he managed to spit out,

“I-I have t-this a-amulet. I-it’s c-cursed me t-to b-be alone f-forever.” He reached for the obnoxiously huge necklace and held it in front of Milena. She stared at her with another blank look before stepping back and surveying the two of us. She seemed surprised and then turned around back to the corpse and his twin.

“Zox hurry it up!” She scorned the green ooze on the bed. She turned to us to give us another pleasing smile, though it was one of those ‘I’m so sorry, please wait’ smiles. I watched as the ooze finally crept into the twin body of the corpse and gasp as the old man breathes air like a fish tries to breathe but suffocates anyway. Milena grunts and hits the man in the chest at this sounds and with a loud ‘hoof’ the ‘new’ body of Zox’s seems fine. He rubs his chest as he leans up, groaning almost pitifully.

“Why do you have to be so rough Milena dear?”

“We have two [i]customers[/i] that I can’t help.” She seemed very testy about saying that. The newly revived wizard stares at us then back at Milena with an exaggerated smirk. Milena certainly didn’t seem pleased by that and physically just pushed the old man to the bed roughly. Which I guess she could do whatever she wanted to him if she could just clone his body and resurrect him.

“Milena please stop,” Zox begged as she climbed on the bed and I just watched with abject horror as she spat on his face and started to make weird motions with her hands. I looked at Jackass hoping for some kind of explanation but he kept his eyes glued to the book and his arm held out with the necklace shaking visibly. When Milena pulled away from the wizard I snickered seeing she had done some magical makeup to the old man’s face and one of those old England wigs. With a sigh and one hand gesture, the wizard cleaned himself all nice. Milena growled outwardly at how easy her work was erased.

“Excuse me.” I finally spoke again, “Please. I need help. I don’t mean to be rude but I just want people to be able to remember my name.” Milena threw her hand out to point at me with a look that looked like ‘see what I had to deal with?’. Zox stood up from his perch on the bed, his hands then flying into the air grasping at something that was there but was definitely invisible. Zox gave a short laugh before turning towards Jackass. Jackass yelped a little when Zox grabbed his necklace, handing it to me.

“Wear this for a minute.” I of course did as he asked, hope making me realize my eyes felt tired from the harsh crying I did earlier. Zox faced Jackass again and gave him a gentle smile, “Enjoying my monster adventures?”

“No.” Jackass answered honestly and Zox laughed.

“Well you’ve done well to get as far as you have. That book was made to drive men insane.” Zox gave an eerie smile and I couldn’t help but shiver, noticing the huge necklace slowly shrinking around me. “Now before I do anything else,” he turns around towards Milena and the bed, “We need to speak about what I get from this.” I feel a violent chill run down my back. I have never been so suddenly scared about something in my life, as though I seriously got into trouble with something that was powerful and crazy, like an old god or something. Jackass seems to have also sensed the same thing as me as he hesitantly asks,

“What, what do you want?” Milena’s lovely face morphs into something like a demon's, her grin splitting to the sides of her head and shark fangs seemed prominent.

“Oh, just a little favor.” Zox remarks, his tone sounding dark and heavy.

“Just take a little walk and touch some stuff for us.” Milena’s eyes were glowing red now. “I’ve already sent you the map to both of your phones. Just follow the [i]red[/i],” her voice seemed eerily like what I imagine a snake would sound like, “dots.” I reach for my phone, staring at the abruptly terrifying woman and only taking my eye off to look to see my phone dominated by the map. I tried to switch to something else but it stayed there, frozen and impossible to budge.

This shift overtone seemed too much for Jackass because he started to try to bolt out the door. However before he could make it, my body flew after him and hit him in the back. Jackass fell and he made a perfectly fine cushion.

“Oh yes. Unless you do this for us, you two will be stuck to each other for the rest of your lives. I know that can’t be too fun, especially from the obvious age difference.” Zox harshly laughed, though he soon started to burst into coughs and I vainly hoped he would cough himself to death again. It didn’t matter though, I knew that. Milena was there, smugly and ready to revive the wizard if needed. I hear Jackass whimper below me and I can’t help but frown.

“Why do you need us to walk to these dots?” I eeped when Milena slinked to my face, her once gorgeous assets now seemed threatening,

“Does it matter to you? This is just payment so people can remember your name ---.” I stared, shocked. She said my name. Holy crap she said my name.

Oh no, she said my name.

I could feel an ugly feeling crawling around in my insides. It was bad she knew my name, and now that I think about it. Yeah. What did it mean if something that is ‘long-lived’ could cure any of their sicknesses by just saying my name? Was…death a sickness she would be able to avoid? I looked over to the wizard and all I see is his back.  He had not moved at all, but I could tell that there was something different about him. “Go on.” Milena smiled earnestly, making me cry as Jackass started to bolt, my body automatically flinging on after him.

[letspretendfictionpressworks]

body language 1

“You look like shit.”

Keep your eyes on the ground. Keep walking. Don’t even bother looking up to make eye contact. No, instead load your reply with enough sarcasm to drown out the hurt. “Like I don’t know that already.”

He has the capability to sound affronted. Like I’m the one who did something wrong. “I’m just trying to be honest. Jesus. You can appreciate that at least, right?”

A sting of betrayal, just sharp enough to rival a bee’s sting. But swallow it down, Mikey. Swallow it down and say nothing. This is how he always treats you. Today is no different. Now is no different. Why would anything be different? You’re nothing special, Mikey. Never have been, and never will be.

“Oh, come off it, Spencer. Leave the poor guy alone.”

It’s a girl who comes to your rescue. That’s just fitting, isn’t it?

“It’s fine,” I mumble.

And it is. The momentary bite of emotion fades, and it’s fine. Peachy. It’s always fine. Not like it’s ever going to change.

So bite your tongue. Because it’s fine.

“See, Bella? The boy’s fine. He takes it like a man.” And he cuffs me on the back of the head with a bit of force. It causes me to stumble a bit.

Bella simply lets out her breath through her nose and ‘tsk’s her tongue once. But she says nothing.

And there ya go, Mikey. Thought she’d stand up for you for a second, didn’t you?

“I wonder if there are any good games to play?” Bella keeps walking, though on her tip toes. She apparently thinks she’ll turn into a giraffe or something and get a good view of the whole park.

And that’s proof enough that she never once had a flicker of a thought about actually standing up for ya, now isn’t it?

“Oh, Bella.” Spencer stops suddenly. A few people behind us cast him a dirty look as they veer sharply to avoid running into him. “Remember that roller coaster I was talking about? That’s here. Wanna check it out?”

Her eyes light up. “Oh, yes. I would love to do that.”

His arm slides around her waist, and she easily fits against him.

It reminds me yet again how much of an outsider I am. Pity. That’s the only reason I’m here, I’m sure. I’m pitied—I’m the one that gets invited on a whim because it’s the nice thing to do. I’m the charity case. I’m always the charity case.

And ya know? I’m kinda sick of being the charity case.

But bite your tongue. Because it’s fine.

They’re walking again, several strides ahead of me, not even really glancing back to make sure they didn’t lose me. Because I’m the puppy who follows them around obediently and—hopefully—silently, too eager for their attention to protest.

“Oh, but it only seats two.” Spencer seems to finally remember that I’m there, and glances back at me. He doesn’t even look apologetic. “You can just stay here if you want. If you came with us, we’d have to be separated anyway—”

I don’t want to hear him right now. In fact, I know I shouldn’t care, but my throat starts to burn with raw emotion. Of course he invited me just to dump me off somewhere. He wants this to be a date with his girlfriend.

You’re a charity case, remember?

So I don’t let him finish his sentence, don’t let him carelessly (callously?) brush aside my feelings, and cut him off. I carefully load my words with confidence I don’t have. “Actually, I want to go play some games. So I’ll go do that. Sound good?”

For just a second, he looks annoyed that I cut him off, and I feel a sense of useless pride for—for what? For standing up for myself? For being a dick? I don’t know. I guess I shouldn’t really feel proud of myself, but I am. A dick, that is.

Secretly, anyway. I guess.

Spencer doesn’t even look taken aback. “Oh, well then... yeah. We’ll catch you later, right?”

Not like you’ll care either way. I’m the third wheel and we both know it. “Right.”

And with that, he leads Bella away, who throws me one last glance. Spencer doesn’t even bother to do that. He’s already talking to Bella, and I wonder if they’re talking about me for a moment. But before I allow the cold fangs of paranoid betrayal to bite into my gut, I briskly turn and wander in the opposite direction.

I know there’s an area filled with all sorts of games not too far away, and I wander around for a bit before stumbling over it. I float around between the games, like a confused mackerel that lost its current. It’s hard to casually walk up to a game and play a few rounds when you feel like everyone knows that you’re the abandoned third wheel, wandering around, trying to find something to do while you wait for your friends to finally decide they want your company again.

So instead I decide to sit on a bench. Which probably makes me look even more pathetic—like I’m the left-behind third wheel and I’m too poor to even play a few games to pass the time. But I am. Too poor to pass the time with games, that is. I don’t think I have much pocket money, even. But whatever. Crowd watching is just as fun as playing the games, anyway.

And so that’s just what I do. I watch strangers play games that I can’t. Children squeal as they win stuffed animals, guys fist-pump when they score a good prize, and the girls look ridiculous trying to carry away their often way-too-big-to-comfortably-hold prizes.

There’s a lucky wheels game not too far—one of those games where you put a coin down on a number and hope yours was the lucky winner. I watch as the wheel spins, stops, spins, stops, spins, stops, and spins again. It’s almost soothing to watch the wheel stop and go and—

And then I very suddenly realize that there’s a pattern to the wheel. It doesn’t spin randomly, there’s a system—I can predict what number it’s going to stop on next. My eyes narrow in concentration as the wheel starts spinning, waiting for it to stop. It slows, the numbers sluggishly slinking along until it falls still.

And, yes, my prediction is right. I did know what number it was going to be. And before I can remind myself that I’m still supposed to be wallowing in self-pity for being left behind as the useless third wheel, I’m on my feet and at the lucky wheels vendor, fishing through my pockets for a coin. It’s then that I remember that I don’t have any spare change. But I refuse to feel the ugly sting of disappointment again, so I slide the coin nearest to me onto the right number, and flee before anyone can yell at me for doing something so brazen. Behind me, the wheel stops and the winning number is being announced, and, yes, it’s the number I placed the stolen coin on.

But I’m gone, and I’m not even sure if anyone is calling after me to claim a prize.

Probably not. I’m often noticed.

But bite your tongue, Mikey. Because it’s fine that way.

[iannoyinglysweetstudent-blog]

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My husband and I found one extremely cheap, and I desperately need a car. Our worry is the monthly insurance rate. Would the age make it cheaper, or is it so old that it would begin to go back up?""

Getting pregnant & getting Insurance?

I was hoping to start trying to get pregnant within the next 3-6 months. I am a little discouraged after searching on line and finding many people saying most insurances have a waiting period anywhere from 6 months to 2 years!! Before they will cover maternity. Is this true? So I guess I should seek insurance coverage like yesterday if I plan on getting pregnant anytime soon, huh? I do DEF want to use a midwife. Maybe I should just pay out of pocket & spare myself the hassle of insurance. DID YOU USE A MIDWIFE W/ or W/OUT INS??""

When You Buy Car Insurance On The Internet..?

You know when you buy Car Insurance, is it immediate effect? or do you have to wait a certain amount of time until you can go out and drive?""

Can I get my own car insurance policy with State Farm and still be covered on my parent's policy?

I have been on my parents' car insurance for a few years. I have a car that is covered by their policy, but I just bought another car (I still have my old one) and I need insurance. Can I get my own policy with State Farm, or do I have to bundle it with my parents' current policy? Will that be cheaper?""

Question about car insurance in London?

My sister has gone overseas for a few weeks and has left her car at my house where I am taking care of it. I am not insured so I don't drive it. My housemate has insurance on her own car, would she legally be allowed to drive my sisters car? I heard somewhere that she could drive it, but she'd only have 3rd party coverage. Is that true?""

Part-time and need affordable health benefits. Any suggestions?

My COBRA is running out in 4 months. Any suggestions for affordable benefits for part-time workers? Thanks!

Can home insurance companies completely deny you because you have a dog that attacked someone at one point?

I'm going to try to keep this short.. just know that, this is for my dog and I'm trying to save him... he's a 10 year old Akita. A year ago, our family dog bit someone. They sued for an insane amount of money, but it wasn't our fault completely, so our home insurance and their health insurance settled out of court for a lot less. Still, the settlement was expensive, and our home insurance didn't like covering a 6-digit figure claim because of the dog so they dropped us. Since then, all home insurance companies don't want to cover us, even if we don't have a dog , this information is by my father who doesn't like the dog already. There is only one house insurance that will cover us, according to my father, but they will only cover us if we don't have a dog, and even then they will charge 4 times as much. I'm not old enough to completely understand how insurance and claims and contracts work, but I'm just trying to save my dog, because my father is going to put him to sleep by the end of this month. I just need a good starting point or phone numbers that could maybe discredit what my father has been saying, or anything that could help. We live in Southern California. Apparently Akitas are listed as vicious, but at the age of 10, he's old enough to be mellow, but still too young to put to sleep. Any help would be appreciated.""

Do car insurance pay for flood damage?

my daughter got caught in floods yesterday and her car is knakered do car insurance companys pay for flood damage ,when she rang them they told her it sounded mechanical but RAC said ...show more""

How much does insurance cost a month?

Okay, I'm 21 years old and I'm a full time college student I work part time and I live with my mother and step-father. I'm on my fathers insurance. My father is a Department of Transportation worker he has worked for the state for about 33 years. He has PEIA insurance. He called me today and was complaining cause he got a doctors bill for me for $35...he wanted to know why and I said idk maybe it was a mistake can you pay it since it's not that much...and then he goes into this whole thing how he pays my insurance every month...blah blah blah...but he doesnt realize that my mom and my step dad do everything else I mean they pay my other bills. He hasn't paid anything since I turned 18 except for insurance (he won't even take out a loan for my education...my mom and I do that). I pay my car insurance,gas, and cell phone bill out of my part time job check cause I commute to school. He has the nerve to call me and gripe over $35!!! WTF?!?! Does anyone know how much he pays a month or about how much he pays?""

How much would insurance cost for a '92 ford thunderbird?

How much would insurance cost for a '92 ford thunderbird?

Do any insurance companies do insurance on two cars uk only?

Why is it that if a person has two cars you can not get insurance for two cars on one policy If like me you have more than 9 years no claims bonus you must put your no claims on to one policy and start a new policy for the other car. but you can only drive one car at a time Is this just another insurance rip off

How much does it cost to buy and insure a car (17 year old)?

Just passed my test, looking for a car to use Which is the best car to insure and run, and what is the best insurance quote I live in a bad post code area which is one if the highest rates and i dont want a black box and i need to do alot of driving after 11 o clock""

""On a family plan (Car Insurance), Must all members covered live under the same address?""

My boyfriends dad is a penny pincher and has my boyfriend under the families car insurance to save money. I don't know if it is legal or not, but my boyfriend does not live with his parents (and the address on the insurance is his parents house). He is also is not insured on the car he is driving (his dad is, because he has points)... Will someone please say if this is allowed...so we can put this argument to rest!""

Do most parents pay for their children's car insurance?

Ok, don't rant at me, I'm asking this question innocently. Basically, I want to know if it's common for parents to pay for their children's car insurance (I'm thinking of those 17, 18, 19, etc. who just passed their test and haven't moved out), or if the child is usually made to pay it themselves? I don't know if part time jobs will cover the cost or what (especially as I imagine they will usually pay for their own petrol), but 3000 a year does seem quite a bit for a teenager to be able to afford. And seems like more and more youngsters are getting cars... I don't think I would expect my parents to pay for mine when I pass my test, but then again I don't know how I'd be able to afford it myself either... So I'm looking for some insight on the topic.""

Can my brother put me on his health insurance?

I have a illness. I started a new job and insurance won't kick in untill another three months. Can I be put on my brothers insurance? He has no children and he is not married. Plus he never uses it.

""Am I able to get health insurance? Please answer, need help?""

I'm 18 years old, I left home because of an ongoing abusive situation, and have been on my own for six months, it's the best thing that could of happened to me. I keep no contact with my parents. I live with an older friend who has two children. I help her around the house in exchange for rent, I buy my own food, pay for my own car insurance, and cover all of my own expenses, etc. I'm a full time college student, and I work around 30 hours a week, and now I'm looking to get affordable health insurance. However, my friend's income is much higher than mine, disqualifying me from subsidized healthcare or medicaid. Health insurance is based on household income. I am not her dependent at all, she has her own health insurance policy. I'm very confused, what course of action do I need to take? Thanks in advance for your answers!""

Do you know that 30 million working poor will be able to get health insurance under the affordable care act?

But only if the law stands. http://eclectablog.com/2012/06/18-reasons-the-affordable-care-act-is-the-greatest-achievement-for-the-middle-class-since-medicare.html

CAR INSURANCE COST? 19yrs?

Im female, 19 years old, just got my license, will be driving a chrysler/sebring JXi. Im looking for the cheapest/minimum coverage in Bradenton, Florida.""

4000$ car insurance for 6 months?

So in in the past 2 years, I was hit first by a drunk driver~ my insurance paid nothing. next year about the same time August that is I was driving friends whos car broke down home, ...show more""

What is the average cost to add a 16 year old to auto insurance?

I am 16 and I am trying to get my parents to let me get my license and put me on the insurance, but they think it will cost to much. I know it will cost more, but I don't know how much and I have an A average at school and I am a girl so that has discounts. I asked the insurance place but they asked to many questions so if you have a rough estimate that would be great.""

A 125cc Scooter in California?

I want to get a 125cc scooter just because it does use a lot of gas. In California, does a 125cc scooter need a license plate? Do I need to buy an insurance? Do I need a driver license? Do I have to ride on the bike lane? or I can ride as a car? How do I make a left turn? How do I park my scooter? park it as a car (occupy a car parking spot)? It's in California. Thank you very much""

High insurance on car?

Ok so I really don't know much about cars or insurance and I really want this (Nissan 350z) but someone told me it has high insurance ..what do they mean by that? If my car gets damaged it will cost more to repair? Idk..someone help though!

How much would car insurance cost for a Mustang GT.?

I am 16 years old Never had a accident Live in a pretty big city 2012 Ford Mustang GT

Brazoria Texas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 77422

Brazoria Texas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 77422

I am looking for car insurance for a courier?

this is different from regular insurance.. is there any service that offers just courier insurance. one who uses their car to make deliveries

Will insurance pay for a cracked windshield if it happened before I was insured?

I just purchased a used car, and there's a crack in the windshield, nothing serious, but whatever. How much would it cost me to get it replaced, and would by insurance company pay for it? lol (btw - its a 1998 Ford Explorer)""

Will I be dropped by my insurance due to suspension of license?

I recently had my California license suspended due to a failure to appear in court (yes I'm an idiot). Will my insurance drop me because of this? I am still paying my car off as well. If my insurance drops me, will that affect my car loan? Any help at all is greatly appreciated.""

What is the cheapest car insurance for 17yr olds?

What is the cheapest car insurance for 17yr olds?

I need cheap car insurance!!?

i am 18, i have a 1990 accord worth about 1700, and ive been driving for 4 months now, no tickets or problems, i need some cheap car insurance since my dad wont insure me with his company.... i just need some cheap *** company, i dont really care if they dont really cover well. i live in California, in the southbay. is there any cheap insurance such as those little cheap looking stores you would see around your city?? the ones that have banners that say they offer insurance as low as 22 a month??....have in mind that i just need something so i can drive since i need it by law.""

Is insurance cheaper on a 4 door car than a two door car?

Is insurance cheaper on a 4 door car than a two door car?

Why do we expect employers to provide health insurance? Why not get your own?

The republicans want to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, what are they offering as an alternate given that half the population does not have health insurance.""

How can I get the cheapest possible car insurance?

I'm going to buy my first car in a few months, and I need to sign up for car insurance. I don't know where to start. I only work part-time so I want the bare-bonest of plans, absolute cheapest possible.""

Help!! price of insurance?

i would like to know how certain factors determine the price of insurance. 1) how does costs affect the price of insurance 2) how does amount of claims affect the price of insurance 3) how does risk levels affect the price of insurance 4) how does predictability of risk affect the price of insurance 5) how does return from investments affect the price of insurance 6) how does level of interest rates affect the price of insurance 7) how does profit margin affect the price of insurance 8) how does competition affect the price of insurance 9) how does goverment regulation affect the price of insurance

Car rental insurance? do i need it?

I will be paying with my credit card. I have insurance on my car, but only the basic liability nothing else. Should i buy the insurance the rental agency offers? what happens if i have an accident. Thanks for your response""

Uninsured Motorcycle Driver Question?

Recently a friend of mine wanted to purchase a motorcycle that he found a super great deal on. Because his credit is very average he asked me to purchase the cycle and he would make me payments plus interest. I agreed and took out a loan for the bike. However a few weeks later he decided it would be ok to take the bike out for a spin UNINSURED. He had a run in with several trick or treaters and their parents. Since it was an unlit road, they were in the middle, and he was going under the speed limit. The cops ruled it not his fault. However now two insurance companies are coming after me to subrogate the liabilities. Since he was the driver but I am the owner. What are my rights? Can they still blame him? Am I liable?""

How much i will paid from insurance Vauxhall Astra DR5 1.4 1995 year and where is the cheaper??

Vauxhall Astra DR5 engine1.4 made in 1995 year.I am looking from something cheap but good.

Can I be insured on my mums car insurance if I don't live with her?

Hi I moved out 3 months ago and I have been put on my mums insurance while I have my provisional licence I will be getting my own car soon and i was wondering if I can still be on her insurance if I still won't be living there ? Thanks Billie x

How much does is cost to become a driver in the UK?

I'm weighing up the pros and cons of learning to drive over my reliance on public transport. I want to take account of everything, (insurance, cost of average car, etc). I figure 20 for provisional license. About 800 for lessons (40 x 20), plus another 150 for the test, 50 for the theory test. What other things do I need to consider each year? (I'm approximately 30 years old, if that matters)""

The best insurance for a student?

I was thinking of getting home contents insurance or something- could anyone recommend me anything?

I am an OAP with a car and want to insure my son 17 to drive does anyone know of a cheap insurance company wit?

I am an OAP with a car and want to insure my son 17 to drive does anyone know of a cheap insurance company wit?

Does the driver NEED INSURANCE OR JUST THE CAR?

I'm 17 I have my license. If I borrow a friends car /test drive a car with insurance & I get pulled over will I get introuble?? Do I also need insurance on my name and on the car or just on me?? Can u explain thanks. I heard you have to have insurance on the driver and car or something like this thanks. I live in Oregon.

Car leasing and insurance?

Hi All, My partner is 24 years old and has 6 points on his license for driving uninsured with a provisional license. He now has a license but is obviously having major troubles with insurance prices. We are looking into purchasing a lease car with insurance in the cost, can anyone recommend? We want something identical to the NHS fleet service until we can clear the points but no friends or family work there so unfortunately we are not legible to apply for this. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance, Emma""

State insurance car o.O?

hello i am from new jersey nd i have heard about a car insurance something like state insurance the person who told me said that they give a contact for one year nd the payments are 200 hundred every 2 months :O does anyone know something about it?? thank u

Pulled over for no insurance but do have insurance?

today i got pulled over and couldn't find my insurance. i finally did find my insurance but the cop didn't want to write a new ticket. he said that i could take a copy of the insurance to the clerk at the police station and they would void the ticket. is this all correct?? also does this no anything to my insurance or points on my license. i live in missouri.

Two car insurance policies?

My parents are trying to get me insured on their car which they already have a policy on but it is too expensive to put me on that. Is it legal for me to take out another insurance policy on the car in my name only?

Looking for best insurance product (LIC) which returns guaranteed & handsome amount on maturity along with acc?

Age : 35 yrs., married Premium Amount : 90  99 K per year Premium term : 25 to 30 yrs best lic plan combo plan""

What is the easiest way to have insurance?

My unemployed mom spoils my 12 y/o little brother everyday and I only work 14 hours. I've tried applying to 30 stores but my AA diploma is worthless.

""So my father has car insurace in Spring Valley , Ny which causes his insurance to be cheap...?

He wants to add me as a driver and Im 19 yrs old. I live in Brooklyn. Me and him have two complete different addresess. When he adds me should I give them my brooklyn address or it doesnt matter. Note that I dont want the different address the increase his insurance

Should I get earthquake insurance?

I live in California. The quote I got was $150K dwelling, $5K personal property. The deductible is $22,500 and the annual premium is $370. Is this worth it?""

Brazoria Texas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 77422

Brazoria Texas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 77422

Where Do I Find Quotes For Non-Owners Auto Insurance?

I Need It Cheap, Fast, And In Denver,CO.!!!!!!!!!!!!""

Am I paying too much for auto insurance?

I'm a 21 year old female and and I'm on my mom's insurance plan. I drive a 2002 pontiac grand prix and I pay $200 a month for full coverage with allstate. I don't have the greatest driving record by far. I've only been driving for 5 years and I've had 2 speeding tickets, 2 at fault accidents, and 1 non at fault accident. My last accident was in 2009. Unfortunately, I was driving through virginia and got a ticket yesterday. I'm just wondering if that price sounds right for my insurance. Is there a company that offers lower priced plans? Is there anything I can do to lower it?""

Could a part time employee afford to pay for car insurance on his own ?

Here's a sinario for you, I'm 17 with my g2. I took drivers Ed and defenseless driving courses. I own a car that is a mazda 3 2008 hatchback. I park my car in my driveway, it has an alarm system. i have a part time job that pays approx 1,000$ a month. Could I afford the car and insurance? Should I buy another sort of car ? Please help with full out detail on what I should do with this sinario""

How much will a teen pay for their own car insurance?

if its a used car that is completely paid for.

""Whats a good, less expensive, insurance for a younger driver?""

i'm 19 and have had my liscence since i turned 16, i have a clean driving record and even got a perfect score on my driving test 3 years back. My car's been under my dad's name for the last three years but i plan to move out soon and want to switch the car into my name. does anyone know of a good, less expensive car insurance that would be affordable, and not have high rates just because i'm a younger driver.""

Should I get insurance for my new puppy?

Just got a new pitbull about 2 weeks ago should I get insurance for her?

What is the best insurance policy for a child age 6.5 year?

What is the best insurance policy for a child age 6.5 year?

Which is cheaper- homeowner insurance or landlord insurance?

Which is cheaper- homeowner insurance or landlord insurance?

COBRA insurance help?

I recently got fired is it cheap to get cobra insurance? Have you ever paid for COBRA insurance usually how much it cost for family? are my only option buying my own insurance or cobra or no insurance. Is Medicare only for older people???/?

Roughly how much of a fine would this be if stopped driving a car by a police officer?

1. No Inspection 2. No Insurance 3. No License Plate 4. No Registration 5. No License for driver. 6. Speeding 7. No Seat belt. I had to do this to take my car to the junk yard. Luckily I didn't get stopped. How much would that have cost me had I been stopped?

Best girls' car insurance deal?

What's the cheapest car insurance available in the UK for a 25 year old woman with 6 points on her licence? Do any of them do shorter term contracts than 12 months?

Driving Insurance Quotes ?

Im 17 years old and currently taking driving lessons. Does anyone know if I can find out insurance quotes for cars at this age without holding a full UK licence at the moment. I just wanted to find out prices on insurance for me to get a rough idea of insurance quotes for different cars.

Can the insurance company find out you are not a full time student?

ok, the thing is, in my school, you need be taking at least 3 credits per semester to be a full time student. i was taking 3 early september and i got proof of enrolment for my dad ...show more""

Im 18 how much would insurance be on a 2006 330 i bmw?

Buying it

I just received my license and the cheapest insurance I can find is geico at 295 a month I need something less?

I have a 2002 nissaan maxima im 18 & single I really need something cheaper

""Motorcycle Insurance Rate New Driver 22 years old 1974 Honda CB360, How Much?""

I'm buying a 1974 Honda CB360 Bobber motorcycle, I'm 22 years old..have had 1 ticket in October for running a blinking red light at night, 1 speeding ticket that got dismissed in court and 1 speeding ticket that stuck a 65 in a 55. I live in Michigan and this is my first ever motorcycle. How much am I looking to pay? and what is the best company to get insurance, online it says Geico wont insurance motorcycles in Michigan so cant use them. Full time college student if that matters any""

Dental Insurance question?

On my dental insurance card, I have a primary care dentist listed on it. Does this mean that I must go to this dentist in order to have the insurance pay for my appointments or can I go to any dentist that accepts my insurance without having to switch my primary care dentist and still receive the insurance benefits? Will the insurance cover less if I don't go to the primary care dentist? Thanks!""

How much would insurance be for a 16 year old in GA?

I'm 16, I own a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier LS Sport- 2 door, live in Athens, GA, drive less than 7,000 miles annually, drive to and from work and school 5 days a week... haha. I just want to know how much it would be monthly for car insurance on any of the companies. Any help would be appreciated. :)""

Afforable Health insurance?

I'm 19 years old, I work a part time job and I need health insurance. The cheapest I saw was Blue cross blue care and it was $95 a month and 30 copay. Is there anything cheaper I ...show more""

Insurance complaint?

i just insured my car and my previous insurer will not send me my no claims forms for me to show to my new insurance company which is resulting in my insurance going up 500 is there any where i can complain

Help me with a car tax/insurance question please?

I just bought a used car that isn't taxed I am trying to swap my insurance over to the new car but the problem is I heard you can't insure a car without it having car tax but whilst trying to tax it I read on the dvla website will this vehicle have valid insurance by the time the tax begins so what do i do first?

Insurance cost for Dump Truck?

Without knowing a lot of information right now except it would be in the 1990's year range what would the APPROX. cost of monthly insurance be for a dump truck? We are in Ontario, Canada.""

Car insurance do i have to tell them ??

am trying to fill in a form for a quote, i was involed in a crash which wasnt my fault, the other person admitted responsability, do i have to declare this as a claim ?? or do i not mention this, am trying to get a quote for this years car insurance Thanks""

""Mortgage, HOMEOWNER INSURANCE, lost jobs advice.?""

I need some advice! (Please, please keep your advice to constructive criticism, please) We are coming out of a messy situation where we both lost our jobs. But now we have acquired ...show more""

COBRA health insurance...?

is there anyone who recently left the military? How does the COBRA health insurance work?

Brazoria Texas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 77422

Brazoria Texas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 77422

HELP PLEASE! CAR INSURANCE?

OKAY SO I LIVE IN FLORIDA COUNTRY AREA IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY AND I WAS WONDERING HOW MUCH WOULD CAR INSURANCE COST ON A 1989 BUICK LESABRE THE INSURANCE WILL BE PUT IN MY AUNTS NAME WHO IS A (SENIOR CITIZEN) AND HAS A CLEAN DRIVING RECORD AND RECEIVES SOCIAL SECURITY. ****ALSO DOES SHE HAVE TO PAY FOR THE INSURANCE AS SOON AS SHE PUTS IT ON THE CAR OR DOES SHE WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT MONTH? HELP PLEASE?

Do you believe medical insurance should pay for breast implants?

Vasectomy, chiropractors, accupuncture, penile enlargement, orthopedic shoes? Why? Have you used it for such?""

Universal life insurance as a savings plan?? Is that a good idea?

Ameriprise Financial is sellign me 400k life insurance policy that costs 200 per month. They say its like a savings plan because I can access 90% of the 200 per month at any time. Is this a good idea or a scam??

""Got in a car accident driving someones elses car, they had no insurance.?""

got in a car accident driving someones elses car, they had no insurance.im 26 ive never been in any trouble and have a clean driving record. i was terrified and i left the scene and got cought, whats going to happen at court?""

Insurance for a vehicle you are not using for a while?

We are buying a used vehicle. We are going to park it until next spring, however. Do you need insurance by law for a vehicle that is not being used? Or is there a cheaper insurance plan you can get? We live in Michigan.""

Does a new auto insurance policy cost more if there is a lean on the title?

Does a new auto insurance policy cost more if there is a lean on the title?

Urgent legal advice for car insurance compensation?

Hi! All I had small car accident with a taxi on the Sydney Harbour Bridge 4 month ago. I admited the fault and made a claim to my car insurance company. but they have delayed compensation to the taxi company over 5month. but I didn`t know how it was going on their dealing.. Finally, I have got a letter which is about under managemnt by our local court about our attachment of property and fine. Because the taxi company want get competsation from me. I already pay the payment for that claim and my insurance company agreed to pay the compensaton for. what should I do for my situation. please give me legal advice. Thank you.""

Do transformers buy life insurance or car insurance?

i recently bought a Transformer and i'm not sure what kind of insurance i should get for it. They're alive and stuff so maybe life insurence but also they are a vehicle when they are in disguise, what do you think?""

""Car Insurance..if i go out of state, but my parents pay for the car insurance and i live in another state...?""

What i meant to say was..if i have a car, it is in my parent's name, and i move out of state, is it possible to still be covered by the insurance even if it isnt from the state it is being payed for in? or do i have to get insurance and the car changed to my name in another state? i hope someone understads. thank you for you time in reading this :) 10 points to the best answers! or lets say Correct answer!""

How much is car insurance on a Nissan 350z?

How much is car insurance on a Nissan 350z?

Is there Low Cost Health Insurance for a 60 yr old?

Is there Low Cost Health Insurance for a 60 yr old? I am shopping around for health Ins. for my mother in law, is there something in California, that's not expensive. Can i get medical or something? Please help.""

Do I need car insurance with a drivers permit?

I'm 15, just got my permit, do I need car insurance? If so, then why did my parents have to sign for responsibility? Wouldn't that just put it on their insurance?""

Who offers the cheapest car insurance in the Uk?

Ok im 22 years old and have have been driving for 4 years. Only one crash 3 years ago. Just got my renewal notice through the post. It has gone from 56 to 81. That is a alot for me. Whats the point in a NO CLAIMS BONUS?

Insurance grace period/need insurance to title and register?

In IL, is there any grace period between buying a car and having insurance? Or put another way, will I need to show proof of insurance when I go to DMV to register and get title? My plan was to pickup the car and immediately go to the DMV, but my insurance card probably won't be hear for a few days... will they not let me register it w/o insurance? Also, god forbid I'm pulled over on my way to the DMV (without insurance OR registration) or on my way home from DMV (still no insurance) will there be a problem if I can show (with bill of sale or something) that I just bought the vehicle and am on the way to register it and/or insurance is in the works?""

Car Insurance in the UK?

When your car insurance expires are you no longer covered or do insurance companies keep the policy going until you cancel the cover?

""My car is fully paid for, and I wonder what auto insurance coverage would be the less expensive and good?""

My car is fully paid for, and I wonder what auto insurance coverage would be the less expensive and good enough to get in state of California? 1- Liability only? 2- Liability plus collision? 3- Full coverage? 4- Any other type? Regards, Mo.""

Should Insurance companies be forced?

The proof, via memeorandum: Obama administration approves no-cost birth control, including morning after pill Pro-lifers are horrified at the announcement Monday that the Obama administration has approved a recommendation from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to guarantee full health insurance coverage for birth control, including the so-called morning-after pill, under the Affordable Care Act. The new guidelines, which the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) labeled historic, will require new health insurance plans to include womens preventive services including FDA approved contraceptives, breast feeding support, and well-women visits  all without charging a co-payment, co-insurance or a deductible  beginning August 1, 2012. The Affordable Care Act helps stop health problems before they start, said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in a statement. Babies are a problem now. Remember that Obama equated babies with an STD:""

Should I file a claim with auto insurance?

I drove my car into a column in a parking lot, denting and scratching the left side of the car. Repair estimate is about 1600. My insurance deductible is 500. Is it worth filling a claim? How much will my premiums go up if I file a claim? I have excellent record otherwise.""

Insurance pricing for a Honda Civic Coupe vs Sedan?

I'm looking to get a new car and was wondering if the insurance would be pricier if I got the civic coupe? I mean it's technically not really a sports car and is not much different than the sedan aside from its appearance. I'm 21 and have had my license for over 3 years if that makes any difference.

What are the pros and cons of purchasing a car and leasing a car. Also how to purchase insurance.?

what are the pros and consof purchasing a car and leasing a car. And how do you purchase insurance?

Car insurance question?

I'm looking to buy a car from a dealer. I'm going to put it under my parents auto insurance policy, can I put one of them as the primary driver of the vehicle, since I am only a co-driver on the policy? I am planning to buy the car with cash, so in order to get my parents as primary drivers, would the title have to be in their name?""

Motorcycle Insurance Question?

I was wondering how much insurance would cost for a 16 year old in California, driving a Ninja 500r would be. New driver, taken safety course, and stored in garage. What companies would insure me (I heard geico and progressive were good), and how much would it cost? Also what is the minimum amount of motorcycle insurance needed? Please answer with as much detail as possible. Thanks""

What car insurance company would u recommend that is the cheapest and bettest?? :)?

What car insurance company would u recommend that is the cheapest and bettest?? :)?

Having a hard time to find affordable health insurance?

I just need a simple surgery on both my ears. About a year ago I developed a keloid on both ears. I know they can get bigger so I want to get it fixed before it looks like a grape behind my ear. My biggest problem is in finding affordable health insurance. Can anyone tell me a good site to go to for affordable health insurance? All answers would be greatly appreciated.

Insurance cost for a truck?

chevy silverado 2010 im 18

Brazoria Texas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 77422

Brazoria Texas Cheap car insurance quotes zip 77422

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/auto-insurance-quotes-first-time-drivers-william-burns/"

[jsnorcross]

My Life Struggle from Poverty to Poor and Finally winning the Battle.

So I've seen a few posts on social media about the cycle of being poor and poverty. I'm not knocking any of those, as sometimes perception by people can be different, but there is something that I wanted to bring to everyone's attention (some of you may already know this); but there is a difference between being poor and impoverished. I've statuses regarding living paycheck-to-paycheck, struggling to make car and house payments and buying groceries and clothes for oneself or the family. Essentially, this is poor; you have money coming in, you may or may not qualify for state/federal benefits, but somehow, with a struggle you're getting by. Poverty is a question of a paycheck or if you have one, it is so little that the idea of having a house payment or a car payment is a pipe dream. You likely rent some low-down, slum home/apartment or something, and that is a struggle to maintain payments for. You ARE state/federal assistance for everything that you can and it's not maybe; you DEFINITELY qualify! You do most of your clothes shopping at thrift stores or take donations from friends, family, or some charity organization and just are thankful you have clothes, let alone if they're new for work/school. You continue to wear these clothes, even after they are totally worn out, too big/small for you, because you can't afford to worry about anything else. Grocery shopping is limited to community cupboards, cheap grocery stores that sell super cheap bulk "filler" foods like macaroni, hotdogs, block cheese, and peanut butter you could grease an axle with. If you're lucky, someone in the home works at a food restaurant with a really cool and giving boss that lets you take spare food home to the family; or even makes a whole meal for the family once in awhile for you to enjoy... yes, enjoy, because it's a "rich-feeling" welcome change. Everyone has experienced different struggles in their life like this... Let me tell you about mine, growing up... My mother married at a young age when she became pregnant with me. She divorced within a year; the reasons differ, depending on who you ask and I quite frankly view it as something in her past and not mine; so I let it go and live my life. Later, she met my stepfather, who was an Army Vet and a Telecommunications and Electrician (by how he was trained in the military). Of course, cause he did not follow the customary apprenticeship programs, it was difficult to find work because he didn't have the official license. Eventually we found ourselves living in a 2-floor, slum apartment in the outskirts of Philadelphia, PA. Water and electricity was the occasional luxury, but somehow it rarely got turned off, but it was always cold or hot in the house because there was no A/C and the furnace was only occasionally ran. My mother worked as a telemarketer for minimum wage for a photography studio and my stepdad was a pizza delivery guy, making less than minimum wage as tips were expected to supplement this income (yeah right). Cheap generic cereal with powdered milk was breakfast (if we had any), and thankfully, I got free school lunches in kindergarten. Dinner was macaroni and cheese; everyday, because it was a cheap filler meal. Most of my clothes came from family hand me downs that I wore until they fell apart; because we couldn't afford anything. Understand this was 1977-1979, and this is while we also received public assistance for food, welfare; we had no medical insurance to speak of. Somewhere in all that, my stepdad applied and was accepted into Lincoln Tech University in the Electrical Engineering Technician program. My stepdad continued to work 7-days a week for scraps and the occasional pizza that the owner would send home with him when he got off work after midnight. Nothing was better than being woken up at 1 a.m. to enjoy some pizza; a real treat! My stepdad would rarely sleep, except for when he was so exhausted, he collapsed with his face in a tech book. Fortunately, my stepdad was a genius; he would dream about his homework, answering the Calculus equations and wake up in the morning and hurry and right down the answers. I remember looking at his transcript later in life; he maintained a 3.6 GPA throughout school. Things never got better during that time. My occasional babysitter taught me how to read at 4 years old, so when I started kindergarten at 6 years old, I was already reading at a 4th grade level. My mother didn't start me at 5 years, because she didn't know how and was too busy trying to work to keep us alive. Fortunately, public school invested in me and I streamlined my way through gifted programs for reading, science, and mathematics. Eventually, after my stepdad graduated school he began looking for work in Electrical Engineering. It was hard, because most of the time, the hand-me-down VW bug didn't work, unless my stepdad could perform a miracle with scraps he found or someone gave him parts (we couldn't afford otherwise). My stepdad eventually found a job in Sherman, TX with Texas Instruments making around $12/hour; this was 1979 and that wage was approximately equivalent to about $38/Hour today. So I went and lived with my grandparents for the summer, while my parents drove to Oklahoma/Texas area to look for a house. They found a beat-up old trailer in a trailer park in Cartwright, Oklahoma that we settled into. It was like moving into a mansion for me. My stepdad never missed a day of work; even when the car broke down (very often) he would walk over 20 miles each direction to get to work and back home. Fortunately, he would occasionally get rides to work from strangers on the side of the road. Continuing with our good luck, he made friends with a guy named "Mark" that in exchange for gas money, would drive from Denison, TX to Cartwright, OK to pick my stepdad up for work and then drive him home again. Eventually, we saved money and was able to buy from a stranger, an old 1978 station wagon that lasted a few years. My stepdad worked hard and was given good pay raises, never laid-off, and even was promoted a few times. My mother found a warehouse shipping job at "Crazy Crow Trading Post" dealing with Native American and Frontier-style clothing, shelter, etc... for those that participated in frontier-style re-enactments. I got into Native American dancing and would go to Pow-Wows all over the place, wearing stuff that I was able to put together from what my mother was able to get for me (at a discount) from work. My mother was eventually able to go to night school at the local Vocational-Technical school (Kiamichi Vo-Tech) and get her LVN license. While my stepdad's career, combined with my mother's warehouse work, moved us from poverty to poor, my mother becoming an LVN is what helped us to move from poor to lower middle-class. I later graduated high school and pursued military service and it was during those 6 years, my mother became an RN and her and my stepdad moved into middle class and was able to finally buy new cars and a house. My life repeated much of a similar path. I left active duty with strong leadership/management skills and a California EMT certification (that Texas would not accept). I lived in a trailer home I rented, while working for K-Mart in undercover security for $6/Hour, with a girlfriend and a baby daughter on the way. I used WIC and medicaid and it was a God-send. Things changed some and I eventually found myself working in Carrollton, TX as an EMT-Intermediate for $8/Hour. I worked hard, got increased responsibilities, more pay ($12/Hour, in 1999). I left to go to school for medical ultrasound and eventually got a job, with overtime, that helped me to make over $80k/year. This was short-lived as I was soon activated in the National Guard and my income dropped to $27k/year. I had two cars, a house, and was looking at solid middle-clas with eventual quick movement to upper middle, when I lost it all in bankruptcy due to the dramatic change in income and a spouse who (unknown to me) couldn't manage money/bills properly and was having an on/off affair with an old boyfriend (we eventually divorced, when she tried to proposition one of my best friends and I was told). Upon release from active duty, I pursued a career as a police officer, rising in the ranks until I was at the Executive Command Staff level at almost $82k/year. Due to politics and burn-out, I retired 2-years ago, but fortunately had money in retirement that helped, along with temporarily returning to EMS for $10/Hour, while I went to night school. Granted, I already possessed a BA in Criminal Justice and a Masters in Public Administration. I worked on an ambulance 45 hours a week, taught college government classes on my days off, taught CPR, ACLS, & PALS on the weekends, and went to night school for almost a year. Fortunately, working 3 jobs and using my Texas Veteran's Education benefits, I didn't need public assistance, but it was still a struggle. I now make $42k/year (government IT job), own a home, and I don't really struggle anymore. However, I remember the struggle. I remember living in poverty, I remember living poor, and America needs to really look at itself and make some changes to help those still struggling to get by and even fighting to raise themselves up out of the poverty line. I have friends that make this struggle still. I see them and try to help them any way they'll let me. I don't do it because I pity them; pity is for the weak and by no means is my friend weak, but a strong, independent, fighter. I reach out because I truly care and love them. I fought the fight and won; if there is something I can do to help them win the same battle I will. Even if it's providing that little bit of sunshine to their life (like my stepdad's pizza owner did for us), with stuff for Christmas or something I know they like to have but just can't afford it right now. Very few were ever there for me, but I can be there for my people. Not out of charity, but out of love and understanding. I'm not saying if your struggle was not like mine, then you don't know what you're talking about. I'm simply trying to provide context for those that may have a hard-time understanding what poverty and poor is like; the difficulty of the struggle to rise above it and the fact is, you can overcome it, but it's hard work and you will have setbacks and triumphs; however, you can win!