#Life Insurance as College Fund

[retirenowis]

A Strategic Approach to College Savings Using Life Insurance for Long-Term Financial Security

Saving for college is a significant financial commitment, and families are constantly seeking strategies to ease this burden. One often overlooked option is saving for college with life insurance. This strategy offers flexibility and financial stability since it not only creates a safety net but also lets cash worth increase with time. Understanding the benefits of a life insurance college fund strategy can help families create a versatile and effective college savings plan.

What is Saving for College with Life Insurance?

Using a permanent life insurance policy—such as whole life or universal life insurance—saving for college with life insurance means building cash worth over time. Permanent life insurance policies generate cash value that is accessible to the policyholder for the duration of their lifetime, whereas term life insurance only offers coverage for a predetermined time. This growing cash value can be borrowed against or withdrawn to help cover the costs of college tuition, books, or other educational expenses.

Why Consider a Life Insurance College Fund Strategy?

A life insurance college fund strategy offers several unique advantages over traditional savings plans. Unlike 529 plans or other college savings accounts, the cash value in a life insurance policy can be used for any purpose, not just education. This flexibility ensures that if your child decides not to attend college, the money can still be utilized for other significant financial goals. Furthermore, the cash value grows tax-deferred, making this strategy a valuable tool for building long-term wealth.

How Does Life Insurance Help with College Savings?

The life insurance college fund strategy is particularly appealing because of the potential for tax-advantaged growth. As premiums are paid into the policy, a portion goes toward building cash value. Over time, this cash value grows, and when it’s time to pay for college, the policyholder can borrow against or withdraw from it. Since loans from life insurance policies are not taxed, it’s a tax-efficient way to access funds for higher education.

Flexibility and Security in College Planning

Unlike traditional college savings vehicles, saving for college with life insurance provides more flexibility. In cases where a child may receive scholarships or choose an alternative career path, the funds in a 529 plan can face tax penalties if used for non-educational purposes. Life insurance, on the other hand, does not have this limitation. The cash value remains available for a wide range of uses, offering financial security beyond education.

Start Early for Maximum Benefits

Starting alife insurance college fund strategy early is crucial for maximizing the benefits. The earlier a policy is purchased, the more time the cash value has to accumulate. By the time college expenses arise, there will be a substantial amount available to cover educational costs. Additionally, starting early ensures lower premiums, making it a more affordable long-term solution for families planning for the future.

Conclusion

Saving for college with life insurance is a flexible and tax-efficient strategy that provides both financial security and peace of mind. With a life insurance college fund strategy, families can build wealth, ensure protection, and fund educational expenses without facing the restrictions of traditional savings plans. Visit retirenowis.com for professional advice to investigate how this strategy might be customized to meet your financial objectives.

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[aprillikesthings]

I wrote on my 60's au fic, yayyy

For all the (bordering on excessive) research I've done for this fic, I have intentionally not looked up anything about how trust funds work, much less how they worked in the 1960's. I have Adora a week after her 18th birthday just sneaking her birth certificate and some "paperwork" from her mother's file cabinet when she's not home and going to the bank and pulling out a little cash, since it's her money now, right??

Anyway, now I have a draft of the scene of her buying a red jacket which is something I've looked forward to writing!! There's an irony in the fact that she wears that red jacket for the entirety of canon because she's uncomfy in any clothes so she just keeps wearing what's familiar and gives her purpose (per Nate on twitter), but in my fic Adora buying her red jacket is a big Fuck You to her mother and makes her feel cool and even kinda hot for the first time.

Anyway want to read my first draft of this scene, it's a bit over 400 words--

(side note before going in: antique/thrift stores/flea markets in the 1960's often had Victorian/Edwardian things for CHEAP. That stuff was the same age then, as buying stuff from the 1950's and 60's is now, but apparently there was just more of it? I dunno how often I've read about hippies buying clothes from that era by the pound for almost nothing and then cutting them up to make new things.)

A week after Adora's 18th birthday party, she found her birth certificate and other paperwork in her mother’s file cabinet. She went to the bank after school and smiled at the teller and pulled several hundred dollars out of her trust fund. 

That weekend, Adora and her friends went downtown, and stopped at a dusty antique store with racks of super-old clothes. They took turns trying on a top hat and laughed while the shop owner scowled. 

Glimmer grabbed a purple velvet skirt made of real silk with a small rip at the bottom. “I can cut it shorter. Maybe make a top out of what I cut off, or even just the lining.” She showed them the lining, a beautiful lavender satin. 

Perfuma dug through strings of beads and looked at each one separately before putting it back or setting it aside. 

“Damn. It’s too small.” 

Adora looked up to see Bow struggling out of a red jacket. She walked away from where her and Glimmer had been flipping through a rack. 

The jacket was a vivid red wool, trimmed in gold braid and brass buttons. There was fur lining the collar and cuffs. It looked like something from a marching band, or maybe an old-fashioned military uniform. It was amazing. “Let me try it on.” 

Adora pulled off her green letterman jacket and draped it over a nearby rack before taking the red jacket from Bow. She put her arms through the sleeves and knew before she looked in the mirror that it fit. 

Her reflection startled her, a little. It wasn’t just that it fit, it made her look…cool. Really, really cool. 

But she also looked…hot. That was a new feeling. She turned in the mirror, admiring herself.

“Wow. Adora, you have to buy that,” Bow said. 

Glimmer looked over. “Oh hell yeah.” 

It smelled a little like moth balls. It was also missing the top button.

She sighed. “My mother hates it when I wear red.” 

Perfuma looked over and then gave Adora an up and down. “Hmm. Red’s a good color on you, though. And I saw a brooch that might work for the missing button, hold on.” She came back and dropped it into Adora’s palm: it was a gold wing. She pinned it in place of the missing button. It fit, somehow; like the jacket was intended to have a wing for a top button.

Glimmer walked up behind her and made eye contact in the mirror and grinned conspiratorially. “You know, it’s cold in the summer in San Francisco. My aunt complains about it.” 

Adora grinned back. 

(author's note: ahahahaha yes the jacket is based on one of the ones Jimi Hendrix wore, not that Adora knows who he is yet)

[elongated-twink]

I think being autistic does actually make me inherently better at animal handling because I, too, have been yelled at for growling and biting when everyone ignored my previous warnings and didn’t set clear boundaries

[financeprincess]

I spent, at a minimum, at least $500-$1,000 a month exclusively on my self improvement. Here is most of what I spend on, in no particular order:

Education (classes, books, courses, certifications, college tuition, seminars, etc.)

Private lessons for languages, musical instruments, sports, etc.

Personal hobbies and passion projects

Crest whitening strips (great when in a pinch), Invisalign, professional whitening, preventative dental care, prescription whitening products from my dentist

Investments such as index funds, REITs, ETFs, CDs, individual stocks, commodities, appreciative luxury items, precious metals & gems, etc.

Organic food, vitamins, supplements, high quality healthcare, therapy, massages, prescriptions (Rx skincare, etc.)

New glasses & contacts (getting some bayonetta glasses from Burberry soon, very excited)

Sports, gym membership + sauna, hot yoga, Pilates, kickboxing, tennis, skiing, dance, etc.

Personal care such as bath/shower products, body care, haircare, skincare, makeup, brightening eye drops, perfume, etc.

Travel, events, concerts, festivals, etc.

Shopping (clothes, accessories, home goods, etc.)

Eating out at restaurants and going to coffee shops

Beauty treatments such as manicures, pedicures, waxes, brow tint & threading, salon blowouts, hair cuts & colors, facials, lash lift & tints, vitamin IVs, etc.

Regular visits to my dermatologist, dentist, psychiatrist, eye doctor, primary care physician, gynecologist, and any other specialists

Semi-regular appointments with a personal trainer, holistic nutritionist, and dietitian

I don't do all of these every single month, but most of these are recurring throughout the year and budgeted accordingly. Eventually I might add in more intense cosmetic work like medspa services, Botox, etc. If you can find a workplace with a great benefits package such as high quality healthcare, an HSA/FSA, health & wellness reimbursements for the gym, disability & life insurance, etc. I would highly recommend it and max out all the benefits you can.

[friesian]

hi, i was hoping to hold off on doing this but i need help.

my father died and i had to go 6 hours away from my current place to stay with my godfather so i can get the death certificate and estate filed to my name, since he has assets that need to be handled. i've been here 2 weeks, and finally with all of it filed, i can go home. however, the stay drained my funds and i have no funds, and can't work since i'm away dealing with the estate. the next steps have been mailed to my current address, but i need to go there to fill that out since they'll only do it through snail mail.

i need to get home, but we have no car (a friend drove me down, so i need to pay someone or get a train ticket, which is steep since i'd also have to stay overnight somewhere due to a layover), and i'm already technically homeless since me and my disabled mother are staying with my aunt couch surfing. now i have to deal with my dead dad's estate.

any help would be good. we're already 1k+ in the hole from having to have him cremated, and while we may get life insurance to help with that-- it might take months. i cannot be here for months, i have college in less than 2.

paypal is here

[coinandcandle]

Help Coin Get Top Surgery!

If you'd like to hear my story, read the post. If you'd like to go ahead and donate, click the link below:

Check out my kofi link to donate to my fund! 

Who am I?

My name is Coin and I'm a trans man looking to get top surgery--shocking, right? A bit more about me, I have two cats and 15 plants and I love writing and creating.

Why am I setting this goal?

Earlier this year I had to get off of testosterone due to medical issues and since then my chest has gotten bigger and I can no longer adequately hide it any more with tape or a binder. I've tried saving on my own but I am a college student who has been paying his own bills since I was 17. Of these bills, I have too many current and past bills to pay to afford saving much of anything towards my goal.

That said I have asked everyone in my life to put money towards this goal instead of giving me birthday/holiday gifts and extra money (from gigs or freelance) is being put into this.

However, my goal is to have top surgery by April 2025 so that I can enjoy summer with a huge weight--or weights--off my chest!

Why $5,000?

I'm asking for $5,000 because my insurance won't cover any of my surgery and I will also be out of work for two or so weeks after the surgery, more if I am unable to work from home. This would leave me with a gap in paychecks enough that I would need that buffer of money to make sure I don't go totally broke.

Truly, anything helps. If you can't donate, please consider sharing as I would really appreciate it.

[turbulentscrawl]

Modern AU: Norton Campbell

You've heard of modern reader? Well now it's time for Modern canon!

- Previously, he worked in the oil industry, but a nasty accident he doesn’t speak about has left him with his fair share of burn scars. Norton now works as an independent contractor, known around town as a do-it-all type of handyman. He rarely works with or for group projects, preferring to be hired directly by property owners for the work they need done. He’s his own boss, and he makes his own schedule, but he’s a workaholic.

- He was raised by his uncle Benny after his parents died when he was still very young—his mother shortly after childbirth, due to complications, and his father in a work-related accident. Benny’s health deteriorated fast, though, and as soon as he was legally able Norton picked up a part-time job to help pay the bills and build a college fund. (Or several, more like, and he was known to bounce around for better pay.)

-Some time in his senior year of high school, he discovered that Benny was keeping secrets; Benny had not only convinced his father to stay in the oil industry after he was born, but wasted and gambled away all the life insurance money from his death. Enraged and betrayed, Norton dropped out of school and left. He drove as far away as he could with the little money he had, and then lived out of his truck for a while. Eventually, he made enough money to rent a shitty little motel room by the week, and then a shitty little apartment.

-After leaving, he at first went into the oil industry like his old man and Benny had been—it was something he was familiar enough with and hard labor paid better than being a busboy again. But after a few years there was an accident which left him with several burn scars. He was left in pain for a long time, but the worker’s comp paid for most of his medical bills and his rent, giving him just enough time to get his GED. After that, he started into construction, plumbing, and other handiman things he was knowledgeable in after years of being poor and self-sufficient.

-The accident, this time, was more of an ACTUAL accident. Norton had a disagreement with some of the coworkers he hated. There was an altercation, and something ignited…and Norton was the only one who got out. He doesn’t talk about it, mostly out of shame and a sense of guilt, but he copes by telling himself they deserved it.

- He drives the same beat-up old pickup truck Benny bought for him as a kid. It was transferred into his name when he was 18, so Benny can’t swipe it from under his nose. (Legally, anyway.) He could probably get a loan and buy a new car, but at this point he prefers to keep the old hunk of junk. Maybe he’s sentimental, or maybe the weekly maintenance he has to do on it is just therapeutic in a way.

-Not a super techy guy. He keeps up with industry news and learns new skills often, but his truck, his phone, and most of his home appliances are older. He’s good enough with fixing things that he hasn’t bothered to replace them.

-He’s not much of a decorator, either, but he’s good at thrifting and building his own furniture with recycled materials. His apartment/home is a bit of a hodgepodge, with mostly bare walls, but what he does have I impressive in its own way. Any décor he has is likely gifted.

-He’d like to own a home one day, but he’s playing things by ear. He realizes that might be asking a lot while he’s got no real support system.

-He’s a fair cook, but a lot of what he makes could be called “struggle meals.” They’re what he’s been used to for a long time.

-He’s a little paranoid about pumping gas into his truck, but he’s gotta do what he’s gotta do. On his days off, he tends to walk to take public transit to save some money and gas mileage.

-He’s that guy with a 7-in-1 shampoo, conditioner, bodywash etc men’s soap. Someone please teach him better ways.

[chiqelatasblog]

In the Middle of the Night🌙

-> Ao3 link is here.

-> Part Two is here.

Pairings : Bi-Han/ Sub-Zero x You, Kuai Liang/ Scorpion x You, Tomas Vrbada/ Smoke x You

Tropes : Slavery, Past Sexual Abuse, Canon-Typical Violance, Emotional Hurt Comfort, Strangers to Lovers, True Love, Foursome, F/M/M/M, Dark Magic, Eventual Smut

Summary : After a mission gone wrong, Bi-Han, Kuai Liang, and Tomas find themselves sealed inside a book as love slaves. Whoever discovers the book and utters the incantations within will not only become its owner but also the master of the Lin Kuei’s three deadliest assassins.

For you, grappling with the weight of a solitary life and enduring a particularly rough day, stumbling upon this mysterious book was an unforeseen twist. As you bring the book home, unaware of its contents or the events that led to its creation, the ensuing chain of events will shatter the tranquility of your world, forever altering the course of your life.

Title and work inspired by the “Elley Duhe-Middle Of The Night” song

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.

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CHAPTER ONE : (READER)

You were enduring one of the worst days of your life.

Your alarm didn’t sound in the morning because you were too fatigued to remember to charge your phone the night before. With its poor battery life, it ran out quickly. Living forty-five minutes away from the city center, you should have caught the subway at least an hour ago to make it to work on time. Despite the pressing need for money, uncertainty loomed as you grappled with the inevitability of firing. The job, despite its dreadful conditions and an insufferable boss, stood as your best opportunity in months - too valuable to risk losing.

Although you had graduated from college with a commendable degree, the job market proved bleaker than anticipated. Your once-bright dreams faded as the harsh reality of post-graduation life set in. Most desirable positions demanded experience, yet securing experience required entry into these very positions. While a diploma opened a few doors, the conditions were often as harsh as modern-day servitude, albeit with insurance and a predictable late salary.

Your current role as a programmer at a gaming company offered no respite. Long hours in front of the screen left your eyes bloodshot, encircled by dark rings, and your neck perpetually aching. Despite the hardships, a promise to your distant family fueled your determination to stand on your own. Abandoning everything and returning home was not an option after coming this far. You had shed too many tears to surrender now, enduring the suffocating loneliness of solitary dinners in your cramped kitchen as you pursued your dreams.

Thus, with a reminder of your purpose, you hurriedly left your apartment. Despite the packed subway and the frenzied rush, you managed to trim your commute from fifteen minutes to a mere seven and a half. Yet, upon arrival, your efforts were futile. Summoned to your boss’s office, you were promptly instructed to collect your belongings and leave the company, denied even the opportunity to provide an explanation.

You were keenly aware of the disdain your boss and coworkers held for you; it was an open secret. They resembled vultures, poised to oust you at any moment. As the lone rookie, you were perceived as nothing more than a liability. Despite your efforts to avoid seeking their assistance by tackling most tasks independently, being in your first year of the profession meant there were occasions when you needed guidance or support. Yet, camaraderie was a foreign concept in this office. Compared to other workplaces, the only semblance of unity stemmed from shared breaks and lunches.

A part of you felt relief at the prospect of bidding farewell to a workplace where you found no joy. However, the dominant part, fueled by anxiety, fretted over how you would cover rent and expenses. Although you had a modest emergency fund tucked away, it would only sustain you for about a month. Urgency gnawed at you as you roamed the streets with a cardboard box containing your few office belongings, scouring for job advertisements. Picky was a luxury you couldn’t afford; you were prepared to take on any role, even as a barista or waitress, until you secured a position closer to your aspirations. Survival necessitated prioritizing money above all else.

As the day wore on, you lost track of time. With the setting sun casting a dim glow and street lamps flickering to life, tiny raindrops began to graze your cheeks and nose, soon escalating into a downpour. Despite the onslaught, you mustered the strength to suppress the curses threatening to spill forth. Rushing back to the subway, you braved the rain without an umbrella or proper clothes, mindful of the looming threat of illness. With no funds to spare for hospital bills or medication, resuming your job hunt from the shelter of your laptop seemed the safer option.

Arriving at the subway, drenched from head to toe, you collapsed onto the nearest available seat, your legs barely able to support you. With a heavy sigh, you closed your eyes, feeling the weight of the day’s exhaustion bearing down on your body. The simple act of sitting down was a luxury, a stark reminder of just how fatigued and stressed you had become over the course of the day. You rubbed your weary legs in an attempt to generate some warmth, soothing the cramps and chasing away the chill brought on by the rain.

As the subway doors slid open with a ding, a wave of commuters flooded in, filling the once-empty seats around you. Seizing the opportunity to rest your eyes until reaching home, you leaned back against the seat with the cardboard box resting on your lap. Tired, cold, and hungry, the numbing effect of the rain provided a brief respite from the stress, deserving of a well-earned nap.

When the ache in your neck became unbearable, you reluctantly opened your eyes, realizing that your stop was approaching. Glancing down, you noticed a book lying on the seat beside you, as your grip on the box was dangerously close to slipping from your grasp. Picking it up, you scanned the faces around you, expecting someone to claim the book or acknowledge its presence, but no one seemed to react. Confirmation dawned upon you, the book had been left behind, seemingly forgotten by its owner.

Although the book appeared hefty, its weathered cover hinted at years of use and handling. Despite its age, it felt surprisingly light in your hands, its once vibrant hues faded to muted tones. Adorned with a pale gold cover devoid of any text on the back, the book bore the scars of countless readings and journeys. Turning the book over to avoid catching your tired reflection on its worn and shiny surface, your lips parted in mild surprise. Three striking male figures graced the cover, their details rendered with such realism that they almost seemed tangible, despite the signs of wear and tear. Your finger traced over the hyper-realistic features with impulsive curiosity, only to retract abruptly as if scalded, suddenly aware of your surroundings.

As a sweet ache pulsed between your thighs, you found yourself unexpectedly aroused by a mere image, prompting you to shift uncomfortably in an attempt to quell the throbbing sensation. It had been quite a while since you last shared intimate moments with someone, but even that didn’t entirely account for the sudden surge of desire sparked by a simple picture. Stirring memories long buried within you, igniting a hunger you hadn't realized existed until now.

A blush warmed your cheeks as you examined the figures once more. The trio bore the semblance of warriors or assassins, albeit clad in scant attire. The man on the left possessed a sun-kissed tan, his muscular frame adorned with a large scorpion tattoo on his left arm. His black hair was artfully swept across his face, his golden mask veiling a stern gaze as he brandished a flaming kunai, its rope end poised for action.

Your attention shifted to the figure at the center, whose face remained partially obscured by a silvery black mask. Despite the concealment, a strange sense of familiarity emanated from his features, mirroring those of his companion. His complexion was pale, revealing blue-green veins beneath the surface, while his dark eyes emanated cold, dominating arrogance. Black hair, tied in a low bun with a few tufts escaping to frame his strong features. Massive biceps framed his imposing stature as he wielded a sword of ice, poised to strike with lethal precision.

In stark contrast, the figure on the right differed greatly from his counterparts. Towering slightly above them, he bore little resemblance to an Asian individual, exuding a distinctly European air. His skin was also light, and he wore a grey-colored mask covering half of his face. A thin, light grey smoke emanated from his body. His short gray hair and softer gray-blue eyes lent him a gentler appearance, juxtaposed by the lethal aura exuded by the carambite adorning his finger. Despite his softer features, his lethal prowess was undeniable.

As you scrutinized the cover, a perplexing question lingered: why would the illustrator depict warriors in such a manner if not for a romantic context? Their barely dressed and provocative poses hinted at a fantasy narrative, reinforced only by the presence of their weapons. Without them, the figures might have appeared more akin to love slaves than skilled warriors. “An intriguing choice,” you murmured to yourself, pondering the illustrator’s intentions behind such a depiction.

As you opened the book to look at the chipped pages, curiosity piqued about the contents within, you suddenly realized that your stop had arrived. Hastily tucking the book into your box, you sprang to your feet with a muttered exclamation.

“Oh, shoot!” With a swift maneuver, you barely managed to slip through the closing doors of the crowded subway. Amidst the post-work rush, the mingled scents of sweat and cigarettes engulfed you as you navigated through the throng. Minutes later, emerging from the subway, you drew a deep breath, filling your lungs with the scent of rain-soaked earth.

Your journey to home passed in a blur, your body moving on autopilot along familiar streets and corners. Before you knew it, you stood before your fifth-floor apartment, a small abode consisting of two rooms and an American kitchen. Its most prized feature was the balcony, a sanctuary where you relished summer evenings, savoring the view with a glass of wine by candlelight.

When you arrived home, it was already nine o’clock in the evening. Leaving the box in your hand at the entrance of the door, you went straight into the shower to wash away the fatigue and grime of the day, and to replenish the warmth your drenched body had lost. You lingered under the hot water until it thoroughly enveloped your body, and finally, when the steam filled the small bathroom and you felt like you might faint from the heat, you emerged, clad in your well-worn and hardened bathrobe, with a towel wrapped around your head.

Pouring the last remnants of the red wine you opened days ago into a glass, you placed it in the microwave to heat up the leftover Chinese food you ordered a day ago. As you waited for your meal to warm, your gaze wandered to the box in the corner, reigniting your curiosity about the mysterious book. Crossing the room in a few strides, you retrieved the book and placed it on the kitchen island, settling into your chair with wine and warmed food. “I’ll worry about unemployment later,” you declared, raising your glass in a toast. “Today was stressful enough, and I definitely deserve this wine.” With a sip of wine and a mouthful of noodles, you flipped open the book’s cover with your free hand, eager to have a look at what it held.

‘’What…?” You stared at the glossy golden pages, brows furrowed in confusion, surprised to find them empty. “What kind of book is this? I don’t understand the purpose.” you muttered in disbelief. The worn-out appearance of the book added to your confusion, making you question whether something had happened before it was finished.

As you reached the middle of the book, a shocking revelation left you speechless. Lines, equivalent to about a paragraph, materialized on the previously blank pages before your eyes, causing your entire body to freeze in shock. Tremors coursed through you, as if jolted by electricity, and you grasped desperately for reality, unsure if what you were witnessing was a dream. Gasping for breath, you struggled to comprehend the surreal sight before you.

“I haven’t even had that much wine—I just took a sip.” you mumbled, your voice strained with the effort to contain your rising panic. “I’ve seen enough movies to know where this is going. I’m not reading whatever’s written here,” you declared, the thin timbre of your voice betraying your attempt to stifle a scream.

You closed the cover of the book hard and attempted to get up from your chair, but found yourself unable to move. It was as if an unseen force held you in place. The cover of the book opened again, and as the pages flickered before your eyes, the one you had just turned to was laid out in front of you once more, sending shivers of fear down your spine.

“Read it,” a demanding male voice echoed in your mind, freezing you in terror. Despite your frantic desire to flee, you remained immobilized, unable to move a muscle.

“I-I was just curious about what it says. I didn’t mean any harm,” you pleaded weakly, few tears streaming down your cheeks due to the immense fear you felt at the moment. Another voice, speaking in a foreign tongue filled the air, his tone scolding but directed elsewhere, not at you.

“We won’t harm you, master,” another voice reassured, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the fear.

“Say the words aloud, and we will serve you,” urged yet another voice, prompting a realization of the three distinct voices corresponding to the figures depicted on the book’s cover.

“W-What the…! Are they…”

“Yes, that’s us you see on the cover. We’ve been trapped in this book for a long time. You have to say the words to get us out of here,” one of the voices explained.

“You’re talking as if I had a choice,” you replied in a timid, low voice.

“Read the words, woman,” another voice commanded. It was the coldest and harshest of them all. Despite lacking a physical form, his dominant aura was unmistakable in the way he emphasized his words. His voice resonated with a deep, chilling tone, unlike anything you had ever heard before. You attempted to steady yourself, swallowing hard and clenching your trembling hands into fists on your legs.

“How do I know you won’t hurt me? Each of you had a weapon on the cover; it’s clear you’re some kind of warriors.”

“We are bound to the master of the book,” another voice interjected, his tone notably more welcoming and kind than the others. “We cannot harm you.”

“God, I must be losing my mind. I’m talking to a book,” you muttered, glancing at the pages with audible trepidation. Fear and panic constricted your throat, rendering you speechless.

“This is no illusion—it is the truth,” the same younger voice asserted after a brief silence. “Read what is written, master, and we shall pledge our service to you.”

“I-I’m not anyone’s master. Don’t call me that; this situation is already too surreal for me,” you protested weakly.

“As you wish, master,” came the compliant response.

“You won’t hurt me, will you? I’m too young to die; I haven’t even begun to fulfill my dreams…” you pleaded, your words abruptly cut off by a snarl. If not for the invisible force holding you down, you might have leaped in fear.

“Read these damn sentences!” the voice commanded, his tone harsh.

“Bi-Han, don’t frighten her!” another voice intervened.

“Fine, fine, I’ll read it!” Tears continued to trickle down your cheeks as you began to recite the words aloud, hoping to end the ordeal. And as you prayed to the god or whatever deity might be watching over you, you couldn’t shake the dread that you might be leading yourself to your own demise. “Rise, my servants, from the depths of slumber and bind yourselves to me with your souls, revealing your names. Embrace your new purpose ensnared by passion.’’

As you finished speaking, a powerful gust of wind whipped through the room, causing the towel around your shoulders to unravel and fall. Soon after, you heard the voices of three men speaking in unison, their words echoing loudly.

‘’We rise, Bi-Han, Kuai Liang, and Tomas of the Lin Kuei, bound to your will, for in your presence, we find solace and purpose. We protect and we please, however you see right, however you seem fit. We’re your slaves, and you’re our master, surrendered to your every command, body and soul.’’

With a surge of energy, the wind intensified, knocking over the glass on the counter, spilling wine onto the robe and floor. The glass shattered at your feet, scattering shards across the kitchen. A brilliant light emanated from the book, forcing you to shut your eyes against its intensity.

Then, as suddenly as it began, everything fell silent and still. The wind vanished as if it had never been, and the light that had filled the room dimmed into darkness. Summoning the courage to open your eyes, you were met with the sight of three imposing, completely naked men standing a short distance away.

“Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!” You attempted to gather your thoughts, tearing your gaze away from the men to focus on the scattered glass on the kitchen floor. “There are three naked men in my living room. And—and they emerged from the book? I must be losing my mind. I really must be losing my mind.”

As the words tumbled from your lips, sounding like utter madness to your own ears, you tried to take deep breaths to calm yourself. But when you attempted to rise from your seat, your numbed feet betrayed you, causing you to stumble and fall to the ground. The impact sent a jolt of pain through your knees and feet as shards of glass embedded themselves into your flesh, stealing the breath from your lungs.

“Shh, it’s okay. Calm down, you’re only hurting yourself,” came a gentle voice.

Your gaze was drawn to a towering, bronzed figure looming over you, his powerful physique making you feel small and vulnerable. Sensing your escalating panic, he gently cupped your face in his large hands, the touch of his calloused fingers both rough and tender. With each contact, warmth spread through your body in soothing waves.

“Look at me. Take deep breaths and exhale, just like I do,” he instructed in a soothing tone.

“I can’t,” your voice broken with fear.

“Of course you can. Follow my lead, I’ll show you,” he reassured. As you turned your gaze to his face, you were met with a pair of slanted light brown eyes, framed by long black eyelashes. His gaze exuded warmth and understanding, matching the sensitivity of his touch. “Breathe with me. Now.”

As your brain somehow focused on his instructions, you found yourself synchronizing your breaths with the mighty man before you. With each inhale and exhale, you felt a wave of calm wash over you, dissipating the last shreds of your strength. He effortlessly supported you, preventing you from collapsing to the floor, his touch gentle yet firm. Despite the pain throbbing in your flesh and the warmth of blood trickling down your skin, you remained in a state of confusion and fear, unable to muster the will to move from his grasp.

“Tomas, find something to clean the wound,” commanded the one with the authoritative voice, resonating with incredible depth. The man who held you gently lowered himself onto one of the double seats in the living room, maintaining his firm grasp on you. A faint warmth spread across your face, but you remained ensnared in his hold, feeling as if your mouth were filled with dry cotton.

Your gaze shifted to the man cradling you, his expression clouded with concern as his amber eyes scrutinized you closely as if he feared you might suffer another attack. Despite his gray hair, you were taken aback when a youthful visage suddenly filled your vision. The man was tall and imposing, his large build casting a formidable shadow over you. Feeling intimidated between these two towering figures, a timid whimper escaped your lips as your body instinctively recoiled, yearning to escape despite its weakened state.

“Calm down, master. We won’t hurt you. Let me tend to your wounds; you’ve cut your knees and feet badly. I can ease your pain,” reassured the silver-haired man, his voice carrying a surprisingly gentle tone given his imposing stature. As you swallowed and tried to shift again, a cold sound from across the room froze you in place.

“If you move again, I’ll—” began the menacing voice.

“Bi-Han, enough! She’s already frightened, no need to add to it.” Intervened the man holding you, his voice commanding authority. Though Bi-Han’s threat remained unfinished, its effect lingered, rendering you motionless, afraid to even breathe. As the silver-haired man tended to your wounds while taking advantage of your stillness, the man holding you attempted to comfort you with gentle pats, drawing soothing circles on your back.

Gritting your teeth against the pain as the glass shards were removed, you fought the urge to appear weak and helpless in their eyes. Though you couldn’t see yourself from their perspective, a sense of self-consciousness gnawed at you. In an attempt to shift your focus from the pain, the man holding you soflty interjected, “I am Kuai Liang,” he introduced. “May we know your name?

Struggling to articulate your name through clenched teeth, you managed to utter it in one breath. A faint smile graced Kuai Liang’s face. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, (y/n).”

“Speak for yourself,” growled Bi-Han from across the living room. “Just another fucking master we’re bound to serve.’’

‘‘I thought you wanted to get out of the book.’’

Kuai Liang’s sharp retort silenced Bi-Han, prompting Tomas, who was tending to your wounds, to interject. “And so am I, Tomas. Thank you for calling us into your service.” he said with a small smile that seemed forced, his dull greyish blue eyes lacking genuine emotion. As he carefully tended to your wounds and wrapped them in bandages, a sense of unease washed over you, causing you to squirm away from Kuai Liang’s grasp and retreat to the corner of the seat, eyeing the three men with a mix of confusion and discomfort.

“Can someone please tell me what’s going on?” you croaked, avoiding their look as your gaze involuntarily dropped to their lower parts for a second before you could prevent it, your cheeks burned with embarrassment. “And please cover up your bottoms. You can use the cushions.”

Complying with your request, all three men concealed their private parts with cushions. Tomas took a seat in the opposite double seat, while Bi-Han settled into the single seat. Despite your small apartment being already cramped, the presence of the three burly men made the space feel even more claustrophobic.

“Where would you like us to start?”

“From the beginning,” you replied, addressing Kuai Liang. “Who are you? How did you end up in that book? And why are you here now… Please, tell me everything from the beginning so that I can understand.”

“We are members of a clan called Lin Kuei, known for training assassins, and we are brothers,” he began. “Bi-Han is the eldest, serving as the grandmaster of our clan in the past. I, on the other hand, am the middle one, and Tomas and I served as his second-in-commands.’’

The revelation that they were assassins drained the color from your face, confirming your suspicions from the book cover. A shiver ran down your spine as you realized the chilling reality of being in the presence of trained killers.

“Many years ago, we encountered a demon named Quan Chi on a mission. As you can imagine, the mission went awry, and he sealed us inside this book. Whoever owns the book and says the words becomes our master, and we are compelled to fulfill their wishes and desires.”

Even if you sensed that the information was being presented with some omissions, you refrained from voicing your suspicions. They were strangers to you, and you to them, so expecting complete transparency without trust seemed unreasonable. While you had the authority as their master to demand the truth, approaching the situation in this manner didn’t sit well with you—it didn’t feel right, nor did it feel humane.

For God’s sake, the idea of being anyone’s master was abhorrent. The twenty-first century had arrived, and the notion of a master-slave relationship had long since vanished. It felt nauseating and profoundly unsettling.

“I am not your master. I can’t—I can’t be. No.” You attempted to stand up in panic, desperate to escape the situation, but your injuries held you back. Kuai Liang gently grabbed your arm, urging you to calm down.

“Calm down (y/n), your wounds are very fresh. You’ll make them bleed again.” You clung to his wrist, pleading with your eyes for assistance.

“Is there no way to set you free? I can’t accept this. This is—this is against humanity!”

With your words, a deep silence enveloped the room. As you observed their stunned reactions, it became evident that this sentiment was new to them. Your heart ached at the thought of witnessing these powerful men stripped of their freedom. Despite your fear, the realization knotted your stomach. They appeared intimidating and deadly, yet the severity of their situation suggested that past experiences had shattered them and stripped away their dignity. You couldn’t fathom how long they had endured as slaves within the confines of the book, but the outcome seemed all too predictable, casting a somber shadow over the room.

“Set us free?” Tomas’s voice echoed with longing, his desire palpable.

“Such a thing is possible, isn’t it? If you tell me what I should do I—”

“Why would you do that? What do you want from us in return?” Bi-Han’s voice sliced through your words, sharp and menacing. You fought to maintain your composure, avoiding freezing in your spot as his icy demeanor chilled the room. As your agitated gaze shifted to his pale, muscular arms, you were astonished to see a thin layer of ice extending from his hands. Were they truly made of ice?

“As I said just now, I can’t be anyone’s master, it’s in defiance of human ethics. If there’s any way I can help you, I’d like to do it. I don’t want anything in return except for this situation to end as soon as possible, I’m sure you want the same.”

“Do you expect us to believe that you are just a fairy godmother?” Bi-Han’s mocking half smile sent waves of unease through you. “You are not convincing at all, woman. Favors are done with an expectation of something in return.’’

“Favors are done for nothing; you don’t expect anything in return. That’s why it’s called a favor.” Emboldened by a hint of defiance, you met Bi-Han’s stern gaze head-on. “I can understand why you don’t trust me after what you’ve been through—”

‘’Don’t you dare,” Bi-Han shot up from his seat, his movement swift as a shadow. Suddenly, he was close enough for his breath, cold as winter air, to brush against your face. “Don’t try to empathize with what we went through. Do you think you know us now just because you’ve learned a few things?”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend,” you said quickly.

“Brother, please sit down. If you talk like that, we won’t get anywhere.” Kuai Liang intervened, putting one arm between you and Bi-Han. Bi-Han glared at you intensely, his eyes slanted like those of a predator, then he took a deep breath. Watching the mist of his cold breath in the air, everything still felt like an endless dream—or nightmare. When he finally returned to his seat, Kuai Liang’s gaze turned to you.

“Thank you for offering to help, but unfortunately, we don’t know how to undo this dark magic.”

You ventured a suggestion that you hoped wouldn’t sound foolish. “We could try burning the book. I’ve seen it work in some movies.”

“We’ve tried that,” Tomas chimed in, joining Kuai Liang. “Several times. Whatever we’ve done, the book has never been destroyed. It’s protected by some kind of magic, just as it protects its master from us.”

“You spoke as if you had tested the last part before.”

In response, silence enveloped the room. Despite your efforts to stave off panic, the realization that they were assassins and the precariousness of your situation made you feel threatened.

“We have tried to kill several masters before,” Kuai Liang admitted frankly. “But there’s some kind of seal that protects them—you can think of it as a shield. It renders any attack ineffective. That’s why we were telling the truth when we said we wouldn’t hurt you.”

“Of course, if things were different, it wouldn’t mean you wouldn’t try,” you said, averting your gaze and clasping your hands in your lap. Another solution came to mind, prompting you to straighten your shoulders and take a deep breath before continuing.

‘’ If I can’t set you free, then you’re free to do as you please, go where you want. You don’t have to be stuck here.” you offered.

“You won’t give us orders? Isn’t there something you want us to do?” Tomas asked, surprised.

“No, as long as you don’t start killing people, you’re free to do whatever you want.”

“We’re not mindless killers,” said Bi-Han harshly, sounding offended that you would even think of them in that way. Kuai Liang interjected, softening his brother’s tone.

“We serve a noble purpose. We were, until we were sealed in the book… Our clan has been dedicated to protecting Earthrealm from dangers for centuries,” he explained, his gaze softening slightly as he made eye contact with you. “Thank you for the opportunity you’ve given us, but we can’t be away from you for more than a few hours. We have to get back here, to you.”

Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “How so? Why? Do I have to say something else?”

“No, it’s part of the magic. It was designed to prevent us from escaping. When we’re away from our master—you, and this period becomes longer, we become weaker and weaker.”

“So at the end of the day… God, what cruel magic this is,” Gulping, you scanned all three men with a heavy heart. It must have been torture for them to endure this existence. Even as you spoke, your heart ached with empathy, imagining what they had been subjected to. Anger and sadness gripped your body as you contemplated their plight. “Is there anything else I can do for you? My house isn’t too big, but I want you to be comfortable during your stay here.”

It was Bi-Han who responded, his narrowed gaze resembling two thin lines, as if he were dissecting your sincerity. You couldn’t help but feel a pang as you tried to discern whether he believed you. While you understood his skepticism, winning their trust seemed like a daunting task.

“You can start by finding us clothes.”

[kaunis-sielu]

Dangerous Places: End

It’s been almost a year. You’d moved to a new building, in a safer part of town once you’d been able to get your hands on your grandparents trust fund. One you hadn’t known existed. The money had changed your life. You were going to college, getting your business degree while you worked as an administration assistant at Nelson and Murdock.

Sometimes you swear you see Steve in a crowd. Just a quick glance and it always makes you miss him a little bit. He’d been good to you, he’d kept his promises and he’d freed you.

He gave you your life back.

Sometimes you even think about calling him but then you remember that he’s a mob boss.

You hurry into work and after getting everything ready for the day you start on a small project that Matt had given you yesterday.

“Hi Bunny.” Your gaze snaps up and you blink in astonishment. Steve is standing, hands in his pockets, in front of you with a small smile on his face.

“S-Steve?” You breathe, “what are you doing here?”

“Matt is my lawyer. I usually make him come to me but then I heard he’d gotten this pretty new administration assistant and I needed to see that she was okay.”

“I’m really good.” You tell him with a smile and he studies you.

“You look good. Healthy.”

“I am. It helps being able to have insurance and somewhere safe to live.”

“I’m glad to hear it. When Thor told me you’d quit I’d worried you were trying to avoid me.” He says moving slightly closer to your desk.

“No, no I just was finally able to make some changes and I’m really happy.” You almost tell him that you’ve missed him.

“Good.”

“Steve! Thanks for coming by.” Matt says coming out of his office. “You need any coffee or anything?”

“Coffee would be great. Black.” You stand and start to leave when Steve stops you with a gentle hand. “Get yourself something too. Then join us.” You glance at Matt who’s looking curiously at Steve.

“Mr. Murdock?”

“If Mr. Rogers wants you to join us you can.” He says so you nod then head down to the little coffee shop downstairs. When you go to order you stop and glance over your shoulder,

“Bucky? What do you want?”

“Nothin’ Doll.” He says, “Still observant as ever.” He joins you at the counter as you order a black coffee for Steve and a chai latte for Matt. When you don’t order yourself anything Bucky frowns before saying,

“And a sugar free hot chocolate.” You look up at him in confusion.

“What?” You ask, why would he order sugar free hot chocolate.

“Steve told you to get something.” He says with a little shrug.

“I don’t need it.”

“Okay.” You use your work card to pay and Bucky checks the card. When you give him a weird look he smiles, “just making sure they gave you a business card for this.”

“He’s been checking up on me hasn’t he?” You ask as the two of you step aside to wait for your drinks.

“Yes.” Bucky doesn’t bother lying. “You broke his heart, he’s still in love with you.”

“I didn’t want to hurt him but I didn’t even know who I was.”

“And you do now?”

“More than I did. I’ve been doing therapy and that’s helped.” You’d be lying if you said you didn’t miss him. You’d missed him like you’d miss a missing limb. You grab the drink caddy with the three drinks in it and then you and Bucky go back upstairs.

When you deliver the drinks you can feel Steve’s eyes on you. You go to sit in a chair away from him and Matt when he turns and looks at you.

“Bunny? Will you come sit with me?”

“Oh, okay.” You sit down next to him on the couch and he and Matt continue their conversation.

You’re not listening. How could you possibly be listening? You can feel the heat of him, you can smell his cologne, you’re quickly falling back into love with him.

“Thanks Matt. Can I borrow your admin assistant for a minute?”

“Of course.”

“And your office.” He doesn’t ask the question, Matt nods then stands and leaves the room. It’s not until the door closes that Steve turns and looks at you.

“Hi Bunny.” He says softly, your heart races, and not in a bad way.

“Hi.” He studies you before slowly reaching out and touching your hand.

“How have you been?”

“Good. But you already know that don’t you? You’ve been watching.” Steve has the good sense to look sheepish,

“I told you that you were mine to protect. Just because you didn’t want to be with me doesn’t mean that just ended.”

“I’m sorry.” He looks confused so you barrel on, “I know I hurt you. I didn’t mean to. I just needed to figure who I was without the threat of Hydra and Crossbones and away from you.”

“Why away from me?”

“Because I was falling in love with you and I needed to know it was real and not just survival.” You tell him not daring to look at him. As you expect the hand he isn’t holding yours with gently tilts your chin so he can see your eyes.

“Was it real?”

“Yea.”

“Fuck.” He breathes before colliding his mouth into yours in a desperate kiss. You melt into him, you can feel the strength in him, but you can feel the restraint too. You card your fingers through his hair, curling your hands around the back of his head and Steve groans into your mouth.

The sound is sinful.

One of his hands is wrapped around the back of your neck and the other is on the small of your back. You can’t get close enough to him and it seems that he can’t get close enough to you as he pulls you into his lap. Your skirt hikes up as you straddle his legs, Steve’s hand ghosts up your thigh. How are his hands everywhere? You can’t find it in yourself to care as long as he keeps kissing you like this. Steve pulls away and rests his forehead on yours.

“Please, please don’t make me let you go again.” He says quietly, “it almost broke me last time.”

“Steve.” You breathe, you don’t know what else to say.

“Tell me you’re mine. Please Bunny. Tell me.”

“I’m yours.”

“Thank fuck.” He says before kissing you again, “come home with me? Move in?”

“That’s awful fast Steve.” He hums softly,

“Actions right?” He asks and it warms your heart that he’s remembered that request from you all of those months ago.

“Yea.”

“Can I take you out then Bunny?” You nod and he smiles up at you. “Any requests?”

“Something with amazing dessert.” Steve laughs before kissing you again.

“Deal. 7pm?”

“Okay.” You agree and he gently eases you off of his lap then stands.

“I’ll pick you up at your apartment.” You almost ask if he needs your address before you remember. “One more kiss before I go?” He asks and you nod, tilting your chin up so he can press a soft kiss to your lips.

It’s the longest workday of your life. When you go home you shower then get ready for your date with Steve.

He knocks on your door at exactly 7pm. You’re not sure how he got into a secure building but you’re also not surprised that he did. When you pull it open you’re stunned for a moment, he’s dressed up for you. Steve is in a crisp white shirt, dark blue pants and a dark blue suit coat. You glance down at your outfit and he laughs.

“You look good.”

“I don’t though.” You laugh, “Should I go change?” You’d just thrown on a cute top and a pair of jeans. “Let me change.”

“You sure Bunny?”

“Yes. Come in.” You tell him. Steve follows you in and you go change into a cream cocktail dress. You slide on some heels and hurry back out to where Steve is waiting.

“Fucking hell Bunny.” He says reaching for you, “you look stunning.” He presses a kiss to your cheekbone.

Steve takes you to dinner and then out for a play. You don’t know how he managed to get tickets for Broadway on such short notice but you have an amazing time.

He moves at your pace, showing up for you when you need him, when you need sugar he gives it to you, he even asks if you want to get a medical alert dog.

After a year you finally agree to move in with him. He hasn’t pressured you at all but you know that the second you agree to move in with him it puts him at ease. Even if Hydra is gone that doesn’t mean it’s safe being in love with a mob boss.

And you are, so completely in love with him. The Captain, the leader of the Howlies, Mobster, and his Bunny.

Tag list:

@andahugaroundtheneck @connie326 @also-fangirlinsweden @lumar014 @loving-life-my-way @pagina16ps @emdying @dumblani @valsworldofcreativity @blackwidownat2814 @vicmc624 @abschaffer2 @patzammit @inkedaztec @sophham

[msfcatlover]

TOOTH COMES OUT ON TUESDAY

THIS IS NOT A DRILL

TOOTH COMES OUT ON TUESDAY

Guess who has a ✨jaw infection✨

[copperbadge]

Radio Free Monday

Good morning everyone, and welcome to Radio Free Monday!

Ways to Give:

doriandangerous is raising funds to escape their abusive family and get themself and their partner to a safer home; you can read more and support the fundraiser here or reblog here. (Warning for some reference to suicide in the text of the fundraiser.)

mtdewwhore is a queer nonbinary person raising funds for a hysterectomy, to treat for uterine cancer initially misdiagnosed as pregnancy; they have no insurance and need to pay upfront, since it has not yet been deemed life-threatening. You can read more, reblog, and find giving information here.

Buy Stuff, Help Out:

Anon linked to thyfleshc0nsumed, whose main income has come from Tumblr recently and whose main account Tumblr recently terminated; since the item was submitted the account has been restored but she is still working hard to get by on sales of her leatherwork, which is largely queer and BDSM themed. You can check out her shop here.

News to Know:

soc_puppet linked to summerofthe69 on Dreamwidth, a creative fest inspired by the 69 sexual position, which opened on Sunday; it's open to all fandoms and original works, and runs through September 6th, with a comment prompt post and weekly themes. You can read more and find links to the rules and prompts here.

Recurring Needs:

rilee16 is raising funds to get out of an abusive home situation, where their roommate has now started throwing out their furniture; they are also being harassed by text. You can read more, reblog, and find giving information here.

loversdoom is a college student from the Philippines, studying away from her family, and her parents are unexpectedly unable to support her education; she is dealing with a number of expenses and is now looking at costly dental work, and medical procedures to do with likely PCOS. You can read more and reblog here or give via paypal here.

And this has been Radio Free Monday! Thank you for your time. You can post items for my attention at the Radio Free Monday submissions form. If you're new to fundraising, you may want to check out my guide to fundraising here.

[vamprisms]

everybody says that norman osborn is a bad guy but u know wot the benefits working for oscorp must be insane. the way that these security guards are charging at venom i know he's paying them life insurance life assurance annual leave private health care dental paternity and maternity leave wellness package work from home days subsidised cafeteria full college funding and student loan relief christmas bonus share purchase options fat fucking pension

[deepdive002]

You have a very wholesome energy on this blog.

Very proud of your resilience, I have multiple family members who struggle with bipolar disorder including my brother and he has unfortunately become very estranged, in and out of jail, difficult to be around if not harmful at times and refuses to seek help or medicate despite all the help and rehab over the years. Sometimes it feels very hopeless and sad, especially the fear that I might have those symptoms too one day, but I am grateful and soothed that there are stories of hope and healing and positivity like yours.

Wishing the best for you and your daughter! 💗

Thanks! 🩷

My bipolar has put me in the hospital 10 times. For better or worse I seem to only get manic episodes. This is tricky because being manic actually feels great. The problem is that you don't get anything done.

Untreated mania would have made getting through college or holding down a job relatively impossible. (It's still very hard, even with treatment.)

The key for me was finding help I liked and respected early in my life.

Drawing the line between where I stop and my insanity starts was a very personal question. I believe an objective scientific definition is best, but the answer may be different for others.

When I talk about my illness, I include a personal request: I ask that if people think I'm acting strangely to go online and look up the latest criteria for a Bipolar I Disorder Manic Episode in the DSM.

(As of the DSM-5, there are 7 symptoms and having 3 or 4 for a week is the threshold for a manic episode.)

If I need help, get me help but otherwise: I need to be allowed to get excited about my life without my friends and family worrying "Oh no! It's happening again."

Resources ☎️

I've been seeing my therapist for about 20 years now.

If you are interested you can probably find him by Googling "Harold L. Boerlin MD, Irvine CA". He's been doing phone visits since COVID.

He may be able to help you even if you don't live in California, if you are willing to fly out for some initial consultations. I actually have no idea how that would work but I can't recommend him enough.

Dr. B is both a psychologist and a psychiatrist. (He has a medical degree from Harvard.)

Letting someone change you fundamentally with medication is a big ask. However had I not decided this is what I want all those years ago, I would probably be homeless and perhaps have very strained relationships with friends and family today. (My family is also amazing by the way.)

Political Advocacy 🇺🇸📢

In my opinion, the mental health care system in the US is on the brink of collapse.

Too many professionals are not trained in hard science and some are handing out diagnosis like candy.

Recent "Mandated Reporter" laws are vague, ineffective and shatter the essential sacred trust between a client and a therapist.

Mental health parity laws for insurance companies do not work and I strongly advocate for MH to be a seperate insurance the way dental and vision are (with well-funded public assistance programs.)

While in the hospital I've seen human beings get "processed" and it is horrific.

I am in awe of the limitless compassion of most whitecoats (my name for them). However, publicly available resources are often not as unlimited.

Sick patients come in on a 5150 for a 3-day hold, yelling and hitting people. They get some food and shelter for a bit but refuse further help.

Then sometimes doctors fall short. They give up and just give the patient a heavy sedative so they will stop yelling and hitting people.

Then the patient doesn't voluntarily extend to 14 day treatment. They get tossed out on the street like garbage and the cycle repeats.

[juvia-is-beast]

Hey Y'all I rarely post stuff of my own but I'm in need of help. I've always had a hard time asking for help but I've become desperate. I just moved out of my toxic Indian household at 27 with no savings because my mom would take all of my SSI checks and huge chunks of my paycheck that I worked for. I'm having a lot of health issues and chronic pain flare ups. I work at a college but I've been put in an administrative role until I can get my health in order. I don't have as many hours but now I can actually see doctors. My family was preventing me from getting help, from seeing doctors or getting my meds on time. I have PTSD and I can't drive because of it. I need financial help. I've been approved for SNAP but I'm waiting on my EBT card. I'll be going to a food bank tomorrow to get some food but that still leaves me with no funds to buy medical marijuana. I've been experiencing nerve pain the last 2 months and hormonal migraines for a straight month. I live in FL and it's super heavily taxed and I'm having trouble getting my muscle relaxers re-prescribed because I need a specialist to prescribe them for my insurance to keep paying for them. I have no other proper pain management rn. Please help me. I know the global climate is at its worst right now and I feel guilty making this post with everything going on in Palestine but that doesn't change the fact that I NEED HELP.

If you can help in any way please, even suggestions on what to do better with e-begging would be greatly appreciated.

My Cash@pp: $ButtPirate27

I can also tutor you online in Algebra if you need a math tutor I can help with Pre-Calc and Trig too but I'm far too rusty on Calculus to tutor but I would gladly tutor for any financial help.

If you want more info on my situation I don't mind sharing. I've been on Tumblr for 11 years and barely ever posted about my own life. I know that there are definitely people here willing to help but there have also been a fair share of scammers so I understand the hesitation. Here's my cat Ares, something cute to look at. I want to get him a cat tree too and a bin to make a housed litter box for him.

[disturbingstar]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨

Plot summary

A group of student activists travels to the Amazon to save the rain forest and soon discover that they are not alone, and that no good deed goes unpunished.

Trigger warnings

• Cannibalism

• Self harm

• Blood

• Violence

Trivia

• In real life, the actress that plays Justine in the movie is married to the films director Eli Roth

• When Eli Roth and his crew approached villagers to be extras in the film, he soon realized that they had never seen a movie and had no concept of what one was. To demonstrate what a movie was, Eli brought a TV and a copy of Cannibal Holocaust (1980) and had a screening for everyone. The villagers loved it and thought it was a comedy. They gladly acted in the film.

• Eli Roth disclosed that the tribe offered a two-year-old child to the production designer as a "thank you" for including them in the film. The production designer politely declined the offer.

• Eli Roth would only audition actors who agreed to be vaccinated for yellow fever and to film deep in the Amazonian jungle with no bathrooms, surrounded by tarantulas, snakes and poisonous frogs that could kill you on contact. After filming was completed, the cast and crew were treated for parasites.

• The green inferno is one of the few cannibal horror films to not feature any depiction of violence against animals.

• Lorenza Izzo nearly drowned while filming the escape attempt sequence, where her character runs into the river near the village and is pushed downstream before being recaptured. It wasn't until one of the crew realized that her screams for help were real, where she was then rescued. Some of the footage was kept in the film.

• After credits audio: Alejandro's sister Lucia calls Justine to talk after having received a satellite image of her missing brother, he is almost naked painted in black and free in the Amazon rainforest.

• The captivity and horrors of the film take place over two nights and three days.

• The film received a glowing response from horror novelist Stephen King, who tweeted that the film is “like a glorious throwback to the drive-in movies of my youth: bloody, gripping, hard to watch, but you can't look away.”

Breakdown

In the opening shot, a tribesman walks through a rain forest with a child from the same tribe. They hear a loud rumbling noise. It's a bulldozer ploughing through the forest.

In the United States at Columbia University in New York City, we meet Justine, a college student. With her roommate Kaycee, they sit through a lecture on the cruel traditions placed on women in African tribes, which horrifies Justine. Later, the two notice a group of janitors sitting for a hunger strike in order to obtain health insurance. The girls think these types of groups are stupid.

After classes, Justine is invited by another student, named Jonah, to check out an activist group led by Alejandro. His cause is for the tribe in the Peruvian jungle. Justine makes a comment about the group starving themselves through the jungle for their cause, which Alejandro takes offence to. He orders Justine to leave.

A few days later, Justine approaches Alejandro to apologise and decides she wants to join the cause. Another few days later, the two of them, plus a full group of activists, including Jonah, Alejandro's girlfriend Kara, Amy, Amy's girlfriend Samantha, Lars, and Daniel head off on a flight, partially funded by Justine's dad, to Peru. Because the plane is small, it makes Amy anxious.

Once the group arrives in Peru, they take a boat through the jungle toward their destination. They stop so Justine and Lars can use the bathroom. Lars almost gets his penis bitten by a tarantula, and he runs back to the boat.

When the group finds the bulldozers, they set off an explosive to stop their acts. As Alejandro records the militia in their act against the jungle, one of the men holds Justine at gunpoint. Alejandro gets it on video to show off to the internet what kind of actions these people are willing to take against others, all while Justine cries. The man takes the gun away, and he and his men arrest the group.

The group is being sent home in their plane. They celebrate their victory while Justine is traumatised from the incident and angry that the others were ready to let her get shot for their cause. Jonah announces that their video has been blowing up all over social media. All of a sudden, the plane's engine blows out, causing the pilots to lose control and head for a crash landing. The plane comes apart, sending at least two other people flying out. The plane crashes, killing both pilots. The man that flew out got impaled, and the woman that fell out landed in a tree, badly injured and nearly dying. The rest of the group tries to move somewhere safe until they see some of the villagers in the forest. Kara asks them for help, but she gets an arrow in her neck. The others make a run for it, but they get hit by tranquillizing darts by unseen natives. Alejandro tries to remove the arrow out of Kara's neck, only for her to get another one in her head.

When the group wakes up, they are being taken across the river by a Cannibal Headhunter to the village where the rest of the tribe resides. They're all put in wooden cages, except for Jonah. He gets fed some kind of liquid before being laid down and having his limbs held down by some villagers. The Village Elder (Antonieta Pari) walks over to Jonah and holds a spike over his face. She digs the spike into his right eye and gouges it out before eating it in front of the villagers and Jonah's friends. The Elder proceeds to take his other eye, his tongue, and then has Jonah's limbs hacked off before he is finally decapitated. The others are horrified and cover their eyes.

Jonah's remains are later cooked and soon eaten by the rest of the villagers. Alejandro determines that the villagers think they are the enemy. Lars mentions he can smell Jonah being cooked, making Amy sick. She first throws up and then has a massive bowel movement in the cage, which makes the others sick while the village children laugh and mock Amy.

Justine tries to appease one of the children by playing her flute necklace that belonged to her mother. The child likes the music, but the Cannibal Headhunter and other native warriors arrive and pull Justine, Amy, and Samantha out of the cages. They take the ladies's pants off, and the Elder takes a spike similar to what she used on Jonah. She puts it up Amy and Samantha's vaginas, then up Justine's. The Elder breaks Justine's hymen, proving to the tribe that she is a virgin. They take Justine into a hut and cover her in some kind of white powder before returning her to the cage.

The next day, Alejandro mentions that the whole trip was just a PR stunt and that he doesn't actually give a shit about the tribe or the cause. He makes a crude comment on how it's good that Jonah was eaten first since he'd fed the tribe for a week, angering Daniel and Justine.

Any attempt at escaping the cages leads to the group getting shot with darts by the watchers. They create a distraction that allows Samantha to climb out and look for help. Hours later, the villagers bring the group bowls with liquid and meat scraps. Amy drinks from the bowl and sees a biohazard symbol, which she recognises as one of Samantha's tattoos. Then she sees the children wearing patches of flesh with the rest of Samantha's tattoos. Amy then smashes the bowl and slits her throat with a jagged piece.

Knowing the villagers will get Amy next, Lars and Daniel stuff a bag of weed down her throat. The village headhunter enters the cage and hacks Amy's corpse to pieces. After she is cooked and consumed, the villagers all get stoned. This allows Justine and Daniel to escape from their cage. Lars tries to follow, but the cynical Alejandro gets him with a dart so he doesn't die alone.

When Lars awakens, he sees two villagers sitting over him with the giggles. He tries to appease them with silly hand gestures until they start to get the munchies. One villager bites into Lars's arm, but he shoves him away and runs for it. Unfortunately, a large group of villagers attacks him and eats him alive.

Justine and Daniel manage to get to a river and find some wreckage of the plane. Justine falls into the water and gets swept downstream. When Justine grabs a rock to hold onto, Daniel manages to rescue her by extending a tree branch and bringing her ashore. That evening, they follow the trail of wreckage and finally arrive at the crash site of their plane. They find their GPS, but the battery's dead. They then hear a ringtone coming from the pocket of Kara, whose corpse is hung up alongside the other dead activists. Justine gets Kara's phone out of her pocket, but the villagers show up and dart her and Daniel.

Justine awakens the next morning back in the village to find the medicine woman covering her nude body in white powder and paint. She is trying to sew Justine's vagina shut as part of a customary ritual. Daniel is tied up to a pole and covered from head to toe in a green mould by the village eadhunter. A colony of big ants starts climbing up his body and biting into him. Before anything else happens to Justine, a child runs and brings the villagers the severed head of a man wearing a hard hat. The other villagers run out to see what other remains are available for consumption. The child that Justine played the flute necklace for shows up and unties Justine's hands. She unties her feet before the medicine woman returns. When she gets a good opportunity, she blows a special powder into the medicine woman's face and rips the bone out of her nose, allowing her to run. She tries to get Daniel, but he's in so much pain that he prefers to die. The child blows the powder in Daniel's face to make him pass out before he cuts Daniel's throat.

The child leads Justine deep into the forest to escape. Alejandro begs Justine to save him, but she leaves him to the villagers. She lets the child keep the flute necklace and thanks him for helping her. Justine then runs and finds the militia shooting and killing the villagers. Justine finds the village headhunter laying in the grass after being shot. With the local mercenaries approaching, Justine holds her hands up and states that she's American. She takes out Kara's phone and pretends to record the mercs in their acts before smashing the phone. The leader orders his men to take Justine away. She is boarded on a helicopter to fly home, where she sees the bodies of the villagers sprawled everywhere and the soldiers burning the huts.

Upon returning home, Justine testifies as the sole survivor from the crash. She denies witnessing any cannibalism.

Justine then dreams that Alejandro made it home and that she has monster teeth that she uses to rip out his throat. When she wakes up, she looks out her window and sees activists outside protesting for Alejandro to be returned home.

During the closing credits, we hear a phone call between Justine and a woman claiming to be Alejandro's sister. She mentions seeing a surveillance photo (which we see) of Alejandro still in the jungle. His sister tells Justine that they need to talk.

[starborn15]

Growing up ultra conservative Fox News was always on in my house.

I was watching Glen Beck when Obama won the election comfort eat ice cream.

I was listening to Shawn Hannity saw horrifically misogynistic things about The Chicks after they stood up to George Bush.

I had to listen to Agenda 21 which is a science fiction totalitarian dystopian novel written by Glen Beck on a 7 hour car ride with my dad.

Oddly enough…I was also made to sit down and watch 1984.

I watched Animal Farm.

When I was 18 my dad took me and registered me to vote.

I was mad initially because I grew up that way. I grew up on the side opposing the views I have now.

I understand the rage and anger of the right because a small part of me has felt that sense of injustice. It’s a mirage, it’s a story, it’s divisiveness.

There’s a 2003 conversation Bernie Sanders (who my dad had me convinced was a communist set to destroy the country.) but he’s talking to a group of kids and he says exactly what the republican — but even more so now with MAGA does.

Divide and conquer.

College is for left wing radicals — while JD Vance is a Yale graduate and best selling author.

Public Education makes kids stupid and feeds the liberal agenda — public education gives ALL students equal access to education and college and athletics (scholarships, grants).

Immigrants are taking your jobs! — Hiring migrant workers is nothing new…living in Maine workers here on visas often come in the summer time to help manage the influx of tourists because we do not have the capacity to staff our industry. As Mainers all of us. They help…they don’t hurt.

Women just want to have sex without any consequences! — All American women should have the right to do whatever they like with their body, the right to choose does not take away the right to life.

But these questions divide and make one side “evil” and the other side “the loser.” Or feeling a sense of loss. And that loss turns to rage and anger like something has been taken away from them. Even when it hasn’t.

The economy: a big one.

I think if our taxes paid for things that everyone could benefit from people wouldn’t complain about paying them.

But right now our taxes fund the U.S. war machine. And we don’t see any benefit.

Whereas if we offered Medicare for all therefore insurance didn’t have to come out of your paycheck if you chose for it not to maybe people wouldn’t complain.

Or if there was a discounted rate on daycare services for parents because a portion of that was taxpayer funded — like schools. Parents wouldn’t complain.

Because all of these things are added cost without any benefit so our taxes seem useless because they are.

Why is the military able to offer: free healthcare for life? Free college? And 0% loans on homes and cars? Because of government backing. (Not me bashing any military people it just is reality that these social programs are a benefit to the military it’s why they promote them.)

So yeah….

That’s all….