#My friend helped me fix it by removing and replacing an entire color like 5 minutes before the next round 😂😂😂😂

[wellitsjustmeagain]

Went to the Wilds of Eldraine Prerelease with friends tonight and had a freaking blast 💕

[sabraeal]

Rarely Pure & Never Simple, Chapter 6

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5

The last entry in the 600 Followers Gift-a-thon! I meant for this to be out the last weekend in December, but dude to both illness, kiss-a-thon, and this fic turning out well over 7.5K...it just didn’t work out. Thank all of you guys for following and voting; hopefully this year I’ll actually get to finish all the 500 follower raffle fics too...

Despite the glut of graduation media Shirayuki’s been binging, trying to brace herself for-- for all this, nothing quite prepares her for what it will be like to wear her cap and gown.

“It’s plastic,” she says dully, rubbing the waffle-weave between the tips of her fingers. “It feels like a tablecloth.”

“You look great,” Nanna assures her, eyes shining, giving her arm a good squeeze.

“Besides,” Grandad adds, fiddling with his camera. They got him that two years ago, for Christmas, and even still he doesn’t know quite how it works. “At least you and all your friends will be wearing tablecloths together.”

That fact that doesn’t seem to assuage Kihal in the least.

“This is a disaster,” she wails as Shirayuki approaches, waving her hand to encompass both their gowns. “They’re practically see-through!”

Shirayuki blinks, and-- yes. At a glance, she knows that Kihal’s dress is blue beneath her robe, and Kiki’s is purple. She stares down at her own, and through the cheap plastic, the hazy pink splotches of the roses dotting her dress give the vague impression of period stains.

“Oh,” she murmurs, dropping the fabric. “Oh.”

“We’ve agreed, as whole, to aggressively ignore it,” Kiki says rationally, though by the round of her shoulders and the tense line of her jaw, it still rankles. “I’m going to warn the Junior Student Council that they need to ask for blue robes for all genders.”

“Or black,” Kihal suggests, “ditch the whole school pride thing altogether.”

Kiki nods. “Classic. I like it.” Her gaze hooks on to Shirayuki. “You’re doing a speech today, aren’t you?”

Butterflies races sickeningly in Shirayuki’s stomach. “Um, yeah.”

“Feeling prepared?”

Not at all. “As much as I can be,” she settles on. It earns her one of Kiki’s rare smiles, which at least gets the micro-fauna in her gut doing a more pleasant set of maneuvers.

“Good.” She reaches out, giving Shirayuki’s shoulder a solid squeeze. “I’m excited to hear it. Obi said it was, and I quote, ‘killer.’“

“Oh.” She knows they’re friends, of course; she met him through Kiki and Zen, and she hangs out with both of them on the regular, it’s just--

They talk about her. He talks about her, in a way that is, well, boyfriend-like. And she’s never...

Shirayuki has never been someone people talk about. At least, not without some rumor to go along with it.

“Um.” Her eyes sting, even as her mouth curves into a smile. “Cool.”

Kiki’s gaze flicks over her shoulder. “I better go check on Zen. It looks as if he might have some sort of apoplexy if he doesn’t get more help than Obi getting everyone into line.”

Shirayuki’s head whips over her shoulder, gaze fixing to where Zen stands in the gym, cheeks so red he might as well have been slapped. Right beside him is Obi, mouth hooking into his customary smirk, and something that’s been knotted in her breast since this morning loosens.

“That boy needs to get laid,” Kihal decides with a snort. “Or pick up yoga, or meditation, or something.”

A guilt heat sweeps over Shirayuki, head to toe. “W-what?”

“Wisteria.” Kihal jerks her head at him. “He’s going to pass out if he keeps walking around like a pot with its lid on, you know?”

“O-oh,” she says, now more mortified. “R-right.”

“Obviously not Obi. You’re already--” her eyes narrow-- “aren’t you already doing something about that?”

“Um!” Shirayuki casts about for anything that will keep her from having this conversation. “Looks like...we better go line up. I’m with the Ls so...I’ll see you after the ceremony!”

“What?” Kihal squawks, hands fisting on her hips as Shirayuki hurries away. “This conversation is not over!”

Tragically, Kihal is correct.

“I can’t believe you haven’t blow him.” Shirayuki glares down at where Kihal rests her elbows on the back of her chair, staring down the opposite row to where the ‘N’ section sits. “Like not even a little?”

The rehearsal was hardly three days ago, but somehow Shirayuki had forgotten the crucial fact that the ‘T’ section sat just behind the ‘L’ one after they file in.

“I don’t think this is really the time to be talking about this,” she hisses, glancing at the girl next to her, buried in her phone. To her other side is the aisle, thankfully, though when Mitsuhide throws her a small wave she can’t help but think if he was here, on this side, his staid presence might discourage this particular conversation.

“Just look at him.” Kihal gestures with the flat of her hand, right to where Obi sits, grinning, in front of Zen. “His dick is probably gorgeous. Like if I had to say who had the best dick out of everyone we know, I’d say--”

“Kihal.”

“--Probably Mitsuhide,” she admits, “but Obi would be a close second.”

Shirayuki sighs, and, well, maybe if she indulges this line of questioning, it will be over sooner. “We just...haven’t gotten there yet.”

Kihal gives her a dubious look. “It’s been what? Three months? And you expect me to believe he hasn’t mentioned it at all?”

She blinks. “No, actually.”

It hadn’t seemed odd to her-- after all, the only person thus far in her life that had mentioned her getting on her knees was Raj, and that had gone...not well, for either of them-- but now that Kihal has mentioned it...

Obi is nineteen, twenty in a month, and from every movie she’s ever avoided watching on the subject, he should be, well, more actively campaigning for an end to her dickphobia. Or at least, mentioning how he’d like her to be touching him, often and well.

“Maybe he doesn’t like it,” she suggests, at a loss. After all, she knows there’s, um, a reciprocal position, and as nice as it sounds when he suggests it, it doesn’t excite her in a, ah, intellectual sense. It’s not anything she cares about doing any time soon.

“Fake news,” Kihal grunts, “all boys like having their penises touched. If you asked him what he’d like to do to celebrate--” Shirayuki grimaces at the suggestive nudge-- “tonight, he’d say, hands down, that he wants you to blow him.”

Her menagerie of intestinal insects takes flight at the thought. “I don’t know...”

“Scientific fact,” Kihal insists, “given the choice, a dude will always want to be blown.”

“Well--” Obi meets her gaze, giving her a wink that is somehow both saucy and supportive-- “good thing there’s going to be no time for any of that tonight.”

Kihal’s gaze darts between the two of them, her mouth curling slyly. “Oh, I’m sure you’ll both find a way.”

If there’s one thing to be said for Kihal’s dogged determination on the subject of Obi’s penis and what Shirayuki should be doing with it, it’s that while she’s worrying about just how glacially slow she’s moving in her single serious relationship of her lifetime (and whether the local access cameras are near enough to pick up this entire conversation), she had absolutely no time to worry about her speech.

Which is why she nearly faceplants into the aisle when Zen announces, “Shirayuki Leon,” from the podium.

With a recovery that is as removed from smooth as she is from cool, Shirayuki shuffles up to the stage, trying not to stumble on the kitten heels Nanna insisted she wear. Distantly, she’s aware that there had to have been more lead up, that by Zen’s cheerful smile and the interested applause of the crowd, he must have said something complimentary enough to get her into heaven. But she can’t find it in herself to worry about that; instead she thanks him woodenly as he steps back, taking his seat on the stage as the Student Council President, and lets the cold breath of fear wash over her.

“Hi,” she begins eloquently, eyes scanning over the crowd. Goodness, this is a lot of people. “I’m Shirayuki, and I’m new.”

To her surprise, the crowd chuckles, fond smiles spreading across a few faces, and--

She can do this. She really can.

“I think I said that a million times my first week here.” It’s not anywhere near an exaggeration; she’d been searching for friends, anyone to make a senior year transfer seem like less of a punishment, and she’d been what she liked to term aggressively friendly. “I’d thought nothing could be worse than having to leave my old school right when I was going to graduate. How could I replace eleven years of friendship in less than nine months? How could I even become part of this school, when even your colors are weird?”

They laugh at that too, and it’s strange-- she’d thought she’d feel naked saying these things in front of a crowd, in front of classmates who had whispered behind her back, or even asked her bald questions in the hall about blowing Raj Shenezard. But it’s all so far away now, another lifetime, one that existed before Honor Society, before Mathletes, before--

Well, before Drama Club, certainly.

“But I didn’t feel that way long.” Zen and Kiki are on the stage behind her, but Mitsuhide and Kihal are were she left them in the crowd, smiling as she meets their eyes. “I made friends, good friends. The kind of friendships that last beyond homework. The kind of relationships--” her knees quiver under the podium as she glances at Obi, as she says the words she wrestled over last night, trying to make perfect-- “that last beyond a play, beyond high school, into whatever comes after. Together.”

He holds her gaze, and oh, she is-- she is not going to make it through this if she keeps looking at him>.

“I’m changed because I came here. We’re all changed because we came here,” she says, lifting her gaze to the crowd. “My Nanna likes to say that we’re not stone, but clay, constantly being shaped by what’s around us. Being here has shaped us, but it’s also shown me that we can shape ourselves if we choose to. When we leave here we’ll change again, and again, and for some of us, we’ll lose this shape entirely and becomes something new. And for others, we’ll carry pieces of what we became here our whole lives.”

With a single, steeling breath, she continues, “A few months ago, I couldn’t imagine fitting in here. And now I can’t imagine ever having been anywhere else. So as much as this speech is a celebration of all we’ve achieved together, it’s also a thank you.” She smiles, letting her gaze scan over the whole of her class, realizing she knows a name for every face. “Thank you for my senior year.”

“I cried,” Kihal informs her, fanning herself with a program as they wait for their families to find them on the field. “So I hope you’re happy about that.”

Shirayuki frowns. “That wasn’t really the point--”

“Hey!” Zen holds out his arms, wrapping her in a hug that’s only slightly stilted. “Great speech!”

“Thanks,” she says, gripping his arms as she steps back. “I was nervous. I don’t really know how much that would, um, resonate for people.”

“It’s a small school,” Kiki drawls, cutting between them to wrap her arms around her. A thrill shoots up her spine, all the way from her toes. “And you’re one of us now.”

“Oh.” Her eyes sting, like she worried they might on the podium, but this-- this-- “Thank you.”

It’s fine.

“You did an amazing job, Shirayuki!” Mitsuhide tells her, bounding up with a grin and a hug strong enough to break a moose’s back. “The best speech today!”

“Thanks,” Zen deadpans.

“Oh, I--” he grimaces, rubbing at the back of his head-- “I forgot you gave one. But It was good too!”

“Don’t hurt yourself,” Zen laughs, shaking his head. “You’re right, Shirayuki’s was much better than mine.”

“I thought that, um...” If only she could remember any bit of the ceremony that wasn’t her speech or Kihal’s opinion on oral sex, this would be a much easier compliment. “It was very good!”

“Doesn’t hold a candle to yours, though.” Obi’s arm slings around her shoulder, drawing her tight against his side. “Though maybe I’m biased.”

Zen grins at that. “You are kissing the competition.”

Obi waggles his eyebrows. “You’re always welcome to come over here and bias me yourself, Chief.”

He flushes, bright pink against the platinum of his hair, and coughs, “I’m-- I’m good.”

“Do have to say, kid,” Obi continues, dropping his chin to tangle the amber of his gaze with hers, “there was a part in the middle there I don’t remember practicing.”

“Mm.” It’s good he didn’t look at her like this when she was talking; she’d never have gotten a word out around the tangle of her tongue. “I found out I had more to say about all the, um, future stuff.”

“Future stuff?” he asks, breathless.

It would be inappropriate to kiss him here, at least the way his eyes are promising. Her grandparents are talking to Kihal’s parents just a few feet away, and all their friends are watching them, and a peck might be in order but--

But his chest rumbles under her hands as he leans in, half a purr, and as much as she knows this is more fit for a dark corner instead of right next to the bleachers, she pushes up on her toes--

“Hey, Obi, are you coming tonight?”

He steps away, hazy-eyed. Her lips still tingle with thwarted anticipation. “Hm?”

Zen darts a glance between the two of them. “My graduation party. I know you have, uh, a competing engagement.”

“Oh right.” He nods, tucking her into his side. “Yeah, I’m gonna come for about an hour, and then ditch out for Shirayuki’s. As long as that’s okay with you, Kid?”

She blinks. “Yeah, of course. I’m sorry I can’t make it, Zen, but--”

“Don’t worry,” he waves her off. “I know how it is. I might try to pop by after Kiki’s dad opens the liquor cabinet though.”

Kiki grimaces. “Me too.”

“Glad that’s settled.” Obi presses a kiss to her forehead. “I’ll stuff myself on canapes for an hour, and then I’ll come just in time to eat Grandad’s cooking.”

Shirayuki feigns a pout of disapproval. “Well, now I know where your real priorities lie.”

Kiki barks out a laugh. “You can’t be surprised that it’s his stomach.”

Obi grins at that, but his eyes grow serious. “Aw, c’mon kid,” he says, softer, pressing another kiss between her eyebrows. “You know you’re what matters to me.”

She wraps an arm around his waist, enjoying the way his breath skips as she squeezes him. “I know.”

In all her anxiety-watching of graduation movies, not one of them had managed to show a graduation party, opting instead for moonlit moments on picnic blankets beneath the floodlights of the school’s football field. Thus, Shirayuki is thoroughly unprepared for how chaotic it is.

“Shirayuki!” Nanna calls out, waving at her from across the room, “do you remember Mrs Kino?”

She doesn’t have many relatives; her mom was an only child, and her whole paternal side is shrouded in a mystery she’s only even half-interested in solving, but the party is filled to the brim with her grandparents’ friends and business associates from the pub, as well as a handful of old teachers Nanna managed to track down as a surprise. Her own friends have been filtering in and out all night: the Mathletes started here and left after the first round of chafing dishes were finished, leaving to go to another party across town; at least a handful of drama club members here since before even she managed to arrive, ever-changing, though always clustered around the refreshment tables; Kihal has been aggressively greeting everyone that walked in the door as if it were her own party, making sure that Shirayuki gives everyone at least a cursory hello and an outline of her post-graduation plans. Even Ryuu puts in an appearance around dinner, looking as if he’d like to melt into the floor as his mother gushes about what an excellent influence Shirayuki has been, how she’ll be sorely missed next year.

Still, she hasn’t seen Obi.

“He’ll be here,” Kihal promises as they take a breather in the den, scarfing down a entire plate of chicken marsala with an intensity that makes Shirayuki concerned about her future gastric health. “You know he will. And if he doesn’t I’ll kill him.”

There’s a half dozen thing she could say to that, but she settles for, “Thanks.”

“Do you mind checking to see if there’s anymore chicken?” Kihal holds out her plate with wide, pleading eyes. “It’s so good. And I know you want to see if the desserts have come out.”

More like Kihal wants to know if the desserts are out. “Can you not make it there yourself?”

“Nope.” Kihal lounges against the couch’s arm. “I’m like a California condor. I’ve eaten so much I won’t be able to fly for another hour.”

She lifts a brow. “And you still want more?”

Kihal scoffs. “Your grandpa made it. Of course.”

Technically, the staff of the pub made it, and it’s just Grandad’s recipe but-- Shirayuki takes her point and her plate. For a minute, she contemplates cutting through the party, which fills up the living room and spills out onto the back deck, but then elects for the longer, quieter route around the stairs.

“Hey, kid, there you are.” Obi’s smile lights up the kitchen, plates in both his hands stacked high with appetizers. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

“Me too,” she admits, breathless, frozen in the doorway. He’s still in his dress shirt and slacks, sleeves rolled up to the elbow, and haah, she has never been more tempted to tell him that if they’re quiet, no one will know they’ve snuck up to her room.

Obi grimaces. “Sorry about that. I meant to only go for an hour, and then Zen wanted to play a quick pick up game, and it turned to two, and then I got here and...” He shrugs, shaking his head.

“It’s packed,” she agrees, “but I should have known to check the kitchen.”

His lips tick up into a grin, and he turns, leaning his hip against the counter in a way that only heightens the length of his limbs, that reminds her how good they feel around her--

“You did great, by the way,” he says, suddenly earnest. “If I didn’t say already.”

“You did.” She flinches at how awkward and hostile the words sound, but there’s no easy way to say, Kihal has reminded me you have a dick, and even though it abjectly terrifies me, I really want to make out. “I mean, thank you. Again. I’m glad you liked it.”

His mouth quirks at the corner. “Not a dry eye in the place.”

Shirayuki almost says, that wasn’t the point, but what falls out of her mouth is, “Not even yours?”

Obi lights up. “Definitely not.” His cheeks flush as he continues, “I got you a graduation gift.”

It’s on the counter just behind him, conspicuously placed away from the food: a small bag with crumpled up tissue paper, done so artlessly that she knows it couldn’t have been gift wrapped in-store, that he had done it himself. He had picked out that tiny bag, had crushed that paper in his huge hands-- his face distressed, like he’s afraid he’s doing it wrong, like he might break it just by trying-- and there’s something about it that is so sweet, so heartbreaking that she-- she--

Gosh, she really wants to kiss him.

“Me too,” she says, setting her plates down. Kihal may be waiting on the chicken marsala, but she’ll understand the delay. Probably all too well. “I left it upstairs. Should we--?“

“Oh, yeah!” Obi recoils with a grimace. “I mean, yes. Mine’s probably better given in private anyway.”

She blinks, wondering what he could give her that he wouldn’t want other people to see--

I was thinking of one of those little egg ones, the kind that just sit here–

“Obi!” she gasps, scandalized. “You didn’t...”

“What?” He catches her wary glance at the present, and his eyes pulse wide. “No! I mean, I didn’t--”

“Obi!” Nanna bustles in behind her. “You’ve finally made it! I was getting worried I’d miss you.”

With an ease that clearly comes from sixty years of practicing shamelessness, her grandmother closes the space she hasn’t managed to, enfolding Obi in a hug so tight he squeaks. It would warm her heart, normally, but all Shirayuki can think of is that bag, not two feet from them, that may or may not contain a gift that will definitely see her grounded until she’s thirty.

Shirayuki could live with that though-- after all, no one is more eager to not repeat history than her-- but-- but--

The very thought of Nanna standing here, in this room, sharing air with something at least vaguely phallic shaped that Obi would have every intention of putting inside her for the purpose of like, sex stuff and orgasms is just-- wrong. Super wrong. She tastes bile at the back of her throat just contemplating it.

“Have you had the meatballs yet?” Nanna asks, pulling away with a smile. “Colin put them on the menu for you especially.”

Pink flares high on Obi’s impossible cheeks. “Oh! I--” he blinks, gaze fixing over her shoulder-- “Lata?”

“Obi!” Shirayuki presses to the jamb to let him pass, and there’s something about the wildness of his eyes and the mussed mass of his hair that reminds her that the professor is a narrow man, but a tall one, looming over even Obi as he stumbles into the kitchen. “There you are. This place is a zoo.”

“It’s a party,” Nanna offers, wry.

He stares at her, uncomprehending. “Did I not just say that?”

“Lata.” Obi’s voice is strained, every line of his face etched with worry. “Is something wrong?”

Professor Forenzo doesn’t answer, not with words, but instead he reaches into his coat, thrusting out his hand, and--

And he’s holding an envelope. A large envelope. A golden lantern glitters under the kitchen light. “This came for you.”

Obi only stares, gaping, hands dead at his side.

“Oh!” Nanna gasps, eyes wide. “Oh, why don’t you-- you should--” her eyes meet Shirayuki’s around the professor’s shoulder-- “I’ll make your excuses, honey.”

She blinks. “But...”

Obi still hasn’t moved, and neither has Forenzo. Even from where she stands, she sees the professor’s hand shakes.

“Right.” She sets down her plates, taking the envelope from his hands as she slips her fingers through Obi’s limp ones. “We should go open this, don’t you think?”

Obi swallows thickly. “Yeah. Yes. Open it.”

She tugs on him, yanking him a single staggering step. “Come on, I know just the place.”

“Okay.” He stares at the envelope in her hand, following her woodenly. “Okay.”

Shirayuki glances at the plates on the counter. “Nanna, could you do a favor for me?”

She eyes Obi worriedly. “Anything you need.”

“Do you think you could bring a plate of chicken marsala to Kihal?” She grimaces sheepishly. “That was sort of why I came it here.”

Nanna's mouth twitches at the corner. “Sure thing. Have fun, you two.”

“Right,” Obi murmurs, every line of him tense. “Fun.”

The bleachers haven’t been broken down.

Somehow that’s the detail she hangs onto as they pull up to the field in Obi’s sedan, dew staining the satin of her flats. They’d been here only hours earlier, the afternoon sun burning bright and endless, but now fog hangs heavy over the grass with only the floodlights to break through it.

It’s strange how it only strikes her as she lays out a blanket with shaking hands, dew wetting her fingertips, that it’s all done now. Her whole life has been focused on graduating, on going to college, on not letting history repeat itself, and now it’s over, the work of a single afternoon. The moment she’s bent her whole life towards has passed.

Now she needs a new one.

“All right,” she says, settling onto her knees, feet crossed under her. “Is it time?”

Obi’s wide-eyed in the glow of the floodlights, mouth slack, his hands clenched around the edge of the envelope like he’s drowning and it’s the only thing holding him afloat. “Is it?”

“Obi.” She folds her hand over his, feeling how he shakes right down to his bones. “Whatever happens, we’ll be okay.” She gives him a confident smile she only half feels. “There’s skype, remember?”

He nods, absent. “Right. Right. I know. It’s just...”

Shirayuki knows what it’s just. She’d had plenty of time to think of every single worst-case scenario on the way over in triplicate, and now she’s just-- she’s just--

She’s tired of being afraid that something good will happen. “What’s the worst thing that could be in there? They won’t accept you? We’ve already been planning for that.” Her thumb rubs over the bone of his, soothing. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“I know, I know. I just...” He sniffs, rubbing his face on his shoulder. “Sometimes hope is worse, you know?”

She doesn’t, not really, but she knows that deep down inside, he’s still that little boy hoping his mom would fight for him, hoping that he’ll get passed to someone that will finally love him. She may not get it, but she understands.

“Okay, this is-- it’s getting dumb.” he laughs wetly, turning the envelope in his hand. “Let’s do this.”

Despite the bravado, his fingers shake as he opens it, muttering curses to himself when the flap won’t come off with one clean pull. Every time he tries to do another tear, the paper feathers out of his grip, until the edge is thousand little finicky rips that flutter off to the blanket. Shirayuki bites back a giggle as he tips the whole thing over, trying to use the weight of the packet to break through the last of it, sitting up on his knees and just shaking--

A thousand flyers flutter out, covering the blanket between them, the grass beside them, everything. Student Dining she sees on one, Greek letters on a dozen more, financial aid-- but still the bulk stays stuck inside, its squared-off corners stuck where the envelope didn’t fully tear.

“You know,” he grunts, tearing the edges off wholesale, “they don’t show you this shit in movies.”

A laugh bursts out of her, scattering the glossy papers she’d already straightened. “I think that’s because most people know how to open mail.”

“I know how to open mail,” he protests, shaking harder, “this is just unnaturally--”

The packet slips out in a slump, hitting the blanket with a weighty thwap, like the calves they show being birthed in biology class, only without all the, uh, extra gunk, or cows, or anything being actually birthed at all. They both stare at it, wide-eyed, neither of them making a move, not for the large, spiral-bound book or the crisp letter on top of it.

When Obi does, it’s for that, picking it up between his fingers as if it’s made of tissue, like all he has to do is breathe and it’ll break. Her eyes fall to the thick manual beneath it, squinting to make out the words Prospective Student Guide. Just like hers. “Obi...”

“I did it,” he chokes out. “I got in. I got in.”

In the glow of the floodlights she sees the shine on his face, and she knows, right then, that whatever her new moment is, she doesn’t want it unless its with him.

She fists his shirt in her hand, dragging him down until she can press her lips to his, until she can taste the salt under his lips and the hitch of his breath.

“I knew you could do it,” she murmurs as she pulls away, sitting back on her heels. “I’m so proud of you.”

His breath rasps out of his throat, eyes wide and gold like dollar coins, and-- and maybe this is too fast, too much. Maybe she’s too much like her mom, thinking that her high school boyfriend is forever when he’s really just right now, just what’s easy, and she--

She stops thinking when his mouth covers hers.

He whimpers into her mouth, hands digging through her hair like he can’t get close enough, like nothing less than consuming her whole will be. Her hands fly to his wrists, holding him where he is, leaning into his touch, and oh, maybe she is like her mom, falling too hard and too fast, but Obi’s right there to catch her.

With a groan, he pulls back, resting his forehead against hers. “Well, I gotta say...this sort of fucks up the gift I got you.”

“What do you--?”

He springs for the bag, set at the edge of the blanket, and thrusts it at her. “Go ahead.”

Her brows furrow as she rifles through the tissue, plucking out wads of crumpled paper. There’s two layers at least, packed tight, and even if she hadn’t heard the broad strokes of his life before he came to Clarines, she’d be worried about just what sort of childhood he had if he can’t pack a gift bag.

She unearths a blister pack, pulling it out with a twist of her fingers. There’s a headset nestled inside, blue and white, clip-on instead of buds, with the packaging boasting microphone included!

“Oh,” she breathes, running her fingers over the bubble. The bulge of the mic is innocuous, a small thing, and it’s so easy to see the way it would have slipped subtly it under a hoodie, or how she could have just slung it around her neck as she moved from class to class, never bothered by the weight. She’d believed him when he said he was serious about her, that nothing about his feelings were casual, but still, still--

He wanted to fit into her life, as unobtrusively as he could. Hours away, he wanted her to know that he was there for her, only a quick phone call away.

“I didn’t want to get the earbuds since you always say they hurt your ears.” His grin goes wide, wicked. “You know, because you’re tiny.”

“I’m not tiny,” she says, wrinkling her nose, “my ears are tiny.”

“Sure, kid.” He coughs, mouth twitching, “it’s your ears.”

“It is!” she insists, swatting at his arm. “Anyway, thank you. These are wonderful.”

Obi shrugs, just a twitch of his shoulders, cheek flushing the pales pink. “You won’t really be needing them now, I guess.”

“I guess not.” She sets them aside, right next to his student guide, and-- and it’s all so much. Too much. “It was thoughtful, though. And I’m sure I’ll use them anyway, even if it’s not for, you know, three hour long skype calls.”

“Yeah, keep ‘em.” His grin pulls even wider. “I’ll just have to make sure to get you that other gift too, to make up for it.”

She surges forward with a yelp, clapping a hand over his mouth. “Stop.”

His lips shiver beneath her palm, and despite the burn on her cheeks, she can’t stop smiling either, can’t stop thinking about this is it, he is it. “Just sayin’...”

“Yes, yes, I think you’ve said plenty, thank you,” she laughs, dropping her hand. She’s so close to him now, half on his lap, her hand pressed to where his chest still shakes with laughter, and-- “We should celebrate.”

“Oh, are you going to take me out?” His arm cinches around her, yanking her close, and she gives out a shriek, hands bracing on his shoulders. “Going to drive me out to Olive Garden and treat me right?”

“I mean...if you want,” she blurts out, wishing that she was better at conveying...stuff. Sexy stuff. “I just meant that we could, um, celebrate here, too. Now.”

“Oh.” His eyes pulse wide. “Oh. You mean...here. Just the two of us. Like...” He swallows hard. “What were you, ah, thinking?”

“I thought I might, ah--” this should be easier than it is, especially when she can feel him twitch against her thigh, excited-- “leave that up to you?”

His eyes go impossibly wider. “You mean...anything?”

“Yeah.” It’s what’s fair; she asked him to touch her, to make her come, and he should-- he should also get the choice. It’s his achievement, not hers.

Scientific fact. The words still ring in her ears, reminding her what a terrible idea this is. Given the choice, a dude will always want to be blown.

He ducks his head, fixing his gaze on hers. “Are you sure, kid?”

Shirayuki braces herself. It’s fine. She can do anything for him, even if it involves penises. “Yes. Anything.”

“Okay,” he breathes, “okay.”

That’s all the warning she has before she spills back, air huffing out of her as she hits a particularly hard clump of earth. Obi’s there in a second, wrapping her legs around him, and oh, she’d thought maybe this would be a-- a blowjob, but-- but Obi has had sex before, after all, even told her he missed it--

So it’s a real surprise when he just kisses her, open-mouthed and wanting, and doesn’t do anything.

Not that she’s complaining. He’s got one hand snug against her scalp and the other keeping her hips firmly against his in a way that is...very exciting, especially when she can feel, um, him grind into her, right where she’s starting to ache. It’s just--

“You just want to make out?” she asks, incredulous, as he slips the strap of her dress down and cups the breast he bares. “That’s it?”

He pulls back, blinking. “Is there a problem with that?”

It’s hard to locate one when he rolls her nipple like that, right between two long fingers before his mouth closes over it wholesale. But still, still-- “I thought you’d want to-- to--” she takes a gasping breath as his hand snakes up her thigh-- “do something, um, new.”

“I do,” he rumbles, mouth grinning against her breast. “I just can’t really, ah, go for it.”

“Why not?” She squirms, lifting her hips as he hooks a finger into her panties and pulls. “I said any-- ohhh--thing.”

His fingers slip against her in just the way she likes, and oh, it’s getting really hard to protest any of this. His mouth is back on her neck, kissing down to her sternum, and her arguments turn mushy and indistinct as she tries to voice them, slurring into groans and sighs as he touches her, tracing her clit and teasing her folds.

“I know,” he murmurs against her skin as she arches into a particularly good thrust. “And I appreciate it, but...it’ll feel weird if you aren’t ready.”

That gets her thinking, as much as she can in this state, but all high function stop the minute he purrs, “Good thing you are now.”

His mouth leaves her skin, the hand in her hair skipping straight down to ruck up her skirt, and still she has no idea what he could possibly mean until he puts his mouth right on her clit.

“Oh!” she yelps, hips bucking so hard she nearly knocks his chin. “Woah!”

He blinks up at her, concerned. “Is this okay?”

Oh, it’s...it’s really hard to think when she can feel every puff of breath out of his mouth like a caress, deliciously warm against her. “Yes. I mean, yes, but I thought you would want, ah, something for you?”

“For me?” His pupils blow wide as he looks down at her, bare and wet beneath him, leaving only a thinnest ring of gold. “Kid, you don’t know how much I’ve thought about this.”

“O-oh?” The worst part about him being down there, touching her, is that she knows he can feel her get wetter, get hotter. “Just...recently? Or...?”

He laughs, tongue tracing along her slit in a way that makes her sure she’s about to come right there, if only he’d keep going. “Always.”

“Always?” she breathes, curious.

She can’t really see his cheeks, but his neck definitely flushes. “You were just always perching on things with, you know, skirts on and being cute. I’m only human.”

(”--and I think we may have to move this flat,” she hums, tucking a leg beneath her, pulling her skirt back down over her knee. “Raj keeps running into it when he exits through the door, and-- Obi, are you listening?”

“Huh?” he slurs, gaze jerking up. “Were you saying something?”

She rolls her eyes. “Yes. The flats.”)

“Oh,” she pants, “oh.”

Her fingers curl through his hair, and with a single shuddering breath, she urges him down. His laugh huffs against her, so warm, and then he’s on her again, only this time better, more.

What he’s doing is just-- beyond her. His fingers thrust between her legs, so good and yet not nearly enough, hitting the rhythm she knows will bring her to the edge, but it’s his mouth that has her full attention. She’d imagined this before, sure, but she’d always though it would be his tongue where his fingers were, poking in and out, and she just assumed that would feel...good? Goofy, but probably nice, if people were always talking about doing it.

It had certainly appealed when Obi mentioned it, I could put my mouth on you, though she’d often wonder why afterward. Something that would make sense in the moment, she assumed, but not when someone was thinking with their actual brain, after.

She could not have been more wrong.

His mouth latches onto her clit, the jolt of pleasure almost too much, too intense when he give it one, strong suck. The noise she makes isn’t anything sexy, half a yelp and half a grunt, but he readjusts, tongue flicking over the tiny bud instead and-- oh, that’s...that’s much better.

Maybe a little bit too much. She wants this to last, to enjoy the feeling of him down there, between her legs, stubble tickling her thighs and mouth so warm against her, but-- she can feel it building already, too quickly, his fingers moving with his tongue in just the right way, sending her right to the edge--

She comes with a strangled cry, head tilted back toward the stars, and for a long moment she’s one with the sky above her, weightless, before she plummets back down to earth.

“Oh,” she gasps, blinking away tears, “wow.”

Obi flops beside her, mouth stretches in a grin, and pants, “Good celebration.”

She stares at him. “Is that it?”

He jolts up onto his elbow, serious. “Di you not--?”

“N-no! I did. I definitely did. It’s just...” She braces herself, determined. “It’s your celebration! You should come.”

His mouth rounds into a surprised O as he stares at her. He shakes himself a moment later, laughing, “No, no, trust me, Kid. I’m fine.”

“Obi.” She rolls up onto her elbow, fixing him with her most stubborn look. “I’m not going to make you drive back with a hard on, and then sit through more of my graduation party.”

She presses her thigh against it, just to underscore her point, and he groans, eyes fluttering shut. It should be so hot, but, ohh, it is.

“See?” she murmurs thickly. “The celebration isn’t over.”

His breath pants out of him, harsh. “Kid...”

“I-I could...”

“Kid,” he laughs, “don’t put yourself out. I can handle it. I mean, if you don’t, uh...”

“Yes!" She winces at the relief in her voice. “I mean...yes. You should-- do it now. I just won’t look.”

“Right,” he laughs as she turns over, putting her back to him. “I wouldn’t want you to feel oppressed by my massive--”

“If I’m going to see it one day, you probably don’t want to give me unrealistic expectations,” she snips waspishly, folding her hands to make a pillow.

“Oh.” The word bursts out of him, like he’s been punched. “Yeah. I mean...right.”

She can hear each tooth of his fly as he unzips, so slow she squirms in anticipation even though she’s not doing a thing, just laying here for, uh, moral support. It’s strange to think it’s right there, that if she turned over she’d see his-- his--

Well, a lot more of Obi than she’s seen before. More than she’s prepared to see, no matter how much she’s thought about it.

He gasps when he takes himself in hand, and even though she knows the mechanics of this, of boys doing that, she’s surprised at how quiet it is, how it sounds less like comical wet slapping and more like... skin on skin. It’s soft, rhythmic, lacking the weird, almost violent jerking in the five seconds of every old teen comedy she’s seen before she covered her eyes. And the sounds Obi makes...

Ah, those are...nice. Really nice.

Her thighs clench at each soft sigh, at the way his breath hitches with every stroke. Obi always said that just watching her come did it for him, and she believed him, she had, but-- now she knows how true it is. She only came minutes ago, but the sounds of him alone is making her wet, slicking the inside of her thighs and reminding her how he’d sounded in the car, months ago--

--ah, yes, like that, god – fuck, Shirayuki, I–

He moans, long and pained, and she-- she’s curious. Enough to get her into trouble, Grandad says, and sometimes out again. So she can’t help it, she-- she peeks.

Not at his-- down there, of course, but just at his face, at the safe parts. Or at least, it would have been safe, if his head wasn’t thrown back like that, if his eyes weren’t wrenched shut, mouth slack--

Yes, god, the way you sound – god, fuck, that’s so good, please –

Shirayuki rolls back, fitting tight against his side, stomach thrilling as she feels the pace of his arm rubbing against her, as she watches the way his whimpers eke out of his mouth, unbidden. He must feel it, feel the difference, because he stops, a whine wringing from his throat as his eyes slit open to look at her, so dark--

“Don’t stop,” she tells him, breathless. “Keep going.”

His eyes widen, seeking hers, and as he starts moving again, breath rasping out of his chest, all Shirayuki can see is gold. It’s too much, too much, and she leans in, covering her lips with his.

Obi gasps into her mouth, whimpering as her tongue licks against his teeth. He arches into her, hand wrapping around her neck and dragging her closer, fingers tangling roughly in her hair until he cups the back of her skull, holding her to him.

“God,” he murmurs against her lips, pulling back with each press to suck down a drowning man’s breath. “Fuck.”

His elbow works against her stomach, and she’s too curious still, letting her hand trail down his arm to feel the corded muscle there, standing out in stark relief as he strains to meet his pleasure. Her fingers trail down further, further, following those lines to his wrist, to where she can already feel the heat from his--

He whines, writhing beside her, hips bucking into her thigh, and she realizes: he’s coming.

Shirayuki jumps back from him with a pop, eyes searching his face, but it’s too late, it’s over, his head dropping back onto the grass with a laugh. In the burn of the floodlights, his face is flushed, dewy.

“You don’t, um, have a tissue or something in that bag of yours, do you?” he asks shyly, looking like he’d appreciate if the field experienced a sudden, localized sinkhole.

“Oh!” She pops up, grasping blindly for where she dropped her purse. “Yes! Here. I, um, also have hand sanitizer.”

Obi lets out a weak laugh as he takes the packet from her. “It’s not that much of a--” he hisses-- “mess, god damn.”

She dares a glance over her shoulder, mouth dry as she watches his back work. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, just-- sensitive.” He casts a shy glance over his shoulder, before letting it skitter away. “It was just...really good.”

“Oh.” That is really not helping with her whole...situation. Especially now that she can see where her panties are, an arm’s length away on the grass, and she’s reminded that there’s nothing beneath her dress, that she could easily lay back and-- “Oh.”

“Yeah.” His zipper is loud in the silence, enough that she feels her own blush bloom on her cheeks. He lets out a sigh, scrubbing a hand down his face. “You know, I think it’s good you have your dickphobia, kid.”

That’s...definitely not what she’d though he’d say after all...this. “Oh?”

“Yeah.” He lays down next to her, hands raising up to grasp her by the shoulders and guide her down beside him, ear pressed firmly to his chest. His heart is beating loud, strong, and triple time. “If that’s what it’s like with you just being here, I don’t know if...” He coughs, squirming. “I’m not sure I’m ready to have sex either. With you.”

She shrinks. Of course, of course. “Oh...”

“No, no! That’s not--” he pulls back to look at her, so serious-- “I want to. I want to so bad. But, I just mean...”

He lets out a sigh, head hitting the ground with a thunk. “I’ve never done any of this with, you know, feelings too. It’s just been...stuff. That I did. To feel good. But now...”

He bites his lip, and it’s terrible how it only makes her want to kiss it, to take it into her mouth and sooth away the sting. “Like, my dick wants to have sex, all the way, all the time. Everything about you does it for me, and I just...” He lets out a frustrated groan. “I think that my...my heart...”

He presses a hand there, brows furrowed, like he’s not used to thinking about it. “Never mind.”

“No, I...” She lays a hand over his, squeezing it. “I get it.”

“It’s just that...” He takes a breath, clears his throat, and looks at her with eyes as warm as honey. “You’re not casual for me, Shirayuki.”

She can feel the smile on her face, almost too big to contain, and she leans down, pressing a kiss to his lips. “Good,” she breathes, curling fingers into his hair. “You’re not casual for me either.”

[fishtorsos]

Sometimes you gotta be the change you want to see in the world and sometimes that means painting hawkeye themed coffee mugs in your living room at midnight.

I put details on how I made the mugs below the Read More!

Just as a quick note: Going to a pottery painting place like Color Me Mine might be easier than the below? I’ve only been to Color Me Mine a couple times and that was years ago, so I vaguely remember it being expensive which is why I opted for DIY. (Also the one mug I painted there - the paint flaked off after a couple uses and I’m still salty. My mom still uses and loves her mug though).

Note on the paint: Pebeo isn’t the cheapest brand. I lucked out and got it on sale from Blick and Amazon has some. Any porcelain/ceramic non-toxic paint would also probably work fine! I used Pebeo since you bake it for a permanent finish and its specific for porcelain, ceramic, glass and crockery! I painted both mugs with one 45mL of paint, did more than 4 coats, and there’s still a little left over so it definitely lasts. HOWEVER, the paint is not recommended for surfaces that will come directly into contact with food. I wanted to keep the inside and edge white, so that didn’t bother me.

For this I painted a white mug purple, but the paint comes in multiple colors so painting a purple mug with a white word bubble, mixing different colors to make a different purple, or whatever you desire is 100% possible.

I wish I took pictures during this process, but since I didn’t, this will mostly just be words.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Supplies:

Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Paint (Parma Color)

Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Paint Marker (Anthracite Black, Fine Point)

White Mug

Painters Tape

Alcohol or Nail Polish Remover

Soft paint brushes (one super-fine, the other as wide as you want)

Optional:

Sandpaper or multiple emery boards/nail files (I’m a fuck up)

Pebeo Porcelaine 150 Paint (Opaline Pink Color)

Step 1:

Draw and cut out a template of your word bubble. Once satisfied, cut painters tape into the shape and attach it to the mug. (I have thin painters tape, and had to layer multiple pieces. It was a bit of a mess)

Step 2:

After you have your paint set-up and brush ready, FIST YOUR MUG (no really). I found this to be the easiest way to paint the entire mug. You can easy twist you wrist to access the needed mug location and prevent dripping.

The paint is opaque so it takes at least 4 coats to reach a solid color.

Note: The paintbrush will leave brush marks, so the application and finished product won’t be perfectly smooth. A forum somewhere said the wider/bigger the brush, the less brush marks. My brush was super old and only about 1/4″ thick, but I actually like the texture!

Step 3:

Remove the mug from your hand. This is a bit of a struggle, I suggest a table edge for help.

Since, I didn’t paint the lip of the mug, smearing any paint on the lip wasn’t an issue. If you do get paint on the lip, alcohol on a paper towel or even just chipping it off with your nail later when everything is dry works great.

Step 4:

Wait for the paint to dry, then remove the word bubble tape. If the paint isn’t completely dry, it will stretch when you remove the tape, which isn’t an issue! Just unstick it and lay it flat (it may form a crease which is what the sandpaper is for).

Step 5:

There will be paint that leaked past the tape. Its easy enough to remove with alcohol. A few places where the paint was thicker, I used my nails to chip it off. Don’t worry if the edges look a bit like shit, that’s what the fine paint brush is for.

Note: An amazon review for the paint said that if you replace the tape between every coat of paint, then there’s less leakage. I did not test this as I am not that patient of a person.

Treat other areas such as the mug lip with alcohol and potential-finger nail chipping if there’s paint where its not supposed to be. For the lip I got lazy and used a metal ruler too. Again, don’t worry about pretty edges.

Step 6:

Break out the fine tip paint brush. Fix edges around the word bubble and lip using paint and brush. This may take multiple applications of paint, be patient and let the paint dry before adding more.

Step 6.5: (Optional)

This is probably not recommended by any professional and if you do this step, make sure the paint is completely dry. If you have any ridges, or gross bumps, or if the edges or our word bubble just aren’t nice texture wise, SANDPAPER.

JUST SANDPAPER THE MUG.

CAREFULLY.

And for more delicate locations, a nail file will do.

I did this to both mugs because I’m a monster. After sandpapering, do wash the mug (do NOT use abrasives when washing) to remove any left over powder. If the paint is dry, its safe to wash without worrying about the colors running.

You will have to add another coat of paint to any section you sand down.

Step 7:

Once you complete any touch-ups and have let the paint completely dry, use the paint marker to write your words! I suggest using a pencil to mark the spots. I didn’t and it took multiple tries to create a C I liked.

Be patient here. If you write a letter, like it, but its not dark enough, wait for it to dry completely before touch-up. The marker paint dries quick so unless you’re touching up the letter immediately, you’ll ruin it.

If you aren’t satisfied with your letters, guess what!? Alcohol takes them off super easy! I suggest using a q-tip, especially if you’re only removing sections of the writing.

Step 7.5: (Optional)

I decided to make the bottom of the mug a target. I honestly eyeballed it. You can fix any edges using alcohol and the fine tip paintbrush. I used the Opaline Pink paint for the center dot, and like the Parma, it takes multiple coats.

Note: The dot barely uses any paint. I used the Opaline Pink since I had originally bought it to paint an entire mug, but decided not. Now, I can see that the Opaline Pink mixed with Parma probably would’ve made a very nice shade of purple, so that’s always a consideration! Alternatively can get white, and make a lighter shade of parma! Be careful to mix enough as its always a bitch trying to match a shade mid-project.

Step 8:

Once completely satisfied with paint job, allow mug to dry for 24 hours.

Step 9:

After mugs have dried for 24 hours, heat up your oven to 300F (150C). Bake mugs for 35 minutes. I allowed the mugs to come to room temperature in the oven, since I was afraid they’d crack. I also washed the mugs prior to baking.

Note: Your entire kitchen floor or apartment will smell like paint. It was like living in a craft store. Open windows. Turn on fans. I was dog watching and have never received so much shade from my canine friend before.

Step 10:

Let mugs cool. Congrats you now have your own hand painted mug!

Feel free to ask any question!

[crystalized-dreams]

Will you ever upload more abyssrium or word villas or some other mobile games?

In general, mobile games are really tricky to record. I used to have a fairly decent program I used-- Side Sync, but it’s been discontinued and is now broken. I can still kind of use it (as I did with my recent Pocket Camp video and the STYLIT video), but it’s a huge pain and skews the video entirely as essentially the vertical game is being shown squished into a horizontal perspective. There is no fix. 

I haven’t found a program that works for my needs. The closest I can find either have a monthly fee (I don’t mind buying something once, but I don’t use things enough to justify a monthly fee), some kind of recording mark over the video and/or will record sound through the microphone. I actually generally play mobile games muted and live in a very loud house so that helps no one. Or they aren’t for screen sharing at all and are really just to get your emails/alerts which I don’t need.

And Samsung Flow, Side Sync’s replacement, is honestly terrible. I can’t get it to work. 

While I could consider an emulator, the issue there is not all games properly carry over progress and my computer is slowly having more issues and just can’t always run them. I do try to use an Emulator for games where I know I will play for a long time, but it can be pretty glitchy (Using Choices and Hogwarts Mystery as examples, my progress isn’t always properly saved and sometimes I have to redo things on my phone after). 

As for the games you specifically asked about, being completely honest, I don’t think I’d be uploading more of Abyssrium or Word Villas regardless as, to put it nicely, both have became a bit too greedy for me. 

Before I go into it, I want to say I never have an issue with putting money into a game I enjoy. I’ve spent a lot on Abyssrium and a fair amount on Word Villas. But I have very little patience with subscriptions for one and I just... haven’t enjoyed a lot of choices either game has made recently (of the two, despite playing Abyssrium longer, I think Word Villas has made me more upset about the direction they’ve gone). 

This will also get quite long, so....

My first worry with Abyssrium came with the pearls. I dislike second currencies and we already had some expensive things (they had a Mermaid for $100 for crying out loud, but they at least seemed to be slowing down with that). Next were some of the event features... like the 150 gift boxes for an event fish. That is A LOT of constantly logging in and I am very much a “let be just be done ASAP and be good” person (I’ll be talking about this more in an upcoming entry) so the added walls were another thing really making me kind of anxious about Abyssrium.

Then they added subscriptions. No ads (which with the amount of their stupid events that required you to watch ads now was HUGE to save time) and the adorable Puffin taunted me, as I had every other fish up to this point. I couldn’t justify $7 a week for that though so I only ever temporarily did the subscription whenever an event happened.

And thus our problem-- we started getting monthly events. Which included a $10-$20 exclusive new species (and sometimes even a second one for you to spend even more money on). And also new dailies which removed more accessible pearl getting, but also were another layer to these events as every single one would have a whole second set of objectives with one that required you to complete 3 Dailies in a row. 

I rarely did the dailies, partially due to my burnt out issues when it comes to monotonous tasks, but also because I find tapping incredibly painful. So I was killing my wrist every single event. And that adds up fast.

It was just too much to keep track of. And then they added in a gacha system too that cost event currency or materials and it just... it was too much. This was too much every month and like why I dropped Pocket Camp (and now only really check in for the special gifts), I just couldn’t take a chance to breathe. 

Adding in Abyssrium Pole just made it worse which continued some of the worst parts of the original while also making things even slower at times and it’s a shame as there’s some really neat things they did with it, but it was just annoying. 

This doesn’t even go into all the other little intricacies I had with some events (Like having to create more than one of each or remake ones I already had because of some objective), but it was just exhausting. 

----

As for Word Villas... Just... ugh, I think what really breaks my heart with this is I LOVE decorating games, but I HATE Match Three′s with a passion so this was so much more my speed and they just had to ruin it. I don’t know if I’ll ever find a replacement either because for some reason every single time someone makes a decoration-based game, they have Match Three firmly printed on their forehead. 

I’m going to bullet-print this one because none of it really requires the long description as Abyssrium did for the most part, but it’s just a lot of frustrations and the fact that they just didn’t seem to care about their fans up to this point.

Constant events. Some people hated these events as they just wanted more rooms, but I actually really enjoyed them! The issue mainly came as they were just, like Abyssrium’s issue, happening constantly. I would’ve been fine with a break of no updates, but it was getting a bit exhausting to constantly be doing event stuff... Especially as the events generally required 60 levels minimum to get everything (Some only required 40 but it was still a lot) and it was just tiring to power through so many due to the limited time.

Similarly, there was a glitch with the Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year event and not everyone even got the photo, yet they were never able to fix this. 

We also started getting Competitive Events which nobody really seemed to want? Myself included. The game was a solo game. This was entirely pointless and making some items only available to the person in first was super scummy, especially when some people were already out of levels and thus, couldn’t keep going for that #1 spot in the first place. 

The Blossom Problem - Blossoms are no longer even in the game, having been replaced by Blue tickets which you can only get randomly through certain things ooor by buying them with a premium currency that you can only get with real money... yet these are now used to get things the blossoms were-- Collectibles that can be used as decorations in various house areas. Some people had over 50,000 blossoms built up only for them to be dumped. They kept asking for more things to be used on. Blossoms were only gotten for hitting certain combo streaks and while not having the combo streak pressure is nice, it’s still a huge slap in the face to long-term players who saved up. 

The writing is kind of spotty. In all honesty, I glance over this a lot as I like the characters quite a bit, but anytime the main character talks with her best friend about dieting and not wanting to get fat when they’re super thin, I just cringe. The dialogue is unneeded. It’s a game for crying out loud. And honestly, proof reading is needed. 

They did recently let use customize the MC’s appearance to an extent, but we still can’t change her eye color or skin color and hairstyles are set to whatever color they are. But we can’t adjust her sleepwear appearance... 

The Premium Currency - There’s just... no ways to get this in-game (or if there are, I have not found them and it’s definitely not much) and yet they keep adding more things that require them. 

New Visual Novel feature? Every choice that is somewhat romantic or just not being awful requires it. And this is a shame as I’d genuinely love to read some. 

Furniture options you like? Might require it. (Heck, the only other option in the current “limited” boardwalk decorating does each time). 

Certain customization options? Require it. 

As a note, I’m not even necessarily against premium currencies as long as the prices are fair and it’s possible to earn in-game too, but otherwise when your game has a huge focus on customization and/or collecting, it’s essentially pay to win and that’s a problem. 

My biggest issue as we get more and more currencies though is the main one often ends up taking a backseat because of it. 

As I mentioned above with Abyssrium, I have no issue purchasing games, but I think having to repeatedly pay to remove ads is super dumb and getting ads between rounds is so annoying, but I don’t always play enough to justify paying every month to remove ads. I also just find it kind of distasteful. 

The upped star costs. I get that I’m pretty far in, but needing 3 minimum to 4 or 5 Stars at a time now to do things is honestly just kind of boring. I liked to do bursts of levels than story, but now I just have to do too many levels to do that and I can’t switch off enough to keep myself from getting burnt out. 

The stupid mission pass thing. Let. People. Play. At. Their. Own. Pace. And don’t prevent rewards just because people won’t pay for the premium version... there shouldn’t even be two versions. 

Too grindy. Too many levels needed for so many things (events, the stupid competitive stuff, etc.) and it’s just exhausting. 

The constant events also really did just end up burning me out in and off itself and then running out of my “no ads” time period due to how little I’m playing just gets me more discouraged. I used to be up to date, but I’ve been behind due to the larger costs and lack of time (and then the ad issue and ugh). I can’t even bother with most of their events lately as it just isn’t fun. 

[arielmagicesi]

often when a series ends and especially when there is such a show-stopping ending, before I can analyze how I feel, I have to first list everything that actually happened. Now I don’t know if Steven Universe is actually over but I just. what the fuck that was too much I didn’t have time to react before getting slapped with something else

spoilers below obviously

I was tempted to start listing from the point of “Gem Drill” because I’ve heard that only a year has passed since then and I mean, what a fucking wild year for poor Steven. I’m also tempted to start listing from “A Single Pale Rose” because shit moved FAST starting from there. But I’m just gonna list everything that happened in “Change Your Mind.”

It’s kind of what makes me suspect that this is the final episode of the entire series, because although plot pacing has been accelerating throughout the entire series (going from “Steven learns how to bubble” taking 10 episodes, to “diamond showdown” being a minor subplot of 1) and although the plot pacing went super-speed for this whole diamond arc, this episode shoved EVERY LAST THING IN.

stuff that could’ve waited (Lars and Sadie’s reunion) and stuff that should’ve taken vastly longer if it even should’ve happened at all (White Diamond’s lightning-speed reformation) was all put into one episode. now, it was deftly combined, and I liked almost every individual part, and there was some possibly-unintended comedy to it all (”she’s GOOOOONE!!!!” and White Diamond demonstrating the big ship’s pussy-out look, etc) but holy hell I would have loved for it to have gone at a slower pace so that they could have explored some of the stuff.

[also, my ability to react to things is lessened. meeting Sunstone would’ve been, I’m not joking, the highlight of my week just two years ago. now it wasn’t even the coolest of the fusions we met, and meeting the fusions was an incredibly minor point in the episode. also i have other things in my life now lol]

obviously, part of this pacing is due to the airing schedule of the show. on a normal airing schedule, I’d feel emotionally exhausted- this would have been, what, a month after the Pink-Diamond-is-Rose-Quartz reveal? but because this show airs in the dumbest way possible, we have like five hundred years between plot points. however, Steven did not? Pearl did not? Garnet did not? CONNIE did not? how the fuck are they getting along?

secondly, this was all in one episode, so yeah holy shit, some whiplash occurring for this here viewer

(one final note: I now take back getting annoyed that we got Watermelon Moana last week because it was so gentle compared to this)

anyway, my promised list of Crazy Shit that happened in one 40-minute episode:

1. Steven gets a flashback that tells him about a previous transgression of Pink’s, where we meet some other aliens. pointing to an old rebellion?

2. we see another Steven identity crisis with him flashing through Steven-Pink-Rose

3. Steven convinces Blue Diamond that she’s abusive and she immediately realizes the error of her ways and decides to help him and Connie out. (also, Connie talks to Diamonds a lot, I love her. damn girl)

4. we retrieve the bubbled Crystal Gems

5. Yellow and Blue have a big public diamond showdown

6. we discover that Yellow Diamond has emotions and tears, and feels pressured. shocking. if only the planets she’d colonized had thought to sit her down and chat

7. Yellow decides to join Steven’s side as well

8. they make a plan to escape via the leg-ship

9. White Diamond decides to show up and do her Creepy Act and she lands her big torso on the legs (confirming the obvious theory that the ships act as one big body)

10. Diamond Showdown Part 2, where Yellow and Blue attempt to fight White

11. Bismuth, Lapis, and Peridot return. We see Lapis and Peridot’s new forms.

12. Bismuth has fixed the arm ships and upper-cuts an upper-crust for the first time in her life in a really cool way.

13. Steven manages to say words to White Diamond, and so do Yellow and Blue.

14. White Diamond GREY-IFIES BLUE AND YELLOW DIAMOND

15. which also means we find out exactly what the fuck is wrong with White Pearl (also may I say, this is something I wrote about in my fic, accessible on my AO3, linked in my About)

16. Steven falls dramatically with the gems of his friends in his arms

17. Steven finds out he can (and decides to) retrieve gems from their gems by fusing with them

18. We see Smoky Quartz form mid-air

19. We see Amethyst’s new form

20. Steven fuses with Pearl for the first time ever, and we see Rainbow Quartz 2.0 for the first time

21. We see Pearl’s new form

22. We see what a pink diamond/rose quartz forms with a garnet for the very first time

23. Steven’s own first fusion with Garnet

24. Sunstone attempts to start shit with the giant robot

25. We see Garnet’s new form

26. Bismuth presents the replacement for the Sword of Rose Quartz, as a gift to Connie

27. We see the full-blown temple fusion for the very first time ever

28. Steven has his first fusion with all the Crystal Gems

29. We meet Obsidian and she succeeds in starting shit with the giant robot

30. We see Bismuth, Peridot, Lapis, and Connie all contribute to the fight and survive horrifyingly dangerous scenarios. (still gotta wonder what the HELL Connie’s mom was thinking... she went from not letting her kid watch inaccurate TV shows to letting her nearly die countless times in outer space at the hands of alien dictator robots)

31. let me just add, I <3 Connie and she deserves the world. bravest kid in the universe

32. the Crystal Gems find a way to invade the robot

33. the four main Crystal Gems face up against White Diamond herself and her grey-ified pearl and grey-ified fellow diamonds

34. White reveals a bit to us via villain-monologue that we probably could’ve guessed already: she wants every gem to be flawless, to be identical to her essentially yet subservient- which she considers to be synonymous with flawlessness- and her theory about the way the colors of the diamonds informs their personalities. Including that Pink is part of White, despite White’s dislike of this fact.

35. White grey-ifies the Crystal Gems

36. Connie arrives, also fully ready to fight this bitch

37. the grey-ified Crystal Gems restrain Steven and Connie

38. Steven gets to have that full-fledged conversation he wanted with White, I guess

39. BIGGEST ACTUAL REVEAL OF THE EPISODE: We find out what happens when Steven’s gem is removed from his stomach!!! that’s been a question since episode ONE I think

40. we get to see a Pink Steven and a Human Steven, which is pretty cool. I compare it to what might happen if you got split into What You Got From Your Dad and What You Got From Your Mom

41. this is just my theory, but we find out, I think, that Steven’s general strength in everyday movement comes from diamond strength and that he turns weaker than a baby without it, which makes sense because he’s always had it

42. White Diamond attempts to grey-ify Pink

43. we find out, as Pink Steven so eloquently says, that Pink Diamond/Rose Quartz really, really is gone. she died in childbirth essentially. I think he might someday manage to access her full memories but I don’t think that persona is ever returning

44. we see what Steven’s bubbles/shield would look like in full diamond form

45. the badass scene of Connie CARRYING STEVEN TO HIMSELF?

46. we discover that either Steven is the most special boy ever, or White’s powers are no match for love or some shit

47. we get to see Steven...  fuse with himself?

48. everyone gets un-greyified. Including White Pearl. the white-pearl-is-old-pink-pearl theory is confirmed, though I think it may have been in a flashback in “Familiar” and hinted at during Steven’s flashback at the start of the episode when Blue said “she’ll take away your pearl”

49. we see Steven/Pink’s full empathy powers in play, I think? that’s what happened when he pink-ified the whole group? INCLUDING WHITE?

50. Steven gives White Diamond one of his lightning-round therapy sessions, and she decides to Be Nice Now, Actually

51. that’s right. THERE ARE NO VILLAINS I’M GONNA LOSE MY MIND

52. the ENTIRE GROUP GOES TO EARTH

53. meaning that White leaves Homeworld (and “her own head”) for the first time in eons, according to the other Diamonds anyway

54. we get to see Sadie and the Cool Kids’ new looks. minor I know, but Jenny looks great in a suit!

55. also minor but cool: they’re covering “Let Me Drive My Van Into Your Heart”

56. for the second time in like 2 weeks, Diamond Ships interrupt a townwide Beach City gathering

57. we find out that Beach City is full of fucking idiots who thought that the ship was like, a grand finale to the concert? instead of full-on panicking mayhaps? cause every time this shit happens it usually leads to mayhem?

58. the Off-Colors, coincidentally, finally arrive on Earth at the exact same time

59. Lars meets Lion for the first time as Pink Zombie Brothers

60. Lars and Sadie reunion, in which we also find out that Sadie is like a legendary figure for the Off Colors

61. THE OFF COLORS MEET THE FUCKING DIAMONDS

62. Greg and Steven reunite

63. The Diamonds meet and finally heal the Centipeedles

64. The Diamonds visit Rose’s fountain and get it working as a four-diamond extravaganza event

65. every gem from the temple is brought there to be healed. we see the healing of, I assume, p much every monster we’ve met

66. we get to see the Heaven and Earth Beetle, who are pebbles too, and lesbians!

67. callback to the memories of the four Diamonds having swimming pool time

68. Jasper gets healed and naturally tries to destroy Steven immediately, then looks up to see all three of her diamonds. She and Amethyst get to bond, I guess.

69. Callback to the intro itself with the “We Are the Crystal Gems” song and all the new Crystal Gems chilling on the beach

70. New song, “Change Your Mind” and it’s cute obviously

My feelings on the episode? So besides what I wrote above the list, re: whiplash, I think that from a realistic standpoint and a writing-fantasy standpoint, it is some wild shit. For all three diamonds to achieve a FULL redemption arc in one episode? Too much. For there to be NO villains? Come on. And for the lesson to be, we should just give heartless dictators love and they’ll grow hearts? Worrying.

However, as I reached the end of the episode, I thought about a time in high school when my teacher asked me which superpower I’d want, and then annoyed the class by seeming morally superior by saying he’d want to speak every language. Thinking on it later, I thought- I’d want more than every language. I’d want the ability to TRULY understand others, and to make them TRULY understand me- and each other. Because yes, OF COURSE every conflict can be boiled down to a lack of understanding, a lack of empathy. If we had superhuman empathy on our side, we really could do away with violence. But in the real world, we don’t have superhuman empathy, we just have regular empathy, and some don’t even try to use that. So saying “have a little empathy for your oppressors” is ghoulish.

But Steven DOES have superhuman empathy. In fact, all the Diamonds do. Blue can make others cry, White can make others be identical to her, and Yellow can give others fear and command. And they use it only for evil. But Pink can make others understand. And she had only used it for frivolous things until she finally combined with a non-gem life form. Then, human empathy met superhuman empathy, and did what it had to do. THAT is how Steven defeated the Diamond Reign of Terror.

That being said: I don’t know if the target audience of kids really caught that nuance, considering that the episode went so fucking fast. Additionally: some of that superhuman empathy could’ve been pointed at the legions of crushed, oppressed little gems- which I know it was- but the focus was SO intensely on, like, “poor Yellow never got enough credit for being SO good at imperialism!”

So yeah. Both writing-wise, pacing-wise, plot-wise, message-wise... I did love it, as I do the whole show, but I also thought it could’ve benefited from some space, some criticism, and some better organization down at Cartoon Network’s scheduling department.

Art-wise, well I’m not an animation expert, but Obsidian can get it <3 and I loved the designs for everything.

Character-wise... I’ll have to think on it more.

OK THE END I’M DONE REACTING TO STEVEN UNIVERSE. SHOW’S OVER

[ieechans]

Tea Leaves | Witch!AU | Pt. 8 (FINAL)

Summary: As a witch trying to make a living in a town that absolutely despises witches, you and your familiar find a group of boys that make your time there a little more bearable. [playlist] Word Count: 4,365 Genre: fluff, comedy Member: Lee “Dino” Chan TW: none i can think of! tell me if you need anything tagged

Pt.: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 (FINAL) 

A/N: this entire part summarized in one word: SIKE anyways thank u all for sticking around to read the fic that’s most dear to me :’) it took me an entire year to finish this and im sorry that it took so long, but i’m happy to say that im actually.. satisfied with something ! i swore i planned on having a much ore meaningful spiel but... oh well. keep an eye out on the ‘tea leaves’ page on my master archives, i’ll be updating that with info soon. that’s a wrap on tea leaves, folks ! onto the next one !

The last day of the month only meant one thing to Joshua: it was time to clean. It wasn’t like he minded, it was routine for him. That, and he didn’t have anything better to do majority of the time. Every person under the roof was busy in one way or another, so he took the liberty of making sure they wouldn’t get consumed by the mess that accumulated in their rooms every month. He had cleaned up every room so far, and the final room left was the lone door at the end of the hall: Jihoon’s room.

Joshua gently knocked on the door and waited for a response. Upon hearing no footsteps, he carefully twisted the knob of the door and entered, mumbling a “sorry for intruding” under his breath as he did so.

He walked over to Jihoon’s desk and sorted out the piles of paper to make neater stacks and placed the pens and pencils back into their appropriate holders. He drew back the curtains and opened up the windows, allowing for a fresh breeze to blow into the room.

Jihoon’s room was never too messy, so there wasn’t much he needed to do. He quickly scanned over his surroundings before heading back over to the door. Just was he was about to exit, he realized that he had forgotten to change the sheets. He briskly walked over as he stripped the bed, neatly folding the sheets and placing them aside.

He lifted up Jihoon’s pillow and began to remove the case until he heard a clatter against the ground. He winced at the sound of the impact and got onto the floor, curious to see what could have dropped. He reached under the bed, feeling around until his fingers touched a smooth, cold surface. He furrowed his brows as he pulled it out from underneath the bed and held it up to his face. It was an empty glass vial.

His eyes widened upon realizing where exactly it came from and he immediately got up from the floor, quickly leaving the room. He walked in strides to the end of the hall where Jeonghan’s study was and threw the door open, not even bothering to knock. Jeonghan jumped in his seat at the sudden entrance and frowned at Joshua.

“You know you should always knock when I’m in my study, Joshua,” he said.

Joshua said nothing and walked up to Jeonghan’s desk, placing the vial right on top of his current work. “Look what you did,” he said accusingly. “There isn’t a single drop of that emotion left in this vial.”

Jeonghan picked up the vial and examined it all around. “Oh. You’re right.”

“Do you realize what you just did? Jihoon literally downed an entire vial of emotion and all you have to say is ‘oh’?” Joshua glared at Jeonghan, his frustration rising. “This was too dangerous, but you decided to play around anyways!”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Joshua’s eyes widened, and he had to sit down in order to process what Jeonghan had just said to him. “What did you just say? Who even let you be a witch?”

Jeonghan waved his hand. “I had everything planned out. The charm I gave him was supposed to nullify whatever intentional or unintentional effect that Y/N happened to put on him. That vial? Mostly useless,” Jeonghan said nonchalantly. “The green tea that you told me he made should already be lessening the effects since it’s already been a week. But because he drank the rest of the vial, he’ll probably have one final emotional outburst before it’s out of him completely.”

“Of course, classic Jeonghan. Making things more complicated than they need to be.” Joshua narrowed his gaze, positioning himself so that his legs dangled off the armchair of his seat. “What about the party? How’ll you think that’ll go?”

The witch pursed his lips, his attention returned to the work in front of him. “I don’t know, but it’ll be fun.”

Chan tugged at the collar of his dress shirt, the fit suddenly being too tight. He let out a sigh as he smoothed down his blazer, examining his reflection in the mirror. He gently pat his hair that he so meticulously gelled up and looked over to the wall clock. It was time to leave for the party.

He quietly stepped out into the hall and peered down both ends, making sure Soonyoung’s master wasn’t home. He then briskly made his way to the staircase and descended, quickly leaving the house. He let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding once he was outside, taking in the cool evening air. The sun almost touched the horizon, streaks of orange filling the sky that faded into soft pinks and purples. Despite the beautiful scenery, it only reminded him that he had until midnight to fix everything.

As he began to walk down the sidewalk, he felt the invitation in his pocket getting heavier. Although he did want to return to you as Dino, the fear that you didn’t like him as Chan still lingered in his mind. How would you even react to the news? He recalled the path to the mayor’s home, making a left at one intersection, turning right at another. The large villa came into view, the sound of orchestral music reaching the streets. He approached one of the men at the gates and pulled out his invitation. Once looked over, he was admitted and the gates were closed behind him. There was no going back. He had to kiss you before midnight.

Despite being sick the week before, Jihoon had insisted that he walked you to the party. He told you that he didn’t want you getting lost, and you appreciated the kind gesture. Once you were admitted past the gates, you stopped to converse with another individual who complimented your dress. When you looked back to your right, Jihoon had seemingly disappeared.

You shrugged it off and assumed he had gone off to talk to someone he knew. You didn’t mind. You figured you would go look for Chan, seeing as he was supposed to be your date. Your eyes scanned through the crowd in the ballroom, mainly looking for the suit that matched your outfit. You let out a huff of frustration. He was nowhere within your line of sight. With nothing better to do, you decided to explore the mansion. You decided that you’d have better luck finding Chan that way instead.

“Don’t steal anything, Jun.”

“I wasn’t planning on it,” Jun responded with a roll of his eyes.

The pair found the ballroom a bit too stuffy for their liking and resorted to walking around the halls and mindlessly wandering in hopes of finding something that piqued their interest. Initially, they didn’t plan on going to the party. They weren’t invited. However with the knowledge that it was d-day for Chan, Minghao managed to get both him and Jun inside undetected. They knew he’d need help, and they were correct. Jun stopped and stuck his arm back, stopping Minghao.

“Someone’s in the halls, too. They have an aura,” he said quietly.

A figure walked into the hall the pair were in, but they didn’t seem like they had a destination. They were wandering, just like them. When the individual came closer, that was when the two realized it was you. Despite confidently sneaking into the party with the goal of helping Chan, the pair froze up on the spot. That was when they realized that they didn’t actually have any sort of plan.

You were walking with your eyes trained on the marble tiles, paying very little attention to your surroundings. It was until you heard the hitch of a breath when you looked up and your eyes met with two other pairs. It was an awkward staring contest from there, neither party knowing what to say. You didn’t know why two fairly attractive strangers were looking at you. Jun and Minghao didn’t know why you were examining their faces for so long. Your head slowly began to tilt to the side, your eyes narrowing.

“D-do I know you two from somewhere?” you stammered.

That seemed to break the spell, resulting in Jun elbowing Minghao sharply. Minghao turned to glare at Jun, but the familiar’s eyes had a look that screamed “now’s our chance”.

Minghao cleared his throat and stood up straighter. “You’re friends with Chan, right?”

“I am,” you replied slowly. “Who are you guys?”

“We’re also his friends,” Jun interjected. “He actually told us he was looking for you awhile ago.”

The confusion on your face was replaced with a bright smile. “Really? Where is he?”

“He…” Jun’s voice trailed off, unsure of what to say next.

“He told us that if we were to find you – which we coincidentally did – to tell you to meet him on the balcony on the second floor,” Minghao said, a forced smile on his face.

“Oh, okay, thank you!” you chirped, turning back around and walking back the way you came.

Once you were out of their line of sight, the two let out a simultaneous sigh.

“I’m not even sure if this place has a balcony on the second floor,” Minghao groaned, rubbing his temples.

“Whatever, we have to go find Chan right now,” Jun mumbled, grabbing Minghao’s arm and tugging him in the opposite direction you went. “Hopefully she gets lost looking for that balcony.”

Chan stood at the top of the steps that lead down to the dance floor. He leaned onto the railing, hoping that he’d be able to find you at a higher elevation. He looked down at his suit and scanned the crowd for a matching dress, but the giant mass of vibrant colors did little to help him in his search. He let out a dejected sigh and left the steps. Knowing you, he figured that you’d probably be wandering right about now.

The orchestral music began to fade away as he walked further from the ballroom, the empty halls only amplifying his tendency to overthink. Just when he visualized you getting on your broom and leaving him behind, he collided with another individual. He shook his head profusely, removing the thoughts from his head. He looked up to realize that he didn’t bump into one individual, but two: Jun and Minghao.

His eyes widened. “What are you two doing here?”

“Helping you,” Jun replied almost immediately. “Y/N is somewhere on this floor of the mansion looking for a balcony. We told her you would meet her there.”

“You ran into –”

“No time for questions,” Minghao interrupted, grabbing Chan by the shoulders and turning him around. He then began to push Chan forward. “She’s not on this side of the building, we’ve made sure of that. Check the other side.”

“W-wait just a second –” Chan stuttered, all the information coming at him too quickly for his taste.

“Chan, it’s a quarter to eleven,” Jun said urgently.

“Please tell time like a normal person,” Chan groaned, turning back impatiently.

“Ten forty-five,” Minghao clarified. “You have an hour and fifteen minutes.”

And with the time given to him, Chan took off down the hall, a “thank you” echoing off the walls.

Chan let out a frustrated huff as he passed a painting he swore he had passed at least six times before. He ran a hand through his hair, his initial sprinting now more of him dragging his feet. He glanced up at the wall clock he had also passed at least six times to find that exactly fifteen minutes has passed. He had been going in circles for fifteen minutes, yet you were nowhere to be found.

He reached the same godforsaken intersection for the seventh time and weighed his options once more. Left lead him in a circle. Forward was a dead end. Right lead back to the ballroom. There was no winning. He turned left once more with the sliver of hope that there was yet another intersection that he could have possibly missed. Just as he did, he saw two figures coming his direction. It wasn’t Jun and Minghao for sure, as one of the figures was visibly not as tall as the other. As they neared, he realized it was Jihoon and Joshua.

“E-excuse me?” he asked, hoping that he didn’t seem too out of breath from running earlier.

The two stopped and gave him a once over. It was Joshua that spoke first.

“Chan, right? You’re Y/N’s friend.”

“Yep, that’s me,” he responded nervously, avoiding their eyes. “I hope you don’t mind me asking, but have you seen her around? I’m supposed to be her date –” Chan stopped mid-sentence to better his choice of words – “no, her plus one, but I haven’t seen her all night.”

“She’s on the balcony. Go straight down and make a right at the end of the hall,” Jihoon said curtly, looking at Chan with some sort of disdain in his eyes.

Chan seemed to shrink under Jihoon’s gaze. He managed to stutter a small “thank you” before excusing himself down the hall, but Jihoon stopped him before he could even get two steps away from the pair.

“You like her, don’t you? It’s obvious.”

Chan froze, the tips of his ears heating up. He didn’t dare turn around.

“I just wanted to say that I don’t think she’d be interested in a rascal like you,” Jihoon continued. “She clearly likes that boy Hansol more. I’m sure you know who he is. Give it up.”

Joshua quirked his brow at Jihoon’s statement. Chan balled his hands into fists, digging his nails into the palm of his hands.

“That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think, Jihoon?” Joshua said quietly.

“I’m only stating facts so that Chan here doesn’t get the wrong idea,” Jihoon replied, saying Chan’s name as if it were some sort of poison in his mouth. “I don’t want him to get disappointed.”

“That doesn’t give you the right to –”

“I know.”

Joshua stopped and turned his head to look at Chan, whose shoulders were shaking.

“I know she’d never like someone like me. I know I’ll never be able to impress her or be anything more but a friend to her,” Chan whispered, his voice quivering. “But you clearly don’t know how much she means to me to have me running after her like this.”

Before the two could say anything else, Chan quickly made his way down the hall and turned left. Joshua let out a hum before returning his attention back to Jihoon, who had his brows furrowed in confusion.

“W-what just happened?” he asked slowly. “Did I say something to make that kid upset?”

“Don’t worry about it,” Joshua responded reassuringly, draping an arm over Jihoon’s shoulder and leading him back to the ballroom. “Everything from here should fall into place.”

It had taken you forever to find the balcony, and you let out a large sigh of relief as you felt the cool night air blowing down the hall. You followed the breeze leisurely, happy to have found Chan before the party was over. You did want to get one dance with him before it ended. After all, he was supposed to be your date. You reached the balcony, grinning when you saw a figure standing at the railing and looking out to the sea. You were about to call out Chan’s name when the figure turned around, revealing themselves to be Hansol.

“What are you doing up here?” he asked as you stepped onto the balcony.

“I don’t know, what are you doing up here?” you asked playfully.

Hansol rolled his eyes. “I live here.”

“That’s fair,” you said, nodding. You two then burst into a small fit of giggles and you joined him at the railing. “Chan told me to come up here. I was expecting him, not you.”

“I guess you could say I was expecting someone else, too.”

“Are you disappointed?”

“No. Are you?”

You let out a hum. “Nope. The more the merrier, I guess.”

You and Hansol stood there for what you assumed was at least thirty minutes. Thirty minutes and there was no sign of Chan. Just when you were about to give up and go back inside to continue your search, you heard someone step onto the balcony. Your face lit up and you turned around in hopes of seeing your best friend, but luck just didn’t seem to be on your side that night.

“Hansol?” a girl said softly, taking cautious steps towards you two.

“Umji!” Hansol exclaimed, motioning her to come closer.

The girl smiled shyly as she stood next to Hansol and gave you a small wave. “You must be Y/N. Hansol talks about you a lot.”

“He does? That seems like news to me,” you remarked. “What’s your name?”

“Her name is Yewon, but I call her Umji because there’s another Yewon in our class,” Hansol explained. He then slowly took her hand into his, a shy smile appearing on his face. “We also… started dating a while back.”

Umji began to blush and used her free hand to hide her face. “Don’t just say it like that!”

“How else would I say it?”

“Aw, how cute,” you mused. “I guess I’ll leave you two alone then, I need to go look for Chan.”

“Oh, wait!” Umji exclaimed. “Is he wearing a suit that matches your dress?”

You nodded. “Did you happen to see him?”

“Well, he was walking away from the balcony when I came,” she replied. “He was thinking out loud. I heard him mumble something about leaving and someone being right, but I could have heard incorrectly.”

“If he’s thinking out loud then that’s definitely him,” you murmured, pursing your lips. “Thank you, I’ll see you two around!”

Hansol and Umji bid you goodbye as you made your way back into the mansion. You didn’t know why Chan wanted to leave the party so early, but you did have a feeling that you knew where he was headed.

Chan sat at the edge of the docks, his socks tucked into his nice shoes and placed beside him. He had rolled up his slacks just enough so that they wouldn’t get wet while he let his feet dangle in the water. He bit his lower lip as he looked up at the moon. In about five minutes, it would be midnight. In about five minutes, he’d be stuck as Chan forever.

He then stared at the water, watching the moonlight sparkle against the soft waves. He felt his heart ache a bit, being reminded of the time you and him walked along the shore. It only hurt more when he realized the same smile on your face that night wasn’t special to just him. He saw with his own eyes. You gave the same smile to Hansol.

He felt the back of his eyes sting, but he was all out of tears. He just wanted things to be over with. He inhaled deeply and shut his eyes, waiting for the town clock to signal that it was midnight. In about four minutes, it was all going to come to an end.

He felt someone take a seat next to him, the shift in the wooden plank being the giveaway. He heard their feet dip into the water, and silence ensued after. He let out a sigh, his eyes still shut.

“I’ve failed, Soonyoung.”

Soonyoung didn’t reply.

“She’s with Hansol. I never had a chance, and I don’t even know why I tried so hard. Was it the circumstances I was in or was it something more? Either way, I’m an idiot, Soonyoung. The world’s biggest, hopeless idiot.”

Chan then tensed when who he assumed to be Soonyoung gently placed their head on his shoulder, the feeling being all too familiar to him.

“I may not be Soonyoung, but I don’t think you’re an idiot.”

Chan opened his eyes, his cheeks burning up when he realized you had heard his whole spiel. You were sitting right beside him, your arm linked around his. Your temple rested on his shoulder and you stared at the sea with a content look on your face.

“Though, you are an idiot for leaving the party without even letting me know.”

“Y/N, I –”

“You’re an even bigger idiot for thinking that I’m with Hansol,” you continued, a smile playing on your lips. “And you’re the biggest idiot for thinking that I don’t like you, because I do. But still, I don’t think you’re an idiot.”

You removed your head from his shoulder and looked at his now flushed face. You grinned and reached up with your free hand to pinch his cheek gently.

“Cute.”

“W-was it obvious?”

“No, not really,” you hummed. “I didn’t notice it. At least until Hansol mentioned the possibility, of course.”

“So you don’t like Hansol?”

“I don’t. I like you.”

Chan felt his stomach burst into butterflies that flitted all throughout his body. Hearing you say those three words made him feel as if he was on another plane of existence. However, he was brought back to reality when he realized there was only two minutes until midnight.

“Y-Y/N.”

“Hm?”

“I need to tell you something really important,” he said quietly.

“Go ahead.”

“Something that might change your whole view on me.”

“Yes?”

“Something that might –”

“Chan,” you interrupted. “Make your point.”

“R-right,” he stammered. “I only have around a minute and thirty seconds to explain but basically…” his voice trailed off at the end of his sentence.

“Basically?” you repeated slowly.

“Basically the first night you were here you said you wanted to understand me better so I snuck out and found Soonyoung who gave me a spell that turned me human except I won’t be able to turn back into a cat unless I kiss the love of my life within thirty days and it just so happens that the love of my life is you and I guess what I’m trying to say is that I need to kiss you before midnight if I ever want to be Dino ever again,” he said all in one breath, bracing himself for whatever you had to say to him.

He felt you unlink your arm from his and readied himself for the worst, but much to his surprise, he felt your hand gently touch his cheek. What happened next felt surreal. Your touch trailed to the back of his neck and you gently pulled him towards you. You stopped when his face was only centimeters away from yours, a gesture that you both knew was not hesitation, but an innocent form of consent.

“Why didn’t you just say so?” you whispered.

With that, your lips met his and the space between you two that felt universes apart ceased to exist. Chan felt himself melting into your touch, the chime of the town clock worlds away from the two of you. It was eleven fifty nine when you two kissed. It was eleven fifty nine when Chan had kissed the love of his life.

“Did you make the tea?”

“Chan made it,” you said proudly, reaching over to pinch your familiar-slash-boyfriend’s cheek. “And he didn’t set the kitchen on fire,” you cooed.

Chan pouted and scooted away from you. “But I didn’t start a fire last time!”

“You almost did, trying to use your magic.”

“Steeping takes too long.”

“But that’s what makes it good!”

Jihoon rolled his eyes. “You two bicker like a married couple.”

“We could be,” you joked, batting your eyelashes at Chan, who was rubbing his red cheek.

“You wish, witch.”

“I am what I am,” you shrugged, getting up from your seat. “I’m delivering books today. Does Chan want to come or does Dino want to come?”

Chan grinned at you. “I would rather stay home, but Dino’ll come if he can take a nap in your satchel.”

“Typical Dino,” you sighed, unhooking your satchel from the back of your chair. You moved a few of the parcels aside and held it open. “Whenever you’re ready.”

In a blink, the boy in front of you was replaced by a black cat. Jihoon watched curiously, the book in front of him forgotten.

“I still can’t get used to that.”

“Hansol and Umji can’t either,” you joked. “‘Oh my god, you’re dating a cat?’ No, I’m dating a boy that can switch to and from a cat. There’s a difference. It gets so tiring.”

“I don’t think they’re even used to the idea that you’re a witch,” Jihoon remarked. You heard a meow of agreement from Dino and you giggled.

“I’m sure they’ll get used to it sooner or later. I mean, his dad was nice enough to remove the whole witch ban thing.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Jihoon concluded. “Anyways, have fun delivering. Safe flying.”

You beamed at him in response and gave him a wave as you left through the garden door. “Thanks, Jihoonie!”

You walked over to your shed and retrieved your broom that rested against the wall. You carefully positioned yourself over your broom and shut your eyes. In a matter of seconds you found yourself in the air, the bookstore being the size of your hand.

“Where to first, Dino?”

He meowed and you groaned in exasperation.

“Really? Her?”

Another meow.

“Fine. I guess we can pay Soonyoung a visit while we’re there.”

Meow.

“Yes, his cat form still gives me the spooks,” you sighed, leading your broom in the right direction.

There was a slight pause before he meowed once more. You smiled, your cheeks heating up ever so slightly.

“I love you, too.”

[tenten-hinamori]

Here Comes Black Widow! Chapter 1 Origins PT 2

"Hmm. It seems I have another power. To use a part of a person's soul to create a living puppet that will do anything I say." A dark shadowy man said, reading from an ancient book. "But master, that power is used for emergencies only. And you could lose control of it if they taste the blood of the person from which they are from. They'd become their very own person." Nooroo argued. "I do not care. I will do whatever it takes to get my hands on the miraculouses. In fact, I may create a new miraculous with this power. A bug's natural enemy is a spider, so I think I'll make it a black widow miraculous." The man chuckled evilly.

"But master! Making a new miraculous is even riskier!" Nooroo exclaimed. "Silence! I will do as I please! Now, let us begin. Nooroo, dark wise rise!" The man ordered. Nooroo sighed but did as he was ordered and went into the brooch. Hawkmoth gave off a sinister laugh as he transformed. "Now then, time to create my puppet." he said taking one of the pure white butterflies. He used his power to make the butterfly into a glowing orb. "Go my little akuma. Find one pure of heart and steal a bit of her soul. Become the dark version of her." he called as the orb flew away.

The nerve of this guy! He was just like Chloe! "Come on girl. Let's just ignore him." Alya said. "No wait, I was just trying to-" the boy tried to say. "I don't want to hear it. If you're friends with Chloe, then you're just like her." I growled, pissed off. "Marinette! Look out!" Alya yelled. I turned around to see a glowing orb right before it went straight through me. I clutched my chest, expecting to feel pain, but I didn't feel anything.

"Are you ok?!" Nino asked standing next to me in a heartbeat. "Yea, I'm fine." I said then looked up at the orb. It bounced around a bit then took off out the window.

"What was that?!" Alix yelled. "The orb just went through her and left as though it meant no harm." Max said.

"Girl, are you sure you're ok?" Alya asked. "Yea. I feel fine. There is no pain. It just mainly scared me is all." I said. Alya and the others hugged me. I smiled at them. Miss Bustier walked in and class started.

Chat and I ran to the Effiel Tower as fast as we could. We had to stop Stoneheart from hurting anyone. I caught Chloe and set her down. When Hawkmoth appeared, demanding the miraculouses, saying that Chat and I were to blame, I just clapped and told him off. "We will stop you." I said.

"Oh really? Well then, we'll see about that. Come, my little puppet!" Hawkmoth called. Soon, the very same orb from before zipped right past me and stopped below Hawkmoth. It grew in size then popped like a bubble, revealing a girl in a plain white dress, that barely went below to her knees. It looked as though she was floating in the air until her feet gently touched the ground. Her body was hunched a bit, being she was hugging herself and her head was bent down. Her hair was fire red and went down just below her shoulder blades it looked like.

She lifted her head and Chat and I gasped. She looked just like me, though Chat didn't know that so I have no idea why he gasped. She then slowly opened her eyes and I felt sick. They were the same color as mine, but they looked dead and hollow as if she wasn't even alive.

"What do you think of my puppet? But wait there's more." Hawkmoth cackled as something dropped from the sky. The girl reached out her left hand and caught it. From what I could see, it looked like some kind of bracelet. However, I realized it was an armband when she hooked it onto her right arm about 3 inches from her shoulder. The armband looked like it was a thin brown leather strap with a silver spider, that was a bit bigger than the strap, in the middle of it. The way she moved, it was as if she really was nothing more than a puppet with strings attached to her. It made me sick.

Chat and I gasped when a Kwami appeared. It looked like a spider, but it was more like Tikki. It's bo "He created...another miraculous user..." Chat gasped in shock.

"Widow." The girl spoke softly and I nearly cried. Even her voice sounded dead and lifeless. "Webs spun." she finished. Her kwami went into the spider of the armband making the strap turn red and the spider turn black and gain an hourglass broken into 5 parts. Spider webs covered her body in an instant then broke off, showing that her white dress was gone and replaced with a black tank top with red trim, and it only went to the top of her belly button, and a black skirt with and a red underskirt. Around the top of the skirt was a red belt with a black spider belt buckle. Fishnet stocking and sleeves, that looked like spider webs, covered her arms and legs. She wore black boots that went up to the middle of her calf, with a red spider zipper. She had red finger cut gloves on her hands. Her red hair was now in a ponytail and finally, she wore a black mask over her face.

"Ladybug, say hello, to Black Widow." Hawkmoth cackled. "She is a living puppet I created, just to face you."

"How could you do such a thing?! How can you be so cruel?!" I yelled pissed off. "What? Are you just going to use her to get our miraculoues then destroy her if you get them?! Chat yelled beside me.

"Why yes, yes I am." Hawkmoth answered simply. How could he answer like that?! He created a life and is just going to throw her away as if she was nothing. I won't stand for that. "Now hand over your miraculoues!" he ordered.

"Never! We'll never hand them over to the likes of you! You're gonna pay for what you have done!" Chat and I yelled. "Then you leave me with no choice. Black Widow! Attack!" he ordered.

Black Widow grabbed the buckle of her belt and pulled off the entire belt. The buckle became a handle and the rest became a whip. "Chat, you go distract Stoneheart. I'll try stopping Widow." I said. "You sure?" Chat asked worriedly. "Yes. Now go." I yelled dodging an attack from Widow. Chat nodded and ran up the tower.

I grabbed my yo-yo and fought with Widow, but made sure not to hurt her. "Please, let me help you." I pleaded. "Don't waste your breath. She has no heart or mind." Hawkmoth called. I ignored him. "Please Widow. Chat and I can help you. You won't have to be his puppet anymore!" I exclaimed. But my words were reaching her, being her whip wrapped around me and she used it to slam me into a street light. I screamed in pain and dropped to the ground.

"Ladybug!" Chat yelled. Widow walked up to me, grabbed me by my throat and held me above her. "Good Widow. Now, take her miraculous!" Hawkmoth ordered. Widow reached towards my ears with her free hand. I tried to plead with her, but I ended up coughing up blood and it landed on her face, over her mouth. I watched as she licked up some of the blood and her actions stilled.

Her grip on my neck loosened and I was able to get free as she grabbed her head and backed away. "Widow! What are you doing?! Get her miraculous!" Hawkmoth yelled. Widow looked at me and I gasped, seeing her eyes. They were no longer hollow, but full of regret.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." She said, her voice shaking as she shed tears. She looked so wounded and broken, that I started crying as well. I went wide eyed when she removed her armband, turning her back into her normal form, and tried giving it to me. "Please. Please take this away from me. So I can make up for hurting you." she cried. I frowned and took it from her, but I put it back on her arm. "You can make it up to me, by joining Chat and I to fight akumas and Hawkmoth." I said. She looked at me in shock and I just smiled. She teared up and smiled. "Of course." She said then looked to the Hawkmoth image. "Widow! Webs Spun!" she yelled and turned into Black Widow.

"I'll capture the akumas while you purify them." she said pulling off 1 of her sleeves. "Sounds like a plan to me." I said pulling out my yo-yo. She nodded then ran to the tower and capture the akumas, using her sleeve like a huge spider web. I purified all the akumas.

"Let me make this promise to you. No matter who wants to harm you, Ladybug, Chat Noir and Black Widow will do everything in our power to keep you safe." I called to all of Paris before releasing the pure white butterflies. "Nice speech there." Widow said pulling her sleeve back on.

"A little help here!" Chat called. Widow and I nodded at each other then climbed up the tower to help Chat.

"So, any ideas?" Chat asked when we met up with him. "Uh, guys." Widow said looking down. Chat and I looked to see the other Stonehearts climbing up. "We're surrounded. "Chat said. "Yes, but we know where the akuma is." I said. "Yea, in his clenched fist. The same one that's holding that girl. So what else do we know?' Widow asked.

"Well, we do know he's in love with her. That's it! We don't separate them, we bring them closer together. They're made for each other." I giggled. "Are you playing matchmaker?" Widow asked. "Yep!" I called climbing to the top of the tower, missing Widow and Chat shrugging at each other.

"So, how are you getting them together?" Widow asked. "By using our powers. Lucky Charm!" I called, using my lucky charm only to gain, a parachute. "If you're getting them together, now would be a good time!" Widow yelled as the Stoneheart clones made it to the top. I nodded, put on the parachute and used my yo-yo to make Mylene kiss Ivan, in turn, making him drop her and the akuma. Ivan turned back and they both fell. I jumped down, cleansing the akuma and grabbed Mylene, opening the parachute. I watched as Widow jumped down. She landed on the ground before Ivan and called, "Web net!" Soon, a huge spider web appeared and caught Ivan, keeping him safe.

"Nice save!" I said landing on the ground. Chat helped Ivan down. "Thanks." Widow said, making the webs disappear. "Miraculous Ladybug!" I called, throwing the parachute into the air. A swarm of ladybugs flew around, fixing everything. We all looked around amazing until we heard a thud. We looked back to see Widow, unconscious, on the ground. Her transformation vanished, her kwami appearing out her armband.

"Hey!" I called running to her. "Hey, what's wrong?! Wake up!" I said gently slapping her face. "We need to get her to the hospital." Chat said. "But my time is almost up." I said. "I'll take her. I didn't use my power." Chat said gently picking her up. "Alexandra." I said. "Huh?" Chat asked confused. "She doesn't have a civilian name. Hawkmoth only gave her a villain name. And the hospital will ask for a name, so Alexandra." I said. Chat nodded and jumped away, carrying Alexandra. I quickly went home and turned back to normal ten was going to run to the hospital, but my parents stopped me.

"Where are you going?" Papa asked. "The hospital. Ladybug asked me to help that girl that Hawkmoth created." I lied, though it was sorta the truth. "We'll go with you. We want to help her too. The poor girl." Mama said. I nodded and we all ran to the hospital. "Excuse me? Did Chat Noir bring a girl named Alexandra in?" I asked the receptionist as soon as we got there. "Why yes. The doctors are looking over her now. I'll let you know as soon as they're done." She said.

We nodded and we sat down in the waiting room, though I couldn't sit for long. I was soon pacing back and forth in worry.

"Honey, please sit down." Mama said. "I can't. I'm so worried. I can't believe how cruel that man is to just create a living being, using to use her then throw her away like she's nothing." I growled clenching my fists. I felt my papa take my hands in his own. "Mari, darling, we agree with you. But worrying like this won't help her. Please sit down and try to stay calm, ok?" he said gently.

I nodded and sat down. But keeping still was hard and I ended up shaking my leg. I looked up hearing someone walking up. "Excuse me, are you family to Miss Alexandra?" the doctor asked. "No, but Ladybug asked us to help her." I said. "She was created by Hawkmoth so she has no family." I said. "Are you sure miss? Because she looks exactly like you and has your DNA." The doctor said. "Really?" Maman asked. "Yes, but since she has no family, I guess I can let you in. She should be waking up soon." The doctor said. We nodded and walked into the room to see Alexandra asleep on the hospital bed. I sat next to the bed.

"What will we do? We can't take her in, we don't have the room." Maman said. "That is true... What to do?" Papa asked pacing. I gently took Alexandra's hand in my own. "I promise. I'll never let Hawkmoth use you again. I'll protect you." I said as I closed my eyes, tears running down my face.

My eyes opened in shock when I felt a hand wiping my tears away, to see Alexandra awake and her hand near my face. She smiled at me and I returned it.

"AH! I know! My brother!." Papa yelled. "Uncle Pops?" I asked confused. "That'd be perfect! He's been lonely since your cousin and aunt were killed. I think him adopting her would be a great help to him. Plus, she does look like little Alex. If she was her age, they'd look exactly alike." Maman said. "I'll call him." Papa said then pulled out his phone.

I looked at Alexandra, no I'm just gonna call her Alex, and smiled at her. "We're gonna take care of you Alex. I promise." I said. She smiled. "What's your name?" she asked. "I'm Marinette. You can call me Mari if you want." I said smiling. She smiled and nodded.

"Thank you." she said.

"So your uncle adopted her?" Alya asked as we walked into the school the next day. "Yea. We're cousins now." I said happily. "Is she gonna be ok?" she asked. "Yea. She'll have to take medication and therapy until she gets her full strength back, but she'll be ok." I said. "That's good to hear. I can't believe how sick that asshole is! How could he do something like that?! You don't just create a person to just throw them away when you're done with them." she growled. I patted her shoulder. 'Trust me. I totally agree with you." I said.

After Ayla and I took our new seats from Chloe and Sabrina, Miss Bustier came in and started the lesson. Though, after 15 minutes, Principal Damocles came in. "Everyone, we have a new student. You may come in now child." he called. I dropped my pencil seeing Alex wheel herself in, thanks to her wheelchair. "Alex?!" I said in shock. "Hey cuz. Looks like we're in the same class." she chuckled. I rushed to her side. "What are you doing here?! You should be at home resting! What about your meds. And therapy? How are you gonna get-" I began asking until Alex held up her hand. "Stop! Breathe." she ordered.

I took a deep breath. "Now, I'll answer your questions in order. I'm here to get an education since that's what normal people do. Pops will be coming to give me my meds at lunch. Pops will also pick me up after school and bring me to therapy and home. That help?" she asked smirking. I nodded. "Good, now help me up." she chuckled. I chuckled and helped her stand. "Where is she sitting?" I asked Miss Bustier. 'Right behind you is just fine." she answered.

"This isn't fine! She works with Hawkmoth!" Chloe yelled. "No, she was controlled by Hawkmoth. She's no longer his puppet but a normal girl, so back off Chloe. She's my cousin now and I protect my family." I said then helped Alex into her seat. "Just ignore her cuz. She's just upset because Ladybug was more worried about me and not her." Alex snickered. "True." I said sitting down. Chloe stood up to say something, but Principal Damocles interfered. "Miss Bougeois! Alexandra is now a student here and she will remain a student here until she graduates. There will be no ifs, ands, or buts about it. If you say one more thing to her you will be brought to my office with your father, do I make myself clear?" he asked sternly. Chloe growled and sat down. "Welcome again Miss Alexandra. I hope you enjoy coming here." he said then walked out.

"As long as I have my cousin here, I'll be fine." Alex chuckled. I reached back and we high fived.

After school, I waited outside as Kim and Nino were helping Alexandra get down the stairs, Principal Damocles is going to have a handicap elevator installed soon, when it started raining. I sighed then turned my head angrily when Adrien walked out. He sighed then opened up his umbrella and started walking away before he stopped. "I just want you to know, I was only trying to get the gum off. I swear. I've never been to school before. I've never had friends. It's all so new to me.." he said before holding his umbrella to me. I hesitated but then took it, only for it to close on me. I yelped in shock then slowly pushed it open, hearing him laughing. I gave a nervous chuckle. "See you tomorrow." he said before walking to his car. "S-see you t-tomorrow. Whoa, why am I stuttering?" I asked myself.

"I think I know why." Tikki chuckled flying out my purse. "That makes 2 of us." I heard Alex chuckle. Tikki quickly hid. "Um, I can explain-" I began to say. Alex just chuckled and lifted up her shirt sleeve to show the Black Widow armband. "You're secret is safe with me cuz." she chuckled. I smiled then helped her down the stairs just as Pops arrived. We helped her into the truck and I waved them off and headed home. I could tell, that things were going to get pretty interesting.

[justinjohn]

1.17.17.   Apple.

My fucking computer broke today. I know. Wait-- I can’t, it’s too good:

So, I’m sitting at the table doing some work today-- mind you, I periodically have that thought run through my mind: you know, the “God, this computer is 6 years old; I should probably back it up before it dies or I, too, will just also die” thought. So, I’m typing away, and I get an email from a recruiter saying, “Hi Justin, can you do a Skype interview on Thursday? Would love to chat.” Or something to that effect.

So, I am literally mid-email writing back, “Hi Cindy, Yes, sure, that would be great...” when all of the sudden it was like a lightbulb went out on my monitor. It was so bizarre; it just got dim out of nowhere. So, I’m sitting there, hitting the ‘sun’ button like, “Lighten the fuck up, what the hell?” And when it’s not working, I just deduce it must be temporary, so I continue typing with a flippant “Well, that’s fucking weird.”

So I keep doing my thing, planning my virtual interview when all of the sudden THE ENTIRE SCREEN TURNS RED.  RED. Like, on laser-fire. Before my very eyes. 

The background is still partially there and I can see what I am typing and  everything, but it is ensconced in a red pixilated haze like the Nintendo used to do before it froze back in the 1990s.. you know, when you’d be in the middle of a level and you’d have to smack it upside the box and either it would correct itself or freeze entirely altogether into a mess of red and green lines of broken technology. And you’d scream any maybe cry and throw the controller out of anger and frustration. So, that’s my computer.

I spoke to Chris from Apple, who was actually incredibly efficient and nice, and after he took the serial # to my computer, he was like, “Aweee.. yea.. so,.. You’re computer is what we call ‘vintage.’”

“What does that mean, Chris?” I asked, presumptuously.

“Well.. it means..” He paused and re-directed, “Well, Apple only produces parts of past computer models up until a certain year..” 

I already knew where this was going. “Mmhmm..?”

“And since your computer is from 2011, we unfortunately can’t repair it because we don’t have the parts anymore.”

He made it sound like my goddamn computer was etched out of stone for Christ sake. Like Barney rubble had it in the car he drove with his feet.

“Sounds like a graphics card issue, though.. Should cost around $2-400.”

Of course it did. 

“Well, so what’s going to happen, Chris? Is the screen just going to go out on me? What the hell?” (for some reason I have no issue swearing in front of phone operators I don’t know, and it’s a really unattractive quality but I can't stop it.)

“Well, there’s no telling.” He said dramatically. “It could be hours, it could be days, it could be weeks.. You never know.”

I just stared at my computer like it had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer, the red haze on the screen as if it had been possessed by the IT version of Satan. I felt like, “How could this happen? Seriously, how could this happen- I was just using this 5 minutes ago and it was fine and now I need a new computer. “Could be hours... Lord.”

I hated Chris because he was actually so nice and helpful and accommodating, but through it all, still culminated, “Your computer needs to be replaced.” He was supposed to come up with a clever solution that would enable me to keep this device until 2020. 

It was at that point I realized I was now going to have to spend $1,000 today, lest I take my 6 year old computer to be fixed for $300 at a third-party computer store where it will disappear and then I’ll get it back just in time for something else break.

So, here we are. 

I have a new computer at my apartment. 

I didn't even intend to buy one but then Darren at Best Buy told me they were having a $200 off sale, and when I tried to get out of it it, like, “Well, I live around the corner, can I just come back tomorrow?”, he pulled one of those “Well, Apple is really weird with their sales, and you might see this today, but tomorrow it might not be here.” He looked off into the distance pensively, “I’ve seen too many people say, ‘I’ll come back tomorrow,’ and then they’re disappointed when the item isn’t on sale anymore.”

Fuck you, Darren.

I hate when sales people use that trick. That was my trick when I was a sales associate to do to other people. Not to happen to me. And now here I was, standing there like, “Oh my God what if I don’t buy this right now and then tomorrow I come back and they’re not running the offer anymore?” I couldn’t bear it. 

So I bought it. 

And then he upsold me Microsoft Office and tried to get me to buy Apple Care and I just at that point was like, “Darren, I am unemployed and I can’t afford the computer to begin with, so lets stop while we’re ahead.”

And then I used my new Delta credit card I opened just for the miles but now I’m actually going to have to keep because I don’t have enough in my checking account. 

I’m afraid to unwrap it. 

So, instead, I’m typing this right now on a computer that makes me feel like I was exposed to radioactivity. There are so many jokes I could make about wearing ‘rose-colored glasses’ or ‘seeing red’ but I just won’t do that because I’m not cheesy and pandering, and I don’t want to go to bed tonight hating myself, thank you.

I also purchased a ‘back-up drive’ so I’m hoping all 228 GB on my computer transfers over before the screen entirely kicks the bucket. Otherwise, I better unwrap the other computer because I can’t do a Skype interview with people whose faces look like they were drawn with an etch-a-sketch and then burned in a fire.

It’s essentially ike I went to the emergency room today. It was as unplanned. It costs as much. Except, instead of getting a knee replacement or a gall bladder removed, I replaced my hard drive. 

And now I am going to switch to a book or something that doesn’t feel like lasers burning out my eyeballs because I think I’m going blind right now. 

Adios and much love.

Justin

 Like! Share! Tell Your friends!  Share www.justinthecity.com Put me on your Google reader so you can stay fresh and up-to-date! Follow me on Instagram!  Justinthecity_ Facebook? https://www.facebook.com/Justinthecity/   Or email me: Justinthecityblog@gmail.com

[shamelessmilkshakepanda-blog]

What’s the cheapest car insurance company in Fresno, CA?

"What's the cheapest car insurance company in Fresno, CA?

What's the cheapest car insurance company in Fresno, CA?

BEST ANSWER:  Try this site where you can compare quotes: : http://howmuchisinsurance.xyz/index.html?src=tumblr 

RELATED QUESTIONS: 

I have a question about my insurance for...?

ok i am 16 years old...17 in September and i am wanting a motorcycle sometime before i go to college...i have farm bureau insurance and i've not had a wreck before...so what would my insurance cost me to be driving a motorcycle at the age of 17 with no wrecks or tickets or anything?

What will happen if I drive without car insurance and get caught?

I drive my parents Grand Prix every once in a while, but i do not ever drive the ford expedition. I asked my stepfather will it be okay for me to drive back to college, he said no. He said that it will cost to much to add me on at this point. My mom does not want me to drive sometimes, because she think my license will be revoked or I would have to pay a large fine. I want to have a car on campus, because I do not like being stuck their mostly throughout the week, even though the semester is about over. Is it a good idea to drive without car insurance.""

Can someone help me with me Car Insurance?

I am a 17 year old that has just passed her driving test, I have my heart set on a Honda civic and was wondering how much insurance group 4 costs roughly??""

What is the cheapest car to insure?

What is the cheapest, cheapest car to insure for a 17 year old in the UK. Cheers.""

18 year old car insurance rate?

Can you give me an educated guess on how much it would be per month or 6/mo to insure an 18 year old boy on a 2005-2009 Mustang GT? Can Military service lower/raise the rates?

Which insurance companies will have to pay to fix my car? Mine or the other guy?

I had a car accident two days ago. I was hit by other one but police said that's a miner damage. And it seems to be my fault. No police report make. Today, I went to a body shop to estimate the repair. It's about around $2200-3000. It's a lot. kinda scared me actually. No idea should i call my insurance company to tell them or? That's my first time to have a car accident. My insurance has $200 deductible. Can anyone tell me what does that mean?""

I scraped the bumper of a parked car. Is it cheaper to pay it off or send it to my insurance?

I have a clean driving record, but i accidentally scraped a car parked next to me. There was a dinnerplate sized scrape, and the guy sent me a estimate for $400. Will it be cheaper for me to send it to my insurance, or pay it out of pocket?""

Can I drive someone else's car without insurance?

I am getting my license soon (if i pass the road test) can i drive someone else's car without having any insurance in Rhode Island ?

Cheapest 600cc sportbike to maintain?

Which of these bikes of the 600cc class is the cheapest to maintain in terms of insurance, gas, maintenance, etc...(so which is the cheapest combining all of these aspect) the bikes = kawasaki zx6r, honda cbr600rr, yamaha r6, suzuki gsxr 600""

Would removing individual state's regulation of health care insurance reduce insurance cost?

Would removing state control and regulations on insurance companies bring down insurance cost? Right now there are 50 separate markets in the USA for health insurance. In each one, the cost of policies is based a profit mix of that particular market. Would removing state boundaries and allowing insurance companies to design policies at the national level rather than the state level make insurance more affordable? Shouldn't we try a reasonable approach such as this before leaping into a federal healthcare plan?""

Will my insurance go up more?

So a months ago my car insurance went up because of a driving ticket and i just go another...will my insurance go up even more or what will happen????

Insurance for teenage mustang driver?

Ive made enough money from my jobs. I have enough to buy a newer mustang (definitely not the newest one but over the 2005 brand) with help from my parents and grandparents. They are all throwing in 2000 dollars for me. But anyways, some backround information, I'm a teenage girl, have taken the driving defensive class, drivers ed, and also get higher than a 3.0 grade average. Would insurance be very high still?""

""How Much Are Maintenances, Insurance, Etc. for Mercedes?""

I want to get a car like this: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=290209022&dealer_id=5433219&car_year=2002&doors=&systime=&model=&search_lang=en&start_year=2001&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=both&distance=10&min_price=&drive=&rdm=1292294570902&marketZipError=false&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&sownerid=74651&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2012&showZipError=y&make2=&certified=&engine=&page_location=findacar::ispsearchform&body_code=0&transmission=&default_sort=newsortbyprice_DESC&max_mileage=&address=92620&color=&sort_type=priceDESC&max_price=9000&awsp=false&make=MB&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=5&standard=false&rdpage=thumb And I'm curious to what everything will cost. I will be 17 when I get the car. I don't think it will be that expensive since it's almost 10 years old, but I need help.""

Is infinit g35 coupe is a good first car?need ur opinion pl :)?

So I'm 18 and thinkin about buyin a g35 coupe .its goin to be my first car is it a good car for a first time buyer?and I also interested buyin a 2010 Mercedes Benz c-300 with really low millage.i can afford both cars but just can't decide which one./: any suggestion guys?:)

What is the cheapest way to get insurance with a friends car?

I'm already practising my driving lessons and theory. Once I pass what's the best and cheap way to be insured.

Is car insurance fair?

Let's say you're financially stable, and a very safe driver. Is it fair to make EVERYONE pay for car insurance? Wouldn't it be more fair to have car insurance companies hold your money in case of an accident, then you get your money back if you don't get in an accident by the time you switch companies or are too old to drive? It seems like good drivers are paying for the damage done by bad drivers.""

Teen car insurance (I NEED HELP KNOW!!!)?

I'm 16 year old and i want to get an car insurance for on my own policy separate from my parent how much would it cost if my car was a 2005 Ford Mustand Gt and i was leasing it out.

Where can I find private policy health insurance?

great insurance at a low rate

""Car fender bender -insurance low balling payment, how to get more money from the insurance company?""

Had a fender bender accident and the other driver was charged, the insurance adjuster said the damage is $1500.00 and gave check (not yet cashed). Took car to repair shop (from the insurance approved list) the estimates were $2000.00 and $2800.00. How and what can be done to get the insurance to pay up more, so I can decide later when and where to get the car repaired? Thanks""

Window tints ticket insurance rates?

does a nonmoving window tint ticket , affect my insurance rates if i pay if off and keep the tints on, here my problem i am under my parents insurance plan and my dad would not let me keep my tints if i keep getting pulled over for them. i have alot of money and i just want to keep paying for the tickets. money is not the problem, i just want to know if i pay the tickets off will it show on my insurance or anywhere else?""

Can i switch my health insurance policy -?

hello, i work for a small consulting firm , < 10 employees..on their w2. they provide me a group health insurance for my family (me ,wife and < 1yr old kid) and i pay around $900 every month without vision and dental coverage..all my contribution..and it is with united health care group now - with this new obamacare what options do i have 1. if i switch , will i get a cheaper coverage ? 2. what is that policy exchange ..i hear this a lot these days 3. if i had to switch my policy.who should i approach.. what would you advise for me..pleae advise me on getting a cheaper coverage""

Home Insurance replacement cost?

Anyone have any idea how insurance companies figure out what it would cost to rebuild an entire house if it burned down or blew away...I live on long island....I would assume it is the square footage multiplied by a cost per foot....any ideas what the actual cost per foot is today????

Car insurance question.?

I am wanting to get a car at a dealership, and one of the papers they need is to show proof that I have car insurance on the car I have now. So here is the deal with the insurance, I am under my sisters policy, but my car is shown as she owns my car. Will this still work for the dealership? Technically I do have insurance under my car. Please any advice would help, thank you(:""

""If you have your learner's permit, do you need car insurance?""

If you have your learner's permit, do you need car insurance?""

How can I take out life insurance on another person?

My father owes me money and I owe alot of money because of him. I'd like to be able to take out life insurance on him incase he dies before he pays me back. How would I go about doing this? I'm trying to figure out how to take the insurance out on him (since he owes me). Not have him get life insurance and then make me the benifactor himself.

What's the cheapest car insurance company in Fresno, CA?

What's the cheapest car insurance company in Fresno, CA?

Am I too young to have life insurance?

The reason why I am asking this question is because some people have told me that I am too young to have life insurance. I am 22 years old getting ready to get married next month and my fiance and I have a 18 month old. I also work full-time making a comfortable salary and I am also in school part-time. I am the breadwinner because my fiance is in medical school. I am looking to save for the long run and cut expenses where I can. I currently have a 401-k where my employer matches me 6%. I currently pay 50 a month for a 400k policy and also have a policy through my employer which is free. I was told that 50 a month for my life insurance is a good price because of my age and could be higher if I smoked and were older. I just need some advice guys

How much does car insurance usually cost for a regular car?

don't give me a stupid link or tell me to check out a website just give me your estimate. How much do you pay?

Getting a rental car without having car insurance and with no credit?

I have a car but it is not registered to anyone and no one drives it. It is just in my parents driveway for now till I decide what to do with it. But I am going on a trip I am 24 and will be 25 in April and am going on a trip to another state and since no one uses my car and it is not registered to anyone I have no car insurance and I also have no credit card or credit history. So since I am looking to get a rental car on my trip when I get to the other state could I still get a rental car? How would that work? Can't I just buy their rental insurance? Can you even get a rental car with no credit history or credit card? Hows all that work? Help is appreciated.

Teen license insurance?

on average, how much does a 17 year olds car insurance cost without drivers ed?""

Texas Insurance Question.?

My parents always freak out when I have to drive their car because mine is in the shop. We have different insurances and I am not on theirs. If a cop stops me will he take their car because my name is not on their insurance. This is my parents worry and I am also not really sure. This is in Texas of course.

Cheap auto insurance 23 yr old female?

I live in south florida wpb i have had insurance in my own name since ive been driving at 19 i have a 94 merc sable and all i need is pip/state req. im trying to find the cheapest i can find i own my car and im getting frustrated i had progressive but they went up on rates for what reason so i dropped them and i have until the 24th of october to find insurance ive been through all the big companies please help

Full coverage car insurance?

My parents are the primary insurance holders of the car insurance. It is full coverage and the 1st wreck since having this insurance which has been 5 years for this car. I am on the insurance but not a primary driver. I was involved in a car wreck on my car but my friend was driving and I was in the passenger seat. Since it is full coverage what happens? Do they have to have proof that I said he could drive? Or do they just go about and get it fixed and not say anything since the car is under full insurance? I have I clue when it comes to car insurance so of someone could explain everything the best they can it would be greatly appreciated

Do you have to add your new teenage driver to AAA insurance if you want them covered.?

Do you have to add your new teenage driver to AAA insurance if you want them covered.?

What is the actual meaning of Insurance?

A explaination of Insurance?

""Can anyone tell me, on average, what home insurance on a double-wide mobile home is in Indiana?""

I live in Indiana, and am looking for cheap home insurance for a double-wide trailer. Does anybody know on average what insurance runs in Indiana?""

How much do you pay for your car insurance ? (UK)?

I am 19 with a VW polo 1.4 payin 140 a month

Sports cars with cheap insurance?

I am 16 and I am looking for a sporty looking car, with good horsepower, but that wont kill me with the insurance rates like Mustangs, Camaro's and Trans Am's would. Any suggestions?""

Which brand of car is cheap to buy and insure for a 19yr old who has just passed?

i live in UK, London. im guessing something small would be cheap like a vauxhall corsa, but are ther any other alternatives because everyone i know who passed has a corsa. i want to be unique...kinda. also what price would i be looking at? anything under 500?""

""I was involved in a car accident on august 4, I got rear ended the how much will the insurance company settle4?

how much will a insurance company compensate you

Sportbike Insurance...?

Where is a good place to have motorcycle insurance through. My husband is looking into buying a Suzuki gsxr and we are trying to find something cheap or reasonable.

Is this too high for heath insurance or is this how they all are?

I pay 130/month for health insurance through Humana for 1 adult and 2 children, full coverage. I usually have to pay a $20 copay for minor doctor visits. Recently I found out Humana is going to start charging an extra $20/week so it will be $150/week, so about $500-600/month, which is a little more than our mortgage payment. We pay less in groceries every week than the amount it costs us to pay for this insurance and we rarely visit the doctor, maybe twice a year, and the amount that is charged hardly adds up to the amount paid throughout the whole year. It's really ridiculous, in my opinion. I get this insurance through my work. I only have the option to cancel or change things about the insurance twice a year and the time has come up. So I am considering canceling and looking elsewhere for health insurance, or just paying out of pocket because if I cancel that's an extra 150 bucks in the bank. I will still keep my vision and dental. Is this a good idea to cancel? Pros. vs. Cons.? Are there any better health insurance companies I could go with that would charge less in the state of Ohio? Honestly I am considering applying for medicaid because we are struggling. We are behind in several medical bills that the insurance wouldn't cover and they are less than what the insurance company charges us monthly, yet because all our money is spent on the insurance, we can't pay for the actual bills - what's the point in the insurance? Enlighten me someone? I was told once that the two biggest crooks are lawyers and insurance companies and I'm starting to see why.""

Car Insurance?

I wanted to know how much would it cost for a 16 year old teen to get car insurance just to cover damages to someone elses car they damaged would it cost alot or not?

Cheapest car insurance?

i am looking for a car which will be cheap to insure. i am only a 17 year old girl, so i need to know what would be best and how much a month around about?""

""Ninja 250 kawasaki Insurance rate,?""

I live in Canada ontario, and am 18, and i talked to my parents about getting a motorcycle today which they had no complaints about as its my money. Etc. Yet my dad said the insurance would be Higher than car insurance which im really worried about if i do get myself a sportsbike, my first one being a ninja 250, not sure what year but im going to get it used for sure and resell it at a later time. Basically, ill be 18 by the time i get my ninja 250, and would like to know the range of insurance for each month, thanks. Or point me in the right direction where i can check.""

How much would car insurance on a 2006 convertible mini cooper cost for a 16 year old boy?

in the state of texas

Does life insurance cover suicide?

Does life insurance cover suicide?

Which is the best insurance policy for premium of 10 or 12k?

life insurance

Will my car insurance be able to transfer over to another car without extra fees?

My mother-n-law has an extra car that she doesn't have insurance on because she doesn't drive it shes letting me use it for a month. If i get my own policy and pay the 6 month premium in full and add that car to it when I take that car off after i give it back to her will i have a credit that I can transfer over to my car when i get one in a couple months without paying anything extra?

Affordable health insurance?

my girlfriends mom wont pay for her health insurance. she has stomach pains constantly but cant afford to get it looked at. what is a good health insurance for one person 20 years old and they dont make alot of money. What is the best plan at Kaiser Permanente?

Can my apartment management include premiums of renters insurance on my rent ?

The complex I live in requires that each tenant have renters insurance because the management suffered losses from damages as a result of the tenants' negligence. I want to have the freedom to choose the company that I buy it from -- but they want to increase my rent in order to cover for the premiums. The management company in turn buys a policy for each unit. Can they do that ? I live in California.

What's the cheapest car insurance company in Fresno, CA?

What's the cheapest car insurance company in Fresno, CA?

Is it possible to get insurance for my unborn child before he is born?

I have a good job ,but I miss the deadline to get company insurance. So I need some affordable insurance. I'm trying to get some before I get slamed with a big hospital bill.""

Can i drive any car with insurance?

Alright I asked a question earlier and i didnt provide enough information Im 16 and my dad just got me insurance on our car, a toyota camry. He said that i can drive any other car as long as i have the insurance card of the camry, i have my 'own' car (acura) that i dont know that i can drive or not that is under my dads name.. but that car isnt under our policy. is it true that i can drive the acura with my camry's insurance?""

Does request of Auto insurance quote have any negative effect ?

My current auto insurance is All State. I am looking for a new insurance of similar policy with lower cost. want to shop online and see if there is better deal. Does request auto insurance quote have any negative effect in my credit ( they need to pull my credit scores, i have a very good one), or any other negative effects. thanks very much!""

Insurance company help?

Ok so im getting insurance in manhatten because i live there ..... but my vehicle is garaged in long island ..... I have to tell the insurance company ? and do i have to show proof ? if so what kind of proof is there to show ?

How much might my car insurance be?

I want to know how much would my car insurance be if im sixteen and im driving a 94 dodge stealth. I am also a guy. I know sports cars cost more to insure so could you please include the price of insurance for a normal car as well??? Located in Tampa, Florida Thanks for any help you can offer, -Kyle""

Why can't people buy health insurance over state lines?

Why can't the individual pick his policy out of state? Why can't this person and the family pick and chose the details of their plan? Not everyone wants a policy which the state mandates the use of chiropractors or psychiatrists. Zogby says: 72% of those polled (1,001 likely voters) supported allowing someone living in one state to purchase health insurance from another state, if the insurance is state-regulated and approved. (15% were opposed and 13% were not sure.) But... Current laws prohibit individuals from buying health insurance across state lines. Rather, they must buy what has been approved in their own state. What industry in America is insolated only to each state? So tell me, anyone that really knows the answer...why are we limited in our chose? Give me the rationale of any state legislator (you've heard)...they have to have some 'reason'. Then tell me what you think is the underlinging reason...thanks. I have my beliefs, but I would like to hear your arguement.""

Which New York insurance is high?

I've heard New York insurance is high, but which one? Car, house, etc.? And why is it so high?""

Why do Liberals want to be force to pay Health care Insurance?

why can't some people work harder and pay for their own health care insurance? There are some people who are driving without car insurance.... So I don't think there is such thing as affordable health insurance

How much would the insurance cost on a 50 cc moped for an 18 year old?

I know that insurance can vary dramatically.....but it would be good if someone had a rough estimate...and are there and insurance compare sites that don't require the number plate of the bike and the liscence number and stuff ?

Does anyone have recommendations for low-cost health insurance in CA? I can't afford Tonik any longer.?

I am an unemployed healthy 20-something paying around $150 a month (with a high deductible).

""Can I purchase a car, and tow it home without insurance?""

I want to purchase a car from a small car place, the man puts 30 day tags on it and mails the title to the DMV, but my father cant get off work to come put insurance on the car for me. So can I buy the car there, have the title put in my name, but have the car towed home and stored off the street until I can add it to insurance and get my own tags? or is it illegal to tow a car without insurance on it?""

Why is my insurance going up?

It is 189 a month now, but in January it's going up to over 400. Is this part of the affordable care act?""

UK - Insurance for Teenagers?

Hello, Does anyone know where newly qualified drivers can take advantage of low insurance prices. I have tried a few of the price comparison sites, but find that the price of the insurance cover is more than the car. If I purchased a car for about 800, how much should the insurance be. What is the cheapest way of buying it. Is it better to Telephone a local Broker ? Or online.""

How will the Affordable Care Act impact part-time and full-time employees?

So I get that employees working 30+ hours, and where there are 50+ employees, have to be offered health insurance, lest the company get a fine, but I'm not sure how that will work ...show more""

What does Santa pay in Sleigh Insurance?

What does Santa pay in Sleigh Insurance?

What would the insurance cost for a 2002 Audi TT?

Just looking for a quick estimate. I'm a 20 year old male with a moving violation that happened two years ago. It would be a California car. Probably would drive about 8,000 miles a year. Also would it matter if it was a roadster(convertible) or coupe? Thanks""

Cant get contents home insurance because of council windows?

We live in a council flat and because we have metal framed windows without the key locking system like the new ones, insurance companies wont insure us for our contents. I complained to this to the council also but they are not going to replace windows either, even though one is stuck, yet they put all new windows in around the corner to us and gave them new doors, and left our block out. Suggestions?""

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.

How much is your car insurance?

How much are you paying for full coverage or what ever you have and where do you live. $265 a month in New Orleans LA Full coverage.. is this a lot compared to your state?

What is the cheapest type of car insurance?

What is the cheapest type of car insurance?

Can i get a better insurance for my car?

I just bought a car last week. My fiance and I are in the registration. The lender of the car (GM Financial) is asking to have my fiance in the insurance but he does not have a license since he had a DUI back in 2010 and other little felonies. He have a bad driving record and my insurance (Allied Insurance) wants to charge me 289.00 a month. Can i find a cheaper insurance for the both of us?

How much does auto insurance cost per month?

For a couple under 25 yrs of age With a Ford350 and a Mazda cx9

Estimated Cost per. monthly Payments on this car....?

I dont really have time to call my bank & ask.. seeing how my job hr's suck... nor can i go there cause i just sold my car. BUT does anyone know how much i would be looking at for monthly payments of a $7600 dollar Fairlady. If you dont know what this is ..its a 300zx Twinn Turbo but its a RHD ( right hand drive). I make a lousy 8.50/hr but i work 56 hrs a week. ... theres insurance. gas.. tuneups.. etc etc i know i know. just wanna rough estimate on it. thanks. Will choose Best Awnser -Kyrstie

Car insurance quotes?

when i turn 17 (few months) and hopefully pass my test 'm going to most likely going to get a ford fiesta however ive already looked at claims on multiple cars including the fiesta type i will probably get and every quote is around 5000-7000 so i was wondering if i should (give the car to my mum or dad) and get insured on them for a considerable lower price as the car im looking at is around 2000-3000 im not a boy racer or anything so im not gonna mod the car or rag it rotten i was wondering if i will be able to get away with it or should i just get insured on a car that costs less than the insurance? Thanks all that answer

Who has the best home insurance in georgia?

I am about to buy a house and I got to have Ins. I just need to get the best deal. Whats your opinion?

What's the cheapest car insurance company in Fresno, CA?

What's the cheapest car insurance company in Fresno, CA?

Why did my lawyer tell the car insurance company to pay PIP directly to me when I asked to have my bill paid?

I spoke to my auto insurance company because my lawyer took two months to file my personal injury protection claim. Once, I took action into my own hands then I was assured that the woman handling my case from my car insurance company would see that my PIP paid for my medical expenses because I don't have health insurance. However, another month has passed and I have heard nothing from my lawyer about my case even though I call his office every week. So, today I received a letter in the mail from my lawyer office to my claim insurance person. It has her name on it but my address so I am not sure if it was intentionally sent that way or not. Yet, I read over it and it tells my insurance claim to pay the PIP directly to me and not to the medical company. What do I do about this? Has anyone gone through something similar and can you give me some helpful advice? I don't know if my lawyer is trying to add my PIP with the rest of the money that I will get so he can get a bigger chunk or if he is trying to get my PIP to me instead? I do know that I would like to pay for my medical bills as I am a college student in debt and don't want anymore hassle.""

I live in Austin. The business I work for is closing down. I will probably be offered a job in San Antonio.?

For several reasons I can't move there. Will I be eligible for Unemployement Insurance if I turn it down?

""How much would 100,000 libility insurance cost? roughly or estimate?""

I'm looking to start a security company and am trying to figure a monthly premium. I know I need at least 100,000 of libility insurance. I don't have my license yet, so insurance companies wont even talk to me util I can give them more info. The prob is, I need a rough estimate of start up costs. Thank you""

Where can i buy public liablilty insurance?

hi, ive brought a small 20p sweet vending machine, which i would like to place in the local kids 'wacky warehouse' type place, i wanted to get public liability insurance to cover me, say for example, if the machine falls and hurts someone or something? i have had publlic liability before for trading on a market stall and im sure it only cost 35-45, does anyone know of any good providers around a similar price? Thanks :)""

Individual insurance for person with no income and 69 year old?

69 year old, no income, not eligible for medicaid (5 year permanent residency rule). Lives with daughter. She needs to have insurance. Can she have the insurance individually (remember, she has no official income) or she can have insurance at marketplace through her daughter as a family member? Though daughter has her own insurance through her employer. what is the best way and minimum charge here? Thanks in advance!""

Long Term Care Insurance?

Please give me the pros and cons of obtaining long term care insurance. What is the criteria, and who should buy long term care insurance? Conversely, who should not, or who does not need such a policy? What does it cover and what are the variable costs. Also, does it help prevent you from going into a nursing home should that be indicated? Thank you!""

""Would any car insurance(allstate,geico) insure an international student who doesn't have a PA licence?

I have my country licence and an international driving permit. I would like to buy a car in Pennsylvania as I am staying for about a year in this country. I would like to know will car insurance companies insure me?

""For my first car i want a jeep wrangler1997, im 16 will the insurance cost more than a 2005 ford fusion?""

i'm a guy, lives in tx""

""Does anybody know where to get a cheap 50cc twist and go moped, with cheap insurance?""

Does anybody know where to get a cheap 50cc twist and go moped, with cheap insurance?""

What is the best life insurance policy for people 65?

need life insurance

Would not getting your permit prior to getting your license increase car insurance costs ?

I know there are many things that increase insurance costs but would not getting your permit prior to getting your license be one if them? If so how can insurance companies tell you didn't get your permit first ?

Is there a way for me to get cheap auto insurance?

I am 16 years old and from st.cloud minnesota. I don't have a car yet but I want to get one from around $3000-$4000. I have to go with State Farm because my parents have it. I am a safe driver and I get good grades. Is there a way to get cheap auto insurance through state farm through any special deals? Thanks

""I am 18 and i just got my license nearly 2 months ago, what insurance would take me?

i need insurance now but the rates are so high.. i am a full time high school student and i live on my own its not like i could put the insurance under my parents name. i need help !!!!!

Cheap car insurance? 17 year old UK?

So say I'm a 17/18 year old just passed driver with a cheap car, small engine etc, female, what price, in terms of car insurance, am I looking at? Thanks for any feedback. I really just want an estimation!""

Can anyone suggest a really affordable health insurance program for a family. That covers alot plus maternity?

Can anyone suggest a really affordable health insurance program for a family. That covers alot plus maternity?

What is the cheapest insurance for beginning drivers in NC?

I'm about to turn 16 and get my license but I need proof of insurance before I can get it. What is the best insurance to get and how much will it cost?

I need Insurance help?

Hey, I just got a full-time job that pays very well. I make roughly $1500 a month, and I was looking to get a new vehicle as a means of celebrating my new step into adulthood. The vehicle I was looking at was a 2005 Pontiac GTO. I'm 19 years old, so I would have to get my parents to help me with cosigning. That wouldn't be a problem, since my parents have good credit. Now, my parents said that they'd cosign if I pay for both the car payment and insurance monthly. I also pay $200 a month for medical insurance, phone bills, etc. The car payment monthly would be about $400 a month, so that would be about one check. My question is, does anyone know roughly how much insurance would be for me? I currently pay $122 a month on a 2002 Taurus, with just one speeding ticket on my record. Any ideas? Thanks""

CANT GET INSURANCE LOWER THAN 6000 !!!?

I'm really frustrated as i've just passed my test and looking into buying a car and insurance and im quoting on a Vauxhall Corsa that is in insurance group 1 and getting nothing less than 6000 how the hell am i supposed to be able to afford that even with a full time job! its ridiculous i know that im 18 and male which is high risk but even if they said between 2000 - 3000 it wouldnt be so bad for me, can someone please give me an idea of what to do next?! :/""

16 year old insurance rate after an accident?

this afternoon i backed into another car in the high school parking lot, the damage was very minor, been insured for 2 months. how much will my rates rise ?""

Car insurance?? please help. I am 17 and have been told that I cannot pay car insurance monthly!! ??

I am really worried now as I simply cannot afford the lowest quote of 1600 all in one go. My car is a citroen ax 1.0 if that helps? Are there any other 17 year olds out there who do pay car insurance monthly if so how??

Should my auto insurance company waive my deductible?

I recently was rear-ended by an uninsured driver. My insurance company assessed the damage at $1019.04, my collision coverage has a deductible of $1000 so my insurance company closed my claim and made payment of just $19.04. As I am a California resident, my policy includes the Collision Deductible Waiver. Are my insurance company therefore liable to waive my deductible and cover the full cost of my damages? If so, what should I do next?""

""Insurance for 6 months, changes mid policy?""

I'm looking at buying insurance for a 6 month period, but 2 months into the period there will be a change that causes a significant price drop (3 points removed from my license and my birthday). Will they generally allow me to have my rate adjusted mid-policy? I'm talking of a price difference of about 100 a month, so I really want to see how I can make this work.""

How can we find a reliable car insurance on the internet?

How can we find a reliable car insurance on the internet?

How much is insurance for corvette?

What would be the rough cost for car insurance a year on a 2001 corvette with 60k miles. I'm 19, clean license and have good grades in school if that has any effect. I have a car now but was trying to see how much more insurance would be""

What auto insurance should I have for a car that stays in garage?

I live in California, I do have a car that I am not using anymore and it stays in the garage until I decide to sell it. By California law, is there any law that you must have insurance for car? even if it is not being used. if there is a law then what is my best options for auto insurance? Thanks, I appreciate any answer!""

What's the cheapest car insurance company in Fresno, CA?

What's the cheapest car insurance company in Fresno, CA?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-cheapest-car-insurance-company-pa-cleofa-escobedo"