#Travel Insurance Best Deal

[levantinetravelservice]

Finding the best Travel Agency for your Adventure

Lebanon, a jewel nestled in the heart of the Middle East, boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Beirut to the ancient ruins of Baalbek, this Mediterranean gem offers a myriad of experiences waiting to be discovered. For travelers seeking the ultimate adventure in Lebanon, finding the best travel agency is key to unlocking the treasures this country has to offer.

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Renowned for its unparalleled expertise and commitment to excellence, the Best Travel Agency in Lebanon has earned its reputation as a leader in the industry. With a team of seasoned professionals who are passionate about showcasing the beauty of their homeland, this agency goes above and beyond to curate unforgettable experiences for travelers from around the globe.

What sets the Best Travel Agency in Lebanon apart from the rest is its dedication to personalized service. From the moment you reach out to inquire about your trip to the final farewell at the end of your journey, their team is there every step of the way to ensure your experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you're interested in exploring Lebanon's historic sites, indulging in its world-renowned cuisine, or embarking on an outdoor adventure, they tailor each itinerary to suit your preferences and interests.

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In conclusion, when it comes to planning your next adventure in Lebanon, look no further than the Best Travel Agency in Lebanon. With its unparalleled service, personalized approach, and commitment to sustainability, this agency is your gateway to experiencing the wonders of Lebanon like never before. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, let the Travel tickets deals guide you on a journey of discovery through this enchanting destination.

[lua-magic]

Mercury and your buisness Mind .

This blog is for those specially who wants to get into business or are confused between job and buisness or what kind of business would suit them.

Mercury is our logical mind, we also call it our business mind.

Which ever house Mercury sits in your chart that house related work or buisness you can easily get into.

Mercury in ancendent.

Native is made for business, he/she can get into any business and be successful. Such native has got strong business mind

Mercury in second houses

Mercury is exalted here, it makes you great speaker here, however this house is of family, so native can get into family Buisness or run buisness with family.

This house is alsovforbfood, so if moon is exalted then native can go into food related or kitchen or cloud kitchen business as well.

Mercury in third House.

Native would be great in communication, media, tours and travel and commission related work or business. If Mars is exalted then native can work with his siblings as well.

Mercury here decreases your courage, so native would be unwilling to take initiative, but if Mercury is not afflicted then person could work with his friends and would get support from his friends as well.

Mercury in fourth house.

There are two placement of Mercury which is tricky, one is fourth and second is in ninth house.

Whenever Mercury sits with moon or in cancer, Mercury make native obsessive and disturbs the mental peace of native.

It gives native OCD, especially if moon is afflicted then it causes anxiety, fear and overthinking.

As Mercury is fast moving planet so it makes moon highly disturbed 😧.

Remedy.

Remedy is to actually, decrease the strength of Mercury, ie, Mercury is your friend and social circle, such native should sit in isolation and should have minimum friends, Quality over quantity.

For gains and Money this placement is excellent.

Well, such natives are good in real estate, and with land related work or business.

They can also go for home related buisness like home decoration, or selling home decoration, furniture, luxury furniture, especially if their Venus is also exalted.

Mercury fifth House.

Best placement for Mercury, native is fast learner and life long Lerner and teacher.

Native would be successful due to his own intelligence, and learning.

Native could be author and writer as well.

Native could also opt for teaching and counseling.

Native can also do books related buisness.

Native is great with children and could get into buisness that is for kids, like, children book, teaching, selling toys or even writing children novel.

Mercury in sixth house.

This is the only placement where Mercury is comfortable doing job as it loves to solve day today problems, it is great problem solver here

But, you can go into service related buisness like, food service, taxi services any buisness that provides service to its customers.

Mercury is seventh house.

Relationship wise this is problematic placement, as Mercury is asexual planet and also fast moving planet, so it creates problems in relationship but buisness wise it is an excellent placement.

Native can get into retail buisness, or go for branding, networking, even make themselves as big brand.

Mercury in eitgth House.

Native thinks alot about money and gains, and money wise it is good only when native is involved in eighth house related work like Bank, insurance, CA, occult, auditing, digital marketing , crypto currency such person could also become great detective, they can go into Research and development as well.

Native is great when it comes to dealing with other's money 🤑, they make good salesman as well.

Mercury ninth house

Here, placement is challenging as Mercury damages the Jupiter, Mercury is selfish, while Jupiter is divine and loves to give that is why Jupiter rules twelfth house which house is house of giving.

Jupiter also rules ninth house, which house of Dharma, religion and rules, and Mercury being prince doesn't like to follow rules

So, when you have this placement then it is better you get into business where religion is involved like selling religious books so, you can save your Jupiter and Mercury is also happy.

But, be careful never go against morality in business because you will block all your blessings.

Native can sell, religious ornaments, things or books.

Mercury in tenth house 🏠.

Such people are great sales person and excellent at marketing and PR, these are the person who would sell comb to a bald person.

So, they make great salesman and marketing.

Such native could also work with government,or collaborate with government like government tender and work with them.

Mercury in eleventh house.

Such natives are great with masses, friends and are good in dealing with large number of people.

They should get into work that involves large numbers of people like forming corporative society, NGO, even they make great speaker, counsellor and teachers. People love to follow them, hence, they make great influencers as well

Mercury in twelfth House.

This is not good placement for Mercury and Mercury is uncomfortable here, Piesces is deep ocean and Mercury being prince doesn't like to go in dark, Mercury is also selfish so it doesn't like the idea of unconditional giving and charity which is also twelfth house.

But, twelfth house is also of, foreign land, meditation, spirituality, yoga, charity, and investment.

So, person could either work outside their motherland or get into import and export business.

They can also do business related to meditation, yoga, and spirituality.

They can also go for investment.

Now, Mercury also your speaking skills, If Mercury is afflicted by malefics then person would be extremely rude with thier words and would hurt lot of people.

When Mercury is with Mars native can go for automobiles or even in technical line.

[pennyserenade]

devil in his heart | jackson rippner x reader

summary | after finding out your long-time boyfriend's real occupation, you have to grapple with who he really is. rating | (explicit) tags/warnings | 18+, dark, dubcon (bordering on noncon), smut, explicit smut, fingering, degradation, violence word count | 1.9k+ a/n | i honest to god don't know what possessed me, but we are all grown ups here. read with caution! enjoy! love ya! also: i wrote this to devil in his heart by the donays and he's got the power by the exciters, if you're interested in a soundtrack. not beta'd

Truth be told, this is the best game of cat and mouse he's had in years, and he doesn't like that it's ending so soon.

As he gets on your level, crouching near your slumped form, Jackson almost feels a little sorry that you couldn't win. It's not that you weren't witty enough--you were. It's just that, well, he's better. This reminds him of when he was ten and had wanted to go to space only to figure out when he was twelve that he was too scared of the vastness of the galaxy. Some things are just out of reach, too good to be true. He mourns it all the same.

His fingers tenderly push back sweat soaked strands of hair from your face. You look up at him, blurry-eyed, but still so resolute--lips thinned, smoldering with anger. God. He swipes a finger across your lip just to know what it feels like, and likes it better for the fact that you jerk away so aggressively that you knock your head back into the wall.

His tongue clicks. "You should've known, after following me all those weeks, that I'm good at this."

Jackson wraps his fingers tightly around your jaw, forcing you to meet his eyes. You give in, mostly because you have so little energy to protest. His eyes look ominously glacial, lit up only by the moonlight cascading in from the window.

You look down at his lips; the flesh there is still swollen, broken from the harsh swing of your elbow earlier in the night. His tongue spears out to feel at the area. "You're a sloppy assassin, baby. My blood's all over this goddamn place. All over you--" he gestures down to your simple white tee shirt, which has been made dirty with dirt, sweat, blood. You don't care. You feel dizzy and half-scared to pass out, to even think of it, because you've never seen him look quite like this.

You think back to that first time you met him, how he had seemed so polite. He was traveling by train to visit his folks back home for Christmas (he said things like 'folks' in a crisp Midwestern accent, for God's sake). He had said he worked in life insurance policy, which made you laugh and caused him to say, "I know, I know--ironic, Jack Rippner dealing out life insurance." You had thought it was ironic. It is: ironically cruel.

He buys his ties from GAP, his dress shirts from Macy's, likes EggNog and celebrates the fourth of July with as much enthusiasm as any plain, good-hearted American man can.

He’s met your mother; he loves her breadsticks.

You spit on him. It takes the very last of your strength, but it's worth it to see the way his eyes ignite. His hand wipes it off, thumb running through the saliva on his fingers as his lips purse. "You know," he begins, voice eerily calm, "I always thought we'd make good parents. God knows we've come close to it enough times. You just can't help but beg for my cum in you, the slut you are." He chuckles darkly. "I always imagined that you'd be the good cop and I'd be the bad one."

Jackson pushes your head back into the wall, propping you there, almost choking you, but not quite. You let out a deep, wavering breath. He smirks. "But I see that's not the case now, is it? You don't seem to like very much when I play with my food before I eat it, do you?" His fingers press against your lips again, saliva coated. You let him. "Here I thought, all along, 'my baby's a goddamn pacifist. She didn't even like fishing!' It kept me up at night, the idea of you finding out what I did. But look at you!" His thumb tenderly strokes your neck, moving around a mysterious fluid--could be your blood, his blood, spit, water, anything. "I think if I reached between your legs now, you'd be soaked."

You choke out a sound of protest, wiggling beneath his gasp. He tuts, his fingers digging more tightly into your throat. For a brief moment, you can’t breathe. You find enough strength to claw at his hand, to widen your eyes and plead.

“C’mon, you’ll like this. You always do.” He loosens his grip on your neck.

As you gasp for air, Jackson knocks your legs apart. It doesn’t take much effort to get your cunt—you’d foolishly made the mistake of wearing a dress today—and he hums in delight when his fingers reach past your cotton underwear, confirming what he suspected to be true. His lips form into a mocking pout as your eyes begin to well with tears. It's not fear—you’re beyond that. It’s anger. The betrayal of this curdles inside you, eating you alive. Your eyes fill with ire.

“Don’t be that way,” he shakes his head, softening a degree. He holds your chin between his fingers again, the other hand rubbing wide circles over your clit. “I’m not going to kill you. How could I? I’m not sure what I’m going to do with you, truth be told, but it’s not that.”

Your hips jerk involuntarily, causing him to growl. “That’s the spirit, kitten. When you hit me earlier, I thought—after, of course, 'God she’s a bitch!’—that you might be a good asset. I know you’ve got a lot of morals holding you back right now, so I figure I’ll let you do the easy work at first. Let you think you’re doing some good in the world.” He presses down on your clit, his touch more intent, more focused. You squirm, hating the way he knows that you like it like this.

His fingers slip down into your cunt, wetting them. “Fuck, you’re soaking. If this is how you get when we do this, you might just reform me. I’m not opposed. We—“ he reattaches his fingers to your cunt. You whine, arching into his touch.“—could do good work. I freelance, if you couldn’t tell already. Though I’m sure you can. You’re a thorough investigator when you want to be. That’ll be helpful, too.”

Jackson picks up his pace, swallowing as he stares down at your lap. He can’t see anything, his hand hidden beneath the fabric of the dress and your underwear, but it seems to thrill him all the same. You too, admittedly.

“I—I couldn’t,” you retort, biting at your lip. “You—you kill!”

“Don’t be such a prude,” he deadpans. “It’s political assassinations and occasionally, though very rarely, an innocent bystander. And I do my best to make sure those cases are few and far between. I do.” He presses down more intently, watching with delight as you squirm, trying not to cum. “Oh, go on. It’s just you and me here. No one’s gonna know except me, and I won’t tell anyone. I’m good with secrets. You know that now.”

He’s near exultant, talking to you about this. The pitch of his voice is higher, and he’s looking at you like he’s won a prize of the highest degree. You’d spit on him again if he wasn’t making you feel so goddamn good.

“I won’t do it,” you shake your head firmly. Jackson takes the opportunity to slip a finger in your cunt, to press in and show you how much he has always—will always—know you.

“Okay, okay, I’ll bite,” he soothes, entering another. It’s a squeeze, but a welcome one, especially when he begins to thrust them against the spongy surface of your walls. Your toes curl, and you hate him, hate him violently. “If you want me to be rough, you really only have to ask, but since you like this game so much we’ll play it.”

As he fingers you, he begins to palm your clit. The sensation is overwhelming. Tears cascade down your face and he leans forward, licking them from your lips. The warmth of the orgasm rises in you alarmingly quick, his fingers deftly touching the inside of you, his palm lining with your clit each time you rut involuntarily. Your body knows him. It trusts him. He knows it.

The orgasm licks through you like a goddamn flame, igniting everything and leaving it all worse for it. When you cry out, Jackson smirks, so fucking pleased. But he doesn’t stop. He goes on, rubbing down harder, thrusting in quicker, until you’re wiggling beneath him.

“Please!” you say, trying to move his hand away.

He’s resolute. “No can do, honey. You’ve been a naughty girl, indulgent in the worst way. Gluttony is a sin, and I've been good–I’ve never punished you for it before–but you’ve hurt my feelings now.”

He slides in a third finger, his crystal eyes dark in the shadows. You feel impossibly full, and on the brink of another orgasm. You whine out. He knocks your head back into the wall with force. It doesn’t take your breath away, but it stuns you to silence. “That’ll be enough of that. This is for me now, got it? Getting you all wet so my cock will fit in that tight cunt of yours. Want you to hear it, your pussy taking me.”

As if to prove a point, he thrusts in again, and you do hear it—the way your body allows him in. An obscene squelch. You bite your lip, feel more tears fall down your cheeks.

“Jackson—“ you plead. You’re tired, achy, terribly confused. He works you open so well. You can smell the sour sweet smell of his body odor. You love it. You cannot help it. Your body trusted this man for so long. Still does.

You fool, you tell yourself, before your body gives way to his will again—you collapse into him, screaming out a silent whimper as the orgasm makes you convulse.

“That’s it,” he encourages, not stopping. “Be good for me. If you’re good, we’ll make this enterprise into a family business. If you’re bad—well, we’ll just have to make this our life, won’t we? You all weak, me with all the power. I don’t think you’ll like it, but you understand, it’s how it must be done if you don’t obey.”

He sighs, as if it’s putting him out too.

You know he’s serious. What’s worse is you know he’s right: that you won’t like it, that he’ll get his way eventually.

When you give in, he knows immediately, lips quirking up into a smirk.

“That’s my girl,” he whispers, pressing his lips to your temple. “I always knew you had it in you a little. You were always such a whore for me. I’m happy it worked out so well for us both. Now–” He pushes your legs further apart, moving in with his own hips. “Let’s play your most favorite game. It’s longer, requires more patience, but I like it just as much as you do.”

The jingle of his belt buckle makes a shot of fear, mixed with arousal, shoot up your spine. You think: God, no.

He laughs darkly. “Don’t worry, baby, I’ve been making sure you’ve been taking your birth control. I’m not really ready for that, either. It’s just the idea that thrills you, isn’t it anyway? And that smallest, tiniest chance that it could happen.” He smirks, loosening his belt. His fingers exit you, leaving you empty, feeling scandalized and ruined. Jackson rubs them on the cloth of your dress, uncaring.

“I hate you,” you spit out, venom lacing your words.

He looks thoroughly amused as he releases his weeping cock from his underwear. “No you don’t. You’re just ashamed of yourself. But fear not–” he wipes a tear off your face, “--when we’re done here, you’ll be glad for this. Just remember, baby, that I’m on your side.”

[libraford]

I'm having... thoughts about my inconsistent employment.

I didn't like having a 'permanent full time job' when I had it because it felt like a trap. Like I know it was something that I wanted for a long time because I wanted something with benefits. So I got it and they treated me like shit so I left. But it seemed like everyone around me was having careers that they were going to be in for the rest of their lives. People kept assuring me that I would 'find my place.'

Well I mean, my place is 'artist.' That's my place in the world. This is where I fit. Unfortunately that isn't a 'permanent, full time job with benefits.' So I have to find other jobs that can complement that.

I kind of like the whole 'work fall and early spring as a photographer and spring to summer as a parks employee' situation because they both inspire the art brain in different ways. I wish I was paid better. Don't we all.

My mom is desperate for me to find permanent work because she worries that I'm not making enough and that I'm miserable. I'm not making enough, but I'm not miserable. There are some situations that could be improved somewhat with more money.

Everyone I know, who thought that they had it figured out, who had permanent jobs with savings and took multiple vacations, the best health insurance in the world and full dental-

-is quitting their job. Because there was a culture change, or the workflow changed, or the investors got involved and it ceased to be fun anymore. They're miserable.

If they're not quitting, then they're being let go.

I don't think permanent jobs exist. Like... not really. I think we need to get rid of that expectation and the stigma around weird work histories. Like mine- which has a million jobs in the past few years and they're not exactly in the same field, but also like people with big gaps.

Like who gives a shit if they didn't work for two years? You don't need to know why. Maybe they were getting over an illness. Maybe they were traveling. Maybe they were looking for jobs that whole time. Maybe they laid around and smoked weed all day. None of your business. Times are tough, be reasonable- your company isn't that big of a deal.

[jannacalendar]

I've fished out a load of old Buffy novels from the attic and have stumbled across a bit of a Calendiles goldmine in How I Survived My Summer Vacation. It's a series of short stories set between the first and second seasons about the gang spending the summer slaying while Buffy is visiting her dad. I don't know how many of you own or have read these books, so the highlights include:

« Giles' heart skipped a beat when Jenny glided into the courtyard. »

Upon seeing Jenny, Giles starts reciting Byron’s She Walks in Beauty to himself. This goes: She walks in beauty, like the night / Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that’s best of dark and bright / Meet in her aspect and her eyes…

Xander and Willow, across the short stories, taking it in turn to make little comments of varying degrees of discreetness about whether something is going on between the two of them. Willow enquires about whether Giles needs two tickets for an event because he's taking Ms. Calendar, while Xander is more blunt: « You two have been busy. Alone. Teacher’s in lust, I think. »

Giles being greatful Jenny hasn't disappeared on her « New Age be-in or whatever they were called these days » because he's enjoying getting closer to her.

« Her nearness was intoxicating and distracting. »

Giles gets injured and Jenny refuses to leave him despite all the vampires and the fire around them: « Her dark eyes were all he saw as thick smoke swirled around them both. ‘I love her… I cannot let her die.' »

Despite the Master's bones being stolen, Jenny's first priority is going to Giles in the hospital. She's also taking care of repairs and insurance claims at his apartment while he's admitted. When he's finally discharged they're holding hands.

Jenny and Giles decide to keep Willow and Xander out of harms way over the summer and take over slaying duties for themselves.

Giles has mixed feelings about this because, for as brave as Jenny may be, she's inexperienced and he is distracted by his feelings towards her. He wants to patrol alone to keep her out of danger, which Jenny does not take kindly too: « The macho look does not become you. »

Something appears. Jenny wants to split up and investigate. Giles doesn't. Jenny does anyway: « His brain said he should go left, complementing her action. His gut said he should protect Jenny at all costs. His brain never even stood a chance. »

They are dealing with a shapeshifter and Jenny, Giles, and Angel cannot trust each other. When a second Angel appears? « Instantly, Giles and Jenny moved closer together. »

Jenny tries (and succeeds) to get Giles to go to a fourth of July celebration with her.

« A corner of Jenny’s mouth lifted in a pretty smile, and despite himself, Rupert felt his resolve weakening. »

Giles is being cranky but is simultaneously unable to hide how happy he is to be spending the day with her.

Giles is so used to the Scoobies not caring about his research and ramblings that he is shocked that Jenny actually cares to listen to him.

« She was just so… delightful that sometimes he actually became speechless. »

Jenny calls Giles a stick in the mud then kisses him on the cheek. She later calls him handsome and kisses him.

Also the final story focuses on a travelling theatre troupe that go on murder sprees to match the plays they are putting on and I love that concept, what a fun idea to play with.

[afeelgoodblog]

The Best News of Last Week - May 29, 2023

Rwanda’s life expectancy has increased by 20 years in the last 20 years

What did Rwanda change? Three developments stand out: low-cost community-based health insurance plans, national investments in rural health posts, and ramped-up foreign collaborations. In 2020, more than 90 percent of Rwanda’s people had some kind of health insurance. This stands out relative to other low-income countries, where on average 31 percent of people have health insurance.

2. Brandon School Division rejects call to remove library books on sexuality, gender identity

Loud cheers erupted inside a packed high school gymnasium after the Brandon School Division rejected a call to remove books dealing with sexuality and gender identity from libraries. Hundreds of people in Manitoba's second-largest city showed up for the marathon school division meeting, which ran into the early morning hours.

The trustees ultimately voted 6-1 to reject a proposal to create a committee of trustees and parents to review books available in division schools.

3. Lotto winner pledges to fund classrooms in his native Mali

Happiness for one lucky North Carolina resident comes not from newfound wealth from a lottery win, but using those winnings to help schoolchildren -- in this case, from Mali.

Souleymane Sana of North Carolina won $100,000 from a scratch-off ticket. Relocating to the United States from Mali -- a war-torn county in West Africa -- Sana is using his earnings to create a non-profit to help school kids from his hometown.

4. Mountain gorillas rebound thanks to Ugandan veterinarian

In 2018, as their population topped 1,000, they were removed from the critically endangered list and their status upgraded to just endangered. That positive step was due, in no small part, to Ugandan veterinarian Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka. 

Her working home is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to roughly half of the world's mountain gorillas. But early on she also realized that to help the animals and keep them free from disease and poaching, she needed to also help their human neighbours, launching successful initiatives to improve the health and well-being of the people living around the park. 

5. Imports of ivory from hippos, orcas and walruses to be banned in UK

Ivory imports from hippopotamuses, orcas and walruses will be banned under new legislation to protect the endangered species from poaching.

The Ivory Act, passed in 2018, targeted materials from elephants, but a loophole meant that animals other than elephants, including hippos, were being targeted for their ivory.

6. Solar power due to overtake oil production investment for first time in 2023

Investment in clean energy will extend its lead over spending on fossil fuels in 2023, the International Energy Agency said on Thursday, with solar projects expected to outpace outlays on oil production for the first time.

Annual investment in renewable energy is up by nearly a quarter since 2021 compared to a 15% rise for fossil fuels, the Paris-based energy watchdog said in its World Energy Investment report.

7. Paralyzed man walks naturally, thanks to wireless ‘bridge’ between brain and spine

Gert-Jan Oskam lost the ability to walk in 2011 when he injured his spine in a cycling accident in China. Six years later, the Dutch man managed to take a few short steps thanks to a small array of electrodes implanted on top of his spinal cord that delivered nerve-stimulating pulses of electricity.

Today in Nature, an international team of researchers reports giving Oskam a better fix, a way to digitally bridge the communication gap between his brain and lower body. Brain waves signaling Oskam’s desire to walk travel from a device implanted in his skull to the spinal stimulator, rerouting the signal around the damaged tissue and delivering pulses of electricity to the spinal cord to facilitate the movement. Oskam can now walk more fluidly, navigate obstacles, and climb stairs.

----

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[freckle-face-ace]

Portgas D Ace X CisFem Reader

1

It was a crisp November morning, not quite the time of year for snow but certainly cold enough. You had just finished a night of data entry for one of the two insurance companies you worked for. This wasn't how you'd pictured your adult life, though honestly you weren't sure what you were supposed to picture. When people asked you what you wanted to be you shrugged.

Not being very social in school and inheriting your grandmother's home at a young age, you just slipped into a reclusive lifestyle. Hermit life chose you and it suited you just fine. You found a job you were great at, could make your own hours for and best of all didn't have to deal with people. You were just soaking up that sweet hermit life with your adorable but protective blue nose bull terrier, Kuma.

You wanted to name him bear because when you found him near the creek you'd initially thought he was a tiny cub, really, he was a beefy pup. Bear is such a used-up name for a dog, so you researched the word in different languages settling on Japanese.

"We should go to the store today." You mused as Kuma settled next to you on the porch.

A cold breeze stripped the nearby trees, carrying along the scent of chimneys down the lane. You sat quietly for a few minutes watching ripples travel across the pond nestled at the mouth of the forest. It was indeed a nice autumn day. You closed your eyes listening to the wind shift debating over having a nap before going into town. A high-pitched whistle caught your ear. There was some distance to it starting out high and getting lower as whatever it was neared. You assumed it was a charter plane, out here that was pretty common. Photographers were always trying to get a good shot of the forest meeting the bluffs that hung over the bay. But it wasn't the right time of day for that. You opened your eyes as the sound grew louder and alarmingly close. Kuma stood puffing out a low growl shifting his ears back.

Then you caught sight of the source. It wasn't recognizable - just a black ball that seemed to be on fire?

A meteor?

You rose as it plowed into the earth sending a tremor through the house. Kuma jumped off the porch following as you made your way toward the small plume of smoke.

Your breath hitched while you stalked closer, it was a man.

A man...fell from the sky.

How he wasn't splattered across the bank of the pond was beyond you. In fact, he looked quite peaceful. Freckles dotted his lifeless face. You bent over him brushing the soft black waves that had tangled with his lashes. A frown ghosted your lips for the stranger. You'd have to go get your phone to call the police to pick him up.

His blood-soaked chest heaved startling you and sending Kuma into a protective stance. His eyes snapped open wide, pupils dilating in a mixture of fear and pain as a scream tore through his throat. You held up your hand signaling Kuma to sit while the stranger writhed and blindly reached for someone who wasn't there.

Slowly you stepped closer taking his hand, gently brushing your fingers passed the bruises on his wrist. Humming softly, you tried to get him to focus and catch his breath before pulling him into your chest. He continued to huff and mumble to himself as he shivered in your arms.

"I've got to get you out of the cold. Can you walk?" You pulled back.

His head lulled over your forearm.

Great he passed out.

It took almost an hour to wrestle the man into your wheelbarrow and drag it through the house. Kuma followed closely keeping his gray eyes fixed on the sleeping stranger until you dumped him onto the bed. While he slept you cleaned the blood off his bare chest revealing not a cut but freshly scarred flesh.

"What happened to you?" You whispered moving to remove his worn black boots.

Kuma climbed onto the mattress and curled up with the raven.

"Oh, you like him huh?" You asked the dog who merely huffed shutting his eyes.

Figuring he'd sleep for a while you decided to leave him in Kuma's care and head to the store. Your usual anxiety about dealing with public places had faded while you pondered what to do about the stranger. No one would believe that a human fell from the sky seemingly unscathed and was sleeping comfortably in your unused guest room. It seemed more like a plot for a comic than anything remotely possible in real life.

After picking up some essentials and some spare clothes for your guest you parked the old beetle in the gravel drive that lead up to your small house. Kuma met you at the back-door woofing and pacing between you and the hall that lead to the guest room.

"Is he awake?" You asked only getting a more excited response from the dog.

You placed the groceries on the counter keeping the bag of clothes with you and made your way down the hall. The ravenette had curled up facing the window. A large tattoo covered the middle of his muscular back. You couldn't make out what it was exactly because an almost identical scar from his chest marred the inked skin.

"Where am I?" He rasped in a sad husky tone.

"Portland." You replied dropping the shopping bag  in the doorway.

"I've never heard of that island." He murmured.

"It isn't an island, it's a city in Maine." You raised a brow, "What's your name?"

He rolled over to face you not bothering to move his wavy locks from his garnet eyes.

"Ace. Portgas D. Ace."

[unlversegirly]

✧ ೃ༄*ੈ✩Week ahead for the signs—channeled messages (smrv) ✧ ೃ༄*ੈ✩

ꕥ aries - Your patience is paying off, those who hurt you are getting a taste of their karma. on the contrary, if you've done wrong, you may be getting a taste of your bad karma. Possible legal issues being resolved for some of you?? Some of you also may have some job interviews. Potential relief if you've been going through financial hardship.

ꕥ taurus - Some of you may have just left a situation (like a job or relationship,) or be planning to leave something behind as it no longer fulfills you. You could be investing in a deeper spiritual journey following this loss, or possibly destination travel for some of you as well.

ꕥ gemini - You might face some minor obstacles, but you will overcome them no problem. Success is close enough for you to taste it. Some of you may be advocating for something or become the spokesperson for something.

ꕥ cancer - Right now your ideas are flourishing and you need to let the world see! Lots of opportunities could be coming your way. Some of you may get your calendars filled up fast, make sure you have time for all the opportunities coming to you! If there's any time to step into your power, it's now.

ꕥ leo - If you feel beaten down by the universe lately, luck is coming your way. physical and mental health may start to improve. Lots of creative expression. Home redecorating for some of you??

ꕥ virgo - Yes, your hard work *is* paying off. You may have been dealing with lots of self doubt, but the victory you've been waiting for is here! Some of you may be getting a promotion or contract. Those of you who are dating may have someone declare their feelings to you.

ꕥ scorpio - Intense and sudden change–you can't avoid it. You might feel vulnerable while you feel everything crumble around you, but you have to surrender to the universe so you can build your walls back up. Possible migraines for some of you??

ꕥ sagittarius - Possibly a lover around the corner but they could be temporary🫣 You might be feeling creative and want to improve you lifestyle/home. Insecurity and doubt during this time will subside. If finances have been an issue, they could start looking up.

ꕥ capricorn - You're feeling extremely inspired by everything and everyone. Some of you may be starting new jobs or working on new projects. Now is a great time for creatives (songwriters, artists, etc) as the smallest things could inspire you to form a new concept.

ꕥ aquarius - Possible good news in education, finances, business, or travel. Money is coming to some of you–possibly even new properties. For some of you: finance time!! It's time to do your taxes or update insurance policies if you haven't.

ꕥ pisces - Now is a perfect time to express yourself and put your ideas out there because they will be received well by those around you–but it's important you actually do it. Perfectionism or fear of what others think is a humans greatest enemy; don't let it silence all your best ideas.

take what resonates and leave what doesn't, if it doesn't apply let it fly✌️

thanks for reading彡ೃೀ;;

[greenlittleapple]

My favorite headcanons

The best thing with headcanons is what they are doing for our imagination. It allows us to stay in a serie verse, and to explore a huge varityof topics in fanfictions. About Gallavich, I’ve a crush on several, mostly in post canon : *Ian and Mickey learn to be happy in the Ouest Side, and live there several years, but they chose to buy a house in the South Side when they're ready to start that adventure. *The years following canon are pretty calm for them, a good occasion to work on their past traumas, even if it takes time. With an health insurance, Ian as a good support system to help him managing his bipolar disorder, and is less reluctant to asking for help when he needs. Mickey is more opened up about Terry's abuses, and after a long time, success to evocate the terrible day of 3x666 with his husband. *They adopts a dog, after nearly four years of marriage. Mickey doesn't hate that, not at all, and is less scared about the idea of having children. *In their professional life, they keep Gallavich Security, and hiring people. Mickey doesn't says it directly to him, but he wants to be off, for taking care of Ian if he has an episode. With that decision, they can take time to start other activities they like. Mickey could manage a other bisness, and Ian could go back to a job in the medical environnement. *Mickey is Ian’s main support in the management of his bipolar disorder, staying at home with him during low episodes (what ever if he’s missing at work), and calming him down if he’s manic, till his meds would be adjusted. *Ian wants them to do some "normal things" from times to times, like going to yoga class, trying dates in romantic places, or growing or cooking vegetables. He's alsow preoccupied by their health, incitating Mickey to quite stop smoking, or going to the clinic when he's sick or hurt. Mickey is reluctant with almost everything, but finish up by accepting to try at least. *Mickey suffers of anxity. He needs time to deal with it. Ian already understood it, even during canon, maybe. I’m not shure Mickey would go to therapy, so Ian trys to help him with "self care" technics, and pushes him to talk. *Ian and Mickey are very presents in their nephews's life. They have a particular relation with Franny. Growing up, she often comes to them, to take a break fromhome if things are difficult with Debbie. Ian and Mickey sometimes picks her up at sport or at school, and they share meals at diner or at their home. With Franny Mickey understands that he can spend happy and relaxed moment with a child, and be a positive element in his life. *They see Mandy severeal times a year, and catch up lost time with her. *They enjoy life. They travel, in USA, and somewhere else. They go to the restaurant. They sometimes do shopping, even if they dont have the sames tastes for decoration. Growing old, they take walks, in parks and forests.

[gwydionmisha]

Personal: Transness and Physio

Wednesday I was at physio as is generally the case on Wednesdays this physio cycle. (Current goals: Arm unsupported above my shoulder prolonged to the front at all to the side, Undoing damage from the wrong sling the first two weeks of healing, and strength building). My main pre-op physio had a free moment and stopped over to check on my between patients.

Him: How are you doing?

Me, cheekily: ready for this to be over.

Physios *laugh*

He turned to ask my physio for more detailed info. Which involved pronouns. Look, my pronouns are on file. My prefered name is unfailingly used by staff in this facility and all the healthcare settings I routinely used for… most of a decade or something like that. I used to have to pioneer a lot of health care providers, including Poverty clinic (second trans patient getting trans related health care there, back when there was one ignorant and low key transphobic provider, but it was far better than the extremely transphobic endocrinologist who wasn't taking new patients anyway so everyone had to trek down to seattle for everything), and just about every specialist I saw for years and years, often with people for whom English was a second language who were flat out confused my my medical charts.

For the record, once word spread (and trans provider word spread FAST on the trans grapevine) and Poverty clinic got deluged by desperate poor people who flat out couldn't afford 150-300 per health apointment and a whole day of travel, a second super cool doctor self educated and started taking patients. Within a year or two the whole staff had training. A couple years later they did a big survey, flat out changed the name of the clinic so as not to scare trans people, added prefered name/pronouns/gender to all forms and are a makor provider for two counties, providing an ever expanding range of care. Poverty clinic's main population had been HIV, kids who's parents couldn't afford health insurance, and unhoused. They are so much more now, and my whole reason is the better for it, because a whole lot of other practices got better and new services opened up all over the western part of my state to deal with demand that having two cities with trans heallthcare drew to the reagon. (A whole lot of other places have safe clinmics now and if you are in a blue county, you are likely okay to be fairly open. People can live in cheaper towns and cities and still have care a reasonable drive or bus away. It absolutely wasn't the case fifteen years ago. For some things the choices were seattle, san franscisco, and that one city in colorado. For hormones and trans friendly psychiatry it was only slightly better.) I am incredably proud of all the medical practices I pioneered and made safe for other people.

Thing is though, it's still not perfect. I'm pretty relaxed about pronouns, but where people are super careful about names, some people are waaaay better at pronouns than others. I bowl down the middle on purpose, in non-medical customer service settings, people take their best guess and I don't make a fuss unless someone else does or is obnoxious or I get duling customer service people who are in conflict and each sure they are right (Which is hilarious, but I consider it polite to step in at that point). I will back up a child if their parent corrects them to the wrong thing. I will happily give pronouns when a polite person asks.

In medical settings outside of places trying really hard to get it right like Poverty clinic or weirdly the Christian Hospital, people mess up pronouns about a third of the time. I think the masks make it more confusing for them and I am always in a mask in a medical setting unless I need to take it off for a medical thing.

The room in the physio clinic where I go, it is pretty much middle aged straight guy therapists (There's a woman sometimes and a younger guy I see doing legs now and then, but mostly it is middle aged straight guys who look like gym teachers. Guys like my late Uncle when I was growing up who was also a physio). Trans stuff doesn't come up. I spend the entire session working one on one with these guys, so while names get used now and then the pronouns are all 1st and 2nd person, you follow? There is enough conversation that I'm pretty sure none of the three guys who've worked on my arm are MAGAS. I peg them as likely democrats, but where on that spectrum? No fucking clue. They are all good guys and good physios. I do not know their stance on right to pee, you follow?

So the most classically straight ex-college athlete guy turns to the very gentle, very pacific northwesty type married with children postsurgical guy (I have no idea how to describe this type of northwest guy to someone who's never been here, but if you have it's really obvious. Loves being out in nature and likely has nature based hobbies. Cares about feminism and the environment in a genuine way. Relaxed about their masculinity and masculinity in general, so are usually some degree of queer friendly. Other stuff. It's hard to explain, but trust me. If you live here, you will meet a lot of this kind of guy. The two people I had my longest relationships with were this kind of PNW guy. I dated a bunch more. ), who is currently super slowly and gently stretching my arm, and asks him more technical stuff about my progress because he was worried I hadn't put on quite enough muscle before surgery.

This involved pronouns. Get this: THEY WERE THE CORRECT PRONOUNS. Both guys used correct pronouns. They also included me in the conversation. Bravo, Physio Dudes! Seriously, I had no idea how that was going to go when the pre-op guy opened his moth and it was A+.

[cocktail09]

Planning the Perfect Honeymoon: Round-Trip Flight Tips, FAQs, and More

Book your dream honeymoon now and start your journey of a lifetime!

Your honeymoon deserves to start and end perfectly, and that begins with choosing the right flights. Let’s explore everything you need to know about booking round-trip flights for your romantic getaway.

Why Round-Trip Flights Make Sense for Honeymoons

Booking round-trip flights for your honeymoon offers several advantages. Not only do you typically save money compared to booking separate one-way tickets, but you also gain peace of mind knowing your return journey is secured. This is especially important when planning a honeymoon, as you’ll want to focus on enjoying your time together rather than worrying about travel arrangements.

Best Time to Book Your Honeymoon Flights

For optimal pricing and availability, book your honeymoon flights 4–6 months in advance. International destinations may require even earlier booking, particularly during peak seasons. Many couples find the best deals by booking on Tuesday afternoons or Wednesday mornings when airlines often release new fares.

Maximizing Comfort and Romance

Consider upgrading to premium economy or business class for at least one leg of your journey. Many airlines offer special honeymoon perks if you notify them in advance. Some carriers even provide complimentary champagne or special meals for newlyweds.

Smart Booking Strategies

Book flights that arrive during daylight hours at your destination - Allow ample time for connections to reduce stress - Consider travel insurance to protect your investment - Use airline rewards programs or credit card points for upgrades - Check multiple airlines and routes for the best options

Book your dream honeymoon now and start your journey of a lifetime!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How far in advance should we book our honeymoon flights?

A: Ideally, book 4–6 months ahead for domestic flights and 6–8 months for international destinations. Popular honeymoon spots may require even earlier booking during peak seasons.

Q: Should we mention it’s our honeymoon when booking flights?

A: Yes! Many airlines offer special perks or upgrades for honeymooners. Be sure to mention it during booking and check-in, and consider bringing a copy of your marriage certificate.

Q: Is it better to book round-trip or separate one-way flights?

A: Round-trip flights typically offer better value and convenience. They’re usually cheaper than booking separate one-way tickets and provide more straightforward rebooking options if needed.

Q: What’s the best day to book honeymoon flights?

A: Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning typically offer the best prices, as airlines often release new fares and adjust pricing during these times.

Q: Should we book direct flights or accept layovers?

A: While direct flights are more convenient, accepting a reasonable layover can significantly reduce costs. Just ensure connections are at least 2 hours for domestic and 3 hours for international flights.

Q: What travel insurance should we get for honeymoon flights?

A: Look for comprehensive coverage that includes trip cancellation, delay protection, and baggage loss. Many couples opt for “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage for extra flexibility.

Q: How can we increase our chances of a free upgrade?

A: Register your honeymoon status when booking, dress well, arrive early, and join the airline’s loyalty program. Being polite and flexible with the check-in staff can also help.

Q: Should we book flights and accommodation separately or as a package?

A: Compare both options, as packages can sometimes offer significant savings. However, booking separately gives you more control over flight times and accommodation choices.

Q: What’s the best way to use airline miles for honeymoon flights?

A: Book well in advance, be flexible with dates, and consider using miles for upgrades rather than the entire ticket if award availability is limited.

Q: How can we make our honeymoon flight more special?

A: Consider upgrading to premium classes, request special meals, bring travel comfort items, and inform the cabin crew it’s your honeymoon. Some couples even coordinate with airlines for special surprises.

Making the Most of Your Journey

Remember that your honeymoon journey is part of the experience. Pack essential items in your carry-on, dress comfortably but elegantly, and consider joining your chosen airline’s loyalty program before booking. Many couples find that the extra effort in planning their flights pays off in a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience.

Book your dream honeymoon now and start your journey of a lifetime!

The Bottom Line

Booking round-trip flights for your honeymoon doesn’t have to be stressful. With proper planning, timing, and attention to detail, you can secure comfortable and convenient flights that set the perfect tone for your romantic getaway. Keep these tips in mind, and don’t hesitate to leverage your honeymoon status for potential perks and upgrades.

[levantinetravelservice]

Travel insurance companies - Levantine Travel

We proudly stand as one of the leading Travel insurance companies, providing you with comprehensive coverage and peace of mind on every adventure.

[georgecarsblog]

How to Choose a Car for Monthly Rental in Dubai?

Opting for a monthly car rental in Dubai is a convenient and cost-effective choice, whether you're staying for business, leisure, or long-term purposes. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you choose the perfect car for your monthly rental:

1. Define Your Needs

Start by assessing your requirements:

Daily Commute: For regular city travel, choose a fuel-efficient and compact car like a Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, or Nissan Sunny.

Luxury Lifestyle: Dubai is synonymous with luxury, so if you want to blend into the city’s glamour, opt for a premium car like a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, or even a Rolls-Royce Ghost.

Family or Group Travel: If you’re traveling with family or colleagues, consider spacious SUVs like the Toyota Prado, Kia Sportage, or Nissan Patrol.

Adventure Seekers: For off-road desert adventures, 4x4 vehicles such as the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota Land Cruiser are ideal.

2. Consider Your Budget

Determine how much you're willing to spend on the rental. Monthly rentals often come with discounts compared to daily rates, but prices vary depending on the type of car:

Economy Cars: Affordable and cost-effective for those on a budget.

Mid-Range Cars: Ideal for a balance of comfort and cost.

Luxury and Sports Cars: Higher costs but perfect for an indulgent experience.

3. Evaluate Fuel Efficiency

Gas prices in Dubai are affordable, but choosing a fuel-efficient car can save you money if you plan on extensive driving. Compact sedans or hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius are great options for daily commutes.

4. Check Insurance and Extras

Ensure the monthly rental includes:

Comprehensive Insurance: Covers accidents and damages.

Maintenance Services: Some companies offer free maintenance for long-term rentals.

Salik (Toll) Charges: Understand how toll charges will be billed.

5. Look for Features

Depending on your preferences, check for:

Comfort Features: Air conditioning, cruise control, and spacious interiors for longer trips.

Technology: GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and reverse cameras for ease of use.

Safety: Advanced safety features, especially if you're new to Dubai's traffic.

6. Verify Documentation

Before signing the rental agreement:

Ensure your driver's license is valid in the UAE (International Driving Permit may be required).

Check for any mileage restrictions.

7. Plan for Return and Extensions

If there's a chance you might extend the rental, inquire about extension policies beforehand. Many companies allow seamless renewals for monthly rentals.

The right car for a monthly rental in Dubai will depend on your lifestyle, travel requirements, and budget. From economy sedans to luxury vehicles and robust SUVs, Dubai offers a wide range of options to ensure you enjoy your stay in comfort and style. Always book in advance and read customer reviews to secure the best deal.

[is-the-primate-vid-cute]

Is it possible to work as a volunteer caregiver for ape sanctuaries without an academic background related to zoology or science in any way? I have a lot of love for apes and would like to interact with and help them.

It is absolutely possible! Volunteering is vital to sanctuary work, and I encourage you to do some research. If you research individual sanctuaries that you may be interested in volunteering for, contact people with current/previous experience at the sanctuary, and manage your expectations (it might take a while to get anywhere, and volunteer opportunities might be less hands on than you envision), you might find something good.

Additionally, if you are willing to do less hands on work such as grant applications, outreach, and other paper-worky things your chances open up a great deal. Doing remote volunteering allows you to get experience without relocating, and gives you transferable skills that will be attractive in and outside of the primate world. So take a look and see what you can do!

- mod J

Volunteering at zoos or sanctuaries is a great option! You say "interact with and help them". Chances are slim you will even be near the animal enclosures for some time (for reputable facilities- if as a brand new volunteer you are given the opportunity to feed, enter an enclosure with, or otherwise physically interact with the primates walk away.)

Common volunteer positions:

Education: interacting with visitors, outreach, events, etc

Docent: this one requires a shift commitment and is a step up above entry education volunteers. Docents are knowledgeable about certain topics or animals and will be posted to interact with guests for education.

Enrichment: make items on while on property or you can call the facility to see what their wish list/approved items are and you can prep the enrichment at home to drop off. Great option for those who have physical or travel limitations.

Diet prep: transporting, sorting, washing, chopping produce many facilities need help in this area!

Gardening/maintenance work: varies by facility

Admin: like mod J mentioned, there's a HUGE hidden department at any animal facility that is made up of grant writing teams (necessary to fund the care teams!!!!!), partnership coordinators, communications, etc and these departments are always happy to receive help from volunteers.

This was a long way to answer your question: "can I be a volunteer keeper?". The short answer is there are so many ways volunteers support caregivers but often the hands-on (so to speak) work is reserved for paid staff because of buisness insurance, training, and knowledge. Many keepers get their start as a volunteer so it is a viable route to the paid-keeper track. Some sanctuaries have volunteer-only staff and I would caution you against those facilities unless you have done deep research into their practices.

Best of luck!!

[lysitheatheglasscannon]

I’m not someone who has watched a lot of superhero stuff, but those that I have seen (and are set in our world), don’t always have the most convincing sympathetic arc for villains. If you’re gonna pull the [over-used] sympathy card, at least make it worth our while. So I have an idea.

Let’s make a person who is chronically ill, and is getting worse, try to see many doctors. Doctors are not sure at best (and usually not really willing to find out), and dismissive at worst. It’s been years of trying to get answers. Our character is angry, frustrated, and grieving. Finally, one doctor sadly goes the distance just to find out the patient is dying. They deliver the bad news. The patient decides that since they don’t have a long life to live anymore, they want to try something. Online research has yielded results of a research center in a foreign country that is studying this illness. They say the cells of it can be studied, and some evidence suggests something can be done to manipulate them. So our character decides to travel there and volunteer themselves as part of the study, after all, they have nothing to lose. And of course, something something tropey happens, and they develop a superpower. (It’s a superpower story, what did you expect?) And they can LIVE. And what does our character do? Get back for years of their life wasted feeling hopeless and stuck.

Random doctors and practitioners all over the country start being murdered. The CEO and specific individuals are being targeted at one or two insurance companies. The police are confused. Why these people? It hasn’t ever happened like this before? And why is a nurse now dead? (Although, rumor has it, she bullied coworkers and patients.)

It takes awhile before the police notice that all the doctors killed have a few patients in common. Perhaps that is the key to cracking this case! They all rally around the last doctor. This one must be next, right? Except… no. The last doctor was never killed. And strangely, this doctor never seemed concerned about maybe being killed. When asked why they are not visibly concerned, this doctor responds “When you’ve really done all you can for your patients, and they know that, and you’ve shown them kindness, you can live without burdens.”

In total, our character spared three doctors. A young doctor who had been new to the profession at the time our character saw him, and who admitted he didn’t know since this was out of his area of expertise, but referred to a specialist. An older female doctor who had skipped her lunch just so she could talk further with our character about their experiences. And of course, that last doctor.

Our character had kept the names and dates and times of all phone calls and representatives from the beginning. Logged who was polite, and who wasn’t. Who kept giving them the runaround, and who had called back promptly. Everything was dealt with, even if murder wasn’t involved. They even started threatening politicians and lobbyists if a change in the healthcare system wasn’t made.

After several years of dealing out their version of justice, our character retires. The illness has flared back up again. This time, it cant be held off. They know this, the research facility had warned them this would probably happen. They decide to (painfully) walk to the park and sit down. You’re there sitting too. You just got off your phone with insurance. They won’t cover the expensive imaging you need. On top of that, you’ve seen 4 doctors in three months trying to get an answer to your pain. You’re crying. Our character is near enough to see this and asks what wrong. You explain, as efficiently as you can, what the issue is. It is NOT the same illness they have. They can’t advise you to see the three doctors they spared. But they listen and console you and tell you what to look for in a doctor. They tell you to itemize all your symptoms. They tell you a secret: sometimes you have to lie to the doctor. Because “it doesn’t matter WHEN that particular issue happened. It matters THAT it happened. And that it isn’t normal.” You reflect on this. Lie to your doctor about when a symptom started? But they have a point. You never did get an answer about that issue two years ago. And you’ve been having similar, albeit lesser severe, issues that mirror the big incident. Maybe, just maybe, you should lie next time. About that anyways, lying more than that makes you uncomfortable. Our character gives a last word of encouragement, and limps off. We never see or hear from them again. But you type up their advice and post it on a forum online. It helps hundreds of people with different illnesses, although you never know this. And our character never knew it either.

So we have a villain whose motives I can sympathize with. Years from their life taken from them by an unjust system. Nobody really likes insurance companies, and almost everyone has a story about a doctor who was terrible. This character end up indirectly helping several people. But the justice they dealt out beforehand, it wasn’t their duty to deal it. And that’s why they are a villain.

This was thought up by moi as I took a shower and reflected on my own health issues. And I recall what my brother went through to get an EDS and POTS diagnosis. No, he never lied.

[cjwelford-archive]

→ wren and jasper cantwell's home, claret park. self-para.

CJ had never felt like this in Wren’s home before. The living room in her spacious Claret Park home — an area that normally exuded warmth and comfort — was fraught with tension, not helped by Wren’s icy glare from where she stood, leaning against the grand bookcase opposite CJ, sandwiched in between uncomfortable seeming Emery and Jasper.

“Are you sure it’s a real marriage certificate?” She had asked, the first words spoken in over ten minutes when he had broken the news of him and Seb getting married.

“Yeah, it’s like stamped…and everything.” CJ confirmed, shifting slightly. Beside him, Jasper softly sighed. 

Wren squeezed her eyes shut for a second, opening them and shaking her head.

“What the fuck were you thinking, Ceej?” She demanded. He opened his mouth to answer, but she cut him off before he had a chance to explain himself. “No, you weren’t thinking. You never fucking think!” 

“Wren —,” Jasper began, and it almost sounded like he was about to defend his brother-in-law. However, her glower had him shut up quickly.

It made CJ’s gut churn uncomfortably then, because he did think. He thought about work, he thought about his family, he thought about his friends. 

“People do it all the time…” Was his only defense, shrugging like it wasn’t a big deal. And it wasn’t, because he and Seb were best friends and adults. Who cared that, according to the state of Nevada, they were husband and husband?

“So?!” Wren snapped, “The general American population is full of idiots, CJ!” She let out another sigh, squeezing the bridge of her nose with her fingers. “Look, this would have been fucking cute or whatever if you were twenty-one, but my god, you are in your thirties now and it’s embarrassing.” 

“What does my age have to do with it?” CJ asked, brow furrowed in confusion. Emery next to him shook his head, as if to beg CJ not to pick a fight; always one to keep the peace, but it seemed like Wren had no patience for peace today.

“You’re thirty-two years old, Carter.” And he winced at the use of his full name. No one ever full-named him. “You’re a college dropout, you work two shitty dead-end jobs to pay for rent in a rundown shithole you share with two other people who are just as bad or as arguably worse in your stupid fucking antics. You have no basic skills such as cooking or cleaning, or insurance. Or savings. You come over every week high as shit and the stench of weed stuck to you lingers long after you leave. Not to mention the shit that you take when you have your stupid fuck-boy-frat-bro ragers that you are way too old for. And now you just got drunkenly married in Vegas! Your life is a fucking mess, Carter. You need to grow the fuck up!” As Wren listed everything allegedly wrong with CJ’s life, she pointed her finger at him for emphasis, each item causing him to flinch. He could recall briefly Emery and Jasper interjecting to calm her down, to no avail, but he couldn’t focus.

Wren had expressed her dissatisfaction with how he had been living his life recently, but he didn’t know how deep it ran. How each word in her voice was laced with resentment. He didn’t respond immediately, and she ran her fingers through her hair, nodding over at Jasper, who said he’d get the company lawyers to look into annulling the marriage, discussing covering the costs of it, just sat there mulling over her words.

If his own sister saw him that way, how did everyone else? His friends? His fucking roommates? Was the fucking mess what Todd saw all those months? For the first time in his entire life, CJ was struggling to breathe, but managed to stand, the shakiness of his legs unfamiliar and disconcerting.

“CJ, sit down.” Wren barked, but he set his jaw, shaking his head.

“No.”

She sighed, and he could see the comment as it whirred through her brain, traveling to leave her lips. Probably something about him being a petulant child. He spoke up before she could further hurt his feelings.

“You’re right, Wren, I’m thirty-two years old. And a lot of thirty-two year olds are still, like, figuring it the fuck out or whatever. But if you want me to grow up, then don’t help me. I can handle sorting my marriage with Seb out myself.” Somehow, he managed to make his way to the doorway of the living room, shooting his family an uncharacteristically dirty look.

“And for the record, there’s much worse people to be married to out there. I’m lucky I married my best friend, and not some dude who knocked me up in college.” It was a low blow, sure, but Wren had crossed the line first. He also wanted to point out Ty, who was scary, and Emmy, who was married, was also in Vegas that week, and both of them would have been much worse people to marry. 

“Ceej —,” Emery began, his own voice sounding shaky, like he was about to cry. CJ felt momentarily guilty, wondering if he was accidentally dredging up memories of their parents for the younger of the Welford siblings.

“CJ,” Wren said, voice sounding tired, but no less angry, “I swear, if you walk out that door —,”

“You’ll what, Wren? Cut me off? Call me names? Fuck you, I’m over it. I’m over you dictating over my life because you think you have authority because you’re the oldest.” He snapped. “Catch you later, Em. And Jasper it’s been…”

His brother-in-law shrugged in response. It was probably the most amicable the two had ever been.

And without another word, CJ stormed out of the house, ignoring Everly and Lydia — crouched on the upper landing attempting to spy in on the family meeting — calling after their uncle. It didn’t matter he didn’t have a ride home, that he’d have to trek back to the apartment by foot, he relished in the alone time to just think.

Was he wasting his life? Was he supposed to go on to do bigger and better things? Was he that much of an idiot he had found pleasure in the little things and a simple life?

CJ didn’t realize he was crying until he could taste the salt of the tears running down his cheeks to his mouth, sniffling all the way home, glad that neither Jeanie or Seb were in the living area when he eventually got home.

He hoped Jeanie would never kick him out. He didn’t know if he’d feel like he’d belong anywhere else. 

Climbing under his covers, uncaring if Professor Murderclaws had been in that day, hoping he had so he could blame his tears on his allergies, and stared up at his bedroom ceiling. Maybe it was all a sign, maybe he had to change. 

Become the person he was expected to be.

He sighed, thinking back to Seb in the next room. Step one, he thought to himself, annul the marriage. Frowning as he forced himself to drift off to sleep, he amended his plan. Step one, google what ‘annulment’ meant. Step two, annul his and Seb’s marriage. 

It’d all be okay in the end. For CJ, a true optimist no matter what, it simply had to be.

Or he just blew up his life for nothing.