#and it wrecked my sister AND my mom and was expensive and didn’t help anything anyway

[goldkirk]

NO NEED TO READ. I’m just venting 👍

Tw: suicide mentions and stuff

So I can’t give details bc protecting privacy of minors and my family who doesn’t know I have a tumblr or anything etc etc but I was right in suspecting that the adults back home don’t tell me anything non-great going on and G is having a way worse time than I was made aware of and as usual no one is doing ENOUGH and what’s being done is late and I’m like I just—I was TRYING to tell adults for FOUR YEARS and especially the last two of them and no one LISTENED until it was unavoidable and I STILL didn’t get anyone listening to my advice about things and I don’t have any way to make a difference but I swear to god if this goes on for another year or four the kid is going to kill himself. Like they are giving him NOTHING to live for, he has like 10% good and 90% misery and at least if I moved back home for a year or two I could be close enough to do something in an emergency. They don’t give their kids any way to talk to me and they wouldn’t let me around the kids to babysit or anything since I’m gay and a corrupting influence and believe in science and not fundamentalism but I’m telling you I had an extra 5-10% that this kid doesn’t have and I almost killed myself anyway and I didn’t have the massive health problems this kid has at that age either. They wouldn’t let me help him if I moved back but he has LITERALLY no one not in that worldview or viewing kids as not having rights etc etc and like. Of COURSE he can’t improve his emotions and behavior when he’s NEVER IN A SITUATION THAT LETS HIM HAVE ENOUGH LACK OF STRESS TO HEAL AND ENOUGH EXAMPLES OF ADULTS BEING HEALTHY EMOTIONALLY. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT

it just SUCKS and my mom is doing as much as she personally can to help in terms of getting him school accommodations and stuff but they all assured me so much while I was in the apartment 20 minutes away that things were SO much better and none of the old stuff was happening with him running away or needing to get dropped off to spend the night or whatever and I just you’re telling me they’ve been locking up food and you get calls at night on random days asking if they can drop him off at your house and the kid doesn’t have school accommodations and is failing some classes and has no motivation and has ongoing behavior issues and I just WHY DO YOU SAY THESE THINGS LIKE IT’S JUST A SHAME AND HE’S THE ONE CAUSING ALL OF THEM, and they didn’t take it seriously or see the problem when the kid scratched his own face bloody etc etc TWO YEARS AGO my god you people he doesn’t even tell you anything, what, do you think what you see on the surface is the extent of it?????

I’ve had conversations and I’ve cried at them and I’ve educated them and I’ve exhorted them at one am and I’ve tried to share my own experience and I’ve tried to give them science and I’ve tried to be a mediator and I ruined Christmas Eve begging them to be safer for these kids than they were for me because once I left the kids would have no other option bc they have no other trusted adults and they don’t GET it. If my parents and siblings ignore risks and one of my nephews or nieces ends up dead, I’m never going to forgive them for the rest of my life.

[mediocre-writerr]

we’re going down [leah rilke]

bring us through: leah rilke book

chapter 2: we’re going down

*not my gif*

The private jet was fancier than any plane I’ve ever been on. Seats where your feet weren’t cramped like a bunch of sardines in a sardine can. A smell that doesn’t smell like someone just ate the whole Taco Bell menu before they came on.

It was clean and polished. No spot had a stain, like it was brand new. Perfect as one would say.

Here’s the thing about perfection though: everyone has their own version of perfect.

Here’s the thing about me: I didn’t know that until much more recently.

There were many trials and tribulations with my family, especially when it came to perfection...or well perfection in my dad’s eyes. But somehow, some way, we always came out stronger. There was one time where my mom didn’t get the job we needed to really help our financial situation, and my dad got so angry that she wasn’t perfect that she had to go live with my aunt for a couple months. But when she came back with a new better job, my dad celebrated her. We went to a fancy restaurant in the city and ate the most expensive food on the menu. Then my older sister didn’t marry the guy my dad wanted her to and he disowned her for a few months. Until she came back with more money and a grandkid for our parents. He threw the baby a huge baptism party, spending loads of money buying them a house and the necessities for a baby.

My mom not getting a job? Fixed with a big celebration dinner. My sister not marrying the man my dad wants? Fixed with a huge baptism party and buying them a house.

I’m valedictorian, on the verge of going to the most prestigious school in Texas on a full ride: Rice University. And then right when everything in life seemed to be perfect, I messed everything up. There was no way coming back up from this one.

I was just sitting at the kitchen table during dinner. Eating mom’s classic country fried steak and mashed potatoes with gravy. Occasionally, participating in awkward conversation about how good the food is. I felt like I slept-walked there, barely able to recall the argument before dinner, the yelling, the screaming. Remembering for the thousandth time in the past week, that she was gone.

I sat there awkwardly, waiting for the other foot to drop. That I was just going to get kicked to the curb like everyone else who didn’t follow what my dad has planned for their life. But as my younger brothers went upstairs for bed I recognized something on my dad’s face that I had never seen since they found out. His face dressed in a big smile, like he was just told he’s going to Disney World.

As if on beat, he leaned in closer to me from across the table. And I knew that things were about to go for a crash-landing. His unusual happiness at my disobedience was going to wreck havoc into my life.

He cleared his throat hesitantly as my mother joined us back on the table. His breath smelled like his usual bourbon, “So Raleigh,” he said, crossing his fingers together with my mom’s, “We have a fun surprise for you.”

As if on cue there was a knock on the door. My father gestured for me to go get the door. I opened it revealing Shelby and her parents. I stopped short in my place, both of us frozen with confusion written all over our faces. But her parents had an unfamiliar expression: genuine happiness?

I cleared my throat, trying to piece everything together, “Hi Mr and Mrs. Goodkind. It’s a pleasant surprise. My parents are at the kitchen table.”

I open the door wider for them as the two of them say their hello’s and walk inside, “What’s going on?” I ask Shelby and she shrugs.

“I have no idea,” she whispers back, “But it can’t be good.”

The two of us sat across from our parents, as they stared at us with grins on their faces. But it’s as if the grins had a double meaning to them, “We wanted to talk to the two of you about something. We know the two of you are as thick as thieves, I mean you never shut up about each other.” Mr. Goodkind laughs, trying to ease the awkward tension, but it misses by a longshot.

Me and Shelby laugh along awkwardly, as we look at each other with a side glance. They said fun surprise. Not we’re kicking you out onto the streets. But we knew, from the way that our mom’s wouldn’t look at us or from the way our father’s faces grew more and more stern by the second, that something was about to go down.

My dad fetched something from his office. Two envelopes with our name scrawled across it, with a pamphlet in his name. The pamphlet in big bold letters saying: Dawn of Eve.

“We want you to have this,” my dad says, “It’s a gift for the two of you.”

We slowly opened the envelopes revealing a plane ticket to Hawaii, along with an itinerary, “It’s a retreat,” my mom blurted, “A beautiful month trip to Hawaii with other girls around your age. You’ll love it. Find your true self. Growing.”

Mrs. Goodkind chimes in, “Aromatherapy messages, swimming with dolphins, workshops!”

“A chance for the two of you girls to discover who you’re really ought to be.” Mr. Goodkind says.

And at that point I knew. It wasn’t just any retreat, it was a retreat to get our shit together.

I closed the overhead container, like closing the container would shut out the memories too. Looking for a distraction, I opened up Instagram on my phone scrolling through various posts of people back home and celebrities flaunting off their life.

Everyone seemed to have taken their seats. The brunette with a book sat in the back away from everyone else, holding onto the book like her life depended on it. The ‘put on your seatbelt’ sign flashed above us, as a video began playing on the screen in front of us.

“Right now, hundreds of girls just like yourselves, board charters just like this one, are on route to our retreat in Kona, Hawaii.” the middle-aged lady said.

But I wasn’t quite focused on that, but rather the girl in the back all by herself. She was staring blankly at the seat in front of her, not paying attention to anyone in the plane or the video.

“The Dawn of Eve literally waits for no man.” the lady says, causing me to catch my attention.

I looked at my best friend who was captivated by the video. I give her a look and she just shrugs. The air on the plane was tense as we lifted off into the air. It seemed like nobody wanted to be here. So Shelby did what she did best.

“I’m gonna start an icebreaker to get to know everyone.” she states, starting to get up from out of her seat.

I pull her back down as fast as I could, “Shelb, really? We’re not on a mission.”

But she just pulled out of my grasp standing up. I let out a sigh, even though everyone would hate this idea, what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t support her? “So, in the interest of bringing us all together I would like to propose a little ice breaker.”

I could literally feel everyone’s eye roll in the room. An asian girl with bangs stood up suggesting ‘Never Have I Ever’. But of course peppy Shelby shot down her suggestion. She was never one for those types of games. Especially with all of the secrets she keeps hidden inside.

“Alright I’m gonna start with an introduction and play matchmaker,” she says walking up and down the aisle.

I was trying to pay attention to Shelby, but for some reason I kept looking back at that beautiful brunette. Who did not seem to be interested in anything Shelby was saying. Her nose still knee-deep in that book of hers, curled onto her side, reading like it was life or death.

“And this is my best friend Raleigh Fuller,” my best friend says, snapping out of my trance. She looks at you with the look as she follows your gaze to the girl in the back, “We’re from Dillon, Texas.”

She grabs my hand, dragging me all the way towards the back, sitting next to the girl, “You two will be paired up together. Have fun you two.” she says to me with a wink before walking back down the aisle.

The brunette didn’t acknowledge me though, but rather kept reading her book. I cleared my throat, awkwardly, trying to gain her attention.

“The Nature Of Her? By Jeffrey Galanis.” I said, squinting at the book cover across from me.

That seemed to have caught her attention, “You’ve read it?”

“No. I actually never heard of it, but it seems like it’s interesting. If you’ve been having your nose stuffed in since I accidentally ran into you.” I say jokingly with a small smile.

The flight attendant came by with a cart full of chocolate cake. We both thank him softly, before indulging in the richness of the cake.

She didn’t respond after that all she did was stick her nose in her book again. But it seemed like she wasn’t even reading the pages. After three seconds she’s already flipping onto another page.

I cleared my throat, scratching the back of my neck. I mean what am I supposed to say? The girl clearly didn’t want to be bothered. It’s like the writing in those pages were magical. The old me would just sit back in the leather private jet chair, feeling sorry for myself about her completely ignoring me. Probably thinking something like: wow, I guess I’m really not cool. Or spit out a random fact since that’s all I know like: competitive art used to be in the Olympics.

But that past me was probably dug next to the old Taylor Swift’s grave. The lyric that goes: “I’m sorry the old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now...why? Cause she’s dead.” Yeah that’s how I’m feeling on the inside, so instead I say, “You know it’s kinda rude that we’re supposed to be having a conversation, but you’re completely ignoring me.”

She let out a laugh and took one glance up from the book. Finally being met with her bright blue eyes, “Does it look like I want to be bothered right now?”

“No, but it looks like you’re reading the same page over and over again. Like it’s the only thing that can keep your heart beating,” I said, “What’s so interesting about that book anyway?”

She studied me for a brief moment. Her eyes leave the pages of that book for more than five seconds.

Finally, she said, “Look, it’s one of my favorite books. But I don’t think there’s a rule against rereading your favorite book over and over again. That’s like me telling you that you can’t read Wuthering Heights over and over again.”

Now it was my turn to stare at the girl.

She was right. She may have been a closed off book, but so was I. I used to be one of those people who would kill to ask thousands of questions about what that book was about. Or why she loved it so much. I would love to join in and lead on Shelby’s icebreakers. But now? Sometimes, I don’t even want to talk to Shelby.

I wanted to apologize for my comments. These days, I can’t control my own emotions or what I want to say anymore.

I’m sorry, I imagined myself saying, I’m sorry that I was a complete pain in the butt. I didn’t mean to judge you and how invested you are in that book. My parents found out my deepest darkest secret. And instead of accepting me with open loving arms they decided to send me to a retreat. A retreat in which I’m pretty sure is a conversion therapy camp, but they don’t want to say that out loud. So they call it a fun surprise for me and my best friend. While the girl I fell in love with is just gone. I used to be this bright bubbly girl, but now I’m not. So, please forgive me for my behavior since you probably don’t want to be here either.

That’s a little TMI, don’t you think?

I open my mouth and start to utter those meaningless two words when my best friend came rushing past.

“Shelby? Where are you going?” I ask, surprised at how fast she was moving.

“I got chocolate cake in my teeth.” she mumbles, covering her face in her hand and I immediately got the message.

“Ah got it.”

Shelby rushed back into the bathroom and I turned to the brunette in front of me again. The closed-book of a girl, opening my mouth once more ready to mumble the two most overused words. But the plane started shaking, jolting us back and forth. The two of us look at each other, tilting our heads to the side.

“Hello everyone. We’re experiencing a little turbulence.” The plane continued to jolt and it seemed like more than just a little turbulence, “Actually a lot of turbulence!” the pilot yells.

The lights flashing on and off. The brunette just shoved her face back in the book. This could be our last moments on Earth and she’s still reading that book! I get up from out of my seat, banging on the bathroom door.

“Shelby! Open the door!” I yell.

My blonde best friend came bursting out and she fell onto her knees on the floor. Praying to the God she still whole-heartedly believed in. I fell down on the ground next to her, holding her in my arms as she prayed. I didn’t pray, but rather sat there thinking that this was the end.

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #375

“why do i see her, the never-ending night  /  why do i see her, wearing nothing but the dark?”

Who’s one person who changed how you viewed something? I hold Rhett & Link responsible for "curing" my homophobia. I went through a phase where I shipped them like CRAZY, and they're still my "OTP," and it really made me question why I had such a disgusting belief. The switch was officially flipped when listening to their podcast with Hannah Hart, who discussed growing up as a lesbian surrounded by homophobia. Let me tell you, it felt fucking good to let that repulsive belief go. It was my former religion that tied me to it, but it could no longer be an excuse to me, even when I stayed Christian a while longer. And here I am now as a bisexual woman who wants to deck younger me dead in the face. :') Were you ever scared of driving? What scared you about it? I am TERRIFIED of driving. I'm most scared of getting in a wreck and killing somebody, something I would never. Ever. Ever. Forgive myself for. I'm also petrified of, once again, getting in a wreck and I wind up paralyzed from the neck down. The most memorable time that you skipped school, what did you do? Nothing very exciting. What was the last topic you did thorough research on? Why? Toxic masculinity for an essay in college. What is a dish you absolutely love, but hate to prepare yourself? I don't cook, so. Of the many different American accents, which one is your favorite? New York. Is there anything hanging from the doorknob in your room? No. Why did you move to where you’re living now? Because we had to get out of our former house because the growing mold problem was a health hazard (especially for Mom, given her then-recent cancer diagnosis), and our family friend newly owned this house as a part of the former resident's will. Said resident knew Mom as well and the house problems, so she wanted Tobey to help us into this house anyway. What’s your opinion on wearing pajamas in public? Do you yourself do that? I literally couldn't care less. I do it a lot. Do you usually fill up at the same gas station? No; Mom just pays attention to the price. Are you currently looking for a new job? No. I don't plan to until I'm done with TMS therapy. Are any of your relatives musicians? No. Have you ever had an asthma attack? Thank goodness no. My mom has asthma and I have seen her have an attack, so I know they're terrifying. Have you ever been in a hospital and not felt safe? There was one occasion during a psych hospital stay that my roommate had WILD anger issues. She would explode out of seemingly NOWHERE, to the point once or twice she had to be put in solitary because she would literally scream and damage shit, like throwing tables and such. She scared the piss out of me to the point I finally plucked up the courage to tell the nurses that I needed a different room. What’s the highest fever you’ve ever had? I don't remember. Have you ever been hospitalized for a day or more? At psych hospitals. I think my shortest visit was just shy of a week. Have you ever had surgery? Two. Are you lonely? I'm admittedly very lonely. Are you mad at someone right now? No. Do you eat late at night? I sometimes need a small midnight or so snack because I cannoooooooot sleep when my stomach is growling. If I'm in basically any sort of discomfort, I have extreme trouble sleeping. Who do you miss? A lot of people. I miss Jason, Megan, Mini, Hannia, Emily, Journee... I don't feel like dwelling on those I've lost. Who do you admire most? Mark. If you could transform into any animal what would it be and why? Maybe a cat. Quick, agile, stealthy, majestic, well-equipped to defend itself... sounds pretty good. Are you more artistic or mathematical? Definitely more artistic. Which supermarket do you usually shop at? Wal-Mart. When was the last time you went to McDonald’s? I'm not sure, but it's been a while. Maybe around a month. What was the last chocolate bar you ate? I believe I had a 3 Musketeers because I was really craving one. Who was the last person you talked to on Skype/video chat? The woman who was doing my evaluation to determine if I was a good fit for TMS therapy. Can you remember the first time you ever talked to the person you love/like? Does he/she remember? I think I might have a vague idea, but I don't really remember. Would you be able to have a relationship with someone you didn’t find attractive, if they had a nice personality and treated you well? Yep. It sounds cheesy, but I do mean it when I say a beautiful inside blossoms into the body itself for me personally. Does the last person you kissed have brown eyes? Yes. Have you ever really liked someone to begin with, then changed your mind about them? I guess you could say Girt, because I had a pretty big crush on him when I started HS. We were just friends for way too long that when we finally dated years upon years later, it felt much too weird. He really was my "brother from another mother" by that point. Has anyone ever told you that they wanted to spend the rest of their life with you? Aaaaand he left. :^) If you decided to dye your hair, would you choose to go lighter or darker? Lighter. I want to dye my hair pastel colors so very badly. Do you know what the Enneagram is and if so, what’s your type? INFP. Do you listen to Mayday Parade? I only know "Terrible Things," which I positively adore. Do you have trouble falling asleep at night? I have an extremely hard time sleeping at night. It's honestly one reason I sometimes sleep so much during the day. Are you on a laptop, desktop or phone/iPod? A laptop. Have you ever been so angry that you screamed out of nowhere? I've screamed into a pillow. What’s the longest movie you’ve ever watched? I dunno, maybe over three hours? What was the last thing you watched on Netflix or Hulu? I have no clue. What do you think about your current relationship status? I mean I miss being in love and having someone who sees a future with me, but I know in the deepest part of me that it's wiser that I stay single until I figure some things out. Of most concern, I don't have a job or even a confident sign I'll have one soon, I'm not in school headed for a career, I don't drive, I don't cook... I'm a liability, financially and in other ways. It wouldn't be fair to my partner or even myself to go into a relationship with a heavy risk of heartbreak because I'm taking too long to get to where I want to be. I'm 25 now - if/when I get into a relationship, I want forever, and I'm not wasting time on anyone for almost inevitable failure as romantic partners. I want to AT LEAST have a steady job before I enter another relationship. How many people have you kissed? Three or four. Do you go out on dates? I have no one to go on a date with. Do you kiss on the first date? I never have and probably wouldn't, but I guess if things went very well and I was really into the person, maybe I would. What’s the farthest you’ve gone with someone? Doing to do. Would you rather receive a stuffed animal, flowers, or chocolate? I'd really appreciate any. I think flowers are sorta overrated though honestly, like someone ripped some healthy flowers from their roots and doomed them to a quickly-approaching death, but society still has a part of me thinking "oh that's sweet." I think more than anything, I'd be crazy over a meerkat plushy. Or would expensive jewelry just be fine? You really don't have to do that for me; I don't really wear much jewelry at all anyway. Odds are you'd be wasting your money. What’s the cheesiest romantic gift you’ve ever received? I don't know. Do you like romantic poetry? Yessssssssss. Have you ever been rickrolled? I'm unsure. Do you like bologna? Yeah. It was my favorite lunch meat as a kid. Have you ever had a nose bleed? Yes. Have you ever puked on a fair ride before? No, because I don't go on rides that generally induce that sort of risk. What animals have you ridden? Just ponies. What is your parents' idea of grounding you? Taking away my access to the computer. Dragons or unicorns? Dragons! Do you wish vampires existed? Uh, no. At the moment what is your favorite song? I'm going through another phase of really digging "Castle of Glass" by Linkin Park. Have you ever been pantsed? No. What is your favorite magazine? I don’t read any. Did you ever like Barbies? Do you currently like Barbies? I never really was, I just played with them when my little sister wanted to. I was more into playing with my dinosaurs and Pokemon and stuff. I'm not into them now, either. What’s your favorite hit song right now? I don't know what songs are "hits" right now. What’s your favorite element? (fire, water, air) Fire, aesthetically. Have you ever been to a wild party? Nah. Do you put on a robe when it’s cold? I don't own a robe. Is the last person you kissed gay? She's demisexual. What breed was the last dog you saw? She's some sort of hound mix. We think there might be dalmatian in her, too. What type of day are you having? It's been all right. I'm just REALLY not feeling this damn heat. Driving an hour and back to the TMS office in a car that has no A/C is agony. Have you ever thought about getting your nose pierced? It's been pierced multiple times, and I want to do it again, but this time with a nostril hoop versus a stud so the goddamn thing stays in. Do you prefer warm or cold weather? I have an incredibly strong preference for cold weather. Fuck the heat. Like just 70*F is "too hot" to me. Who was the last person you talked to in person? My mom. Do you hate the person you fell hardest for? No. Do you like rain? Yes, but I don't like being caught out in it. I just like looking at and listening to it. Have you ever liked somebody and never told them? Yep. Do you like to cuddle? If I really like you and it's not too hot, yeah. Are you shy? I'm excruciatingly shy. If you were paid 1 million dollars to spend the night in a supposed haunted house, would you? Hunny, I'd do that for free. Which do you like better- zebra print or leopard print? I'm not really a fan of either particular pattern on anything but the animal. Do you have any stickers on your car? I don't have my own car, but Mom has one that allows her to park in her old school's parking lot. Do you watch Pretty Little Liars? No. My sister Misty, tho

[angelliev]

Lover Boy - JJ Maybank x OC - Part Thirteen - Falling

Word Count: 2.5K

Summary: Aria comes back home to deal with the backlash of her relationship with her lover, JJ becomes interested in finding someone, and Aria scares the Pogues. 

Warnings: Kissing, cursing, blood, fainting, hospitals and Sarah Cameron being a savage.

A/N: Not much for this one. Looking forward to the next part. (Not my GIF. Credits to the owner. I don’t own any of the characters or the show.)

Lover Boy Series Masterlist

Miami has its perks, but nothing beats being back home in the outer banks. We’ve been back for several days now, hanging out, going to school, the usual. I wish spring break could last forever. Coming back to school was not something anyone was looking forward to. Thankfully, it was the last period of the day. I can’t wait to get out of this uniform and school. Ever since people found out about my relationship with JJ, people have been talking about me. Sometimes someone will mutter ‘pogue slut’ when they’re passing by me in the halls. I can really give less than two shits about what other people think, but it’s still pretty annoying. I’m just thankful I have Kiara, Sarah and Charis with me.

“So, Aria is it true?” An annoying voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I huff before looking up at Courtney, my classmate and unfortunately Samantha’s sister. She also used to live in Chapel Hill, then she moved to figure eight, like me. We used to be friends back in middle school, until I broke things off with her, due to her bullying others. I refused to be associated with a bully.

“Is what true Courtney?” I asked uninterested. “Is it true that you’re going out with JJ Maybank?” The question wanted to make me scream out of frustration. “Yes, why do care?” “Well, I was just curious, is he like your boyfriend or just a booty call?” I rolled my eyes at the question. “I’ve heard from a lot of tourons that he’s great in bed. Is that true?” Fuck yea it is. She asked with a devilish smile printed on her face. That’s when Sarah stepped in.

“Gee Courtney, you’re always into everyone’s business. Just like your boyfriend is into all the freshman girls’ skirts because he just can’t seem to get it up when he’s with you.” Que the scene from ‘Friday’ when they say DAMN! Courtney stomps away while glaring at the two of us. “Fucking bitch.” Sarah mutters. “Calm down Boo. Her words mean nothing to me. She’s just trying to get under my skin. It’s not worth the fight.” I chuckle, trying to calm her down. “I don’t care. No one talks to my splinter bean like that.” She boops my nose. “You’re adorable. You still coming to the chateau later on today?” I asked. We can’t really hangout together, due to the feud between our families. Everyone has been talking about it on the island. The two most powerful and richest families on the island fighting, all because of Rafe Cameron. Of course, Sarah and I didn’t let this affect our friendship. We’re still two peas in a pod, like always.

“Yep. Kiara and I are planning on volunteering at the turtle exhibit before we head over there. You want to tag along?” She offered. “I’d love to, but I’m helping JJ study for his test.” Lately, I’ve been tutoring JJ and making sure he’s going to school. I want to make sure he graduates, plus I don’t want him getting in more trouble with his dad. So far, it’s paying off. His grades have gone up and he’ll be walking for graduation.

“Studying or fucking?” Sarah smirks mischievously. “Studying! Get your head out of the gutter!” The two of us laugh together as we walk outside, where JJ and his bike are parked. I peck his lips, despite receiving disgusted glares. “I’ll catch up with you two later. Have fun ‘studying’.” She winks, making us laugh. “How was your day?” He asked. I answered by kissing him sweetly. “Does that answer your question?” He licks his lips. “Don’t know. Might have to try again.” He says before planting another one on me. I can feel the burning gazes of my peers on us. “Jay, people are staring.” I giggle. “Let em. They need to know not to mess with my girl. C’mon.” He puts on my helmet before I hop on his back. The engine roars to life, only gaining more attention from my classmates. JJ notices and decides to flip them off before yelling, “Later losers!” I giggle as we drive off towards the cut.

The two of us sit and munch on our food as we continue to study at The Wreck. It’s pretty cute watching JJ do his homework. He always has his eyebrows knitted and his eyes are so concentrated. His blonde hair occasionally falls in front of his eyes. “You’re staring again baby.” He smirks. “I can’t help it. You’re just so handsome.” I play with the loose strand of his hair, making him blush. “Awe, am I making you blush?” I tease. “I don’t blush.” He denies with a playful serious face. “Yeah sure, let’s see your work.” I take the paper into my hands scanning the answers.

“Hey babe guess what.” He starts. “Oh, dear god. What is it?” I joked earning an eye roll from him. “So, you know that broken-down Chevy Camaro I have?” He asked. “Yeah, what about it?” I asked, while continuing to check his paper. “I’ve saved enough money to fix it up completely. John B and I even towed it to the chateau, since my dad wants nothing to do with it. Now, all I need to do is fix it up.” I look up, my eyes are filled with excitement. “Babe, that’s amazing! I’m so proud of you! You can finally have your own car!” He smiles cheek to cheek. “I know, but I don’t know if I want to spend the money on it.” This makes my smile falter a bit.

“What do you mean? You’ve been talking about fixing it up forever. It’s always been your dream car. You’ve been saving up to fix it since freshman year.” He just sighs. “I know, but I think I want to spend the money on something else.” He says. “Like what?” He stays silent for a moment. “I think I want to hire someone to find my mom.” He speaks softly. His words take me by surprise for a moment. “I thought about what you said about your dad hiring someone to find your sister. I thought maybe I could hire someone like that to find my mom. I know it’s stupid.” He fiddles with his pencil; I quickly take his hand in mine. “It’s not stupid to want to find out what happened to your mom. I think it’s a great idea to hire someone to find her. Hell, I’ll pay for the private investigator.” I suggest.

“No, I can’t ask you to do that.” He immediately protests. “You don’t have to. JJ, I want to do this. You deserve to know. Plus, I’d love to meet the woman who gifted me with such an amazing boyfriend.” This seems to make him crack a smile, but only for a second. “But what if she doesn’t want to see me?” His question broke my heart. “It’s worth a shot. The worst that can happen is that she doesn’t want to see you, which I doubt will happen. Based on everything you told me about her, she really loves you.” I try to reassure him. “If she really loves me, then why did she leave?” He mutters. I just sigh. “Some people make terrible mistakes. But that doesn’t mean they can’t learn from them. Maybe you can give her the chance to redeem herself.” He just sighs. “I still can’t ask you to pay for a P.I., they’re expensive, aren’t they?” He asked. “Yeah, but in the end it’ll be worth it. Please let me do this for you JJ. That way you can use the money to fix the car and see your mom. Trust me, it’ll all be worth it in the end. I love you, so let me do this for you.” I plead.

“Fine. At least let me pay for the meal this time though.” He gives in. “Deal! Pleasure doing business with you Mr. Maybank.” I say in a stern voice, earning a chuckle from him. “Come on silly goose. The Pogues are probably waiting for us. I don’t need them scolding us for being late.” He pays the bill in cash before walking me out and onto the bike.

We reach the chateau, where we see everyone hanging out on the porch. When we reach them, I notice that they’re looking through these photos. “What are you guys up to?” I asked curiously. “Just looking at some adorable pictures of us when we were kids. Look at the boys.” Kie lifts up a picture of younger Pope, JJ and John B at the beach. “Aw! You guys look so cute!” I exclaim holding the picture. “What can I say, I’ve always been quite the eye candy.” JJ smirks, earning a glare from me. “So, how did you guys meet?” I point between the boys. The three of them share a laugh. John B speaks up. “JJ and I met in the third grade. This kleptomaniac here stole one of my toy cars, so I chased him all over the cut until I finally caught him. This dumbass had climbed to the top of this tree and couldn’t get down, cause his foot was stuck. I offered to help him down, only if he’d give me back the car. He said yes and we’ve been best friends ever since. Pope here, we met him in the sixth grade. JJ would always cheat off of Pope, which always made the poor boy mad. Then one day at lunch, these eighth graders had ganged up on him. We noticed and started a food fight to help Pope. The three of us got detention. The rest I history.” John B and the boys smile at the fond memories.

“That’s cute.” I chuckle. Part of me wishes I got to know them when I was younger. I guess they’ve always been troublemakers. They’re pretty close knitted, making their bond unbreakable. “Alright guys. Are we fishing or what?” Asked JJ. As we make our way to the HMS Pogue, I start to feel slightly dizzy. “You good babe?” JJ asked concerned. “Yeah, my head just hurts a little. Probably dehydrated.” I shrug my shoulders, not thinking anything of it. “Here, have some water.” He hands me one out of the cooler. “You’re starting to sound like my mom.” I chuckle. “Hey, I like your mom. She’s pretty cool. Always makes lunch when for Pope and I when we deliver groceries. Tips me nicely too. Wish all kooks were like that.” JJ smiles to himself. “Damn, I need to start delivering groceries to your house.” Says John B. “You should man. She always has lunch packed for us on standby. She makes the best sandwiches. Usually she’ll have some strawberries, carrots and chips on the side. Sometimes, she’ll put a cookie in there too.” JJ rambles on about my mom. “She likes you to you know? She thinks you’re pretty handsome.” I mock my mom. “What can I say? Moms love me.” He smiles cheek to the cheek, making me roll my eyes.

So far, we were all having fun on the boat laughing, talking, etc. Everything was going perfectly normal until my headache started getting worse and worse. I continue to down my water, thinking I’m still dehydrated. Perhaps I’m just stressed from school? It doesn’t explain the sweating though. It was only a nice seventy degrees out, with a beautiful breeze, and I was just wearing a swimsuit. We stopped for a moment to take a dip in the water. It still didn’t help however. My head was still pounding and I was still sweating afterwards.

“Aria!” The sound of Pope’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “Huh?” I look over at the Pogues who looked at me with concerning faces. “I was asking if you were okay. You look a little pale.” He pointed out. Great. “Yeah I’m fine. Just dehydrated. I’ll grab another water.” I shake it off, thinking it was nothing. I was wrong though. I shouldn’t have thought it was nothing. The second I got up, I started to notice these peculiar spots in front of my eyes. I also couldn’t help but notice my shortness of breath as I made my way to the cooler. I had to stop walking for a moment just to catch my breath. “You alright babe?” JJ’s voice sounded faint. My vision began to go blurry as I stared at the water. “JJ, I don’t feel good. I think there’s something…” I didn’t get to finish my sentence before my vision goes completely dark and my body goes light.

Her body shuts down and falls to the ground. Her head thumps hard against the surface. The Pogues jump and gasp when they see their dear friend collapse. “Aria!” JJ shouts, rushing towards her unresponsive body. John B doesn’t think twice before racing the HMS Pogue back towards the chateau. “Aria! Baby! Hey! Wake up!” She doesn’t respond to his frantic yelling. That’s when he notices the blood on his hand coming from the gaping wound on her hand. “Oh shit! Fuck! Guys she’s bleeding!” JJ can feel the panic and fear finally setting in. His heart beating a thousand times faster.

Sarah comes running with a clean cloth and first aid kit in hand. Tears settle in her eyes and her hands shake as she applies it to the cut. “Okay. Okay. She gonna need stitches. We need to get her to the hospital. John B faster!” That’s what she said. Sorry. JB goes races through the marsh. “What the hell happened?” Kie asked. “I don’t know! She’s was fine all day until we got on the boat!” JJ exclaimed. The Pogues near the chateau. “John B! Help me get her to the van!” JJ demands. The two boys grab a hold of her body and carry her to the van. Kie jumps into the driver seat, with Pope in the front, and Sarah opens the side door. Once everyone is situated, Kie hits the gas, making her way to the hospital.

“Just hang on baby. We’ll be there soon I promise.” JJ’s voice and hands shook. The minutes felt agonizingly long as they raced to the hospital. A sigh of relief leaves the group of teenagers lips, when they finally reach their destination. The boys quickly grab a hold of Aria rushing her into the ER. Their desperate pleads can be heard throughout the ER, gaining everyone’s attention. A familiar face spots the two boys carrying the limp girl.

“Aria!” Elaine yelps and makes her way towards them, a gurney following behind. “What happened?!” She asked frantically as her daughter was placed on the journey and rushed through the halls. “We were hanging out, then all of the sudden she fainted and hit her head.” JJ explained, following them, until he was cut off by a few doctors. “You’ll have to wait out here son.” “No! That’s my girlfriend in there! I can’t leave her!” JJ ignores their orders, tears welling in his eyes. John B grabs a hold of his close friend. “JJ! She’s in good hands. She’s with her mom. She’ll be okay. I promise. Just breathe man.” JJ listens to his friend, finally catching his breath, yet he couldn’t help but worry over the love of his life as he stood there without her.

[mingishoe]

I’ll be home for Christmas

Summary: I haven’t seen you in years and I finally go back home for the holidays and oH Frick, I forgot how much I love you

Reader x Jongho

Angst but mostly fluff that’ll rot your teeth

25 days of Christmas; Day 1

Word count~ 4K  I got a little bit too carried away  (Unedited)

12-1-19

____________________________

It was your first time going back to your hometown for Christmas in around 5 years. Of course you’ve been back home but it was only for a day or two before you had to go back to work. You worked for Korea Vogue as one of the editors and to say it was stressful was an understatement. The only good thing about the job is they give you a two and a half week break for Christmas and New Years. You were excited. You were about to board the plane when you got a text from your mom,

[Mommy] Text me when you land so I can make sure all the foods done <3

[Mommy] Also your sister is picking you up, good luck...

Your eyes widen at the last message that was sent. Your sister just got her driver’s license about a month ago and she was picking you up at the airport of all places. You take a deep breath and hand your ticket to the gate agent before stepping into the plane. It’s going to be a short 2 hours to your hometown. You’re never good at being in planes, it’s boring and you’re too impatient. You’d honestly rather drive and have the extra hours just so you could blast your music and be as loud as you want. You’re excited to spend such a long time back home, you haven’t seen so many of your family and friends since you moved to Seoul and you’re happy to see them especially for Christmas time. 

*

The plane is about to land at the gate and you start to gather your things and turn your phone on. The first thing you do is text your mom so she won’t start to worry,

[To Mommy] I just landed, I’m just gonna get my bags and find Min

You head towards the baggage claim and see your two, hideously bright, neon pink bags that you got as a gift before you moved. You’re rolling both of your suitcases along with the backpack and purse you took as a carry on. You get outside the airport and look around for your sister. While you’re looking around and all of a sudden you feel someone run into you and then you’re on the floor. 

“MIN~ What the FUCK are you doing?!” You scream as you see her standing above you laughing. “Ohhh, suck it up, come on get up” she’s holding her hands out so she could pull you up. She pulls you up and takes one of your suitcases and starts walking to what you assume is her car. “Minnie~ if you wreck I’m gonna haunt you for the rest of your life” you warn as you put your things into her car before getting into the passenger seat. “Look, I wouldn’t have passed my drivers test if I couldn’t drive. Plus, mom already gave me the talk” she responded grumbling. The car ride was mostly silent besides some music that was playing softly from the radio, “So, do you got a boyfriend yet?” You look at your sister with a scowl even though she isn’t looking at you. “I don’t need a boyfriend” you mumbled while rolling your eyes. “Are you sure it isn’t because of~” Right at that moment your mom called. You’ve never been more grateful for you mother calling you, “Yes?” You asked. “Are y’all still alive?” Your mom asks laughing. Your sister from the driver's seat starts complaining about how no one trusts her driving skills and you and your mom both start laughing. “Anyway, we invited some people over for dinner tonight, just for a little welcome back party. Don’t worry, you’ll have time to take a nap and a shower before everyone gets here.” You smile while your mom tells you about the dinner they’re holding tonight. Your mom is honestly the sweetest woman you could think of. “We’re almost there, so one we get there me and Minnie can help you finish making whatever you need.” She agrees and hangs up right as you turn the corner to your street. You look out the window and everything just reminds you of when you were younger. Right now you’re only 23 and you moved here when you were 6. Obviously being a 6 year old you didn’t want to move away from all your friends so moving to a whole different place just seemed like the end of the world. Soon enough you made your own friends who became a huge part of your life. You still talk to most of them these days. Y’all were a big group. You were the only girl and yeah, that caused a little bit of tension sometimes and would cause some people to question what you were. You, Hongjoong, Yunho, Yeosang, Seonghwa, Wooyoung, Mingi, San, and you couldn’t forget Jongho. Out of all the boys you and Jongho weren’t really the closest you two didn’t really talk when the rest of the boys were there. He occasionally invited you to watch a movie or go eat lunch. Probably the only reason you two weren’t closer is because you had the biggest crush on Jongho since you met him. You weren’t sure what made you attracted to him in the first place, maybe because he had the cutest smile you’ve ever seen, Maybe it was because he was the quietest out of the bunch but still managed to make you laugh the loudest, Maybe it was because of the one day you got stood up and the first person you called was Jongho and he was on your doorstep waiting before you even got back home, Maybe it was because of the nights you couldn’t sleep and Jongho stayed on the phone with you all night until you fell asleep, or maybe it’s because of the night before you moved to Seoul, Jongho held you all night while you cried because you felt like you wouldn’t make it alone in the city. You squeeze your eyes shut trying to think of anything but that night. 

That night you had a going away party, and of course you were grateful for all the effort your friends put into making this one of your best days back at home but you just weren’t really truly excited about moving to Seoul. You were going to Seoul by yourself, no one was gonna be there to hug you and tell you it’s going to be okay. The party was great and one by one the boys left but Jongho stayed and helped you clean up after them. After awhile you started watching Jongho and tears started falling, you didn’t even realise it until you saw Jongho’s worried eyes going towards you. He pulls you into a hug and tells you everything is going to be okay. At that point your crying harder and holding onto Jongho so hard like you were scared of him leaving you.

He lead you back to your room by muscle memory since you wouldn’t let go of him. “Hey, shhh, it’s okay, you’re okay. Lay down for me okay?” He asked pulling away slightly while playing with your hair. You lay down and he follows after, he pulls you back into his arms. Your faces are levelled and he lets a hand go across your face wiping all the tears off your face. “Hey look, I never gave your present” You look at him and he’s pulling something out of his hoodie pocket. He sits up a little and grabs your arm to put the bracelet on your wrist. He looks shy, you don't know why but he has no reason. It’s honestly the prettiest bracelet you’ve ever seen. It was a thin silver bracelet with diamonds covering it, basically it looked really expensive. You sit up and pull Jongho into a hug, “It’s so pretty Jongho.” “I-it’s nothing much, just a bracelet” you honestly don’t know what took over you at that moment but you kissed him. It was a soft kiss but told all it needed to tell. Your heart slammed against your ribs as he grabbed your face and deepened the kiss. After you both pulled away with your chests heaving, “I’ll never take it off, I promise” After that, you two just layed down, both of y’all holding each other like it was too late. It was too late to tell Jongho how you felt, but after what had happened you were sure he already knew. Right before you got into the car to drive to the airport everyone was hugging you goodbye. Jongho was standing in the back with his hood on looking at the ground. You walk toward him and pull him into probably what was the softest most caring hug he’s ever felt, “I-It’s okay, I’ll come back soon.” You looked at him with the softest look as he buried his face in your neck. You could feel the hot tears against your neck as you forced yourself not to cry again. You heard a honk and Jongho pulled away, “I love you” you whispered before turning around and walking back to the car. The only thing was, you never came back. 

You still have never taken the bracelet that Jongho gave you off. You’ve had it on since you left him. Your only proof is the tan line you’ve gained from it being there for so long. You were messing with the bracelet on your wrist and didn’t even realize you were in front of your house. “Are you gonna get off or?” You heard your sister from outside the car. You curse silently to yourself and step out of the car to grab your bags. As soon as you step inside you get hit with the smell of all your favourite foods. You keep your bags by the entry and go towards the kitchen to where you mom is. Your mom is facing the stove so you take it as on opportunity to go and hug her. She jumps a little bit and turns around so she could hug you. “I missed you so much, stupid girl. Why didn’t you come back sooner?” That hurt. You really feel guilty for not coming back sooner but you’ve been completely flooded with work you haven’t had a chance to come back for more than a few days. “I’m sorry, like actually really sorry. You know how work is…” “I know… It’s okay… It’s just, everyone misses you. The boys, they ask me how you are all the time. I know you talk to them but… Jongho-” You sighed heavy. You know you’ve been avoiding Jongho with special attention never really talking to him unless he texts you. He doesn’t normally text you unless it's a holiday or your birthday. He never forgot your birthday, he always sent you a cute selfie and a cute message. It always said pretty much the same thing, “Happy birthday! I miss you, you should try and visit more but it’s okay because I know you’re busy(I see your name in the magazines;)) but yeah, I miss you. See you next time.” You’ve gotten over Jongho since you were 18 and moved to Seoul, but of course he lingers in your mind sometimes when you get too deep in thought while messing with your bracelet. That's the only one of your promises to Jongho you haven't broken, your bracelet. You didn’t want to get into the conversation about Jongho right now, or at all to be honest. “Look, I’m tired right now mom I’m gonna go unpack and text the boys.” Your mom smiled and nodded at you before you went to grab your bags and head to your room. Your room is at the back of the house, away from everyone else’s. You walk into your room and see it pretty much completely the same. You look around and see an unfamiliar sweater lying on your bed. You pick it up and your heart drops to your stomach, it’s Jonghos. Your eyes start to well up with tears, you missed him so much. You lay down on your bed and hold Jonghos sweater up to your face and just breathe in his sent. You aren’t sure how recently the sweater was left here but it smells exactly the same as he did before you left. You’re laying down with your face in your sweater and you start to feel your eyes becoming heavier. 

*

It has to be hours later when you hear someone laughing and screeching loudly outside your door. You unconsciously put on the sweater your holding and walk out of your room to see what all the noise was about. Your still half asleep so you don’t really see everyone who’s staring at you. “You woke me up from my nap… what’s happening?” You rub your eyes to wake yourself up a little bit. You tense up and widen your eyes when you see everyone who’s standing in your living room. There’s 7 of the 8 boys sitting around on the two sofas along with your grandparents and even some of your parents’ close friends. All of a sudden you get nervous, everyone's heavy stares is on you. Wooyoung is looking at you funny and it’s then you realize your wearing Jonghos sweater. You pull up the sleeves up on the hoodie and start messing with your bracelet. Everyone’s head turns to the door as it swings open revealing an out of breath Jongho. “S-sorry, I was running late and I was running around like… an idiot…” he quiets down as his eyes land on you. You take a deep breath and squeeze your eyes shut attempting to keep your tears at bay. Your still messing with the bracelet on your wrist as Jongho scans you quickly. His eyes linger on the hoodie you're wearing, it’s his hoodie. His eyes soften as he sees the bracelet that you have on, you kept your promise. You muster up a small smile and greet him quietly. You mom comes back from the kitchen and once again you’re saved by the metaphorical bell. “Okay guys, the last of the food is ready, go and dig in.” You weren’t hungry anymore. Everything that just happened made you lose your appetite but you were obviously still gonna get something so your mom won’t feel bad. You let everyone go ahead of you insisting that it was okay. Of course the world said you’re not gonna get away with it that easily because of course Jongho had to be at the end of the line. You stand behind him and just look down at the floor practically abusing your bracelet. He knows you’re there but he doesn’t say anything because he can see how anxious you are. After you get your food you choose to sit down on the floor next to the coffee table. You’re grateful for when you see that Yeosang is who sat next to you and not Jongho. He wraps an arm around you and gives you a side hug before ruffling your hair. You were friends with Yeosang first because when you were 8 you thought he was cool because he had a skateboard. He was a little bit older than you and when you talked to him he kinda ignored you thinking you were just a weird kid. You asked him if he could teach you how to skateboard and he took the offer immediately because he thought it was cute you asked him. After a few lessons you two became really close friends and he introduced you to his other friends one by one. The second one you met was wooyoung and you learned you actually go to school with him but in the other class. Wooyoung is lowkey kinda mean to you but that’s honestly how it is with everyone so you’ve learned to just take it as a joke. But Jongho, you met him last and when you were like 10. He had just moved into the down the street from yours and the boys immediately took a liking to him. They were too sweet for their own good because as soon as they saw the moving truck they dragged you with them to see who was moving in. After you saw the boy you had a crush on him. It was obviously one of those little kid crushes where they just falter in a few days. After you became friends with Jongho you never talked to him because he was really quiet. 

“How’re you doing?” You heard yeosang ask, taking you out of your daydream. “I’m alright, Seoul isn’t as bad as I thought” you responded laughing. You rest your head on his shoulder, “you know that’s not what I mean,” of course you knew but you didn’t feel like being teased right now. “Yeosang~ it’s- I’m- it’s whatever.” Yeosang was the only one who knew how you felt. It was your first week in Seoul and you just broke down and called Yeosang. You told him pretty much everything. From him taking you to lunch for the first time the night before you left Seoul. He knew it was going to be hard seeing Jongho for the first time in 5 years after all the memories you have. You and Yeosang are eating quietly as everyone else is being loud and laughing. You felt terrible for not joining in but you honestly just weren’t in the mood. You’re playing with the rings on Yeosang’s hand and you feel tears start to run down your face. You try to be as discreet as possible and wipe your face with the sleeve of your sweater. The only problem is the tears don’t stop falling and you were starting to attract attention to yourself. All of a sudden you just get up and go to your room while shutting the door behind you. Your heart physically hurts in your chest. You completely forgot how much Jongho affected you and after not seeing him for so long it all just caught up to you. You move to sit on your bed and put your head in your hands as you’re trying to figure out what to do. Someone knocks on your door and you don’t even acknowledge them as they walk in and sit next to you on the bed. You know who it is as soon as they wrap their arms around your shoulder. You start to abuse the bracelet on your wrist as you just break down completely. You turn to wrap your arms around Jongho as he just holds you. “I’m so so sorry, Jongho” you hold him and you don’t want to let go. “Hey, shh, no it’s okay, it’s okay. I promise.” Jongho is playing with your hair as he lays the both of you down on the bed. “Can you please tell them I’m not gonna go out again, that I’ll talk to everyone tomorrow?” you continue after after you calm down and stop crying. Jongho nods as he starts to get up, “But please come back in here?” He smiles at you softly and walks out your door. “Hey, you know, it’s probably best if everyone leaves after your done eating, she doesn’t feel like coming out again. She’s okay though, I got it.” everyone looks at Jongho kinda weary but still murmur their agreements. Your parents look at Jongho and tell them they’re going to go too, just to give her some space and he agrees as he makes his way back to your room. He opens and closes the door and just stands in front of the door looking at you. He was watching you mess with the bracelet you’ve kept on for so long. He missed you so much. His heart aches for you. He tries to shake his thoughts as you open your arms for him to lay in. He lays down next to you as you continue, “I’m sorry, it- it was my fault. I was just scared…” you can feel him smiling against your throat, “I know baby, it’s- it’s not your fault.” Your heart was slamming against your ribs so loud that Jongho could probably hear it. “It is Jongho. I could’ve tried a lot harder. I let my own fear control me and I just shut down.” You just needed to get everything off your chest. “And Jongho, I don't think you understand how much I missed you. How much I still do. I thought it was just a small crush.” He was staring at you with wide eyes, just hoping you’d say what he wants to hear. “Ever since that day you took me to that Diner like 4 blocks away and we got milkshakes. That’s when I started to like you Jongho. Since then I started to like you more and more. Even if you’re an idiot like that one time you broke wrist when we were play fighting, and I told my mom I fell while trying to skateboard.” Jongho is so completely whipped for you. All the words coming out of your mouth are going straight to his heart and making it swell to 10X the size. “And Jongho, the day before I left to Seoul, that night hurt me so bad because it was too fucking late. It was too late to tell you how I felt. I feel like it’s still too late but- I don’t know. Ever since that night I realised I had loved you for as long as I could remember. And fuck Jongho, I still do. I miss you and like, I just want you to be next to be when I wake up, and want you to just be next to me along the way. And- And I know you probably moved on a long time ago, not that you even liked me the same way I did but-” You took a deep breath in. You were rambling so much at this point you weren’t sure Jongho could even understand what you were saying. Jongho pulled you closer and kissed you. You didn’t move for the first few seconds from the shock but soon afterwards you kissed him back just as hard. The kiss was hard but soft as it wasn’t rushed. You could feel every ounce of love and passion that Jongho was trying to give you. He pulls away and laughs when you chase his mouth, “I like you too.” You look at him with wide eyes. “I’ve probably liked you before you liked me. When I first moved here and you and the other boys went to help my mom, I thought you were really cute. Even if you weren’t the nicest to me at that time and you thought I was a weird quiet little boy, I still really liked you. And that first time we went to lunch, it was a date to me. And I had just hoped that you would like me enough to keep doing things like that. And the day I knew I loved you, When you got stood up by Xion. I know that felt like the end of the world to you, but I was just happy you called me first. And when you asked me to stay over because you didn’t want to be by yourself, and how you let me hold you and how we talked all night. That was when I knew I wanted you. And only you. And the night before you moved to Seoul, I didn’t want you to go but I knew that had always been your dream, and I didn’t want to be the one to fuck it up. And when you told me you loved me, I knew what you meant. I said it back but you obviously couldn’t hear me.” he stopped and you two just stared at each other. You rested your forehead on his, “I love you Choi Jongho.”

——————————————————————

Okay so, I wanted to make this a lot longer but my goal was about 2k but this is like double that. I might make it into a series with a longer plot like I wanted to originally. 

N E WAY This was Day 1 of the christmas prompt thing that I may or may not be able to do for each day of December so if not Imma do it into January. 

[capo-cedes]

Red or Pink, What Will It Be?

INVOLVED: Mercedes D'onofrio, Bernice D’onofrio, Samuel D’onofrio, and Al Mazomonie TIME FRAME: Saturday, April 18th, 2020 LOCATION: Venue; New York City, New York NOTES: Mercedes host a gender reveal party for close friends and family, it turns out to be a really huge circus.

Mercedes stood in front of a backdrop and photography station; guests were capable of taking professional photos with her. It came as quite a shock for many to know that she had been pregnant all along, especially after just having attended her wedding on the 4th of this month. However, she was showered in love with open arms from everyone that was around, and might she add the 150 people on their guest list tripled. She had managed to throw together a lavish event that impressed even her father; she didn’t do it alone, however. Her amazing mother-in-law helped her along the way as well. She posed happily with two guests who she didn’t even know. Although she would not have preferred the endless belly touches, she didn’t argue with people about it. If anything, she would appreciate no one stepping on her dress or asking her of her husband’s whereabouts more. She had to leave before him to ensure that her makeup and hair was put together perfectly, and everything was set in stone for the venue. Much like her wedding day she sported her natural eye color and a few freckles within the massive crowd she usually would not have. Freddie was ever the more on guard, there was a massive building with hundreds of bodies, and it was so loud and over-the-top you couldn’t hear yourself think. There was music, carnival props playing, roller coasters and other carnival rides, as well as clowns and more. She had really put on quite a show. There were booths set up around the large building that had both carnival games and your traditional gender reveal themed games. Upon arrival, you were capable of putting your name down to be placed within a draw. Two lucky people out of all the names in the draw, who guessed the right gender would go home with a $2000 grand prize each. She had never embodied her father so much in this moment, her entire life and it showed with each compliment and small conversation that was exchanged with her. 

 “Where is he?” Al asked, pulling the cigar from his mouth as she walked up to Mercedes resting a gentle hand on her lower back. He’d left his wife somewhere between a cotton candy station and a teacup ride. “He can’t be late for this” he told her as he looked up at the massive clock counting down the time when the gender would be revealed to the masses. It was her tricky way of keeping people on their toes and mapping out the events time. Clever but nerve wrecking for Al who was desperately anxious to know what his baby girl was bringing into the world. 

 “Daddy” she said sighing “you asked me that twice already” she reminded him before she said “plus I told you, you can’t smoke those around me right now” Mercedes told him pointing at the cigar. She walked away from the backdrop, pulling the dress up and moving with it. “He’ll be here any minute I am sure” she shrugged lightly at him as she shifted closer towards Freddie, her feet were killing her in the high heels and she used him as a post to hold herself up against as she unfastened and loosened the ankle part to the shoes. 

 Al looked at Mercedes and he nodded his head at her “I understand that, but he should be here. He should have come with you” he pointed out factually. She wanted him to drop the conversation and he wanted to go send someone for Nicholas. There were two very different attitudes revolving around this right now. He sighed at the cigar comment and he put it out against the ground carelessly, before tossing the expensive item in a trash can nearby. “Well let me just make my way back over to the open bar then and get out of your hair” he said to her as she walked away from him. He shook his head sighing as he slid his hands into his slacks. He was going to have to talk to Nicholas about his tardiness, he was ever the more disappointed in him. 

 Mercedes fixed both shoes, so that they worked with her instead of against her. She shifted in the skintight red dress and she sighed heavily. She watched her father move to one of two open bars in the massive building and she exhaled resting her hand on her stomach protectively. She did wonder where Samuel was, it probably had to do with whatever little thing that had him out all day during the day and down in the soundproof lair in their home when he was present. She didn’t think about it, instead she watched the clock above them before she looked around at all the people enjoying themselves, especially Samuel’s family. That is what she wanted for everyone the most, a break from the normal day to day stuff and to really enjoy a day of fun. 

 The second hand clicked speedily around the face of the clock. Bernice stood watching the second hand, tapping out the passage of time against her forearm with a controlled scowl on her face. Those seconds moved minutes, which had now turned into an hour. Where the hell was her son? She stumbled forward, pushed from behind. Catching her balance, she whirled around to find the remorseful, candy covered face of one of her grandchildren wide eyed gazing up at her in horror. “Antonio.” She said, raising her eyebrow as her lips became pencil thin.  “What have I told you about running inside?” she asked him. “I am sorry, Nana. I was trying to get to the cups before sissy.” He said, pointing off in the direction of his sister. Bernice turned but was caught off guard by Al over with Mercedes. She bent positioning the child where she could watch the two openly. “Now, listen here.” She said, holding the boy's shoulder. “I want you to stop running. You are not an animal” she wiped the cotton candy from the boy's face, eyes on Al who looked bothered by something. As the boss walked away from his daughter she rose and ruffled the boy's hair. “Go find your sister and no more candy.”  Antonio’s son was off in a flash, leaving her alone with her thoughts. Which all went back to one thing, Nicholas and his growing pension towards tardiness. 

 Freddie looked at Mercedes as she stood alongside him, he cleared his throat and looked at the massive clock. “30 minutes” he told the woman, that was how long her supposed husband had before the large Ferris wheel in the room announced to them all the gender of their child. It was to lit up in the color options that determined which would be a boy or a girl, so either Red or Pink. He was curious to know the baby's gender himself even though it wasn’t his business. Mercedes looked at Freddie and she nodded her head as she looked up at the clock herself and she sighed softly as she walked away from him, she got it by now. Freddie didn’t think he was the best guy for her and felt she was settling for less than she deserved. But he was her husband and she loved him; nothing would change that. She walked towards a booth by herself, rubbing her arm as she smiled faintly at a few people and she reached the booth. “May I have some water?” she asked as someone moved to pour a glass of water adding ice and handing it over. “Thank you” she said politely as she took a sip of it thankfully and she straggled along, eyeing the booths with various treats and food, pondering it for a moment. She hadn’t eaten since breakfast and she was a little hungry. 

 Bernice was wearing a track in the concrete outside the venue. Anger raising. For the third time Nicholas’s phone went directly to voicemail. She exhaled harshly waiting for the beep, “Nicholas Samuel D'onofrio, this is your mother. I have one question for you. Where the hell are you? Your absence has been noted. And by your father-in- law no less. Get here or do me a favor and run.”  She disconnected the call, face hard. Then returned back into the event. She looked around for her daughter in law spotting her near one of the beverage booths. She smiled and made the necessary apologies as she worked her way through the room. She gave Mercedes shadow an appraising glance then touched the young woman lightly on the shoulder. “How are you holding up? “

 The venue could be seen from nearly three blocks away. One more who's who event like this and they all would need to assume new identities. Nicholas ran his hand over his fresh trimmed beard, tapping his foot lightly against the car floor. 

“Sammy, it’s mom again. I think you should answer it” Paul said, turning around in his seat to offer the man his phone.

 Nicholas shooed the phone away absently, “No need. We’ll be there in 5 minutes.”

 Paul grimaced, rubbing the back of his neck. “If you say so… what if it’s about your wife?”

 Nicholas snorted at the man’s ignorance. “You think it’s not?” He shook his head. “Listen, if something had happened to Mercedes, my phone would be ringing off the hook. Anyway, good work tonight. I only wish you’d found out sooner. That little detour is going to cause me a headache later” He told his brother forlorn. “At least I know exactly what my ex and Rebecca were up to. I want you to move forward with the plan. Chat Sarah up, make her believe it's going to be me and her again. Can you do it?”

  “Yeah, but I don’t see why you want to toy with the woman like this. Just kill her and be done...” Paul replied.  

 Nicholas smirked, “Now where would the fun be in doing that. Just do it“ he said, as they pulled up to the red carpet. 

 Mercedes moved slowly against the concrete in her heels she eyed the pretzels nearby when she felt a hand. She looked back and smiled “hey” she said, hugging the woman to the overly dramatic dress. At her words her brow stitched together, and she laughed her off, knowing what she meant. “Great, everyone is having fun. We did an amazing job” she said looking around. “It is perfect” she lied, no it wasn’t perfect her husband wasn’t there, and the clock was winding down. “I got a little thirsty and I remembered that I in fact have not eaten” she told her “since breakfast” she tossed out. “Debating on a pretzel or a slice of pizza” she said deflecting from the anger she could be displaying over Nicholas. 

 Bernice squeezed the woman just a little too tight. A consoling gesture even if she hadn’t asked for it. Bernice sighed, staring around at the pack space. “Yes, I suppose we did. Well, you did. The idea of a circus theme was genius. Lord know we are all no stranger to the three rings.” She laughed, despite herself. Bernice's hands went to her hips as Nicholas slipped from her mind for a moment. “You can’t do that Mercedes.  That b... “ She cleared her throat, to catch herself. “Baby needs food. I'll put together something from the fruit trays.” She touched the girl’s face, before she left. “Don’t worry… I’ve placed a few calls. Everything is right as rain.” She said, hoping against hope she was telling the truth. 

 One of the soldiers stepped up to open the car door, nodding Nicholas got out of the car buttoning his jacket.

 “This is bull shit Sammy” Paul continued as he hurriedly jumped from the front seat. “Just take the company and bury her in a shallow grave.”

 Nicholas turned to his brother and straightened the man’s coat. He was close enough to his face so what he said next wouldn’t be heard. “I intend to erase not just Sarah but everything her family stands for. She cost me my brother. Now if you question again, we are going to have a problem. You got that.” He stepped away from the man and brushed off the last of the imagined dust. “You look good, let's go.”

Paul gave a warning look to the guard standing just to the right of him and Nicholas. One smirk and he’d kill the man where he stood.  He let Nicholas take a few steps away before he moved to join him. Tabling the top of Sarah all together.  “Mercedes sure does know how to throw a party” he said instead. 

 Nicholas pulled at the cuffs of his black shirt, smoothly making his way up the walk, he’d vetoed the ringmaster’s outfit for something a little more his style. The Versace dinner jacket he felt fit the madness of the circus party his wife and mother had put together and still clear showed were he’d cast his vot. A boy. Honestly, the didn’t’ care either way, but he liked the jacket so that’s what it was. “She does.” He said, impressed as he walked through the doors, scanning the room for his wife. “Now I just wonder how many outfits she’s going to wear tonight.”  

 “I know” Mercedes chuckled while sipping the water through a red and pink straw, the circus theme was amazing. She needed to pat herself on the back for it. When she continued to speak, she looked at her confused for a moment before she smiled nodding her head “I know” she said sheepishly. “You are right” she told her; she did need to eat. “Okay” she said, nodding her head at her suggestion of fruit instead. When the woman touched her face and spoke about Nicholas, she sighed softly to her nodding her head “okay” she told her, believing the woman to be telling the truth. “I can’t let him ruin this day too, you know,” she said, getting a little emotional, “everyone is happy and is excited like me, I just have to bask in that” she said. “But thank you, so much. For being here and for trying to be a comfort” she said. “Al is… pissed to say the very least” she told her in confidence. “But it’ll be okay” she said as she rested her hand on her stomach.

“I thought the guest list was for 150 people” Nicholas grumbled, trying to find anyone he actually knew in the crowded space. Of course, he noticed other capo’s that were hanging out on the edges of the festivities. Soon though as he moved through the crowd, he began to recognize his nieces and nephews. Each kid stopped when they saw him and ran to attach themselves however briefly to the man. He slapped around the boys a bit and told the nieces they were too pretty for words. Then moved deeper in the space. Outside of the kids, Nicholas only nodded and shook hands when he had to. Luckily, Red’s signature color provided to come in handy once again. “Mom.” He greeted, stepping past the woman to get next to Red. “What are you two talking about?” He asked, kissing his wife on her temples. 

 Mercedes heard her husband’s voice and she looked up to see him, Versace down and she raised a brow. Fashionably late is what he chose? He looked good, however. “You look good” she told him kindly as he kissed her temple, she would have preferred her lips but that would do she guess. At his question she smirked and said “you” cutely to him. “We thought you wouldn’t show but surprise” she said as she looked up at the massive clock counting down. They had roughly 6 minutes before the Ferris wheel did the deed. She took another sip of her water and said “excuse me” as she walked away, giving Bernice a knowing look. Damn she told herself she wouldn’t be upset but as soon as she saw his sorry ass face it changed her entire mood. She walked through the crowd, and she made her way towards the event coordinator. Freddie was hot on her trail, shadowing her around the room. He caught up with her and held her by her elbow escorting her to her next spot in the room though her husband should have been. And he prided himself in doing so, a smile on his face as he nodded to the people. Mercedes sipped her water gently, she still needed to eat but considering she was to speak before the Ferris wheel moved, she’d have to wait. 

 Nicholas looked down at his jacket, “Thank you.” He said an uncharacteristic smile on his face. He outright laughed when she truthfully told him she thought he wouldn’t show. “My God. I want to know what we are having. Since someone refused to tell me. I figured if I didn’t want to wait until the birth I better show up.” Before he’d finished his sentence good, Mercedes was off. Nicholas frowned as she moved away, her hound dog right on her heels. He shrugged it off thinking maybe she needed to use the restroom. 

 Bernice gave Nicholas the once over, her face sour. She let Mercedes do the speaking until the girl looked to her then moved off. She rounded on her son; eyes cold. “You are fucking up. You know that right. Did you get my message? Everyone knows you were late to the party Nicholas. Just what the hell is more important than your wife?” 

 Nicholas watched as Mercedes moved further into the press, then shifted back to his mother slowly as she laid into him. He let her words hang in the air for a second then moved on to a more important question. “Where is she going?” He asked, pointing after Red. 

 Bernice crossed her arms and sniffed. “I am not one of your lackies. If you’d been on time you know where she was going.” Her nostrils flared. “It's almost time to make the announcement. If you must know.” 

 Nicholas smirked. He was tired of Mercedes and tired of his mother. He loved both women, but this micromanaging was driving him crazy. He turned to drink vendor behind him, “What’s a good drink for a father to be.” He asked the man ignoring his mother all together. 

 Mercedes smiled at Freddie, letting him go with the pat of his chest as she moved for the stage before the Ferris wheel. She grabbed the microphone from the DJ after he announced that it was time to announce what the bundle joy would be, and she bit her lip hard. She knew the crowd was large but if they could get a handle on the chatter and the bodies, she could actually get what she had to say out. Freddie took the microphone from her and he whistled loudly into it dropping his two fingers after he did. She licked her lips patting his shoulder and she cleared her throat a bit “now that Mr. D’onofrio has gotten here and the clock has struck 0” she said, gesturing it hanging for all to see. “I guess it is time for him to join me on the stage so that he along with the rest of you can learn of the gender to the bundle we are expecting” she said softly, looking throughout the crowd at everyone. 

 Al spotted Nicholas easily as he walked in, like the slick ass Rick he was. He moved towards him, ignoring the shared words between mother and son. “Bernice, you manage to look sensational every time I see you” he complimented before he took a sip of his drink. “I would love to steal the kid” he told her, grabbing Nicholas by the shoulder and tugging him alone, he didn’t have a damn choice in any matter Al was connected to. “There’s open bars son… those drinks are for kids” he said both sarcastically and literally. “Come tell your ole father-in-law what kept you” he said as several men shadowed them towards the direction Al was tugging him. He heard the loud whistling and looked up, he saw the clock had struck 0 and he sighed “saved by the bell” he said, releasing the grip on Samuel before he shoved the boy in the direction, he needed to be walking in. “Just the moment I have been waiting for” he said loudly as he moved closer to the stage where she stood, alone. Somewhere along the way, his wife was brought to him and he held her hand gently in his bring her in the middle of the crowd standing before the stage gazing at Mercedes. “I am going to smack the hell out of that kid” he said to his wife before he took another sip of his drink. 

 Bernice smoothed her feature as The Boss spoke. With long years of respect for the man, she blushed at his complement and inclined her head. “Al.” She said, rather informally. After all she had known the man longer than most people in this room had been alive. She rung her hands as Al grabbed Nicholas, escorting him away. “Damn.” She breathed, knowing there was nothing she could do. 

 Nicholas rubbed his eyes; his gleeful mood was being spoiled. He could have chewed glass as he heard his father in law approach. With a surprisingly firm grip, Al roughly seized him by the arm, and bodily pulled him away from his mother. He opened his mouth to give an explanation. Rather it would be a good one or not was beyond him. When a whistle then Mercedes' voice settled the crowd. Her words proved to do two things highlight his tardiness and turned every eye toward him. He placed his hand at his waist then walked to the stage. Any joy he could have felt in this moment a distant memory. He moved on the stage, brushing past Freddie with ease. Reminding himself how good a loyal man could be. And how depriving Red of hers wouldn’t be exactly fair. 

 Mercedes waited for Samuel to surface and when he did, she smiled at him. He wasn’t too pleased, and she wondered if her mother-in-law pushed too hard, or if her father had gotten to him. Either way, now he knew how she felt every time he left egg on her face. She grabbed his hand and kissed him gently on the lips, with her matte red painted lips. “Before the big reveal” she said on the microphone “I would just like to thank everyone for coming out and celebrating this big news with us” with a bright smile. “We really appreciate all of the love we’ve gotten since the wedding” she said looking over at Samuel as she continued to hold his hand. “I’ve practically waited my entire life for this moment” she said honestly “and I enjoying every minute of retiring my title as Red and Tiny, and trading it for Mrs. D’onofrio and Mother” she said meeting Al’s gaze she lowered the mic “have anything you would like to say?” she asked Samuel curiously looking into his eyes. 

 Nicholas slipped back into character, puckering and accepting Red’s kiss on the lips. Ignoring the cat calls and light heckling coming from the crowd. Her further announcements confused him in some respects, she seemed to, just as at their official wedding, be saying something to everyone that wasn’t entirely clear. Nicholas held his hand up, shaking his head no to the offered microphone wanting nothing more than for this to be over. “I’m just excited to find out what we are having.” He said, adding a good-natured smile to his face for effect. 

 Mercedes knew he wouldn’t say anything, but she could try, maybe he would surprise her. He declined and she smiled nodding her head “okay, let’s have at it” she said as she handed the microphone back over and the Ferris wheel began to spin slowly. She turned to it, standing back a little on the stage, still holding his hand as she faced the large metal contraption. The Ferris wheel was hued in red and pink, the lights danced against it and it continued to spin in various light shows and patterns as it spun. She smirked; she knew it was killing people however it continued its antics until the Ferris wheel stopped the lights shutting off. And simultaneously it glowed in all red and from the ceiling fell red balloons, white balloons and a lot of confetti, some balloons of which said it’s a boy written across them and the crowd erupted. She rested her hand against her stomach “a boy” she said proudly before she looked to Samuel with a smirk on her lips, turning to him slightly. 

 Nicholas turned to watch the Ferris wheel begin it’s show. The machine jumped through color pink then red over and over again. Resting on one color to make you believe that was it only to move back into its wild dance of uncertainty once more. Like his wife the damn wheel liked to play games. “You play entirely too much,'' Nicholas whispered into her ear. Then moved back to his standing position. With a clatter of gears, the wheel came to a stop, glowing RED. Nicholas looked up towards the ceiling as red and white balloons and confetti blanketed the room. He reached to the ground and picked up a balloon that displayed the words boy across it. Smiling larger than he expected he then looked to Mercedes with a toothy grin. “A boy.” He chuckled, holding the balloon, and rested his hand on her stomach. “I would have been happy with either a boy or a girl. But well if you insist. Thank you.” He kissed the nerve-racking woman on the forehead then pulled her closer kissing her lovingly, yet soundly on the lips, hand rubbing across her bump. 

 Mercedes watched his expression, she needed to believe it was genuine. He chuckled and repeated to her their child’s gender, she smirked at that saying “a boy” back to him again. She listened to his words and smiled “you’re welcome” she told him cockily as he kissed her on the forehead and then pulled her closer kissing her lips. Her eyes closed for a moment basking in it and the feel of his hand lingering on her stomach. She opened her eyes and looked at the crowd, she guessed the real party started now and she chuckled. More so at their parents than anyone else. 

 Nicholas chuckled at her confident response. As the room sent up their congratulations, he tossed the balloon into the air and slapped it into the crowd. Curling his fingers into Mercedes’ he made his way off stage. “Question,” He said, taking the steps carefully, shooting Freddie a stay the hell back look. “What was the no more Red or Tiny bit in your speech about? Do you really want to retire?” He asked, looking to her fully once they were back on solid ground. 

 Mercedes watched everyone in the front of the stage, however Al’s glare told her all she needed to know. Nicholas moved with her off the stage and she heard his question over the music and cheers, looking up at him. She held the dress with one hand until they were on solid ground again. “I just don’t-” she said sighing softly to him as she held his hand clutching it. “Al wants me to be Don” she finally confessed to him, after having held this from him for literal months on end. “He won’t accept no for an answer” she said looking into his eyes, she spoke loud enough for him to hear but quiet enough not to be heard by others. “Baby” she said looking at him “I just want you and a family” she said beggingly “I don’t want anything else…” she told him. “Remember what we talked about at the Rainbow room, in Fiji…” she reminded. “I’m not in love with the power anymore” she said shaking her head as her eyes glossed over “I have you and him” she said resting her hand on her stomach gently. 

 Al looked at Donna “I have to go speak to her; I need her to know that this was not the place for a stunt like that” he said angrily as he clutched his glass in his hand. He even shoved the glass at his wife to grab as he moved towards the couple that was moving through the crowd now. He always thought Rebecca would be the death of him, but these two, definitely took the cake. He approached them, stopping them in their strides. “Have you lost your damn mind?” he asked Mercedes, grabbing her arm. “I oughta slap some sense into your thick head” he sneered bitterly. “I told you to lay off that retirement business, you know what you have to do,” he said as he looked over at Nicholas. He grabbed Mercedes' face and tugged her forward, their nose practically touching. Sound familiar? “Do you understand me?” he asked her, glaring into her green eyes. “A baby and marriage changes nothing, the family comes first, and you have responsibilities to uphold…” he said as he let her go finally. “Red, Tiny, Mercedes… it doesn’t matter the order, but those titles are the only ones you have” he told her. 

 Nicholas paused at the end of the steps, turning to face Mercedes fully as she explained her comments. He exhaled, running his hand over his beard. He’d never thought Al would place Mercedes over Rebecca. Not really. “He is used to getting what he wants. You know that.” He wrapped her in his arms for a moment, running his hand up and down her back. “We’ll deal with it. I wish you’d told me before... “ He held her by the waist and began to make his way through the crowd when Al thundered towards them face a blotchy red. Nicholas’s fingers itched, hand moving towards the Glock at his side. It seemed almost unreal to see Al’s hand clutching Mercedes’ arm. But when he placed his hand on her face, he became enraged. He pulled Red away from the man. Stepping directly between Al and her. For once he was happy her ever present shadow was lurking just behind them as he physically put her in Freddie’s hands. “This isn’t the place.” He hissed to sharp but with all the control he could muster. “She’s pregnant and emotional. Leave it Don.” He said stepping back, prying his finger from the cold steel under his jacket. “I’ll talk to her. She’ll be back to her old self once the baby comes.” He added trying to make himself sound calm and sure of his words. While in his mind the man was already dead, on the floor, with a bullet through his head. 

 Mercedes looked at her father with somewhat wide eyes, he’d keep his composure. There was no way he’d embarrass her in front of everyone like this. As he went on to scold her, she held her hand up to try and calm the man down. However, he gripped her face with his hands, and it caused her lip to tremble slightly. She grabbed his wrist and looked at him with pleading eyes. As he released her, she exhaled slowly, heart racing fast as Samuel pulled her away from him, she stumbled back into Freddie in her heels. Freddie, grabbed the woman by her waist and her arm, holding her steady against him. Freddie watched on with wide eyes, the exchange between the three shocking him a little though he tried not to show it. Mercedes rested her hand on Samuel’s back seeing his hand “I-” she breathed trying to find her words as she looked between the two. 

 Al looked at Nicholas and he tilted his head “you, tell me when and where it’s my place to conduct business?” he asked, pointing to the boy with his finger. As the boy went on to remind him of his daughter’s current state, he looked at Mercedes again. He looked at Freddie, then Mercedes, back to Samuel and he said “hmph” between closed lips. “Don’t you ever come between her and I again” he said, walking up to Nicholas. “She might carry your last name, but she knows who her loyalty lies with” he said looking at Mercedes. “And so, do you” he said looking back at Nicholas, “remember your place, and you as well” he said to them both as he patted Nicholas face with his hand. He straightened his tie and walked off into the crowd smoothly. 

 He didn’t answer the rhetorical question the man posed. Instead, Nicholas rolled his shoulder back, planting his feet in a wide V, preparing for whatever might happen next. His lower jaw clenched iron tight as the man patted his cheek, but kept his mouth closed only daring to turn back to Mercedes once Al was out of immediate sight. “Are you okay?” He said voice lifeless as he collected Mercedes. 

As Al walked away Mercedes followed him with her eyes, she pulled away from Freddie slightly. Resting her hands on the front of the dress and she looked at Sam nodding her head at him, “yeah” she said quickly as she reached up and wiped a tear before it could ruin her makeup or lashes. “He just has a short temper is all you know that” she said trying to chuckle it off though she knew Al had lit something within Nicky. She was used to it now, his fickleness, Al knew she wanted to get out of this lifestyle before she lost her life or worse. “I’m sorry” she said as she discreetly wiped a few more tears from the corner of each eye. Crying about it would serve no real purpose here but had people been listening to her all along. “I want to keep him safe, no matter what and that’s something you and Al can’t promise” she said to him emotionally, her eyes filling with more tears. They said she was emotional because she was pregnant, but she wasn’t, hormones played no role, there was a target on her back and a bundle in her belly. She wanted nothing more than to protect everyone involved right now.

[imdoingthismspaintadventure]

Worm 2.4 - In which Emma and her friends are utter monsters

“Nobody likes her.  Nobody wants her here,” Julia said.

“Such a loser.  She didn’t even turn in the major project for art, last Friday,” Sophia responded.

“If she’s not going to try, then why is she even coming to school?”

Ooh goodie! This chapter is already starting out fucked!

Despite the way the conversation sounded, they were talking to me.  They were just pretending to talk to one another.  It was both calculating in how they were managing plausible deniability while at the same time they were acting totally juvenile by pretending I wasn’t there.  A blend of immaturity mixed with craftiness in a way only high schoolers could manage.  I would have laughed at the ridiculousness of it, if it hadn’t been at my expense.

Wildbow captures the malignant pettiness of high school bullying so well. This is already making me mad with how ..real it is. The crude but effective phychological abuse.

The moment I had left the classroom, Emma, Madison and Sophia had crowded me into a corner, with another six girls backing them up.  I was unable to squeeze past them without getting pushed or elbowed back, so I couldn’t do much more than lean against the window, listening while eight of the girls were rattling off an endless series of taunts and jibes.  Before one girl was even finished, another started up.  All the while, Emma stayed back and stayed quiet, the slightest of smiles on her face.  I couldn’t meet the eyes of any of the other girls without them barking a fresh torrent of insults directly to my face, so I just glared at Emma.

I bet Emma is just relishing in all the social power she has here, letting her minions do everything for her and just looking amused at Taylor’s expense

Social hierarchy is such a cancerous thing in high school.

“Ugliest girl in our grade.”

They were barely thinking about what they were saying and a lot of the insults were wildly off the mark or contradictory.  One would say I was a slut, for example, then another might say a guy would puke before he touched me.  The point wasn’t being witty, being smart or being on target.  It was more about delivering the feeling behind the words over and over, hammering it in.  If I’d had just a moment to butt in, maybe I could have come up with retorts.  If I could just kill their momentum, they probably wouldn’t get back into the easy rhythm again.  That said, I couldn’t find the words, and there weren’t any openings in the conversation where I wouldn’t just be talked over.

They are taking the approach of trying to land as many hits as possible, without even bothering for coherency or effectiveness. Just a nice way for them to say to her how much they fucking loathe her.

Lovely

While this particular tactic was new to me, I’d been putting up with stuff like this for a year and a half, now.  At a certain point, I’d come to the conclusion that it was easier to sit back and take it, when it came to most things.  They wanted me to fight back, because everything was stacked in their favor.  If I stood up for myself and they still ‘won’, then it only served to feed their egos.  If I came out ahead in some way, then they got more persistent and mean for the next time.  So for much the same reason I hadn’t fought Madison for the homework she had taken from me, I just leaned against the wall next to the window and waited for them to get bored with their game or get hungry enough to leave and go have their lunches.

Ugghghghghghghg

The whole situation is just horrible. If she fights back they would call her crazy or dangerous or pathetic and they will intensify their abuse. But just taking it like this can’t be good for her psyche, with all the constant and relentless aggresion.

“What does she use to wash her face?  A Brillo pad?”

“She should!  She’d look better!”

“Never talks to anybody.  Maybe she knows she sounds like a retard and keeps her mouth shut.”

“No, she’s not that smart.”

No more than three feet behind Emma, I could see Mr. Gladly leaving his classroom.  The tirade didn’t stop as I watched him tuck a stack of folders under one arm, find his keys and lock the door.

“If I were her, I’d kill myself,” one of the girls announced.

Mr. Gladly turned to look me in the eyes.

First off, that kys comment made me considerably even more disgusted

Second, Mr Gladly, you can see it happening, right now! Please do something! Even if it is just breaking this up with your presence.

“So glad we don’t have gym with her.  Can you imagine seeing her in the locker room?  Gag me with a spoon.”

I don’t know what expression I had on my face, but I know I didn’t look happy.  No less than five minutes ago, Mr. Gladly had been trying to convince me to go with him to the office and tell the principal about the bullying.  I watched him as he gave me a sad look, shifted the file folders to his free hand and then walked away.

GLADLY YOU INCREDIBLE PIECE OF SHIT

Way to prove how ineffective the school system would be, with just a single action

Most friendly and approachable teacher? More like most utterly spineless coward

I was stunned.  I just couldn’t wrap my head around how he could just ignore this.  When he had been trying to help me, had he just been covering his own ass, doing what was required of him in the face of a situation he couldn’t ignore?  Had he just given up on me?  After trying to help, in his own completely ineffective way, after I turned his offer for help down twice, he just decided I just wasn’t worth the effort?

I really hope Gladly isn’t just rationalizing this as being fine because Taylor refused his help. Because that ISNT HOW THAT WORKS

YOU’RE A GROWN-ASS ADULT, YOU SHOULD KNOW NOT TO LIMPLY WALK AWAY FROM A GROUP OF STUDENTS ABUSING ANOTHER STUDENT TO THE POINT OF CALLING FOR HER SUICIDE. EVEN IF SHE REFUSES YOUR HELP, IT IS YOUR DUTY AS HER TEACHER AND AS A FUCKING HUMAN BEING

“You should have seen her group fail in class just now.  It was painful to watch.”

OH AND YOU ALL CAN ALSO GO TO HELL WITH THE ASSIGNMENT BULLSHIT

I clenched my fist, then forced myself to relax it.  If we were all guys, this scenario would be totally different.  I was in the best shape of my life.  I could have swung a few punches from the very start, caused a bloody nose or two, maybe.  I know I would have lost the fight in the end, getting shoved to the ground by force of numbers and kicked while I was down, but things would have ended there, instead of dragging on like they were here.  I’d hurt physically for days afterwards, but I’d at least have had the satisfaction of knowing some of the others were hurting too, and I wouldn’t have to sit through this barrage of insults.  If there was enough damage done, the school would have to take notice, and they wouldn’t be able to ignore the circumstances of a one-against-nine fight.  Violence gets attention.

But things didn’t work that way here.  Girls played dirty.  If I decked Emma, she would run to the office with some fabricated story, her friends backing up her version of events.  For most, ratting to the faculty was social suicide, but Emma was more or less top dog.  If she went to the principal, people would only take things more seriously.  By the time I got back to school, they would have spread the story through the grapevine in a way that made me look like a total psycho.  Things would get worse.  Emma would be seen as the victim and girls who had previously ignored the bullying would join in on Emma’s behalf.

One of the reasons why psychological abuse is so much more insidious than phisical abuse in  many cases. It is so much harder to fight against.

“And she smells,” one girl said, lamely.

“Like expired grape and orange juice,” Madison cut in with a little laugh.  Again, bringing up the juice?  I suspected that one had been her idea.

Madison, fuck off

It seemed like they were running out of steam.  I figured it was just a minute or two before they got bored and walked away.

It seemed Emma got the same impression, because she stepped forward.  The group parted to give her room.

“What’s the matter, Taylor?”  Emma said, “You look upset.”

Emma, fuck off

Her words didn’t seem to fit the situation.  I had maintained my composure for however long they had been at it.  What I’d been feeling was more a mixture of frustration and boredom than anything else.  I opened my mouth to say something.  A graceless “Fuck you” would have sufficed.

That Taylor is so jaded that this doesn’t even affect her that much is so fucking depressing

“So upset you’re going to cry yourself to sleep for a straight week?” she asked.

My words died in my throat as I processed her words.

.....You just pulled some psychological bullshit didn’t you?

Almost a year before we had started high school, I had been at her house, the both of us eating breakfast and playing music way too loud. Emma’s older sister had come downstairs with the phone.  We’d turned down the music, and my dad had been on the other end, waiting to tell me in a broken voice that my mom had died in a car accident

....Oh no. No no no no

I see what Emma might have just done and it is fucking evil

And this confirms that her mom died instead of her and Danny just breaking up...Fuck

Emma’s sister had given me a ride to my place, and I bawled the entire way there.  I remember Emma crying too, out of sympathy, maybe.  It could have been the fact that she thought my mom was the coolest adult in the world.  Or perhaps it was because we really were best friends and she had no idea how to help me.

....What happened to you Emma? What made you so fucked up? How did you change so much. You cried about her mom, you were or at least seemed decent once!

I didn’t want to think about the month that had followed, but fragments came to mind without my asking.  I could remember overhearing my dad berating my mother’s body, because she’d been texting while driving, and she was the only one to blame.  At one point, I barely ate for five straight days, because my dad was such a wreck that I wasn’t on his radar. I’d eventually turned to Emma for help, asking to eat at her place for a few days.  I think Emma’s mom figured things out, and gave my dad a talking to, because he started pulling things together.  We’d established our routine, so we wouldn’t fall apart as a family again.

Knowing Danny he probably blamed himself more than he blamed her. And he shutting down like that... oh god.

And the fact that Emma was a shining light in all this is just so... twisted

Now Taylor doesn’t even have the moments of respite and support from that anymore. When Emma betrayed her, she betrayed her completely and utterly. These memories are retroactively tainted because of her

It was a month after my mom had died that Emma and I had found ourselves sitting on the bridge of a kid’s play structure in the park, our rear ends cold from the damp wood, sipping coffee we’d bought from the Donut Hole.  We didn’t have anything to do, so we had just been walking around and talking about whatever.  Our wandering had taken us to the playground, and we were resting our heels.

“You know, I admire you,” she had said, abruptly.

This sad and beautifully bitterweet memory, absolutely corrupted

“Why?” I had responded, completely mystified about the fact that someone gorgeous and amazing and popular like her could find something to admire in me.

“You’re so resilient.  After your mom died, you were totally in pieces, but you’re so together after a month.  I couldn’t do that.”

Past Emma makes me rage and fucking cry.

She honesly seemed like a good friend and isn’t that terrifying? That a close friend, a trusted friend, could backstab you like that?

I could remember my admission, “I’m not resilient.  I can hold it together during the day, but I’ve cried myself to sleep for a straight week.”

That had been enough to open the floodgates, right there.  She gave me her shoulder to cry on, and our coffee was cold before I was done.

AND THERE IT FUCKING IS

Emma you fucking monster

How dare you

Now, as I gaped at Emma, wordless, her smile widened.  She remembered what I had said, then.  She knew the memories it would evoke.  At some point, that recollection had crossed her mind, and she had decided to weaponize it.  She’d been waiting to drop it on me.

You’re so fucking repulsive

Fuck me, it worked.  I felt the trail of a tear on my cheek.  My power roared at the edges of my consciousness, buzzing, pressuring me. I suppressed it.

“She is!  She’s crying!”  Madison laughed.

Angry at myself, I rubbed my hand over my cheek to brush the tear away.  More were already welling up, ready to take its place.

“It’s like you have a superpower, Emma!” one of the girls tittered.

You all better be thankful you’re not bug food at this point

I had taken off my backpack so I could lean against the wall.  I reached to pick it up, but before I could, a foot hooked through the strap and dragged it away from me. I looked up and saw the owner of the foot – dark skinned, willowy Sophia – smirking at me.

“Oh em gee!  What’s she doing?” one of the girls said.

Sophia was leaning against the wall, one foot casually resting on top of my backpack.  I didn’t think it was worth fighting her over, if it gave her an opportunity to continue her game of keep-away.  I left the bag where it was and shoved my way through the gathered girls, bumping an onlooker with my shoulder hard enough to make him stumble.  I ran into the stairwell and out the doors on the ground floor.

Ok Sophia you can go die as well.

What an absolutely horrible group of people, holy shit.

I fled.  I didn’t check, but chances were they were watching from the window at the end of the hallway.  It didn’t really matter.  The fact that I had just promised to pay thirty five bucks of my own money for a World Issues textbook to replace the one that had been soaked with grape juice wasn’t my top concern.  Even if it was pretty much all the money I had left after buying the pieces for my costume.  My art midterm was in my bag as well, newly repaired.  I knew I wouldn’t get any of it back in one piece, if at all.

God this feels so hopeless.

The school is watching this and seeing how it’s making her miss classes and violate deadlines and they do nothing

No, my primary concern was getting out of there.  I wasn’t going to break the promise I had made to myself.  No using powers on them.  That was the line I wasn’t crossing.  Even if I did something utterly innocuous, like give them all lice, I didn’t trust myself to stop there.  I didn’t trust myself to keep from offering blatant hints that I had powers or spoiling my secret identity just to see the looks on their faces when they realized the girl they had been tormenting was a bona-fide superhero.  It was something I couldn’t help but daydream about, but I knew the long term ramifications would spoil that.

That is a sweet revenge fantasy, but yeah, compromising your secret identity isn’t worth it. There’s already a crazy dragon who wants you dead if he ever escapes

Perhaps most important, I rationalized, was keeping the two worlds separate.  What use was escapism, if the world I was escaping to was muddled with the people and things I was trying to avoid?

I feel you there, Taylor.

Even without any problems like you have, I would cringe if my different worlds (university, family, friends, online...) collided

Before the thought of going back to school had even crossed my mind, I found myself wondering what I was going to do to fill my afternoon.

...You’re totally going to consider TT’s proposal right now, aren’t you?

[s-ultry]

please me - a tom holland fanfic

CHAPTER THREE

A/N: so i decided that i’d move my fanfic from wattpad to tumblr! just to give me a bit of a boost to continue it, i hope you guys enjoy!

chapter one | chapter two | chapter four | chapter five | chapter six

SUMMARY: when the billionaire meets the microbiologist.

sugardaddy!tom

Previously on Please Me

"Don't do that Belle," he audibly mumbled closing his eyes.

"Do what Mr. Holland?"

"Have a seat Ms. Lorems"

***

(warning: lowkey fifty shades of grey but who cares right?)

Her heart started beating fast, she didn't even know why. Belle was that type of girl who was lectured a lot, you may think she's used to it, but she isn't. Having her own father sitting with his boss to talk about her made her panic, she gulped her fears and sat down on Mr. Holland's left.

"Don't be scared, love. You're not in trouble," the boss sincerely glanced at her making all her nerves go away, while her father sat in confusion as to how they bonded so quickly even though they barely knew each other.

Her father cleared his throat catching both parties' attention. "Bellatrix, Mr. Holland and I have come to an agreement," he announced making sure he had her full attention. "Dad, may I ask what's this about?"

"You'll know now, now hush," he fakely smiled opening a folder that had many documents in it.

"Now, Belle. I personally talked to your father, we both have come to an agreement that we would like you to work for Holland Industries as my personal assistant. You will be paid regularly since your father is a huge part of this company my three assistants that you met earlier will be transferred to his command," Mr. Holland said, eyes piercing into hers as her breathing became heavier and heavier by the second.

"Bellatrix, I would persuade you but I feel like I already know your answer," her father spoke in a demanding tone forcing her to take the deal.

"Uh, um. May I look at the documents first?"

"Of course. Demitri, I'd like to speak to your daughter alone. You may proceed back to your office where your new assistants will be needing your help," Mr. Holland demanded which made Demitri walk out of the door.

It was only them now, and knowing how far his office is from everyone else's she started to panic. What if he killed her? Oh, come on Belle don't be stupid. No, but seriously! Would he? Belle's head was turning round and round when she finally blocked it all out.

"Let's go through the documents," he announced starting with the first contract. Throughout the contracts she really saw his business side, explaining every single sentence to her making sure she knew what she was getting into.

They also discussed when she would start working, she offered to start now. But, he refused immediately as she needed the proper work clothes and to read some sheets that he'd be giving her. Belle nodded in approval lowkey excited that she has some reading and homework to do.

There was one contract left, his eyes sparkled looking at it in which she didn't comprehend. But she had a feeling it would be something personal, by the looks of it.

"Belle, you are 19 years of age, correct?" He questioned making her nod in uncertainty as she leaned back in the chair.

"Do you trust me?"

"I met you last week, do you really think I would trus-"

"Just answer me."

"Yeah sure, all you've been is nice to me," she mumbled cracking her fingers.

"Are you gonna fight me?" He questioned with a smirk plastered on his rich face making her look down trying to calm her self before she actually does.

"Stop stalling, what's the contract about."

Mr. Holland then flipped to the first page, deeply taking a breath he focused on her brown globes trying to find what's hidden behind them. She focused on him, how his brown eyes sparkled but soon turned dark, almost lustful. The tension rising between them both.

"Belle Lorems, I am intrigued by you. I want to spend time with you, get to know you better. Take you to balls and parties, meet my friends and family. In exchange for your company, I'll be paying you. It seems that your father doesn't spend much on you even though I give him a huge salary, so I want to do it instead. I need you closer to me, so I introduced the idea of you being my assistant to your father. If you say yes, you can ask anything you want. If you say no, I still respect your decision," he declared in a serious tone.

Belle sat there shocked, she didn't believe what she just heard. Her mouth slightly open she blinked her eyes a couple of times to sink in the information she just received. Pinching herself slightly she knew this wasn't a dream.

"S-So, you want me to be your sugar baby?"

"Technically," the man nodded hoping for an honest opinion. He was a very strong leader, very ambitious. But, Mr. Holland did care about Belle dearly. Even though he hasn't known her for long, her records show everything he needed to know. She needed somebody to love her, she's too selfless, which can be a good thing, but he wanted to make her feel like a princess.

"Do I have to give you my decision now?" The brunette hesitantly asked in which he shook his head is disapproval.

"No, love. Tell me your answer whenever you feel comfortable. You're free to leave if you want to," he smiled standing up as he slithered his arm around her little waist.

"But Mr. Holland, I don't have a ride back home," Belle stuttered as she fiddled with her fingers yet again.

"Have a driver's license?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Take one of my cars, I'll come by later anyways to talk to your father so I can pick it up." Mr. Holland stated walking out of the elevator into his private parking lot.

"No way! No chance in hell! What if I wreck your car? What if I crash! What if someone steals it and it'll be all my fault-"

"Belle," he gently grasped both of her wrists averting her attention to his. Belle was panting, she was tired of the bad thoughts that flowed into her brain.

"It's okay, I promise. Take whatever you desire," the Britt grinned as he showcased his luxurious cars to the shy girl in which her eyes widened at the sight. Different sport, luxury, and most expensive cars were displayed in front of her. Different colours, different styles, and structure.

"So?"

"You choose," she whispered. She wanted him to choose so he would pick a car that he used often for her to drive, Belle didn't want to drive something brand new as she would wreck it. Although, she knew she was a good driver and was very confident of herself.

"Take the Porsche Cayenne, love." Mr. Holland announced unlocking the safe box where all of the keys were stored, he walked back to her and put the keys into her grip. "Are you sure, Mr. Holland? I can take a taxi," she explained but his large hand covered her mouth making her stop talking.

"Hush, kitten. I told you it's alright. Now, go enjoy," his emotion shifted from dominance to happiness in seconds which baffled her. Belle shyly walked up to the dark purple car, unlocking it and seating herself in the driver's seat. She closed the door, rolling down the window as he walked up to it.

"Drive safe, love. Everything is there for you," he declared in which she nodded. He then opened the garage gate by pressing the button and bid her a goodbye, she reversed as she saw his figure disappearing as the elevator doors closed.

As she drove home, she got used to the car immediately, which surprised her. Pulling up the driveway to her lovely family quarters, she saw her whole family was there, looking out of the living room window to be exact. Belle huffed in annoyance as she had to explain how she got such a car, or why she was driving it.

Unlocking the door she hopped out to unlock the back seat's door, under the dozens of contracts she found a box with a lavender bow on it. She grabbed all of her stuff locking the car behind her. Belle cursed when she caught her family's gaze from the living room.

"Who's car is that for, Bellatrix?" Everyone asked simultaneously leading her to lick her lips in nervousness.

"Um, uh. Mr. Holland gave it to me in order to drive home safely to read all the documents for my job with him." Belle spoke straightforward leading them to nod their heads.

"You got the job?" Her father asked, even though he saw her earlier.

"No, I want to re-read through the documents again."

"Have fun with that, loser!" Her older brother Klaus screamed as he played with his football.

Belle raced upstairs to her bedroom, locking the door behind her she changed from her sweats into a very large graphic tee, leaving her warm-toned legs on display, and untying her hair leaving her straight hair cascade onto her back. She plopped down onto her bed unwrapping the big box she had received. A gasp escaped her lips as she saw a MacBook Pro displayed in front of her, she then lifted the card with a beautiful handwriting.

"To Belle, I hope that your new phone and laptop suit you. You can contact me further on the contract on either device, my contact is listed. Mr. Holland," the words escaped her lips so smoothly. She searched through the box and saw the latest iPhone paired with her laptop, she felt guilty that he had spent so much on her already.

As she was walking downstairs to get her a few snacks to accompany her whilst reading the files she saw that her phone was already set and ready to go, with all social media and emails that have been transferred to her.

"Is that a new phone?" Her older siblings scared her making her squeal in fright, she believed that they were those twins in the horror movies.

"Yeah, why."

"Who got it for you," her sister Luna interrogated her grabbing one of her mom's delicious confections of the countertop. Belle rummaged through the pantry to find some chips, fruit, and coconut water.

"M-Mr. Holland," she stuttered pouring the coconut water into the blender as she was creating her all-time favourite berry smoothie.

"Sounds like a sugar daddy to me," Klaus chuckled with Luna. But soon he realised that her face turned bright red, his expression was as shocking as anything. He turned to his sister and whispered what he had just realised, Luna put her hand to her mouth with eyes wide.

"He is your sugar daddy! That's why you have that car outside, and a new phone," he screeched making Belle scrunch her eyebrows. She took her snacks and headed for her bedroom yet again, the only place she loved as much as the lab.

2 hours in and Belle already finished all the contracts for her job, but now it was the only contract that she knew took time. The Contract, she cringed at the words engraved on the paper but soon would get used to it.

"Rule no. 1: Be honest and tell whatever is on your mind, be open with Mr. Holland," she read in which she didn't mind. As she read through the rules they were all okay until she reached the very intimate and sexual bit, she took a deep breath and began.

"Rule no. 23: Do not force yourself to do anything you are not comfortable with to please Mr. Holland," she scrunched her nose as she re-read it over and over. Yes, she was smart with a 4.0 GPA but she didn't quite understand it.

Belle then decided to call Mr. Holland to ask him about the rule, she picked up her phone and pressed his contact number. Just as she was about to close, she heard his voice. Placing the phone to her ear she heard him panting.

"Mr. Holland, are you okay?"

"Yes, love. Just on the treadmill," she then heard beeping noises indicating that he turned off his treadmill and left the room.

"Um, Mr. Holland I have a question," she asked shyly playing with her necklace she pulled up one leg to place her head on her knee.

"Yes."

"Rule no. 23, I don't quite comprehend it," The brown eyed girl whispered making sure that her family didn't hear her.

"Oh, basically if we were to ever have sex, I wouldn't want you to force yourself to do something you're not comfortable with just to please me." His raspy British accent seeped through the phone allowing a red tint to erupt on her cheeks.

"And Rule no. 28?"

"That's a bit self-explanatory, love. You either call me one of the names that are listed," he explained making her smile.

"So, you like it when I call you Daddy?" She smirked trying to muffle her chuckles, Belle then heard him groan on the other side of the phone making her gasp followed by a deep breath.

"Belle, don't joke with me."

"What's wrong Daddy?" Belle then roared with laughter as she can imagine Mr. Holland on the other side growling and growing angry.

"I definitely use that for jokes, don't expect me to use it for anything else," she smiled flipping through the pages of the contract making sure she didn't miss anything else.

"So, have you made your decision?"

"Yes, come to collect the contracts Mr. Holland," Belle sassily replied closing the phone. There was no going back now, her signature was already plastered on the official paper. She didn't know why she even did it, but she wanted to enjoy the thrill of it. Belle wanted to enjoy being loved by someone, not for attention but for affection.

The brunette made sure she signed most of the contracts, after that she ate her snacks whilst watching some shows she missed out on. An hour into her all-time favourite show Sherlock, she heard a knock on her door. "Come in!"

The door then unlocked to reveal a handsome man who she had seen earlier, his eyes scanning every part of her body as she tried to cover herself. "How are you, doll?" Mr. Holland questioned her making her fake pout.

"What?"

"I was watching Sherlock!"

"Benedict would be happy that you said that, love." He smiled grabbing her hand gently placing a soft kiss on the back of her hand. "You know him!" Belle squealed loudly in excitement.

"We worked on a business agreement together, you seem excited to see him more than me?"

"Of course I'm excited to see you, but how he played him made me who I am today," the brunette smiled sincerely remembering how she taught herself the Mind Palace Technique, or how she dressed up as Sherlock way before the shows, but the books.

"Get changed, I'm taking you shopping," Mr. Holland snapped her out of her daydream making her eyes broaden and her cheeks tint themselves again.

"Rule no. 4, I can spend as much money on you as I please. Now, get your arse to your closet to get dressed. I'll be downstairs having a nice chat with your father," he got up from the bed fixing his tie and checking his watch to see it's half past 4.

"Why do I have a feeling that you'll be lecturing him?" She screamed from her bathroom whilst she was changing.

"Don't you worry, love. I won't be long, meet me downstairs!"

After their small conversation, Belle applied a light amount of makeup with a soft winged liner to give it a natural look. She chose her high waisted light blue skinny jeans, a mustard yellow top, and some flats.

Belle proceeded down the stairs where she saw Mr. Holland and her father having a serious conversation, but they soon stopped when they saw Belle at the end of the steps. She looked sun-kissed, natural and not cakey like other girls.

"Shall we?"

"We shall," she beamed as she took his hand as they walked off the patio and to the car she was driving earlier. During the drive, they stopped to get coffee on their way to a fancy area for fashion and rich people.

"How did the pop squad take in your news?" Belle chuckled at the thought of them squealing, she never really was fond of their behaviour during her days at the lab. She's actually quite shocked that they took the same major as her, but she will never judge a book by its cover.

"Who?"

"Your former assistants, Erika and her friends. Sir," the brunette informed him trying out the words that she has to call him. Although, she will be calling him Sir as he is now her boss.

"Oh, they really call themselves that?" Mr. Holland chuckled entering the fancy area where she saw rich people walk with their poodles and butlers. "They took it quite harshly, but I told them they'd be more relaxed under your father's control and focus more on their studies."

"So I won't be relaxed working for you?" Belle quickfire making him shake his head with a smirk laced around his lips.

"I know what I'm about to give you will be easy for you, spoke with your Professor. He told me that you finish all his assignments for the next week in class, quite impressive," Mr. Holland admitted taking a glance at her than focusing on the road.

"Thank you, Sir."

They both then sat in awkward silence as he looked for where the parking is, Mr. Holland may seem as very demanding, but in reality he hated people parking his car for him. Them standing out in the sun, taking in the harshness of spoiled brats is already enough, they didn't need his hell.

As they parked, they both jumped out and Belle was shocked as to how no paparazzi were bombarding them. "It's an enclosed area. love," he spoke making her nod her head in comprehension.

They enter a store for the shall we say work environment, the lady of course welcomed them and offered some champagne in which Mr. Holland accepted but Belle refused. "Okay, love. I've already picked out some clothes for you, try them out," he smiled ushering her to the fitting room where she saw multiple outfits.

Belle walked out with the first outfit, a plain white top with a pencil skirt in which he nodded too. After countless amounts of outfits, Mr. Holland went to the cashier where Belle tried to take out her money in which he refused instantly.

"Remember rule no. 5? I pay for everything that you desire."

"Oh, can I at least pay for our dinner."

"No."

"Pleaaaassseee??" Belle begged to unleash her puppy face making him stare at her in confusion, but soon he gave up and agreed. But, he reminded her that only this once she has the chance to pay for something in which she thanked him for.

They made their way into yet again another fancy store, but he dragged her to the lingerie section making her blush greet her cheeks yet again. "What am I doing here," she whispered looking around to see only a few couples around.

"I booked a room for you, chose a few things. Try them on," Mr. Holland slid his arms around her waist pulling her close. "You don't need to show me," he continued. His lips then moved to her ear making her shocked and unable to speak.

"Make sure they look nice, can't wait to see them soon," Mr. Holland seductively whispered in her ear making her muffle her scream, what a fucking tease.

Belle tried on many sets of it, making sure she doesn't show him because she's shy and that's not what you show to a guy that you met a week ago.

"How is everything, kitten?"

"Good, I think I'm ready to go."

They made their way out of the store heading to their car they placed all of the bags in the back of the car. She huffed in relief as he revved the engine and made his way to the main road, "oh you fucking jerk."

"Me?"

"Yeah, you! I'm almost home and I was supposed to buy you dinner!"

Mr. Holland chuckled pulling up to the driveway of her home, he parked and then glanced at her with lust in his eyes, how the moonlight kissed her face and how she looked down and blush drove him to insanity. With all of the bags in her hand she bid him a goodnight making her way up to her room, she looked from her window and he signalled her to call him in which she agreed to do.

As he drove away she beamed, she finally knew how it felt to be cared for and loved by someone with just one intimate moment. Belle changed into her graphic tee and placed all the bags in her closet, she then made herself comfortable on her bed when she then heard that she received a message on her phone.

"Oh, no."

***

cliffhanger yet again ;)

- a

[shipppersrus]

In Another Life- Clementine AU

Prologue

Chapter 1

I stared at myself in the mirror, this outfit looks stupid. It’s the first day of junior year and I can’t figure out what to wear. I changed one more time before finally deciding on something; I put on my chaotic yellow sweatshirt with some jeans and my red flannel, this will do. I through my laptop and my phone into my phone noticing I got a few messages from Duck and Mariana but thought I’d wait to reply, I’ll see them soon anyway.

“Clementine! Aj! Breakfast!” I heard Lee calling from downstairs.

“Coming!” I yelled as I knew it was going to be a race to the table between me and Aj. I grabbed my bag and ran down the stairs noticing Aj was right at my heels.

“Aww you cheated Clem!” He said as he was the last one to the table.

“No I didn’t, you just have to be quicker than that goofball.” I smiled as I grabbed a plate to fill up with food.

“Hey what I say about running in the house?” Carley came down the stairs dropping off her bag and kissing Lee.

Aj and I both made faces as we continued to mock our parents.

“Sorry mom.” Aj beamed as he shoves bacon in his mouth. I hadn’t gotten used to the idea of calling Carley mom yet, though it’s been 8 years, but I do call Lee dad or papa bear depending on the day. Aj was quick to call them mom and dad, but that’s probably because he never knew his other parents. He’s 5 going on 15 but I can’t lie I was so happy to get a little brother, it definitely made things a lot more interesting.

“Alright guys time to go.” Lee said as he wiggles my car keys in front of me. I took them and grabbed my bag to head out. “Hey no hug?” Lee stopped me in my tracks.

“Bye dad.” I hugged him then I stretched my arms out for Carley. “Bye Carley.”

“Have a good day Clem.” She smiled at me.

Lee bent down to Aj’s level and scooped him up with kisses and tickles. “Hey be good today Aj.”

“I will.”

“Are you nervous?” Carley asked him.

“No, I’m going to show those big kids what I’m made of.” Aj did his march. It’s not everyday a 5 year old gets to skip first and second grade.

“Just no fights, okay son.” Lee rubbed Aj’s hair.

“No fights.” Aj has a knack at getting into fights at school.

“Okay, okay, let’s go.” We headed to the car and got in.

“Clem can I get in the front?” Aj sat in the front awaiting to see if he needs to climb in the back.

“No, dad would kill me. Hop in the back.” Aj huffed and puffed before climbing back. I drove to pick up Duck then we were on our way to school. I had known Duck since Kenny and Lee became friends and simultaneously Duck and I became friends. We dropped off Aj to Buckwheat Elementary then to Ericson High School. Another school year of the same shit. I searched the parking lots for any parking spot close and as soon as I found one Minnie sped right into it.

“Gotta be quicker than that Clem. Besides no one wants to see that rust bucket in front of the school anyway.” Her sister Sophie got out the car as well and so did her girlfriend Violet. Sophie was nothing like Minerva, she was sweet, non confrontational and well nothing like her twin. Violet and I used to be friends before her and Minnie got together, Vi had a crush on Minnie for years so when Minnie reciprocated Vi couldn’t turn her down even at the expense of our friendship. Minnie thought Vi and I had a thing and not being friends was the only way to prove otherwise. Minnie and I also play softball together and let me just say she’s the biggest hater on the team at least towards me. Duck ended up flipping Minnie off for me as I drove to find another.

“My car doesn’t look that bad, right?” I asked him.

“No, you have the sweetest car in the lot! 1967 Ford Mustang these new school kids don’t know anything about the classics.” Duck caressed my car, he never failed to make me smile. I finally found a parking spot but of course it was by what I like to call “Ericsons Troubled Youth” these kids were the rebels of the school, as I’d like to say. Marlon was the leader; he was a football players and was a huge player at school most of the softball team, cheerleading team, and lacrosse team have slept with him. Then there was Ruby and Asaim, the other oddball couple. Ruby hated authority figures and was never afraid to tell a teacher off and as for Asaim he’s not the troubled youth type, but whatever. Minnie, Vi, and Sophie were also apart of their crew, then there’s Louis. I’ve had a small crush on him since I was a freshman but wouldn’t know what to say if I ever got the chance anyway and also I’ve never had a boyfriend so there’s that. They were all seniors and most seniors here don’t date underclassmen so my chance is slim to none. They all chilled around Marlons obnoxious truck as I accidentally made eye contact with Louis, I turned as quickly as I could before he noticed and met up with my friends Brody, Mariana, Gabe, and James. Violet used to be apart of our group but now it’s like she’s Minnie’s puppet, I do miss my best friend though. Brody was new last year and right as Vi left she joined us, so it kind of worked out. Mariana is Gabe’s little sister, she’s a sophomore and the youngest of the group, we’ve played softball together since Lee moved us back to Macon and became fast friends. Then there’s Gabe who’s best friends with Duck and has had the biggest crush on me since I think I met him. And Last but not least James, he’s kind of the odd one out and doesn’t talk much, but when he’s not with his boyfriend he’s with us.

My classes were the same old, same old. The day was long and drawn out up until Anatomy. I completed most of my science so this was a senior class and you my lab partner for the semester was Louis. I felt my palms get immediately sweaty as I walked over to take my seat next to him. I know I was playing it cool on the outside but on the inside I was a wreck.

“Hey you must be Clementine.” He turned his body to me.

“Yup, that would be me.” I tried not to look at him. He smelled really good, like expensive.

“So you got any nicknames I can call you, like Clemster, Clemmy Clue, Clem Clem… or is it just Clementine.” He was giving me his full attention.

“Clem, is what most people call me I guess, so I guess that of Clementine.” I finally looked at him and whoa was he more attractive in person. He had the cutest freckles, and his dreads looked so nice, not to mention the way his shirt cling to his muscles. “Umm, what about you? Got a name?” ‘Got a name?!’ I thought to myself.

“Wait you don’t know my name?” I slightly panicked inside. Of course I knew his name! But now since I said I don’t I have to follow through.

“Nope, you gonna tell me?” I played it cool.

“Hmm.” He eyed me. “Nope. I guess you’ll have to guess or figure it out.” He smirked at me. I could tell how amused he was and couldn’t help but playfully roll my eyes.

“Okay um, Hunter?”

“Do I look like a Hunter?” He said completely offended.

“Kyle?” He choked.

“Alright. Uhh Lou-.” Now I definitely wanted to play along. “Lou-Lawrence.” I smirked.

“Okay now you’re just fucking with me.” He smiled.

“Nope I’m not, are you going to tell me?” I asked not wanting to give in.

“It’s Louis.” He gave in.

“Oh yeahhh!” I teased.

“You already knew that didn’t you?” He watched me intently.

“I guess you’ll never find out.” I said playfully.

“I like you already Clementine.” He continued to watch me as I felt hot all over. I watched the board as the teacher went over the syllabus, but honestly my mind was on Louis and on Louis only.

Prologue

Chapter 2

[bearwiththe-goldenheart]

Caramia and the Kiddos!

Special gift/art trade for @lavendel080! Happy Birthday Yomi!

Word Count: 1,904

Trigger Warning: None mostly fluff!

Characters: Caramia Oz, Axel Oz, Arion Oz, and Elodie Oz

Being the son of a Don was no easy task, Arion learned this at a young age. There were times that his father wouldn't come home after midnight because of work related issues, there were times when he come home covered in bruises and beaten up. It was terrifying for a child to see so much at a young age, and even though his parents desperately wanted the best for him and his siblings, Arion understood that it couldn't be helped; work was work, after all. The times that Caramia did in fact have a moment to rest, he always spend it with his beloved family: those were cherished memories and Arion wouldn't have it any other way.

So when Caramia declared that he was taking him and Elodie a trip around town, it certainly surprised him. His father was always a hard worker and with limited free time he had, he used that time to take care of his pregnant wife. However even though his children were so understanding about his job and whatnot, even their patience could sometimes wear thin, some more than others and even though Arion desperately tried to keep his composure together as the eldest son, he couldn't help but feel just a bit frustrated... the same could be said for Elodie, who was struggling far worse than Arion. And though the kids tried to not let it show, they knew nothing could escape the all knowing lion's eye.

"W-we're really taking a trip! But what about your work!?" Arion questioned, unlike his younger sister who was practically jumping in joy, he felt uncertain of the whole ordeal after all he didn't want his father to feel like he was doing a bad job at being there for them, being a don is hard after all.

"It's fine really, if anything did happen, Kyrie can handle it!" The lion casually brushed off his concerns, his signature smile never leaving his face, though Arion had his reasons to worry, Caramia knew very well that both of his children greatly missed spending time with their father and so what better way to spend time with them then a stroll around the town? He has been meaning to find a way to avoid Kyrie's ridiculous request that "could benefit the famiglia" and spend time with his family as well, so it's a win-win situation for all!

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go already…!!" Elodie cheerful yet impatient voice, broke the tense questioning between her older brother and her father. Pulling on Arion hand, she dragged him toward the oz entrance, giggling the whole time as her older brother frantically tried to get her to stop, yelling and screaming and whatnot. As the two cubs were getting close to the entrance, Caramia trailed behind them, chuckling at the scene ahead of wearing a smile of pure happiness, it felt like centuries since the last time he could settle down with just him and his kids and he couldn't have it any other way.

"Now Elodie let your brother go please- wait Elodie put him down! Elodie-!"

______

Usually the sound of his people lively cheers were like music to the don's ears, however his attention was elsewhere than the shrieking sound of his fangirls that were near.

"Hey dad do you think that mom would like it if we buy something for her and the baby?" Elodie asked curiously. Caramia smiled at her, always delighted to answer her questions no matter how ridiculous they seemed. On the other side of the spectacle there was Arion, from the moment he was born, he became a nervous wreck and today was no different: he constantly turned around as if someone there was going after them, he kept glancing over the same spot as if a dog was going to jump from behind the bushes and attack him.

"Would you stop that already?! It's getting really annoying, just enjoy the moment for once!" Elodie snapped at her older brother. She just didn't know why he couldn't let loose for once and even though she knew it was just him being ridiculous, his paranoid attitude  was starting to rub off her just a bit….

"S-sorry…!" Arion squeaked out an apology, putting his head down in shame. The last thing he wanted was for his little sister to feel unsafe because of him, not only that but with his dad so close, he couldn't afford to look so wimpy and cowardly in front of him. Taking Elodie advice, Arion decided to put on his big boy pants and just enjoy the moment for a while.

"Hmm it looks like there's a new sweet shop in town, I have never been there before, let's go check it out" Caramia casually changes the subject. His father instincts were kicking in and he could feel the tension between his two cubs, and didn't want an argument to stir up in the middle of town square, so he brought up a topic that would demolish all the bad vibes.

"So that was what uncle Axel was talking about!! We definitely have to go there so we can grab to him about it!" Elodie said excitedly, quickly forgetting the fact that she was supposed to act cross toward Arion.

"T-that could be fun…!" Arion agreed, a small smile quickly replacing his frown. Caramia shot them a grin in their direction, as he swung the door open, greeted by a fresh wave of air and a stuffed man.

"Axel is that you…?"

______

Never in a million years would Caramia imagine to see his caporegime -of all people-, stuffing their face with cake, that looked to be his 50th one as the waitress was handing him another one. Slowly crunching on the chocolate covered strawberries, Axel embarrassingly wipes off the frosting from his face and looked down on his table, trying to hide his colored cheeks from the don. Never would Axel have thought, he would get caught pigging out while on duty especially from Caramia no less.

"I swear it's not what it looks like…!" Axel yelped in embarrassment, trying his best to recollect himself and save face before the don starts losing all trust in him. Caramia could only stare, not sure whether he should be assumed or annoyed, after all Axel was supposed to be taking care of his pregnant wife instead of pigging out here in the sweet shop. The fact that Kyrie was the only one at the mansion with Nana, made Caramia skin shiver no less but he didn't have the energy or the time to stay mad at Axel for long, after all his little cubs were here as well.

"Aw man, great Uncle Axel already came here before! Welp now that all my bragging rights went out the window, now what!" Elodie pouted, completely ignoring what was going around her.

"Maybe we could sit with Uncle Axel since he's already here and we can share some of his cake!" Arion offered a suggestion, not wanting an argument to break out in the middle of a sweet shop.

"That's a great idea Arion, hey Axel you won't mind, won't you?" Caramia shot a grin at Axel direction, which did little to calm his nerves. Before Axel could respond, the cubs and Caramia were already taking a seat.

"Do you come here often Uncle Axel?" Elodie asked.

"Some-"

"Does Dad and Kyrie know about this?"

"W-well I-"

"Do you usually stuff your face like this on duty?"

"That's enough of that Elodie" Caramia said. Elodie let out a pout, not pleased with her father words. Caramia let out a soft sigh as he noticed her pout, she was clearly doing this to push Axel buttons and make him even more embarrassed. That was a known fact and he even he had to admit, it was amusing to watch, ultimately he didn't want their day wasted by teasing Axel all day.

"Thank you sir…" Axel mumbled under his breath, glad that the don put an end to his misery, as he had no idea how far this would have gone if he didn't.

"W-what do you usually get here Uncle Axel?" Arion asked politely, something that not even his sister could ever do properly.

"You know other than eating cake" Elodie chimed in, wearing her all knowing smirk.

"Elodie!" Arion squeaked out, not wanting to cause problems. Thankfully Axel didn't questioned it and just ignored it.

"I recommended the chocolate raspberry  parfait but if you're not into the fruity kind of sweets than I also recommended the chocolate dip cannoli!" Axel suggested, getting more and more ecstatic as he talked about the sweets. Arion quietly chuckled to himself, it was kind of amusing that the same "cold and reserved" Axel was the same person in front of them, who was geeking out about sweets.

"Haha you've always been the sweet tooth kind of guy, huh Axel" Caramia teased his caporegime. Axel flushed at the don's teasing but didn't confirm not deny his accusations.

"Oooh I want a cannoli too! Can I please get that Dad?!" Elodie asked but it sounded more like a demand.

"Sure sweetie, buy anything you like, Axel is paying after all!" Caramia cheerfully replied, though the same couldn't be said for Axel as he gloomy slouched over the chair, damn you Caramia, all he wanted was to get some cake!

"Ooooh~ If that's the case then I want this one, this one and ooh this looks good…!" Elodie looked over the menu, purposely picking every single expensive sweet she could find. Caramia chuckled at her little girl, happy she was enjoying herself.

"I swear sir, sometimes I feel like Kyrie is rubbing off on you..." Axel mumbled under his breath. Arion looked at him in pity as he gently patted his uncle's back.

"There there Uncle Axel, maybe next time won't be so bad!" Arion tried his best to comfort him, and though he felt like his efforts were in vain, but unknown to him he did manage to get a slight smile on Axel's face.

______

As the cubs were busy stuffing their face with sweets or what Axel likes to call it "pigging out", both he and the don stepped out for a minute or two.

"Sir are you sure this is a good idea? Because I'm not sure Elodie could eat all that by herself" Axel expressed his concern as he watched Elodie stuffing a whole piece of chocolate pie down her throat, while Arion was desperately trying to get her to stop.

"It's fine really! If she doesn't want it, I can always give it to Nana" Caramia replied, not the least bit worried, though that didn't stop him from looking back every time, he thought could go wrong.

"I just hope that I didn't spend half of my allowance on nothing…"

"Oh relax Axel it's fine, besides it wasn't like you were the one who paid for it anyways" Caramia said a bit smugly, as he winked at him.

"W-wait sir what do you mean by that...do you mean that..?!" Coming to the realization that the don could have placed the order under his name, Axel stood there stunned not knowing how to react.

"I think you know what I mean, now lets go back inside before Elodie destroys the shop"

"Y-yes sir!"

[the-zodiacs-written-in-the-stars]

Writer’s Month; Day 15 - First Time

Four years prior to Written in the Stars, Mike meets Matt’s family for the first time - and he’s a nervous wreck!

~*~

Summer 2014: Meet the Family

(Prompt: First Time)

Mike was a nervous wreck. Melanie found it honestly kind of fun to watch. He had been pacing the apartment for about two hours now. Or at least that was what Rick had said when he had called her to come over because he couldn't deal with this nonsense anymore. He had better things to do – like a date with the cute girl he had met the other week. Second date and apparently he was already head over heels for this Lizzy girl. That was cute. Cuter than Mike's pacing, that was for sure.

“What's the big deal, little brother?”, asked Melanie pointedly.

“Mattie invited me to go to Cathedral City with him”, muttered Mike distressed.

“Okay... And... what's so huge about that? Is it your first weekend get-away as a couple?”, asked Mel a bit confused. “You've been dating for what, three months?”

“Yes but also no. Cathedral City is where Mattie was born. It's where his family lives”, explained Mike distressed. “He wants to take me to the reservation. To meet his family.”

“Oh. That serious already, huh?”, asked Mel surprised. “Wow. Yeah, I'd go crazy too.”

“...Thanks. Really helpful”, muttered Mike with a glare. “What do I do?”

“You... get his mom flowers and his dad whiskey, you're polite, you do small-talk, you continue looking at Matt like he hung the sun and moon and then you'll be fine”, assured Mel with a fond smile. “Come on, you're absolutely smitten with him and they'll see it.”

“But what... what if I'm not good enough for their son?”, asked Mike worried.

Mel frowned thoughtfully. “Well, I guess then you have to leave the city and never come back.  - Oh, come on, I'm just kidding. Wow. You're really worried. You'll be fine. I know it.”

“But it's not just a dinner. We're staying the weekend so if they don't like me, it will be super awkward all weekend. Or oh god what if they think I'm just after Mattie's money?”

“Ah yes. You look like the regular gold-digger”, agreed Mel solemnly. “Mikey. Calm down. Take a deep breath. Think about this thoroughly and think about how much he loves you. He wouldn't let his family dig in on you either. He'd defend you. And if he doesn't? Then, honestly, he's not the right man for you anyway. Because... you are an amazing man, Michael.”

“You're really good at mom-ing”, muttered Mike with a small smile, hugging his sister.

“I've momed you long enough, I'd think so”, grinned Mel, clinging onto him. “You'll be fine. And if you aren't, you call me, I'll drive out to Cathedral City and pick you up, okay?”

“Okay”, mumbled Mike, nodding against Mel's neck. “Thank you, you're the best.”

~*~

“...You went overboard, amore”, noted Matt with his eyebrows raised.

He regarded Mike, who was carrying a giant stuffed unicorn under one arm, a huge flower-bouquet in one hand and a bottle of expensive whiskey in the other. Matt shook his head amused.

“I just... want to make a good... first impression?”, offered Mike with a helpless shrug. “It's the first time I'm meeting your parents. And meeting the parents for the first time is... awful.”

“Awful?”, echoed Matt while the two got into Matt's car.

“Yeah. My high school sweetheart and I... meeting his family was not great”, muttered Mike.

“Tell me more about it”, prompted Matt. “We have a long ride ahead of us.”

“Okay”, groaned Mike. “So, Tony, he was... the most popular guy at my school? And he was from a rich upperclass kinda family? I was super awkward as a teen, I mean I was a jock – captain of the football team. Uh. Actual football, not that American nonsense.”

“You say that kind of stuff at home and uncle Andy may just kick you out”, warned Matt.

“Wait. Uncle? There are going to be more people?”, asked Mike distressed.

“Huh? Yeah? My parents and sister, my grandparents since they live together, but after they heard that I have a cute boyfriend I'm bringing over, my aunt and her family decided they'll come over for dinner too”, replied Matt with a shrug. “It's okay. It's just aunt Tammy, uncle Andy and my cousins Pippa and Tolly. You're going to be fine. Now tell me more about this Tony.”

“Uh, he actually moved to Los Angeles too?”, offered Mike and ducked his head. “Works as a barista in some cute little café. It's how Rick met his new girlfriend? Because we went to the café together – I... I swear there's nothing between us anymore, but we were really good friends in high school and it's... nice having someone from London close?”

“Babe”, laughed Matt and reached a hand out to pat Mike's thigh. “I'm not jealous. Everybody has a past. I'm your present. I'm asking because I'm curious and want to know more about you.”

“...Oh”, whispered Mike and nodded. “Okay, so Tony and I, we were like... the golden couple at high school and one day it was time for me to meet his parents. I was so nervous, I called his mother 'mom' instead of 'ma'am' and then I was too embarrassed to speak all evening and Tony, the absolute wanker, he of course had to be inappropriate and tease me and make out in his room just for his dad to walk in on us and I swear to this day, the smell of cigars kills every boner of mine.”

“Okay, I'll admit, that is...”, started Matt before he laughed.

Mike grumbled and curled in on himself a little bit. “I told you. I'm a disaster.”

“You're endearing”, countered Matt gently. “My parents are going to love you. My cousins are going to adore you because you're fun. Just... relax. Seriously.”

“What... What do I do with your grandparents? I mean. Your grandfather. Is he like... important? I mean...”, tried Mike before frowning. “I mean that I have no idea how... how things are handled in your... tribe and I don't want to be disrespectful.”

“Don't... call us a tribe”, offered Matt. “But yes, my grandfather is one of the eldest. Just... be polite, respectful and don't say anything dumb. I know you don't mean to say dumb things, I know for you from London all of this is something you only know from TV. If you have any knee-jerk reactions to say something, it's most likely better if you don't. Just... treat them like... people. Like anybody else. Like you treat me. I know it currently scares you that you're going to be... thrown into a whole new culture that you're not familiar with. The unfamiliar can be scary. But I'm here.”

“Yeah, you are”, sighed Mike and turned to look at him. “I love you.”

~*~

“Is he... Is he alright, Matteo?”

Matt drew his eyebrows together as he turned to properly look at Mike and see what was going on. When he put one and one together, all he could do was sigh with a fond smile.

“I think that he's unsure whose hand to shake first. If he shakes yours first, mom, he may insult dad, if he shakes dad's first, then it may look like he thinks the patriarchy is true and dad is in charge. So... he just... froze up”, offered Matt in explanation. “He's been overthinking everything about today. I didn't know a human could be this nervous.”

His mom made a soft cooing sound before she just pulled Mike into a hug. “Aren't you adorable? I'm Luca, that's my husband Giovanni. My parents Teddy and Simone, my sister Tammy and her husband Andy and their kids Pippa and Tolly. Now breath.”

Mike took a shaky breath. “Hello, ma'am. Thank you for having me.”

Luca smiled at him fondly and shook her head. Mike bit his lips as he properly looked around and looked at Matt's family. Giovanni was the only one white, his eyes the same shade of light-green as Matt's, his long hair put in a bun and a neatly trimmed beard framing his jawline. He had one arm around his daughter's shoulders. Marcella was a young teen, her dark hair in braids.

“So you're my brother's boyfriend, huh?”, asked Marcella with a pointed look. “Pretty boy, I guess.”

Mike made a high-pitched sound, while Matt's grandmother laughed. Simone was a very elegant elderly lady with nearly white hair, wearing golden jewelry and on-point make-up as she smiled at him. Her husband next to her looked more stern as he stepped forward and offered a hand.

“Thaddeus Lugo. You may call me sir”, stated the man.

“Teddy, don't give him the same treatment you gave me”, huffed Giovanni amused before turning to Mike. “Don't take him seriously. He's a good man. He's just trying to unnerve you. He did the same thing to me when I first got together with Luca. He really played up the stern dad.”

“What else am I supposed to do?”, grunted Thaddeus pointedly, glaring at Giovanni for a moment before focusing on Mike. “I had always hoped for a son to take over the family store, but I was gifted with two daughters instead. One who ran off to win the Olympics and the other who had to fall in love with a white man. Now, my grandson does the same.”

Mike swallowed hard, wishing he could just swallow his tongue. “I, uh, I--”

“Enough with the intimidation now, papa”, interrupted Matt's aunt Tammy. “Let's get the boys inside and get started on dinner, mh? Come inside and don't mind Teddy.”

“No respect for the elders anymore”, stated Thaddeus dryly. “You. You better treat my grandson right or I will send the spirits after you to enact my revenge?”

“Don't play a cliche to scare the white boy”, requested Marcella embarrassed.

Mike went to the car and grabbed their bags, though he couldn't help staring. Ever since Thaddeus had mentioned the Olympics, Mike was trying very hard to not stare at Tammy's leg. He had known the story, even before he had gotten together with Matt. Matt's aunt had been an Olympic sprinter but then she had lost a leg in a hiking accident, it had been what had made Matt dabble in prosthesis. Still. Mike knew it was rude to stare. He knew that.

“You coming?”, asked Tammy with a kind smile, knowing exactly what Mike was thinking.

~*~

Mike heaved a sigh as he collapsed next to Andrew and Giovanni. The two men were sitting outside and drinking the whiskey Mike had brought with him. Matt was inside, playing with his little sister and cousins and his grandparents, while his mother and aunt were watching 'their show'.

“Teddy was only messing with you earlier, you know”, stated Andrew casually. “He's given me the same treatment and he's known my family all of his life. It's not because you're white. He's just grumpy and protective, that's all. Don't worry about it. You'll grow on him.”

“As long as you treat Mattie right. And if you don't – well then my father-in-law will be the least of your problems”, pointed Giovanni out with a sharp smile.

“I would never, sir”, promised Mike hastily, shaking his head.

“Mh”, nodded Andy amused. “My nephew tells us you're a cop? One of the good ones, I hope?”

“Mattie sends me to save you!”, exclaimed Tolly, looking at Mike. “Come play with us!”

Tolly was four years old, with the largest, dark-brown eyes. He held his arms up for Mike to pick him up and Mike was happy to do so and escape even more of Matt's family trying to threaten and frighten him. The fact that both men started laughing when he went inside told him that at least it wasn't mean-spirited, it was just that the whole family were a bunch of sadists with odd humor.

“You gotta relax. This is day one of many”, noted Matt gently when Mike sat down next to him. “This is my family and dating me means you'll have to get used to them.”

“I'll be fine”, muttered Mike, leaning against Matt. “Either they'll kill me, or I'll be fine.”

“I like him. He's funny”, noted Marcella with a smile.

“Yeah, I like him too because he's funny”, grinned Matt, kissing Mike's cheek.

Mike made a small, miserable noise as grandpa Teddy glared viciously at him at that.

[glennjaminhow]

Winter 1993

“What’re you doing over winter break?” Dennis questions, shouldering his expensive as shit backpack because that’s just how Dennis Reynolds rolls. This bag is awesome; that’s why he makes sure it’s visible at all times. It dangles off a form sculpted to perfection by God himself. He only feels slightly self-conscious as douchebags and whores shove past them both. A massive fucking dick accidentally nudges Dennis’ elbow, and Dennis hisses loudly.

“Watch wear you’re goin’, asshole!” Mac shouts. Ever since Dennis broke his arm in three places last week, Mac’s been even more protective of him than usual. “I dunno,” Mac answers, lighting a blunt for the walk home. He stops, cuffing his hands around it so the fierce winter air doesn’t blow it out. Mac takes a puff, head hanging low and staring at the icy ground below.

Mac’s parents don’t really give a shit about him. Dennis knows this. But he’s bored, and he sure as shit doesn’t want to go home right now. Mom and Dad are both there. They got back from Jamaica super fucking early this morning. It was nice not having them home. It was just him, Dee, and whatever maids worked that day. They don’t even know about Dennis crashing his dad’s car into a tree or Dennis’ ridiculous hospital bill or the blue cast encasing his whole arm from fingers and shoulder; he’ll set off security alarms at airports for the rest of his life.

“Well, what’re you doing right now?”

Mac frowns and bites his lower lip. “Um... nothing?”

“Great,” Dennis says. “I’m coming over.

Mac stops him right there. “Why? We’ve never hung out at my place before.”

Dennis shrugs. Mac’s slicked back hair pokes out from under his black beanie. His leather jacket has a new tear right below his left pocket. “Exactly. We always go to my house. You eat my shit and play my games and drink my beer and sleep in my bed, so now I’m gonna do the same thing to you.”

“Whatever, dude. But don’t complain when you see it. Not everyone’s rich as shit like you.”

Dennis rolls his eyes, but he follows Mac regardless. Mac’s house is further from the school than Dennis’, which always leads to super fucking fun walks in the snow, heat, wind, and rain. Usually, Dennis drives him in his own car (which he’s grounded from) or his dad’s car (which he wrecked). Now that Dennis isn’t supposed to drive, and Dee’s threatening to tell Mom and Dad, they walk everywhere they need to go. It isn’t great. In fact, it’s fucking infuriating. But his secret has to stay a secret. Sure, Mom and Dad’ll see his arm, but they don’t need to know about the panic attack or running of the road into a ditch at 60 miles per hour.

They... just don’t need to know.

Mac shrugs off his leather jacket the moment he unlocks the door, hanging it on a hook and toing out of his snowy boots.

“It smells fucking great in here, Mac,” Dennis says while struggling to remove his coat; Mac does it for him. It smells like cinnamon and cloves and fucking Christmas even though there isn’t a tree or any decorations in sight. Huh. Weird.

“Yeah, I guess,” Mac mumbles. “Take off your shoes, bro.”

“I don’t make you do that at my house.”

Mac shrugs. “Tough shit. My house. My rules.”

Dennis does it eventually. He scowls as he kicks them off, not bothering with untying them because he may’ve sort of hurt his ribs in the accident. There’s bruising around his hips and ribcage. It aches, but not as much as watching Mac flea the car with a bloody nose and two black eyes. Not as much as watching Mac almost break down in tears. Mac never cries.

Okay. Stop. Quit thinking about it.

“Jesus, it’s like spotless in here, dude,” Dennis points out, clearing his throat and roaming around the living room like he owns the place. The TV screen has a slight crack in the upper right corner. The walls are coated with thick, messy layers of paint to combat against peeling. “Your mom must be some sorta neat freak.”

“Nope,” Mac replies simply, plopping down on the sofa. Dennis sits until he’s shoulder to shoulder with him. Dennis scratches his neck; this stupid fucking sling itches and hurts his back, and he’s suddenly feeling the three sleepless nights slamming into him all at once. “Den, stop, man. That’s gotta hurt.” Dennis tugs and grumbles and fusses until Mac coaxes his arm free of the horrible contraption. He places a couch pillow between his arm and his stomach for padding.

He doesn’t tell Mac he can do things on his own because it’s nice having Mac take care of him.

“Your dad?” he asks, even though, Jesus Christ, does he already know the answer to that one.

“Can we not talk about my parents? Let’s just, like, play video games or some shit.”

Dennis ignores him. “How can your couch be this fucking clean?” he asks, almost in disbelief, as if his poor friend Mac doesn’t know how to get off his ass and clean a Goddamn couch.

“I like the house to be clean,” Mac says.

“Yeah, me too.”

“But not everyone has maids, Dennis. Some people do all this themselves.”

“Sure, but parents usually play a part in the whole cleanliness routine. What? Your mom still tells you to brush your teeth every morning and night? Daddy reminds you to wash your balls?”

Mac’s cheeks flame red. Dennis almost bites his bottom lip. He’s egging it on on purpose. He doesn’t know why he’s like this, what possesses him to be such a dick, but he can’t take it back once the words escape his lips.

“Shut the fuck up, Dennis, you rich, punkass, piece of shit. My dad’s in jail, okay? He isn’t around anymore. And my mom? My mom works overnight at a gas station just to keep the fucking electricity on. She doesn’t have time to clean and make sure the house isn’t falling apart.”

“Dude, I –”

Mac gets to his feet. He pops his knuckles. “No. I’m tired of this. What kinda fucking friend are you anyway?”

Dennis holds up his one working hand, signaling for Mac to be quiet. Mac frowns and clams up immediately, and Dennis relishes in the power. “I know your dad’s in jail, dipshit. You only mention it a thousand times a day. I know all about your chain-smoking, alcoholic mother too. I was just busting your balls.”

“You don’t know anything about me,” Mac whispers.

Dennis stands up too. “Oh yeah? I don’t know anything about you?”

“You’re always too concerned with yourself.”

“Your full and real name, Mac, is Ronald Herbert McDonald, which, by the way, is still only slightly worse than Mac. Your mom called you Ronnie til you were three; you think that’s when she stopped loving you. You’re allergic to strawberries and swell up like a fucking balloon if you even touch one. You like starfish. You hate The Muppets; they freak you out. Your dad went to jail for the first time when you were five for selling cocaine. You met Charlie in first grade. You met my sister before you met me. You listen to the Red Hot Chili Peppers way too often. You –”

Mac sinks to the clean carpet, resting his back against the couch. Dennis sees the tears swell in his eyes and sees when Mac tries to blink them away.

“I pay attention,” Dennis says. “But I didn’t know you were so... into things being clean. It makes sense, though.”

Mac blinks. “What do you mean?”

Dennis shrugs, settling down on the floor beside Mac. “Your life is shit, dude. You gotta control it somehow. You clean. I smoke. It’s all the same.”

“Can... Can we just not talk about this anymore? You’ve fucked with my head enough for one day?”

Dennis gulps, sucking in a deep breath while nodding. “Sure, dude,” he whispers, and, holy shit, it doesn’t even sound like him. He doesn’t sound like Dennis Reynolds.

“Awesome. Great. Thanks.”

Too far. He went too far. Why does he always have to push buttons like this? It’s fucking revolting. He’s 17, for Christ’s sake. He doesn’t like talking about his parents, about his past, about what happened to him, so why would it be any different for Mac?

They spend the rest of the afternoon at Mac’s house in near silence, watching MTV and lighting up joint after joint while guzzling a case of cheap beer. Dennis sprawls out on the couch, lightheaded and sore, while Mac relaxes in his mom’s threadbare recliner. It’s almost peaceful, but Dennis can feel that tension in the air. He keeps his mouth shut.

“I’m gonna go crash, man,” Mac murmurs at 2:30 AM.

Dennis yawns and nods. He makes no effort to move.

“Sooo can you, like, leave?”

Dennis whines. “It’s really dark out, Mac. I’m tired.”

He hears Mac exhale loudly. “Fine. But you can’t sleep out here. Mom’ll be back around seven.”

Mac guides Dennis to his bedroom. It’s small, but he has a full-sized bed, karate posters on the walls, and an extensive CD collection. There’s a couple of crosses on the walls; Dennis rolls his eyes and sinks into the mattress. There aren’t any sheets, just a comforter. His arm is on fucking fire, pain burrowing deep inside the bone. He closes his eyes and breathes through it.

“Sit up for a sec, Den,” he hears.

It falls on deaf ears until Mac flicks his cheek.

Mac helps him put that stupid fucking sling back on, settling a pillow beneath his elbow. It relieves some of the pressure. Dennis’ eyes are quick to fill with tears.

“I’m sorry, Mac,” he whispers. “About earlier. I’m a fucking dick.”

Mac collapses into bed, clicking the lamp off. Dennis can smell the cinnamon on his breath. Can feel Mac’s bare feet on his shins. Can almost taste the blunt he just smoked. “You are a fucking dick, Den. But you’re my dick.”

Dennis chuckles softly. “I bet I’m an 12 out of 10 down there then.”

“Gross. You’re nasty, man.”

It’s quiet for a few moments. Dennis rolls over until he’s on his left side, not exactly being careful of his barely mended together arm and not exactly caring either. He scoots until their foreheads touch.

“Is this okay?” Dennis asks, voice punctuating this cold December night.

He’s flush against Mac; Mac nods in the darkness.

Maybe Dennis presses his lips against Mac’s.

Maybe Mac doesn’t pull away.

Maybe, just maybe, they hardcore make out until the sun rises.

There’s a spark of electricity, of pure, raw, unaltered energy that Dennis feels for the first time in his life. Fuck, Mac is a great kisser. Like the dude has some killer moves. Dennis cards his fingers through Mac’s gelled hair. Mac bites Dennis’ bottom lip. He doesn’t... He isn’t... Dennis isn’t sure how this is fucking possible. He’s happy? He thinks. He’s still weird with emotions and can’t really feel them, but he thinks he’s feeling them right now?

Dennis tries not to blush when Mac plants several kisses in his hair.

It’s new. It’s amazing. It’s nearly indescribable.

Mac. It’s Mac.

[immortalcockroach]

MAYBE I’M WAKING UP TODAY

summary:  “There was nothing between us.”

Even if Raven did notice how her voice cracking at the last word, she didn’t say anything.

Clarke didn’t know what to think.

pairing: Bellamy x Clarke

words: 3,845

read on AO3

It began when they were kids. They were inseparable – same preschool, same elementary school and same high school. You asked for one, you’d count on the other coming as a bonus. Tearing them apart—unless you were the cruel person behind the time schedule—was impossible.

In high school, they were referred to as ‘Clarke and Bellamy’. If someone said only one name, people would think of other Clarke or other Bellamy.

Some thought they were dating. Clarke and Bellamy would laugh at it. ‘There’s no way that could happen,’ they would say and people would believe them. They lived in a world they created together and it would take an earthquake to wreck it.

It came in junior year of high school.

Bellamy moved to Polis while Clarke remained in Arkadia. It was the first time they were apart for good; Bellamy gained new friends, while she maintained old friendships. Not a lot changed.

At one point, they fought. Hectic schedules and expensive bus tickets kept them from meeting for months; when Bellamy came back for New Year’s, he was gone by the end of the next day. He missed her birthday party and didn’t invite her to his.

When he was in town in April, he didn’t tell her – she found out from another friend. She confronted him about it. He didn’t have time to meet her. Next time they spoke, it was June and he told her he was coming back.

He didn’t like Polis anymore. It wasn’t because he missed Clarke, or maybe it was.

Most of the week, they had the same free periods. Sometimes, they’d go and get coffee in the cafeteria or sit in the library, if they had homework to do. That day, they did.

“I need to get to maths earlier,” said Bellamy.

“Okay. Still no for after school?”

“Yeah.” Bellamy stood up. He made a few steps, before turning around. “You're going to be with Lincoln?”

Clarke nodded at him, he smiled at her and left. She watched him turn around the corner, fixing the straps on his grey backpack.

Several minutes later came Lincoln. The two of them had been working on the theory of art for a while, when Lincoln got a call from Octavia—his girlfriend and Bellamy’s sister—and Raven joined them, smiling.

“Why didn't you come to the café on Friday?” she asked. “Murphy was playing.”

“I didn’t have who to go with. I didn’t want to bother you and Zeke, and neither Wells nor Gina could go.”

“I thought you were going with Bellamy.”

“He cancelled. He had to go his grandma’s birthday party.”

“Oh.”

Raven, Clarke and Lincoln stayed in the library until the end of the period, then went to history together. Raven told her more about the music competition and Clarke felt bad about not having gone, but she couldn’t blame Bellamy.

It’s family before everything else.

It was Friday, and Clarke and Bellamy went to McDonald's after school. Bellamy ordered a Chicken Burger and Clarke ordered a McNuggets menu. It was their first time at McDonald's since he came back and the absence of extra fries on his never-changing order was something she noticed and ignored.

The burger crunched in Bellamy’s mouth. The phone on the table vibrated and he glanced at it, then put it into his pocket.

Clarke raised her eyebrows.

“Raven’s waving at you,” said Bellamy.

Clarke turned around and saw the brunette smiling widely, waving. She waved back. When she brought her attention to Bellamy, the burger was on the tray in front of him, half-eaten.

“I need to tell you something,” said Bellamy.

“Okay.”

“It wasn’t my grandma’s birthday on Saturday. I went back to Polis.”

Clarke’s fingers pushed fries into her mouth as if winded up. In, chew, swallow. In, chew, swallow.

“Remember Echo? It was her birthday.”

In, chew, swallow.

She nodded, slowly; Echo was Bellamy’s best friend back in Polis and he’d introduced her to Clarke few months ago, the one time she visited him while on a trip to the doctor’s. He never spoke much of his friends from the junior year. She didn’t even think they were close enough for him to travel for hours to her birthday party.

He stopped looking at her. Bellamy smiled briefly; she assumed it was at Raven. But his face seemed distant and he didn’t look at Clarke again.

“She got really drunk,” said Bellamy. His voice was slow, as if he picked the words carefully; he probably did. “There was about twenty people at the party, so I took her out to get some air. She kissed me.”

Bellamy looked at her. There were questions in his eyes, ones she couldn't decipher.

Clarke looked at him. Her heart was beating fast.

“Okay.”

“She told me she loved me,” said Bellamy. “I said it back.”

“Do you?”

“Do I what?”

“Love her.”

“I don’t know. I think I do.”

Clarke nodded. She picked up a nugget and ate it. She took a sip of coke. She pushed several fries into her mouth. She didn’t move her eyes off of Bellamy’s.

“Okay,” said Clarke. “What's your next move?”

“I don’t know.”

“Jesus, Bellamy – you don’t tell someone you love them and then expect nothing will change.”

“You never told anyone you loved them.”

“I don’t love anyone. That doesn’t mean I haven’t got half a mind to know how relationships and I-love-you’s work.”

Bellamy sighed. He bit into his burger, following it with a sip of coke. “Fine. What do I do?”

“Ask her out. Or probably ask her if she remembers. That should be your first move.” Clarke tilted her head to the side. “Have you talked to her since Saturday?”

“No.”

“Do you usually talk to her?”

“Yeah.”

“She remembers. Text her.”

Bellamy texted Echo with Clarke’s help. It was a bad idea to ask someone out through a text but as they lived in different places, this was the best way.

It was almost winter and it was already dark at five o’clock. After sending the text, they hadn’t talked much about what happened, or about anything at all.

They were never quiet.

“Why did you lie to me?”

“I didn't know how you’d react. I never talk about my friends from Polis.”

“I know that, Bellamy. Why?”

He placed his head on his hands and looked through the window. “I didn’t want her to worry.”

“Her?”

“You,” said Bellamy. “I didn’t want you to worry.”

She almost laughed; almost. “They are your friends. Why would I worry?”

“I don’t know.”

“Do you know anything?”

“See, this is why.” Bellamy looked at her and for some reason, that look hurt more than anything he’d said that day. “You’re sensitive.”

“I get to be sensitive when my best friend is lying to me.”

“I’m your only friend.”

Clarke blinked at him and leaned backwards in her chair.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Okay,” said Clarke quietly. “I get it. You have another best friend and a whole other life you never told me about. But you’re not my only friend, you’re my only best friend. There’s a difference. What do you think I did during junior year, stare out of my window pathetically until you decided you were coming back?”

“I know you didn’t. You hate Twilight.”

“Do not change the topic. You could’ve told me you felt something for Echo.”

“I didn't think I have to.”

“Wouldn’t you like to know if I loved someone?”

“Clarke, I’m not sure I love her.”

“You told her you do. That’s the only thing that matters to her at the moment. If you don’t realize that, you’re a piece of shit.”

“Stop being like this.”

“I’m sorry. Actually, I’m not.” She straightened her back. “You’ve been acting weird ever since you came back.”

“I changed, princess.”

“I wish you didn’t.”

Next time they spoke, Bellamy tracked her down at school nearly a month later and told her he and Echo were now dating. She congratulated them and the two were back on speaking terms, but it took them a while to become as close as they had been before.

About two years later, Clarke had a several months-long thing with a guy and it was only after they broke up that she realized she was pregnant. Little Madi was born unbeknownst to Finn and was raised by Clarke, her family and Bellamy.

As Clarke and Bellamy moved to Polis at the same time and bought apartments only few minutes’ walk from one another, people often mistook them for young parents. They laughed at it, just as they laughed when people in high school thought they were dating.

Echo spent a lot of time with them, too. She lived with Bellamy and would often come by to Clarke’s place, but the two girls weren’t fond of one another.

“It’s because a lot of people think I’m Madi’s dad,” said Bellamy to Clarke one time.

“I’m sorry,” replied Clarke. “I didn't think she could call you Dad. She must’ve heard other kids saying it.”

Bellamy laughed. “It’s all right. I don’t mind.”

“You don’t?”

“Well, I do think I’m more of an uncle to her than a dad, but she’s still like my own.”

“Okay.”

“Look – she needs a guy in her life. A father figure.”

“She’s got you.”

“I’m not talking about me, princess. You should find someone.”

If Bellamy genuinely thought her finding a guy she’d deem good for both herself and her daughter was possible, she didn’t find out. He never mentioned it again and she didn’t find anyone.

Bellamy remained Madi’s father figure, but Clarke raised her to call him Uncle Bellamy, not Dad. Between the four of them, Echo was the happiest by this turn of events.

When Madi was three, Bellamy proposed to Echo. Clarke didn’t know until it was official.

“I didn’t want to bother you,” he told her. “I had Murphy and Zeke, they helped me do it.”

“Okay.”

Later that month, Raven visited her. She brought along her little boy, Ethan, who was only a year younger than Madi.

The two moms sat at the table, watching their children play.

“Zeke told me Bellamy proposed.”

“Yeah.”

“How’d you feel about it?”

Clarke looked at her. Nobody asked her that. “Okay.”

“Weren’t you two dating before?”

“No.”

“Oh. I owe Zeke fifty bucks, then.”

“Why?”

“We made a bet. I said you and Bellamy were going to get together, eventually.”

“Why?”

Madi brought her a drawing with four figures – Madi and Mom, and Uncle Bellamy and Auntie Echo.

Clarke never felt anything like that for Bellamy. Raven, of all people, should’ve known that – she was the closest to her when Bellamy was in Polis.

Raven shrugged, but a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “You always looked at him differently.”

“I didn’t.”

“You did,” said Raven. “You two always looked so close, your hands were always touching. Friends don’t walk like that.”

“But we were friends. We’ve always been just friends.”

“I guess.” Raven shrugged again. “I wasn’t the only one who noticed these things. Everybody thought there was chemistry. Jasper and Monty organized a bet, pretty sure they’re going to ask for updates during reunion.”

“There was nothing between us.”

Even if Raven did notice how her voice cracking at the last word, she didn’t say anything.

Clarke didn’t know what to think.

In May next year, when Bellamy was fed up with the fact the two women he was closest to didn’t get along, he sent them to do something together. He went to Raven and Zeke’s so Madi could play with Ethan.

Clarke wasn’t friends with Echo. They never clicked and while Echo was pretty and smart, she simply couldn’t see why Bellamy would choose someone so plain as her.

She always expected Bellamy to get married to someone a little eccentric – someone similar to him. Echo was the complete opposite.

“Where do you want to go?” asked Echo. They had just left Bellamy and Madi at Zeke’s family farm, a little outside Arkadia.

“I don’t know.” Clarke's eyes fell onto the prospect in her best friend’s fiancée’s hands. “You like car races?”

“A bit.”

“Do you want to race?”

“We’re in the middle of a field.”

“Doesn’t matter if you’ve got a car that can survive it.”

Echo looked at her in wonder. “I didn’t know you raced.”

“I used to,” said Clarke. “Before Madi.”

“Yeah. It’s a pretty dangerous sport for a mother.”

The two ended up sitting each in her own car a minute later. It was all good until Clarke decided to take a sharp turn to get to the goal faster about fifteen minutes later and her car fell into a ditch. When she gave Echo a call, she came to know she drove directly into a barn.

They couldn’t call Bellamy. Octavia picked them up.

Next day, when Bellamy came back from Arkadia and left Madi at home, he wasn’t mad – but he wasn’t happy, either.

“Your plan failed,” Clarke told him. “I still don’t like her.”

“You used to like her when we were younger.”

“I didn’t. I’m sorry.”

“I thought you did.”

She watched Bellamy’s face fall when she shook her head. Clarke went to Madi’s room for a few minutes and came back once she was asleep.

Bellamy was sitting on her couch, staring at the television. Some old series was playing; something they used to watch together when they were younger.

Clarke plopped down on the couch, right next to him.

“I didn’t think I’d crash my car.”

“I know.” Bellamy looked at her. “Do you even have the money for a new one?”

“Yes.”

“You don’t.”

“I’m going to ask my parents to lend me some, or take a loan.”

“Let me buy you one. I have enough money.”

“Bellamy, no. I’m going to figure this out alone. You have other things to worry about.”

“I’ve got you and Madi to worry about.”

“You don’t have to worry about us.”

“Of course I do. You’re family.”

Clarke stared at him for a long moment. “I’m your best friend and she’s the daughter of your best friend. That doesn’t make us family.”

“Clarke—”

“No,” said Clarke. “Worry about Echo. Worry about your wedding. You have a future wife to worry about and future family to worry about.”

“Clarke, please—”

“Bellamy. I can do this on my own.”

He walked to the door, when he turned around. “You never liked her.”

“I didn’t.”

“Why did you say you did?”

“Why did you lie to me about going to her birthday party?”

Bellamy understood. He nodded and left.

Clarke slept on the couch that night. She thought if she could keep the illusion she wasn’t all alone, maybe she wouldn’t feel so incapable of anything – so useless.

Madi needed a dad. The problem was that only person who could be the dad she deserves was getting married in less than a month.

One week before the wedding, Bellamy and Echo went to the church and the restaurant to make sure everything was ready. They practiced the ceremony on Echo's request and the most important guests were invited, but neither Clarke nor Madi came.

Bellamy came over to her place the night after. He was a little drunk and Murphy, who drove him there, was tipsy.

“You didn’t come to the ceremony.”

Bellamy stood at the doorway, staring at her with hurt in his eyes.

“I don’t see the point of it. It’s like you’re rehearsing your marriage.”

“Echo wanted it.”

“I don’t give a crap about what Echo wanted.”

“She wanted you to come.”

“Okay.”

Bellamy nodded. “I wanted you to come.”

“I know.”

Clarke ran a hand through his hair, fixing it so it wouldn’t fall into his eyes anymore. He smiled at her and she shook her head. He caught her hand with his fingers, holding it until she pulled it out.

“You should go home.”

“I’m not going home. We’re having a bachelor party.”

“Then why aren’t you there?”

“I wanted to see you.”

Clarke looked at Murphy. “Take him back, please. And keep an eye on him.”

Murphy nodded. He placed an arm around his friend’s shoulder, pulling him back. “Let’s go, buddy.”

Bellamy didn’t resist. When she was about to close the door, he put a hand between it and the wall.

“I miss you, princess.”

“Don’t miss me,” said Clarke. “Are you going to the concert tomorrow?”

“No. I’m spending the night with Echo’s family.”

“Okay.”

The boys left and Clarke locked the door. When she went back to her bed, she felt incredibly empty, with only Bellamy’s words echoing in her head. This wasn’t the first time he told her he missed her.

It shouldn’t have sounded like the confession of a sin.

The next day, Clarke dropped Madi off at her mom’s. Her mother wasn’t happy that she was going to the concert all alone, but Clarke didn’t bother listening. She needed some time off.

The concert didn’t begin until eleven and Clarke had got tipsy by ten. She made out with a couple of strangers but once she figured it was only making her nauseous, she gave up on that.

Her place for the night were the bleachers. She sat there with an unopened bottle of beer in her hand. When the band came on, she realized she didn’t even know what band was playing and only recognized some of the songs. They played mostly old rock songs. Songs Bellamy would’ve liked.

Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love was playing when someone approached her. Lexa; they went to high school together.

“Clarke, right?”

She nodded.

“How are you? You still with that guy, Bellamy?”

“We weren’t together.”

“What? I was sure you were. That’s why I never asked you out!”

Clarke laughed wholeheartedly, smiling widely at Lexa. Shee smiled back; it was a nice smile.

“Have anybody?”

“No.” She thought of Madi, then corrected herself. “A daughter.”

“What happened with her dad?”

“We broke up before she was born.”

“Ah. That sucks.” Lexa laughed at something. “Year after high school I almost got married. We realized it couldn’t work and I’m glad we did.”

“Nobody should get married at nineteen.” Or have a child, she thinks, but doesn’t say. “That’s bullshit.”

“Yeah.”

They were silent for a while, but it felt nice. She heard Lexa ask, “Isn’t that your friend?”

Clarke looked at the crowd. It didn’t take her more than a couple moments to spot him, with a beer bottle in his hand and his feet barely holding him. She excused herself and went into the pit.

Bellamy noticed her when she patted his back. He turned around and smiled widely when he saw her.

His words were a slurred mess. “Clarke! I knew you’d be here.”

“You reek of alcohol. How much did you have?”

“A lot.” Bellamy looked at the bottle in his hands, then placed it on the ground. “If you don’t want me to drink, I won’t.”

“Why aren’t you with Echo’s family?”

“I couldn’t stand them. I kept thinking about you. I had to come here. I need to talk to you, princess.”

“Don’t call me princess.”

“I need to tell you something.”

“Bell, please—”

“I love you.”

“I know.”

“You do?”

“Yes.”

He kissed her. She thought it was going to be nice and romantic, but it was clumsy and passionate.

It was wrong.

“You’re getting married in a week.”

“I know,” said Bellamy. He cupped her face. “I love you.”

“Shut up, Bellamy. Just shut up.”

“I love you. I love you.”

“You love Echo, not me.”

“No, I love you.”

“Stop saying it. You’re drunk.”

“I’ve loved you since I first met you.”

“No you didn’t, Bellamy, stop doing this.” Clarke pushed him. “Look at yourself – you’re a mess. You’re drunk and you’re not thinking straight and whatever you think you’re feeling for me, it’s not real.”

Bellamy shook his head and tried to kiss her again, but she didn’t let him. “I want Madi to call me dad. I’ve known it since the first time she called me that. Don’t you remember? It took you months to get her to stop calling me that.”

“Shut up, Bell, please.”

“No, listen.” He cupped her face again and stroke her cheeks with his thumb; she leaned into the touch against her will. “I love you, princess, and I love Madi. I love both of you. And I want Madi to call me Dad, not Uncle Bell.”

Clarke almost closed her eyes; almost. “Bellamy, shut the fuck up. You need to get a hold of yourself.”

“You’re not listening to me.”

“I am.”

“Okay. Listen to me.”

“Bellamy—”

“I don’t want to marry Echo.”

“You do. You’ve wanted to do it since you first realized you felt something for her, you romantic little shit.”

“Why don’t you say anything nice to me? Don’t you love me?”

“I do. That’s the problem.”

“How’s that a problem? We could be happy together.”

“We couldn’t, Bellamy. We’d fight and we’d argue and you know it simply couldn’t work. You and Echo are perfect for one another, the ying and the yang. You’re saying this because you’re full of excitement and emotions and alcohol and fear and not because you really mean it. Sober you would want to marry Echo.”

“No. Every me would want to marry you.”

“Please, Bell.” Clarke’s lips were salty. “I’m moving out.”

“What? Why?”

“We need to stay away from one another. We’re just screwing with our friendship and it’s hurting both of us.”

“No, I don’t want you to leave!”

“Bellamy, you’re going to have a wonderful life. You’re still young and you’re going to have a lot of kids with Echo and she’s going to be a wonderful mom and you’re going to be a wonderful dad. There’s no place for me or Madi in your life.”

“I’ll find some. Please, princess, don’t do this.”

“You see this? Look at us. We’re a mess. We should stay out of each other’s lives.”

“Clarke—”

“No, listen to me. I’m not going to the wedding. Marry her, Echo’s the right one for you and please forget about me. Please. Don’t screw this up for yourself, you don’t deserve it. Please, Bellamy.”

At last, he nodded. He kissed her, one more time, and his lips were salty. When they parted, he looked at her with a small smile. “I love you. Clarke.”

“Okay.”

Clarke turned her back to him and went back to Lexa, who was still waiting for her. When she looked at Bellamy, she saw him at the end of the pit, giving her a small wave. She watched him walk away.

“Are you okay?” asked Lexa.

No, she thought, and I may never be. But Bellamy left the concert and she was going to leave his life, and Lexa still had the nice smile on her face.

She kissed her.

[swanqueeneverafter]

49. Souls of the Departed, Pt.2

The Land Without Magic. New York. Midtown Library. (The librarian leads Henry and Violet through the library.) Librarian: “You want to go to the Rare Reading Room? Really? (Opens the double doors:) Well, here we are. No one's been back here in ages. Most folks just come for the Y.A. stuff. Well, good luck with your term paper.” (The librarian leaves the room as Henry places his backpack on a desk.) Henry: “My dad's journal said he had an appointment here. Whatever he was looking for to destroy magic must be in this room. (Picks up several books and hands them to Violet:) Start with these. Read every page and then re-read it. Because whatever my dad was looking for, he never found it.” Violet: “And you really think we can?” Henry: “We have to. (He walks around one of the book shelves and finds something:) That's impossible.” Violet: “Henry, w-what did you find?” Henry: (Picking up more books and putting them on the table:) “These books, they all look exactly like my storybook. They're magic. What are they doing in New York? (Turning pages:) I've never seen these characters in my book. Look at this. There are so many stories.” Violet: “Wait, Henry, you told me that all the stories in your book are real.” Henry: “Yeah.” Violet: “So maybe...” Henry: “These are all real, too.” Some Time Later. (Frustrated, Henry slams a book closed.) Henry: “Now I see why my dad gave up. There's nothing in here about destroying magic. We came all this way for nothing.” Violet: “Not for nothing. You'll figure it out.” Mr. Gold: (Entering the room:) “I’m afraid that’s not possible.” Henry: (Surprised:) “Grandpa, what’re you doing here?” Mr. Gold: “Stopping you from making a terrible mistake.” Henry: “Violet, get behind me. (Noticing the bag in his hand, to Gold:) You brought Excalibur here? You don’t want me destroying magic, you think there’s a way to get your powers back somehow.” Mr. Gold: “You’re very perceptive, Henry.” Henry: “Well I’m not going to let you do it.” Mr. Gold: “Actually, you are.” (Mr. Gold waves his hand and both Violet and Henry fall to the floor, asleep.)

(Mr. Gold picks up Henry’s backpack and looks through it. Finding what he wants, Mr. Gold takes Henry’s quill and leaves the room.) Midtown Library. A Short Time Later. (Emma and Regina arrive to find Henry and Violet asleep on the floor.) Emma: (Crouching down to help him up:) “Henry! Are you okay?” Henry: (Groggily:) “Mom, where's Violet?” Violet: (Emma helps her up:) “I'm right here. I'm all right.” Emma: “What happened to you? To both of you?” Henry: “Grandpa. He has Excalibur.” Regina: “Henry, what were you thinking, bringing Excalibur here?” Henry: “I didn’t. I left it with Grandpa, I thought I could trust him.” Regina: “Why would you try to destroy magic?” Henry: “Do you really have to ask me that? We finally had a chance to be happy, and then magic took it away from us.” Regina: “Henry, this isn’t the answer.” Henry: “I know, but I thought it could buy us some time. (To Emma:) I thought that if I got rid of magic that it would give us a chance to find another way to remove the Darkness. Because you know how it goes for us. Every time it looks like we could be happy, magic just comes in and wrecks it.” Regina: “Is that what you really think?” Henry: “Yeah. In case you both forgot, magic took away my dad. And it took away Violet's mom. And I don't know what I would do if it took away one of you.” Emma: “Henry.” Henry: “Don't! Just don't.” Regina: “Henry, what were you doing down here?” Henry: “Following my dad's trail to figure out how to destroy magic. But we didn't find anything. It was just a waste of time.” Violet: “So, what do we do now? 'Cause Henry's grandpa has Excalibur.” Regina: “Well, we have to find him. Because as long as Excalibur’s in this land, so is magic.” Henry: “What?” Emma: “It’s true. (Henry glances at the cuff on her wrist:) It’s still there. I’m not taking it off until we find Gold, I promise you.”

Regina: (Placing the map on the table, to Henry:) “Give me your hand.” Henry: “Is this really gonna help find him?” Regina: “This will tell us if he's still in New York.” (Regina pricks Henry’s finger and repeats the locator spell from earlier. It points them to down town New York.) Emma: “Most expensive hotel in New York, why am I not surprised?” Regina: (Nods, to Henry:) “You two stay here, we’ll deal with Gold.” Henry: “But-” Regina: “No arguments, Henry. You’re in enough trouble as it is.” Emma: “She’s right, kid. We’ve got this.” Outside Gold’s Hotel. (Emma and Regina stare up at the building.) Regina: “What are you thinking, penthouse?” Emma: “I wouldn’t put it past him.” Regina: (Shakes her head:) “I really thought he might’ve changed. Without the Darkness inside him, he had a chance at a fresh start.” Emma: “You and I both know how addictive the Darkness is, it’s been all he’s known for hundreds of years. If I know Henry, he's already disobeyed us. We should call and tell him to stay put.” Regina: “Which would work if I hadn't torched his phone.” Emma: (Checking her phone:) “What the hell?” Regina: “What's wrong?” Emma: “It's Mary Margaret. She says they’re coming to find us. How’s that possible?” Regina: “Zelena. I told her what we were doing.” Emma: “What? Why?” Regina: “Because I’m trying to build a relationship with my sister. To establish trust.” Emma: “By having my parents babysit her?” Regina: “I want her to trust me. I didn’t say I trust her, yet.” Emma: “Yeah well thanks to her, they’re headed here. I do not have time for a hope speech.” Regina: “Consider it payback for speeding up her pregnancy? Anyway, we can’t worry about them now, we have to get Excalibur away from Gold.” Emma: “Gina, wait, what are you doing? We need a plan.” Regina: “I have one. I have a fist. Gold has a nose. If you don't like it, I'll do this alone.”

Elsewhere In New York. (Henry walks with purpose as Violet struggles to keep up.) Violet: “Henry. Henry, will you stop? Your moms told us to wait back in the library.” Henry: “They could be in trouble. And since when do you care what they say? You already ran away with me.” Violet: “Henry, I know you're scared. And if you really think this is the best thing to do, I'll help you.” Henry: “Thank you.” Violet: “But I hope you have a good plan, because we don't have magic.” Henry: “We don’t need it. If my grandpa thinks he’s gonna hurt either of my moms, I’ll make him wish he never survived the Ogre wars.” Gold's Hotel. (Mr. Gold stands by the window, watching people go about their lives when the door to his hotel room implodes.) Regina: “Gold! Where are you?” Mr. Gold: (Smirks:) “Did you not read the sign?” Regina: (As Mr. Gold turns to face her:) “I'm not in the mood, Gold. What are you doing here? Where's Excalibur?” Mr. Gold: (Watches as Emma enters the room:) “Answering your second question first, its in the bag, on the bed.” (Emma goes to check as Regina eyes her former mentor.) Emma: (Unzipping the bag:) “It's here.” Mr. Gold: (To Regina:) “Perhaps we should take a seat?” (Finding no reason no to, Regina nods and walks over to a chair. Mr. Gold pours them all a drink, then takes the seat opposite. Emma stands ready by the door.) Regina: “Out with it, Gold. What are you doing here with Excalibur?” Emma: “You know you've brought magic to this land by bringing it here?” Mr. Gold: “Indeed I do. It seems I have a habit of doing that. But I promise you, I had good reason.” Regina: “We're listening.” Mr. Gold: (Sighs, watching Regina:) “Oh, Regina. The Queen may have been my greatest student, but the woman you've become is far greater than she ever was. (As the two women share a glance, he leans forward in his chair:) What if I told you I was here to finally do the right thing?” Emma: “I'd say we've heard it all before.” (Mr. Gold looks to Regina.) Regina: “I'd say, what's changed?”

Henry: (Entering the room, with Violet:) “And I’d say, hand over the sword, Grandpa.” Regina: “Henry!” Emma: “Get out of here, kid. There’s nothing you can do.” Henry: “Yes there is. He won’t hurt me. He didn’t spend centuries trying to find his son just to kill his grandson.” Mr. Gold: “Henry, listen to me.” Henry: “No. I trusted you and you betrayed me. You brought Excalibur here to use on my Mom, you’re going to use it to make yourself the Dark One again.” Mr Gold: “Do you really think I need the Darkness to have magic? (Conjures a fireball:) I am the greatest purveyor of dark magic the world has ever known. I taught your mother everything she knows. (Looks to Regina and extinguishes the fireball:) And that’s why, as one of my last acts, I’m going to make things right.” Henry: “What?” Mr. Gold: “I didn’t come here to reclaim the Darkness, Henry. I came to destroy it, like you did.” Emma: “Wait a minute. Gold, if you had magic all this time, why didn’t you use it to defend yourself back in Storybrooke?” Mr. Gold: “Because of Belle. I didn’t want to use magic again in case I was tempted back to the dark side. But now, if I can’t be there for Belle, I can be there for my Grandson. (To Henry:) Your father sacrificed himself so that I could protect you, Henry. Somewhere along the way I forgot that. But now, now I can finally do the right thing and honour Baelfire by sacrificing myself for you and your family.” Regina: “Does that mean what I think you mean?” Mr. Gold: “Yes. But first, I want to make it up to you, Regina. I helped to create the Evil Queen, it’s only right that I help you move on from her, for good.”

Fountain. (Emma follows Henry and Violet to a coin fountain.) Emma: “Hey. (To Violet:) Can we have a second?” Violet: (Stands:) “Of course.” (Violet walks off to give them some space.) Emma: “I knew you’d come here. When we lived in New York, this is where we came when you were upset. And I'd give you a penny and tell you to wish your problems away. Remember? What do you say? (Holds out a coin:) Want to give it a try?” Henry: “I'm sorry, Mom, but that's not gonna make me feel better now.” Emma: “Why not?” Henry: “When we lived here, there wasn't any magic. We didn't even know it existed. And, Mom, we were happy.” Emma: “We were. And I wouldn't trade that time for anything. But you're forgetting something. It was just the two of us. And now...” Henry: “Yeah. And that's why I thought if I destroyed magic in Storybrooke that we could all be happy, like you and I were.” Emma: “Well, your mom is with Gold trying to find a way. Should we see if they had any luck?” Chinatown, New York. (Regina and Mr. Gold walk together.) Regina: “Why are you doing this, Gold? Why help me?” Mr. Gold: “Because I genuinely care what happens to you. I twisted your soul and manipulated you into becoming what I needed, all so you would cast the dark curse for me. Despite everything, you’ve fought to return to the side of good, for the sake of your son and the people you love. But, partitioning the darkness inside will not help you become the woman you want to be.” Regina: “It’s worked so far.” Mr. Gold: “For now, maybe. You know, I once thought I could contain the darkness to one tiny corner of my soul. First for Baelfire, then for Belle. And I always failed. Do you want to know why? Because I like the darkness. It's as much who I am as the light. Why can't you seem to grasp it's not either/or?” Regina: “Because I'm not like you. I don't like the darkness.” Mr. Gold: “You can tell yourself what you like. But deep down, the Evil Queen is part of who you are. And the more you keep her locked inside, the more you're gonna suffer.” (They enter a shop.) Regina: “What the hell is this place?” Dragon: “Greetings. What brings you to my humble shop?” Mr. Gold: “Well, we're in the market for something a little more powerful than what you have on display.” Dragon: “If you mean narcotics, I'm just a simple herbalist.” Mr. Gold: “I don't think so. Regina, meet The Dragon. Good to see you're breathing again. I hear one of my father's minions paid you a visit.” Dragon: “Peter Pan was powerful, but I'm resilient. I assume you're here because you want something, Rumplestiltskin.” Mr. Gold: (To Regina:) “A long time ago, my old friend here figured out a way to travel to a land without magic far quicker than I did. He’s been passing his magic off as ‘alternative medicine’ ever since.” Dragon: “I repaid that betrayal by helping you before, I owe you nothing more.” Mr. Gold: (Nods, to Regina:) “During my brief exile from Storybrooke I tracked down the Dragon. It was he who gave me the spell to resurrect Maleficent.” Dragon: “That was a one time only deal. I'm afraid I'm not in the business of helping hearts filled with such darkness.” Regina: “Gold, this is a waste of time.” Dragon: “But you... you I will help. I see a noble battle deep inside your soul, Regina, between light and dark. And for that, I will do my best to aid you. It is imperative you win... for all of us.”

Dragon’s Shop. Back Room. (Emma, Henry and Violet have joined them as the Dragon performs his own brand of magic. Placing a flower into a bowl, he concentrates hard and causes the flower to dissolve into the water. As it bubbles, the Dragon looks on pleased.) Dragon: “It is ready.” (Everyone looks down at the strange purple coloured mixture.) Emma: “What is that?” Dragon: “An elixir which will split the soul of anyone caught between their best and worse self.” Regina: “Really?” Emma: “Split the soul? I don’t like the sound of that. Isn’t that a little extreme?” Dragon: “To be finally at peace with one’s self, this elixir holds the key.” Regina: “I’ll take it.” Henry: “Mom.” Regina: “I’m not saying I’ll use it. This magic is like none I’ve seen before. It could be very useful one day.” Dragon: “I've done all I can. But you... you haven't.” Henry: “Me?” Dragon: “All of you. Destroying magic will not solve your problems. There's magic everywhere if you're willing to see it.” Emma: “That sounds an awful lot like something a friend told me a long time ago.” Dragon: “August? Yes. I know who you are, Savior. If you want to rid yourself of the Darkness, remember what he taught you.” Emma: (Nods:) “You have to believe.”

[lost-onpurpose]

Fuck cancer. Fuck Medicare. Just fuck it all.

In July 2019, they found a mass on my mom’s right kidney. 

In August 2019, they removed her right kidney and a tumor the size of a cantaloupe, as well as an inflamed lymph node. The pathology report showed stage 3 renal cell carcinoma.

January 2020, they found a lesion on her left kidney and some small nodules in her lungs. She started an oral medication called Sutent. This helped for about a year and a half, the spots didn’t grow or change at all. But she started having other side effects from the medication and her oncologist decided to take her off of it for a couple months and then switch treatments. 

February 2020, she was approved for disability payments due to her inability to work her usual hours. I took over the family business. 

October 2021, she started Opdivo infusions. She had some pretty severe side effects (including developing Type 2 Diabetes), but her oncologist explained that the better the infusions were working, the worse the side effects would be since the infusions were supposed to raise her immune response so high that it could start attacking healthy cells. 

January 2022... PET Scan showed new masses... She has three masses in soft tissue, on her breast, shoulder, and buttocks. She also has a small hole in her shoulder blade with a mass working its way into the bone. She can’t really use her left arm anymore because it hurts so bad from the damage done to the bone and tissue. They’re changing her treatment again, because the Opdivo wasn’t working at all. She’s going to start Votrient tomorrow, another oral treatment. 

At her consultation for radiation, the doctor informed her that she has undergone FORTY-THREE CT/PET scans/MRIs since July 2019. 

February 2022... She will have three rounds of high dose radiation on her shoulder, to try and alleviate the pain and hopefully shrink the mass in her bone. Renal cell carcinoma is resistant to radiation, but they have to try something to relieve the pain. 

She will have received disability payments for two years, and is going to be put on Medicare. Her current insurance has a $0 copay for medications, and a $50 copay for PCP/specialists until she reaches her $600 deductible (which she reaches in basically one month). However, her policy under Medicare will have a $6,300 deductible for PCP/specialists, and $10,000 out of pocket for her prescriptions for the year. If she were to refuse Medicare and choose to stick with her absolutely wonderful insurance, she will have to repay every penny she received through disability. 

So instead of $600/year for her medical expenses, it’s going to be $16,300 (minimum because some of her specialist appointments may not even be covered by Medicare). She looked into the Medigap programs to cover the extra expenses, but she doesn’t qualify for them since she’s not 65 (she’s 50). 

The worst part?

If the new treatment doesn’t work... Or she chooses to forgo treatment entirely... Her oncologist expects we would have a year, at the longest, before the cancer takes her away from us. 

So fuck cancer. Fuck Medicare. Fuck the whole god damn medical care system in the US. 

I can’t lose my mama... She’s my best friend... I have been an absolute fucking wreck ever since we got the news that the Opdivo wasn’t working and they finally put a potential time limit on our time with her. Until this year, the prognosis was “you’ll be around for a long time”. 

She may not see any of us get married. She may not see my baby sister graduate high school in a couple years. She may not have a chance to ever see grandkids (none of her kids are currently expecting or anything). 

[letsimportanttreecollection-blog]

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To make it affordable we have to come up with a no-profit system for health insurance companies. Since that would never happen, due to our capitalist economy. I would suggest the ...show more""

Health Insurance (Prescription insurance denied) Why?

Bad title for this question I know. I have never really had to go to the doctor for anything, ANYTHING. Recently I went to go see one because my energy level has been horrible, and I am always fatigued. After seeing the doctor, and getting lab work done, I had spent almost a $1000 dollars. But still, I'm okay with that, if its like one visit every six months or so, so what. Anyways, they found my Testosterone levels to be really really low. So they put me on a medication called androgel. Let me tell you, I can only get 15 days worth of this medication at a time, but every time I go to Walgreens to get a refill, I spend hundreds. Tonight when I picked it up it cost me $268.41. I called everywhere to see about health insurance, even though I only need help with prescriptions. I dont know what to do. I dont need all out full fledge health insurance. But apparently if I tried to get it anyway, I would be denied due to a pre-existing condition ((WTF))!! Apparently the only people who can qualify for health insurance are those who dont need it to begin with. And those who need it are denied because of a pre-existing condition. They are no programs that help with prescriptions that I know of, that dont require tons and tons of paperwork, audits, background investigations, and appointment after appointment. I am really upset and am lost with regard to getting the medication my doctor says I need, reduced in price. I cant afford almost $600 a month. But if even if I try to get health care, i will be denied. Could someone please help me out : ) Thanks for checking out my question I dont have health insurance because I never needed it. Plus I have always been responsible with my money""

Can a life insurance sole beneficiary claim be disputed in Arizona?

The mother of my 4.5 yr old son recently passed with no will. Her 25 yr old son (half-bro) being oldest blood relative, locked my son out of his home and proceeded to stake claim to everything his deceased mother had, car, cash, final paycheck, $3800.00 income tax refund check (probably less than $30,000. total assets) but no real telling. Come to find out she had a employee life insurance policy which she named the 25 yr old as sole beneficiary. does' my son have any rights to claim anything?""

""Young motorcycle riders, how much is your insurance?

Im wondering how much insurance will be for a 19 year old for a 08' R1...im thinking about financing one but of course you cant have it without insurance..i would like to know about other riders and their insurances...and which one would be the cheapest for me..

Health insurance for an immigrant who's over 65?

My parents and I are thinking about bringing my grandmother to the U.S. but we are worried about health insurance. My grandmother is 87 years old and has many medical conditions so we need to get her something that would cover the medical expenses. She will be an immigrant because she doesn't have U.S. citizenship or green card, and she has never worked in this country. Since she is over 65 years old, she cannot get a health insurance, but I am hoping that she can get something that is similar to Medicare, Medi-Cal, or Medicaid. I know that Medicare is for people who is either a citizen or permanent resident and who has worked least 10 years in Medicare-covered employment. Is there anything that my grandmother could be eligible for medical health plan or insurance although she is an immigrant, over 65 years of age, and never worked in the U.S.? Any advice or suggestion would be much appreciated.""

How much will my insurance go up after a claim?

i was in a crash it was my fault i went into the back of another car my van was fine but the other guys car was damaged at the back it is too damaged to pay out of my own pocket so understandably he is claiming off my insurance. i have a full licence, since i started driving 8 years ago i have no claim my insurance is fully comp and i pay 330 euro each year. after this claim does anyone no how much roughly will my insurance go up next year . any advice would be greatly appreciated as i am very worried.""

Best location for insurance agency?

I'm very early in the stages of starting an insurance agency in Lafayette IN. Where do you think is a better location? There are reasonable prices in downtown lafayette, but also on the east side, which is has a lot of offices, retail stores, and restaurants. Where do you think more people would likely to meet a beginning independent insurance agency?""

Life insurance through disability until age of 65. Now they say there is no policy for me.?

In 2003, I received an award letter of life insurance until the age of 65. I called the company recently to see about it and they said another company had taken over-I called them and they said I was not in the system and said to call a 3rd company which may have taken over my policy. I called them and they said, No-I have no life insurance policy. Where and who can I get in touch with regarding the policy I was awarded and it seems to have disappeared.""

What do I do if my car insurance lapsed without my knowledge?

I need to get tags for my car this month, only when I called my car financing company to see how much it is, they told me that my insurance had lapsed, and my registration was suspended!! I had no idea, because my cousin had gotten the insurance for me (we are now estranged, and I don't have any contact with her), and I was told by her the insurance expired in May. All my documments have been sent to her house (and she refuses to send me my mail) and I had no idea. Now, I'm terrified that I won't be able to get my registration back, or pay fines, because I just barely have enough to get new insurance and pay for my tags. I have no proof that she bought insurance for me through May or anything. Does anyone else have had to go through this? What will happen? Please help!""

Can I get liability insurance if I do a roll over?

I'm currently financing a vehicle and I simply can't afford it anymore. I'm considering doing a trade in for a cheaper car. I would be trading in my car which has a higher value than the car. So there will still be a finance going on but it would be a rollover. Will the other technically be paid off meaning that I'd be able to get liability on it? I just need to lower my payments because it's too much to handle right now so even some ways that I can lower my payments or insurance would be nice.

Insurance for garage?

I rent a flat with garage where I store my sports equipment-kanoe,angling equipment,car roof box and bars,bikes,tools etc. Do you know any insurance company? Thank you.""

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?""

How much would car Insurance be for a 16 year old guy?

My parents want me to start picking what car I want to get. I was wondering how much insurance would cost for each of these cars for a 16 year old guy. I am interested in a BMW E36 323is Coupe, BMW E36 325is Coupe, BMW E36 328is Coupe, 1997-2001 Honda Prelude, and a 2000 VW Golf GTi. Please help me because I need to know the cost to insure each of these cars before I pick.""

Who provides really affordable car insurance?

I'm 19 in a month, I drive a 2002 Ford explorer and it needs to have full coverage. What are some cheap insurance providers for teenagers? What can I do to lower the cost?""

What is the cheapest motor vehicle insurance company in NY right now?

I wanted to know if anyone knew of any good insurance companies with low rates. I'm kinda sick of the one I have now Geico. Service is not great, guess they spend too much money on commercials and none on customer service. Any info would be great! Thanks.""

""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.""

Best car insurance provider for person in early 20's?

Which provider is best suited for in this age group, located in California? Thanks!""

What are my options to get my car back from the insurance company?

I got into an accident about a week ago. the front passenger side was damaged. the insurance company told me today that it was a write off. they wouldn't be able to fix it, which is complete bull. It is a 98 Honda Civic with 200,00 km on it, and they are giving me $2800. What can i possibly do? Can I get my car back and repair it myself (by myself i mean a bodyshop i will take it too out of my own pocket)? What happens in that case? Will they give me any money or would i have to pay them?""

My car was rear-ended but I don't have car insurance?

Someone rear ended my car today. My insurance has been expired for a while now but I still called the insurance company and they filed a claim for me. When I mentioned that my insurance had expired, the lady who filed the claim said that the adjuster will call me on Monday and give me the details. Though the accident wasn't my fault, I am worried about not having insurance at the time. Also, nobody was injured in the accident but my back bumper had a very minor scratch. Was what I did wrong? And should I be worried about anything?""

Can a 17 year old hold insurance to more than 1 car?

can they have fully comp insurance on more than 1 car

umaine orono insurance

umaine orono insurance

How much can car insurance be cheaper if someone hold off driving 2 years after they can their license?

or is it any cheaper?

How much is car insurance for a teen?

I'm 16,I have a 2002 Camaro SS,I live in Las Vegas,Nevada.(don't stalk me lol).My dad has Geico insurance.What else do you need to know?""

How can i sell truck insurance?

appointed agent to sell truck insurance

Car insurance advice for a 17 year old?

Hello, I just bought a Citroen AX for 500, and have payed a lump sum of 2800 for 12 months insurance. My question is: If I get a 1 year no claims bonus when im 18, how much cheaper will my next 12 month insurance be? How much less do you think It will cost after a year of no claims. And If possible: How cheaper would It cost to insure that car after 4 years no claims? Thanks.""

Insurance is up in 4 days I just made a claim. Can I still switch insurance companies?

Insurance is up in 4 days I just made a claim. Can I still switch insurance companies?

How to make insurance cheeper?

what are the things i can do to make my car insurance cheaper? i have good grades my car is 97 color gold

How much is car insurance for a range rover sport 2010?

I have a friend how is looking to get a 2st hand range rover sport 2010 but Is worried about the insurance. What is the range of car insurance prices for the basic driver

What determines car insurance prices?

I'm going to get my first car soon. im 20 years old, been driving for a while, clean record. someone told me that the car you drive really makes a difference in the insurance price. Ive heard things like, white cars are cheapest, old cars are cheapest as well.. I dont knwo what car I'm buying but I want to get something that will get me a cheap insurance. So what shuld I get? An older car or a newer one? Also does color matter? things like that. thanks all!""

How much would car insurance cost for me?

How much does it cost to get my first car insurance under my parents insurance living in NV, USA? Also: I'm 18 yrs old, Just got my driver's license, White male Caucasian, Drive a black 1996 Honda Civic, been in no accidents, got good grades from High School, had no bad records in general, I live in a safe area, but will drive about 80 miles a week .""

2007 Cadillac Escalade Insurance Quote?

What would the Auto Insurance Price be on A 2007 Cadillac Escalade in 2013. A 17 Year old would be driving it? Liberty Mutual

What's a classic British car that's cheap and insurable for a learner?

Cheaper than a mini or morris minor.

Does an expired MOT invalidate insurance when making a claim for my car stolen from a private driveway?

I had no idea that my mot had ran out, when my car was stolen from a private driveway (not on public road) My insurance say i was in breach of the policy. But where do i stand legally with the car being off road when stolen? The insurance quoted no payout if there's no mot when one is required by law! Is there a loophole i can use""

Car insurance question? Under parents name?

Hi all, I recently got my drivers license when I turned 17, and am now looking to buy a car. I'm looking at a Foxbody mustang 5.0. Before the omg 17 get a civic comments, I can drive, I seldom speed, and when I do, its on an empty road in the middle of the night. I have track experience and know how to control a car, don't try to convince me otherwise. Now, my problem. Obviously mustang insurance for a 17yr old will be nuts, but right now I'm on my parents insurance policy so I can drive their car(1 car family), and a friend of mine told me I could just insure my car under my dad's name and claim that I drive it occasionally. So I realize I could claim my father is the primary driver and I'm just an occasional driver, but if I am actually the only one who is driving it, and something does happen where I get into an accident or get a ticket, what could happen? Would I be covered in case of an accident? Can they say no and not cover me if they find out I'm the primary driver? I'd be the only person driving it whatsoever, my dad can't even drive a stick, so I'm wondering if this is even possible or not. Thanks.""

Average car insurance for 21 y/o f?

my fiance and i are planning to buy a used car soon, and we were wondering about how much car insurance would cost us. the insurance would go under my name, but it would cover him as well. we are both 21. neither of us have had an accident. we both have pretty good credit. i've had no tickets, he's had 3, each in a different state (they were only minor speeding tickets). he's had his license since 17 y/o and i've had mine since 18 y/o.""

16 year old male car insurance question?

My mom has Gieco car insurance. I was wondering how much car insurance would be for me on a 1998 Jeep Wrangler with a security system, and 4x4 drive. I tried to get a quote yesterday on the fone but they made me wait like 40 minutes so i hung up and it never works online so please help me.""

Car accident insurance help needed?

My partner was involved in a car accident the other day, the young lad got out of his car and said that he'd rather pay for the damage in cash rather than go through his ...show more""

Can i list my vehicle at another adress for insurance?

hi, i own a 2006 acura RSX-s and i live in the philadelphia suburbs. my insurance is quite PRICEY! any how, my father owns property in northern PA which is primarily farm land, and insurance would be alot cheaper if listed there. tho i dont live there, can i list my insurance there? is there anything illegal or could it hurt me? i see alot of people with New Jersey tags who live in PA to get cheaper Insurance. what do you suggest, and what would i have to do, change adress on D/L etc?""

Car Insurance - What kind of coverage is needed for an Occasional Driver...?

Okay, this is the deal, I have full coverage car insurance. This means that the insurance will cover me, if I have an accident that is my fault or if someone else hits me & it's not my fault. I also have insurance that covers me if someone breaks into my car & steals any kind of important items in my car. The Question... I sometimes let other people drive my car, to run errands for me (like driving my car home, cause I'm too sleepy to drive or I'm super busy & need an item from the store & I hand my keys to a licensed driver). I talked to my insurance company & was told they do not have coverage that will cover other drivers unless they are listed under my coverage. The problem - I don't want to list everybody in my family or all my friends. Isn't there insurance coverage that will cover anybody driving my vihecle as long as they are older than 25 & has a valid license? If so, what's the name of this type coverage - I nd to know the name b4 I call other companys. thanks""

Health Insurance?

I have Blue Cross and Blue Shield from my job. It is very expensive for me and my wife. Is there any other option of affordable insurance that is worth a damn when I actually need it? Not some cheap.. Bob's Insurance or something like that...

Car insurance in california?

is medical expense coverage optional or required in california. I called my car insurance company to delete this coverage and the genius over the phone was telling me its mandatory, and I said to her...mandatory to california or to your insurance co?I know comp/ coll and liability are mandatory but everything else is optional...isnt it?""

Car insurances for a day help?

I just need to drive my car to my new apartment.Right now i don't have car insurances. Is there any way i can get car insurances just for a day. I live in new jersey. I know i can get a car insurances quote but i don't have enough money right now I just need to move it

How much would it cost to give birth without insurance?

Like regularly and with the C-Section?

What is cheaper for insurance mustang or charger?

well they would both be 2007. v6 cause my insurance is already high. and what one would you choose i want a mustang but alot of people have them but a charger has a big body

Help! i need to find out insurance costs if i add parts to a car?

hi, im 17 and i own a peugeot 206, im wanting to tune it, and i need to know where to find a cheap body kit, new headlights, and some wheels? just trying to make my driving life and little more better :) i need to know roughly how much it will up my insurance cost, im currently paying 1,650 for it, and i can mabye go up to 2,000 also i need to find some speakers to go in the boot of my car, will that make my insurance go higher to? thanks for your time.""

Car insurance advice..We bought a 97 dodge ram for my son that he picked out for his first car.He is taking?

auto body etc so it was something he was excited about fixing up.He had it looking pretty good still needed work but the other day my husband was driving it and was hit in the back and it wasnt his fault.They are trying to say it is totaled because the repairs exceeds a certain amount.So my ? is is there any way of keeping this truck?If so is it like a buy back thing and how much would it be? I know I should be asking the other insurance but the adjuster for them is not answering or returning calls.My son still wants to keep it is fully drivable and alot of work has been put into it and wants to eventally re fix it.Thanks for your time.

umaine orono insurance

umaine orono insurance

What 600cc Sports Bike is cheapest to Insurance?

Cheapest i got some far is 750 on a honda CBR 600 im looking at not spending more then 500 on insurance

What is the difference between term/whole life insurance vs accidental death insurance?

I'm trying to buy life insurance for myself and my mother. I read up on this survivorship insurance which sounded pretty good since I wanted something for my mother if I were do die first and vice versa. but most of the online quotes I saw were between spouses... But I got confused when I read about accidental death ins- does this mean I will not be covered if I die of an illness or old age- but instead must die of an accident such as auto or slip and fall?? secondly, would I get taxed on the interest earned on the universal/whole ins or when the policy is paid out/ surrendered?""

Hayabusa Mini Insurance. (Kit car?)?

I am a young driver and I was hoping to buy a Mini with a Hayabusa engine from someone like Z-Cars. I have heard that some people have got cheap insurance for them. I have heard of a 17 year old who had just passed his test got insured for a hayabusa mini for 1500 which is cheap for a 17 year old. I was just wondering if there is anyone has insured a Hayabusa or similar Mini for road use. If so how much was it and from which insurance company? Thanks

""Hit by a car, license suspended in California, will the insurance cover the damage? will i get in trouble?

I was driving then the traffic lights turned red so i stopped. few second later i heard a loud breaking sound and 2 seconds later a car hit me. the problem is that my car is under my ...show more

How much could I expect to pay for motorcycle insurance?

I am going to take motorcycle lessons, and once I obtain my license, I plan on buying a new Kawasaki Ninja 250R. Either a 2009 or 2008 model (cost is 4000 or 3500 dollars, respectively). I am 19 years old, and have a car, which I am the primary driver of, which cost a little bit over $20k. Insurance is a little under $3000n annually. I have heard that this might reduce my motorcycle insurance costs (if I get it with the same company?), but I am not sure. I have never been any type of accident, or speeding or any involvement with the police. Only one parking ticket for my entire time of driving (since 2008 July). And I live in Massachusetts. Any type of idea of the cost would greatly help, before I commit myself to the lessons and purchases and the costs. Thanks!""

What would insurance cost on a 2010 nissan versa?

I am getting my first car a brand new nissan versa approximately how much will insurance cost me i'm a male and a college student

Will auto insurance rates go up if filing a Comprehensive claim in Texas?

I had windows knocked out and body damage done to two trucks by vandals, the vandals were identified and police report files and charges will be pressed. I carry $1000 deductable and damage was in the range of $2000 per vehicle. Any insurance claims adjusters want to comment? PS I havent called my insurance yet, cause I know just making the call will go down as a claim .""

Can I take out a life insurance policy on my child's father?

My ex is a very big risk taker and our son is only two years old. Being a single mom is very financially straining and if he was to die I would have to go onto public assistance. Is there a way I could take out a life insurance policy on him where I am the beneficiary? I'm terrified that he will do something stupid and wind up dead and my son and I will be stuck living off of welfare.

""Out of these cars, which one will have the cheapest insurance?

Suzuki Forenza 2007 Mazda3 2005

Cheap auto insurance in miami?

Does anyone know of a cheap auto insurance company in miami? i am 20 years old and i have gotten quotes from Esurance, geico, and progressive. the cheapest was Geico and it was $278 a month for the Basic coverage. I own my car and it is a 2003 Hyundai Tiburon""

Individual dental insurance for braces?

What is a good individual dental insurance if I were to get braces? I have done some research and nailed it down to DeltaCare and Pacificare. So which dental insurance is better, or any other suggestions? Pacificare cost slightly less than DeltaCare as far as co-payments go. Both are HMO plans, all the PPO plans covers little to nothing for braces, so HMO seems to be the only way to go for an individual plan. DeltaCare seems to be more reliable since it's associated with Delta Dental, a little more costly also. I'm more concerned about the quality of the services as far as making claims and such. So DeltaCare, Pacificare, or ay other dental insurance/plans? Any personal experience with either of these companies? I am in San Francisco, California.""

Car insurance in the UK?

Can anyone in the UK recommend a decent & reasonably priced car insurer for a 1st time female driver in her mid 30s?

What does 1000 or 500 deductible mean when you're getting car insurance?

Before I get my car insurance I would like to know what this means,and what is better.""

Car insurance recommendations?

hi im 16 and trying very hard to get emancipated i havent told my mom yet though because it seems like a great idea not to get kicked out first, but anyways i have locked in a steady job at a clothing store but i am only working part time for now. What would your recommendation be for cheap car insurance i have no idea where to even start but if i can get cheap insurance than i will be able to spend more on an appartment or trailer. plz give me your recommendations and any advice on how to accomplish my goal. and please no bad comments i just want advice.""

How much will my insurance go up?

I recently crash my car into a bush going 50 with 4 other people in it. The car costed $2000 and I totaled my car and the police came. My 6 months weren't up so I wasn't supposed to have anyone in the car with me so I got a ticket for that and I got a ticket for reckless driving plus my license suspended. How much will my insurance go up?

""Volkswagen GTI owners, how much do you pay for insurance?""

I am doing a project and I need to get 3 auto insurance quotes. It's due tomorrow, if it's not too much trouble could anybody get me 3 quotes? This is the specifics: 2008 (White) Volkswagen GTI 2-Door Hatchback 46,000 miles 2 Wheel Drive Automatic Help would be much abliged, thank you.""

""By about how much will insurance increase, sedan vs. sports car?""

I am 20 years old currently and drive a 2002 Chevy Cavalier. I was considering purchasing a 2000ish model Chevy Camaro Z28 (5.7L v8) and was curious perhaps by how much my insurance will go up. I know obviously that no one can give an accurate guess as to how much since there are numerous factors involved, but just based on my current insurance I thought perhaps someone might be able to guess what the price on the insurance might be. I am currently on my Uncle's insurance plan, and if I bought the vehicle, would transfer the deed to him so as to retain the benefit of his insurance. I pay about 50$ a month for liability for my car due to his insuring many cars currently. I know this is very cheap for one my age, so I thought the camaro insurance might not be bad still. Anyway based on 50$ a month for liability on my 2002 cavalier, any guesses as to what a 2000ish camaro might run me for insurance? (Both liability and comprehensive if you'd like.) I know I can find out for sure by having my uncle call his insurance, but I just wondered if I might get a ballpark estimate before I approach him about it.""

Affordable health insurance?

So we make about 35,000 a year so I do not qualify for government subsidies. we bring home about $2,600 a month $900 house, $800 car (I've tried geting out but there least so we cant) about $400 for house bills water, electricty ect..., $150 cell phones $100-$150 in gas(to get to work) $100 car insurance, and that only leaves us with $100 dolars a month for food so we keep having to use our credit card just to feed our son which is another $75 dollars a month!. (we dont have house phone, cable, took our son out of pre-school and karate) So we end up with $25 (If I use the credit card for food) and yet the cheapest insurance I can find is $183 a month. CANT! is there anywhere that sells insurance for cheaper? I have and interview on monday but I cant afford daycare. I knot know what to do. help please""

No insurance and expired tags in kentucky?

I got a ticket for no insurance and expired tags in Louisville Ky, I've never neen in any trouble before with anything not even a parking ticket I just could'nt afford the insurance and tags. Whatare the chances of serving jail time for this? I know inKy, it can pack a 90 day sentence please answer I'm kinda freaking out.""

I am moving to California on a J1 visa do I need to get a californian driving licence?

Hey, Im moving to Los Angeles for a year this month on a J1 visa. I need a car for the internship I am doing. I was wondering would I need to get a californian driving licence. I checked the dmv website and it says that If I am becoming a residnent I would need to get one. A resident is considered someone voting in an election or paying homeowners tax which I won't be. I just need it set clear whether or not If I need a california licence to drive or will my British one be ok? Also will insurance companies insure me on a foreign licence.""

How To Get The Best Homeowners Insurance?

How To Get The Best Homeowners Insurance?

Getting car insurance?

I just got my license and i have paid for a car at the dealer but i cant drive it off the lot untill i have insurance..so how do i get insurance..it would be with state farm.im 18 years old im a male.so how do i do i get insured?.how long does the process take??..and how much do you think my monthly payment will be..are there any deposits/extra payments you have to pay at first up front???

How can I get an Auto Insurance adjuster to address my claim ? He is completely unresponsive.?

I drove out a brand new car from the dealership and stopped at a signal light. I was rear ended hard by a coupe driven by teenagers. His car was towed and impounded. Now I called the other driver's insurance company after receiving the police report and was told that a claim has already been filed and an adjuster's name and number given. I have been ever since calling the adjuster and leaving voice-mails. Its about 3 days and I have left more than 8 voice mail but he does not call me back. Its getting frustrating and am unsure if thats their strategy ? How long should I continue this ? and How can I get him to attend and address my claim ? and what else are my options ? Should I go to small claims court ? Advice is much appreciated.

Learner car insurance?

I will be supervising a learner with a provisional licence, i have been driving for more then 5yrs and hold a full Uk license.. Do i have to have the car insurance in the learners name too?""

Cheapest insurance?

What company has the cheapest insurance for used cars.

umaine orono insurance

umaine orono insurance

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-long-do-you-have-go-school-insurance-company-william-riley/"