#and my dad got SO angry‚ he was yelling at the pedestrians from the car complete with big italian gesturing

[airenyah]

sometimes i feel like i missed out on a lot of "italian-ness" bc we stopped going there on a regular basis when i was 9 and i hardly ever saw that side of the family but then i come across a video on youtube titled "southern italians arguing" and it's just a civil (but lively) discussion about a card game the men were in the middle of playing and i'm getting flashes of what it sounds like when my sicilian dad gets real angry and it reminds me of that one time last year when i was working as an intern at a theater (in austria) and one of my tasks was to feed the actors their lines during rehearsals and one time the lead actor came up to me saying "i'm sorry that i'm always so snappy and impatient when i ask for my lines" and i went "this is nothing?? no offense taken"

or this other time, i can't remember if it was at that theater as well or if it was a different context (still in austria) but one time someone got a little loud with me (bc they were irritable and it didn't have anything to do with me or anything that i'd done) and afterwards those who were witnessing the situation were telling me "you do know you don't have to let yourself be treated like that and that you can tell them off, right?" and i was just there like ".......wait i was getting yelled at just now????"

i'm so used to my sicilian dad (and my half-sicilian brother) getting loud at any random minor inconvenience that it for real didn't even register that this person was "yelling" at me for austrian standards, ESPECIALLY since i knew i hadn't done anything wrong and it was all them and their bad mood at the time. and while i did realize that this person wasn't having the best of times in that moment, the fact that they were getting loud at me just simply didn't register. my brain honest to god just went "ah yes this is a completely Normal volume for this level of bad mood, cool cool" and i just kept chilling while everyone around me went "the audacity?? how could they be so rude to you?? are you okay??"

[rynnaissance]

ok so for future reference, if i ever do continue working on my fic, how do we think bell’s hells would be at driving cars in a modern au? i’ve got ideas, but i want to hear other people’s input.

here’s what i’ve got:

chetney: DO NOT GET IN A CAR WITH CHETNEY WHATEVER YOU DO. that senior citizen is batshit insane and he WILL road rage. if someone cuts him off then wherever he was going is forgotten because he has to tailgate that person now while yelling at them to pull over so they can “talk.” i can’t decide if he would have a really nice car or a really shitty one because honestly both fit. maybe a fancy truck for hauling wood?

orym: he’s your safest bet out of the hells if you want to get somewhere on time without fearing for your life. bro is a law abiding citizen of the road. he never loses his cool (unlike chet) and his car is always clean and smells super nice. he mostly listens to meditation style music, but he’ll let the other person have the aux because he’s genuinely curious to hear what they listen to. shout out to orym.

laudna: okay back to the insanity. ALSO DO NOT GET IN A CAR WITH LAUDNA! girlie pop should not be on the road. she’s blasting the weirdest fucking genres of metal imaginable, she can hear nothing else. the music only somewhat drowns out the horrible keening noises her car makes, as if it’s begging to die. that thing hasn’t been to the shop in decades and omits the occasional plume of black smoke that smell like burnt hair and buttered popcorn for some reason? i saw someone else talk about how she’s a crazy driver with everyone except imogen who she drives very well for and never blasts music, and i like that idea a lot.

imogen: it was her dad’s truck before her’s, a farm vehicle meant for rural roads with four wheel drive. it’s pretty beat up, but it’s reliable. imogen hates driving though, as it can be super overwhelming in the city, and prefers to go with laudna. outside of the city, on rural roads where you won’t see another car for miles, she finds it almost as relaxing as horseback riding. she likes to cruise around with her widows down, shamelessly listening to country music. yeehaw.

ashton: should you get in a car with ashton? depends on the day, as they are kind of a wild card. one day, it might be a chill drive with you two causally exchanging stories, like sober “what the fuck is up with that?” other times you better hold onto your seat because you are getting to your location regardless of how traffic is flowing. ashton is the person who cuts chetney off. it may be on purpose, no one knows for certain, but he always seems to manage to find the old man and make his day a little more difficult. if they see someone they know, they’ll lay on horn and yell, “hey asshole!” with a wave and a grin. the car itself is covered in stickers and sharpie graffiti, interior and exterior. you’ll always know it’s him.

fearne: does she have a license? she would say yes. the truth is no. fearne was never taught how to drive, she just kinda figured it out as she went along. because of ashton, she used to think honking is a friendly thing, but had to be informed by fcg that those people are not just saying hi, but are actually mad at her. she didn’t like that very much. she doesn’t seem to be aware that there are any dangers to driving. she’s almost always getting into crashes, which she responds to with a giggle and a “whoops(:” it’s a marvel she hasn’t been arrested yet. there’s also an angry possum that’s sometimes found in the truck of her car, so it’s best not to open it.

fcg: much like orym, fcg is a very safe person to drive with. although maybe a little annoying, as he’ll let everyone go before him at a four way stop regardless of if it’s actually their turn. sometimes though, when they’re under a lot of stress, they resemble chetney more. they won’t tolerate any bullshit from other drivers and yell at pedestrians to get out of the way. he’s been getting better about this though, but still.

[manonblaqkbeak]

The Reunion

Day 5--I had completely forgotten that I had written this lol. It’s more fluff as usual. Can’t wait to read everyone else’s later on!

Enjoy! :)

1.8k words

Rowan couldn't wait to get home. Today had been...exhausting, to say the least. He was a personal trainer, and with that came the territory that people would talk about their issues while working out. Which was fine, Rowan understood that letting out emotional issues when working out helped people to stay motivated. He himself had been known to rant about his issues when working out himself.

But today had been a lot. One of his regulars had put on weight over the Yulemas holidays and was beating himself up over it. Another regulars marriage was over and was dealing with that guilt.  Someone had lost a favourite aunt. Another one had to break off an engagement because it was a loveless relationship. And on and on the issues piled up.

Rowan was good at compartmentalizing, but after a while, he ignored his lunch break in order to go to the park to just...not think for a while.

Being at the park cheered him up a little, but his break was soon too over. And he was back to work, and that was when the skies decided to open up and pour down buckets of rain. Making a bad day into a shittier one.

His wipers were on the fastest setting and he was driving at a snails pace when he looked away for one second, one fucking second, when he heard a thump and a feminine voice yell out “what the fuck!”

Slamming on the brakes, Rowan came to a speedy conclusion.

He was at a pedestrian crossing and he just hit someone with his car.

He just hit someone with his car.

“Fucking hell!”

Pulling up the handbrake, Rowan got out, not sure what to say or do when he came across a golden haired woman, her eyes spitting out blue and gold fire.

Rowan blinked at her, because despite being covered in rain and sitting on her behind, hand rubbing at her hip, she looked familiar.

But now wasn't the time to thinking about that. He had to see if she was okay. “I'm so sorry,” he got out, “I have no idea what happened. I looked away for a second, that was all. I'm so fucking sorry. Are you okay?”

“My hip and my ass hurt, and I suspect that I'm going to have a wicked bruise, but I think I'm okay,” the stranger said. “You should really watch what you're doing, though.”

“I know. I'm sorry, again.”

The stranger sighed, and even that sounded familiar. “What a fucking day I'm having,” she mumbled.

“Bad day?” He probably made it worse, too. He should also really get her into his car, but she starting ranting before he could do anything about it.

“The fucking worst. I'm facing a deadline that I can't finish, because I'm having dreadful writers block. My landlord is a fucking creep who came to my place today saying that my underwear 'accidentally' got mixed in with his laundry. My cousin's dad recently came back into his life, so now he's angry all the damned time and it's leeching into me. And you just hit me with your car.”

Rowan nodded in understanding, but only could manage to say, “Yeah, your day definitely sucks.”

She glared at him, silently telling him that that wasn't really the best way to respond, but he was having a bad day, also.

Which wasn't an excuse he knew, but Gods, it wasn't really his day either.

Rowan helped her up, her hands warm despite the cold and took her to his passenger seat and pulled over to the side. He couldn't help but notice that she smelled like jasmine and lemon verbena. A calming scent.

“I'm not sure what the protocol is,” he admitted after handing her a hand towel from the glove box. “Do we call the police? Or my insurance? I should take you to the hospital, I know that much.” Even if all she said was that she hurt her behind and hip, it'd be best to ensure that she didn't fracture anything.

When she said nothing after a moment, Rowan turned, noting that the silence from the woman was a little concerning, scared to death that maybe she hit her head and was going into shock.

Her blue-gold eyes were wide. “Are you okay?” he asked again. He really should get her to the hospital.

“Are you...? This is...you couldn't be. Rowan? Rowan Whitethorn?”

Rowan blinked, his concern turning inward. “Yes, that's my name. How did you—?”

“I, uh, it's me. Aelin Ashryver Gala—”

“Galathynius?” He finished for her. She nodded.

They sat in silence as Rowan stared at her, taking in her blue-gold eyes, golden hair, the lemon verbena and jasmine smell of her. Recalling the familiar sigh. All of it.

Rowan wanted to bang his head on the steering wheel when all of it came crashing down on him. He had just hit his high school crush with his car.

Rowan, for whatever reason that he couldn't name, wanted to laugh. He never would have suspected that he would hit Aelin Galathynius with his car ten years after high school graduation.

He was fairly certain that high school him had been in love with her from the moment he saw her. Rowan had wanted to ask her out at least a dozen times, but he was an awkward seventeen year old that didn't know how to talk to women that weren't family members and never gained the courage to do so.

It was one of his biggest regrets from his teenage years.

The last time he had seen her was at the after party of their graduating day. She wore a daisy flower crown and was sparkling in a golden dress. He had never seen someone as beautiful as her—even to this day.

Unbeknownst to Rowan, Aelin had felt the same way. She was confident back then as she was now, but every time she wanted to go up to Rowan to talk to him, to get to know him, the butterflies in her stomach threatened to strangle her.

So she never did ask him out. And here she was now, ten years later, in his car. He was still the most handsome man she'd ever seen.

She was still pissed as hell though that he hit her with his car.

It had only taken a moment, a single moment, for her to realise who it was she was sitting next to. The moment that the hand towel touched her face and she breathed in the pine and snow scent of it, she was transported back to the past.

“How have you been?” Rowan asked her after long minutes. His green eyes still as pretty as the day Aelin saw them. She was sure that was what she loved about him the most all those years ago. Other than Lysandra's, Aelin had never seen such a stunning green.

Aelin snorted, her fond memories disappearing at the inane question. “You were listening when I was ranting, weren't you? My day has been shit.”

Rowan gave her a small smile, and her heart skipped a beat. He still smiled the same. She had liked that about him, too. Still did, apparently.

“No, I mean how's life been since graduation? You mentioned writers block. Are you a writer then?”

She nodded. “Yeah. I write fantasy-adventure-romance novels under the name of Celaena Sardothien.” She had liked the animosity of it all, with none of her books containing a single photograph of her.

“That's amaz—wait. You mean to tell me that you're the writer of the 'Fireheart' series?”

Aelin smiled proudly. “That's me. Have you read them?”

“I have. It's one of my favourite series.” They were his guilty pleasure, really, but it felt rude to say that out loud, as if it was shameful.

Aelin blinked, taken aback at the confession. “Really? You mean to tell me that brooding Rowan Whitethorn reads romance novels?”

Rowan frowned a little bit at that. “I don't brood. Not anymore.”

“You're brooding right now.”

Rowan grumbled. Okay, maybe he was, just a little bit, however.

“How about you, though?” Aelin asked. “How's life been?”

“Busy. And right now, it's a bit shitty. I'm sorry for hitting you with my car, truly. We should get you to a hospital, though. Just to make sure that you're okay, please,” he added, when he saw that she opened her mouth to likely protest. “I won't be able to sleep if it turns out you need a hip replacement or something and I didn't take you to get checked out.”

Aelin truly doubted she would need a hip replacement, but nodded anyway. “Okay, you can take me to the hospital. And then afterwards, I'll give you my number and you can take me out to dinner.”

Rowan blinked at that and then smiled. He had always like confidence in a person. “Okay, it's a date.”

“I've never had a date after a hospital visit.”

“Well, then, I better make it great.”

Aelin smiled, warmth filling her. The day turning out a little nicely, despite it all. “You better.”

x x x x x

As Rowan lead Aelin to the dance floor, he couldn't believe his luck. Never in a thousand years did he think that accidentally hitting Aelin with his car would lead to this.

To their first dance as husband and wife.

It had been exactly one year to the day when he saw her again after ten years. It was very much an Aelin thing to want to have their wedding anniversary to match the date.

The story had been re-told by a slightly tipsy Fenrys as part of his best man speech, about how Rowan would be the only man in the world to meet his future wife by way of a car accident. The story always made people laugh, with people saying that the universe must have wanted to get them together and was sick of them taking too long.

Because as it turned out, when Rowan and Aelin's relationship grew and they learned more about their ten years of life, they were always somehow minutes away from running into each other. From when Rowan was starting his hike in the Southern Continent, Aelin had just finished hers and was going back to her hotel—the very fact that they were staying at the same hotel, but floors apart.

When Rowan had missed out on book tickets to a signing of her third novel in the Fireheart series, and he had to turn around and leave the bookstore since it was a private function just as Aelin was moments away from going on.

From going to the same concerts, to the same festivals, from seemingly everything that they had in common, they had missed each other by minutes.

They silently thanked the universe, even if the way they ran into each other was less than ideal. But they wouldn't change it for the world.

Rowan kissed his wife and thanked his lucky stars.

[chickensarentcheap]

Best of Me -Chapter 47

Warnings: none

Tagging: @innerpaperexpertcloud​, @alievans007​, @c-a-v-a-l-r-y​, @ocfairygodmother​

He takes the three oldest out to breakfast before school. It’s an attempt to kill two birds with one stone; spend time with them before heading to The Kimberley for four days, and to try and repair some hurt feelings. There’s still some lingering animosity  being in those little bodies; moments when they remind of him the time he’d ‘taken mommy away and kept her away forever’ and how it felt like he was ‘gone for centuries’. It’s been almost seven months since he both took the McMann job and -regrettably- gotten his wife mixed up in it. He hadn’t   realized at the time just how damaging that entire experience would be for the kids. Having both their parents away, and then sending them away with Ovi; staying in hotels and eating crappy food and travelling through four states before winding up at a stranger’s place in Oklahoma.

It had been done to protect them; keep them away from home and hopefully keep McMann’s people from finding them. But he’s never actually told them THAT. The nightmares caused by the knowledge of him going after bad guys had been bad enough. Telling them that the bad guys had been after them would have meant years...if not decades...of intensive -and costly- therapy. Ovi had tried his best to keep things calm and relaxed; attempting to convince the kids that they were on an adventure and trying to fill their days with new sights and new experiences. He’d grown up a lot in those two weeks. Suddenly responsible for four lives on top of his own; innocent little being totally dependent on him to keep them safe. But he’d come through; he’d done exactly what he’d been told to and had come back with everyone happy (relatively), healthy, and unscathed.

But despite Tyler's best intentions and efforts, it had negatively affected them. Especially HIS prolonged absence.  Things weren’t magically better the moment they were reunited in the driveway at their old place in Colorado. Even with all the hugs and kisses and the tears of relief and happiness, the kids had been angry. Furious that he’d had the nerve to not only take their mother away from them, but that he’d stayed away for an uncharacteristically long time. For two weeks they all refused to sleep in their own rooms; five bodies all shoved into the queen sized bed in the master. They’d alternate nights when it came to bad dreams; no evening passing without one waking up kicking and screaming and sometimes wetting the bed or throwing up. Night terrors that consisted of the ‘bad guys’ coming to the house and either kidnapping them or doing horrible things to their mom and dad in front of them.

Once they moved to Australia things began to calm down. In the kids’ minds they were on the ‘other side of the world’, which put them far enough away from the guys that it may as well have been in another universe. And once the initial hostility of being uprooted from the old house and their old lives wore off, they had begun to thrive. Happier in their new home and in their new country.

He herds them into a smaller family restaurant in the downtown core; the fingers of one hand hooked in the back of both boys’ t-shirts, a hand on the back of Millie’s head.  Always keeping them within a couple inches of him and his eyes constantly surveilling everything around them. Aware of every car that passes by or door that slams too loudly. Every pedestrian that walks past them on the sidewalk or lingers in store entrances or on front porches; defenses up when any time he feels as if someone is paying too much attention to them or comes a little too close. All of his senses running on high and his instincts sharp; his brain constantly processing everything and anything that happens around them. Functioning as both old Tyler and new Tyler; the two managing to coexist, at least temporarily. He’s confident in his skills and his abilities; he knows he’s able to keep them safe and that if a threat does arise, old Tyler will be one that reacts to it.

There’s an empty booth at the very back of the restaurant; enabling him to be able to sit facing the door. And the moment they arrive at it the bickering begins; who gets to sit next to the window, who gets to to order first when the waitress arrives, demands that no one orders the exact same thing because ‘that’s copying and copying is annoying’.

It’s surreal how drastically the direction of your life can change. Almost seven years ago he was standing in that squalid apartment in Dhaka surrounded by street thugs; mentally deciding in which order he was going to take them out in order to rescue Ovi. Now he’s breaking up fights over who gets to sit next to him and which napkin and cutlery belongs to who. You don’t know patience...true, unwavering patience...until you have kids. It doesn’t matter how much you pride yourself in how calm and collected you are while on the job; surrounded by tension and danger. Because nothing...and no one...tests your nerves and your sanity quite like a dramatic and ‘extra’ almost six year old and two five year olds who find it impossible to sit still.

After a brief game of ‘guess the number I’m thinking of between one and ten’, everyone is finally settled. The waitress coming to take their drink order and leaving them with menus and crayons for the kids to use to colour on the paper tablecloth. A victorious Tanner sitting between him and the window, and TJ and Millie across from them; as far away from each other as possible on the small bench. They’ve been at odds since leaving the house, bitter with one another after they’d fought over who would be the last one to kiss mommy goodbye.

Tyler watches his daughter from across the table; amused -and slightly disheartened- by how much older she suddenly appears courtesy of the sullen, if not overly dramatic, expression. Her elbows resting on the table top and her chin planted in her upturned palms; eyes narrowed as she alternates between looking at the menu and glaring at her little brother as he has the nerve to entertain himself by creating a pyramid out of coffee creamers. ‘Little brother’ doesn’t adequately describe the kid; he’s only eleven months younger but has three inches and fifteen pounds on Millie. He’s tall and solid; all torso and long limbs.

He wants to tell his daughter to stop being so much like her mother, but nothing could be further from the truth. That expression, that steely glare, that attitude...it’s all him.  And he sees the look of disgust she fixes on him when he removes his baseball hat and runs a hand through his hair. The top is starting to come in; he’ll take the clippers to the back and sides while he’s away.

“What?” He asks, and places the hat and his sunglasses on the bench beside him. “What’s that look for?”

“You’re not really growing that stupid hair cut back again, are you?”

He smirks. “What if I am? What if your mom likes my hair that way? Tanner has the same hair cut. Doesn’t look stupid on him.”

“And it’s not stupid anyway,” TJ pipes up. “It’s a bitchin’ haircut. I wish I had it.”

Tyler reaches across the table to lay the tip of his index finger against the tip of Millie’s nose, pressing lightly. “Why so grumpy?”

“I’m not grumpy,” she mumbles, and pushes his hand away.

“You look grumpy.”

“That’s just her face,” Tanner says, not even looking up from the game he plays on his dad’s phone.

“Bruh,” TJ grins. “That was savage. But so good. And so true.”

“When did you become the mean brother?” Tyler asks, playfully digging his elbow into his son’s side.

“She called me a bitch baby last night,” he explains. “Because I didn’t want to go into the woods without Ovi with us. We’re not supposed to go in there without an adult. Without your mommy or Ovi. But she wouldn’t listen.”

“You went in there by yourself?” he addresses his daughter.

“I stopped her,” Tanner says. “That’s why she called me a bitch baby.”

“Even though he tackled her,” TJ chimes in. “In the middle of the road! It was awesome. He’s not very big, but he’s strong as hell. Like mommy. Small but strong. Mommy can pick up both of us. At the same time!”

“I’m not THAT small,” Tanner frowns. “I’m almost as big as you, Teej.”

“On what planet? I got tons on you. Like daddy does on mommy. Daddy’s like a giant and mommy’s just tiny. But she scares me more than daddy does. She yells louder. A LOT louder.”

“I’m not scared of mommy,” Tanner says. “She’s nice to me because I listen to what she says. You just ignore her and then she gets mad and we all pay for it. If you’d just listen the first time��”

“Daddy doesn’t even listen the first time.” TJ points out.

“And then he wonders why she yells at him,” Tanner retorts. “‘Cause he annoys her.”

“I’m sitting right here,” Tyler reminds him. “When do I annoy your mom’?”

“All the damn time,” TJ sighs. “And then she gets bitchy. Like Millie. But Millie is way bitchier.”

“I’m not bitchy,” Millie scowls. “You’re just a dick.”

“Okay...enough…” Tyler pleads, noticing both the amused and appalled looks nearby diners are giving them. “Can not act like a normal family for once? What did I say before we came in here? What did I say not to do?”

“No fighting,” Tanner says.

“No bad words,” his brother adds.

“And no annoying each other. Or me. And you’re doing both. So stop. Or I’ll leave you all here and make you walk to school.”

“Mommy would be so pissed,” TJ declares. “She’d be mad at you forever.”

“She’s always mad at me about something. And you…” he looks at Millie. “...you know not to go into the woods alone. You want a dingo to eat you?”

“I wish one would,” TJ says, and then holds his hands up in surrender when his father glares at him. “She said she saw some lady go in there and told her to stop because that’s part of our house but the lady didn’t listen.”

“What lady?”

Both boys shrug.

“I didn’t see sh…” TJ bites his tongue when Tyler stares at him pointedly. “...I didn’t see anything. Ovi went and checked but there was no one there. He couldn’t find anyone. He said it was probably just someone trying to get to the beach without going on our property.”

Tyler turns his attention to Millie. “What lady?”

“There was no lady,” TJ insists. “No one else saw a lady.”

“I’m talking to your sister, you mind? What lady?”

“I don’t know,” Millie shrugs. “But there WAS a lady. I saw her. Just like I saw that guy in the Jeep in front of Salena’s house.”

“That’s not even her name,” TJ says. “She was lying to us. The whole time. That’s a shitty thing to do.”

Tyler frowns at him. “Excuse me?”

“A crappy thing to do. Sorry! It just came out. Maybe if you watched YOUR mouth around little ears….”

“How’d you like to walk to school?” he asks, then gives a polite smile and a nod of thanks to the waitress that refills his coffee and brings chocolate milk for the kids.

“You wouldn’t do it. Mommy would make you sleep on the couch forever.”

“I saw her daddy,” Millie insists, tone -and eyes- serious. “Remember how I saw that guy in the Jeep? Just like you did?”

He nods.

“Well I saw her too. Ovi asked me to get the mail so I did and that’s when I saw her and I tried to yell at her and stop her but she just ignored me. That’s why I tried to follow her and then Tanner stuck his nose in it.”

“Because we’re not allowed in the woods by ourselves,” Tanner informs her. “Daddy said when we moved there that we weren’t allowed because there’s bad things in there and we could end up hurt. Or dead. Do you want to end up dead? Because that’s how you end up dead.”

“That’s not how daddy almost ended up dead,” she points out.

“‘Cause the bad guys tried to kill daddy but didn’t,” TJ says. “Because Uncle Koen says daddy’s too stubborn to die. How do you know the lady wasn’t a bad person, Millie? She could have been a bad person and what would you have done? Nothing. She would have killed you.”

“Okay…” Tyler sighs heavily and runs a palm over his face. “...let’s NOT talk about bad guys and people dying. Or not dying. Just stop. What did the lady look like?”

“I still say there was no lady,” TJ grumbles.

“She kinda looks like Auntie Nik,” Millie says. “The same color of skin. Maybe a bit darker. But she had the same color hair and it was really long. She had it in a ponytail but it was still as long as mine.”

“You remember what she was wearing?”

“Of course I do. I notice things. She had on jeans and a black t-shirt and a green jacket like the one you have. And red shoes. Like purple ones that you bought mommy for Christmas.”

“Converse.”

“Yeah. Those ones! She had a pair of those on. She was kind of young. Maybe mommy’s age. Or a little younger.”

“Mommy’s old,” TJ declares. “She’s not young.”

“Don’t you EVER let her hear you say that,” Tyler warns. “And she’s not old. I’m older than she is.”

“Uncle Koen says you’re as old as Jesus Christ,” Tanner says. “The person. Not the swear word.”

Tyler smirks. “He did, did he?”

Tanner nods. “And mommy’s not old Teej.”

“She had all of us. She has to be.”

“Doesn’t mean she’s old because she had all of us. Just means her and daddy like to make babies. Doesn’t mean she’s old. Daddy’s old.”

“Excuse you,” Tyler nudges him with his elbow. “I’m only five years older than your mom is.”

“Your forty,” Millie points out. “That's super old. You have gray hair.”

“Because of you guys.”

“We don’t give your gray hair,” his daughter huffs.

“Mommy gave it to him,” TJ says. “‘Cause she’s a pain in daddy’s ass. That’s what he says all the time. That she’s a pain in his ass and drives him crazy. Right, daddy?”

“Don’t throw me under the bus.”

“You’re the one who said it! That mommy’s a pain in your ass. Uncle Koen said you’re lucky to have her. That she puts up with you. That tons of guys would want her and if you don’t, someone will take her off your hands and take her away.”

“He said that?”

“I don’t want some guy taking mommy away,” Tanner pouts. “I don’t want her leaving. She wouldn’t leave us, would she, daddy?”

“She would never...ever...leave you guys.”

“Then you better make sure no one steals her away,” Tanner says. “‘Cause I like the mom AND dad I have. I don’t want another mom or dad. That would suck, having another dad. He’d probably be some loser that doesn’t do cool stuff with us like you do.”

“He probably wouldn’t let me surf,” Millie adds, and sips her milk. “Or take us camping and fishing. And he’d probably be mean to us. And to mommy. You can’t let someone take her, daddy. I don’t want another dad. I want you.”

“No one is going to steal your mom away,” he assures them.

“The guy at the grocery store likes her.” TJ says. “The one that drives the Mustang and has the man bun. The one that called her a MILF. Whatever that means.”

Tyler frowns “Someone called her that?”

“The guy at the grocery store.” TJ sighs. “Mommy told him to F off. ‘Cause he got too handsy.”

“He what?”

“He touched her butt,” Millie says. “He said it was an accident, but I think he meant it. Mommy told him to F off and that she’d tell her husband and that you’d go there and break him in half. Could you really do that? Break him in half? ‘Cause I want to see it if you do it.”

“Of course he can break someone in half!” Tanner exclaims. “He killed somebody with a rake!”

TJ frowns. “That’s our last name.”

“It’s also a garden tool, dumb ass,” Millie huffs. “And it wasn’t one person, Tanner. It was two.”

“How do you guys even know that?” Tyler asks. “Because I know mommy wouldn’t tell you.”

“Ovi was telling Uncle Koen and Nathan,” Millie replies. “We just overheard it. Is it true? Did you kill two people with a rake?”

“Maybe…”

“I would have liked to have seen that,” TJ says. “Are you going to kill the douche at the grocery store? For touching mommy’s butt?”

“Maybe I should.”

“Daddy could totally kill that loser,” Millie enthuses. “I think you should do it. Break him in half. Can we watch?”

“No one is breaking anyone in half. Or killing anyone. What is wrong with you?”

“But you could, right?” she inquires. “Break him in half?”

“Of course he could!” TJ exclaims. “Look at the size of him! 0ne of his hands is bigger than your whole head. And you have a big ass head.”

“And look how big his arms are!” Tanner adds, and attempts to wrap both hands around one of his father’s biceps. “Look! They’re huge! I can’t even put my hands around one! He could totally break that guy in half!”

“I wish you would,” TJ says. “No one touches mommy like that. Only you’re allowed. We can touch her too, but that’s different because she’s our mom. She gave birth to us. Me and you at the same time, Tanner. However THAT worked.”

“Everyone knows how babies come out,” Tanner informs his brother. “The doctor opens the mommy’s tummy and pulls the baby out, right daddy?”

“Sometimes, I guess. That’s not how you guys got out, but…”

“How come TJ got to go first?” Tanner asks. “How come I didn’t get to go first?”

“I have no idea. It just worked out that way.”

“And how come I was by myself?” Millie inquires. “Why didn't I have a partner?”

“Because your brothers are twins. You’re not. You were alone.”

“You couldn’t have given me a twin? Like asked God or whoever or whatever?”

“That’s not how it works.”

“I’m so confused,” she sighs. “I don’t even know HOW I got in mommy’s tummy, never mind how I got out. And I couldn’t even have company in there? That’s some bullshit.”

The waitress chuckles as she arrives with their food. “You’ve got your hands full here, dad.”

“You think? And this is them behaving.”

“It could be worse,” TJ says. “There’s two more of us at home. A baby brother and a baby sister. Like, a baby, baby. Like tiny. Really tiny.”

“She sounds like a kitten when she cries,” Tanner adds. “‘Cause she’s so small. And she looks like mommy. We look like daddy. Not Addie though.”

“How do babies get out of a mommy’s tummy?” Millie inquires. “Daddy won’t tell us.”

The older woman laughs, then pats Tyler on the shoulder. “I think I need to bring you an entire POT of coffee.”

****

“How come we don’t get to come?” Millie asks, as they walk hand in hand down the path at the back of the school, the boys already running off to play soccer with friends. “How come we have to stay here but you and mommy get to go away?”

“Because sometimes, moms and dads need to be alone.”

“Why?”

“Don’t you want to go and play with your friends?” Tyler nods in the direction of a group of girls gathered on the playground, calling to Millie and waving her over.

“No. I’d rather stay with you. I can see my friends whenever. And when you leaver, I won’t get to see you for a while.”

“I’m not going to be gone that long,” he reminds her, and tightens the elastic holding her braided ponytail together.

“Long enough. Remember when you said you wouldn’t go away again? When we were at our old house and we had to go away with Ovi and then you were home when we got back? Remember?”

“I remember.’

“You said you wouldn’t go away again. And now you’re going away. And you went away two weeks ago! To visit Uncle Koen.”

“I was gone for one night.”

“Still,” she sighs as she lets go of his hand, then crosses her arms over her chest and she looks up at him. “We still miss you. Even if it’s just one night. You said at our old place that you wouldn’t go away again.”

“This is different.”

“How?”

Because that was for work. This is because your mom and I need some time alone together. Adults sometimes need that. And mommy and I? We desperately need that.”

“Why?”

“Look, when you’re married and have kids, you’ll understand. But right now, you’re only five…”

She glares up at him.

“..almost six, and you don’t need to know how or why or any of that. Just mommy and I need to be alone and that’s all that you need to know. And we’re going to go and be alone and we’ll be back on Tuesday.”

“Why so long?”

“It’s four days. That’s not long.”

“But you said…”

“I know what I said. And I told you, this is different. Back then was about work, and this is about spending time with your mom. Adult time. No kids allowed.”

“You’re not going to bring me back a baby brother are you?”

He chuckles. “That’s not how it works, kiddo.”

“Are you and mommy going to MAKE me a baby brother? ‘Cause I’d rather a puppy. Or another sister. Please not a brother.”

“We can’t make you a brother OR a sister. We can’t make any more babies.”

“How come? If you made five of us already, how come you can’t make more?”

“Because we can’t.”

“You’re only allowed five? Is that a rule? You can’t have more than that? What if Addie had had a twin? That would have been six! And what if Austin was still here? Does that mean Addie wouldn’t be allowed to be here? Because she’d be number six.”

Tyler frowns. “You ask a lot of questions.”

“I’m curious about the world. Mommy says I’m a free spirit. I don’t know what that means, but it sounds cool.”

“I think your mom’s right.”

“So if Austin was alive, I’d have an older brother right?”

Tyler nods.

“Better than younger brothers. Older better are better. Would he like me?”

He runs a hand over her hair. “I think so. He’d be a lot older than you, though. He’d be sixteen.”

“Do I look like him?”

“Kind of. I guess. I dunno.”

“I bet I’d like him. I had a dream about him the other night.”

Tyler arches a brow. “You did?”

Millie nods. “We were surfing together. I didn’t even know who he was at first because I’ve never seen a picture of him. I only know what you told me about him. But said who he saw and that he was my older brother and that he was there watching me. I was kind of scared at first. When he said that. But then he smiled and he ruffled my hair like you do, and everything was okay. I knew he wasn’t there to scare me or hurt me.”

He merely nods, fighting back the tears that threaten and swallowing around the lump of emotion that sits in his throat. It isn’t so much grief anymore; he’s moved on with his life and became a dad again and can’t imagine NOT having Millie or her siblings in his life. It’s more her view of what happened. It’s innocent and it’s pure and she has no idea that if Austin were still here, she probably wouldn't exist.

“Mommy gets sad when I ask about him,” Millie continues. “Even though he wasn’t hers. I think she’s sad for you. She said that he was still here, I probably wouldn’t be. Or any of us kids. That you and her probably never would have met. Is that true?”

“It’s a possibility. I like to think I still would have met her and fell in love with her and married her. And had all you guys.”

“Do you ever wish that he was still here and we weren’t?”

“You know what…” Tyler scoops her up with one arm and settles her on his hip, then presses a kiss to her forehead. “I would never...EVER...wish that in a million years. Because I love your mommy and I love you and your brothers and sister. I can’t imagine NOT having any of you.”

“Do you miss him though?”

“Sometimes. I used to miss him all the time. And then you came along and I got to be a dad again and it made a lot easier to deal with.  And if weren’t here? I’d be pretty sad. I’d miss you a lot.”

“How much?”

“A hell of a lot.”

“I’d miss you too. I always miss you. I wish you weren’t going away. AND taking mommy with you. Won’t you and mommy miss us?”

“Of course we will.”

“Won’t you be bored without us?”

“I think your mom and I will find things to keep us busy.”

“Like what?”

“Like things you don’t need to know about.”

“How come there’s so many things I don’t need to know about yet?”

“Because you’re just a kid. And mommy and I are adults who do adult things. And you don’t need to know what those are.”

“Please no babies,” she begs.

“I already told you…”

“I don’t get why you can’t have more.”

“Amelia…”

She giggles and pulls his baseball cap off, then puts it back on backwards. “Daddy…”

“I’m not telling you where babies come from or how they’re made. But nice try though.”

“I’m nothing if not persistent.”

He laughs. “I think there’s more of your mom in you than people realize. This lady that you saw…”

“I DID see her. She was real. I swear.”

“I believe yo. And when you get home from school. I want you to tell the neighbor about it. About what you saw and what she looked like, okay?”

“Don’t make me talk to her,” Millie pleads. “I don’t like her.”

“I know you don’t. But I still want you to tell her. Please? For me?”

“Fine,” she sighs. “I’ll do it for you. But only for you, daddy.”

“Thank you,” he presses a kiss to her cheek. “Bell’s going to ring soon. You better go.”

“No. Not yet,” she wraps her arms tightly around his neck, clinging desperately to him when he attempts to put her down. “I don’t want you to go yet.”

“I’m only going to be gone for four days,” Tyler promises. “And no bad guys. Just me and mommy.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

“And you’ll come back Tuesday for sure?”

“For sure.”

“I’ll miss you, daddy,” she pulls back and kisses him as she holds his face in her hands. “I’ll miss you so much.”

“It’s only four days,” he reminds her.

“I don’t care if it’s one day. I’ll still miss you.”

“I’ll miss you too.” He lays a hand on the back of her head and places his lips against her brow.

“You’ll bring mommy back, yeah?”

“No. I’m going to leave her there with her new husband.”

Millie frowns. “That’s not nice. You’d miss mommy if she was gone.”

“I would,” he agrees. “I’d miss her more than you could ever possibly understand. Now go. Go and see your friends.”   He sets her on the ground, then shrugs her backpack off his shoulder and hands it to her. “See you Tuesday.”

“For sure Tuesday?”

“One hundred percent for sure.”

“Okay,” she says, and then wraps her arms tightly around his legs before scampering off towards the playground.

“Hey Amelia!” he calls to her, and she stops and turns to look at him. “Don’t let anyone dull your sparkle!”

A wide, brilliant smile spreads from ear to ear, and he can see those blue eyes sparkle from her stands. “I won’t!” she promises, and then hurries off to join her friends.

****

“You’re worried aren’t you.”

Briefly looking away from the road, he glances over at her as she sits in the passenger seat, watching him intently. Their flight leaves in half an hour; hiring the same old SASR buddy that he’d recruited when he’d gone to see Koen. It’s safer that way if someone is keeping tabs on them; no paper trail, no names on flight manifestos, no record of them ever boarding a flight and heading to The Kimberley. Once in Broome he’d rent a vehicle under a fake name and pay by cash. Anything that has to be done to keep someone...anyone...off their trail.

They’d be wide open targets there; the land vast and barren and unforgiving. And while he’d have the upper hand both knowing the landscape and having the confidence to use it to his advantage, it’s still not a fight he wants to engage in.  Guys like Mahajan don’t just send one person, they send an army of them. If he was alone, he wouldn’t think twice about engaging. But when there’s someone else relying on you to keep them safe, it’s a whole other ball game. It raises the stakes; makes everything much more dangerous and dire.  

“You’ve been really quiet,” Esme says, as she retrieves a pair of aviator style sunglasses from her purse and slips them onto her face.

True to her word, she’d managed to track down a yellow tank top and a pair of tattered and torn jeans shorts; almost identical to the outfit she’d been wearing when he’d first laid eyes on her. She’s changed since then. They both have. The piercings long gone and her hair six inches shorter. She’s curvier now; hips wider, breasts fuller, ass and legs thicker. She’s carried five babies inside of that little baby, after all. HIS babies. And she’s more beautiful now that she had been back then. And he’d never thought that would be possible.

“Are you okay?” she asks. “You’ve been like this since you got back from your time with the kids.”

“I’m fine. Just haven’t had much to say.”

She’s used to it. Even after nearly seven years he’s very much the strong and silent type at times. But there’s usually something behind it now; no longer quiet because he’s busy building up walls to protect himself.

“This isn’t your normal quiet,” she remarks. “How you get when you’re not feeling chatty. This is your ‘thinking too much’ kind of quiet. I know you, Tyler. Your different moods. I know your different forms of quiet. It’s all in your face; on your face. I’ve only spent nearly seven years trying to sort them all out.”

He smirks. “Anyone ever tell you that YOU think too much?”

“You’ve only been telling me that nearly every day since we met.  I know something’s wrong.”

“There’s A LOT wrong,” he reminds her. “A hell of a lot.”

“I’m not talking about all of that and you know it. Did something happen this morning? When you were with the kids? Did you see something? Hear something?”

“I’m just quiet. Nothing happened. I took them for breakfast, dropped them off at school, that’s it.”

Fuck. He knows full well that he should tell her about what Millie had seen. It will only come back to bite him in the ass somehow. The truth always gets out. Always. Whether it’s a week from now, a month from now, even years from now. He doesn’t even know WHY he does it. Why his initial reaction is to always keep things from her. Whether it’s that overwhelming and sometimes all consuming need to protect her from anything and everything or the fear of putting too much worry and stress on her plate. Or maybe it’s just an old habit he can’t shake; years of bottling shit up and letting it eat away at him.

But instead of just fessing up, he brings up the first thing that comes to mind.

“Did you know our kids know I killed someone with a garden rake?”

Esme laughs. “What?”

“They brought it up at breakfast. About me killing two people with a garden rake.”

“Well I know I didn’t tell them.  I try NOT to talk about what you did for a living. Or what you DO for a living. I’m so confused. Do we talk about it in past or present tense?”

The way she cocks her head to the side, the way her eyes are slightly narrowed...that’s all Tanner. He’s seen that expression so many times on their boy. Usually reserved for when someone has said something so incredibly stupid that he can’t wrap his head around it. Millie’s insanely smart, but he’s even more so. He’s brilliant and he’s crafty and he’s sneaky in that ‘under the radar, no one will ever expect it’ way. There’s a lot of his mother in that kid. A hell of a lot.

“It’s what I do,” he reasons. “It’s what I’ve gone back to you. It’s what I am.”

“It’s not who you are,” she gently argues. “It’s part of who you are. There’s a difference. Is that what’s bugging you? That they’re starting to realize just what you do? They were going to find out sooner or later, Tyler. And all they think you do is go and get good people away from bad people. That’s the extent of it right now. And they know sometimes you have to hurt the bad people. Sometimes you even have to kill them,” she shrugs. “It is what it is.”

“They’re kids.”

“They’re smart kids. Insanely smart. All three of them. TJ has the dumb ass act down pat, but he’s a smart little bugger. When you actually sit down and talk to him, he’s like talking to an adult. He has shit in his head that blows MY mind. He’s like you; he keeps it all under the surface and uses it when he has to.”

“Is that some roundabout way of calling me a dumb ass?” he teases.

“You are far from dumb. But people underestimate you, too. They always have. They see the muscles and the tattoos and the scars and they immediately think bad ass. That you’re all brawn and no brains. Yet you’re both. And THAT’S what makes you dangerous.”

He grins. “I’m totally the guy your parents told you to stay away from when you’re growing up, aren’t I.”

“You so are,” she laughs. “You’re my father’s worst nightmare. He would have warmed up to you once he got to know you. He would have at least given you a chance; not like everyone else. But I would have brought you home and he would have seen the hair and the ink and all the scars and he would have shit his pants.”

“Is it wrong that that makes me as happy as it does? Knowing I would have successfully corrupted his little girl?”

“You did a good job of it. Corrupting me. I was a good girl until I met you.”

“Like fuck you were.”

“I was! I was sweet and innocent and…”

“Sweet and innocent girls DO NOT bang a guy they just met. I’m sorry. They just don’t. I love you, but there was nothing sweet and innocent about you when we met. You had your tongue pierced.”

“Lots of girls have tongue pierced. It’s cool. It’s edgy.”

“That’s not why you got your tongue pierced and you know it.”

“Maybe I was holding out hope on finding a guy that would let me use it to its full advantage. And then you showed up and boy, did you let me use it to my advantage.”

“I miss that thing. I think you should get it done again. Just because.”

“Yeah, I know what your ‘just because’ is.  Maybe for your birthday. We’ll see.”

“That would be the best birthday present EVER. The gift that keeps on giving.”

“I’m already the mother everyone avoids at the school. Why not add something else to the list of things that make me stick out like a sore thumb. Why is everyone so uptight there? It’s a public school, for fuck sake. They act like it’s some posh private school. And they’re scared of you.”

“Good.”

“I hear the teacher made a play for you. At the bar.”

He frowns.

“What? You didn’t think I’d found out? Koen told me. That she tried to get on your dick. She’s lucky I don’t go there and beat her ass. I mean, it’s flattering that everyone thinks my husband is a hottie and totally fuckable, but don’t actually try.”

“Like the guy at the grocery store? The one with Mustang and the man bun? Seriously, Esme? A guy with a man bun? Talk about downgrading.”

She laughs. “Chad.”

“Chad? He even has a douche name.”

“He is a douche. But he’s only twenty-two, so…”

“You’re a fucking cougar. Atta girl.”

“I can’t believe the kids told you about that.”

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about it.”

“What’s there to tell? He grabbed my ass, I told him to fuck off, and then I told him I was going to tell my husband and you were going to show up and rip him in half. And he’s seen you and he thinks you’re totally capable of doing it.”

“I WILL rip him in half.”

“You’re not going to take a garden tool to him?” she teases.  “Maybe a shovel to the head? Chop off his dick with a pair of hedge trimmers?”

“You know what…”

“What? What are you going to do Tyler? Nothing. Because you love when I tease you. When I ride your ass about things.”

He smirks. “I like when you ride me, all right.”

“That is NOT what I was talking about and you know it. I’m surprised you’re taking it so well. Finding out about Chad.”

“Chad and his Mustang and his man bun? Fuck. I’m going in there next week just to freak him out.”

“He’ll shit his pants. He’ll see you and piss himself.”

“Good.”

“I thought you’d be pissed. Which is why I didn’t tell you in the first place. But this? I like this. I like this side of you. The one that just laughs it off and doesn’t lose his shit.”

“You handled it. I’m impressed. You’re little but you’re not to be fucked with.  Tanner is definitely your son.”

“He’s a tough little bugger. He’s not afraid of anyone. He’s a lot cagier than anyone thinks. He flies under the radar and surprises everyone. Maybe he’s the one that’s going to follow in your footsteps.”

Tyler frowns. “Why the hell would you want that?”

“You really think one of them won’t? My money was on Declan, but I don’t know, Tanner might shock everyone.”

“I don’t want any one of them being like me. Not that way.”

“It’s not the most horrible thing in the world, you know. If one of them does turn out like you. And I’m not just talking about looks and personality.”

“I know what you’re talking about. And I can’t believe you’d even say that, let alone be okay with it.”

“It’s not like you’re a serial killer. There’s worse things in this world you could be doing, you know.”

“I kill people. For money.”

“That’s not ALL you do, Tyler. It’s part of what you do. And one of them wants into it, we can’t stop them. It’ll happen whether we want it to or not. And if you think your kids are going to suddenly hate you or think less of you because of the job…”

“They might.”

“That will never happen. You’re their dad. What you do for a living has no bearing on how you raise them; what kind of father you are. You’re not the same person at home that you are on the job. All that matters to them is who you are when you’re with them. They don’t give a shit about anything else.”

He wants to believe that. He NEEDS to believe that. That when they're older, all they’ll remember are the good things; the times they spend together and that he was never afraid to show them affection or tell them that he loved him. How he’d tuck them in at night and read them bedtime stories and sometimes even fall asleep alongside them; tall, heavy frame way too large for their small beds, yet never complaining about the neck pain or the stiff back he’d wake up with.  He hopes they remember that he TRIED. To be a good man.  A good father. That they’re able to look back and say that they watched him treat their mother well; loving her with every fibre of his being.

But the reality of who he is...the things he’s done...it won’t be easy for them to accept. Not when they’re old enough to fully understand things.

And he thinks of Nik and her last ditch attempt to talk him out of settling down. She’d first tried when he’d found out that he was going to be a father again; making the mistake of confiding in her about just how scared he actually was. Not that he was having a baby, but that he’d only fuck things up again. She’d encouraged him to just cut all ties; convince Esme -only three months pregnant at the time- to go back to the States and live her life as a single mother. Telling him that he didn’t need the extra stress and worry while he was trying to recover; a baby would only be a burden he couldn’t afford and shouldn’t take on.

He’d refused to listen; he wasn’t abandoning her or their kid. He was going ‘all in’; they’d move in with one another and get to know each other and have the baby and raise it together. It wasn’t the conventional way of doing things. But they hadn’t started out conventional so why start being that way now? They’d make it work; they’d fall in love if that was in the cards and they’d have a good life and maybe even have more kids. It was the first time in his life -since Austin died- that he felt hopeful; he had a reason to live and not put a gun in his mouth or keep going on suicide missions in hopes of catching a bullet.

The last time she’d tried to ‘get through to him’ was the night before he got married. Asking him to meet her for a few ‘pre congratulatory drinks’ and then both propositioning him and trying to get him to change his mind. Attempting to convince him that this life -a husband, a father- wasn’t meant for someone like him. Someone who had the guilt and the regret and his kind of past. That being a family man AND a merc just wasn’t possible. Did he really want his children finding out years down the road just WHO he was? Did he really think they’d be able to accept that? Did he really think they’d love him knowing the truth?

“Tyler?” Her voice is soft. Concerned. “What’s going on with you?”

“Nothing,” he gives a reassuring smile. “Just thinking about stuff.”

“Bad stuff or…?”

“No. Just stuff that doesn’t matter anymore and I need to let go.”

“About…?”

“About nothing important. Just an old conversation with someone. About where my life was and where it was heading. Just some shit they said that pisses me off now when I think about it. They weren’t saying it for me. They were saying it for them.”

“We’re talking about Nik aren’t we.”

He nods.

“She won’t stop calling. She won’t stop sending emails. I can’t avoid her forever. YOU can’t avoid her forever. I think she wants to make amends. And normally I’d say ‘fuck her’ and that she made her bed and know she has to lie in it, but I actually feel kind of sorry for her.”

“That’s a first. You feeling sorry for her.”

“First you abandon her. Now Kyle.”

“Okay first off, I didn’t abandon her. There was nothing to abandon. I used to fuck her. That’s it.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t have been so good at it,” Esme teases.  “She wouldn’t still be holding on as tight as she is.”

“Or maybe she can just leave me the fuck alone.”

“I don’t think this about wanting to jump on your dick. I think she’s finally gotten the picture that that’s NOT going to happen.  I think she’s legitimately hurt. That you went and started your own business without at least telling her. Or giving her the opportunity to partner with you.”

“I don’t want anything to do with her. Tell her that the next time she calls.”

“I have an idea!” She clamps a hand down on his knee. “Why don’t YOU tell her? Nik is your mess, not mine. I’ve spent almost seven years dealing with her shit. I’m done. It’s your turn.”

Tyler sighs.

“Just call her and see what she wants. What’s the worst that could happen? She wants to work with you? Or just wants to reem you out for stealing her people? Just hear her out and hang up on her if you have to.”

“I’ll call her. When we get back.”

“And please call Yaz. He says he wants to talk to you. That he has an offer for you.”

“What kind of offer?”

“He wouldn’t tell me. Just that he had an offer and you needed to hear it. So call him too. So I don’t have to keep putting up with these people. Because I’m on my last thread of sanity and if I lose that last threat…”

“I’ll be the one paying for it.”

“Exactly! See? You get it. Only took you nearly seven years to figure out how things work. Happy wife, happy life, right? You’re catching on.”

“You and your fucking mouth…”

“You love me. And my mouth.”

“I’m not denying EITHER of those things.”

“I’m not talking about what I do with my mouth. I’m talking about what comes out of it.”

He smirks. “Sure you are…”

“Your mind is permanently in the gutter. Middle age suits you.”

“Fuck you and your middle age crap. I’ve still got at least fifteen years to go before I’m middle age.”

“Tyler, no one lives to be a hundred and ten.”

“You just watch me.”

“You know what? You’d be the one who would. You’d be the one that after getting shot,  stabbed, hit with a shovel, hit by a car, everything else that’s been done to you and you’ve been through, that WOULD live that long. Somehow that makes sense. The one that should have died a long time ago ends up living that long.”

“I’m too stubborn to die.”

“I’ve never heard anything MORE true. I like hearing this kind of talk from you. Instead of the doom and the gloom. Instead of hearing you talk about not coming home and being stuck in Mumbai and…”

“Hey…” he reaches out and takes her hand in his, settling them on his thigh. “...let’s NOT talk about Mumbai, okay? For four days, let’s not talk about that. Or the job. Let’s just...I don’t know...talk about normal stuff. The weather and what we want to eat and things we want to do. I don’t care how boring it is or how stupid is seems. I just want us to be...I don’t know...normal.”

“Have we met? Neither of us are normal.”

“Okay, so our version of normal. I don’t want to talk about Mumbai or Mahajan or the job or…”

“If you didn’t want to talk about it or think about it, you wouldn’t have brought THAT,” she lifts the bottom of his t-shirt and nods down at the holster and gun on his right hip.

“Might have to kill a dingo. Wasn’t that in the wedding vows too? That I wouldn’t let a dingo get you?”

“That’s what hunting rifles are for. Not Glocks.”

“Just better to be safe than sorry. We don’t know who is out there. If anyone IS out there.”

“Do you think there is? Someone out there? Watching us?”

He shrugs. “I don’t know.”

“You’d tell me, right? If you felt that way?”

He nods.

“You know what’s funny? You’re the one that is talking about us ‘talking’ when we’re there. I’m the one that’s looking forward to the sex.”

He chuckles. “Well I’m looking forward to THAT too. Weird hearing you mention it first though.”

She laughs. “I can’t help it. There’s something wrong with my hormones. That’s all I’ve been thinking about lately.”

“And you call me ‘extra’.”

“I want to have all the sex,” she enthuses. “With you. All of it. Like dirty, raunchy, adult sex. The kind we can’t have at home because we always have to worry about kids interrupting us. I mean hard core sex. Like in Dhaka. Where I can make all the noise I want and no one can hear it.”

“Everyone in the hotel in Dhaka heard. They all knew my name and I never told anyone of them my name. So…”

“Remember the time the people next to us complained to the manager? The second night? I think they were just jealous. They wished they were getting dicked down that good.”

“I do miss that kind of thing,” he admits. “It’s a turn on. Hearing you.”

“You’re such a bad influence. I really WAS a good girl before I met you. I don’t know what got into me.”

“I know exactly what got into you.”

“Well if you weren’t so good at these things…”

“Isn’t that part of why you married me?” he chides. “Because I am good at those things?”

“One of the reasons. There’s a lot of them. Reasons. I really married you because of your hair, so technically I should have filed for divorce the second you made me shave it off.”

“I’m growing it back. Relax.”

“And you’re getting scruffy again,” she grins, and rubs her hand against his cheek. “You’re all sorts of sexy. No wonder I put out so much. And it’s going to be good for us. Getting away. And not just because of sex. Just to be alone together. Be able to relax and just...I don’t know...be together.  We haven’t had that in a long time.”

He nods in agreement. “I don’t know if we’ve ever really had that. And no. Dhaka does NOT count.”

“That’s because you were getting paid to have sex with me.”

“In a weird way, yeah.”

“I really was whoring myself out to you.”

He frowns. “What?”

“Nothing. It’s just something someone said. It’s not important. What’s important is us and the next four days. And me NOT getting eaten by a dingo.”

He laughs at that. “I’ll protect you from all the dingoes, baby.”

“I know,” she smiles, and then rests her head against his shoulder. “You'll protect me from ANYTHING.”

He nods in agreement. It’s true. He WOULD protect her from anything. Anyone.

No matter what it costs.

[saltwatersweets]

New Home

AUTHOR’S NOTE: Hi! Since I was supposed to do a narrative essay for an English project, I, being myself, blew it way out of proportion and wound up with this 2,497 word mess. 

Whoops.

I decided that I wanted to share it online, since it is technically a story. It’s not part of any fandoms, but instead has original characters. I know this is fairly unusual (so far) from me, but I thought it would be fun! 

Please note that this story, while it is a work of realistic fiction, is not in any way supposed to be connected to a real life event that has happened. However, this story is pretty dark, so please pay attention to the trigger warnings below.

Major character death, minor character death, funerals, mentions of sickness, car crashes, hospitals, mentions of adoption, guilt, self-deprecation (not heavy but the protagonist blames himself), tears, and a fair bit of angst. (I’m not sure if these are all triggers but I just want to make sure.)

Please tell me if I missed anything. If you are someone who is made uncomfortable at darker works of fiction, then please have caution reading this. As always, stay safe, and enjoy!

           It has been five years.

           I still believe that it was not her fault. It really doesn’t matter what people say, because if I know her at all, she would have been careful. She was only in her first few years of driving, but she was one of the most cautious people I know, aside from myself, of course. She was a woman of legality, and would have waited for all the stop signs, all the blinkers, and every pedestrian for as long as she had a license. To call in the middle of the road seemed so unlike her. I suppose, though, given the circumstances, it makes sense. I couldn’t be angry at her, though, not her, never her. I’m still illogically mad; not at anyone (except for maybe myself), but instead at the situation. Why her? What had she done wrong?

           When she came into our lives like a shooting star, my parents said her home had not been the best. It made sense, given where she was from. Africa was not the wealthiest place, after all. They hoped that, even though her old homes were unfit for her, that we could make her feel welcome in her new home. And we did. Ever since the day my - our - parents adopted her, all I had wanted to do was protect her. She was so sweet and caring, even as a small child, that I knew from the moment I held her in my tiny eight-year-old arms she ought to grow up healthy and have a fulfilling life. It was what she deserved, after all, and I vowed to do everything in my power to make sure she got everything she deserved. I wanted her to be safe in her new home. Admittedly, in many aspects, I failed, but I remind myself that there was nothing I could have done. I was not there (I should have been). There is no one to blame, truly.

           I remember the day she found my toys. At first I was mad, but seeing her wondrous joy, joy at something she had been deprived of from lack of money, my anger melted away. She picked up an action figure, and handed one to me with that warm smile on her face, and we played for hours that day. And the next. And the next after that. For the entire week we battled playfully in our imagination, and it soon became a daily routine, playing pretend to tire ourselves out (in the rare case when it only served to rile us up more, Mom would sing us a lullaby and rub our heads until we fell soundly and swiftly asleep).

           I remember the first time we ever argued. I was around ten, and she was six. I was mad because she had taken one of my toys, the one I cherished most. I had told her very early on that it was my favorite one, and that she wasn’t to play with it. I decided not to mention how I got it, decided it wasn’t important or necessary. (The truth was, I had gotten really sick one time, sicker than I had ever been. I had to go to the hospital for over a week. When I finally escaped, my mom looked really worried. I asked why, and she stayed silent for a while. Dad finally said that her father had a genetic disease that only affected males, and she was worried I had gotten it. I hadn’t, obviously, but that didn’t stop her anxiety. Before I went back to school, they took me to a toy shop and told me to pick anything I wanted. I chose a teddy bear, and didn’t let it out of my sight for years.) I started screaming, and then she did too, and then we both were screaming at each other over a toy. Dad came in (Mom was at her mom’s house; it was about when she started to fall ill as well) and asked what the problem was. I said that my sister had taken my toy and refused to give him back, and she declared that I had come in our room and started yelling at her. Dad didn’t look angry; really, he only shook his head and gave the toy back to me. I looked at her, and saw her wet face, and looked down and felt guilty. I decided that I would get her her own special toy, one that she could adore just as much as I loved my toy. Luckily for me, her birthday was only a few months away, and I made her a card and gave her a matching bear that looked just like mine. Her eyes shown like stars when she saw it, and she hugged me and thanked me and said our bears were siblings, just like we were. Her happiness was positively contagious, and I was smiling and agreeing with her. I’m glad Mom managed to snap a photo of our faces; it’s a moment I never want to forget.

           I remember when we stopped playing inside and began to venture into the cold, unforgiving wilderness of our backyard. She loved to be the hero, and I complied with her preferences, settling for the villain. There was one time when she and I forgot to come inside before the sun sunk into the ground, and Mom and Dad came out. I thought they would scold us, and based on their expressions it was probably their plan to, but when they looked up, they saw the stars. They were glimmering brightly for all to see, sparkles on a dark night, undeterred by the millions of people who were likely watching their beauty with enthrallment. They seemed so peaceful, so calming, that Mom and Dad simply looked at us, sat down, and began pointing at each star and guessing which one they were. Gazing back at this memory, they were actually really close. (They missed Draco and Mars. The rest were correct.)

           I remember when we were older, far older, and we were graduating school. Or, more accurately, I was graduating from high school, and her, middle school. I’ll be honest; it wasn’t quite the celebration I expected. I never had that many friends, and the ones I did have were not close. However, my sister did, and her friends were gathered around her like birds to a crumb, talking about high school and boys and how they were so excited. I wanted to tell them that there really wasn’t much to be excited for (unless they like their backpack so full with books their spines threatened to break and much less free time), but decided against it. They’d learn. We had cake, we had some friends at our house, and we had fun. She was a lot more mature than her friends, and she was about to go to high school, but I still called her my little sister. Not in a degrading way, though. She hated being called a child, even if she technically was one. I said it more endearingly than offensively.

           …I especially remember the day that we grew apart. She had other plans (at that point, she was only one year away from college, and was swamped with work and applications), as did I. We’d been seeing each other less and less, and had forgotten to cherish each moment with the other. I’ll never forget her parting words, though. It was the first time we argued in years, and it was about something so trivial I don’t even remember what we had disagreed upon. Before we knew it, we were hurling half-hearted insults at each other. At one point, she had referred to me as a statue. I didn’t mind. In fact, I took it as a compliment. Statues were firm, and rigid, and they didn’t bow to anyone or meet anyone’s demands but their own. When I told her this, she simply scoffed and stated how it proved her point exactly. I was getting a bit fed up, now, so I told her that she probably had work to do and should get back to it. Either way, I had far more important things to do than sit here and argue with a child. A hurt look crossed her face, and I instantly wanted to take the words back. But you can never quite retract words; you can apologize and make up for it as much as you want, but you can never undo what has been done. I didn’t even have a chance to say sorry before she was out the door and driving off. I don’t think I would have said sorry even if she stayed.

           What happened next I wish I could forget.

           It was months before I heard any word of her. I had assumed she had plans for some great college and she was so busy getting ready she hadn’t thought to contact me. Or perhaps ignoring me was a conscious choice. I’ll never know. It’s not like I can ask. Either way, I didn’t know where she was, so when I got the phone call, I was both curious and had apprehensions. I answered, but it was not her voice. It was the voice of a panicked man, a voice that was wet with guilt and anxiety. He said that a car had slowed down significantly before a turn, a turn he was going quite quickly through, and once he had stopped, it was too late. He said his friend was calling nine-one-one about a girl in her late teens that had been injured horribly. He said the girl’s phone was off, and that she had been trying to call someone. Specifically, me. He said that I should hurry, and I awaited no further instruction. I raced to my car and sped off to her, my sister, my family.

           I got there after around two hours. My parents were there, both crying and clutching at each other like a lifeline. They looked so, so relieved when they saw me, and told me my sister was in the room down the hall, and that she was unconscious. Apparently, she had damaged her head and they didn’t know if she would last the night. I nodded, numbly, and walked slowly into the room. There she was, in all her beauty: my sister. My sister, who I counted the stars with at night, was sleeping peacefully. My sister, who had always been a hero (except for that one time), was hurt. My sister, who had always shared and given and not cared what her peers thought of her, was dying. My sister, who had laughed and smiled that delighted smile and who had always made me smile too, was gone.

           I didn’t even notice the tears until they splashed on the blanket. There was nothing I could do. I had arrived just in time. I looked down at her, my face wet, and then kissed her softly on the forehead like I always had when we were kids. Pulling her fuzzy blanket up over her shoulders like any good big brother should, I whispered one last goodnight, and had finished tucking her in. She did not say anything, but I could have sworn I saw a faint light in the room.

           After the funeral, I stayed at our parents’ house, which was also her house. It felt so, so, empty without her there. It was like something was missing, a puzzle piece that will never be found, no matter how hard one may look. It felt like it would never get better, that there would be this whole in my heart that would never be filled. I had never felt this way before, not even when she left. I felt alone. I felt everything and nothing at the same time. It was horrible, and it took so long for this feeling to sink in. It was there, and she was not.

           It was weeks before I dragged myself back home. My birthday had passed, and hers was far away. It felt different, yes, but not nearly as bad as the house I grew up in. I became absorbed in my school work and my job (I was about to graduate college) and tried to forget it. I couldn’t. One day, I was walking around a park, and I saw someone who looked vaguely familiar. I went up to him, asked his name, and realized it was one of my sister’s friends in high school. He hadn’t been to the funeral; he hadn’t known she had passed until only a week ago. He came here every day since then, to clear his mind. I said my goodbyes, and walked back to my lonely, dreary house, but couldn’t sleep. My mind was too restless.

           I went back to my parents’ house a few days before her birthday. I told them it was because I wanted to make sure they were okay, which was part of it, but the truth was: I wanted them to make sure I was okay. On her birthday, I was in my old room for most of the day, but came out the next one. There my parents were, looking at an old photo album, smiling and crying and laughing to themselves and to each other. They saw me, called me over, and I gazed at the pictures and cried too. We cried together. I stepped around the house, breaking down into tears at nearly every room. Each square inch had a memory attached to it, a memory that would never happen again. It hurt me, but it helped me. It made me weak, but it gave me the strength to move on.

           Five years later, and I still find it hard. However, it has become much, much easier. It becomes decreasingly difficult to not feel guilty. It has slowly, ever slowly become less painful to recount the memories. I’ve become stronger, more resilient. I have bad days, of course, but even those have faded away from every day, to once a week, to once a month, to a rarity. I miss her, and I’ll never forget her laugh, her smile, but I’ve moved on, just like I know she’d want me to. My parents have, too. I am so proud of them, and they are proud of me. They are sad, yes, but they are hopeful. They say we will see her again someday. They say her place here was not permanent, even if we wished it was. They say this may have been her home, with us, but they say she has gone to a new home. A new home that is far better than the home we have given her.

           And in my heart, I know she’s there, waiting patiently. She’s at peace, and now I am, too.

           That’s good enough for me.

[your-highnessmarvel]

You vs Ice

A/N: This is my entry for @caplansteverogers ‘s writing challenge. My prompt was: slipping on ice, only to be saved just before you face plant on the ground AU

Pairing: Steve Rogers x reader

Summary: You are last-minute gift shopping on a very snowy day when you slip and face plant right into a national figure. 

Warnings: none

Word count: 

*gif not mine

I haven’t tagged anyone because this is my very first Steve x reader fic. Please enjoy. 

Darn it, you thought. Waiting at the very last minute to go Christmas gift shopping was not the greatest idea you’d ever had. Because of your stupid job that wouldn’t give you a day off, you were now bearing three heavy bags on each arm and a hat of snow atop your hair. The heavy snows of mid-December had brought in tons of the white fluff along with glacial winds and ice rain. 

Perfect for a shopping day, right?

Wrong. Now you had to slither your way through tons of people, your bags hitting innocent strangers, while always trying to keep your foot steady. Ice rain had made the streets a glistening terrain of dangerous ice, making some pedestrians perform involuntary figure skating techniques. 

You’d gotten your mom that stupidly expensive necklace that she was begging for, a new pajama, and gift cards from clothing stores. You’d opted for an auto safety kit for your dad, because he’s a dad and what else who he want? For your brother, you’d gotten him sweaters from his favorite stores and books. Your best friend would receive tons of makeup, which you were proud to provide.

The streets of New York were unforgiving as you wove through masses of people, trying to make it to the subway without losing any bags. Your breath was coming out in short puffs by the time you reached the outskirts of Times Square. 

You were thinking about how damn hard it was going to be to hold all those bags while standing in the subway, when your heel caught onto something slippery and your legs fell from under you. With a shriek, you clambered down onto your behind. Bags flew around you, sliding away from your grasp while wrapping paper rained over you. 

“This is the worst day of my life!” you yelled, sitting up, attempting to get a grip. Your feet were still slipping on the ice, your butt in the air, your poor red hands trying to grab the strayed bags. “Fuck this day!” You were angry at yourself, but mostly at that damn ice! “Fuck presents! Fuck Christmas!” 

You were about to reach for the small bag containing your moms gift when a gentle hand swooped it from your grasp. Your eyes glided up to meet a delicate face with soft blue eyes and short blonde hair. Like a school girl mesmerized by her crush, you couldn’t help but stare at his sharp features and his pink plump lips and his endearingly straight nose. His skin was sun kissed and his eyebrows were quirked up in awkward comedy as he stared down at you. 

“Need a hand?” His voice was like butter melting in a hot pan; sultry and mouth watering. 

You stammered, still positioned awkwardly with your butt in the air and on all fours, trying not to slip. “Isn’t it obvious?” you asked, chuckling, looking at him with a face contorted in nervousness and laughter. 

You watched him grab all the bags that had fallen, his mouth stretched in a small smile. He wore black boots, trousers, and a dark blue sweater. It must have been colder than freezing out here, and this guy was wearing a sweater. 

“I’m guessing the cold doesn’t affect you?” you asked, testing the ground you were standing on as you rose to your full height. 

He huffed, brows quirking nervously. He held all the bags in one hand, his free hand hidden in the pocket of his trousers. Completely avoiding eye contact, he said, “temperature doesn’t really affect me.” 

You got to take a good look at him now that you weren’t sticking your butt up for everybody. He was tall, way taller than any man walking by him, and he was so so “beefy.” 

You hadn’t realized you’d said that out loud until you noticed the questioning look he was giving you. Then you slapped a hand over your mouth and your eyes shot open. “Where are you headed?” he asked, bless him, to avoid the awkward explanation that was about to leave your lips. 

“I’m actually headed to the subway,” you answered, feeling the ground under you trying to make you slip again. 

“With all these bags?” He was being sarcastic, but the smile on his lips and the daring look in his blue eyes was making the inside of your belly swarm with heat. “You should take a cab,” he suggested. 

You quirked your mouth, awkwardly looking from side to side. “I’ve just spent all the money I had on presents,” you admitted. He took a careful step forward, still holding all six bags in just one of his huge hands. 

He was beautiful with the hot sun in his eyes and the cold making his breath steam. His eyes were as crystallized as the ice you were standing on and the impending rose in his cheeks was more adorable than anything you’d ever seen. He was mesmerizing and attractive, and you couldn’t tear yourself away from this man. 

“I have some extra cash on me,” he said, digging in his pocket to retrieve a wad of money. Your mouth parted, your head already shaking before he could thrust the money forward. 

“I can’t,” you said. He smiled, taking a few steps backwards into the street and whistling. As you watched his round eyes and parted lips, a bright yellow taxi rolled to a stop before your mysterious man. 

“Come on!” he said, waving you forward, and something in the way he looked, like he genuinely cared, was enough to make you step forward. 

And crash right into him, slipping off your island of ice, your forehead knocking against his chest. 

“Woah there, cowboy,” he mumbled, steadying you with both hands on your shoulders, the warmth of his digits seeping into your coat. 

You were embarrassed beyond yourself. Your cheeks were bright red and you could barely look at him. You wanted to facepalm yourself to death. 

You entered the cab, waiting for him to hand you your bags, until he scooted in beside you. 

“Uh, what?” you mumbled. He gave you a cheeky grin. 

“If I’m paying for this cab ride, I might as well benefit from it as well.” There was nothing suggestive or inappropriate about his words, which made you feel relieved. There was nothing mischievous in his gaze or hidden in his eyes. He was being completely benevolent and gentlemanly. 

“I don’t know how to thank you,” you said after giving the directions to the driver. 

“How about you give me your name,” he offered, his never-ending smile stretching to his ears. 

“Y/N.” You couldn’t help but grin, because he was looking at your with such genuine interest even after you basically crashed into him and looked like an idiot. 

“Steve,” he said, extending his hand, “Steve Rogers.” You beamed, shaking his hand, watching as he searched your gaze. 

The cab did not take long before arriving at your apartment. Steve gallantly helped you out, making sure you wouldn’t slip again. The bags were sat at your doorstep while Steve told the driver to wait. 

“Thank you so much for helping me, Steve,” you said, nodding to yourself, shivering against the cold air now whipping at your face. 

Steve grinned again, shrugging like he had nothing better to do with his day. “It’s the holidays,” he said. “It’s all about caring and giving.” 

You laughed, yet took out your keys and fumbled with the doorknob. When the door had creaked open and you were left awkwardly standing with him in the doorway, with your bags still on the floor, you giggled nervously. “Well, goodbye,” you said, looking at him with a sly smile on your lips. 

“How about coffee?” he blurted out, his face unsure, features torn with awkward confidence. 

You raised your brows. You hadn’t expected this from him. He was very gallant and nice, yet you would not have expected him to be so forward. He struck you as the kind of man to be shy and avoid any situation that could ridicule him. 

“Yes,” you found yourself answering. You were more impressed by your answer than by the sudden look of utter content and boyish happiness that wrote itself all over Steve’s features. 

“Tomorrow, at one?” he asked, hands hiding in his pockets as he fidgeted from one foot to the other. 

“Totally,” you answered, nodding, watching as he looked from you to the cab and back. 

“Okay, Y/N,” he said, still smiling like he won a million dollars. “I’ll see you tomorrow at one.”

“Yes, Steve, tomorrow at one.” You waved pathetically as he almost ran back to the cab. You watched the bright yellow car bustle out of your street and only when it had turned the corner you realized. 

Steve Rogers.

“Holy shit,” you muttered. “That’s Captain America.” 

[be-sketchy]

No Boundaries Between Us

Dean has been blind for most of his life, and has learned to cope with it. He starts to wonder how much longer he can cope with his disabled eyes when he meets a strange man at a bar, and learns he has a lot more to him than he lets on.

Chapter 1: Clicks

The soft click of the walking stick hitting the cold pavement echoed in Dean’s left ear as the sounds of the city ravaged his right. Two more alleyways before I take a left, then walk twenty- three clicks until I’m at Sammy’s. Dean thought to himself. The soft click became distant again when the echoing abruptly stopped as he walked past an alleyway, which meant an alleyway closer to his beloved brother.

The two brothers were the last of the Winchester bloodline besides their little brother, Adam, that they had lost contact with years ago and had nearly completely forgotten about his existence. Their father, John Winchester, had died from a car crash they suffered years ago, though they weren’t particularly sad to see him go, they were reluctant to realize he was truly gone and they were left alone. Their beloved mother, Mary, died shortly after Sam was born. Dean remembers that night so clearly even though he was so young when it happened. The sound of the giant flames kissing the ceiling lightly but violently, as if the fire knew the ceiling was fragile but was passionate enough to collapse it into ashes. His father had woken up the family when he heard Mary scream. She was next to the burning wire in Sam’s room when it quickly caught onto the nearby recliner. His father yelled Dean’s name over the roar of the fire.

Dean recalled the traumatizing moments to follow.

Little Dean woke up, the smell of burning flesh and plastic hit his nose for the first time in his life. The smell was putrid, so foul smelling Dean vomited when he sat up and pulled his comforter away from his nose. He sleepily but worriedly got up and touched his door handle. It burned his hand and that’s when Dean heard the cackling flames from the other side of his wall. He thought quickly and grabbed a rag his mother had left under his glass of water and used it to open the door. Sweat began trickling down his forehead and dripping off his short sandy hair. Black smoke clouded his view and his lungs. He coughed and called out for his dad. He could hear a weak cough to his right and a baby crying. Sammy, I gotta get Sammy.

Dean felt a cold tear trickle down his cheek against the brisk evening air. The sun was going down. Dean could tell by the chilly wind and the slight warm piece of light resting on his forehead. It was beginning to get colder to the point his plaid, leather jacket, and black overcoat couldn’t save him from the changing weather in Kansas.

He turned left and started counting the clicks.

One, two, three...

A tire screeched in the distance as an angry pedestrian yelled out swears.

Seven, eight, nine, ten...

Dean hadn’t heard the couple walking towards him. The pair didn’t exist to Dean until someone harshly bumped into his shoulder. He staggered to the side, trying his hardest not to stagger backwards or forwards so he wouldn’t mess up his counting.

“Watch it asshole,” a rough, deep voice said.

“Leave him alone Dick, you bumped into him on purpose,” a quieter, feminine voice said. Dean wondered how someone could love someone like that, but then again, everyone he had been with didn’t love him the way he loved them.

“Sorry,” the woman whispered and Dean finally noticed the click of her heels as they walked away.

I’m doing this for you Sammy, all of it for you.

He straightened back up and picked up where he left off.

Twenty, twenty- one, twenty- two, Sammy.

He turned left towards the dark, brick, city apartment his brother had found when he finished his studies at Stanford. Sam hadn't continued his dreams to be a big successful lawyer so he could support Dean. He tells Dean that he doesn’t regret his decision, but just hearing him say that sentence tells Dean that’s not true.

He raised his walking stick straight out in front of him and pushed into until it hit the door, knocking for him. Even though Dean was talented at many things, climbing even a few steps was not one of them.

“Dean! You made it,” he heard his brother yell in his deep voice. He clumsily made it down the stairs and grabbed Dean’s hand and put it to his arm to guide him up the steps.

“Tell me Sammy, when have I never made it.” Dean chuckled slightly as he stepped cautiously up the front steps.

“Wasn't it last year? You didn't want to ask someone the time so you accidentally took the wrong bus and somehow made it in New York?”

“Shuddup Sammy, you promised to never speak of that again.”

“Jerk.”

“Bitch.”

Even though he couldn't see his face, Dean knew his little brother was smiling his cheeky grin that he wish he could see.

“Here I’ll take your coat,” Sam sternly offered once they were inside and helped Dean get his thick overcoat off. He hung it up but did it so silently Dean didn't know where his overcoat was at. But he didn't have to worry about. The inside of Sammy’s apartment was always warm, even in the summer. It always had this safe and pleasurable atmosphere to Dean that always warmed him up.

“The table is set up already, want some beer? I have some cold ones in the fridge,” Sam said as he made his way back to Dean. He led him to the dining room and put Dean’s hand on his chair and went to the fridge to get two beers. Dean was overwhelmed by the smell of their Thanksgiving dinner. When they had lived with their dad, moving from motel to motel, they were lucky for their dad to be present during Thanksgiving. Dean would go out and try to get the best things he could at the nearest gas station with the little cash he had. They would eat whatever Dean brought back, usually muffins, sandwiches, chips, occasionally vegetables, and Dean’s all-time favorite, pie. Now, many years later, Dean was about to sit down to a big lavish dinner Sammy prepared. He could smell the turkey and ham and the cranberry sauce and green beans. There were even sweet potatoes, rolls, and stuffing. The smell of everything was so overwhelming Dean felt his throat tighten up a little bit. Sam put a bottle in front of him as Dean sat down. Sam picked up their plates and put small portion of everything on their plates before setting them back down. Dean reached his hands out cautiously towards his plate and felt around for his fork and picked it up.

“Do you want to pray?”

“No.”

The brothers sat and ate in silence which Dean didn’t mind but he could feel Sam fidgeting under the table.

“Hey Sammy, did you make this all yourself?”

“Oh, no no, Jess came over and helped to make sure I wouldn't burn the kitchen down. One thing I learned from dad was not to trust me in the kitchen.”

“Ha, well tell her she did a damn good job. Wow this is fantastic!”

There was a long pause and he knew Sam was about to be the caring Sammy he knew.

His brother sighed. There it is. “So how have you been? Haven't heard from you in a while.”

“Well Sammy it's a little hard to use technology and when I go to the library for someone to type a letter, most people avoid me, you know, for the looks.”

“But how have you been since, ahem, Lisa.”

Dean froze, his fork hovering slightly over his plate. Lisa and Ben, my other halves. And then they left me, left me because I was too difficult. Or couldn't help Ben do his homework, or drive Lisa somewhere when she didn't feel great. I had nearly forgotten about them.

“Dean?”

“Yeah well they don't really matter to me anymore Sammy. I've tried to forget about them, but they just make me feel useless. I can't do anything and I never have and never will. And I'm not risking a surgery just to see again. I can't help it that fire made me blind as I carried you outside. And until people see that, I'm done trying to find someone.” Dean was frustrated but all the emotions he bottled up and spilled over. “I'm sorry Sammy, I shouldn't be ruining your dinner.”

“Dean, listen. You aren't ruining it. You're my brother. And you aren't useless. Remember that one time you stole a bike and let me ride it? And then when I fell off you heard me crying and helped me up and put a bandage on my knee. Name another blind twelve-year-old who could do that.”

The tension in the room seemed to have disappeared as they continued sharing their fondest memories of each other. And before long, Dean realized they could barely breathe from laughing too much.

And before he knew it, it was late and dark and time to leave. Dean usually would just find a taxi that would take him to his house that was two hours away but sometimes he would have to find a bus. He attempted to help put his plate up and clean up with Sammy but he accidentally bumped into the couch and fell over. The dishes flattered and shattered across the laminate flooring. Dean was sure the floor was look like the night sky with shards of broken ceramic stars.

“Dean! Dean! Are you alright?”

Sammy rounded the corner and Dean was glad he couldn't see his face. He felt the vibrations through the floor of his younger brother rushing over to help him. Yet again. Why can’t I fucking do anything. I'm his older brother, I should be taking care of him. Sam grabbed his arm lightly and sat him up against the back of the couch.

“I'm sorry Sammy, I just wanted to help. I just hate being useless, you should go out and be the lawyer you want and have kids with Jess and not worry about me.” Dean crashed his head into his hands and pulled his knees up to his chest. Don't cry don't cry. Don't let him see how you feel.

“It's alright I don't mind really. I'll just have to get the broom really quick.”

“No, help me out, I'm going to get out of your way.”

“Dean-”

“Shut up Sammy! I don't want to hear it! Help me up and get my walking stick and coat and I'll leave.”

Dean outstretched his hand and waited for a response. What seemed like an eternity in tension, was only a few seconds before Sam took his hand and hoisted him up off the floor with one graceful movement. He didn't realize how tall and muscular his brother was until he reached out to “see” him. He ran his hands over his brother's chest and arms and up to his face. He felt his long hair that desperately needed a trim in Dean's opinion. He felt his brothers plump yet thin lips and nose and up to his closed eyes that he knew were filled with brightness and kindness even if Dean had never gotten the privilege to see what color they were. His hands lingered over Sam’s eyes.

“They are hazel, by the way,” Sam said in response as if reading his mind. Sam stepped back and swiftly returned with Dean's overcoat and walking stick. He put Dean’s hand gently on his arm and let him past the fallen stars to the front door.

“Dean you really don’t have to go, it'll only take a moment to clean it up.” Sam pleaded as he stepped down to the last step before letting go of Dean's arm and releasing him into the cold dark air. To Dean, he was released into complete darkness, no warm connection or knowledge of being safe, just him being there.

“It’s alright Sammy, it's getting late anyways. Tell Jess I said hi, and give an extra rose to mom for me, will ya?”

Those were the last words the pair exchanged before Dean turned and started counting the clicks until he would turn the corner. He wasn't going to go all the way to the bus stop, but he decided he was going to go to the bar and crash at a motel if he is able to.

Four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten…

The cold bit at Dean’s perfectly chiseled chin. He was born with bright green eyes that his mother always said she loves, but the fire ruined them and turned them a light green and white, like marbles. Across his face but no lowers than his eyes, pink and white scars spread across his face like lightning that somehow made his damaged face even more beautiful. His nose was nicely pointed and separated his face symmetrically. His lips were plump and light pink, any girl would be jealous to see a man would have lips like Dean naturally. Dean was well built which seemed nearly impossible since Dean couldn't go to the gym unless he went with Sammy, which was extremely rare. His height was a little over five feet which was nothing compared to his “little” brother. The black overcoat enveloped his body like a soft cloud on a stormy day and kept him warm as he held his walking stick in front of him and walked blindly.

Twenty- three. Listen for cars, then cross and hope no one is coming. Then sixty- three clicks and then right. Then I'll be there. Dean flicked his wrist and his walking stick folded up. He felt around for the corner of the street and stopped and listened. A few dogs barked and a motorcycle went by but for several minutes, it was silent. His feet hit the pavement heavily and safely reached the other side though Dean stumbled when his foot hit the sidewalk mid-step. He straightened himself and steadied his cane in front of him to count the steps, hoping his stumble would cause a drastic change in his calculations, though he knew the music from the bar would be overwhelming he wouldn’t be able to miss it. He continued to walk steadily and could feel his hot, foggy breath retreat into his face when the could breeze blew in his direction.

One, two, three, four… A hoarse cough bubbled up Dean’s throat. Gusts of hot air blew into his faces against the breeze, brushing against his hot, horrifying scars.

Seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, twenty-one… A drunk couple walks by. The young girl’s heels click heavily and unsteadily against the cement, her voice and giggles bubbly yet serious. The man had on nicer shoes, possibly a business man after a long day.

“Let me take you home, help you forget your day, and your wife.” The woman said. Dean could hear her sparkly jewelry and bare skin rub against the man’s stiff suit. The man took a short sigh and a tiny ringing sound sounded off behind him. The object rolled, and finally laid to rest. A ring, a wedding ring. “Don’t worry, I already have.” The two giggled and walked away.

Forty-seven, forty-eight, forty-nine, fifty… The music and shouts of the bar were getting closer and Dean knew it was time to put away his walking stick if he wanted to seem remotely normal in the bar. He came to a full stop and folded his walking stick and tucked it away into his overcoat. He took out a pair of sun-glasses to hide his eyes. He continued walking, keeping his steps steady and even so he could keep counting without the clicks.

Sixty, sixty-one, sixty-two, sixty-three… The metal music was deafening to Dean, he wasn’t particularly fond of the music choices the bar owner made, but they had some of the finest drinks (and women he heard) there. He turned to his right and reach out his hand. A slight panic rose in his chest when he had to take a step forward before his hand connected with the cold, metal door handle. He pulled the door open and welcomed the overwhelming sounds and smells and feelings of the bar. He walked slowly at first then took a left. Men triumphed over at the pool tables while others groaned and slapped down their lost money to the winner. Dean didn’t pay attention to where he was going and his knee connected with a bar stool. He hopped up and felt the cool marble counter as if it was a long lost friend.

“Well I’ll be damned, Dean Winchester back here at Purgatory?” A familiar voiced rocked his brain with some of his fondest memories. Benny.

“Hey man, it’s been a while hasn’t it.”

“Been a while? My man, I haven’t seen you come in here for a single shot in months. Want your usual?" “Please, I’m dying to get drunk.” Benny turned around and got out a bottle of whiskey and a glass He filled the glass halfway and grabbed Dean’s hand and lightly set it on top of the glass. Dean’s head didn’t move, his whole body didn’t even shudder as he filled his stomach with the burning liquid within seconds.

“What’s been going on?” Benny leaned forward and tapped Dean’s hand twice, their signal for them being alone and it being safe to spill.

“What, I haven’t been in town for a month and everyone starts assuming I’m not fine? When have I ever not been fine,” Dean said as he flushed his newly poured glass down his throat.

“It’s been six months since the legendary demon Dean Winchester had been last seen here in Purgatory. I’d do anything for you, you know that. So tell me, what’s been keeping you away?”

Benny leaned forward, his breath filled Dean’s lungs with comfort, even if it was thick with the scent of cigarette smoke and somehow blood. Benny had been Dean’s best friend for years, they made each other happy and stayed with each other through hell. Dean remember the day he got the long scar across his chest when he got a distressed call from Benny when his daughter died from cancer. Dean had struggled to get everything together and to even answer the phone. He ran out the door and was too shocked to ask for a cab he ran to the hospital but never made it. He never made it by foot. But by ambulance after he blindly stumbled into the street and was hit by a car he didn’t even know was there.

Dean took a deep breath. “Lisa and Ben left. They left me and I-I don’t know what to do.” There was a long silence before Dean felt two taps on his hand, a pause, then two more. Someone is checking me out.

“Benny, I’m giving up, I don’t want some girl that likes my looks from behind but also my face. Someone who is loyal and stay with me and I thought Lisa would do that but she didn’t, so I’m done.”

“This one’s different Dean. Give them a chance.”

“Them? I know I may be drunk-“ Dean swallowed his fifth glass, “-but I’m not about to go home and have an orgy after a rough day on thanksgiving. Not happenin.” Dean swung his hand in front of his face for emphasis but it only gave emphasis that Benny should take the glass away from him. Benny filled up the glass and Dean inhaled it. He hesitated but filled it again.

“He’s coming over here by the way.”

“He? I’m not gay man I ain’t up for that stuff, leave it for the girls.”

Benny ignored him and continued. “He has dark hair, frisky hair, sticking out everywhere, but not in a bad way it gives him a good look. His jaw line his square, lined with a slight stubble. His eyes are so blue, like an angel’s. You know, he’s good-lookin’ for a guy and I don’t even swing that way. You know-“

Dean could feel a slight blush rising on his freckled cheeks. The slight heat felt like Dean had stepped into the middle of hell, and someone just gave him his first glass of water for forty-years. The slight heat was a drastic change in Dean’s depressing mood swings and thoughts, that he felt alive for once even with the slight pink making him vulnerable to people around him.

Keep it cool, just keep looking forward and no-one will notice. You don’t have to let them know.

”Shit.” Benny whispered. Without being able to see his face, Dean couldn’t tell if it was a panicked whisper or if it was an expression of admiration. He could never tell the difference in his best friend. He could hear a slight clicking sound on the newly polished wooden floor, but very faintly over the metal music blaring and killing Dean’s braincells.

Male, middle aged, pretty well built but not muscular, very fancy shoes, well dressed.

The footsteps came closer and closer until they were so loud Dean could feel his soul leaving his body in anticipation. Sweat trickled down his neck and bile sat in the back of his throat as he filled his stomach with more liquor and filled his mind with blurs and slurs.

“My name is Crowley, I am Cass’s contractor. Well not really, I’m more of his bloody babysitter.” A man said from Dean’s right side with a rough, thick accent that Dean decided was between British and Scottish. His voice echoed in in the walls of his skull as Dean realized there were two people near him, not just one. The second person had approached in complete silence and was just a shadow, barely even anything in Dean’s mind.

“Any way’s, I’m here because Cass wanted me to tell you, you are stunning.”

Dean froze. The word’s warmed Dean’s heart. He had never been called stunning before. It was always “hot”, “sexy” or “good in bed”. This was the first time someone had truly looked at him, possibly for how beautiful and vulnerable he was while everyone else either looks at him for his looks or his disability.

There were seconds of silence but on occasional scuffle from the two new men, either a scuffle in disagreement or understanding. A small airy “ow” could be heard from the man with the accent.

“He also said… you are beautiful and it’s amazing to see such a sight… how could you be sitting alone, with aura of beauty around you… May I buy you a drink?” Crowley said slowly, as if he was reading words from another language and translating it into English for Dean. Liquor burned Dean’s throat as he finished two more shot glasses.

“I’ve got enough fort tonight. Mmmaybe another time.” Dean could say. His brain and lips weren’t working together, the connection between them clouded with alcohol. Dean could hear quiet murmurs but without his sense of hearing on edge, he couldn’t tell if they were close or far, man or woman, or even quiet at all. He stood up and stumbled, his feet latching onto each other. A firm hand grabbed him across his chest and another on his right shoulder while his left arm gripped the bar counter for dear life. His walking stick fell out of his coat pocket and clattered in front of him. Fuck. Whoever was holding him up gasped but didn’t say anything. Dean grunted as he tried to move one foot in front of the other but they didn’t move at all. He could feel waves of nausea crashing into his chest and spilling over into his throat.

“Man, are you okay?” Benny.

“You don’t look so good.” Crowley.

The man, Deans drunken mind finally put two and two together, helped Dean stand straight up. Cass didn’t remove his hands but Dean wasn’t sure he wanted him to. They were comforting and strong, and weren’t there to help him up stairs or cross a busy street, they were there because he genuinely cared about Dean’s well-being and not his self-image. Sounds and voices blurred into a remix as Dean sunk into the comfort of Cass’s arms and into the drowning and dark sea of alcohol and memories.

http://archiveofourown.org/works/9523688/chapters/21535247

You can read the next few chapters I have already uploaded with the link above. I will be dding them here too and hope you enjoy  :)

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

Ask Again

Request: Uh, open requests! Maybe a DeanxReader, where Bobby, the readers father died because of Dean , and the reader just can't forgive dean and she doesn't trust him anymore, but it ends with Dean winning her back? Just some Fluff and angst, maybe?

Pairing: Dean x reader

Word Count: 2,800ish

Warnings: language

A/N: Gah, I remember when I didn’t do any angst. How times have changed...

“Get out of my house, Dean,” you said, gripping the edge of your kitchen counter. He didn’t move and you looked up slowly, trying to keep yourself calm when you wanted to explode on him. “Now.”

“Y/N, Bobby was helping-”

“Bobby was always helping you poor Winchesters! Always you two got special treatment over everyone else, everyone,” you said, snapping your head up. “He was my dad, not yours.”

“Y/N I’m sorry. He was the closest thing Sammy and I-”

“He was mine dammit! I had a shitty childhood too Dean. The normal stuff always got screwed up because of you damn Winchesters. Hell, he missed my graduation because you called him for a stupid salt and burn. Why couldn’t you handle that yourself!” you said, saying things you didn’t care about, things that didn’t even matter anymore. You’d forgiven your dad for the things he missed or forgot long ago. Dean Winchester though...he’d been trouble the second he stepped into your house and stole your freaking juice box out of your hands.

“Y/N-”

“Go away Dean, please. Don’t come back. Please just stay away from me,” you said. Maybe you saw something breaking in him in that moment, something a kind word could stop but he broke you first. That’s all the Winchester’s and Singer’s were when it came down to it. Two broken families with barely anyone left.

He was quiet as he left your tiny house in Maine, far away from your childhood home, the one that didn’t exist anymore, far away from Kansas, the stomping ground of that stupid boy. 

If you had it your way, you’d never have anything to do with him for the rest of your life.

Your face was a little scuffed up but otherwise you were okay. Freaking people needed to learn how to drive and not freaking run into pedestrians. You probably should have gone to the hospital to make sure you were alright but you couldn’t stand to be in one of those again. 

You were walking up your long road home, starting to limp a little, your ankle throbbing. This was why you stayed inside and didn’t go for walks. But Dean had pissed you off and you needed fresh air to clear your head and everything. 

Now you were banged up and you couldn’t even blame him for that, no matter how much you wanted to. You groaned as you caught sight of your house and the car parked in the drive. Dean was sitting on your front porch, resting his head back against the door.

“I told you-”

“Shit, you get in a fight?” he asked, popping up. You shrugged him off and groaned again. “Y/N.”

“I don’t want you here,” you said, unlocking your door and slipping inside, but not fast enough. Dean caught the door and moved it to the side so he could get in. You waved him off but didn’t bother arguing, you didn’t have the energy.

“Sit on the counter,” said Dean, walking over and patting it. You rolled your eyes and went to your cabinet, pulling out the first aid kit. One of Dean’s arms wrapped around you and lifted you up, placing you on the cold counter despite your huffing.

“Dean, I want-”

“You know the rules. When one of us is hurt, the other one takes care of them, no matter if we’re pissed at each other or not,” he said. You shoved him on the shoulder and he swatted your hand away, digging through until he found some alcohol and a cotton ball. You tried to get him to move away again but Dean stepped forward, pushing his body up against your legs, pinning them to the lower cabinets. 

“Dean, I can-”

“Oh behave for two fucking seconds, Y/N,” said Dean, turning your cheek and gently dabbing your cut. You hissed and then winced, catching the angry glare of Dean’s eyes. You shut your own, deciding it was better to let him clean you up than lose in a fist fight to him.

He turned over your palms and dabbed there as well, cuts you hadn’t noticed before appearing now. When Dean finished cleaning, he took a roll of bandages and wrapped up one hand then the other, placing them to rest in your lap. He gave you a warning stare before slipping down to his knees, kicking off your boots and looking at your one ankle. He hummed and reached for another bandage, wrapping it tight, soothing some of the ache there. He stood for a second and went over to your fridge, hand diving into the freezer and pulling out two ice packs. 

He sat them on the counter and then turned his attention on you. He was pissed off. Dean Winchester shouting and yelling was one thing, you’d always been able to handle that. Silent Dean, the one for when he was furious...it made you go quiet on the off chance Dean decided to snap at you too.

He picked you up and sat you down on your couch just a few steps over in the living room. He stretched out your leg and was back a second later, putting one of the packs over your ankle. You held out your hand, expecting him to hand you the one for your face but he simply scooted you so he could sit down behind you, your back pressed up against his side. His hand holding the pack reached around your front, lightly pressing it against your cheek.

Oh no. Oh no no no. This was the somebody needs to cry position. Dean had his arm holding you safely, letting you lean back and rest against him. Shit, you didn’t want to cry. You hadn’t cried in front of Dean in years, not since you were teenagers. You couldn’t, not with how it’d ended the last time.

“Why’d you only ask the once?” asked Dean, pulling your thoughts away from your father and back on the man right next to you. “You were sixteen. You said you’d ask again when you were older but you never did.”

“Because I’m that silly three year old girl in your eyes. I always will be,” you said. God that day, that day was one of the worst of your life and it was all because he said no to a date to the movies with you.

“Am I the silly five year old to you still?” he asked. You shifted your head, looking down. As much as the arm there was to comfort, it was also to make sure this long overdue conversation finally happened. Looking down at that arm though you noticed the tiny tremble in it. Dean was scared or upset or both. He hadn’t meant for you to be the one to cry. 

He needed to.

“Dean,” you said, trying to move to face him but the arm holding you still. You relaxed, you wouldn’t make him look at you, not after all the things you said to him. “Yes you’re still that boy. You’re the boy who taught me to ride a bike, the boy who taught me to throw a punch, who told me to stand up for myself, who ate ice cream with me after my first date was awful. But you’re so much more than just that little kid Dean.”

“I knew I was in the life and you were talking about college. I wanted you to make your choices on your own. When you came back to hunting, I hoped you’d ask again. I waited for you to ask. I should have just done it because I knew you weren’t going to. You always looked at me a little differently after that. My best friend wasn’t going to let me in, not all the way, never again,” said Dean. “Earlier, you looked at me like that again but it was worse. Don’t push me away for good. I’ll do whatever you want. Just don’t throw me away like I never meant anything.”

Dean was sniffling, his voice a little hoarser, your hand running up and down his arm. You knew he barely had anything left inside and you broke that apart by telling him to stay away. You’d spend a long time telling him Bobby wasn’t his fault, that he was Dean’s family too. You’d try to heal and fix and prove to Dean you couldn’t throw him away ever. But that could wait just a little longer.

You twisted under his arm, pushing Dean down so his back hit the couch, blinking up at you with the most uncertain eyes you’d ever seen in your life. You leaned down and pressed your lips to his, forming around those soft pink things like you were a thirteen year old girl kissing her crush. He didn’t move as your body was spread out over his, probably afraid this wasn’t real. You didn’t break away as your hand found his, interlacing your fingers together and giving them a squeeze.

You weren’t going anywhere. When Dean allowed himself to realize that, he started kissing back. 

You stayed on that couch for the rest of the day.

Dean looked peaceful when you checked on him that night. He was snoring softly on the couch, a blanket over his torso. His boots were by your front door, his socks and jeans folded neatly on your coffee table. He felt safe there with you. You hoped he was still there when you got up in the morning.

You dragged your feet down the hall a few hours later, rubbing at your sore cheek. It helped a little but it itched and you tried to scratch at it, drawing an eyebrow raise from the man making eggs at your stove.

“Don’t scratch,” said Dean, pushing a spatula around. You went back to rubbing the poor skin and heard a low growl from him. “Y/N.”

“Hurts,” you said, moving to grab plates, finding it already done. Dean shifted behind you and soon you felt cool relief up against your skin from a fresh pack. You sighed in relief and Dean ran a hand over your head.

“It needs time to heal, Y/N,” said Dean. “It won’t hurt so much soon.”

“Stay,” you blurted out, Dean stopping his motion of dishing up food for only a second before resuming. He was quiet before he spun around, carried the plates over to your table and sat down. You took a seat across from him, catching his wrist when he picked up a fork. “Please stay.”

“You pity me, Y/N. It’s not the same as love,” said Dean. You slumped back in your seat. You didn’t pity him, you’d never done that. It would only cause a fight if you tried to protest though and you didn’t have it in you to fight him anymore, you didn’t want to.

You were halfway done with your meal, your head down, never once looking up at Dean when you heard him move. He was leaving and he wasn’t coming back. He wasn’t going to-

“Sweetheart,” said Dean beside you, a finger on your cheek guiding your head to turn towards him. You kept your head down but Dean sighed that little sound that made your heart hurt and you lifted it, having to know if he was okay. He wrapped his arms around you as he knelt, pulling you into a hug. “Sh, don’t get upset. I’m sorry I said that.”

“D-deserve it,” you said, wiping your face with the back of your hand, wincing when you rubbed too hard over your scrape. Dean sighed and held your ice pack up, giving you a soft smile.

“You love me,” said Dean. It wasn’t a question. Just three words he hadn’t said out loud before. You nodded and he smiled again. “What did you use to tell me?”

“You’ve got syrup on your face,” you said, Dean cocking his head.

“I’m being serious, Y/N. What did you use to tell me about love and me?” he said. You wiped a napkin over his face, cleaning off the mess, green eyes looking up through lashes with a knowing little smile in them.

“By the time you recognized it was there, the poor girl would have moved on,” you said, tossing your napkin down and reaching for his hand, feeling the hard rough callouses and only thinking how warm and soft he made you feel.

“I got to ask, why didn’t you?” asked Dean. You understood his curiosity. You’d had dates and boyfriends. Yet Dean was always the one you called after a breakup, the one who drove six hours in the middle of the night to spend a day or two or five hanging out with you until you felt better. Dean was always the person you could rely on, always.

“Because I can tell you to get out of my life and you’re back two hours later because you know I couldn’t stand it if I never saw you again,” you said. “It’s easy with you.”

“You’d never get rid of me, Y/N. I’d miss you too much,” he said, standing up, kissing your cheek before returning to his seat. He went back to eating while you stared, unsure of just about everything now. “If I’m staying, I’m not sleeping on that couch the whole damn time.”

“I have a blow up mattress if-”

“What size is your bed?” asked Dean, shoveling the last of his breakfast in his mouth. You tilted your head. “You always wanted a King. Did you finally get one?”

“It’s a King,” you said, Dean wiping off his hands over his plate. He hummed and took it over to your sink, cleaning it off as you tried to figure out what twilight zone you’d entered. 

Dean walked around to the back of your house where the bedroom was and your bathroom, poking his head in the other bedroom you hadn’t done anything with yet.

“You could make that a guest room. Have a place for Sammy to stay when he visits,” said Dean, leaning against the wall and smiling at you. “I think we’re too big for all three of us to sleep comfortably in that massive bed anymore. For us it’d be a perfect fit though.”

“Uh, I don’t let boys sleep in my bed anymore Dean, not unless...” you said.

“You weren’t inviting me to stay as just a friend,” said Dean. “Unless I’m a complete idiot.”

“You better not hog all the covers.”

The next morning you woke up with half your body exposed to the cool room. You would have minded had it not been for the hot body curled up behind you, one arm resting over you, that kept you a pleasant toasty warm. Dean and you had shared a bed countless times. Toddlers, kids, teenagers, adults. You’d probably slept beside him a hundred times before. 

But this was the first you woke up like this, feeling like you were finally allowed to have this.

“Morning,” said Dean, yawning behind you and stretching his arm out before tucking you in even closer so you had no where to go. You giggled as his finger tips tickled your side, Dean chuckling against you. “Ticklish girl, that’s a cute sound. I think I want to hear it again.”

“Dean!” you squealed, failing at trying to protect the spots Dean knew were most ticklish, squirming into the bed and then into him. When he let you get your breath back he pulled you tight against him, his face so very close to yours. He was looking into your eyes, searching them, a faint smile over his lips before he pressed them to your forehead. “What?”

“You look like that sixteen year old girl who walked over with the keys to Baby and asked me I wanted to go to a movie. Before I hurt you,” said Dean. You tilted your head up to reach up to his lips and give him a chaste kiss.

“The damage wasn’t permanent. Do you want to go to the movies tonight?” you asked. “Sorry for waiting so long to ask again but there wasn’t much good out, ya know?”

“God yes I want to go out with you, you wonderful little dork,” said Dean laughing against you, letting some weight off his shoulders that been there too long. “Later though. I want to cuddle with you this morning.”

“I so knew you were a cuddler, Winchester,” you said, Dean tucking your head under his chin.

“Shut up,” said Dean, making his voice lower for just a moment before that smiled popped back up.

“I’m not complaining,” you said, closing your eyes, listening to his steady heartbeat.

“Good cause you’re gonna get a whole lot of overdue cuddling from me, sweetheart. Count on that.”

@anokhi07 @xxwinchester-22xx @charliebradbury1104 @everyday-supernatural-af @squirels-angels-and-moose @youwerelikeadream @drugpug@darkx143 @kristaparadowski @tom-is-in-my-tardis @tanithlowisabamf @smoothdogsgirl @dancingalone21 @ktrivia @demonic-meatball  @feelmyroarrrr @cojootromuelle @gallifreyansass@fangirl1802 @itstheprincess @casgetoutofmydiddlydarnass @mogaruke@secretlyfurrydragon @perpetualabsurdity @ria132love @heycassbutt-67 @aingealcethlenn @docharleythegeekqueen  @missmotherhen@smacklesandstretch67 @ceeceewinchester  @tumblinwith-me @xfanqirlinq @heaven-is-aplaceonearthwithyou @hey-um-misha@bennyyh @acreativelydifferentlove @imissyoualittlemoreeveryday @lovelife-tothefullest @under-general-asthetics @tardis-full-of-fallen-angels @missdestiel67 @evyiione @jensenackesl @xxxdevine-demonsxxx  @ayeeitsemry @mac5323 @bellastellaluna @atc74 @captainemwinchester @lemonadegazeelle @nanie5  @idalinette @maximoffangel-girl @quiddy-writes @sassyspn67 @arryn-nyxx @pureawesomeness001  @poukothenerd @af112992 @mickey-m399

[flighty37-blog]

Well I’ve Had Just Enough Time

Summary: Something goes terribly wrong. Who would’ve thought it? Dan and Phil. Some specter is after all the males in Dan’s life, and he’s next. Something has to be done. Phil dies of unusual (to his nature) circumstances. Dan’s father and brother, (Adrian)disappear, Martyn, (Phil’s brother) is committed. And Dan is running scared. Horror/drama/supernatural. **

Major and minor character deaths, mentions of slitting wrists. Dying. Death. Bleeding out.

Disclaimer I wrote  this before the London Bridge Tragedy, and I apologise if, some people think I’m disrespecting it. I am not. I love London, and one day, I hope to see it in its full glory. In real Life HD.

So it ends:

This was it. The last straw. The end of it all.

The empire of awkwardness had thoroughly crumbled. The era had ended. It was over. It was finished. Things were spiraling. A pale hand drew the lapel of the coat closer to his neck. The scarf was doing nothing against the biting wind. The air was thick with fog. Welcome to London. The boots scraped against the cobblestones. So what if the city roads were mostly asphalt, but the cobblestones remained from a different time.

A different place.

His breath excreted hot air that spun about his head in icy puffs. Let the wind blow. Let whatever deities that were around, if there were any, take him now. Please.

“Go on! Take Me! Do IT!” He screamed into the night air, his arms now outstretched and he looked up at the unforgiving sky; it hid the stars and the moon. It hid everything except for the twinkling lights in the houses. Houses that were full of happiness, of joy.

There was no joy in the maisonette.

There was nothing but anger and sorrow. Anger over something stupid. Sorrow over something that could have been repaired if they weren’t so hot headed, so stubborn. So full of regret now.

But it could never be repaired, Phil was dead. He had cut his wrists and he’d bled out. Phil was gone. Dan had carried his limp, lifeless body downstairs and had called the ambulance, and the funeral home. They had taken his body away hours ago. They had asked him about arrangements for the funeral.

But no. He couldn’t think about that now. He had to cleanse himself from any sins, from every sin. Which is hard to do when you’re an atheist. Agnostic, he corrected himself.

Whatever he believed in, he alternately disbelieved in. That’s how it worked didn’t it?

“Take me you idiots. Take me! I deserve to go. The writers always kill Phil off first, and then I do myself in. Isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be? Isn’t he supposed to come back as a vampire? Isn’t he supposed to melt into goo when Harry Styles exits his body?

Isn’t that the way Fuckin’ Fanfiction Works?! Assholes!”

He’d looked behind him, just in case Phil had become the first undead in history. It’d be just like Phil to become an undead, it’d be in his nature. He bowed his head against the wind that was furiously blowing. The trees were bowing, and swaying. They were mourning a life that was gone too soon. What had happened that Phil would just take his life?

Phil. The one full of energy. The one full of light. The one whose eyes sparkled when he ate ice cream, when he got chased by a squirrel. Whenever he would entertain Dan.

“Fuck Life!” Dan said, as he steered himself towards London Bridge. He knew it’d be busy. But he didn’t care.

Let him get hit by a damned car. Let all the fanfictions come true.  He’d get hit by a car, eaten by a wolf. Be decapitated somehow. He’d jump off the bridge if none of the above happened. He steadily walked on the pedestrian’s side of the bridge. Head still bowed, mouth open breathing out the breath he still had left. Kicking small pebbles out  of the way.

“Fuck You!!!!” Dan yelled against the torturous wind. It wasn’t like it couldn’t snow at any time. But snow wasn’t in the forecast. “Neither was Phil dying. Phil’s suicide wasn’t in the cards. He was only thirty….” Dan’s voice trailed off.

He had debated on whether he should inform the rest of the family about Phil’s passing and he pulled out his phone. He’d call his second mother.

‘“Cath?” His voice shook.

“Daniel?” Her voice was in the concerned range now. Then it would escalate to anger, and then sadness.

“I have some bad news,” Dan gulped.

“What is it? Is it Phil?” Catherine asked.

“Yeah. I mean, yes. Mrs. Lester, it is my regret to inform you that, Philip Michael Lester committed suicide by slitting his wrists earlier this morning. I’ve called the local funeral home, and his body is there for the moment. Mummy, I need you,” Dan completely broke down.

He’d never called Catherine ‘Mummy’, not even in jest. The anguished cry that fell upon his ears made Dan pull away from the receiver.

“He’s not!” Catherine said….Denial. “He can’t be.” Uncertainty. “No he isn’t! God please don’t let it be.” Bargaining.

“Mum?” Dan’s voice broke through to her.

“I’m coming. Call Martyn,” Catherine said decidedly.

“I don’t think I can. Cornelia’s the only one at their flat. Martyn’s been taken to the local mental institution. She said he was going absolutely, stark raving, mad. It hit him all of a sudden, and then Phil….” Dan gulped again.

“Phil….He wasn’t acting like himself. He’d been, he was doing...God I don’t remember. It’s all a blur. And I think I have it now. This, this, this overwhelming desire to, do something bad. Something I know that will hurt me and others around me. I don’t want to be like this Mum,” Dan said again.

“Where are you?” Catherine asked.

“London’s Bridge,” Dan said.

“The London’s Bridge?” Catherine’s voice wobbled, but she wanted to make sure of his location. She couldn’t lose him too. It was her duty as his surrogate mother, to keep him safe.

“Yeah,” Dan said, his voice getting slower and thicker.

“Don’t do anything rash. I’ll ring your mother,” Catherine said.

“But….I don’t….I tried ringing her. She’s not answering. Neither is my father. Neither is Adrian. But Adrian never answers his phone….” Dan’s voice trailed off once again.

“Go to somewhere warm. Go to a pub,” Catherine pleaded.

“I can’t. It won’t let me,” Dan said.

“What won’t let you?” Catherine asked.

“He won’t let me. He’s followed me. He’s controlling my movements, where I go.... He’s not a ‘he’ in the normal sense of things….He….It’s….I’m….” He swung a leg over the rampart of the bridge. Then the other leg followed suit until he was seated and overlooking the Thames River.

“I have to go Catherine. He’s calling me. Tell my mother, tell Dad, tell Nigel, tell everyone that I love, goodbye for me. I’ll leave my phone on the bridge part….” His voice was gone. Caught up in the wind.

The water looked so inviting, its liquid swirling a bit, steam rising from frothy pools.

“I’ll go and join Phil. He needs me. I’m his friend….” Dan was dazed. He was slurring his words.

“Daniel? Daniel?!” Catherine’s voice only slightly penetrated Dan’s hazy brain.

“No, it’s too late. They’re both calling to me. I’ve got….I’m going….I love you all!” Dan was just about to jump when something grabbed the back of his arm, lurching him off of the bridge.

It was a policeman. “Young man, what are you doing on this bridge? You know it’s illegal to be up here,” the policeman kindly said.

“You don’t understand officer. I have to. He’s told me I have to. I’ve got to join Phil, and my….and the others. He’s said so,” Dan babbled.

“Come along,” the officer frog marched him to the waiting car. But Dan wriggled out of the grip, and made a beeline for the bridge again.

“No!” Dan shouted. He looked beyond the officer, and saw ‘Him’.

“Come Daniel….Join us….I have Phil….He’s waiting for you….” The specter said. “

What’s your name?” Dan breathed in and out irregular breaths. He put his hand over his heart.

“I am the one you summoned for your video. The one called ‘Him’....or Geoffery if you would prefer to put a mortal name on myself,” ‘Geoffery’ answered.

“Jeffery, you know with a ‘J’,” Dan managed. He didn’t notice the police officer scratching his head, and calling for backup.

“Jump Daniel. It’s not so far. All you’ve feared will be laid to rest once you’ve given up the mortal coil,” The specter said in a soft lilting, melodic tone.

“Philip listened. He’s waiting for you,” The tone became scathing, almost angry.

The bony finger pointed at the bridge. The tattered cape blowing in the breeze. But this breeze around him was hot, and smelled of sulfur. Dan wrinkled his nose at the smell. He regained his spot on the bridge, the cold wind blowing the back of his head, his hair blowing, and then he saw Phil’s face in the water.

“Hi Dan, it’s okay. Don’t fight it anymore. I’m lonely without you….” Phil’s voice and face faded away.  

“Phil! No!” Dan scrambled down the side of the bridge, hanging by one hand above the river, the river became frothier, it swirled in zigzag patterns, and there was a slight whirlpool in a corner somehow.

The wind picked up and began a howling so fierce, it brought even more fear to him.  

Just then a hand reached out and pulled him onto the bridge again. This time he was in a kneeling position and someone had ensconced themselves around him, caressing his head, talking soothingly to him.

“Daniel….Sweet sweet  child,” she said. “I’m here,” she continued.

“C-Catherine?” His teeth were chattering now. He was so cold, so empty. Nothing meant anything anymore.

“It’s me. Your mother is waiting….Something’s happening to the men, and she’s beside herself. We’ll save you Love,” Catherine promised.

“Nobody can save me. Jeffery, he wants me. Phil….Phil’s all alone. Phil’s cold. Phil’s never cold! Martyn….Martyn left Cornelia….What’s happening? Make it stop Catherine….Make it stop...Please?” He pleaded. His vision was so clouded,  he couldn’t see straight.

“I’ll bring you to your mum’s,” Catherine said.

“Where’s Adrian? Where’s my dad?” Dan was trying to come to his senses.

“Susan doesn’t know. She went out for a bit of milk, and when she came back your father and he, they were gone. No note. Nothing,” Catherine helped the young man to his feet.

“Jeffery’s got them. They’re not coming back either….Phil, Phil was raging and then he went into the bathroom, not the loo….The bathroom. He found a razor. He-He-He cut his wrists, he bled out before I could get the door open. The door wasn’t even locked. Something was keeping him in. I couldn’t get to him Catherine. I tried! And when I could get to him….He was gone! The light was gone!” He trembled as they walked to the waiting taxi.

His knees buckling underneath him. “I’m going soon too. I won’t be here any longer. He’s taking us all. You and Mum, you’ll be all alone. I’m s-sorry,” Dan gulped. His breathing became sharp,and his chest constricted.

“I-I can’t help it. He’ll be here. Soon. He’ll catch up with me….With us….He wants revenge. He wants what’s owed to him. And he knows how to get it. He wants me,” Dan leaned against her. Using his whole body, pushing against her. Needing her. But trying to protect her at the same time.

“If….IF…..Someone’s got to tell our audiences,” Dan finally spoke lucidly. At least for a moment.

“Please save your strength.  We’ll be at your mother’s house soon as we can. Try and sleep Sweetie,” Catherine soothed.

“How did you get here so fast? The Isle of Man is so far,” Dan slurred.

“I was already in the city,” Catherine said.

“But how?” Dan was demanding. He was also tired, and he glanced out the window. The reflection was distorted. And then ‘His’ face appeared, and then Phil’s face flashed before him. Then Martyn’s face, then his dad’s face, then it was Adrian. Then it began to loop.

He quickly shut his eyes.

“What you’ve been through….” Catherine started.

“He wants me. He won’t stop no matter how hard we try. I need you and Mum to go online and tell our audience. Tell them we went the best way we knew how, to end the torment. To sacrifice ourselves so that our loved ones can live,” Dan said, as he blinked his eyes, trying to adjust his sight.

He felt as if, he was going blind now. Grief, terror, filling every fiber of his being. She wrapped her arms around him as tightly as she could, whilst urging the driver to drive faster, to get them to their destination quicker.

“I’m going as fast as I can. Traffic’s a bit of a trial,” the man bit off the expletive before it could be aired out. He was in the presence of a lady after all.

“Thank you. That’s all I ask,” Catherine turned her attention back to Dan.

“Daniel?” It was so strange to say his full name. He’d been ‘Dan’ for so long, but he’d grown up as well. He wasn’t eighteen anymore. Though he’d always be eighteen in her eyes. That was the age she’d adopted him after all.

“Yes?” He responded, he only responded to Daniel now.

“Daniel, we’re almost there. You rest against me, and I’ll wake you when we’re there,” Catherine soothed.

“Alright, and I’m sorry for calling you Mummy,” Dan said.

“You were, are, in panic mode. You’re grieving. I understand, and I’m glad you at least got through to me. Though your mother is worried sick. She said she never received any phone calls from you,” Catherine continued.

‘Tha’s b’cause He blocked them,” Dan’s voice was slurring again, as he drifted off into an uneasy slumber.

“Shhh….” She patted his head, and shifted so he would be more comfortable.

They made it to Reading in record time, and a lot of money out of pocket. Catherine didn’t mind. Though she was on a frugal budget. Getting Daniel to safety was her top priority; not only as a friend but as his adoptive mother. Susan didn’t mind ‘sharing custody’ of Daniel.

She quite enjoyed the friendly rivalry of hers and Catherine’s ‘mothering techniques ’. Though Catherine was more ‘home centered’, Susan was business centered, letting her children ‘fend for themselves’ more often than not. Not being there all the time. But she wasn’t cold or heartless. She was warm and inviting in her own way.

Not exactly standoffish, but she was reserved. Catherine cracked the jokes, Catherine made the small talk. But Susan would keep up her end of the conversations, filling in the gaps wherever necessary. Susan was a mother, just a different kind of mother. But when her boys were hurting, if they ever needed anything, she was always there to lend a motherly hand.

She met them at the door, as Catherine stumbled, half supporting, half walking with Daniel, Susan took Daniel’s other side and she supported them both the rest of the way inside the house. Her eyes were red rimmed, and Catherine went to make a pot of tea whilst Susan settled Daniel horizontally on the sofa bed. She’d covered him in a duvet, and put a load of pillows behind his head.

“You’re trembling Son,” Susan said.

“Because he’s coming. Like the Nothing in that television show,” Dan said, and his teeth continued chattering, though there was a roaring fire going on in the fireplace and he was covered in a warm duvet.

“Phil’s gone Mum,” Dan felt the tears roll down his cheeks, the ache was so real.

The weight on his chest made it hard for him to breathe correctly.

“He’s gone Mum, and I couldn’t save him!” Dan struggled to sit up.

But Susan gently and firmly pushed him back down again. “Save your strength,” Susan accidentally repeated what Catherine had told him earlier in the taxi.

“Sometimes you and Cath are so similar it’s a wonder you’re not bosom buddies as well,” Dan tried to joke, but ended up coughing instead.

“How do you know we’re not best friends?” Susan tried to joke back, to calm her eldest.

“Because you’re not. You’re always so busy. You’re always going on and on about the realtor business,” Dan retorted, his pulse slowing down finally as the fight or flight instinct drained away.

“We’re mothers. Sometimes mothers think alike. Strange but true. Sometimes mothers have a hidden psychic connection, and even if we don’t know about each other, we’re still the same. We’re put on this earth to love and protect our children. Like Catherine and I are trying to do now. Trying to save you,” Susan said, in an unusually long speech.

Catherine chose at this time to return with a tray of tea. Silently obeying the unspoken request to sit up, Dan sat upright and Catherine served him some tea and savoury biscuits.

His hand shook so much on the way to his mouth, that both mothers took a hold of his wrist and guided the biscuit to his mouth.

“Shall I steady the teacup?” Susan asked. Dan nodded, as tears spilled down his cheeks again. Suddenly his whole body stiffened, and like before at the bridge, he looked beyond the women.

“Did you miss me Daniel? I missed you. I see you’ve gotten back up. They won’t last long. They’re roadblocks to be sure, but I’ll be back to get you. You’re mine Daniel. Just like Philip; like Adrian, like your father, like Martyn, like Nigel….All mine. You’re next. You’re my trophy sacrifice. The reason they’re gone is because of you. It’s all your fault. Your time on earth is short. Say goodbye to the earth. Nothing can stop me,” the voice cackled and the specter was gone again.

The savoury biscuit dropped the teacup spilled across his knee, and Susan took the cup and saucer from him. Catherine took the biscuit. He was slumped against the sofa again. He was shaking again; shaking his head, and his lips were trembling.

“He came again. Didn’t you see him? Can’t you see that you can’t protect me?! I’m not getting out of here, unless I go with him. You two had better make yourselves scarce,” Dan weakly spoke.

Just then the phone rang. It was Cornelia. She was hysterical. Unusual for her. She was usually stoic, soft spoken.

“Catherine?” Her voice was shaking.

“Nikki?” Catherine put the phone on speaker so that Cornelia’s voice was heard by all.

“He’s come for me Catherine. Martyn’s come for me. He’s swinging a knife, and he’s going to kill me!” She shouted, and it sounded as if she were running for her life.

“Get out of the flat somehow. Come to us Nikki. We’re at Susan’s place. It’s a safe place,” Catherine pleaded.

“We’ll help you Cornelia,” Susan put in.

“I-I”m afraid. It’s not Martyn. It’s his body. It’s his face. It’s not Martyn. It’s evil. It’s giving me chills,” Cornelia said, as a squeaking noise sounded. Almost sounding as if a window were opening.

“I’m jumping down the fire escape. If I can outrun him, I’ll be there in half an hour….” Cornelia’s voice cut off, and the line went dead.

“Don’t you see? I have to get back to the bridge!” Dan stood and wobbled towards the door.

Two pairs of arms took him back to the sofa, and back under the duvet he went.

“I’m useless here. I’m better off dead! Don’t you Understand?!”

The fire whooshed, and it was soon out. A plume of smoke flew down the chimney morphing into a transparent specter with sharp nails, a face that was only an outline. Both women jumped.

“Did I Frighten You? Good. I’m Here For The Boy,” ‘He’ spoke.

Both women stood their ground, and formed a united barrier between the sofa and the horrible thing before them. “Then you’ll have to go through us first,” Catherine challenged.

“A mother’s love is unrivaled. Therefore the two of us can and will, defeat you,” Susan answered, as a feeling of anger overtook her, and she balled her hand into a threatening fist.

“You’ll have to do more than that to get me to back down. I’m ultimate power, more than you two weak humans are able to comprehend,” ‘Jeffery’ said.  

“Leave my mums alone!” Dan was sat up again. He swung his legs over the side of the sofa, and with the most strength, as he could muster, he stood in front of the two most important people in his life.

“Take me. Spare them. Don’t take Martyn. I consent. Let Martyn be. Let Dad come back, let Adrian come back….Let...Let the others come back. Let Phil come back….” Dan’s voice wavered. But he was resolute.

“Tempting as your offer is, I don’t think I’ll let Philip come back. He’s mine fair and square. He’d chosen to take his own life,” ‘Jeffery’ answered, a couple of wispy fingers touching the outline of his chin.

“Not if he’d been in his right mind he wouldn’t have chosen that route. He’s Roman Catholic, and they believe that suicide is wrong. Me? I’m Agnostic. I’m a better choice. A better candidate,” Dan fired back.

“Pathetic,” ‘Jeffery’ scoffed.

“I’m offering my life for theirs. For each life you’ve taken,” Dan responded.

He was shaking with renewed energy and anger.

“I’m ready. I’ve been ready my whole life. I don’t have a soul. It’s a dark, barren wasteland in there. I’m sad. I’m dreary. Even though I’ve re-branded. It’s not enough. If I’m the sole human you need, to complete this….Whatever it is….Take Me You Asshole!”

“Not everything can be solved by a pathetic meat sack demanding something from me. I’m as old as time itself. I take what I want, when I want it. This standoff is a waste of my time….” ‘Jeffery’ smirked.

With a flick of the ancient’s wrist, Dan felt red hot liquid shoot through his entire being. He fell to his knees, and he gasped for the very last breath of air he could manage. As the enraged, and shocked mothers looked on, he crawled, haltingly towards the specter. The being seemed to be sucking the life essence out of him. The women were powerless, and had to stand to the wayside, as every last ounce of life was drained out of him. Dan’s body deflated, and he sagged into a lifeless mound.

“Tell them….I loved….Them….I….Love You!” Were his final words.

Then it was over. Finished. Had it really happened? Had things happened the way they’d just seen? So many questions. So little answers. A knock on the door sounded, and the  fleshy mound disappeared into the floor. Sucked dry by the specter as it disappeared into the nothingness. Susan took a deep breath. Whatever was on the other side, it couldn’t be good.

Catherine went with her. Perhaps it would turn out to be good news? Side by side they walked to the door. Determined to fight some more if need be.

“If I die young, bury me in satin, lay me down on a bed roses...Sink me in the river at dawn, send me away with the words of a love song, ….Lord make  me a rainbow, I’ll shine down on my mother  she’ll know I’m safe with you, when she stands under my colours; and no life ain’t always what you think it ought to be… Ain’t even grey but she buries her baby….” A song was heard through the streets.

“I recognise this song. It’s American. But it’s fitting,” Catherine said, as she put a hand on the knob, Susan put hers on top and the door was flung open.

Cornelia was on the other side. She was breathless and had a bit of blood on her shirt.

“Cornelia, Darling,” Susan breathed out.

“Nikki!” Catherine buried her almost daughter into a hug.

“He’s gone,” Cornelia breathed out.

“Gone? How?” Susan asked.

“He just...He became slimy goop and disappeared into the ground,” Cornelia answered.

Then she continued, “Where’s Dan?”

The two women looked at the ground, then back up at the redhead, as they ushered her inside. They made her a cup of still piping hot tea.

“You’re hurt my Darling,” Catherine indicated the blood.

“Not mine,” Cornelia answered, as she shakily took a sip of the tea.

“His?” Susan ventured, as Cornelia slowly nodded, and focused on the far wall behind the two concerned women.

“They’re all gone. Aren’t they?” She whispered.

“I’m afraid so,” Susan said. “Then we’ve got to tell the world,” Cornelia decided.

“We’ve got to make sure that the Phans know. Soon it’ll spread word of mouth, internet to internet connection. This isn’t happy news,” Catherine decided.

“No it isn’t,” Cornelia pursed her lips and headed for Twitter first.

This would be the beginning of a whole new line of work. A work that two young men had started as a hobby; and three women would carry on. Though it wouldn’t be the exact same. They would make an effort, in memory of two nerds, who had dared to share their lives with the world.

Epilogue 2 years later:

“Well that’s about it. As far as I know we’ll be broadcasting on YouNow Thursdays and Tuesdays. Just as usual. We’re here for questions and answers, and of course Catherine and Susan will be doing their recipe-off. You know the one where they compete about who has the best recipe for the same meal,” Cornelia smiled into the camera.

She would do these ones alone, and then Tuesday she would trek to Susan’s house and they would go through recipes, and then on Thursday, they would FaceTime with Catherine and then would come the ultimate ‘Bake Off’ on YouNow, as the recipes were tested.

“For all of you loyal viewers out there we’ve got a poll on Twitter that you can cast your votes at. Goodbye My Little Swedish Meatballs!” Cornelia waved and blew a kiss at the camera.

She shut it off, and using Dan’s and Phil’s instructions, edited the video, then uploaded it. She took a small walk around the new flat. She couldn’t bear to be in hers and Martyn’s old flat, so she’d rented out a smaller flat. She took down a picture from the mantle and kissed it. She still loved him.

Just then a small bark caught her attention and a tiny Maltese yipped at her again.

“Come along Martie, I suspect you’re hungry,” Cornelia cradled the small dog in her arms and padded to the kitchen.

Things hadn’t gotten any easier. Bearable? Yes. Easier? No. She still missed him, missed them. But life still went on.

The End.

[kawaiifunhologram-blog]

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The vehicle would be an onld 1996 minivan.

What is a good health insurance plan for two snowbirds that travel between NY and FL?

Hello. I am 67 and my wife is 61. We are going to begin living between New York and Florida now, half of the year in Florida and half in New York. What kind of health insurance is popular for our situation? What is the most affordable plan? We want to be insured throughout the entire year in both FL and NY. I am 67 and my wife is 61. Thank you.""

How much will it cost to insure my business?

It's a grocery delivery business. I have a few drivers. I am concerned about the following: Protecting employees while they are driving/delivering, Protecting my customers from any negligence or criminal activity done by my employees, Insuring inexpensive (about $5k each) delivery cars""

If i buy a car before i turn seventeen how much can i expect to pay for insurance?

i was thinking a car like a tiburon. any comments? ideas? reccomendations? what kind of car should i get???

If my son is on my parents insurance does that mean they claim him on his taxes?

Okay my son is now 1 year old. He is on my parents insurance, we live with them, and my parents pretty much support him.(pay for all expenses).. Now my sons father wants to put him on his taxes. I know he just wants to get money to get him a new car. he also says he will get me a car too. but idk about that. When i told him i think my parents already claimed him, he started yelling its his son, and told me to give him his security card(he has a really bad temper and gets angry to where i get scared) so i did.. but now i need to sign a paper..and i dont want too.. Here is my thing i told him that he is automatically on my parents taxes, because he is on there insurance, so that would mean i would have to take aiden off of their insurance(Which means he wouldnt be on any insurance)he started yelling how stupid i am and just to sign paper, my question is is it true that because my parents have him on their insurance, he is on their taxes. What should i do? Thanks for anyhelp. Sorry long question. Please no rude answers""

Military Out of state insurance?

Im a Texas resident but was stationed in Florida. My car was bought and registered in Florida, and I have my car insured in Florida . I am now stationed in las vegas and if i change the location my car insurance will double. Somebody informed me since im military i can have out of state insurance as long as its from where the car is registered? Is this correct? Does anyone know if im technically still covered or must i switch my car insurance?""

""I own a 2000 chevy cavalier and im 17 years old and need insurance, about how much would that cost?""

Its small, green, and its a two door""

Car insurance for a 17year old.?

Ok, The car I'm going for when I'm 17 is a 2002 PEUGEOT 307 1.4 16V S [AC] 3dr Hatchback. It was 8337.01 for car insurance on Auto Trader (The cheapest). I was intending placing it on my fathers name (Although I was told it was supposingly illegal, but I won't be doing anything dangerous, and I have drove a few cars before (onboardtraining.co.uk etc..)) I was also told about i-kube, but I can't drive between 11pm and 5am, which could be a massive concern for me as I may need to go out at night for emergencies. Is there any way I could actually get quite cheap insurance? I was really into the idea of puttiing it on my dads name and splitting the insurance money with him every annual. Looking for Alternative ways or tips of lowering my insurance (I will still be in full time education when I get the car) Thanks. Any help is appreciated.""

""Free medical care-for adults-in Tampa,Florida?

can people with health problems who has no insurance get free medical care.

Can my parents add me to their car insurance?

My parents have Allstate car insurance. I have my own car registered in my name. I live with them. Can they add me to their car insurance?

Will my sisters auto insurance go up?

i live with my sister and her husband. i do not have any auto insurance. i was a pedestrian that got backed into by a car. i now will have to go and have surgery on my knee. to make a long story short, will my sisters auto insurance cover me because i am a resident relative? will their auto insurance go up if they cover me (they will get reimbursed though by the party who hit me)""

How can you avoid paying for expensive car rental insurance?

I drive a rental car, but the insurance is very expensive. I have to pay a daily price. I have non owners insurance, but that does not cover collision. Is there a way to avoid paying these prices as they are so expensive but still have full coverage? I tried to insure the car but I couldn't being that it isn't minds. The non owners policy is legal but it doesn't cover the car. Thanks for any suggestions.""

Affordable car insurance?

Hi; I recently bought a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am from a used car dealership and need to find some insurance on the cheap side for it. What I'm really looking for is something that simply makes the car legal, as I can't really afford anything over $40. I'm 23 and living in Harrisburg Pennsylvania so any insurance you guys know of that fall into my parameters would be great; really need this car for work.""

How Much Would Insurance Cost On A Mitsubishi Lancer Evo?

What would be an approximate range on insurance cost for me? I was considering buying a mitsubishi lancer evo and need to factor in the cost of insurance. It would most likely be a 2003. Model: Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Car: Year 2003 Age: I am 16 soon too be 17 State: Oklahoma Occupation: Student (3.5 gpa+) Other Info: I would most likely only drive to school and the gym 5 days a week, less than 10 iles a day round trip. I would be able to pay a higher deductable if need be. Live: with parents Background: Father is a Radiologist - Income: easily 300k+ Although I come from a very affluent family my parents are making me pay for most of my car If I am lucky they will give me a 10k allowance max.""

Cheapest & Best Auto/Motorcycle Insurance?

Can people please share what they think is the cheapest & best insurance? We currently have state farm & feel we're getting ripped off. We have 2 vehicles 93' Ford F150 (owned, no payments) 00' Chevy Cavalier (owned, no payments) 83' Honda Sabre(Motorcycle, owned, no payments) THANK YOU! Also, why do they ask for a SS# when you apply?Are there any companies who dont? I hope theyre not checking my credit score =( I'm trying to raise it!

Where can I find the cheapest health insurance in California?

Basically I am enrolling in this EMT course and they REQUIRE that you have proof of health insurance before enrolling in the class. Where can I find the cheapest insurance just to fill this basic need? Doesn't matter about coverage and co-pays, etc. just need something to suffice until I'm done with the course, then I'm going to drop the insurance once I get it from my job as an EMT, ya know. Me: married 23 yr old female in perfect health.""

""Car insurance, i only drive for 3 months or so? any options?""

I currently have a BMW m3, i will be moving to new york city where it makes no sense to have the car, but i love the car and intend on keeping it locked in my parents garage and covered for the majority of the winter. during the summer months it will be down at there vacation house but again, it will only be driven by me maybe twice a month and for two weeks one month. the only other time i could see me using it would be every once in a while when i visit home to go to the store and back, literally like 5 other days out of the year. is there any insurance for this? i have a loan on the car, but it's used and old and in pristine condition so i'd rather keep it, i have considered selling it. soo what options would i have? i also go to school in another state from wher the car is stored.""

Health insurance in NY? Minor children & jobs that don't offer healthcare?

My friend has twins that are 17 & they are having a hard time finding affordable health insurance like many people, she works 2 jobs that total around 2,300 a month & her husband makes around 3,000.. None of the jobs offer healthcare to the kids, they tried a insurance called Hudson health but ended up being told it would be about $600 a month which they can't pay, does anyone know any insurance that works with you, or that is more affordable? Any help is much appreciated :) thank you""

What cost more to insure?????

what cost more to insure, a coupe , sedan, convertible, truck, suv, i ask because i have a mustang gt and insurance and gas are killing me. i want a luxury car, but cant decide if i want a suv or sedan ect. ect.""

Should I really get insurance for my car?

I am thinking about getting a cheaper and older car just for going to and from work. Should I really get insurance for it?

Average ins. price for family of 4 in alabama? Is it cheaper from Florida?

Average ins. price for family of 4 in alabama? Is it cheaper from Florida?

Car Insurance?

In Massachusetts what do you think a 16 year old driver would pay for these cars for insurance? 1998 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR 4 >100k miles 1998 Audi A4 1.8 Turbo 4 cyl 100K miles 2001 Ford Taurus SEL v6 40K miles 1999 VW Passat V6 5 speed 95k miles Thanks

Why is car insurance so high in UK?

I want to insure a 1.0 litre 2000 Vauxhall Corsa 3 door. Im getting quotes for 3000 - 5000, does anybody know why this is? Its really annoying now""

""If I make a claim using my company car insurance, does that affect my personal insurance reputation?""

I recently got into a little fender bender using my company car. The other driver wasn't present, so I left a note. He called, and I followed through by filing a claim with the insurance company. I'm worried, though, that my personal insurance reputation/rating is going to be affected because of this claim with my company car. Any information you can provide would b helpful.""

How do I get car insurance in Massachussets?

Progressive, GEIKO, and more don't serve MA. WHY? I can't find anyone who serves MA. Which car insurance is the cheapest and how do I get it. Thanks.""

Why is it cheaper to have an additional driver on insurance when a new driver?

why is it cheaper to add my dad onto my insurance once i have passed my test? and my mum is worried about who gets the no claims bonus? i think it would be me as i am the main driver of the car and he is just an additional driver, although he will never actually drive the car?""

Will my car / auto insurance increase?

My boyfriend was driving my car and was clocked (in the City of Stone Mountain) driving 26 over (51 in a 25 zone). Will this cause my car insurance rates to increase?

""Bike insurance idea, would it work?""

As you know insurance for a 600cc sports bike for a 17yr old (male) is extremely high (I was quoted 9000+), however you may of heard of fronting, (putting someone with lots more experience and age as the main driver and putting me (17yr old) as a second driver) this apparently greatly reduces the insurance cost, however is a form of insurance fraud and is illegal. But I thought of a plan... You see I have my heart set on a honda cbr600rr, it is much cheaper than a 125cc bike that I would buy new only to buy another bike a few years later thus deeming the 125 useless, but what if I got the 600 and did make my dad (who is much older and more experienced) the main driver and me the 2nd, but to avoid it being fronting, he could use it when i'm not and I could force him to ride somewhere so ultimately he would have used it more so it wouldn't be illegal right? By the way he mostly goes out at night so it would not interfere with my needs.""

How do i answer this question about car insurance?

My sister and i are on the loan for a car that I'm driving. We have insurance but im not on it. I want to put it under my name now, but when i get a quote online they ask if ...show more""

Will My Parents Insurance go up?

I'm a g1 driver, got pulled over for speeding, got slapped with a few other tickets, was wondering will my parents insurance go up

Car insurance?

how much would insurance for a 16 year old female cost for a 2000 Plymouth Neon Highline

Why is my car on Motor Insurance Database (MID) while I haven't bought insurance yet?

I've just bought a used car for my son, received the new log book; however, I haven't bought insurance yet, as I intend to keep the car off road at the moment. But when I checked my car on the Motor Insurance Database (MID), it recognized my car. Apparently it is ok to drive this car, although I haven't bought insurance for it. Do you think this is ok, or will I be stopped by the police driving this car?""

Affordable health insurance? My husband's work does not pay for mine nor our son's insurace so we pay out of?

pocket. We have Aetna right now but they just keep jacking our prices up. My husband has not been to the doctor at all this year and they have raised his prices too. Does anyone know of a good health insurance plan that is affordable please?? Thank you!

What type of cars would have the highest car insurance payment?

couples? Sport cars? What type of cars have a high car insurance payment? I wanted to get a two door but heard the insurance would be high. Since im young I know it be higher also. What would be best to get?

On average how much more would the cost be for insurance for a house with a pool?

We are thinking about buying a home in So Cal that is a 4 +2 house on a 10,000 sq ft lot. The house has a pool though, and our concern would be what the cost of insurance would be. The pool is deep, and there is no diving board, and at the present time there is no fence. What do you all think? We have small children, so once we purchase the home, we will put a fence up, but we're just trying to guesstimate at this point. If anyone has any thoughts, by all means share them! I really appreciate any direction I can get with this. *I would rather not call 50 Insurance agencies to get quotes and have someone selling something I don't need yet!* Thanks a bunch.""

Long-term care vs. long-term disability insurance?

At age 36 in a blue-collar job (i.e. chance of disability over 90 days less than 10%), I'm thinking it may make more sense to get long-term care insurance rather than long-term disability. I bring in 30% of our household income. If I become disabled, I count for very little of our total spend (obviously food, but I wouldn't be doing much in the way of leisure / entertainment), but the added costs of caring for me would be too much for our budget to bear. I also think it would be very hard to qualify for disability for class 1 (a desk job sitting in front of a computer all day). It seems like it would be easier to qualify for two functions of daily living. I know they technically cover two different scenarios, but isn't there a lot of overlap here in terms of when you would actually get a pay out? Just trying to understand. Thx in advance for your input!""

08 lancer gts or 08 altima coupe what would be best for 17 year old and cheaper on insurance?

I want one that's fun to drive it has to be reliable I don't want to race but I do want a little speed I want whatever is cheaper on insurance and I'm stuck between these two cars what do you guys think?

On friday 4/25 my 03 Tahoe was stolen in front of my house it was recovered the following day 4/26 about 9pm?

it was about 2:30am when the vehicle was stolen, the police was called and they came out to the scene. they gave me a file number. Later in the a.m i called the Insurance and reported the auto theft i gave all the current information my statement was being recorded. The insurance inspector came out to inspect the vehicle on Tuesday theyre were alot of damage inside out. He said it was about $4,000.00 worth of damage. It maybe was going to be total loss. I went ahead and called the adjustor to follow up on the inspection he then said he gave my claim to a investigator for further review. I mention to him that my vehicle is at my house when it should be in the tow yard, that it seems they are lacking holding off in helping me with this situation. He was rude and continue to tell me to wait for a phone call. Today 5/2/2014 a claim investigator called me stating that it was a coincidence that i worked for a auto body shop and my vehicle being stolen recently. I got really upset i told her me working at a shop doesnt have nothing to do with my car being stolen. I told her I was going to seek help thru a lawyer and hanged up the phone. Has anyone been a similar situation? I live in the state of California and have Infinity Insuracne Both my cars are full cover and both are paid off.""

What are the best cars for insurance?

i am a 17 year old male living in the u.k. so far the best car i have found is a 1978 austin morris mini. insurance is 1600. btw, cars like saxo's and corsa's are around 2500 for me. basically, does anyone have any ideas for cars. i have already looked at putting my mum as a named driver, but it does not make much of a difference. any help would be brilliant, thanks""

Where can i get free insurance when buying my first car???

im looking to buy my first car, and was wondering if i would be able to get free years insurance from a local dealership, or is it only mainstream dealerships do that? im looking to spend 1000 on a car, but 2000 if i can get free insurance, how would i be able to get this? Im 17, if age takes any part in this, and living in britain.""

Cheapest & Best Auto/Motorcycle Insurance?

Can people please share what they think is the cheapest & best insurance? We currently have state farm & feel we're getting ripped off. We have 2 vehicles 93' Ford F150 (owned, no payments) 00' Chevy Cavalier (owned, no payments) 83' Honda Sabre(Motorcycle, owned, no payments) THANK YOU! Also, why do they ask for a SS# when you apply?Are there any companies who dont? I hope theyre not checking my credit score =( I'm trying to raise it!

Speeding ticket...how much will my insurance go up?

I received a speeding ticket. If found guilty of it, how much can I expect of an increase in my insurance premium? It is my first ticket. I have USAA insurance. It is a minor infraction. (1 point in here in Cali.) Thanks for the help!""

Free Geico car insurance?

I've always been told by a little green lizard that 15 minutes on the phone can save you 15% or more on car insurance... what about 100 minutes on the phone?

Do I have to be on my parent's car insurance to drive my car in Florida?

I'm a little confused because my dad says I don't have to because *only* the car needs insurance. But then why are people on insurance lists for cars?

What is the cheapest possible auto insurance?

I don't care about customer service or anything. I just want liability only cheapest insurance. Thanks

Need help with Car Insurance?

I am a 17 year old in california, who just bought a 92 Buick Skylark and I need to no what would be my best bet when it comes to getting insurance, I would like cheap insurance""

How MUCH do you think I'd be paying for car insurance?

I'm an 18 year old female turning 19 on Oct 18th. I'm hoping to buy an 8- cylinder mustang GT ranging from the years 2000-2004, and I have taken driving classes with a high pass rate, I live in northern Virginia. How much do you think my car insurance would end up being? just asking for personal estimates!""

Where do i get health insurance if i am a student in school?

i am a student 22 years old. i need affordable health insurance. i have no job. i think i am going deaf and blind. where can i get insurance in washington state?

Car Insurance If I Am Not The Car Owner?

Is it possible for me to insure myself to drive my sister's car, and to add her as a named driver? Or do I have to own the car. My sister has just passed her test, and her insurance would cost 700 if she does it herself. If I insure myself to drive the car and add her as a named driver, then it would be more like 200. Does my sister have to sign over ownership of the car to me for this to work?""

What is the cost for home insurance based on?

I am thinking of buying properties in other states to use as rental income. The properties are cheap so i can afford to pay cash the issue how ever is that the rent is also cheap in Update : Yes i know being a distant landlord is difficult so if it makes economic

How do I get health insurance for my newborn?

I am 6 months pregnant and 21 years old. I am still on my parents' health insurance, as I am an unemployed student. My boyfriend, who is an independent, is an unemployed student as well. He is currently uninsured and, as we have found, is uninsurable due to the fact that I am pregnant. My parents' health insurance WILL NOT cover grandchildren (dependents of dependents) and so my baby will not be covered on their plan. Individual health insurance plans will not cover my infant until up to 30 days AFTER he is born (and we can apply for medical insurance for him). How do I secure health care coverage for him BEFORE he comes so he can start going to the pediatrician immediately?""

Baby Insurance at 19?

I doubt it will, but, I am 19 years old and I am still on my mom's insurance plan. So if I were to get pregnant, would the insurance cover my baby's delivery and pregnancy appointments or would I still have to pay the noninsured payments.""

Why is progressive motorcycle insurance so cheap?

I got three quotes from three different insurence companies for a 2005 Honda 1100cc Sabre with under 2000 miles for $6300, all three with the same type of coverage. The first quote I got from State farm they gave me a quote for $650 for the year, the second was Geico they gave me a quote for $462 for the year, the third was Progressive they quoted me with only $220 for the year with the same exact coverage as the other 2. I am 36 years old have been riding a motorcycle for about 2 years and I am buying this 2005 1100cc Sabre. Why is Progressive so much cheaper, has anybody else used Progressive and are they a good insurance company. It just sounds too good to be true.""

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.""

Can I have two Health Insurance Policies from different states?

Before you answer, please read this thoroughly. I am a student and Illinois Resident. I have PPO health insurance in Illinois that I pay out of pocket for. $1000 deductible, 100% covered. I go to school in Florida and have employer insurance in FL (ever since Sept 2008), but it's an HMO. The PPO my job offers has no deductible but is 80/20 coverage, so I opted the HMO. For the average person, it would make no sense to have 2 policies, but I'm not ordinary. I have many pre-existing conditions (some I was born with), hence the Illinois coverage. In Dec of last year, before my FL insurance kicked in, I had a multitude of issues which caused me to have to use my BCBS of IL in Florida where I'm attending school. Many of those things are at bay now, but for doctor visits, exams, etc to arise other than routine check ups, should I start using my FL HMO insurance and just use my IL insurance for when I visit home during breaks? Or should I just drop my FL insurance altogether? The reason this is an issue is b/c I am afraid I my rates will go up or they drop me if I continue to use my insurance which was meant to be for IL, but I have been using it in another state. Yes they will cover b/c it's PPO and it falls under the BCBS umbrella, but this is the risk I take. I will NOT drop my Illinois insurance because I have pre-existing issues that is NOT covered by my FL insurance, so switching isn't even on option. Plus they keep doing layoffs and my certainty at this job isn't guaranteed. Furthermore, I keep reading about fraud, this is not my intent. I am just trying not to have my rates rise anymore b/c I am a student and not making much as it is. I am looking for the best coverage because good health care is my primary concern. I am NOT trying to file a double claim with both insurances, and I am NOT trying to collect any money out of this. Things happen like the flu, ER visits, and any other reason to visit the doctor when you are sick or injured. I have a 2 week window during open enrollment to drop my coverage thru my job. I pay only $20 per paycheck for my FL HMO insurance. So the little amount really isn't that much to fret over, but I need to know b/c I don't want my IL insurance to go up or to be denied covereage b/c I have two policies out there. Someone please give me some guidance. :) I have called my insurance company on both ends, but I can't get a straight answer from either. It's always the you need to contact the other company for the answer . So I am running around in circles. I was even told to just find out after I use my FL insurance to see. I'm afraid to take the gamble.""

Can i drive car on my full uk license on insurance for provisional license ?

Hi can i drive a car with full uk license but on provissional license insurance as i passed my test in additon i am 17 yrs old the reason of that is because the cheapest insurance for full uk license with my dad as 1st driver was 2.5grand.

What's the average cost of life insurance? -per month?

What's the average cost of life insurance? -per month?

UK Car insurance in-between switching cars?

To keep things simple I am calling the current car I have Car A and the new car as Car B. I have insurance that runs out on CAR A in 2 months time which I want to keep on the basis that I don't want to lose my no claims bonus for this current year by cancelling the insurance. I was planning to switch cars in 2 months anyway but have found CAR B at a very competitive price with all the extras I need. (Car B comes taxed and MOTd). I currently cant change my policy from car A to car B as the provider says the update will increase my premium to over 2000 just for the remaining 2 months! I am a young driver so I am not able to get temporary car insurance either. My question is what are my options other than simply buying car B now and letting it sit on the driveway for 2 months waiting for my current policy to expire? E.g.is it possible to take out insurance on car B without NCB now and add ncb 2 months after the policy has started? Any other loop holes you clever poeple can think of?

What do you think is the best health insurance company in southern california?

i need to purchase individual coverage.

Who has best affordable health insurance?

Looking for health and dental insurance for 1 + spouse in Texas.

How much is the cost of delivering a baby in california without insurance?

Hi, i'm from the philippines, and I'm planning to give birth in california specifically in san francisco or los angeles where I have relatives. I wish to pay in cash but I would like to know how much discount I can get for a normal delivery or c-section. I hope you can provide me with organizations as well as their contact numbers that can guide me throughout the process within those area. Thank you so much.""

Car Insurance?

I'm a first time driver over 25, used car 2001 ford focus, central fl. how much should the insurance cost?""

Does Gap insurance transfer if I refinance?

Gap insurance was included in my originol car loan-the same company refinanced me for a lower interest rate-will my gap insurance still be intact???

Why are car insurance companies trying to make me go bankrupt?

Okay, this is extremely frustrating. I'm a 19 year old student, who works part time. I have all-state insurance full coverage, and I drive a 2001 toyota tacoma, which is paid off. And guess how much Allstate charges me every 6 months? $750!!!!!!!!!!!! That is absolutely ridiculous. These son of a bitches are totally ridiculous charging me that. I've never had a ticket, never been in an accident. And I don't care if i'm 19 that price is absolutely absurd for that car. I'm almost at the point where I just wanna go illegal and drive without insurance. I'm looking sleep every night over this I mean seriously do they think a 19 year old college student is made of money. And the funny thing is it's under my parents policy and its this much!!!""

Where to go to get a quote?

Hi people, I'm seventeen, taking my driving lessons but find it incredibly hard to get a quote for insurance. I want a rough estimate so i know how much to save but every site i have checked is for someone who already owns a car. If anyone has any good sites or references for my position it would be appreciated. thanks dudes XD""

Cheap Insurance for 16 driver??

I am looking for the cheapest insurance company for a 16 year old driver that can't go on any other persons policy. Can only go on individual policy!!!! Thanks for any ideas or companies

Cheapest & Best Auto/Motorcycle Insurance?

Can people please share what they think is the cheapest & best insurance? We currently have state farm & feel we're getting ripped off. We have 2 vehicles 93' Ford F150 (owned, no payments) 00' Chevy Cavalier (owned, no payments) 83' Honda Sabre(Motorcycle, owned, no payments) THANK YOU! Also, why do they ask for a SS# when you apply?Are there any companies who dont? I hope theyre not checking my credit score =( I'm trying to raise it!

Question About Car Insurance

I know that if you cancel your Car Insurance, or it lapses, the NC DMV will take your tag. BUT, Here is my situation. In order to get your license you have to have proof of insurance, And being i would be covered under my moms insurance, and Her car, What would happen if MY insurance lapsed... Basically, I cannot afford insurance, But i have to get some before i can drive, and i do not know how long i will be able to keep it, Would i loose my license if my insurance was canceled? or what would happen? What are the Penalties to driving Without Insurance?""

Good military discounts for car insurance?

My husband is a Marine, we recently bought a new car and we're looking for good car insurance, preferably with a military discount! Does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks!""

License suspended because of no insurance?

What happens after that? I live in California and I couldn't afford insurance then but now I can. Question is will i be able to get my license back if I get insurance immediately or will I have to reapply for a new one and pay back fines which add up daily?

Health insurance question?

Had COBRA insurance, terminating, looking for health insurance. One health insurance has turned me down. Am on SSDI and have a condition that needs outpatient surgery monthly. Anyone have any suggestions?""

Personal loan insurance?

Hi. Does anybody know how personal loan insurance works? I lost my job few weeks ago and can't afford to pay back my loan. I need to suspend it for about three months. The question is how do They solve it? will they cover whole instalment and I don't have to pay anything to my bank? Does interests increase?If they pay ex couple of times whole amount to bank as instalment will duration of loan stay the same?Will they also pay me anything due to I am staying home?Will I have to pay them back when all things get solved and ok?Have anybody had the same situation? It's Halifax insurance

Does a Dodge Dart have sports car insurance?

If i buy a dodge dart Rallye and it has the 1.4L turbo engine, will i have to pay for sports car insurance?I have statefarm..""

Is the discount rate for car insurance for students GPA cumulative?

I am in California and my semester GPA fell a little under 3.0 but my cumulative is still 3.0 will that affect my car insurance discount? And if so by how much?

How can I make the price to insure a classic car cost less?

1974 Ford Maverick.. my car isn't even worth much and each quote I get, it seems like people are just assuming, it's in perfect condition. It has descent gas mileage (considering it's age) it's always been reliable and I haven't had any accidents I also want to include my teen (who's learning to drive) in the coverage.""

Need to find a cheap and reliable first car whats the best things to look for in a car?

hi just passed my uk driving test yesterday and am looking to get a car but i really have no idea on what to get. my budget aint brilliant around 500 but i only need something small - cheap insurance wise- but reliable.. what sort of milage should i be looking for, what engine size, what cars are more reliable than others,what would be cheap insurance wise etc. ill be using the car on a daily basis to do school runs and shopping etc any help and ideas would be great. many thanks in advance!!""

If Medicaid is meant to be health insurance for low-income people.... then?

why do a lot of people have difficulty getting health insurance in America? Sincere question, please. I want to learn more about the health care system in my country.""

""If I report an auto insurance claim under my comprehensive, does it count against me?

Not sure whether to report an damage to my vehicle. I estimate the cost to be about $ 500.00 +. My deductable is $ 500.00. Any info will help :)

Used 2006 mustang v6 insurance for teens?

how much do you think insurance will be for a teen ages 16-17. (estimate) will it be cheap or expensive because it is used. and what if it is under the parent's plan? thank you

How can i get cheap/free health insurance?

i live in chicago and wanted to go to the doctors but my dad informed me i have no health insurance (only him. he is legally blind on public aid) im 20 and in college what can i do

Car insurance for a teen?

Hello, I am 16 years old looking for my first vehicle. I am wanting a diesel car so I can make it run on vegetable oil. However the car I am wanting is a volkswagon TDI. Which stands for turbocharged direct injection. And I know turbochargers affect your insurance greatly. So I look at different cars that can be ran off of veggie oil. And most of the are TDI. What do I do? Best answer gets 5 stars""

Need help with auto insurance!!!?

Hello everyone. I'm from Sacramento/Elk Grove, California. I'm currently insured with Bristol West Auto Insurance for the past 3 years. I'm planning to switch auto insurance because it's really really hard to get a hold of customer service. And when you do, (after 1 hour of holding) they'll put you on hold some more, or even tell you they'll call you back. Which they never will. My point is BW customer service is very very crappy. I need help choosing an auto insurance company that's reputable but yet affordable. Considering the fact that I have an SR22 on file, low rates is my main focus. The lower, the better. I'm planning to insure 4 vehicles (1 is temporary until car get smogged) and 3 drivers. We all have good driving record, inspite of my dropped DUI case. Three of the cars are years '91 and under. Mines is a '98. If anyone have any information (site/link/etc.) or knows any good auto insurance company, please do let me know. Thanks in advance and any input in greatly appreciated.""

How does life insurance for a baby work?

I am a teen mom. I am keeping my baby (please no rude comments, just answer the question.) I don't know how life insurance works though. And I don't know if I qualify for Medicare because my mother has a high income, but I on the other hand am not working, or making any kind of income. Please inform me on how I would get life insurance for my baby!""

I NEED HELP FLORIDA HOMEOWNERS im looking for a reasonable homeowner insurance rate.?

I just bought a house in Clearwater Florida and I am looking for a good rate. Can anyone help me? Do you have a Good plan on your home?

Do you have to buy insurance for your car?

Im planning to buy a 1968 Chrystler Newport. This will be my first car. I live in BC. What should I expect to have to pay monthly for insurance? or do I need to buy insurance at all for my car?

Which is the best medical insurance policy?

which is the best medical insurance policy in india..? i need a mediclaim policy for my Family(3 members). lic ,star health, icici or any other else..? please suggest me.""

How much will my car insurance cost for 16 year old girl in possibly a ford taurus?

I'm going to be 16 and obviously I'm a girl. I might end up driving a ford taurus. But it's not decided yet. I'm going to put on as a secondary on my car and them my moms dodge grand caravan and my dads dodge dakota. Secondary on all. How much will my insurance probably cost? Would it be smarter to just be a primary on my car and not even on anyone else's car or would it be smarter to just be a secondary on my car? Or a secondary on all? Thanks

Who is the cheapest car insurance in NC?

I am with nationwide, but want to change, I have a car and an suv with full coverage and renters insurance, bundled thur them, I am trying to see who is the out there that is lower in cost, my mom likes Gieco, but I see all the ads about progressive......who do you think?""

How much does the average person pay for health and dental insurance monthly?

How much does the average person pay for health and dental insurance monthly?

How much does car insurance cost?

Do you know how much does auto insurance cost if I am 24 years years old, just got my license, I am from New York City, I drive a 2001 Toyota Celica and I am not married. Where can I go to find out the best quote? What car insurance company is the best and cheapest? Thanks!""

WHAT COMPANY PROVIDE THE MOST AFFORDABLE CAR INSURANCE?

IM PAYING ABOUT 350 EVERY 6 MONTH I WAS WONDERING IF THERE MIGHT BE MORE AFFORDABLE CAR INSURANCE OUT THERE.

Best car insurance for new drivers?

My fiance and I pay about $200 for car insurance and thats just ppl. I just got my license, im eighteen. He has had his license for two years and he is twenty. We are paying car payments on a 2000 ford explorer and we need full coverage but its really not affordable. What is a really good car insurance company? Please and thank you!""

Cheapest & Best Auto/Motorcycle Insurance?

Can people please share what they think is the cheapest & best insurance? We currently have state farm & feel we're getting ripped off. We have 2 vehicles 93' Ford F150 (owned, no payments) 00' Chevy Cavalier (owned, no payments) 83' Honda Sabre(Motorcycle, owned, no payments) THANK YOU! Also, why do they ask for a SS# when you apply?Are there any companies who dont? I hope theyre not checking my credit score =( I'm trying to raise it!

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-much-insurance-bmw-3-series-sibylla-henderson"