#but at the same time how much more damage might she have prevented? we'll never know

[i-desire-jake]

First meet (part 1)

Characters: Jake and female Mc

Genre: Fluff and romance

Summary: Everything's over except Jake and mc love which is growing more and more day by day. So fate decides them to meet each other.

-Oh man... I don't feel like cooking today, and I'm so God damn bored.

You huffed while lying on your couch on the weekend day.

-what should I do you think, and then an idea pops on your mind.

-Yeah, I should disturb him a bit. You grin cheekily at your idea and then grab your phone to text your love.

Yeah you will text Jake. It's been around two and a half month since Hannah was found and MWAF was caught.

You thought that Jake would immediately cut contacts with you after the case was over, but that didn't happen. Instead you both still text till today.

You both have confessed your feelings towards each other and he has even promised you that one day you both would be together. Jake is not the shy person which you thought he would be. Instead he is confident enough and his boldness is enough for you to give you butterflies and to make your knees tremble.

            _____________________

YOU

Hey Jake:)

How is my baby?

Jake is now online

JAKE

Hey beautiful <3

I'm good what about you?

YOU

I'm bored Jake -_-

JAKE

Wanna have some fun? ;)

YOU

Ugh! You and your dirty mind

JAKE

Only for you beautiful ;)

YOU

Baby, I miss you so much.

I so desperately want to meet you.

I want to hug you. Kiss you like there's no tomorrow. I want to be with you forever.

When will you come....?

JAKE

Hey love, don't cry.

Jake hacked your camera and saw you through it.

I have a good news.

YOU

You are free😲😲?

When? Where ? Time?

JAKE

Uh.....

I'm not free.

My pursuers are still after me.

But now this will only last for a few more weeks. I have figured a way to get rid of them and I'll soon be with you love.

YOU

Oh! That's wonderful😁

Can you meet me, somewhere please??

You can come at my house today. After all you'll get free soon, so you can roam around a bit right?

JAKE

I'm sorry love, today I'm busy a bit. So I can't come.

YOU

Oh

JAKE

Hey, hey. Don't worry. I will plan something soon and I promise you I'll do my best.

YOU

Thank you so much Jake.

JAKE

:)

YOU Elephants are jumping inside my stomach. I gotta go and eat something.

JAKE

Hehe

Bye beautiful  <3

YOU

Talk to you later love.❤

Jake is offline

________________________

Uh...

I don't want to spend my day on the couch.

You think for a bit to what to do next.

-I'll go to the restaurant, and get a take out. Then I'll enjoy my time in the park.

I should even visit the new botique by the restaurant.

You take a shower, then rummage through your closet searching for something nice to wear.

You wear a knee length yellow floral dress paired with white sneakers and a small hair clip on your beautiful beach waves.

You take a mirror selfie and immediately send it your man.

The picture effortlessly highlights your curves and your beauty.

One would be lying if they said that you don't look pretty.

Jake is online

JAKE

If I would have been there, then you  wouldn't be able to get off from your bed for the whole day.

Your cheeks blushed reading his flirty text.

YOU

Oh, really! I'd like to see😉

JAKE

Don't mess with me babygirl or you'll regret.

YOU

Bye babe 😆

JAKE

You really leaving after turning me on. That's not fair.

Jake is offline

YOU

Everything is fair in war and love babe☺

________________

JAKE POV

-God, that girl is really making me nervous. He mumbled before deciding to order food for himself.

Tring Tring. Tring Tring.

-Great now. Their home delivery service is closed today.

-Ugh! I'm really craving Chinese today.

 I should get a take out and come back quickly.

He mumbled to himself then went to his laptop to check the condition of his pursuers.

-Wow, I'm really progressing quickly. I'll be free soon. I can't wait to meet Mc.

-I should surprise her today with an unexpected home visit.

But wait.

Ugh.

She was going somewhere today. Ufff. Then tomorrow. And that's final.

He dressed in his usual black hoodie and a plain denim jeans then went to Chinese to fulfill his hunger for food.

MC POV

Hmm... this dress looks sexy. I should buy this.

You giggle at yourself then buy all the dresses you like and head to your favourite restaurant.

-I'm so glad they have elevators here, or else I would have died walking up to the sixth floor to the restaurant.

You sigh, then go to the counter to order your food. You notice a strange man dressed in all black ordering food for almost four people.

- Looks like that man really like Chinese.

You mumble to yourself then go back to the counter to pay for your food.

JAKE POV

- $120

-Sure, here.

He pays for his food in cash then start going back to the exit.

" Stairs under construction. Please use the elevator. Sorry for inconvenience. ⛑⛑"

- what the fuck!

Ugh..... Now I have to use the lifts.

Jake covers his head with his hoodie then enters the elevator with his head down.

He presses the the button for ground floor then wait for the elevator door to close. But before it could close completely, a woman sticks her shoes in between the doors the prevent it from closing.

Jake looks to up to see the person and gets shocked as hell when she enters the elevator and stands beside him.

MC POV

After paying for the food you rushes to the exit when you saw that the doors of lift were about to close.

Yiu stick your shoes there, then enters the little room.

"Thank God I entered on time or else I would have to wait for more ten minutes "

You glance on your side and saw the same hoodie man staring at you with wide eyes.

What's up with him. You think in your mind.

" I know I'm beautiful, mister. But if you would stare at me with that wide eyes then it may pop out"

You joke at the man who now seems embarrassed at his actions.

He clears his throat then look away. But his gaze is still on you. He observes your every movement like he adores you the most.

After a few minutes you notice that the elevator is going down really slowly. You must have reached down till now but you were still moving from 5th to the 4th floor.

- "isn't this lift to- aaahhhhhhh!"

You screamed loudly when the elevator started shaking rapidly and the lights were flickering on and off.

There was a loud thud on the roof of the elevator and you fell directly on the man beside you. If he wouldn't have hold you, you would have crashed your head roughly against the wall.

The lights went off and the room became dark. You started shivering with fear while still clinging to the man. He embraced you and patted your head a few times to calm you down. Minutes passed and then the  light came back.

You came back to your senses when you saw that you were hugging the stranger.

You immediately pulled back blushing and mumbling apologise

- "I....I'm so-....sorry"

- "It's okay beautiful" the man said with a smirk after seeing you blushing and stuttering

JAKE POV

Mc fell on me when the elevator crashed and started shivering. She really is a cute tiny little thing. Jake thought in his mind

When Mc let go off him, he saw that she was blushing like a tomato.

Wow, she looks so cute. I should tease her and see her reaction to a stranger flirting with her.

- "It's okay beautiful" I said after her stuttering apologies.

She blushed even more but then pulled herself together and said

- "Yeah, don't call me that"

- "Why not? You're beautiful so I can call you" I said smirking.

- "Uh....I should press the alarm button because we are stuck"

She pressed the alarm button a few times but it didn't work.

- "look what's written over there. It says the alarm is out of use. You should call that number which is given below it" I said pointing at the number.

I had no intention of staying in the lift forever, but if it's with my love then I can have second thoughts.

I took the phone out from my pocket then started disabling the cameras in the lift. I have already disabled the restaurant's camera before coming but not of the elevators. It's because, I never use lifts to change floors as they are too risky. But I was forced to use it today because the stairs were damaged.

I was in my own thoughts when I heard Mc yelling at someone on the phone

- "Yeah, what do you mean by 3-4 hours? You want us to die inside? I'll report you then you'll lose your fucking license. What kind of service do-"

Before she could shout more and make the situation worse, I snatched her phone away from her then spoke in a different voice "take your time but don't take too long or else we'll might suffocate here. Yeah thank you and please hurry"

I said to the manager then hung up the call returning her phone back.

- "Great. Now we are stuck here for an eternity"

She said in an irritating voice.

I should annoy and tease her more, I thought to myself then proceeded to my actions.

- "why are you worrying babe? You are here with a handsome man like me. Trust me I won't let you feel bored." I said in a flirty tone.

- "Stop calling me with those names. And handsome? Haha I've never heard a better joke. You look like an alien" She said 

*Mc in her mind- btw, he is really very handsome. Uh don't think like that for him*

- "What? alien? Me? I'm offended babe. But you can't do anything cause you are stuck here with me now"

I said, then took off my hoodie revealing me only in my navy blue tshirt.

MC POV

After his heavy flirting, he took off his hoodie showing him only in his thin tshirt.

You couldn't take your eyes off him. He was muscular and well built.

*Wow he's really something. Ugh stop drooling over her Mc. You have your Jake so no other men. But God he really depicts as I imagined Jake. Ocean blue eyes, shiny black hair and so nice-*" you were interrupted out of your thoughts when he again started flirting with you.

- " Stop staring at me, I know I'm handsome and hot but if you will open your eyes that wide then it will pop out" He said mimicking your previous words.

You cleared your throat and looked away saying " why did you removed your hoodie?"

- " Because it's too hot in here."

He said taking a step towards you.

- "yeah, wh-what do you think you're do-doing ?"

You stutterd at him backing off a bit.

Seeing you going back, he smirked and again took a few steps towards you until your back was pressed against the wall.

He put both of his hands beside your head and leaned a bit towards your face saying.

- "Are you scared babe? I won't do anything............without your permission "

You didn't utter a single word because you were completely shocked. Not by his actions but by yourself. You thought only Jake could make you blush and give you butterflies in your stomach with his flirty texts. But here this complete stranger is making you feel nervous as hell and you were blushing like a tomato.

- "Do you want to be my girlfriend? I promise I won't disappoint" He said leaning a bit more forward. Your faces were now only a few inches apart. He tucked a strand of your hair behind your ear seeing your reaction. Your whole body got an electric shock just with a simple touch of his.

"*No, this is wrong. I only want Jake and no one else.*" You thought to yourself and then pushed him away from you.

- "Stay away from me, you pervert. And don't touch me. And for the record, I already have a boyfriend."

He knew well that you were talking about him but how little did you know that your love was this close to you.

- "Oh really?"

- "Yes really" you said.

- "Don't worry babe. I'm sure he won't mind if you'd flirt with me. In fact he would be happy" He said making you confused.

- "Oh yeah? You don't know who he is. And if I'd tell him that there was an alien harassing me in the elevator, he won't spare you."

- "Why? is he a police or a psycho who would kill me?" He asked amused.

- "Trust me he's not a police but he's much more powerful than them. And he's not psycho. So mind your own business and fuck off."

You said to him visibly angry. You can't control yourself when someone bad mouthed him.

- "Hmm.. looks like you really like him"

- "No. I love him"

He let out a happy chuckle then said "Now your boyfriend will say you to kiss me"

He turned around from your side then started doing something.

You ignored him, then took out your phone for time pass.

You saw Jake was online so you immediately went to his chat.

YOU

Hey babe :)

JAKE

Hi beautiful. <3

I'm offended.

YOU

Why? Did I do something wrong?

JAKE

You didn't kiss him.

YOU

Huh, what??

You glance at the man who was still busy with his phone.

JAKE

I love you too.

Then your phone started ringing. It was Jake. He never called you before, not after the case was over.

You quickly received the call.

- "Hello. Jake?"

Silence.....

The man beside you turned around with the phone pressed against his ear.

- "I love you too, beautiful"

The man said and the same voice you heard in your phone.

You were dumbfounded and shocked.

- "You know you look so pretty in real life. And you're so cute. Especially with that angry expression of yours."

Jake or the man in front of you whom you considerd stranger till now said to you in a sweet voice making you completely shocked.

A/N : okay, so I don't know how I feel about this. I think something's missing but I can't figure out what it is. So if you find any mistakes please tell me. I'll try to improve it next time. There will be one or two more part after this.

[khoicesbyk]

Beloved.

A/N: I'm officially obsessed with Wolf Bride and what does one do when she's obsessed with a certain book? She writes an AU about it! 😁 So, Talley Ho! *in my Sherlock Holmes voice*

Rated: Mature. | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual from me. 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: Roman (LI) and Naia Evans (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 4,040 words. (more or less. I stop counting after editing and re-editing. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

Song And Story Inspiration: Bittersweet-After 7

Tag List: @shewillreadyou @rideordiechronicles @pixie88 @txemrn @lucy-268 @shannonsaid @shannonwrote @bebepac @imturaxamara @blackkingliamstan @queenjilian @secretaryunpaid @ridgy--didge @theworldofprompts @choicesficwriterscreations

This series is rated Mature. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

This series may contain spoilers. If you wish not to see spoilers, please do not read any further.

Prompt Time! Today I’ll be using @theworldofprompts prompt “What do you want me to do, dress in drag and do the hula?” it'll be in bold in black. Also I know that I can’t be the only one who’s excited that they picked the greatest Disney movie one-liner as a prompt.

(Also this series is a slight deviation of the original story. In the original story, the werewolf hunter is a woman. But in this series the hunter is a man.)

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or dm me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

A/N 2: I had a time writing this chapter. Writers block and all out forgetfulness is a bitch! But I did it! *pats self on the back*

TW: paranormal activity. Communication with the dead. Reader Discretion Is STRONGLY ADVISED.

Chapter 22.) Reflection.

It′s crazy how you flaunt your passion.

When you let meaning of them worth take over you.

You stare into my soul like that.

Makes me wonder when you ain't get by the side of me.

It′s pain and pleasure.

To love someone so.

So much you, you hate them.

Push me over the edge then.

To go catch you, your love is.

It's bittersweet.

(What you want from me, want, want)

I build you up, then knock you down.

It's bittersweet.

(What you want from me, want, want)

You stay quiet and I get loud.

It′s bittersweet.

It had been 3 days since Naia was rushed to the hospital because of Wolfbane being in her system. Her parents, especially her mother, were both distraught and furious that their daughter had gotten herself caught up in the tireless war between The Pack and The Knights Of Ossory. Those three days felt like years to them. Both took turns sitting vigil over their daughter.

The only saving grace was that her condition hadn't changed. It hadn't gotten better but Laurie and Shane were thankful it hadn't worsened. They just wanted her to open her eyes. Laurie needed her daughter to wake up. She had to hear her voice again. And every moment that she didn't the more she went crazy. Laurie would just sit at Naia’s bedside holding onto her hand and pray Naia would squeeze her hand. The agony of waiting was going to kill her.

“Anything?” her husband asked as he entered the room with coffee in hand.

Laurie just shook her head no.

“It'll happen, baby. It has to. She'll wake up and we'll be able to breathe again.”

She never said a word to him. She just held onto Naia’s hand as Shane set the cup of coffee he brought her down. Laurie's eyes were red and puffy and her face was a mess. She blamed The Pack and The Knights Of Ossory but mostly she blamed herself. She swore to protect her daughter from all of this. To prevent her from going through the hell she went through over 30 years ago. And feels like she failed. A pain no mother wants to go through.

Laurie rubbed Naia’s knuckle silently, willing their daughter to wake up.

“Have you eaten baby?”

Laurie shook her head no.

“You should go eat something baby.”

“I don't want food. I want our daughter. I want her to wake up now.”

Shane sat beside her and placed his hand over hers.

“I know, baby. I want that too. I need it. You need it. But it's not good for you not to eat something.”

“I can't leave her! What if she wakes up and I'm not here?! I have to be here!”

Her frantic tone worried Shane.

“Baby listen to me! You need to go eat something. I'll be right here. I will watch over her. If anything happens I swear to you that I will tell you immediately.”

“But Shane—”

“No buts! Go eat something. Now! I won't let anything happen to her. I swear that on my life.”

Laurie looked at him before getting up and going to the door. When she looked back towards Naia, Shane smiled softly at her.

“It's okay baby, I'll keep her safe.”

Laurie nodded sadly before walking out the door.

Shane turned his attention back to their daughter, his worry, resentment, rage, sorrow, protectiveness, and anxiety all on high. His little girl. His flesh and blood. She hadn't moved or spoken since he last saw her. He was thankful for the hospital staff. They were able to get her allergic reaction to Wolfbane under control but she was still unconscious. None of the meds she was on seemed to be working.

It′s so easy to listen.

When your tongue is an innocent prisoner of war oh yeah.

And it might bе wrong but we never еnd that.

Damage is done, always pain and pleasure.

To love someone so.

So much you hate them.

Push me over the edge then.

To go catch you, your love is.

It's bittersweet.

(What you want from me, want, want)

I build you up, then knock you down.

It′s bittersweet.

(What you want from me, want, want)

You stay quiet and I get loud.

It's bittersweet.

It didn't take Laurie long to come back from the cafeteria. When Shane looked up she walked in with food for them both.

“I'm not the only one who needed to eat.”

Shane smiled softly as she handed him a sandwich.

“Still nothing?”

“Still no change. But I'm not giving up.”

Laurie smiled at her husband's resolve. They sat together and ate their food in silence. Their eyes went from Naia to the IV drip machine she was hooked up to.

“Don't worry baby. Our girl will wake up.”

“I know she will. She has to. And when she does…we have to tell her the truth.”

Shane looked at his wife confused.

“Are you sure? Are you sure you’re ready to do that?”

“Look at her Shane! She wouldn't be here, hell we wouldn't even be here if she knew the truth. It's time. So when she wakes up and is lucid enough to hear it we'll tell her everything.”

Shane took his wife's hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze.

“Okay. If you’re ready and you're sure. Then I am too.”

Laurie offered him a small smile.

Yeah I know you know me.

That′s why you the only one can push my buttons.

Sometimes it's like you speak another language.

Got me like adios buenas noches baby.

Oh it′s pain and pleasure.

To love someone so.

So much you hate them.

Push me over the edge then.

To go catch you, your love is.

It′s bittersweet.

(What you want from me, want, want)

I build you up, then knock you down.

It′s bittersweet.

(What you want from me, want, want)

You stay quiet and I get loud.

It's bittersweet.

(What you want from me, want, want)

I build you up, then knock you down.

It′s bittersweet.

(What you want from me, want, want)

You stay quiet and I get loud.

It's always bittersweet.

While her body was still, Naia was subconsciously awake.

“Naia…”

Naia slowly opened her eyes, and looked around frantically and confusedly. She couldn't see anything or anyone.

“What? Where am I?”

That's when she heard a woman's voice.

“I've been waiting to meet you.”

When Naia turned around she saw a figure she didn't recognize.

“Who’s there? Who are you? What is this place?”

The figure in front of her soon materialized into an elderly black woman. One that she recognized.

“Oh…my…God! You’re…you're…Delia?”

She smiled at Naia.

“Hello, my dear. It's wonderful to finally meet you.”

Naia’s jaw dropped.

“But how?!”

“I thought you…you died a long time ago!”

“I did. 3 years ago.”

“Wait! Am I dead?”

Delia laughed softly.

“No dear, you’re not dead. You are in the world between worlds.”

Naia blinked in realization.

“I was here with Roman. Where is he?! Is he hurt?! Did Trent shoot him?!”

Delia placed a calming hand on Naia’s shoulder.

“All will be revealed shortly. I promise.”

Naia took a shaky breath then nodded.

“Now come sit with me. We have much to discuss.”

Naia followed Delia to a bench that appeared out of nowhere. When they sat down Delia cocked her head to the side at Naia curiously. Making her feel super awkward.

“Is there something on my face?”

“No. I’m just curious about you. You’re as beautiful as I imagined you’d be.”

Naia couldn’t keep the blush from creeping up on her face.

“A ghost just called me beautiful. I must be hallucinating.”

Delia chuckled.

“You said we had much to discuss. What are we discussing?”

“You, my dear. Your connection to the town, the people, and especially Roman.”

“I mean I’ve been in town for a few months. I don’t know anyone outside of my uncle Trent and the Pack.”

Delia nods.

“And what are your impressions of them so far?”

Naia chewed the inside of her cheek.

“Can I be honest with you?”

“Of course dear. That’s why we are here.”

“I understand why my mom doesn’t want me around Roman. Because to be honest, he’s terrifying. But at the same time…I can’t stay away from him. I can’t get enough of him. He makes me feel safe. And loved. And wanted. And I…”

“Yes?”

“I care about him. A lot. But I don't know if I'm ready to give up my life for him. I don't know if I'm ready to be his mate.”

Deli nodded.

“It is a lot to ask of a young woman. I would know.”

“How did you decide Delia? Or was it decided for you?”

Delia chuckles softly.

“It wasn’t my intent to be Xander’s mate when I first came to Hunt’s Peak.”

Naia blinked in confusion.

“You’re not from Hunt’s Peak?”

“No. Originally from the Pittsburgh area.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“I grew up in foster care so it wasn’t like many had missed me when I left.”

“So what brought you to Hunt’s Peak?”

“I was hired as a 5th teacher. I loved my job. Teaching children became my passion.”

“And how did you meet Xander?”

“I’ve always been a Wolfkin and I knew it was my destiny to become the mate to a member of The Pack but I never thought I would be Xander’s mate. But to answer your question, I was walking along the creek when I saw him and his father Ferdinand. We were smitten at first sight.”

“Oh…did his father accept you?”

“Yes, he did. And after some convincing so did his mother Cecilia.”

“When did Xander become Alpha?”

“Shortly after we met. Maybe 6 months or so.”

“Is that when you became his mate?”

“Yes. He courted me until he became Alpha.”

“Courted how?”

Delia smiled as if lost in a memory.

“He would come by the school. Regale my students in wild tales of werewolves as knights and kings and sorceresses and sorcerers. That sort of thing. But the biggest thing he did for me, was he planted a single night flower and let it blossom into a field full of them.”

“Sounds like he was a romantic at heart.”

“He used to be but when he became Alpha, responsibility and obligation replaced flowers and romance.”

“Was it hard?”

“No. Not at first. I always understood my role as The Alpha’s mate. And I cherished it. Becoming a sort of Den Mother gave me a purpose.”

“What changed?”

Delia looked at Naia with a new curiosity.

“He met your mother.”

Naia swallowed.

“Mommy told me how she met him.”

“I remember that. I remember when he told her no at first. I was furious at him. So I not so subtly encouraged him to reconsider not protecting her and your uncle.”

“Why did you do that?”

“Your mother was a child at the time. And your uncle couldn’t protect her as he should have. Only Xander and The Pack could do that.”

“She also told me about the day he offered her The Pack’s protection.”

“I remember when Xander told me about Bobby Giles threatening her. He was furious and I was disgusted. But we both knew that he couldn't just charge into town and rid it of him. Well, he could but it wasn't in his nature at the time. So he sent a few wolves in their human forms to investigate.”

“She told me that too. And the time that Bobby pulled a gun out on Xander.”

Delia snickered.

“The fool. He believed that his gun would scare Xander. But he learned the hard way that day.”

Naia shifted in her seat.

“Mommy showed me the necklace that Xander gave her.”

“I know about that. He gave it to her on her 18th birthday.”

“She also said that she was bonded to him.”

“She's right. She was bonded to him until he died.”

“Are you angry about that?”

Delia went quiet

“To be honest, I was very angry with her. Jaded and bitter even. But I realized after she left that my anger was misplaced.”

“Misplaced how?”

“After she left I found out that Xander was telling her that she was to be his new mate. And at that time your mother was a young impressionable girl.”

“He was manipulating her?”

“Yes, he played with her heart and preyed on it.”

“My God. Why did you stay with him for so long?”

“I was bound by Pack Law to stay with my mate until his death.”

Naia shuddered.

“Will that happen to me?”

“If you choose to be Roman’s mate you are bound by Pack Law to be at his side until his death.”

��Well, that explains what my mom said about you and Xander being married on paper.”

Delia nodded.

“If I was the mate of any other Pack member I could leave. But I was Xander’s mate. As was your mother. As yet…”

“She ran away.”

“Yes.”

“Can you tell me about Xander?”

“What would you like to know?”

“What did he look like?”

Delia waves a hand and a picture of Xander materialized in front of them.

“Whoa…”

“That is Xander in all his glory.”

“He and Roman look just alike.”

Delia smiled softly.

“Yes. He has his father's looks and stubbornness but he also has my heart.”

“Will I meet Xander?”

“No my dear. You won't.”

“Crisis averted.”

“So, will you be Roman’s mate or will you go back to your life as a human woman?”

Just as Naia was about to speak another panel appeared in front of her and Delia.

“What's this?”

“Roman. He's trying to connect to you through your bond. We are about to look at life through his eyes. These panels that appear are what life is like.”

“Why can’t he connect with me?”

Instead of responding, Delia put a finger to her lips then pointed to the panel. When Naia looked at the panel she was transported into Roman’s mind.

She and Delia were looking at a memory of them.

She had convinced Layla to let her turn Buck’s into a mini-movie theater for the pups and their parents. To give them something fun to do. When Roman heard about it he was both curious and thrilled. The girls decided on watching Lion King. With Gino and popcorn in hand, Naia snuggled next to Roman.

“So this movie is about…cats?”

“The circle of life. And lions.”

“…lions are cats are they not?”

Naia shook her head at the memory before turning to Delia.

“I remember this.”

“Do you?”

“Yes. It was the day I learned that your son doesn’t like my impressions.”

Delia chuckled. They turned back to the memory and as they did, they came upon Naia’s impression of one of her favorite scenes in the movie.

“Hyenas. I hate hyenas. So what’s your plan for getting past those guys?”

“Live bait.”

“Good idea!…hey!”

“Come on Timon, you guys have to create a diversion.”

“What do you want me to do? Dress in drag and do the hula?”

Roman groaned.

“Are you going to be like this the rest of the movie?”

“What? Gino likes my impression. You don’t like my impression?”

“…no.”

“Everyone’s a damn critic.”

Roman rolled his eyes. But he would soon find out which scene is her favorite scene in the whole movie.

“Hey! Who’s the pig?”

“Are you talking to me?”

“Uh oh! Did he call him a pig?”

“Are you talking to me?”

“Shouldn’t have done that!”

“Are you talking to me?!”

“Now they’re in for it!”

“They call me: Mr. Pig!”

And just as she got Pumbaa’s yell Roman clamped a hand to her mouth.

“Beloved…how am I to enjoy this movie you’ve chosen with your incessant talking?”

Naia just giggled as the panel changed to a more recent memory. One that Naia didn’t recognize.

“My…room?”

“Yes, my dear. This was just a few days ago.”

“But I don’t remember this.”

“Because you aren’t there.”

“What?! What do you mean?”

Delia pointed to the panel as it showed Roman walking into her room. He looked distraught as he looked around. Naia could feel his anguish in her chest. When his eyes fell on Gino sitting on the bed, she felt tears on her cheek as he held Gino close to his chest.

“I don’t understand.”

“The one he considers to be his mate is missing.”

“His mate? You mean me?”

“Yes, my dear.”

“But why is he looking for me?”

“Because your bond with him is disrupted. He’s trying to reconnect with you.”

“But why?”

Delia turned back to the panel as it showed Roman in wolf form curled up on her bed with Gino under his jaw. She felt his agony and his pain as well as his longing as he whimpered. He was missing her. He was needing her. Her presence. Her smile. Her laugh. It broke her heart. She stood up shouting to the panel.

“Roman! Roman! I'm here! I'm right here!”

Delia put a hand on her shoulder.

“He can't hear you. This is only a vision of what has already been.”

Naia turned to Delia with pleading in her eyes.

“You said that he couldn’t connect to me, why can’t he connect to me?”

With a wave of a hand another panel appeared. This one showed Naia lying in a hospital bed hooked up to an IV with her mother at her side.

“I–I–I…it can’t be! You said I wasn’t dead!”

“You aren’t Naia. You’ve been injected with Wolfbane. It’s a toxin that can be deadly but thankfully you were taken to the hospital in time to save you.”

“Injected?! How?!”

“You don’t remember?”

Naia stood there confused until it hit her.

“The tranquilizer dart! The one that Trent was using! Am I right?”

Delia nodded.

“If I’m on an IV then why haven’t I woken up?”

“Because the spirits aren’t ready for you to wake up yet.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

Delia looked at Naia.

“Answer this. Why do you think you’re here?”

Naia didn't know how to answer that question.

“I don't know.”

As soon as those words left her mouth another panel appeared. This one was of Trent after he left the hospital. He was in his boss’s office going off about Wolfbane.

“What is wrong with you Moses?!”

“The tranquilizer! You said it was harmless!”

“It is harmless! It effects those beasts and their ability to shift!”

“What about humans?”

“It doesn’t effect humans!”

Trent eyed him with an intense yet calm fury.

“What is Wolfbane?”

Bernard blinked in confusion.

“Where did you hear that name?”

“Answer the question!”

“It’s the name of the tranquilizer. It doesn’t effect humans.”

“Yes it does.”

“No it does not!”

Trent pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Naia was hit by one of the tranquilizer darts.”

“The young woman you brought here the other day?”

“Yes. She collapsed after being hit and is now in the hospital fighting for her life. According to her mother Wolfbane is a poison that you and Xander created.”

Bernard looked at Trent genuinely confused.

“Her mother?”

“I didn't stutter.”

“What was her last name again?”

“Evans.”

“I knew someone with that last name but it was a he not a she.”

“Probably her dad. Her mother’s maiden name is Roberts.”

Bernard’s face lit up.

“Roberts? As in Laurie Roberts? Zane Roberts sister?”

“Yes.”

“I knew that girl looked familiar!”

“What are you talking about?”

“I know her mother. Which means Xander was right. She did run off with Evans. I can’t believe she finally came back home.”

“Is what her mother said true? That you created this with Xander?”

“Yes it is but he took it too far. It wasn’t designed to be lethal. I tried to stop him but you can see what good it did.”

“So Xander truly was a monster?”

“Ohhh yes my boy. A monster indeed.”

As she watched with Delia, Naia wasn’t entirely convinced that Bernard was totally innocent.

“I don’t like him. I don’t trust him.”

“That’s Bernard Sayre for you.”

“Has he always been this way?”

“Oh yes. Even when I was amongst the living he and especially his motives were always questionable.”

“Why does the town let him do what he does?”

“Only the town can answer that.”

“I guess…”

The panel showed Trent in his cabin sitting on his couch with a bottle in his hand. Naia could feel his guilt and shame as well as his anger. His anger at his boss and anger at himself. He didn’t mean to hurt her. She just came out of nowhere. By the time he pulled the trigger it was too late. He didn't see her at first but when she dropped to the ground his heart dropped when she did. He wanted to be there at the hospital with her. To tell her how sorry he was. How much she means to him. How he wishes he could take it all back.

But at that moment he couldn't. All he could do was wallow in his festering grief and simmering anger. The same as Roman. This war had taken away a lot for both of them but this was the final straw. Trent wasn't about to lose to Roman again. And Roman had finally had enough of Trent being a thorn in his side. Both had subconsciously decided that this was an all-out war.

All of it broke Naia.

“They aren't serious are they?”

“Yes. Both are hurt and angry. Both at themselves and each other.”

“But I don't want this! I don't want them fighting!”

“Then you've found your reason for being here.”

“What do you mean?”

“You asked me why you were brought here. My dear, you were brought here to heal what is broken.”

“You mean Roman and Trent?”

“And your family. Your mother, especially.”

“Mommy?”

“Yes. She is hurting. And angry. And confused. And you are the key to healing her wounds. And theirs.”

Naia nodded.

“How do I do that?”

“You can start by answering your mother’s prayer.”

Delia turned back to the panel that showed Laurie. When Naia looked up, her mother was holding the necklace that Xander gave her. She looking out of the window to the moon in the sky.

“Spirits of the earth,

I don't know if you can hear me or that I even have the right to ask this. But I come to you with a simple prayer. I ask you to heal my daughter. She doesn't deserve to be here. She doesn't deserve this. She's innocent. If you're angry with me for abandoning The Pack and my duties as Xander’s mate I understand. But I beg you! Don't make my daughter suffer because of me. I beg you, please bring her back to me. Let her eyes open again. Let her speak again. I just want my little girl back. I need her back. Please! Heal her.”

Delia turned to Naia with a question.

“Now that you know your purpose, are you ready my dear?”

“Yes. I am ready to heal all that is broken.”

Delia waved her hand and the panels disappeared. They were replaced by a doorway.

“Then go. Your mother is waiting for you.”

“Thank you, Delia.”

Delia smiled at her.

“You're welcome, my dear. Tell my son that I miss him and that I love him and that I'm sorry.”

Naia smiled at her.

“I will.”

Naia stepped through the doorway and was transported back to her hospital room, just as her mother finished praying. She had moved her head slightly which both startled and excited Laurie.

“Naia? Naia baby are you awake?”

Naia’s eyes fluttered open and when she spoke her voice was weak.

“Mommy…”

Laurie had tears in her eyes.

“I'm here baby. I'm right here.”

Laurie was overcome with joy and relief.

“You came back to me!”

“I missed you, mommy.”

“I missed you too, baby girl.”

“We…have…much…to…talk…about.”

Laurie nodded resolutely.

“Yes, we do. It's time for you to know the true reason why I left.”

[todomochi-uwu]

Hero laws

Pairing: Izuku Midoriya x reader

Warnings: Angst

Author's notes: please bare with me on this one, kind of a civil war vibe but not

"Saving people here or in another country is the same, right?"

[[MORE]]

"This is fucking outrageous!" Bakugou's hands slammed against the black table. 

"Please Ground Zero, remain silent until we're done, then you'll be able to express your opinions," Iida said while giving him a reprimanding look. "As you may have noticed the last few years the number of possible villain threats have increased in a significant manner, terrorist attacks every week, new quirks more powerful ones have been appearing all over the place and we can't seem to connect the dots, possible because the source isn't just a single gang, no. We are keeping trace of more than fifteen different ones. Now, having to stop them has been taking a toll on not only us but the entire population, the secondary effects and repercussions are harming more people than we save, so to prevent this from happening we have decided a plan." Iida turned to the whiteboard and passed to the next slide.

"So basically you are telling us that from now once the government will be restricting us." Shinsou intervened.

"This isn't me at to be an obstacle, more of a way to protect the citizens from the possible scenarios that may come. You may think this is taking your freedom away but look it from a citizen perspective, we may be able to protect ourselves most of the time, but them? How are we supposed to protect all of them when we are blowing up things all over the place." Behind Iida a video of Bakugou fighting began projecting, people running away to seek refuge, others frighten in fear, explosions all over the place as he attempted to defeat a villain.

"Oh excuse me, do you have any fucking idea I got hard is to stop a fucking guy who keeps fucking with your mind every two fucking seconds? That's one of the hardest battles I've ever had and I still managed to do my job, restricting me by telling me what amount of my power can be used around the rest of the people in fear of not hurting them would end up with them dead!" 

"Each of your powers will have a different policy, I've managed to make a deal with the governor into letting us test your quirks, seeing the amount of damage they make cause and what are better ways to used them and in which terrains and types las quirks they are better against to." 

"So basically heroes like Ground Zero, Shoto, Chargebolt would be super restricted while ours would be left off with a warning," Uraraka said.

"Well not exactly, all of us are capable of damage in some way, that's what we'll be supervising, this plan is designed for every hero of the nation, no matter how small or big they are, short or long-distance capacity all of us will be tested." 

"And what if we say no?" Todoroki raised the question.

"This isn't meant to restring you as heroes, is just to protect the citizens. I'll let you guys talk about this and think it over." Iida took his things and before walking out the door he said, "but just know that if you refuse to do this, you will no longer be able to be a hero on this nation. 

The room was completely silent, grim covered everyone's faces, having no absolutely clue what to do. 

"How about we hear the hero of the symbol of peace, Deku please," Shouto said.

Izuku remained silent for a second, "It wouldn't hurt trying, I mean at the end of the day we would be saving people, right?" He was doubtful, not fully convinced of what he just said. 

"Common you can't believe that bullshit! Saving people by not using our quirks in the proper way? Aizawa took three years to teach us all we know and now we are doing this? Villains will not contain! But we have to?!" 

"Bakugou please, let's discuss this." Kirishima grabbed his hand.

"If they take our hero license here, it doesn't mean we can't be heroes in other places, right?" Mina asked. 

We all looked at her with wide eyes, fuck, she was right. 

"Why would you think about that?" Kirishima looked at her worried.

"I mean guys, common don't tell me no one else thought of this possibility, this isn't the only place where we are required, saving people or saving people in another country is the same, I'm tired of always coming in here and they yelling at me for the damage as if they have done something to stop the villains. I feel bad for wanting to leave, but in the end, I know that's what I need. You are with me, right y/n?

All eyes turned to you, your eyes couldn't look up having to look at Izuku would break you, "I didn't think it would have to come to this, but we can't disregard that we may have to take that option. Leaving might not be the worst thing." 

Everyone remained silent for a few minutes taking in the news they had just received, desperate to know what to do because quitting wasn't one of the options. You could look around and saw their conflicted faces, but one thing was certain not everyone I this room would accept the new hero laws, a rupture was coming along and you fear you would end in the wrong end. But your heart told what was right and you were loyal to that.

"So who's going to be the first one to make a decision?" Tokoyami's voice trembled, sending shivers down your spine. 

"I'm staying." Izuku said in a firm voice, "For the people." 

Todoroki was next, "For the people." 

With that came along Uraraka's, Kirishima's Tsuyu's confirmation. There was still two-thirds of the room to make up their minds if they haven't yet. 

You felt Bakugou's look burning on you, you knew he wanted to leave too but was just as scared as you were. You gave him a small nod that he reciprocated. 

"As the number two hero in Japan, I now will be quitting and leaving my position from this country, no longer belonging to Japan's hero league." You saw him taking his hero batch before leaving it on the table, he looked into Kirishima's eyes before saying, "I'm sorry, Ei."

"Bakugou!" Kirishima tried stopping him, but Uraraka stopped him, there was nothing left to do, Bakugou wasn't changing his mind. 

Shinsou sighed and stood up, "There's no point in prolonging this, Bakugou's right Aizawa didn't spend all that time training me for someone to tell me how to use my quirk as if they know it better than me. I, hero Brainwasher, will be leaving my duties in this country, also leaving the hero league." His hero batch now on the table. 

Denki and Mina were next, Momo taking her hand and following her. With now half of the heroes gone the tension was beginning to increase, and you couldn't bear it anymore, so you stood up. 

"I..." Your voice trembled and some tears came out, "Hero Supernova, will be..." 

"No!" Izuku jumped from his seat, his eyes opened wide full of tears about to spill and cheeks bright red. 

"I'm sorry, Izu." You whispered, before taking your batch a placing it on the table, "I will be quitting from my position and leaving the hero league." You tried taking a quick leave, but Izuku took you into his hands "Please think of what you are about to do, I'm sure we can come up with a solution, but giving up isn't the answer." 

You took his face in between your hands and gave him a small peck on the lips, "I'm not giving up, I promise. I'm just going with what feels right. Oh, Izu, I wish things were not like this, but I guess it can't be helped. Please continue being you, you are already so much more than All Might, you are Deku." You gave him one last kiss before finally escaping the room.

Your back against the wall, your opened wide in disbelief and a hand covering your mouth preventing any sobs from coming out, your breathing was heavy and irregular, your body trembled and your legs gave in turning you into a mess on the floor. 

When you first walk into that door you didn't think it would end up like this, never like this. 

[etlunainmorte]

***

Rubble. And debris. And destruction.

Every place their eyes landed, there's nothing but the cold and harsh reality of the complete and utter destruction of the one place they called home. Despite the fact that they hardly called it that due to its,... unnatural and chaotic nature.

And now,... there's no more unnatural, or even chaotic, place called home.

Devil May Cry,... was destroyed. Reduced to a pitiable pile of smithereens.

And Dante, the son of Sparda, and the Legendary Devil Hunter, couldn't blame anyone else for the unfortunate occurrence other than the other person who survived the sudden assault.

The man,... who was standing next to him.

"HEY! WHAT DO YA THINK YE'RE DOIN'?!" A very curious - looking demonic bird with glowing blue feathers screeched at the Devil Hunter, who grabbed his Master's lapels and almost lifted the poor man off the ground.

"This is your fault, V!" Dante howled.

"And how is this," The man called V wheezed as he grabbed Dante's hand, trying to get the larger man off him. " ... my fault?!"

"You shouldn't have broken her heart! Now, look what happened to the shop!" Dante let go of the helpless V as he scanned the area for any piece of furniture that survived the onslaught. "Freaking Elves,... hey!" The man called, trying to get the attention of the one Elf who saved them from the attack. "Where do ya think you're going? You're just leaving us here after what happened?"

The Elf in question turned towards the men, her blue eyes full of scrutiny and disgust. "I have saved you, lowly mortals, from your own demise, and yet you mock my own kind?!" She glanced at V and gave him a look of utter hatred. "And my own sister, the future Queen of our land, falling for the likes of you?! You, who will perish of old age or wilt of illness? You, who are loyal only to the desires of your own flesh?

"You, a mortal who stooped so low as to make a pact with,... Demons?" The Elf emphasized the word as if she was disgusted with the mere mention of such Underworld beings, and this offended the demonic familiar so much that V has to summon him back to prevent even more conflict with her. "How,... shameful!" She turned once more and walked away from both Dante and V.

"Hey, hey, hey, lady!" Dante, who easily caught up with her, stopped the Elf, grabbed her shoulder, and forcefully made her turn to face him, which angered the being even more. "Just walkin' away after all this, huh? And what about my shop? You and your Elves caused this! I'm neck deep in debt. I can't afford to rebuild this! You'll have to pay for the damage!" The man turned around just in time to see more and more people gathering right before them to witness what was going on.

"I don’t care! You should not have hurt and cornered her to use her power to begin with! Maybe then she would not be traced here in the first place! But, of course, you, mortals, have weak, pathetic, and closed minds!" The Elf swatted Dante's hand off her, turned once more, and went on walking.

"How could we know? We didn't even know she has powers in the first place!" Dante argued.

"That's because you, men, are so dense." The Elf answered with much emphasis on the word as she gave V a sideways glance. "And now, my sister has to pay for exposing our kind to the likes of you!"

"The Elves who caused this, the ones who traced her here," V, who was trying to catch up with both Dante and the Elf, added. " ... they will not stop until we’re both dead, will they?”

"Naturally. You just know too much." The Elf answered with disdain. "Now, if you, two ingrates, would not mind, I would return to my home and see for myself just how much damage my sister's blunder have caused because of you."

"Where is your home?" Dante questioned.

"It does not concern you."

"And how do we, weak, pathetic, and closed - minded mortals, defend ourselves from your kind, O Great One?"

The Elf, who didn't fail to catch the sarcasm in Dante's voice, stopped walking and placed her hands on her hips. "That is your problem!" She, then pointed an accusing finger at Dante. "You know what, I should not have helped you when all the payment I got for doing that is you pestering me with questions I will never answer! I' am also putting myself in grave danger here just by talking with you!" She raged on, then looked once more at V. "I should have let you die because you deserved it!" The woman turned away and finally left them.

Dante sighed as he watched her leave, crossing his arms and feeling the exhaustion creep up his system for the first time that day. He, then, looked at V and saw the man actually catching his own breath like he has just finished running a marathon.

If the Legendary Devil Hunter only knew,...

... the mysterious man known only as V has more things in his mind during that moment. He was confused, tired, shocked, even.

And he has,... a lot of questions.

Questions that needed answers.

"So," V looked up upon hearing the confidence in Dante's voice. " ... wanna go after the chick you just rejected?"

"I'm sorry?"

"You have a score to settle with her and I have to make those Elves pay for what they did to my shop. What do you say about following that high and mighty Elf back where she lives?"

"A score,... to settle?"

"Eh, yeah! None of this would happen if you didn't break her heart in the first place."

V winced at those words. Did he,... really break a girl's heart?

"I,... don't even,..." Like her, is what V wanted to say but, then again, he has made it quite clear to her.

And up until that very moment, he still couldn't shake the haunting image off his mind. Of her wide (E/C) eyes, of her tear - stained cheeks,...

... of the way she drew back and clutched her chest as if something unimaginable and really painful struck her heart,...

"I know. But," Dante answered in a much calmer tone. " ... you know how women are. Well, yes, she's an Elf but, sure! They're all the same. You know what I'm saying?"

"No."

"Oh. Right." The Devil Hunter answered, realizing that V doesn't have any experience with women unlike him. "The point is, we're both doomed here, V. And if what that Elf said about other Elves going after our necks because we know too much about them is true, then we might as well go to their den and face them head on! Bring the fight to them!”

"But, they're much stronger than the both of us. You've seen it with your own eyes."

"Eh, whatever!" Dante questioned as he started stretching his limbs in a clear gesture that he was fully accepting the challenge. "We'll see about that!" The man picked up his Devil Sword on the ground among the rubble and started walking towards the direction the female Elf went to. "Come on, Mister Poetry! She's quite slow, we're gonna catch up to her as soon as we could!" And with a smile, he added, "And you might as well use that poetry of yours to win back that girl. Or you could just say sorry, your call."

V wasn't able to do anything else but to pick up his metal cane from the rubble and go after the man in red. It's true what Dante said about those Elves paying for the destruction of the Devil May Cry but,...

... going after the girl, and facing her head on?

He knew that the catalyst to all of these events was him, his distrust, and his callousness. However, he never dreamed of breaking a girl's heart, let alone one who has enough power and influence to bring forth this chain of events that were starting to unfold right before his very own eyes,...

***

🌙

***

[alisheikhanigroup]

5 Startup Mistakes Every Entrepreneur Should Avoid to Stay Ahead of the Curve, by Ali Sheikhani

Every new entrepreneur or one who has been in the business for quite some time has apprehensions and strongly feels how challenging running a business and a team can be. They fret a bit too much about how to start their business and move ahead. Running a business smoothly is not a cakewalk.

Their lack of expertise and inexperience in managing a full-fledged business can be extremely challenging for starters. Entrepreneurs have several doubts about whether they have invested enough financially in the respective project or if they have aced the marketing tactics– a list of never-ending apprehensions and problems. It's worth knowing that no business kickstarts perfectly on its own.

In order to manage a proper system, you're likely to make several blunders, or as some may call it, utterly silly mistakes on the way. The extent of mistakes an entrepreneur might make differs according to the kind of startup he or she is involved in, yet, there are a few basic and not-so-major mistakes that entrepreneurs normally make. These kinds of mistakes usually stay the same irrespective of the nature of the business you are in.

To keep this article relevant, we'll share the case of Vape City. The venture started with just one outlet and outgrew its rivals, crossing 100 stores across the US.

As we define the common mistakes, we'll also look at how Vape City CEO Ali Sheikhani evaded making mistakes and embarked on a remarkable journey of creating a mega venture across the US.

No Access to Emergency Funds

Most entrepreneurs don't think about backup plans as such, and so they don't keep funds for any unforeseen events or emergencies that can hit them hard in the future.

In order to set up a backup plan for the company, it is important to keep enough emergency funds to roll out more capital for any unexpected situation.

Ali Sheikhani, the CEO of Vape City, suggests that emergency capital can mean success or closure of your business. "We had to pump money into the business for another year only to see ourselves reach breakeven when closing the year. You just can't underestimate the need for capital to keep you going."

New and old businesses, big or small, usually involve huge sums of money. You may not have to put your own money into the task, or you may have gotten funding from other banks or different financial institutions.

So, in such instances, handling your financial affairs unprofessionally may lead to incurred losses, which may prevent you from getting monetary help in the future from these financial institutions in return.

It can also facilitate putting off foreclosure from the clients who reneged on their payments or any losses that occurred from missing or damaged stock until a proper flow of income steadies out to give potential stability to the business.

2. Devoid of Any Backup Plans

A typical business entrepreneur works out the entire process properly on paper and thinks it is a foolproof plan. But blunders happen, and at times they become victims of circumstances or because they were too optimistic about expectations that had been kept.

Remarkably, there are several entrepreneurs who step into their offices without ever thinking of having any backup plan in place. They put most of their focus on their business, and some even have complete faith that their venture will eventually succeed without facing any hurdles. For example, what would the outcome be if your marketing department fails to market your manufactured product or service? Will you shut down your operations and risk losing millions of dollars, or instead think of another plan?

Ali Sheikhani, a marketing expert and the CEO of VapeCity, shared his insights saying, "You might have to outsource your marketing operations or start a manufacturing and a more acceptable product for the market. You just can't emphasize more on the need for contingent planning."

There must be enough logistics arrangements to really make your backup plan easier to execute. And that can only happen if the backup plans are given due significance and planned accordingly, like a rescue operation, anytime something goes wrong.

3. Focusing on The Outcome

Entrepreneurship is all about designing, marketing, and maintaining the flow of business in a specific manner, following a proper strategy. It also includes facilitating the firm in a way that becomes more of a result-oriented mode.

If an entrepreneur does the same without exclusions, the firm's performance will improve, eventually leading to substantial monetary gains. Hence, instead of thinking about the outcome, an entrepreneur should focus on working for the results.

Usually, entrepreneurs are too concerned with getting quick outcomes rather than setting the basics of their business right. Mr. Sheikhani added in his conference for young entrepreneurs, "For any business, the owner needs a stable foundation that comprises infrastructure and the ability to implement strategies that were made before the start of a business. Putting too much focus on profit-driven outcomes will hamper the growth of businesses even before the rocket takes off."

Vape City's success story is decoded in his words. "We knew what we were doing and were going relentlessly about it. We were able to boost our sales gradually. Though when we were making progress, we knew we were close to the outcome we had wanted."

4. Instability to Pursue Strategy

The best thing about entrepreneurs is the willingness they possess in pursuing plans. They put in their all for the project to work in the best possible way but as soon as they face the slightest glitch, some will waver and start approaching the process in a different way.

Every business or startup works around a proper strategy. The approach of entrepreneurs may differ, but it is important for them to stick to the method they have chosen. Changing your system a couple of times may lead to problems and confusion. Rather than solving a problem, it may leave you hanging in between two potential paths of a solution with no outcome in sight.

Ali Sheikhani says, "Changing methods quicker will hamper the growth process, as you will have to start learning about the newer methods and approaches before applying them to the business. Give your methods time, or put in the major effort, and you might get the desired outcomes you want."

5. Cluster of Opinions

If you own a business or even a startup, whether you are given unnecessary and unwanted advice by your well-wishers or if you proactively look for answers you need on your own, be aware of being overwhelmed with too many colliding answers and opinions.

CEO of Vape City, Ali Sheikhani, advises, "It is best if business decisions are made partially by knowledge and instinct, but knowledge cannot be obtained just by listening to what everyone has to say or suggest. Sometimes it is better to learn from experiencing it firsthand yourself."

It might be a great idea to have a team of experienced individuals whom you can blindly trust. Their expertise might help in avoiding basic mistakes in your everyday business dealings.

[undeservedfavor]

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The Bucketlist

Mini-Series of Short Stories

St. Valentines Day [EN]: Chapter 4

Two months has passed as they continued to work together until they finish the movie and gained so much awards and credit.

"Woohoo!!! Guys! Let's party! We all deserve it for all the hard work!" Director said.

"I think you guys need to talk about something. I don't know but while working with the both of you, we all feel sexual tension in the air." The celebrity Catherine said to Gisela when she noticed that Dorian is eyeing her from afar.

"H-he thinks he's so hot that he can get everyone. Though he told me he had indecent proposals in the past, 3 SMS, 4 Calls, 6 DMs, and 2 missed calls... He's not that hot." Gisela told the actress.

"Woah, so updated, are we?" Catherine gave Gisela a knowing look and a knowing smile.

"Can we talk?" After the Dorian's invitation, he and Gisela went to the nearest park.

"Whenever, I see that sand box, I remember Plage Solitaire. The most peaceful beach on the planet." Gisela just nodded to what Dorian said.

"I-im sorry." They both said in unison.

Then, they laughed a bit with embarrassment.

"L-listen-..." They said again in chorus.

"You go first." Dorian said.

"No. You should go first." Gisela said.

"Uhm, here you go... C-can we be together?" Dorian asked Gisela who shed tears immediately with the question.

"You don't understand. You don't wanna be with someone so-called 'Damaged Good'. I don't want you to regret it. You don't wanna be with me. You don't need to due to pity. You don't-..." Gisela's anxiety is overwhelmingly obvious.

"We do not know those things yet. Those are 'What ifs', you're far from a 'Damaged Good'. For me, you're a beautiful 'Work-in-progress' and hell, despite the controversies I had, I'm still in good condition, whatever you're going through, I will go through it with you. Whatever you're thinking, I'll help you overcome it. If there's someone who can try and understand you, that's me. For me, this isn't the time to waste time and fool around, this is not like the roles I play, this is real. You are real. I don't care how hard it is but no matter what, I wanna be a part of something so beautiful... A part of your plans in the future. Please. For old times' sake, let me be with you all the way." Gisela, lost for words nodded crying as Dorian also shed tears.

"Gisela, thank you. I love you..." Dorian whispered to Gisela as he caress the woman's hair, embracing her long and tight enough to make her feel safe.

"Let me drive you home." Dorian told Gisela.

They both started living under one roof at Dorian's condominium unit.

One morning, as they're lying on the bed, Dorian hesitantly asked about Gisela's list...

"Dear Piggy... A-are you still gonna continue with that list?" She showed him the list seeing number '6' crossed out.

"Back in the beach, I haven't really finished the list yet. Now, it's done. I actually skipped on number '6' and went straight to number 7, 8, 9 and 10. 'Cause you're not just any random guy... Technically you're my little Dino, but... You're the one." Dorian checked the list out due to his curiosity.

1. Earn a lot for the future. ✓

2. Quit the medical industry. ✓

3. Spend more time with the only family - Merian. ✓

4. Finish writing my novels and posting it to my writing/social platforms. ✓

5. Buy a house in Plage Solitaire at a chosen paradise to 'live and die' for. ✓

6. Have virginity taken by a random guy and leave him clueless afterwards. *Skip this part.* ✗✗

7. Get a writing job. ✔

8. Take care and fully pay insurance. ✅

9. Have the one closest to my heart, help me choose a casket and designs for the tomb.

Plus, choose a church for the blessing and perfect spot in the graveyard/cemetery.

10. Chose a great necrological service speaker. I want a great Eulogy.

Dorian just looked carefully at Gisela's face and embraced her tightly.

Then, she spoke...

"I know. I'm a weirdo." Gisela told Dorian.

"Piggy... You're kinda like scaring me with these things but if this is the way I can be with you, I'll understand, process and digest every single bit of it. I'm not even gonna ask you why you made this list in the first place but if you're ready to not give up on life, I'm gonna go with you if you decided to get yourself checked." Dorian said.

"I'll tell you when the time comes..." Gisela said.

The couple decided to go shopping.

No ordinary shopping but he's only doing it for Gisela even if he doesn't wanna consider the thought.

"You know what? I think this one will be okay. Ah! I know! Maybe I can also have a reservation my own. Same color as I've chosen for you. So when the time comes... We're still gonna go as a couple. Even if it's the after-life." Dorian joked a bit.

"Don't. Even though, couple shirts, couple rings and other couple stuff might be cute, I don't want you to think about a couple casket. You're a born villain. And villains don't die unless it's passed hundreds of years already. Plus, they don't even age. Time flies for them gracefully like a bloodline of a vampire." Gisela joked him back.

The next stop is to the cemetery.

They're choosing tomb designs.

"This is perfect, 'In loving memories of...-" Gisela was cut of.

"We can choose the designs Piggy but it's good to personalize those messages." Dorian said as he wrote things down on a paper.

You have lived a life full of love.

Soon, we'll meet and love again up above.

To the place where there is never-ending peace.

Love,

Your Dorian

Gisela smiled at Dorian and they went to the cemetery.

Gisela insisted to choose a spot.

"This spot is nice. The one near the tree." She said.

"I would already reserve those two spots next to each other. So that I can lie down with you forever when the time comes..." Dorian said Gisela shed tears and hugged Dorian.

"I don't wanna take you in this journey with me. You're not welcome this early to where I'm heading. Sorry for being so difficult but thank you for having number 9 checked off my list." Gisela said as she embraces her boyfriend.

A day after Dorian's shoot, he went home to Gisela and the house was empty.

Their things are scattered all over the floor.

The entire house was messy.

But...

There are no traces of Gisela everywhere.

She's missing.

"My dearest, why end up dodging the bullet once more? Running away and hiding again on me like that." Dorian whispered.

He searched everywhere for her and in a place he thought Gisela would go to.

"She's not here. She went through a deep trauma after she saw her parents died in the car accident. I know my cousin can be a handful, but please, don't give up on her." Merian said.

Dorian just nodded and headed off.

Dorian did not bring his car along to find Gisela in the hardest and most hidden places in the city.

As he was walking along the subway...

He found a cying woman.

With hands on her head and her hair covering her face.

Her hairs are tangled and all over the place.

Her skin's full of dirt.

When Dorian tried to look at the woman's face, he was shocked.

It was Gisela.

He brought the woman home and cleaned her up.

She fell asleep crying.

As soon as the woman woke up, she said she's gonna use the toilet.

"You sure you can stand?" Dorian asked. The woman just mindlessly nodded.

Dorian thought to check on Gisela when she's taking too long.

He did not lose hope until this sight.

He found Gisela lying unconsciously on the bathroom floor.

"Gisela!!!" He lifted the woman and brought her to the nearest hospital.

Dorian waited for hours for a doctor to come up to him and say that Gisela's okay.

"A-are you with her?" Dorian nodded as the doctor approached him.

"I'm doctor Ariel James Devant, Psychologist." The doctor introduced himself.

"We did not ask for a Psychologist, we need a Physician to have Gisela checked!!!" Dorian almost lost it.

"She's not physically sick. Not until now. We have pulled up a few counselling records of Gisela. In fact, I was her batchmate in Med-school, she quit and did not finish Med-school. So she just continued being a nurse. Because of her parent's car crash, her parents died in front of her in a car accident. She then became my first patient. I have checked on Gisela a few times and she never went back to the clinic afterwards. She's so indenial that something's physically wrong with her and insistent that she's nearing death, that she shuts down people who wanna have her checked by a professional or by any doctor. She has been diagnosed with constant fear of death that it lead to a severe case of anxiety." Doctor James said.

Dorian was not able to process what's happening and could not speak.

"People who has Thanatophobia, would not like to talk about death for it has caused them depression. On her case, it's different. For that's the only thing she wanna focus and talk about out of fear. Like her whole entire world revolves on the thought that she might, oh sorry, that she 'WILL' die. She already decided that for herself. Anxiety took a toll on her that her brain was mentally pausing because of too much stress, overwhelming worry, overthinking and unshown worry, sometimes this can cause nausea and problems with balancing." The same doctor continued talking.

"Maybe this is the reason why she 'slipped' in the bathroom. She lost consciouness in the bathroom because she might have hit her head on the floor. Now, there's internal bleeding, we need to have an operation ASAP to prevent brain mass. You have to prepare because the operation is risky, after that, she may go under a few days, weeks or even months in coma. Worst case is never to wake up." Another doctor spoke.

"My apologies, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is doctor Jessie Ulysis Voltaire. Neurologist and Physicist." He introduced.

After that, they all worked on Gisela's operation.

They spent hours to finish it and what they said was true...

Gisela fell into a coma for weeks now and counting.

Dorian held the woman's hand in his...

He got a Pig and a Dinosaur stuffed-toy that he put on the hospital bed beside her.

"Do you remember this Dear Piggy? You're Dinosaur's here to wake you up. You're my nurse. You shouldn't be lying there for a long time, at that bed. You're supposed to be the one who's taking care of me." Dorian said.

The woman was just unresponsive.

She was still deep asleep.

"You should have told me what you're going through. I should have understand. A-are you punishing me for loving you so much?" He said, sheding tears as he kissed the back of Gisela's hand.