#but i had already signed a lease for an apartment right nearby the job

[joshtoby]

hi im back….

i haven’t stayed up this late in fourscore days

[waywardnerd67]

Spiraling

Summary: If something could go wrong in (Y/N)’s life then it did. Now she is on the verge of spiraling out of control. In her darkest moment, a hero will come to save her and set her on the path she was always meant to be on. Characters: Dean Winchester, Reader Pairing: Dean x Reader Warnings: Angst/Fluff/Self-hate Talk/Talk of Suicide Word Count: 5040 A/N: The last couple of months have been hard so this is my way of dealing with it. A lot of the details are from actual things going on in my life, but I’ve changed the specifics for storytelling purposes.

“Your cat needs emergency surgery to save her life. In order for us to proceed we need a down payment of $1500 and then the remaining $600 once she can go home.”

“Your starter is bad. You have a battery cable that is carotid. Plus we found that there is a leak in your head gasket and it will need to be replaced immediately. All together parts, labor and tax it will total $4976.”

“Effective Immediately: New Management. Your apartment complex is now under the management of Lindchest LLC. Your rent will go up starting November 2020 to $750 per month. There will be an additional pet deposit of $200 per pet and pet rent of $25 per pet. You will need to log on to our Tenant Portal to sign your lease within twenty-four hours or vacate your unit.”

I read the flyer that was haphazardly tape to my door once more. Looking down to Serenity, my cat with the $2100 bladder sighing, “Looks like you need to get a job.”

I unpacked my laptop letting it wake up only to discover that my internet was not working. I picked up my phone calling the all too familiar number.

“I’m sorry Ms. (Y/L/N), but it looks like there is a major outage in your area due to construction. We don’t have a timeframe of when it will be back up.”

I ended the call flopping down onto my couch, “I would love for one, just one, thing to go my way.”

The last month has been challenging between vet bills, my car being an oversized paper weight and my rent going up one hundred and seventy-five dollars plus two hundred dollar deposit. I did not think anything else could possibly go wrong until I arrived at work the next morning.

“Hey (Y/N), can we meet in my office?” my boss waved his hand for me to follow him.

A sinking feeling settled onto my chest as he asked me to close the door behind him, “I know we’ve had this conversation before, but your attendance.”

Tears welled up beneath my eyelids, but I held them back as he continued, “I know we’re trying to be cautious with COVID, but you’ve already been out sick quite a bit already.”

“I know I was, but my doctor recommended for me to stay out since I had more than half the symptoms of COVID.” My voice quivered at the end as my protective wall was crumbling.

He leant forward on his desk, “I know, but then it was your car issues and now you have a dentist appointment tomorrow morning that you just came to me about this morning. I just want to set up some firm guidelines for you using your time off from here on out. I would also like to see you come in for ninety days straight. (Y/N), you do a great job here, but you actually have to be here to do the job.”

“I know. I can reschedule my appointment for tomorrow and I will work with any guidelines you give me. I’m sorry about my attendance. I love my job and I love coming to work.” I was pleading as a wayward tear slipped down my cheek.

“I never once questioned that. We will work through this together. No need to reschedule your appointment since I approved it already. Going forward I will need at least one week's notice for you to use vacation days, forty-eight hours notice to use your personal days and twenty-four hours notice for your sick days.”

I nodded my agreement not trusting that I could hold the burning sob in my chest from bursting through. I left his office and spent the rest of my day in a complete daze. I drove home in the same daze only to have another flyer on my door from the new management.

“We Missed You! Dear Tenant, we entered your apartment today to make an assessment of it. We have found the following things broken, worn and in need of repair. Since this was not properly taken care of, you will be responsible for all repairs and they will need to be scheduled for completion within one week’s time. Please log on to your Tenant Portal to schedule this as soon as possible. Thank you, Lindchest, LLC”

I caught the edge of my kitchen counter as my legs gave out. The list of repairs was more than what I was renting the place for. I managed to get myself to my bedroom and landed face first on the mattress. Freely the tears flowed down my face and my body shook as overwhelming sorrow ran through her.

Serenity butted her head up against mine, “Hi baby. I’m sorry your mommy is a screw up. Would you want to go live with you grandma?”

She snuggled against my arm purring. My body relaxed as I continued to pet her and listen to her purring until finally I drifted off to sleep. Dreams of a better life tormented me throughout the night. The next morning, would solidify my darkest thoughts into a plan of action as the last bit of bad news I could take happened.

“We will need to extract two molars and all four wisdom teeth. I will refer you to an oral surgeon who can get you scheduled right away. After insurance, you’re probably looking at $1500 to $2000 for everything. You will have to provide fifty percent of the total at the time of service and then I’m sure they could work payments out for you.”

I took a deep breath, “Okay. If you could give me the information I will schedule it. I also need a note for my employer for today’s appointment.”

As I sat in the chair waiting for the dental assistant to come back my inner self yelled loudly.

“You are nothing in this world. You are providing nothing and only taking resources away from everyone. Serenity would be taken care of by your mom. Work will find someone to replace you in a snap. You have no friends. You have no place you can afford to live. I think it’s a sign from up above that now is your time to take matters in your own hands. It’s time to free up your space for someone more deserving. More functional. More worthy.”

“Everything okay?” I looked up to see the assistant holding my papers and I nodded.

I went through the motions of work as my mind was preoccupied of my choices for the evening. Texting my mom, I asked her to watch over Serenity for a while so I could find a new place for us. Nothing sounded out of the ordinary and I as I said goodbye to my co-workers for the evening, I felt peace come over me. Dropping off my cat to my mom, I told her I could not stay since I had plans. On my kitchen table there was one letter addressed to her that would be found when she would come get my things.  

I walked a half a mile down to a bridge that was over the river I lived by. The sun had gone down hours ago and now all that was left was for me to finally do something right.

***

Dean Winchester parked his car near the Jefferson Bridge watching as people came and went over it. His brother Sam was flirting with the local librarian, so Dean decided to give him the motel room for the night. He deserved it after all the crap they had gone through. He looked down at his watch, seeing it was coming up at midnight when something caught his eye.

A woman was looking over the wall down to the water. Suddenly he became antsy as he continued to watch her. He got out of his car casually walking towards her so as to not spook her. The cool night breeze blew through her beautiful (Y/C/H) hair. Her body was like a country dirt road with curves for days. His eyes were drifting down her body when she hopped up onto the wall and his heart leaped into his throat.

“Oh no pretty girl, don’t do what I think you’re trying to do.” He whispered as her eyes stayed focused on the water below.

Dean picked up his pace just in time reaching for her as she leapt from the bridge. His hands grasping underneath her arm and at her wrist.

“No! Let me go! Please let me go!” She yelled as I tried to pull her up.

“Sweetheart, trust me, life is not so bad that you should jump off a bridge. Let me help you, please.” He pleaded feeling something deep within him stirring.

She tried to fight against him, but he could feel her losing strength. With one swift move he had her sitting back up on the wall of the bridge. His arm tightly wrapped around her waist as she began to weep.

“No, this is meant to be. I’m not meant to be here. I’m nothing.” She tried to get out of his grasp unsuccessfully.

He pulled her off the wall and carried her to his car, “I’m positive that’s not true. Come on, why don’t I buy you some food and a drink then we can talk about it.”

Her body went rigid, “Why are you being nice to me? You don’t even know me.”

“It’s what I do, sweetheart. I help people who need it no matter what, but if it makes you feel better I’m Dean. Now how about some food and a drink because I’m starving.” He slowly let go of her as she looked down towards the ground.

“(Y/N).” she whispered as she reluctantly, she got in his car sliding across to the passenger side.

Dean drove to the bar nearby his motel glancing over to her every once in a while. Closer now, she was even more beautiful than he originally thought. (Y/N)’s eyes were soft (Y/C/E) and perfect pouty lips. Her body was turned towards her door as she looked out the window but he could imagine himself curling up next to her.

“Let me guess, you’re staying at the Chippewa Motel.” (Y/N) had turned towards him as they pulled into the bar parking lot.

He chuckled, “Yeah, why?”

She let out a soft laugh, “Because those are the only people who go to Sunset Bar.”

For a moment as they got out of the car, Dean’s chest tightened afraid that she would take off. He relaxed when she started walking towards the door and looked behind her to see if he was following. Walking inside, (Y/N) went to the furthest booth in the building. Dean took it upon himself to order them a couple of burgers and beers.

Waiting for their beers, he noticed quite a few men taking an interest in (Y/N). Even red and puffy eyed, she was still catching every man’s eye in the place. Quickly grabbing their beers, he made his way to her staring down every man on the way. He bumped the bottle on her arm motioning for her to move over.

“Thanks.” She muttered, taking a sip and curling herself up on the far end of the bench.

“I wouldn’t normally sit like this with a total stranger, but I think it’s safer for you if I do.” He watched as her eyes followed his widening.

She moved a little closer to him just enough for his fingers to brush against her shoulder, “As much as I don’t want to be a part of this world anymore that is not the way I want to go out.” She waved her bottle out towards the dispersing crowd of men.

“Why do you want to end it all?” His curiosity was getting the best of him.

A beautiful woman like (Y/N) should have everything the world could offer her. Happiness, money, love. His heart skipped at the very word. He pushed it from his mind refocusing on her.

“Have you ever wondered if God was punishing you for something you had no idea you did wrong?” She took a long drag from her bottle and Dean found himself swallowing hard.

“All the freaking time.” He chuckled remembering the recent bombshell that he and Sam were destined to kill one another because of God’s need for a good ending to his story.

She sighed looking up as the bartender brought their food to them. For the first time, (Y/N) genuinely smiled, “Bacon cheeseburgers are my favorite.”

“Mine too.” He smiled back at her before they each took a large bite.

For the next half an hour explaining everything that had gone wrong in her life up until today. From bad decisions, divorce, mental breakdown one and two, loss of jobs, unemployment, her cat, her car, her current job and her tooth. He had to admit the string of bad luck was hard to deny. None of which was a good enough reason to end her life.

When the waitress came for our plates, (Y/N) asked for a glass of water finishing off her beer. I placed my large hand on top hers covering it completely.

“I’m sorry you’ve been through so much and nearly all of it is out of your control. If you could do anything except end your life, what would you do?”

“Well if money was no option then I would grab Serenity and start a new life somewhere far away. Of course, I would keep in contact with my mom, but she would understand me leaving.” She stared off for a moment her face softening at the very thought of leaving.

Before he could stop to think about the words coming from his mouth they were already hitting her delicate ears, “I think I could help you with that.”

“W-What?” Her piercing eyes bore into his with hope, “How could you help me?”

“That is a conversation for a more private place and whiskey.” He chuckled and down the rest of his beer.

Dean started laughing as she practically pushed him out of the booth, “Well come on hero, I know a place that is private enough to talk.”

He threw a few bills down on the table for a tip and allowed (Y/N) to drag him from the bar. She directed him back towards the bridge except this time she pointed to a small, run down apartment complex. He parked next to the car (Y/N) pointed out to be hers, a newer SUV.

“I will deal with you tomorrow.” He pointed to the vehicle giving it a stern look.

Following (Y/N) up the stairs to her little studio apartment, “This is where the hiked up the rent?”

She nodded, “Yeah. At the time, it was the cheapest place to live. You just happen to be in luck that I have a bottle of whiskey stashed away. It’s in the cabinet above the fridge. I’m going to change out of my clothes and freshen up a little.”

Dean watched her disappear behind a room divider and made himself tear his eyes away from watching her gorgeous silhouette. Easily grabbing the bottle and two cups from a local Mexican restaurant he noticed a letter on the table.

“Mom, I know you’re upset. No, I know you’re pissed. I gave up. I didn’t come to you like I promised I would. I couldn’t come to you again with all my problems. I truly believe I was not meant to be in this world and that is why my life has been one shit show after another. I’m taking resources away from this world and not contributing to it. Honestly, everything will move on and you will live out the rest of your life not having to worry about me anymore.

Please take care of Serenity for me. Give her all the hugs and snuggle her extra for me. Mom, this was never your fault and there was nothing you could have done to save me. My mind is made up. The decision was made. I want you to remember what good times there were. I’m sorry for being selfish. I’m sorry for leaving you. Please know I love you very, very much. Goodbye. Love, (Y/N)”

“That wasn’t for you to read.” A small voice brought his eyes from the page but not before a few teardrops could fall onto the page, “You’re crying, why?”

He wiped away the tears falling down his cheeks, “I-I don’t know. I guess reading a suicide note brings out my inner Mr. Sensitivity.”

He tried to give her a sad smile chuckling, but his heart shattering into pieces made it hard too. She took the bottle and cups leading him to the small loveseat. They sat down before downing their first pours of whiskey. The amber liquor burning down his throat and warming his chest. He poured them both another drink before going into his own story.

“My brother and I travel across the country hunting all kinds of… things that go bump in the night.” Dean completely opened up about everything in his life. Carefully watching her every reaction as he spoke and only felt that there was once she wanted to bolt for the door.

“Wait…” she took the bottle and drank from it, “monsters are real?”

He nodded grabbing the bottle for himself, “Yep. Vampires, werewolves, chupacabras.”

Taking a drink, he handed it back to her allowing it all to sink in, “Okay so how does that help me? I’m not interested in hunting monsters or being a monster.”

“Well that’s good because I wouldn’t allow a beautiful woman to become either of those things. I was thinking more along the lines of teaching you how we manage to get unlimited money and then you could move wherever your heart desires. Is that more your speed?”

She nodded, “Now you’re speaking my language. God, it would be amazing to live somewhere remote where I could just write all day long.”

“Well, Sam and I can make that happen for you. We’re probably going to be leaving to head back home in a couple of days. You could travel with us then we could get you all set up and on a plane to all points nowhere, USA.”

Suddenly, (Y/N) launched herself into his arms hugging him tightly, “I can’t thank you enough, Dean.”

His arms wrapped around her and everything felt complete with her, it was strange for him to feel that way. Never once had he ever felt whole but a never ending void deep in his soul that was closing being near her. She pulled away slightly then pressed her lips to his cheek.

***

The next day, Dean had a heated conversation with his brother Sam. Once he was off the phone, he confirmed that I would follow them back to Lebanon, Kansas in my car once he fixed it. He dropped me off at work where everyone noticed the one hundred eighty degree mood change in me. I spent my last hour typing a resignation letter to my boss leaving it on his desk and packing up the few personal items I had.

Dean was waiting for me in the parking lot with his beloved car, “How was work?”

“It was… good. I’m happy to never have to go back to it again though.” He opened the door for me to slide in.

“Dean, would it be okay to stop by my mom’s to get Serenity?” His piercing emerald eyes narrowed for a split second before he smirked.

“Yeah, we can go get the furball.” He chuckled pulling out of the parking lot and leaving that part of me behind us.

I found out that Dean was an amazing liar, but also charming. He won my mom over in a few short minutes as Serenity jumped up onto my lap. I petted her a few times before resting my cheek against the top of her head.

I whispered to her, “Go check him and let me know what you think.”

I watched the shorthair tabby jump off her lap and up onto Dean’s. She sniffed him as he held his hand out to her. His nose began to twitch and she jumped down with a huff before he sneezed.

“Sorry furball, I’m allergic to you.” He sniffled before excusing himself to the bathroom.

Serenity meowed up at me before getting in her crate. The fact she did not hiss was a good sign and I closed her crate up after one last pet.

“So, how did you really meet Dean?” I knew my mom could see right through his story, so I told her the truth, “(Y/N) (Y/L/N), you should have come to me.”

“I know, but I just couldn’t. I was tired of being a screw up. I gave up.” The last few words were a whisper as my mom got up to sit next to me.

Her arms were around me as tears fell from both of our eyes, “Well I’m glad he saved you. Did you find a place to live?”

I pulled away from her, “Kind of. Dean and his brother are going to help me settle into a new spot. I will call you with all the details.”

I looked up to see Dean standing behind us, “I promise to take care of her.”

“Sounds like you already have. Thank you for saving my daughter.” In a rare moment, I watched as my mom got up hugging someone other than me. Dean was tense for a moment before hugging her back.

The rest of the evening and into the night, Dean spent working on my car. I sat outside with him on the green cooler from his car handing him tools. Grease covered his arms, hands and clothes.

“Hey tiny fingers, come here and get this bolt off.” He called out from under the engine.

I stepped on top of the cooler reaching over looking down to see his beautiful eyes staring back at me. Reaching down my fingers brushed against his as I loosened the bolt in question. Getting down off the cooler I found myself straddling over Dean’s chest as he slid out from underneath the car.

“Hey there pretty girl.” He smirked as I moved back from him.

“Ha. Ha. So, what’s the verdict?” I watched as he stood up seemingly towering over me.

I tried hard to concentrate on him, but between the leather musk on his skin and engine grease was making me dizzy, “Hello? Earth to (Y/N)?”

“What? Sorry, what did you say?” I felt my face burning as he stepped closer to me.

“Am I distracting you from paying attention?” Backing up until my butt was against his car, his hands rested on either side of me caging me in.

“I have n-no idea what you’re talking about. So, tell me is my car a goner?” I swallowed the large lump knotted in my throat.

Dean leaned in closer until their noses were almost touching tilting his head slightly, “Your car is fine. The mechanic was trying to get more money out of you. The head gasket is in great shape.”

He stepped back with a smug grin on his face and my body seemingly followed along with him before I stopped it, “That’s great news! The sooner we’re out of here, the better.”

The next morning, I woke up  to low murmuring voices. One was distinctively Dean’s voice, “Sammy, I don’t know how else to say it clearer.”

His brother spoke in a concerned hushed tone, “I think you need to come up with another way because you’re sounding ridiculous right now.”

“All I know is that I have never felt this way in my life. Cassie, Jo, Lisa, none of them made me feel complete. None of them took away the gaping, endless void inside of me. I didn’t even think it was possible to feel this way, but here I am.”

Dean sounded distressed and that made my chest ache. I knew exactly how he was feeling since I had felt it since the moment we met. I had been trying to ignore the comfort and hope swelling inside me, but it was getting harder.

“Sounds like you’re talking about love at first sight or even soulmates.” Sam seemed more curious now than frustrated.

I took this opportunity to walk out from behind the wall divider, “Good morning.”

Dean’s eyes met me first bringing a warm smile to his handsome face, “Hey (Y/N), good morning. We didn’t wake you up?”

I shook my head feeling Sam’s gaze on me as I looked down at Dean’s Zeppelin t-shirt covering me, “Um I spilled spaghetti sauce on my last clean shirt. Dean was nice enough to let me borrow one of his.” I felt my face heating up as Sam nodded.

“Uh-huh.” He stood up walking towards me. Sam loomed over me pulling a flask from his jacket pocket, “Could you stick out your arm for me, please?”

I looked over to Dean who was rolling his eyes, “Sam it’s not necessary.”

“It is for me,” He looked at me as I brought my arm out and he poured what seemed to be water on my arm, “Okay, just a few more tests to go.”

I held a bandana from Dean over the small cut on my arm wincing, “What was that for?”

Sam wiped the blade on his jacket as Dean pushed him back gently. His vibrant olive eyes focused on tying the bandana, “Silver blade to make sure you’re not a werewolf or shapeshifter.”

“I’m sorry to be this way, but this whole situation is weird and I have to protect my brother,” Sam held his hand out to me, “It’s nice to meet you, (Y/N).”

I shook his hand, “Yeah, nice to meet you too. Look, as strange as you both think this is, I feel the same way.”

I made sure to look at Dean when I spoke and his eyes widened, “Really?”

I nodded, “There’s a connection here that I can’t explain. Frankly, I don’t care if it’s ever explained to me. All I know is that being with you feels right.”

Sam's disapproving grunt had us both looking to him, “I think we should do a little more research into this. We should definitely get back to the Bunker and maybe ask Rowena for some help.”

A soft meow came from the ground below as Serenity rubbed against Sam’s legs affectionately. He knelt down petting her and I was surprised to see her go belly up.

“Wow, you must be an animal lover because Serenity has never done that with anyone but me.” I knelt down as well petting her soft fur.

For the first time, I watched Sam let down his guard and chuckled, “I’m usually a dog person but hard to say no to a cat who accepts you.”

“Wonderful, you and the furball can take (Y/N)’s car while she and I ride in Baby.” Dean slipped his arm around my shoulders bringing me into his side.

Sam nodded silently as his eyes never left me. It felt as if he were trying to read me, but there was nothing to reveal. By late morning, we were on the road to Lebanon, Kansas. It would be at least a day’s travel to get there, which Dean reassured me that they had done longer trips than this before. We filled the time by talking about everything from childhoods to Winchester's most interesting hunts. When I would get sleepy, Dean would pull me into his side and turn on his favorite mixtape. Being with him was as easy as breathing to me.

After a few stops for food and gas, we finally hit the city limits of Lebanon. The small town looked straight out of a 50’s sitcom. As we drove out of the rustic town, we drove down a long paved drive behind what looked to be an abandoned building of some kind. I was shocked when we came upon a large set of doors that opened into a full stocked garage.

“Welcome home.” Dean said as he parked his car with Sam pulling up next to him.

The Men of Letters Bunker, as the brother called it, was massive. Sam happily told me the history of the secretive group and how their family tied into it. Dean walked by my side with his fingers laced with mine holding my hand. We came to a door with the number eleven on it and Dean pulled her inside.

“This is my room. Of course, it’s the coolest room here except for maybe the Fortress of Deanitude.”

I looked around at all the weapons displayed on the walls. His massive record collection was set up in bins. His desk contained a computer, a small lamp and a tiny picture. I picked it up seeing Dean who was a young child with a woman he looked familiar too.

He gently took the picture from my hand, “My mom and I. It’s the last picture of us together before she was killed,” he placed the picture back in its spot.

After getting Serenity and I settled into our new room, I found myself overcome with exhaustion. Laying down on my new bed with Serenity lying next to me, I feel into the most peaceful night of sleep I have had in awhile. Dreams of adventures with Dean filling my head.

***

Dean sat with Sam in the Library, a soft smile permanent etched onto his face. Sam’s nose was nearly pressed against his computer screen looking into (Y/N). He was waiting for Rowena to call him back when a familiar voice came from near the Bunker door.

“You would have to go find your soulmate and end the world, Winchester.”

Sam and Dean looked up to see Billie standing tall holding her scythe, her hard eyes glaring down at them.

If you enjoyed this story then check out my Masterlist!

My Nerd Herd: @waywardbaby​ @ladywinchester1967​ @akshi8278​ @ericaprice2008​ @deans-baby-momma​ @spnbaby-67​ @dean-winchesters-bacon​ @carryonmywaywardcaptain​ @-lovepeacenhope-​ @destiel745​ @carribear31​ @srsllydunnodoncare​ @whimsicalrobots​ @thisismysecrethappyplace​ @starstruckzonkoperatorbat​ @adoptdontshoppets​ @mrswhozeewhatsis​ @bella-ca​ @drakelover78​ @imascio08​ @pisces-cutie​ @dwgrl1903-blog​ @mannls​ @the-salty-asian​ @winchesterprincessbride​ @xostephanie​ @superromijn​ @witch-of-letters​ @time-travel-bouqet​ @screechingartisancashbailiff​ @myinconnelly1​ @sister-winchesters99​ @thekatherinewinchester​ @maddiepants​ @tumbler-tidbits​ @sandlee44​ @destielhoneybee​ @jerkbitchidjitassbutt​ @thefaithfulwriter​ @stoneyggirl​ @supernaturalginger​ @emoryhemsworth​ @wednesdayismyfunday​ @team-free-will-you-idjiot​ @atc74​ @cosicas-cuquis​ @casseythebee​

[ruthoakenshield]

The Lady in Black Leather (chapter 3)

The Lady in Black Leather (Chapter 2)

You wake to the sound of your alarm going off and you moan. Opening your eyes you grab your cell and turn off the alarm. Groaning, you get up and head for the shower. After you freshen up you head to your suitcases and toss them on the bed. Opening them you dig through and pull out your black skinny jeans, black blouse, and the black corset with the silver clasps and shoulder straps. You took out your coats you bought the other day and hung them up along with your dresses and skirts.

 You pull out all the shirts and fold them and put them neatly in your suitcase and then hang up your blouses. You fold all the rest of your clothes and neatly put them in your largest suitcase with your shirts.

 Once you had that all taken care of, you dump out your backpack and sort through everything. You put your toiletries and makeup in your bathroom and then put your laptop and chargers back into your backpack.

 You brush your long hair and oil it like the stylist showed you how to do, then you put it into a long braid, then look at yourself in the mirror. Sighing you head out of the bedroom and pad down the hallway to the kitchen to find something to eat.

 Aiden looks up and his eyes get wide. “Morning hot stuff.” He teases. You roll your eyes. “Really?” you tease back. “I am anything but that! I am a hot mess, but that’s about it!” you tell him.

 He looks at you for a moment and shakes his head. “You almost ready to head out?” he asks. You raise an eyebrow. “I was gonna grab some breakfast.” You reply.

“But we’re going out for breakfast!” he tells you. “You said you were meeting your friends for breakfast, Aid. I was just going to catch a ride as far as the studio and then walk around and get a feeling for the neighborhood and see what there is for apartments.” You inform him.

 “Well, go get your shoes on and grab a coat and umbrella then, it’s raining out today.” He tells you. “I gotta get going soon and Scarlett is joining me to meet up with the guys from the studio.”

 “Ok.” You reply and head back to your room. You look at your new boots and decide to wear the flat ones today. You grab a pair of socks and put them on then pull on your boots. You grab your hooded trenchcoat you just bought and your black backpack with your laptop. You make sure your wallet and phone are in the pocket and that you have your keys and your knife on you and you head back to the kitchen.

 Scarlett comes out and grins. “Hey sexi!” she greets you. You roll your eyes. “You must be talking to Aid, he’s the only other sexy one in the room besides you, Scar.” You tell her.

 She frowns. “You’re sexi too, Har! I mean look at you dressed in those skinny jeans and black clothes and hot damn, that corset!!!” she replies. You wave her off and put on your jacket.

“I’m ready to head out, Aid.” You tell him. He nods and puts the lid on his thermos cup of coffee. “Ok, ladies, let’s go.” He says. You all follow him out of the apartment. Aiden locks the door and turns to you. “Here.” He says and hands you a set of keys. “These are keys so you can get into the building and my apartment when ever you need to. OK?” he tells you as he pushes them into your hands.”

 You look up at him stunned. “But…” he puts a finger to your mouth to silent you. “No buts, Harley. Consider this a safe house for you when ever you need it. I have already added Scarlett to the lease and told my manager and the door man that you are a guest here off and on as it is needed.” He tells you. You look from him to the keys and then to Scarlett, who is beaming.

 You sigh and nod. “Ok.” You say quietly and hook the keys onto your keychain.

 Aiden and Scarlett grin and you all head down to the parking garage. You get in the back seat of his BMW and he drives you three to the studios. You ask him to drop you off just outside the studios and though he doesn’t understand why you don’t want to join them, he obliges.

 You thank him for the ride and he tells you they will call you when they are getting ready to head for home. You nod and watch as they pull into the studio’s gate. You start walking and pull out the paper that Officer Sand gave you. You pause at the corner as you enter the address into your phone. It directs you to turn right and so you do so and start to walk. You get about a half a block down and you see Aiden’s BMW stop at the corner and then turn left.

 You keep your head down and continue to walk and follow the map on your phone. You walk about six blocks from the studio, and you find the used bookstore. It has a sign on the outside that reads “Help Wanted”. You approach the door and see there are hours posted. It opens at 7:30am. You pull out your phone and see it is 7am. You sigh.

 Standing there looking at your map on your phone trying to figure out if there is any place nearby where you can go for some breakfast, you fail to notice a figure approach the door until you hear the lock click.

 You startle and look up to see a big, burly man standing there with a puzzled look on his face. He opens the door and asks, “Can I help you, Miss?” in a low, gravely voice. You blush and realize he looks a LOT like officer Sand.

 “Um… Officer Sand told me to come here and see if you’d hire me for a job. He said you were lookin for some help to run your shop.” You tell him.

 He chuckles and opens the door for you. “He did, did he? Well then, Miss, come in and let’s have a chat.” He replies, grinning. “I’m Todd.” He tells you.

 You turn off your phone and put it in your backpack, then follow him in. “He said you were a friend and a retired Officer.” You mention. “But you look close to the same age as officer Sand.” You say puzzled.

 Todd chuckles. “It’s true, I’m retired, and actually Officer Sand and I are the same age.” He chuckles.

 You look confused. “Then why are you retired, if you don’t mind me asking?” you question.

 He smiles and motions for you to have a seat at the counter. “I got injured in the line of duty and couldn’t work for quite a long time. When I got out of the hospital, I realized that a desk job was not for me, so I asked to retire from the force.” He explained.

 “Oh. So how did you end up here?” you inquired.

 He chuckles, “I combined my two favourite things, good stories and coffee / chocolates.” He replied. “My business is one of a kind. My customers enjoy being able to get a coffee, or a cocoa, and find a nook in my store to curl up in and discover a good book.” He explains. “They can buy the books, swap them with one they bring in or they can rent the books.” He tells you. “I keep track of the books in stock and who rents them using software on my computer. Each book is assigned a barcode and given a sticker, which gets scanned when it is sold or traded. The barcode is then removed. If they rent the book, it is scanned and stays in the book. They get two weeks to read them or they can call or come in and renew it for another two weeks.” He explains.

 My brothers in blue often come here on their days off to relax and catch me up on what’s going on. Some of the actors from the studio down the way have also discovered my shop and will sneak over here on their breaks or they send their assistants to get them coffees and books. He tells you.

 Your eyes open wide. “Really?” you ask. He nods. “Now, what would you like to drink while we discuss this job opportunity my brother wants me to consider you for?”

 You look at him surprised, “Wait, Officer Sand is your BROTHER?!?!?” you ask, surprised.

 The burly man named Todd chuckles. “Yes, lass, he is my little brother… my twin brother, Alex, though to be fair, I was born first.” He tells you. “He just doesn’t like to work out like I do.” He chuckles again flexing his massive arms.

 You shake your head and smile. “I wondered why you looked rather familiar!” you tell him.

 He laughs and you grin. “What kinds of drinks do you offer besides just coffee and cocoa?” you ask.

 He pulls out a menu and hands it to you. Your eyes light up and you tell him you know how to make most of these drinks, which makes him grin.

 “Could I have a French Vanilla Cappuccino?” you ask. He nods. “What size would you like?” he asks pointing to the cup display.

 You smirk and suddenly think dirty thoughts. You giggle and say “the Large please.”

 He chuckles and makes you your cappuccino. He hands it to you and then asks. “So how did you end up meeting my little brother?”

 You sigh and then tell him your story. After a few minutes, of him asking various questions and you answering them, he hums. “Well how about I show you around and you tell me what you think.” He says.

 You nod.

 “Here, hang your coat and bag on that hook over there behind the cabinet.” He tells you.

 You do so and then he takes you, cappuccino in hand, on a tour of the bookstore/coffeeshop.

 You are amazed at all the different little nooks and crannies he has scattered throughout the two story store. Every inch is either massive floor to ceiling shelves of books, complete with rolling ladders to reach the upper shelves or there was cozy nooks to read, complete with oversized pillows and cozy blankets and little tables or shelves to put drinks on.

 You squeal with delight when he shows you the coffee shop area. You are nearly dancing with glee when you see the expresso machine and the cappuccino machine. He chuckles and says, “So sweetheart, what do you think?”

 “Ooohhh! I love it! The atmosphere is just perfect, and I like how you have the coffee shop set up! The only thing you could use is some plants to green things up a bit.” You suggest.

 He laughs, “Well, I have a black thumb when it comes to plants, Sweetheart. I tend to kill them” he replied.

 “I could take care of them if you’d like to give it another go with them. I love plants!” you tell him. He grins.

 “Well, what kind of hours and pay are you lookin for, Sweetheart?” he asks.

 “I don’t have much else to do but work, Sir, I will work as much as you like, as far as pay, I just need enough to live off of. Whatever you think is fair.” You reply.

 “What’s your name, Sweetheart?” he asks.

 “Harley, Sir.” You reply.

 He grins, “Well, that will be easy to remember!” he chuckles. “Welcome aboard, Harley.” He tells you. You want to start now, or would you rather start tomorrow?” he asks.

 “I can start now. If it’s ok with you!” you squeal excitedly. He smiles and heads over to the desk.

“Well, let’s start with the paperwork and figure out your hours. For the next couple weeks.” He tells you.

 The two of you go over the paperwork and come up with a schedule for you.

 You tell him about your living situation and how you are looking for a one bedroom apartment close by because of you ex stalking you. He nods. “There’s a couple of reasonable apartments nearby I know the owners of them. I can take you over there after we’re done for the day if you like.”

 You look at him in disbelief. “Really? Oh! Um, Thanks! That would be great! Aiden is nice and all, but I feel like I’m imposing and he lives quite a ways away from this part of town so I don’t want to have to get rides from him all the time.” You explain.

 Todd just laughs. “Aiden is a great guy and has a kind spirit. He likes to help people.” He tells you.”

 You two talk and he shows you where everything is for the coffee shop area once you finish the paperwork. He explains that he has a pastry shop nearby deliver pastries every morning at 6:30am which he sells to go along with the coffees.

 A few guests come in and he introduces you to them. You watch as he makes their orders and rings them up. He shows you how to work the tills and lets you handle the tills and take orders while he makes the drinks and helps answering your questions when they come up.

Around 9am, he tells you to take a 15 min break and have a drink and a pastry.

 You thank him and tell him you need to call your landlord and explain what happened. He nods and you go make your call in the back area. Once you explained what happened, the landlord agrees to let you break your lease and tells you to leave your keys on the counter when you get everything moved out. You apologize again and tell him that you are so sorry for the problems your ex has caused. He tells you not to worry about it and that you were a good tenant and that he will miss you. He wishes you better luck in the future and the two of you hang up.

 Around 10am, it slows down, and Todd has you go around the bookshop and check all the little nooks for any cups and dishes left behind. He tells you there are 24 nooks to check and hands you a little map of where to go for each one. He hands you a grey dish tub to put the dishes in, and sends you into the shop to go collect dishes.

 Shortly after you head into the bookshop, Aiden, Scarlett, Graham and Richard come in and order some drinks to go.

 Todd talks with them as he completes the orders and rings them up. You come around the corner and see them standing there and dash back and hide so they don’t see you. You wait for them all to leave before rejoining your boss behind the counter.

 “You just missed Aiden and his friends!” your boss tells you. You shrug and nod. “They come in here a lot?” you ask.

 He shakes his head. “No, just once in a while. Though, the bald guy comes in here more often. Never seen the tall dark haired one before though. He was looking around quite a bit. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him back.” Your boss says.

 “Oh.” You reply as you head for the sink area in back. “Do you want me to wash these for you?” you ask Todd.

“Sure, if you want.” He replies. You nod and start to wash the dishes.

The two of you spend the rest of the morning going over how to make each drink and he is impressed at your knowledge of coffee-based drinks.

 “Have you ever though about adding teas to your menu?” you ask.

 He rubs his chin. “No, can’t say that I have. I guess I don’t know much about teas.” He replies.

“I love them.” You reply. “If you’d like to try some different ones, I can bring in my collection. We can try a different one each day.” You offer.

 He smiles. “Okay.” He says.

 You grin and pull up on the computer the website you order your teas from. You show him all the different flavors and he is surprised. “Wow! I never knew there were so many flavors!” he exclaims.

 You explain that some people drink the teas hot, while others like them cold. Some people like it with milk or cream, some add sugar. “Just like with coffee.” You tell him.

 He nods. “How about I order their sample box, so we don’t have to use up your personal stash?” He offers.

 You shrug. “It’s up to you, Sir. It’s your shop.” You tell him with a shrug.

 He chuckles and places the order online and has it shipped to the store. “It should be here by next week.” He tells you. “In the meantime, you can bring your teas and we’ll sample them till my order arrives. I will refill what we use from your stash when my order gets here.” He tells you.

 “Ok.” You reply.

 Todd looks at the clock. “It’s almost noon, how about you go take your lunch break and I’ll watch the shop.” He suggests.

 “Ok, you nod. “Where’s a good place to get some lunch around here?” you ask. “I am not familiar with this end of town yet. I lived on the South end.” You explain.

 He tells you there are a bunch of shops a couple blocks East of here and there’s a variety of tastes to choose from. “If I give you an order and some cash, would you pick me up something on your way back here?” Todd asks you.

 “Sure Todd.” You say.

 He writes down the name of the shop to go to, his order and gives you a $20 then sends you on your way. You don your hooded trench and grab your wallet and phone, shoving them and Todd’s order into the inner pocket of your trench.

 “I’ll leave my backpack here.” You tell Todd. “I’ll be back in about a half an hour.” You tell him after he shows you how to clock out for lunch on the computer.

 He nods and tells you to have a good lunch.

@fizzyxcustard @thetherianthropydaily @emrfangirl @dabisburntnut @midnight-reader-morning-sleeper

[carry-the-sky]

these heavy words, your open heart

summary

“You told me once that I was honest. That I don’t lie to you. But the hospital—you asked me to start over, and I said I didn’t want that.”

Karen sucks in a breath. Frank’s eyes are still on her, wide and bright. It’s the most vulnerable she’s ever seen him look.

“I lied,” he says.

chapter one | chapter two

He still doesn’t reach out to Karen. He knows he’s being a chickenshit about it, but there’s just too much he wants and needs to say. It’s an unspoken deal he makes with himself—soon, but not yet.

Not yet.

Sometimes, Frank wonders if he ever really came home from the desert.

The thing is, killing feels the same here as it did over there. Less chaotic, but the muscle memory sticks. He remembers the first time he killed someone, how quick and precise it was. Finger to trigger, the pop-pop-pop staccato of gunfire, and it was over. (He’d been sick, afterwards, vomit on his boots and in the sand. It’ll get easier, Schoonover had said, clapping him on the back.)

He wasn’t wrong.

After losing his family, Frank thought he’d never get his fill of it. No matter how many shitbags he put down, it was never enough. Even later—after taking out the gangs, killing Agent Orange with his bare hands, Bill, Billy fuckin’ Russo—even after all of that, he was running on fumes, still empty.

Frank tells himself that’s why he falls back into it. The city’s retching up scumbags left and right, and he likes it that way. Down in the filth, he knows who he is.

So why does he feel so goddamn tired?

.

It doesn’t happen overnight. There are parts of this lifestyle set too deep, things that make his fingers itch for a trigger. He still comes home a couple magazines lighter, still has to scrub to get the blood out from under his nails.

Pete Castiglione’s right where Frank left him, so it’s not difficult to slide back into his skin. He snags a part-time construction job and finds an apartment that leases longer than month-to-month. Still doesn’t sleep through the night, but he dreams less. A small, twisted part of him misses the nightmares. It’s the only way he can see his family now.

One month ticks by, then two. He’s got a mental list going of the people he needs to make things right with, everyone who got caught up in his shitstorm. Curt, the Liebermans, Amy, Madani.

Karen.

Bare minimum, he owes her an apology. Owes her a hell of a lot more than that, if he’s being really honest with himself, but this—building an after from scratch—it’s a work in progress. He’s starting small, working his way from there. It’s all he can do.

So he does it. He works his way through his list. Grabs lunch with Curt a few times, goes to one of his meetings. The Liebermans invite him over for dinner, just the two of them. David says the kids are spending the weekend with their grandparents, but Frank suspects that’s not the whole truth. He’s not offended—if anything, he’s relieved that he doesn’t have to face Zach and Leo, not after all the shit they’ve probably heard and seen about him on the news.

Madani offers him a job every goddamn time he calls her, and the kid—she seems happy, doing who the hell knows what down in Florida. She sends a photo the next time she writes, and he almost doesn’t recognize her with short hair and a beach tan.

He still doesn’t reach out to Karen. He knows he’s being a chickenshit about it, but there’s just too much he wants and needs to say. It’s an unspoken deal he makes with himself—soon, but not yet.

Not yet.

.

Frank starts jogging on the mornings he’s not working. It helps to ease some of the tension that winds up, all the shit he’s not able to work out with a sledgehammer. He carves out a nice route that goes along the water, runs until his legs start to ache. There’s a winter market on the weekends that he likes to hit on his way home—he grabs fresh produce some days, breakfast and coffee on others, like today, when there’s a shorter line than usual at his favorite breakfast burrito stand. He finds a nearby bench overlooking the harbor and tucks in.

It takes him a moment to realize he’s being watched. There’s a familiar sensation, the nape of his neck prickling. Frank swallows the bite he’d been chewing and glances to the side, grabbing the napkin he’d set beside him on the bench to mask the movement—

It’s a dog. A dog is watching him.

Frank blows out a breath, shaking his head as relief floods through him. The dog is several feet away, twitching its nose tentatively in his direction. Frank doesn’t have to guess at what it wants. He can see the poor thing’s ribs from here, jutting up between patches of scruff. It’s a pit bull mix, judging from the shape of its face, and Frank has a sudden image of a family turning it away because their apartment complex has breed restrictions, another image of some faceless thug pulling it into a dog-fighting ring. He digs his nails into his palm, once, twice, working out the simmering anger that’s building in his chest.

The dog has turned its head towards the market. Taking care to move slowly, Frank kneels on the ground and holds out the last of his burrito palm-up. He doesn’t have a lot of experience with abused animals, but he knows enough. He knows what it’s like to be alone and hurting.

He keeps his eyes fixed on the ground and stays very still. A minute passes—then there’s movement in his periphery, paws crunching in snow. Another long pause before he feels the dog nose his hand, its tongue warm and wet as it devours the burrito in one bite and licks his palm clean.

“You liked that, huh?” Frank asks, and he feels the dog tense at the sound of his voice. “I know, shh, shh. You don’t know me, I get it. But I’m not gonna hurt you.”

The dog makes a low, rumbling sound in its throat, but it doesn’t move. Neither does Frank. He’s still looking away, still holding his hand open when the dog finally walks away. Frank watches it go, tail between its legs as it slinks off down the sidewalk. Another block, and it’ll be out of sight.

Frank gets to his feet. Maybe he could try to get it to a vet, see if it’s been micro-chipped or if anyone’s been on the lookout for a lost dog. It’s not like he has anything better to do, and more importantly, he wants to. He wants to help.

Frank keeps a reasonable distance as he follows. The dog cuts a haphazard path through the neighborhood, down alleys and little side streets that take them away from the press of people. Frank rubs his arms as he walks—his long-sleeved shirt and sweatpants are enough to ward off the biting cold when he’s jogging, but now he’s starting to feel it. Just a bit longer, he tells himself. How he plans to coax the dog when he has no more food, he has no idea. He’s operating on instinct here. A few more minutes, and then he’ll call it.

But he doesn’t get a few more minutes. Frank turns a corner, follows the dog back onto a main road, and very abruptly realizes where he is.

Her apartment building looks the same. A little more festive—someone’s strung lights on their balcony a few floors up, and there’s a large wreath hanging on the doors leading to the lobby—but still the same, squat brick building she’d brought him to all those months ago.

He knows, because there are flowers in her window.

He shouldn’t read anything into it, even though his heart’s kicking and there’s a fresh layer of sweat slicking his palms. The roses were a one-time thing, a way for her to contact him when he still thought David was a threat. After the way things went down at the hospital, everything he said—and didn’t say—to her—

No. Sometimes flowers are just flowers.

Still, he remains rooted where he stands. What if this is something else? Karen has no other means of tracking him down—she’s a damn good investigator, but he knows how to bury his head in the sand. Maybe something’s happened and this was the only way she could get his attention, maybe she’s in trouble—

It’s not a choice, not when it comes to her. Frank surveys the building. He doesn’t want to chance going up the fire escape in broad daylight, so he heads through the front doors and takes the stairs to her floor.

The hallway is empty, and quiet. There’s no answer when he knocks on her door, and his pulse jackhammers a little quicker. He digs in the pockets of his sweatpants, gaze scouring the floor for anything he could use to pick the lock.

“Can I help you?”

Frank startles a bit at the sound, but covers by running a hand over his head. Jesus, he’s rusty. He turns to see a young woman—Amy’s age, maybe—coming out of the apartment across the hall. She has a friendly face, but her eyes are narrowed slightly in suspicion. He’s forgotten what it feels like to be looked at that way, like he’s something to be feared. It’s like pulling on a pair of old jeans and discovering they still fit.

“Hey, how’s it going,” he says, cranking his lips into a smile. “I’m a friend of Karen’s, thought I’d drop by since I was in the neighborhood.”

It’s a piss-poor explanation, and by the look on the woman’s face, she thinks so too. He really can’t blame her for not buying it. Strange man acting twitchy and lurking outside a single woman’s apartment—he knows exactly what this looks like.

“I think she’s out,” the woman says slowly. “I can tell her you came by—”

“Nah, you know what, I’ll just swing by some other time.” Frank’s already moving down the hall towards the stairwell. “Thanks.”

He ducks down the stairs without a backwards glance. Christ, that was a goddamn disaster. He really has been out of the thick of it for awhile.

Once he’s back on the street, he slows his pace. Still moves quick enough to put some distance between himself and Karen’s building, but not so fast as to attract attention.

He’s halfway down the block when he remembers—the dog. Shit. He throws a glance over his shoulder, but there’s no sign of it. Even if there were, he’s overstayed his welcome. Karen’s neighbor seemed like the kind of person who wouldn’t hesitate to call the cops on someone suspicious hanging around the area.

His stomach twists at the thought of the dog spending another night on the streets, hungry and cold, but he can’t look for it now. Karen and her safety are his sole focus. There’s still a way to know for sure if the flowers in her window are for decoration or not.

Frank fishes his phone from his pocket, scrolls until he gets to her name. His thumb hovers over the call button for a second before he punches it. It rings and rings and then goes to voicemail.

“Karen, it’s—me. Call me when you get this.” He rattles off his number. “Just—call me. Please.”

He jogs the rest of the way back to his place. There’s a familiar, restless energy building up in his bones, and he knows no amount of running or working with a sledgehammer will quiet it this time. Either he’ll hear from Karen, or he won’t. He knows what he has to do if it’s the latter. Karen Page is worth going to war for.

[alexsmitposts]

Shifting Business Models of Higher Education I suspect some colleges and universities will go under in the wake of COVID 19, as they faced with bankruptcy and are having to deal with lower enrollments too. It might be a good time for military recruiters, at least in the US. The capitalist model is in dire straits, some claim is even falling, especially the business model for higher education. But it is it really worth obtaining higher education, especially now. Tuition and other costs are high and the job market is restricted, and why pay top dollar for distance learning? Against this backdrop, President of Brown University, Christina Paxson, recently wrote in the New York Times that reopening universities in the fall should be a national priority. After all, students face practical, financial, and psychological barriers when it comes to remote learning; the sector provides about 3 million jobs, and education spending pumps near $600 billion into the national GDP. The basic business model for most colleges and universities is simple — tuition comes due twice a year at the beginning of each semester. Most colleges and universities are tuition-dependent. Remaining closed in the fall means losing as much as half of our revenue. Going deep in debt for it! One friend who is completing an MA degree wrote to me, “I am working from home at a Midwestern university has not yet re-opened. Don’t know what the future will hold – the university must take a $5 million budget cut this fiscal year and another $25 million budget cut next fiscal year (beginning July 1st). Don’t know yet how they are going to do it – some talk about early retirements but if they don’t get enough “takers” then probably layoffs.” Recent history, especially in a US presidential election year has many people and policymakers asking hard questions. It is becoming clear that anyone keeping up with U.S. higher education in recent months will see that the sector is bracing for disaster with application dates coming, usually by May. Students and parents are both stressed out over how to pay for it, especially at higher tier universities and in light of the reduction in family incomes due to unemployment and a slowed economy. One article makes it only too clear, A Global View of the Pandemic’s Effect on Higher Education, that university funding model that rely on international students for revenue will now have to brace themselves for tough financial times ahead and some are even in the danger of collapse because of travel restrictions. Nearly one-fifth of all international students study in the United States, and of our total enrollment, they makeup around 5 per cent and contribute over 44 billion to the US economy. These students usually pay full tuition, which can average over 35,000 USD a year and another USD 15,000 to USD 20,000 as living expenses. Many funding models depends largely on foreign students to balance their books as they pay full tuition, and are less likely to be funded by scholarships and other university resources. The paper chase impacts many segments of the economy, for instance, the University of Kentucky, this past year, landlords got big dollar signs in their eyes and jacked up rent twice and triple-fold, as student enrollments were at a record high. Now that they kicked out some of their renters, when their leases were up, demanding higher prices, and now they are losing money; tongue in cheek, it serves the greedy pigs right. Karl Marx Lectures There is hidden karma with capitalism too. Greedy landlords (at least sometimes) get their asses kicked when recession comes from around the corner without warning. One landlord kicked out a friend of mine, who had to move in with his girlfriend at his house. He has two kids. He’s good at repair and even remodeling houses and apartments, so that landlord doesn’t know what he lost…and now I don’t think he’ll be able to get double-rent payers. Just a few weeks before the shutdown, real estate was at a feverish all-time high. Houses prices were sky-high, all 1/4-million-USD in Lexington, and selling immediately. A friend in real estate was trying to push me to buy (but buy what? with what income?)–he said people were snapping them up as soon as they went to market. I knew it was all going to crash and burn and told him that I’ll only buy (and I’ll only be able to afford to buy) when there’s blood on the streets. That may be coming soon if jobs don’t return, and I doubt they will anytime soon. All Things Considered Things could definitely be worse, however for most, despite inconveniences, all things considered with some social benefits and support from government. They have their classes, or work on campus as teaching assistants; they have their stipend, many graduate students, and the supermarkets nearby have plenty to eat. Some have to teach from home, the social life and campus activities have come to an abrupt halt. Many teaching and professional qualification examinations have been cancelled in light of the circumstances, and this may cause extra problems later on when tests results are needed and graduates must come back and sit for them. COVID-19 has indeed hit institutions of higher education unexpectedly, as it has all colleges and universities across the United States and World. It came for many right around spring break – students were asked to consider not returning, and then were told outright that that would be it for the semester, much unexpected, very awkward, and especially worrisome for two populations. One is international students. This came up as an issue across the country. Where could foreigners turn in such circumstances? Some had flown home, and had to accustom themselves to remote participation during uncomfortable time zones. Some received special permissions to stay on campus. And some were not able to come back because of shutdowns in flights and over public health concerns. A lot of creativity has gone into handling this point. The second is graduating students. Unfortunately, their final weeks as students, with all the rituals that entail – from parties to formal ceremonies – all went in another direction. It must be emphasized that universities have been accommodating and have kept the interests of their students at the forefront. Normal job fairs are not being held on campus, as before, and the recruitment of new blood is another issue that will affect the business community. At the same time, there is only so much a university can do if it is constrained by public health concerns, budgetary restrictions, and government orders – more so when one considers public universities, and private universities and colleges of size and a scale. A professor was sharing some thoughts the other day (via Zoom, of course) about the model of the university going forward. It will be a different experience for future generations, he speculated, with mixed methods of teaching and learning. The classic seminar of sitting around a table and discussing may go out of style. Another professor contended that her experience coming into a university and making personal connections around a table was what changed her life. There will be a lot of discussions like this about the trade-offs in style and substance in the coming months, possibly years. Financial models of universities will probably have to be re-imagined, for better or for worse. What is of immediate concern is how to move forward in the fall. Most are working to publish their plans, at least contingency plans by mid-June. Presumably, other universities, other than the earlier examples, are going along the same pace as well in order to give enough lead time to prepare, both for themselves and for their students, faculty, and staff. Students too are reconsidering the opportunity costs of even attending a university. Some are opting to stay closer to home and pursue degrees on a part-time basis and continue with their lives the best they can during uncertain times. Education, like many other institutions, has become nothing but another huge over-bloated scam and the return on investment is not as much as it is touted. The situation that is described here is not limited to the US or a specific region of the world. The main problem when it comes to UK universities is that the crisis had already started years ago, and all of this madness adds up to previous issues. The Oxbridge model is immensely expensive, and the main ways to sustainability – research funders, international students, the endowment, the press, executive education, and commercial activity – will all decline at a time when their costs will increase. As you probably know, in 2017 Oxford exposed itself to 100-year bonds for GBP 1 billion to avoid privatization; it worked, and they raised the debt to 3 billion. However, a shift in conditions will make the interest rate higher – how do you pay when things go wrong? It is just impossible to take on more debt, for students and institutions of higher education alike. Going on the market is a short term fix but not a solution. Conversely, the most flexible and affordable universities in Europe are those like the Open University (or Oxford, which has earned a reputation with online learning, and has even more potential) and will continue and improve their performance. Others are investing a lot in distance learning, such as Exeter. However, the terrible combination of the COVID emergency plus Brexit (ergo, losing the generous EU funds for research as well as the most skilled European students and lecturers) will make British Universities empty, and go bankrupt. UK Universities make money with post-graduate overseas students since Chinese and Asian people come here with very little English (not to say about their study skills) but willing to pay a fortune to get a piece of paper. Once back home, they can spend their qualifications very easily and get high positions. If students don’t come or go somewhere else, the whole system fails. There are several things UK and international universities can do, one is the Nottingham University Modelo, which has opened branches overseas. And instead of running after learners to come to the UK, learners can find branches close to home. Another option is to create partnership with other institutions so that they can add cherry onto the cake. For instance, additional lectures or certificate programmes, or by providing summer programmes around the world. Another one is aiming at blended programs, which is quite hard since the competition from European universities will become unbearable. In countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium or Austria you can find some of the best institutions in the world with a spotless reputation (I am thinking, for instance, to Groningen or Berlin) which are nearly free! How can you compete with that? It’s looking grim on enrolment but to be honest, we are all just waiting to see how many show up. A major challenge is international students – embassies are just not going to process visas. So we will have students who will be stuck here in the US and many who won’t be able to get here. It’s going to be a very large loss on top of lower domestic US numbers. I suspect many students will take a gap year and see what transpires rather than do more online courses. For me, this situation is a real opportunity to radically rethink society. From that, I realize we need to really look at future-proofing and building a truly resilient society. Just like after WW II there was a progressive and radical rebuilding of society, and I think that’s what is needed now- a few bailouts will not be enough It looks that we know what to do but the leadership is lacking. I think the idea that after all of this madness there might be a restart is shared by many, but is misleading at the same time. Provided that giving things another go makes sense, we have to remember that one thing is a contingency and one is the social system we are all in – something that is very difficult to modify in the short term.

[chickaannnwrites]

The flower that blooms in my heart

Chapter 2

Hello luvs! sorry this took too long. This is quite long so enjoy! Cheers!

October 26. Kuroo was excited to start this day. It was his first day being a flower shop owner. He recently moved to an apartment next door prior to his first day. He was a free 27 year old man ready to mingle. He had the most awesome hairstyle and the thickest black hair in the street. He was tall, quite handsome, and had a dominant demeanor before him. He was always misjudged because of his looks but he just let out a gentle smile and giggled when he found himself in that situation. 

7 days before, he met Nekomata-sensei, his past Botany Teacher, in his shop. Kuroo was checking the shop before Nekomata could hand it over to him. Kuroo found the place perfect. It was a simple glass shop in the middle of a busy city. The rose among the thornsThe door was glass to and the place had white and brown paints. Nekomata-sensei could not believe that his brightest former student was ready to buy his shop. Kuroo majored in Botany in College and was the valedictorian of their class.

Nekomata-sensei: So Kuroo, what made you quit your job as a researcher in our university?

Kuroo: Well sensei, I originally wanted to be a florist since I was a kid.

Nekomata questioned seriously.

He let out a smile to Nekomata.

Kuroo was a plant nerd since he was a kid. He was different from the other kids his age but was never bullied because of his stature. He originally wanted to study plants in college so he took botany. He was offered a job at the university he was in as a researcher and a professor but eventually he quit because he was bored and tired of the job. 

Kuroo: I want a simple life you know? I want to sell plants with a smile on my face that make people happy whatever the occasion is.

Kuroo looked at the plants.

Nekomata-sensei: Wow you’re really on another level, my child. Well here is the lease for the building. It may take about 6 days to process so you can start working here on the 26th.  Flower and plant delivery takes place at 6 am everyday. Be sure to open up before that time. There are a lot of regulars at 6:30 am so be sure to cater them. 

Nekomata wrote the reminders down at a piece of paper.

Kuroo:  Aye aye sensei!

Kuroo saluted. Nekomata laughed at him.

Nekomata-sensei: Where is the rest of the squad by the way?

Kuroo had 3 smart friends that Nekomata also liked when they were at the university. Bokuto, Akaashi, and Tsukishima.

Kuroo: Oh Bokuto works at a university on the other side of the town. Akaashi is working at a hospital. Tsukishima works for a Publishing Company that helps publish research and science stuff. Oh and Bokuto and Akaashi finally tied the knot so that’s maybe new for you.

Kuroo scratched the back of his head

Nekomata: Well they were always together the most on campus so I’m not shocked.

Sensei giggled and smiled.

Kuroo: Yeah they were. I’ll be here on the 26th to start my first day. I won’t disappoint you sensei!

Kuroo determined and confident

Sensei: I’m sure you will, my child.

Sensei let out a big smile and waved his hands goodbye to Kuroo as he went out.

Kuroo went out of the shop at 8:16 am. He was starstruck as he passed a man in his 20s with a corporate attire look. Kuroo’s eyes were shining from amusement. The man had a suitcase. He had a small face and looked soft. His hair was one of the most dazzling things he had ever seen. A long black hair tied in the back with yellow strands. He was amused for a second, his face went pink and felt his pulse faster. His heart was beating so fast. He had never felt this way before. Before he could turn around, the man already disappeared into the flower shop and chatted with Nekomata. Kuroo was sure he was a regular there. He was motivated to move already. He went back to reality and smiled. “Time to look for an apartment”, Kuroo told himself.

Kuroo saw an apartment complex next to the shop. The price was convenient and it was beside his future shop so he took it. He asked for a room and they said a room was available on the second floor. He took it and signed a lease. He was to move on the 25th. He texted the squad.

[9:17 am] Kuroo: Hey, I just rented an apartment and bought the flower shop of Nekomata-sensei.

[9:18 am] Tsukishima: Wow you are rich. Are we invited for the housewarming party?

[9:18 am] Bokuto: NICE Kuroo! You finally got a hold of your dreams

[9:19 am] Akaashi: That’s nice Kuroo! Where is it located?

[9:20 am] Kuroo: It’s beside sensei’s flower shop, Akaashi. You guys should come to my housewarming party at 7 pm on the 25th. I’ll be at room 204 waiting with dinner and snacks. I’ll be expecting you guys!

[9:20 am] Akaashi: Yes Sir. Bokuto and I will be there. We’ll bring some gifts.

[9:21 am] Tsukishima: Expect me to be there too! I’ll eat your food.

[9:21 am] Bokuto: I won’t lose to you Tsukki!

[9:21 am] Tsukishima: Bring it on!

[9:22 am] Kuroo: Looks like I’m gonna need a lot of food to buy.

The 25th came and Kuroo was ready to move. He had rented a moving truck to put his things on. He will definitely miss his apartment. He had been living there since the 1st year of his college. It was near the university he went to and worked at. It left memories of the squad but Kuroo was grateful and not emotional. He made a bow and left.

He was very excited to move. It was a new chapter of his life. They safely arrived at the apartment and moved his things to the second floor. He was riding his car with the moving truck behind him. It was a very long process and it was tiring. They eventually finished at 4 pm. They started moving at 2 pm. Kuroo did his best to arrange the living room, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. 

He had less than 3 hours to clean and arrange before the squad arrived when a knock flinched and surprised Kuroo. Kuroo went to the door and opened it. It was a neighbor. The neighbor had grey hair and shiny hazel eyes. He was holding a small cake that spelled “Welcome”. 

Sugawara: Hello neighbor! Seems like you’re new. I’m Sugawara Koshi from the 5th floor. I saw you moving things earlier and wanted to welcome you by baking a cake. 

Suga let out a shiny big smile to Kuroo.

Kuroo was shocked.

Kuroo: Hello Sugawara-san! I’m Kuroo Tetsurou! Thanks for the cake! I’m so happy to be your neighbor. You can call me Kuroo.

Kuroo’s voice was soft and welcoming.

Suga: Stop with the honorifics. Suga is fine. Here take this. If you ever need to borrow some things, don’t be afraid to stop by at 402. 

Suga was smiling even more.

Kuroo: Oh thank you so much Suga. Will visit you then. Thank you again!

Kuroo received the cake that Suga had given him. It was a perfect dessert for the party later.

Kuroo entered and closed the door. He continued on arranging. He eventually stopped and went for a grocery run. There was a supermarket nearby. He bought food and ingredients and drinks. He decided to have a korean bbq party and bought a lot of meat, soju and beer. His friends arrived and they had a great time grilling meat. Bokuto and Akaashi brought a bottle of wine and a moon lamp as gifts. Tsukishima brought a cat stuff toy and a tea set. 

They had fun all night talking about their college, Tsukishima’s crush which is his Editor-in-Chief Yamaguchi, and Kuroo’s new shop. It was a fun night and they eventually said their goodbyes. Bokuto was drunk and full so Akaashi had a hard time bringing him to their car. Tsukishima didn't drink a lot. He took 1 shot and that’s it. He went home smoothly. Kuroo was left alone in his apartment again and had to clean up. He was very tired but he was excited for tomorrow. 

After he cleaned, he went to take a shower. It was already 10 pm. He immediately got to bed and slept deeply.

The morning came and his alarm snoozed. It was 5:30 am. He had 30 minutes before the plants were delivered. He brewed some black tea from Tsukishima’s tea set and drank it. He also toasted some bread. He took a shower and dressed up to a nice friendly suit. He immediately went down and got to the shop. He opened it and smelled the earthy essence that was lingering the shop. 

The delivery arrived and Kuroo was able to receive it. Some people arrived after the delivery and Kuroo was a little anxious but he was so cool. Nekomata was right, there were a lot of regulars in the morning. They asked who he was and exchanged names. Kuroo had met a lot of nice people in the morning. He was really happy.

At almost 9 am, there were a lot of people that went into the shop and bought some plants. The joy in his face was enough to ignore the fact that he was so tired from last night’s party. He was alone for a moment when he thought about the man he met last week. He blushed and sobered up again and told himself “This is not the time to think about him, Kuroo”.

As he said that, there was someone coming inside of the store. Kuroo was not mistaken. It was him. The long black hair tied in the back with yellow strands, the small and soft look of his face. It was him. Kuroo’s pulse was definitely becoming faster. His heart was beating like crazy. As the man looked around the shop, Kuroo muttered some words.

"Good Morning! What would you like to buy?", Kuroo said with a smile on his face hiding his blush.

The man was coming towards Kuroo. Kuroo felt his heart was going to explode. The man came to the counter and asked.

"Hello. Where is Nekomata-sensei?"

Kuroo immediately answered.

"Oh Nekomata-sensei sold the shop to me. I'm Kuroo Testsurou, the new shop owner. Nice to meet you!"

Kuroo thought he was so lame. With that, Kuroo didn’t know that his life was about to change.

[granpafrisbee]

Truth or Dare Part 1

Warnings: Cussing                    

Word Count: 3,752 (it’s gonna get longer tho)

Pairing: Bucky x OFC           

Masterlist

Summary: After going to Italy and avoiding any romantic relationships for pretty much all her life Joey comes back to the U.S. to move in with her life-long best friend, Sam Wilson, and his two closest friends from college. Joey’s met Steve but is apprehensive to meet the elusive Bucky, whom she’s always missed despite having visited Sam consistently throughout college. Once she meets him, however, she wonders how she’ll be able to run from love when they share a bathroom.

A/N: Hey, so I'll be updating this most Wednesdays. I'll try my hardest to stay regular. 

I wrote this using an OFC bc I cannot work my brain to replace my name with fucking Y/N and I know I'm not the only one. (I always end up reading it as fucking "yuuhnnumm"). I am fully in love with Zazie Beetz so our OFC is completely based on her except maybe a lil chubbier because why not. Really for the apartment just picture the layout of the New Girl loft.

I always have a confusing time picturing characters in fics so I'm gonna lay it out for y'all. Steve is full nomad, them honey brown locks and the full beard. Joey's hair is natural like Zazie so often wears it. Bucky is just Seb in fall/winter 2017 because I am weak for the I, Tonya press tour look. Sam is Mackie's classic look. The rest of the characters can be left to the imagination.

Also  I mention good music so listen to that if you want. Please let me know if you like this and follow my hot garbage tumblr.

Special thanks to @buckybarnesxoxo for asking to be tagged!

the AO3

Stay Sexy

It’s the bathroom that really impresses Joey. She believed Sam when he said the apartment was nice. On seeing it for the first time when moving in, she discovers that her best friend is distinctly incorrect. A working sink is nice. A proper heater is nice. A nearby laundromat is nice. This loft, this four-bedroomed palace, is exquisite in comparison to her previous abodes. The kitchen has all its necessary appliances. There are a washer and dryer in unit. The walls are thick enough that if Sam was stabbed in his neighboring room, she would maybe hear it. Four bedrooms with their very own closets. All of these have her speechless as she tours around. However, as stated above, it’s the bathroom that is killer. The idea of sharing said room with three men is maybe one of the more foreboding aspects of her new sweet digs, but once she sees the giant clawfoot shower and tub, she is sure the positives will heavily outweigh the negatives.

She immediately slides down into her new porcelain palace. She’s a medium height at 5’6”, and even she has to point her toes to touch the far end of the tub. She sighs comfortably and is already planning an essential oils combination for her first real bath when the door swings open and her fantasy is interrupted by one her new roommates. He’s the one she hasn’t met yet but Sam and Steve have shown her plenty of pictures. His hair looks soft and well-coiffed and he wears a tank top under an unbuttoned striped short sleeve button down. Rather than judgment appearing across his abnormally handsome face, he smiles like there was nothing else he could have expected when entering the bathroom.

“You see I specifically told Steve to get a bathtub that doesn’t come with a human.”

“Oh no, you got it all wrong. I’m actually a ghost here to haunt you but hygienically. Instead of boo, I say floss.” She says without a beat and he nods, very seriously, in response to this.

“You know I’m pretty sure I just carried in a bed to our fourth room that might be more comfortable than the tub, but who am I to judge one’s preferred sleeping arrangements.” His quip is followed by another fantastic smile, and based on the past ten seconds of her life Joey is absolutely sure that this is her kind of human.

She smiles back and extends her hand from the tub. “Joey.”

“Bucky,” He shakes her hand and nods again.

“You guys brought up my bed? I told Samuel to let me handle that shit.”

He laughs and scratches his beard, “Ah just gave me another opportunity to show Sam how much stronger I am than him. And Steve the chance to show up both of us.”

Joey chuckles and silently appreciates how Bucky balanced his dig on Sam with some light self-depreciation of himself. Although it would be unrealistic to pretend that anyone was stronger than Steve. The man is built. “Seriously though, I’ll come help y’all out. I’m not gonna be the useless roommate.” She gets out of the tub and starts out the door.

“Oh I wouldn’t worry about that, I think Sammy’s got that title covered, Darlin’.” He follows her out and therefore doesn’t see her face cringe at the pet name.

She considers calling him on it when Sam yells from the front door, “I know you’re not in there besmirching me to my very own best friend Barnes,” He enters view sweaty and smiling, “And I especially know she wasn’t participating, because she is my best friend and therefore automatically on my side.” He wraps his arm protectively around her shoulders causing her to shrug away from him with her nose scrunched.

“Consider our friendship on sabbatical until you take a shower, Wilson.” Joey continues backing away.

“Jesus I always knew your personality stank but I guess the inside always comes out huh.” Bucky mirrors Joey’s disgusted face as he walks towards the door.

Sam rolls his eyes, “Not funny.” Although the involuntary “Hah!” Joey lets out at Bucky’s comment seems to contradict his statement. Sam just flips her off.

“Thank you, Doll. You see Sammy, even your best friend thinks I’m right.” Bucky mocks as he heads back outside.

This time Sam sees her face twist in reaction to the nickname. Misinterpreting it he grumbles, “Oh come on there’s no way you can smell me from over there.” He starts to head to his room, presumably for deodorant.

Joey follows Bucky downstairs to help with some more furniture moving. Steve is outside their building, ass in the air, bent over picking something up. “Damn Rogers,” Joey calls out appreciatively, “If I knew I’d be getting a view like that I would have shacked up with you years ago.”

He stands up, holding up an entire bookshelf on his own, further challenging the poor under armor shirt that is being stretched to hell on his giant frame. “Hey killer, thanks for joining us.”

She picks up a lamp and smiles at him, “Well I figured you guys needed the extra muscle.”

His smile is bright against his beard as he walks into the house with the ease of a man who isn't carrying a bookshelf.

The four of them finish loading their sporadic furniture into the loft and the afternoon fades to early evening. An old but amazing and huge high-quality leather sectional provided by Steve’s mom. Sam’s flat screen, whom he’s named Esmeralda, and may or may not have a near sexual attraction to. Bucky’s records and a player that’s older than any of them, plus a big wooden dinner table his Dad handmade. Steve’s varied level of completed canvases and paint stuff. Joey’s shelves and chairs she found on the side of the road her senior year in college. A mix of plates, bowls, and utensils have been loaded into varying drawers and cabinets. As well as cooking instruments, although, beyond Joey’s waffle iron and an old cast iron from Steve, it’s all Sam’s. Everyone’s personal boxes and furniture is piled in their own rooms.

Joey sits on the kitchen island as the boys lean against it, all sipping the cheap beer Joey bought as penance for them carrying her bed in. She takes that moment to appreciate the weird chain of events that got her where she is now. She and Sam have been friends since grade school. They went to different colleges but remained good ol’ buddies throughout. When they graduated Joey traveled around and did an apprenticeship with an Italian glassblower. Sam went to Culinary school, and when he graduated the second time around Joey was offered a job with a world-renowned blower (god she will never get tired of calling her profession that) stateside. After little luck finding a two bedroom inexpensive enough for the two of them, Steve, one of Sam’s old college buddies Joey had met many a time during visits, mentioned his friend's dad owned a couple lofts in the neighborhood they were looking in. Sam toured with Steve and Bucky and the three of them signed the lease that day. Sam called Joey that night and announced he was so confident that he forged her signature. He was insistent that it was the best option they’d find, all Steve is a good guy and fellow artist, and even Bucky is sometimes bearable but don’t tell him that. Steve paints and sketches in his free time and works as a personal trainer to pay the bills. Joey knows he isn’t passionate about it, but with his perfect body and matching attitude, she is sure he is fantastic at his job. Sam is starting at a new restaurant with a name Joey can only pronounce thanks to high school French. A plus for living with Sam is that he brings work home with him. Although Joey had visited Sam plenty over the years and even struck up a solid friendship with Steve, she always seems to have missed Bucky. They had never met but she knew he was a language major with a focus in Eastern Europe and Russia. Sam had told her Bucky translated English books into Russian and vice versa and made more money than he should. Earlier Joey had heard him curse in some sort of Slavic tongue when Sam “accidentally” dropped his end of a coffee table on Bucky’s foot. She also had heard a few stories about Steve and Bucky’s childhood, the rambunctious troublemakers lived up to every tall tale. As the four nursed their beers she felt confident that this was going to be a very important group of people in her life.

“Joey?” Sam snapped her out of her thoughts.

“What?”

“Barnes suggested we get more beer and pizza and invite some friends over. Are you down?” The three men looked at her expectantly.

“I say hell yeah. Who are we calling?” She looked down at her watch and was surprised to see it was only 6:30.

“Well there are the couples, Nat and Wanda and Thor and Bruce,” Steve suggested.

“I told Shuri I’d pay her in alcohol if she set up all the tech shit,” Bucky adds.

Steve nods, “Now that you mention it, we should probably invite Tony, he’s the reason we got this place.”

“Tony means at least Rhodey and probably Pep, Clint is a must, and if we invite Wanda we should call Pietro too.” Sam finishes his beer and scrolls through his messages.

“Brunnhilde and Okoye are in town too.” Joey hops off the counter and recycles the empty bottles collecting on the island.

“Alright you guys decide who to invite, and I’ll go get libations and sustenance,” Bucky grabs his keys.

“With the list we’ve got you’ll need some help, I’ll come with,” Joey volunteers.

Bucky smiles vibrantly and nods towards to Steve, “You okay babysitting Rogers?”

“As long as Killer doesn’t mind your unreasonably picky ass,” Steve’s retort is so quick that Bucky and Sam raise their middle fingers simultaneously at their aggravator.

Joey and Bucky decide to start off to the pizzeria three blocks away and pick up the beer on the walk back. The walk begins in mildly uncomfortable silence.

“So… you’re picky?” Joey asks to spark some sort of conversation.

“Nooo..” Bucky’s defensiveness creates an endearing drawl, “Those two pompous asses just don’t understand that I like my pizza simple. Margherita pizza is a fucking gift. Who am I to screw it up with a bunch of American bullshit?” He gestures widely as he speaks.

“You’re kidding right?”

Bucky’s must have misinterpreted her smile as he quickly responds, “Alright I’ve been judged enough in my life, I know you lived in Italy and-”

“No, no, Bucky!” She grabs his forearm, “Margherita is my favorite! I ate it all the time in Italy, judgment-free.”

“Jesus Christ Doll, where have you been all my life?”

She smiles and they continue a brisk pace to the pizza place. “How did you know I lived in Italy?”

“Ah, I know plenty about you. Sammy talks about you non-stop, has since I met him. Steve even thought he was secretly in love with you until he hung out with you in person.”

This makes Joey raise her brows, “Really? Wow. What, if I may ask, ultimately caused him to accept our relationship as extraordinarily platonic? Was it the sibling-like side hugs? The lack of sexual tension in our banter? The fact that I knew him during his first mustache phase?”

“Are you telling me there was a skinnier mustache than the one we know and mildly tolerate?”

“I’m talking Prince but pubescent. It was so thin models asked his mustache for dieting tips. It was so thin his first girlfriend thought he had an eyelash over his top lip. I mean you would’ve thought he drew it on with a ballpoint pen. In fact, it’s very possible it was. Just because I never saw doesn’t mean he never-”

Bucky is laughing uproariously, “Please, please, you’re killing me. I’m gonna need pictures as soon as possible.”

“No can do. I will recite the epic of the mustache homer-style until the day I die, but any physical evidence shared will prompt an all-out war between Samuel and me. That is just something I can’t afford.”

“Oh now I have to see them. What’s your secret shame, sweetheart? Bangs? Braces? Please tell me it was an emo phase,” As he lists off he starts walking backward, the goofy smile didn't dim once.

“I’ll never share, but trust me when I say if you find something behind my back, I’m sure Steve will be more than willing to share some pictures of your past. Emo phase is a good guess, but if I didn’t know any better I’d say that was a projection, hmm?”

That does a good job of replacing his smile with pursed lips and a quirked eyebrow, contemplating his next move in this battle of embarrassing adolescence. “Steve would never betray me.”

“Don’t be so sure, all men have their weaknesses,” She smiles deviously.

“Oh yeah, you gonna seduce him for a picture of me in eyeliner?”

“First of all, I would seduce Steve for much less so thanks for confirming my emo theories. Secondly, I may not know Steve like you do, but I know him well enough to see that seduction would hardly prove fruitful.” She holds the door open for him and they both bask in the practically orgasmic scent of the pizzeria, “Steve is so suspicious of anyone who wants to sleep with him that he’d see through me. My method would be to trick him to do some sort of high school ‘Where are they now?’ portrait. He’d be so inspired he’d paint your lined eyes and black, I’m guessing, over parted hair in a second.” The line is moving slowly and he admires how she never lowers her volume or hides from strangers eyes.

“Damn, Doll, you’re good.”

“I minored in manipulation.” The store isn’t too packed for Saturday night and Sam Cooke is playing lightly in the background. She’s nodding her head and he’s mouthing along to words and when they both realize this they share a smile at the music.

“So Steve is a suspicious mind in your book?” She chuckles at his reference.

“I’m not the biggest drinker and neither is Steve, so when Sammy went hard when I visited, Steve was always good for a tipsy talk. The poor guy has the same self-esteem he must have had in high school. Unlike us three cool cats Steve will show me pictures of his past self. I know you were there through it all, but just because the outside changes doesn’t mean the inside follows suit. I have seen the most dedicated and gorgeous women throw themselves at him and yet he remains sure that she was ‘just being friendly’. It’s actually impressive.”

“I know what you mean. To be fair though a lot of that is just his college girlfriend. She really did a number on him.” He runs a hand through his hair but doesn’t hide his contempt for whoever she is.

Solemn surprise covers Joey’s features, “I never knew. Never met her on any visits.”

“She wasn’t big on him talking to other girls, probably hid him anytime you came around. Although that isn’t my story to tell, I’m sure the punk will tell you about it sometime.” She follows his eye line down to his shoes. He’s drawing stars with the tip of his shoe, a tic she’s just noticing.

“What about you? You have a girl hiding you away, distracting you during your collegiate years? She the reason our meeting was so unluckily delayed until today?”

He thinks about the answer for a second or two. “Nah, no anchor to this ship. At this point, I’m just convinced Wilson just didn’t tell me you were around because he knew you would like me more than him.”

“Well turns out I like Steve better than both of you.”

He puts his hands up and reassures her, “I don’t need to be first, Sweetheart, just as long as I’m on your radar.” As he lowers his hands the song changes and they simultaneously recognize the song, both begin humming the initial notes. “Penny & The Quarters fan huh?” He asks.

“Nobody, baby, but-” she sings before quickly turning her attention to the cashier, “We’ll have two large Everything Pizzas and one large Margherita.” Facing Bucky again she smiles and drops another line that makes his heart race, “Just for you and me, huh?”

The pizza is out quick, and a trip to the local gas station provides them with more than enough beer. They continue discussing music, Joey is surprised at their similarly irregular taste. He describes his favorite Etta James songs, but can’t forget the Simon and Garfunkel song that he thinks is his first love encapsulated. He lists his top three favorite rappers after ranking contemporary folk bands. She adds in her opinions sporadically, and he apologizes twice for dominating the conversation when they get in the elevator.

She is being honest when she says, “There’s nothing I want to hear more than whatever you’re going to say right this moment.” He thinks that every lyric in every song he’s just listed doesn’t have shit on that sentence.

He’s about to tell her so when an alarming large hand last minute catches the elevator as it closes. The doors open to the Thor and Bruce. The couple is the lynchpin of every good party, from rager to kickback. Thor is the greatest hype man in history but is never hammered, probably because it would take two handles of tequila to get him there. Bruce is much more chill but a secret god at beer pong, not to mention he always has weed. Bucky’s favorite part of their presence always happens when Bruce is particularly high and begins a lecture on some sort of subject no one else understands. He isn’t exactly captivating, especially not to anyone far from sober although his passion is palpable, but Thor will plop down on the couch next to him and watch him like he’s the only thing in the universe (while rubbing Bruce’s neck to keep him from getting too wound up). Bucky loves those guys.

“Looks like we arrived just in time, wouldn’t you say Thor?” Bruce shakes Bucky’s hand and smiles at Joey.

“Of course! I was worried we got too much pizza, but now that you’re here Thor I’m sure you’ll help us with any surplus.” Joey sets the pizzas down before Thor pulls her into a bear hug.

“Joey, you know I never leave a damsel in distress,” Thor agrees as he sets her back on her feet.

Joey’s eyebrow playfully shoots up, “Who are you calling damsel, Odinson?”

“In this case, definitely Sam. I’m surprised he even let you order out.” Bruce answers for his boyfriend.

“My love is right in my insinuation. Never ever have I seen you anywhere near damsel status Joe.” Bucky watches their interaction with curiosity.

The elevator dings and Bucky asks, “This may seem like a dumb question but how do you guys know each other? Just through Sam?”

Joey picks up the pizzas as Thor holds the door open, ”Thor’s siblings and I were all in a group home together as teens. I’ve known this big lug long before he was the Nordic party god we see before us.” Thor laughs and he and Bruce go to greet everyone inside.

“Are you telling me Thor hasn’t always been a blonde beefcake?” Bucky whispers in Joey’s ear as they set the pizza and beer on the counter.

“Sadly no, he’s looked like that since I met him. I just like making that joke because he’s too humble to care.” She makes note that he doesn’t question the foster home part of her story. She wonders just what Sam has told him about her past.

People start to crowd the food and drinks, so Joey and Bucky greet everyone who has arrived. Nat is there sans Wanda, who is at home sick. Bucky knows this means Nat will be leaving early. Pietro made it despite his ill sibling, but he still looks pretty sick of the conversation in front of him. Shuri and Clint are mid-argument about the chicken and the egg when Bucky thanks them for coming. Clint gives him a smile and points to a fake succulent on the table and mumbles, “Got you guys a housewarming present,” before returning his attention to telling Shuri that the Chicken is the obvious choice. Shuri tells Bucky she set up the wifi and the apple tv and Clint doesn’t even register that she’s talking over him. Bucky kisses her cheek and hands her a beer.

Steve is sitting with Bruce and Thor on the couch, all of them engrossed in conversation and pizza. Sam is chopping fresh onion for his pizza when Bucky asks, “These are the few you could bribe to get here?”

“These losers are the only ones without any plans on a Saturday night,” Sam says without looking up.

Clint and Pietro both look up and say a simultaneous, “Hey!” Before turning their attention back to their conversation.

“T’Challa and Nakia are in Paris. Brunnhilde has a gig tonight. Okoye hung up on me when I said pizza and beer. Parker has an exam. Tony named six events he was invited to tonight and would’ve kept going if Steve hadn’t hung up. Pepper and Rhodey are probably plus thing one and two wherever Tony ended up at. Thus, this motley crew is all we got.” Sam sprinkles his diced onion on top of his already spilling slice and when he bites into it his groan stops the conversations surrounding the apartment.

“Lame. Your intestines are not going to be thanking you for that monster you are devouring under the alias of pizza.” Joey makes a face as he continues to stuff his face.

“Like eating just mozzarella and basil is enjoyable at all,” Sam dismisses her and joins the rest of their crew.

“Heathens,” Bucky dramatically admonishes their friends, “You ready Doll?”

This time he catches the tightening of her expression at his comment, ”Born ready.” They both grab a piece of their untouched pizza and taps crusts in cheers.

Part 2

Part 3

Thanks for reading!

[phan-of-the-pen]

I Dare You To Stay: Chapter 25

almost done my guys! the plot is back and there’s fluff too! enjoy!

Tags for chapter: v minor angst, fluff

Words for chapter: ~3 k

Fic Summary: Dan Howell is a barista working a shitty job, frequenting his shitty apartment, and living a shitty existence, hiding his asexuality and going for a PHD in self-depreciation and depression. Phil Lester is a part-time intern, part-time employee at a local weather station, trying to get experience in his field and make a name for himself, while juggling a second job at the nearby Tesco’s to give him some financial breathing room. Their paths were never supposed to meet, but what happens when they do anyways, one rainy day in Manchester?

(ao3!)

<-- Previous Chapter Next chapter -->

~~~~~~~~~~

Dan let his eyes travel across Phil's face. His gaze traced from the bow of Phil's lips to the slopes of his nose to the morning light fanning across Phil's cheekbones. Dan let his fingers leave the warmth of the duvet and brush away some of the black fringe that had fallen over Phil's face overnight.

Phil had been in Manchester all week for some time with Dan and to tie up some other loose ends that he would be leaving behind with a move to London. Last night had been the last one that Phil would be spending in Manchester for a while, and they had both wanted to spend the time together. Even regarding the fact that Phil had already signed the lease off his Manchester flat and didn't have a place to stay, it had been an easy decision for Phil to spend the night at Dan's. And after an already wonderful day and night together, Dan was more than happy to keep Phil in his grasp a little longer.

But he couldn't keep Phil forever.

Phil had a train to catch at about noon, and it was close to nine in the morning already. The train would take him to London, where he would be living from now on. The thought of saying goodbye to Phil without the assurance that he would be returning after a few days was daunting, and even though Dan wanted to be as supportive as possible, he just wanted to stay in bed with Phil forever.  

Who needed to work? They could both just lie here in their little bubble and forget the world.

Dan moved closer to Phil's still-sleeping form and tucked himself under Phil's chin. He closed his eyes once he was settled and let his body sink against Phil's. After a life of shutting people out and being shut out, Dan still reveled in how good it felt to be vulnerable in the presence and care of someone gentle and trustworthy.

Barely-there fingers running through his hair slowly pulled Dan away from his dreams. Groaning at the light, Dan just buried his face in Phil's naked chest. He felt Phil chuckle at his antics more than he heard it, and he certainly felt Phil's arms curl around Dan's body in order to hold him close.

"Morning," Phil said, his voice deep from sleep.

"G'morning," Dan slurred, rubbing his eyes fiercely with the bottom of his palms. A few moments passed, but their silence was easy and comfortable. Dan let himself drink up the physical contact, a nagging part of his brain reminding him that this was something that he wouldn't get whenever he wanted very soon.

He had just started to feel his eyelids get heavy once again when Phil stirred underneath him. Dan groaned as Phil moved and inevitably disturbed the gentle equilibrium they had achieved. Phil giggled, and his hands stroking over Dan's back stilled.

"You know," he whispered, "as much as I hate it, I'm going to need to get up soon, Dan. It's almost ten and my train is at noon."

This time Dan really groaned. Dan made sure that it was loud and drawn out enough to express the depths of his displeasure. The wounded sound made Phil's eye crinkle in fondness.

"I know, I know. You understand that I don't like it either, right? I want you around me just as much as you do. Leaving is going to suck, but we can get through this. I'm not that easy to get rid of."

Dan hummed to show he was listening. In reality, the words affected Dan more than he let on, and they made Dan's cheeks burn, but not in a bad way.

Phil pressed a kiss to Dan's temple. The action got Dan's attention, and he finally emerged from the comfort of Phil's chest to look up. Phil kissed him on the lips this time, and even though Phil was smiling too much to really make it a proper kiss, Dan was still satisfied and happy at the attention.

"Don't worry, we'll see each other in person before you even know it." Phil let one of his hands bury itself in Dan's curls. "And I'm not even gone yet, so you're not allowed to be sad yet."

"Oh, I'm not not allowed, huh?"

"That's right. Not allowed. You are legally required to be happy until noon today. Sorry for the inconvenience."

Dan laughed and pressed a kiss to Phil's jaw.

"I'll forgive you. When time did you want to leave for the station? I just need to know how much of my cuddle time is going to be missed."

"Mhm, sure," Phil muttered before shifting Dan's body over slightly, "Eleven fifteen? That should give me plenty of extra time to get to the station."

Dan's grin spread wide, and he tightened his hold around Phi's waist.

"Good. You can stay here a little bit longer then."

~~~~~

The ride to the station wasn't terribly long, and it is something that Dan is both thankful for and hates.

Part of him couldn't really stand sitting anxiously next to Phil—while pretending to be fine—any longer, and the other part of him froze at reality catching up with him as soon as the cab pulled up to the curb, waiting for the two of them to get out.

He helped Phil with his luggage, and he was a good boyfriend and paid for the cab before Phil could try and pull his wallet out of his pants.

Walking into the station wasn't that bad. Even watching Phil purchase his one-way ticket to London was manageable.

It wasn't until they were a few feet from the doors, a smattering of people having their tickets inspected by a worker before getting onto the train, that the full weight of what was happening hit Dan like a fucking truck.

His legs kind of stopped mid stride, and a soft, strangled sound escaped his throat. Phil turned, a confused look in his eye, but once he saw Dan's ashen face Phil's own expression softened into one of understanding. He closed the distance between them and dropped his bags at their feet. Phil wrapped Dan in a hug, and Dan collapsed against him. He hadn't realized how much he had needed this hug, but now that it was happening? Dan didn't think that he would be able to let go.

One of Phil's hands slowly rubbed Dan's back, and a sob escaped Dan before he could contain it. Phil only held him tighter.

"I don't want to lose you."

"You won't, I promise."

Dan's body tensed as the five minute warning sounded. They didn't have much time, and the sudden urgency enveloped the both of them.

"How can you be sure?" Dan cried, his white-knuckled fists clenched tight onto Phil's jacket.

"Because you're too important, Dan Howell." Phil responded, pulling away so that their faces were close. "You're too important to me. I'm willing to make this work. I am. I'll skype you as many times as you need me to, call you, text you, the whole package. And we'll visit each other as much as we can. I know that it's not the ideal set of circumstances, but trust me," Phil's hands found their way to the sides of Dan's head, pulling him in, "you're not going to lose me."

The kiss completely swooped Dan off of his feet, and the sheer intensity of it only had Dan kissing Phil back harder, eager for anything that Phil was willing to give. In some other distant life there was another warning for passengers to board the train, but it was so much farther away than Phil.

They broke suddenly, each of them gasping for their breath. Phil's eyes snapped to Dan's, and their celestial blue held Dan's gaze completely.

"This may not be the time or the place, but Daniel James Howell, you're never going to get rid of me because I'm staying. And I'm staying because I love you. I'm not going to give up on us."

Tears sprung up from the corners of Dan's eyes, and he threw himself back onto Phil. The kiss started off just like the last, but it melted into something gentler, softer, and full of emotion.

"I love you too," Dan muttered, "I love you too."

~~~~~

"Daniel!" Mary cried once she entered the shop. Dan had been scrolling on his phone while he waited for customers, but as soon as he heard her he snapped his head up and shoved his phone in his pocket.

"Hey, Mary," Dan said with a smile. He didn't even bother trying to hide his nonchalance because he was too happy to see the old woman. He was also sure that nothing would be able to hide the joy in his voice.

Mary had a cane now, and Dan was sure that it was because of her recovering from her surgery. It made her walk to the counter take more time, but that was okay because as soon as she got there Dan leaned over, and she wrapped him up in a great big hug.

"Oh, Daniel, I've missed you!"

"I missed you too." Dan laughed. "Now I'm certainly not complaining, but I thought you were still recovering from your surgery? And I don't want to hear about you coming all the way over here just to say hello if you weren't supposed to yet."

"Oh those doctors don't know a thing about me. I know when I'm ready to walk around, and I've been going bonkers sitting at home all day." Mary looked around. "Is Jaime working this morning? I was hoping to say hello to her too."

Something inside of Dan twisted at the sound of Jaime's name, and Dan struggled to maintain his composure.

"Ah, no, she's been spending a lot of time in London recently for the play. She hasn't been around a lot."

Dan had been sure that he had done an adequate job at maintaining the notion that everything was fine, but Mary instantly frowned and her lips pursed. Dan watched as she took a seat on one of the counter stools and set her purse down—she was obviously ready to stay as long as needed. When she was comfortable, she met Dan's gaze again.

"What's wrong, sugar? I've never seen you look so sad when we're talking about Jaime."

Dan felt himself deflate; there was no use keeping up the charade if she saw right through it. He scratched the back of his head, trying to find the words to explain to her exactly what was wrong. There were so many layers to the situation, and Dan didn't know where to start. He couldn't exactly think of a way to simplify it down to a clear, concrete this is what's wrong because Dan wasn't too sure that there was one. Things were just….wrong.

"It's a really long story, Mary. Everything's all kind of tangled together right now, and I don't want to take up your time."

"Daniel, I wouldn't worry too much about me having anywhere else to be," she said, laughing a little before turning serious once again, "but why don't you let me worry about that, alright? Tell me what's wrong, love."

Dan hesitated once again, but then he relented. He started from the beginning, and as soon as he started talking, it all came rushing out. Everything about the situations with Jaime—and even Phil—dribbled out of his mouth in a rambling, incohesive mess. Mary didn't interrupt him once, and she gave Dan all of his attention. By the end, Dan felt ten pounds lighter, but he also felt raw and kind of fragile.

"Have you been talking to anyone else about this, or have you just been holding it all inside?"

"I've been talking to my therapist, Gina, about the most of it."

"Good, just you make sure that you start talking to her about all of it. It's not good to hold up the bad stuff inside our hearts because when you keep too much of it there too long it starts to make you sick."

Dan nodded.

"I know, I'm trying."

"I know you are, and I'm proud of you. And in my experience, what Jaime's doing is something that people do an awful lot when they're in over their heads, which doesn't make any sense at all because that's when we need each other the most. But sometimes people get scared or sad, or they're hurting, and they push others away. We're all guilty of it, and something tells me that right now, Jaime is scared or upset, and she's trying hard to deal with it all by herself. It's not healthy and she needs someone to help her see that, but you haven't done anything wrong, Daniel."

"So you think I should show her that she should let people in?"

"Maybe if she was here, but it's horribly difficult to do it at such a distance."

Dan put his head in his hands and groaned.

"So there's nothing I can do to fix this?"

"Now I didn't say that. All you can do is wait right now and give her the space she wants. But once she starts to let you back in, make her feel welcome, and don't hold this against her. Be patient and let her know that you love her, and make sure to tell her that she doesn't have to face things alone. The only thing someone can do in a situation like this is to be there for the other person and let them know that they aren't alone."

"I just wish that none of this ever happened."

"I know hun," Mary said, patting Dan's hand, "I know. Can I ask you something else?"

"Sure, Mary."

"Have you told Phil about you thinking about moving in with him?"

"No." Dan grimaced.

"I think you should, baby. He'd be over the moon."

"But what if moving to London isn't the right decision?"

"What do you mean?"

"What if things between us don't work out? Or if he doesn't want to move in with me? Or if my job doesn't work out, or a million other things. What if moving to London is a bad thing? I mean, I'm fine here in Manchester. I have a flat and a job I can count on."

"Daniel, honey, every decision in your life is going to have a million possible bad things attached to it, but there are also a million good things too. What if this move brings you two closer? What if you find a place to work at that you love? Or what about how this move can ease your troubles over a long-distance relationship? You will never make a decision that doesn't have the potential to backfire, but you can't let that stop you. You can't let the fear of change stop you because then you'll stay put, and that's what I think you've been doing. You're not meant to be a barista for your whole life, Daniel, and you aren't meant to stay in this job and that flat just because it's stable. One of the things about life is that you've got to take risks sometimes."

"You think I should do it, then?"

"I think that you should think long and hard about it, and do what you're heart's telling you to do."

Dan nodded, his thoughts already a little distant.

He knew what his heart wanted. He didn't even really have to think about it, and he knew that Mary was right.

He just didn't know if he had the courage to do it.

~~~~~

Dan slid his luggage under his chair before sitting next to the window. He put his earbuds in and pulled up a playlist that he had made a few days earlier for this exact trip. As the beginning melodies of the first song started to play, Dan rested his head against the glass. Everyone had stopped boarding the train at this point, and how they all just had to take their seats.

He vaguely heard the loudspeaker announce that the train would start moving—he really could only make out the sound of someone speaking over the music playing in his ears, but not any words—and a few moments later Dan felt as the train lurched forward.

It was kind of surreal to watch the station glide past him, and soon they were out of the city and chugging along the landscape. Trees and hills kept flying by to the soundtrack that was playing in Dan's ears, but Dan was tired, so he let his eyelids fall closed.

He was on his way to London for a few days. It wasn't permanent—only a visit—but Dan was still more than happy. He and Phil had been apart for just over three weeks now, and the distance was killing them both.

Dan still hadn't talked to Phil about moving in yet, but he was more than planning on doing it. He just needed a when, and probably a few other possible jobs to make sure that Dan would be able to have one lined up by the time that he moved in. London was expensive, and Dan knew that if they were going to make this work then they both had to be working.

The future still had so many possible outcomes, both good and bad, and Dan still had so many ideas of what he wanted to do. None of them were completely settled, but they were no longer flimsy, transparent daydreams.

With a little bit more time, Dan was sure that something would come out of them.

He had a few hours to go before he arrived in London, and Dan slumped a little bit more in the chair, his eyes still shut. It was late, he had just gotten off of work, and he was tired.

In his pocket, Dan felt his phone buzz, and he smiled, knowing that it was Phil texting him to probably let Dan know how excited he was. Dan didn't take his phone out to respond, he was too close to sleep for that, but he knew what he would say. And he knew that Phil knew too.

Me too, Phil, he thought, I'm excited too.

[1ooo-w0rds]

we met on ocean avenue pt 4

A/N: October fic! This chapter was giving me so much trouble especially the ending. @piper-mc-meme this AU is driving me crazy.

Piper @PiperMcMeme posted a tweet: I'm walking towards him rn. My heart is pounding! OMG!

Sam32_blondesuperman: OMG? What's going on? Tell me the tea?

Alicia37: Someone on Tumblr dared @PiperMcMeme to ask Jason Grace aka @BlondeSuperman out.

Sam32_blondesuperman: Holy shit! Get it girl!

Hazel @HazelArts posted a video: @PiperMcMeme Do it for the vine! #McMemeDare #BlondSuperMan #HESAIDYES?! #IKnowVineIsDead #lameJokes

Jones_Star: Holy Crap?!

leafy: What the heck?

eightMarky: Has to be a publicity stunt, right? #HuntingtonHospital

jack_of_some_trades: Isn't he dating QueenRey? She's all over his instagram

PiFi: AWWW! They're so cute together. I ship it. #Jasiper #ShipName#IShipIt

QueenBee: Nah. BlondSuperMan and QueenRey are much better together. They're so hot!

Reyna squinted at her bright screen of her phone, not quite awake yet as she scroll through her Twitter feed. Her notifications were pinging wildly since yesterday afternoon. She immediately muted them to focus on her video edits for her next volleyball video. Reyna wasn't sure when she fell asleep last night. Her laptop sat dead on her floor, thankfully all her work backed up to the cloud.

Reyna pushed her loose hair out of her face as she sat up, crossing her legs underneath her. The said video wasn't clear but she could make out Jason's tall form beside the railing as a nervous petite girl approached him. Her hands fiddled in front of her. The audio was rough with children screaming and loud splashes from the pool.

"Hey, you look new here." Reyna could hear her say. Jason smiled kindly as he inched over, giving her space beside him.

"That obvious?" Jason laughed, lifting his sunglasses. They traded introductions and chatted for a bit. Piper pointed out people with colorful commentary, getting a few chuckles from Jason. He leaned his arms against the railing, waving to someone. Reyna's eyes narrowed as Piper took a deep breath.

"Will you go out with me?" She half-shouted with her eyes closed. Jason nodded his head but before he could say anything, a young man appeared by his side, pulling Jason away.

"Fucking internet." Reyna murmured as she scrolled through the comments and retweets. She was tagged in a good number of reactions. Probably because Jason's latest tweet was of them at Santa Monica beach with Thor. Her phone vibrated signaling a FaceTime call. She arched her eyebrow at the caller id before tapping the green button. "You're an idiot." Reyna greeted plainly as Jason's exhausted face blinked onto the black screen. He groaned, burying his face into his pillow.

"I thought I would get sympathy from you." Jason replied as he lifted his head, pouting at her. His bed hair was a perfect balance between sexy and cute. A dark stubble curved around his masculine chin. Jason shifted to his elbows, unintentionally giving Reyna an eyeful. Her eyes widen before she quickly turned to look at her wall, blush creeping onto her face. Fact: Jason Grace sleeps shirtless. Even from a brief view and tiny screen, she could make out the defined lines of his pecs and abs.

"Sorry," Reyna said, trying to hide her breathlessness. "Here, call again and I'll be nice." She stood up, grabbing a loose cardigan from her chair as she left her room. Hylla sat at the kitchen island, stirring her coffee as she held out her required reading. She nodded to her sister as Reyna plucked a stem of grapes from the fruit bowl. "I promise." Hylla narrowed her gaze at her sister's odd comment.

"No you won't." Jason's voice bounced off the high ceilings of the kitchen. Hylla blinked, definitely not recognizing the voice. 'Who's that?' she mouthed as Reyna head towards the balcony. "You'll still sass me. You're worse than Percy."

"Am not." Reyna countered as she pressed the phone against her chest. 'No one.' she mouthed back before stepping out on the balcony. Reyna settled on their lounging beach chair before pulling Jason back out. "Now, what's your side of the story?"

Jason dragged his hand over his face before flipping over to lay on his bed. For a moment, the world spun showing Reyna a quick glimpse of Jason's hotel room before it filled with his handsome face. "I don't know. One moment we were just talking as she pointed out various people of the cast. Someone called my name and I turned. Piper asked a question and I nodded yes to show I was still listening. Before I could process what exactly she asked, someone pulled me away. She blindsided me."

"And got it all on video." Jason stared at Reyna like she grew another head. "It's a perfect social media storm. The daughter of Huntington Hospital main star asked out current teenage heartthrob and got it all on video." Reyna refrained from mentioning how her timeline was flooded with retweets of the video and people at-ing her with outrageous comments to get any reaction. She wasn't going to feed their curiosity. "Don't look at Twitter. It's a bloodbath."

"Of course it is." Jason groaned. "Excuse me for a second." He placed the phone down, giving Reyna a view of the ceiling. A muffled scream echoed through the speaker followed by excited barking from Thor. The camera shook as the dog jumped onto the bed. Reyna laughed as she could see Thor's long tail wag back and forth. "Thor, not now!" Jason laughed as he wrapped his arm around the dog and reappeared into view. "Having a crisis."

"Dogs don't care." Reyna replied as she leaned back. "Have you ate yet, Jason?" He hugged Thor to his side as he thought. Thor eagerly licked the side of Jason's face who smiled in response. Her heart warmed at the sight. Thor can easily shift his owner's mood. "Are you free today?"

"Kind of." Jason answered as he rested his head against Thor's body. "Just for the morning. I have a table reading after lunch, a meeting with my stylist, a few headshots and then I need to sign the lease for my apartment." Jason ran his hand over Thor's furry bottom. "I also need someone to watch his monster. I haven't found a doggie daycare yet. Reyna?"

"Aurum and Argentum are already suspicious of me from last time." Reyna commented as she looked towards the kitchen. Her two graceful greyhounds slept on their large doggie bed. Like Aurum could sense her, the beautiful dog lift his head and wagged his long tail. Jason held Thor up to the camera as he panted adorably. "Fine, I'll keep an eye on him later. He'll be exhausted running with our dogs."

"Thank you. Thank you so much, Rey." Jason said as she shook her head fondly.

"You owe me breakfast." Reyna ordered as she looked up the address. "Here's the breakfast spot. Meet me there in thirty. Put on your best 'I'm not a teenage heartthrob' outfit please. They have amazing blueberry pancakes, Percy can vouch for that. And they're dog friendly."

"Yes madam. See ya." Jason's image quickly disappeared leaving Reyna alone with her thoughts. She stared at the black screen before pressing the phone against her chest.

Jason is a mess. In reality, he's nothing like the suave characters directors often casted him as. He doesn't have a typical teenager experience, constantly moving around for work. Growing up in the spotlight, Jason played different parts. Reyna often wondered if he knew the difference between himself and the characters he played. Her frown deepened. The video was getting too much attention way too quickly.

Reyna clicked her phone on, pulling up the chat she had with Annabeth. Keep an eye out for him, Rey. "I'm trying." Reyna murmured before heading towards the kitchen.

"That wasn't Frank's voice." Hylla greeted curtly. Reyna sighed, glancing up at the ceiling.

"No it wasn't. I have other friends, you know." Reyna commented as she hopped on the stool beside her. Hylla looked exhausted juggling grad night courses and her coaching job at the nearby high school. After getting her undergrad in psychology, Hylla returned to study sports medicine to help her student athletic better. She reached out, brushing a bit of Reyna's hair out of her face. "He's having a crisis."

"Ah youth. I thought it was Frank by the way you smiled." Reyna touched her cheeks like she could feel the smile. What does Hylla even mean by that? "You only smile that widely after talking to Frank." Reyna's eyes furrowed in confusion. What does that mean? Her phone vibrated in her pocket.

Jason: Might be a bit late. Get me a stack of pancakes and bacon pls.

"There it is again." Hylla pointed Reyna's side.

"I… it…" Reyna stuttered, trying to get her thoughts together. "I don't have time for you to psychoanalyze me!" Reyna shouted as she ran to her room. Hylla's laughter rang as Reyna slammed the door, pressing her back against it. Her heart pounded at the implications.

"No, no time." Reyna murmured as she moved to her closet. Her fingers touched the soft fabric of a cute and flattering sundress. She pulled her hand away like it burned. It was just a dress though. It wouldn't mean anything. "Damn it, Hylla. What are you doing pulling ideas in my head?"

"Something casual but nice." Reyna reasoned as she shoved the dress aside, pulling out a red long flannel shirt. Her face flushed at the memory of their first meeting. She only wore her sports bra and short shorts, fresh from practice. She pulled a pair of white jean shorts and a plain black tee. She could pair it with a few bracelets or necklace if Reyna felt like it.

"You look cute." Hylla commented as Reyna walked out, gathering her hair over her shoulder. Reyna narrowed her gaze. She didn't need to know that. "What? It's a cute outfit. Trying to impress someone?"

"You're evil." Reyna murmured as she grabbed her keys. "And you're enjoying this. I do not need this right now. Heading to Sophie's."

"Get me an order of blueberry pancakes!" Hylla shouted as Reyna shut the door behind her.

Reyna twirled her order number in her hand as she scooped out a spot on the beach. Sophie's set up was more like a snack shack instead of a diner. A single counter took orders, pumping out delicious breakfast food and much needed coffee. The aroma of sweet syrup, freshly cut fruit and pancake batter mixed with the salty sea air. Seagulls hovered around, well aware there's food here. Reyna found a spot beside the sand, kicking her converses off, and buried her toes in the warm sand. As long as Reyna could remember, she always loved the beach. She couldn't imagine living without it.

"Wow," Reyna heard a soft whisper behind her. Jason stood there, gazing towards were the deep blue of the water and clear sky met. He waved at her as he approached. "Do you approve of my outfit?" He asked cheekily as he held his arms out and did a small turn. The pair of dark washed jeans hugged his legs nicely. He wore them with leather flip flops like a casual weekender. The athletic tank top revealed his pale arms. Thor tugged at his leash, trying to greet Reyna.

"I'm sure your fashion guru will have a few choice words for you." Reyna commented as he sat down. Jason rolled his eyes, running his fingers through his blond hair. Thor wandered over to her, wagging his long tail as he pressed his furry face against her leg. Thor barked eagerly as he leaned into her touch. "Thor is as cute as always."

"Nothing can faze him, thankfully." Jason murmured as he check his phone once more before tucking it away. "I've muted Twitter, turn off DM on Instagram and silenced my phone except for certain numbers. My manager has been blowing it up with text messages."

"Is it wise to ignore him?" Reyna asked as she tucked a bit of her hair over her shoulder. Jason shrugged. He looked really young right now like how he truly is, not an actor on the big screen, but a confused young man. Perfectly timed, the server appeared with two plates and cups of fresh coffee. Jason's face lit up at the sight of pancakes. "I got you a Julian Ramirez special. Blueberry pancakes with a side of bacon, sweet maple syrup and butter."

"Sweet and savory, something he and I can agree on." Jason murmured, grabbing his utensils eagerly. Reyna handed Thor a dog treat which he eagerly gobbled down and settled at the base of their feet.

"Not going to snap a pic?" Reyna asked as she added some sugar into her coffee. Jason shook his head.

"Nah, this is me time." Jason replied before looking up. "Well you and me time. Social media doesn't need to follow my every waking moment." Reyna blinked at the surprisingly sweet comment he delivered so smoothly. "Oh man, this is so good." Jason exclaimed as he dug into the pancakes, gushing over the fluffiness of the pancakes with the sweet blueberries and salty bacon. It still blows her mind how he's actually here in front of her, in the flesh, not just an image on the screen. How she can just ask him if he would like to hang out and they can, like real friends.

"Well, are you going to ask?" Reyna blinked at Jason's sudden question. They just finished their food, watching the passing people as they finished their coffee. A bit of syrup stuck to Jason's chin as he wiped his hands.

"I was going to let you digest before asking the hard hitting questions." Reyna teased as she handed him a napkin. He took it sheepishly, wiping his chin. Reyna coaxed Thor towards her, picking the puppy up so he sat comfortably in her lap.

"How very kind of you." Jason said as he stirred his own drink. "Shoot."

"What do you think of Piper, honestly?" Reyna asked, running her fingers over Thor's fur. Jason sipped his drink, looking out at the ocean.

"Honestly?" Jason echoed as he turned back. Reyna nodded her head. "She's bold. I don't have the guts to ask anyone out or at least someone I've just met. She's charming, already cracking jokes about people and laughing with me like we're old friends. There's an openness about her that I envy, that I wished I had. She can come off as strong especially if the only thing you know about her is what's going on Twitter and social media. I don't think she's a bad person."

"She sounds pretty great." Reyna whispered as she hugged Thor. "Just got swept up and hunt down by the social media hounds." Jason nodded his head, agreeing. It was the age they live in. Putting yourself out there is easy but scary. People can praise and attack you with just a Twitter account. Reyna has received a few cruel comments over time.

"She a good girl and I don't want to hurt her." Jason sighed as he rested his elbows on the table, cradling his face. "I feel like we can be great friends because god knows I need more friends. But what do I say? Has anyone ever asked you out?" Reyna's heart pound as she met Jason's gaze. Jason is a very attractive young man. Any girl would be affected especially if he looked at her like she held the answer to everything.

"Once." She whispered, her mouth suddenly dry. Like it could sense the tension, Reyna's phone vibrated beside her, shaking the table. The screen lit up with a text message from Hylla. Instinctively, Reyna and Jason both looked down at the device. Reyna swiped the message away, leaving her lock screen. Her expression softened as she looked at the picture.

It's a selfie of her and a young man bundled in warm winter clothing. They were at an outdoor ice rink with twinkling glow of the lamps. The man was of Asian descent with clean dark hair and a boyish smile. His arms wrapped around Reyna's shoulders as they both smiled at the camera. Snow dotted their dark hair but Reyna could feel the warmth and love from the photo.

"Who's that?" Jason whispered, pulling Reyna back to him. An endearing smile curled on her lips as she picked up the device.

"My boyfriend."

[dreamofelectricmareep]

The Talk is Still Good

Spoilers for 14x22. (Full disclosure, I haven’t actually watched it yet. I’m still too bitter.)

Standing outside Sofia’s door, Arizona took a deep breath. She pressed Callie’s name in her phone, and put the phone up to her ear. Moments later, she was surprised to hear the call click through. It was 10PM in Seattle, and therefore 1AM in New York, and Arizona had hoped that Callie would already be asleep by time she called. Leaving Callie voicemails was always easier. Less opportunity for her to say things without thinking the consequences through.

“Hey, Arizona. What’s up?” Callie said, exhaustion clear in her voice.

Arizona wanted to ask if she’d woken Callie, but she was on a mission. She needed to talk before she lost her nerve. Walking into her daughter’s bedroom, seeing her asleep and so peaceful, all of her doubt faded. She knew she was making the right choice.

“Callie, hey! Um, listen, I was– I was thinking, um, and I think– I think that…” Arizona knew she was stumbling over her words. Callie had that effect on her. Talking to her used to be so easy and simple, and now it made her feel nauseous. There was so much she wanted to say that she couldn’t. So many things on the tip of her tongue that she couldn’t let slide. Arizona took a deep breath, steeling herself. “I think that Sofia should move back to New York with you.”

“Oh, um, I, uh,” Came Callie’s response. “That’s a surprise. But if you think that’s what she needs, then I trust your judgement. You’re sure about this?”

Smiling softly at the little girl, sleeping like a statue beneath the covers, Arizona knew that she was, in fact, sure about this. “Mmhmm. Yeah,” She said, pressing a kiss to her daughter’s forehead. Then she took a deep breath. “And I think that I need to move back with her.”

Callie didn’t speak for a few moments. “But you love Seattle, Arizona. You love your job and you love your friends. It’s your home. Are you sure this is what you want?”

Knowing that she was, in fact, not getting away from a lengthy conversation on the subject, Arizona gingerly slipped out of Sofia’s room. She turned around in the doorway, taking one last look at the sleeping girl. She looked so calm and content, her features relaxed. She looked so beautiful, and more and more like Callie every day. “I’m sure. I love it here, but I love our daughter more than anything in the world, and I think that right now she needs both her Moms nearby.”

“But are you sure this is what’s best for you? That city, that hospital, it was our home for so long.” Arizona’s heart clenched at Callie’s reply. There hadn’t been an our home in a long time, and yet it fell freely from Callie’s lips. Her perfect, supple lips that Arizona couldn’t pry from her imagination.

Arizona shut Sofia’s door most of the way before she made her way into her bedroom, just next door. “This isn’t about me anymore. You said that Sofia wasn’t happy in New York, and I’ve realized that she isn’t happy here either. She misses you, and I can’t keep her here if this isn’t where she wants to be. Above everything, it’s our job to keep Sofia happy and healthy and safe, and I’ve been selfish.”

“No, you’ve been selfless, Arizona. You put my happiness before your own, and let me take Sofia out here without thinking of the consequences, to pursue a relationship that we all knew wasn’t going to last.” Callie took a deep breath. “I’ve been selfish, with you, with Sofia, and with Penny. I pushed her to commit to being with me, only to realize that she wasn’t my dream. So now, I’ve just signed the lease to my own apartment for the first time, at thirty-nine. Just my name on the lease, with no help from my dad.” Callie sounded proud of that, but she still laughed dryly.

“I had a patient today,” Arizona said, settling herself on her bed. It’d been so long since she’d just casually talked to Callie about her day, and that realization made her heart ache. “She was afraid of dying in the OR. I had to come to her house and convince her that having the surgery was doing what was best for her baby, and I realized that I’m not doing what’s best for our baby.” Arizona took a deep breath. “I told her about how I used to roller skate, every time I moved. That no matter when or where we moved, or how often it was, The Colonel would make the time to take me roller-skating, and that never changed. It was really the only time we spent together, just the two of us. So, when I left for college and med school, the first thing I did was find a rink and go skating. And I found comfort in the fact that one thing in my life never changed. And when I moved here, I skated around the Peds ward every day.”

“You– you never told me this,” Callie said, sounding almost hurt.

“Then, I told her that I was in an accident, and everything in my life changed. And along with everything else that I had to deal with, roller skating– that one thing that never changed, felt like it was being taken away from me. All the comfort and the safety and the magic of roller skating that my dad had shown me would be gone, so I told my patient that I made my wife promise me the impossible. And when it came down to my life or my leg, I told her how lucky I was that you could say what I couldn’t. And then you helped me skate again, and my worst fear was wrong. I told her that the only thing I really lost was my leg and I would have died if I had kept it.” Arizona took a deep breath. “I’m so sorry, Callie. I’m so sorry that I put you in that position. I was so mean to you, and you were nothing but kind to me. You were so patient, and I was so cruel and–”

“Hey, hey,” Callie said softly. “It’s okay. We all say and do things we come to regret. Don’t you think I’d take everything I let my lawyer say about you back if I could? I’d do it in a heartbeat, Arizona. And you forgave me for that, and I forgive you for how you acted when you lost your leg.”

“So, um, I guess I need to start looking at apartments now. Got any recommendations?”

“Um, actually, the apartment across the hall from me is available for rent. It could be fun, like when Mark was around, living right across the hall.” Arizona could hear the smile in Callie’s voice.

“I like that idea.”

After their phone call, everything started to fall into place. Dr. Herman even came down to Seattle to personally offer Arizona a job in New York. She even said that a little birdie had mentioned that Arizona may have more than just a job waiting for her in New York. She officially made the move only three weeks later.

Sofia absolutely adored the new set up, and spent the last two days running across the hall from apartment to apartment, often just to say hi to her Moms. She liked having both of them so close. While there was still a schedule of where she’d be sleeping, so Sofia wouldn’t feel pressured to choose one apartment or one Mom over the other, this set up seemed like it’d work out really well for everyone involved.

“Mommy! Mommy!” Sofia said, barging into Arizona’s apartment, finding her unpacking the boxes that belonged in the kitchen. “I need to show you something!”

“Okay, big girl,” Arizona said, grateful for the excuse to stop figuring out how she was going to fit all of her pots in her significantly smaller kitchen. She stood and took Sofia’s hand, letting the little girl lead.

“Where are we going?” Arizona asked, slightly winded after Sofia had dragged her up three flights of stairs to what appeared to be the top floor of their apartment building.

“It’s a surprise,” Sofia said, pushing the big door leading to the roof open.

Arizona gasped as she saw exactly what the surprise was. All of the outdoor furniture from the roof had been pushed to the edges, leaving a wide-open space. A banner that Sofia had clearly drawn (with some help) was hanging between two outdoor chairs, reading: “Welcome home, Mommy!”.

Then Callie skated into view, a pair of black Heely’s on her feet. She had two pairs in her hands, a small white, sparkly pair, presumably for Sofia, and a brand new pink pair, with a bow on top.

“Welcome home, Arizona,” Callie said softly, handing Arizona the pink pair of Heelys.

They skated on that roof for hours, until the sky had gone dark, and Sofia had fallen asleep on one of the lounge chairs nearby. Arizona didn’t want to go in at that point, but she felt bad leaving Sofia sleeping up there, though she certainly wasn’t going to leave her alone in the apartment, either. Callie rationalized that it wasn’t a school night, and a nap under the stars wouldn’t do her any harm, so they continued to skate, Callie holding Arizona’s hands to steady her.

“Thank you, Callie,” Arizona said, smiling bright. Her eyes were shining just like they used to, back when Callie first fell in love with her.

“I’ve missed seeing you smile like that,” Callie said softly. She tugged Arizona closer, spinning her, which caused Arizona to laugh. It was Callie’s favorite sound in the world. And standing here, skating on the concrete rooftop, all Callie wanted to do was kiss Arizona. She was falling hard for her ex-wife again. 

Arizona had cut her hair before moving, saying she needed a change. She’d curled it right around her shoulders, and it looked just like it did the first night they’d met. Callie wished she could go back to that night, and do it all over again. She wished they could do it right this time.

But was it ever really too late for a second chance?

“People still talk, at Grey Sloan,” Callie said softly, letting go of one of Arizona’s hands so she could brush a stray curl behind her ear. “And for the sake of being honest, I think I should tell you that I know things about what’s been going on. Because people talk.”

“Oh,” Arizona said, realizing Callie was referring to Carina. “You mean– Terrific.”

“It is, actually. The talk. People still adore you over there. They respect you and they’re concerned and interested. They really like you. Some of them really like you,” Callie said softly, bringing her hand to rest on Arizona’s perfect fair cheek. “You just look upset, and I thought you should know that the talk is still good. And when you’re not upset, when you’re over being upset, there will be people lining up for you.”

Arizona laughed, but it sounded hollow, like she didn’t really believe what Callie was saying. “Sure, Calliope. You want to give me some names?”

Callie could only smile, pulling Arizona in for a soft kiss, like she had hundreds of times, what felt like a lifetime ago. She didn’t expect it to feel so new. She didn’t think it would terrify her the way it did, making her heart race in an entirely new way. It was scary, but she wanted to kiss Arizona over and over again. She wanted to spend forever kissing Arizona Robbins.

Callie rested her forehead against Arizona’s, unable to stop smiling. “I think you’ll know.”

[scentedrunawayshark]

Open Enrollment resumes for 3 months Feb. 15th-May 15th, 2021. Affordable health insurance is now available.

What you need to know for this Special Enrollment Period

The Coronavirus pandemic has cost millions of Americans their health coverage as they lost jobs in the economic fallout. To help counteract the economic damage, the Biden administration has reopened the Health Insurance Marketplace.  This will help millions of uninsured people select affordable health insurance policies under this special enrollment period.  Additionally, those who already have a plan through the Healthcare Exchange may change their coverage.

Dates to Buy Marketplace Health Insurance During the Pandemic Special Enrollment Period:

February 15th to May 15th, 2021

This is a unique opportunity to purchase health insurance for you and your family.  If you missed the recent Open Enrollment period, this is the perfect time to arrange healthcare. To make getting healthcare easy, we’ve provided a guide to prepare you.

Contents [hide]

You’re going to be asked a few questions when you apply.  

Here’s Some of the Information You Should Have Ready:

Compare Each Plans Details

2 mistakes that will Cancel your Insurance BEFORE it Starts

The documentation you will likely Need to Provide:

Proof of identity, citizenship, and age

Proof of residence/home address

Proof of current or future income

Other sources of income:

Attestation of Non-Incarceration Status

Proof they don’t have Medicaid

Proof that You DON’T Have Medicare

You’re going to be asked a few questions when you apply.  

This information is needed to determine which insurance plans are available to you.  Available insurance plans and rates are based on Geography (Zipcode), Age, Income, and other factors.  Cost-Sharing Reductions can also be calculated using this information, like Insurance Subsidies and Premium Tax credits that lower your rates!

We’ll help you find the VERY BEST HEALTH PLAN from more than 600 top insurance companies.

Call us now!

Here’s Some of the Information You Should Have Ready:

The Full names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of everyone in your household, plus any dependents you want to insure,

Home and mailing addresses for everyone you plan to insure,

Income information, including W2s, 1099s, alimony, and child support for everyone you plan to insure,

It’ll be helpful to have your most recent tax return handy; It will have most of the information you need

If you are covered under a health plan, have that information nearby

Whether you, or anyone you plan to insure, has access to coverage through their employer

Some basic details about your lifestyle and health, including whether you or those you plan to insure, smoke or vape.

After this special enrollment opens on February 15th, and you have all the information you need to apply for health care coverage, you can get full-service help here, or go to do it yourself at https://www.healthcare.gov/. This is where applying for health insurance often gets daunting for many people.

For DIYers, the application process is easy and straightforward, yet it can be confusing. And some families go through the process second-guessing themselves and wonder — perhaps all year — if they ended up with the right insurance plan for them or if they could have qualified for less expensive options.

You SAVE NO MONEY by doing it yourself and using a State-based exchange.

If you use a Private Marketplace, you’ll also get more options with a wider range of insurance plans.  They also offer more Dental, Vision, and other supplemental insurance options.

The Insurance professionals at TrueCoverage provide guidance, review plans from 600+ insurance companies, and specializes in qualifying you for VERY low-cost or FREE $0 health coverage by providing personal service, backed by our advanced technology, to ensure that you receive every premium tax credit and health insurance subsidy available.

Compare Each Plans Details

The key to finding the best insurance is to compare the available plans carefully. It’s tempting to shop solely based on premium cost, but health insurance is more complicated than that. Here are factors to consider:

What coverage does it provide?

All ACA-compliant plans must provide some basic coverage, but that doesn’t mean they’re all the same. Look at the details of the benefits to understand what you’re actually purchasing.

What Drugs are covered?

For more about the Affordable Care Act: https://truecoverage.com/blog/an-affordable-care-act-refresher-trump-healthcare-in-2020/

Refer to this article for more information: https://truecoverage.com/blog/why-are-not-all-drugs-covered-under-health-insurance/

Which providers can you see?

What are the deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums?

Are your favourite Doctors and specialists in-network for the plan?

Will have to change doctors to make healthcare more affordable next year?

Important to estimate how much your out-of-pocket expense will be for different plans.

For more information: https://truecoverage.com/blog/what-is-a-health-insurance-deductible/

What company is it through?

This is an often-overlooked consideration, but if you’ve had a poor experience with one insurance company in the past, you might not want to purchase a plan through them again.

2 mistakes that will Cancel your Insurance BEFORE it Starts

Submit your Documentation immediately

Make Your First Payment on Time

Your insurance plan availability and the rate is based on information you provide during enrollment.  Once you’ve enrolled in your health insurance plan, you must provide proof of those details.  

The documentation you will likely Need to Provide:

Proof of identity, citizenship, and age

Current driver’s license or photo ID.

A current passport

Social Security Card (along with Photo ID)

Other optional documents,

If you’re not a U.S. citizen, show proof of identity and immigration status:

If you don’t have a driver’s license, an official photo ID will do for insurance carriers;

Your birth certificate (U.S. or overseas) or proof of adoption records

ID card from a federal, State, or government agency,

school ID card

marriage records,

proof of military service,

official birth records from a hospital or doctor

I-551 permanent resident card (aka a Green Card)

An employment authorization card, either I-688B or I-766

Proof of residence/home address

For homeowners: a mortgage bill or property tax statement

For tenants: a rent receipt, apartment lease contract, or signed letter from your landlord

A utility bill (gas, electric, cable, telephone (land or cell line), water bill, etc.)

A postmarked envelope with your return mailing address on it

Proof of current or future income

For wages and salary:

If you’re self-employed:

Income tax return, plus a record of earnings (as documented in your 1099 form) or business expenses

Paycheck stubs

A signed and dated letter from your employer on company letterhead.

A federal or State income tax return

Business or payroll records

Other sources of income:

You may need to provide awards letters or payment stubs if you receive Worker’s Comp benefits, veterans benefits, or military pay.

A signed letter or receipt of payment for income received from rent or room/board

If you receive any income or interest payments, provide your prospective health insurer with earnings statements from your bank, credit union, agent, or broker; 1099 for miscellaneous earnings is also applicable

Attestation of Non-Incarceration Status

Each State may have its own form.

In addition to the attestation form, Photo ID as listed above will be required.

Proof they don’t have Medicaid

Letter or statement from a Medicaid or CHIP agency that shows you or your family members aren’t enrolled in or eligible for Medicaid or CHIP

Letter or statement from a Medicaid agency showing you or a family member are enrolled in a Medicaid program that’s not considered qualifying health coverage*

A letter describing your recent health coverage including:

The name of the Medicaid/CHIP program you were enrolled in and when your coverage ended, or

That you were never enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP coverage, or

The name of the Medicaid/CHIP program with limited benefits that you’re enrolled in that would still allow you to enroll in the Marketplace with help paying for coverage

Proof that You DON’T Have Medicare

Letter or statement from Medicare or the Social Security Administration stating your Medicare Part A coverage termination date

Document from a government agency showing you or your family members are:

Only enrolled in Medicare Part B without Part A, or

Eligible for, but not currently enrolled in, premium-based Part A

If you cannot provide a copy of these documents, please see below for other approved documents:

A letter describing your recent health coverage including:

When your Medicare Part A coverage ended,

Your Medicare Part B effective date with an explanation of ineligibility for Part A, or

When your Medicare disability coverage ended

Please, make your 1st payment on time.

“A top reason for policy cancellation is late-payment / Non-payment of the 1st premium.”

You must make your first payment on time for your insurance policy to go into effect. While some insurance plans might provide a grace period on payments, you should never rely on this for the first month’s premium.

[a-woman-apart]

Eggs in One Basket, Ducks in a Row

A lot of things have happened since I last wrote. For one, I applied to a college for my undergraduate program. I keep feeling like I should have a “back-up” college, but this seems to be the best one for me in the area so I’m going to go ahead and “put all my eggs in one basket”. Admission is guaranteed if you have a good GPA- which I do- so now I must figure out the logistics of attending. The commute is farther than the commute to my community college was, but the route is straightforward. The problem is getting from school to work, which, if I stay at my current job will take almost an hour. Traffic could play a role and it may take even longer on some days.

Another issue that I have is figuring out scholarships. I qualify for a transfer scholarship if I start in Fall 2019, and that would cover half of my tuition. I will have to make up the rest in private scholarships and student loans. At moments like these I really wish that I had joined Phi Theta Kappa. I thought that they were kind of exaggerating a little but being a part of them does guarantee you better scholarships, and it looks great as an extracurricular. I just didn’t know if it was all worth the effort. In hindsight getting a letter of recommendation from a teacher didn’t have to be as much of a deterrent as I had made it out to be and visiting a few extra meetings and doing a little work on the side wouldn’t have been a big deal. I feel like listening to my mom, who had expressed disappointment over having been a part of a sorority, and my boyfriend, who didn’t think it was worth it to pay the $100 admission fee (which might have been waivable) discouraged me from joining. Of course, I know that an honor society is nothing like a sorority and $100 isn’t chump change but it isn’t that much. In the end, the decision was mine, I made it, and I must live with the consequences. I think that I made a mistake but now I am just going to make the best of it.

The most important thing that I need to worry about is completing my coursework. To keep any scholarships that I do obtain, I must be taking classes full-time, a minimum of 12 credit-hours a semester. That’s a lot when I have almost two hours of round-trip commuting time between work, school, and home. I have been taking on more responsibilities at the job as well. I’m just not sure if full-time is feasible for me when I have a job, a mental illness and problems with fatigue. Despite knowing this, I don’t want to feel like a failure before I even begin. Just because it is hard doesn’t mean that I am incapable of doing it.  

One thing that would be able to help considerably would be for me to live on campus. My rent has been rising consistently this entire time, and soon it will probably be just as affordable for me to live on campus as it is for me to live out here. I have already decided to sign my lease for another year, because it simply isn’t convenient for me to move out right now, and my lease would be up this winter and I can’t go to school until next fall. If I leave here, there are no nearby apartments that will accept me because I probably wouldn’t meet income requirements. One of the most important things to feeling secure in life is having a consistent place to live. If I can live on campus that will be great, but I will have to at least put it off for now.  

Right now, I think that I have a glass half-empty mindset, and I need to start seeing the glass as half-full. If you were waiting for the “ducks in a row” metaphor, then here it is; I always want to have my ducks in a row. I want everything to be planned out to perfection, with no room for error. I want to always be right about everything and I want to always feel sure. These are impossible standards to live by, and so I think that I need to at least try to abandon them. Sometimes, I can be wrong. Sometimes, I can make a mistake. Sometimes- most of the time- things will not turn out as expected. Often that’s a very good thing because I often have very poor expectations. So maybe I can choose to imagine that maybe my worst fears will not be realized, that maybe things will instead turn out well in ways that I haven’t predicted.

[karamelsecretsanta]

Mending Broken Hearts

Dear @chelseaellie,

First of all, I want to wish a glorious holiday to you and yours. I hope that you're blessed with love and health, and that all your wishes come true. I know that we don't know each other but I'm happy to have the opportunity now. I am looking forward to chatting with you.

I want to give you a great Karamel story. You don't know this, but I tend to over-extend myself in my writing (just ask my friends; they will tell you how true this is). So whatever I plan to write always ends up being 3, 4, 10 times longer than I thought it was going to be. Your gift isn't the exception, so I decided to give you today the first of 3 chapters. Otherwise, I'd have had to rush in with the story and the last thing I wanted is giving you a poor-executed job. You deserve much better than that.

I'll update the other 2 in the coming days, so I got time to perfect them. I hope you don't mind waiting a few days for the happy ending. I promise you, you'll get one despite the angsty beginning.

Before you, and everyone else, start reading, I think it's important you know that this fic is canon divergent, where everything up to season 3 has happened except the winter finale. Instead of Reign waking up and wreaking havoc, this is what happens.

I hope you like it. Happy reading and Merry Christmas!

From: your secret Santa, Mare ( @green-arrows-of-karamel)

***********************

Rating: Teen and up

Warnings: N/A

Synopsis: A mysterious woman traps Kara and Mon-El in a frozen planet.

AN: Thank you @laurabelle2930 for being such a wonderful Beta!

1 - This Is Our Thing

The world doesn't stop spinning until Kara hits the hard, cold floor. The momentum makes her roll on it several times in an entangle of limbs until she's laid flat on her back with a heavy body on top of her. She looks up and finds Mon-El looking back at her. Worry crinkles his brow.

"Are you okay?" he asks slightly short of breath.

Kara is taken aback by how good it feels having him again nestled between her legs, their bodies touching intimately. For a second, she lets in the memory of those countless times they were naked in the same position. Inevitably, her skin tingles, remembering Mon-El kissing and tasting her feverish skin while they made love. The intense longing for him she has restrained the last seven months comes back with a vengeance. Heat pools in her belly and desire rushes through her like a lava river.

Her body is ready to welcome him back, and her heart is bursting with love for him. But then she remembers that he's a married man. He has a lovely wife and he has moved on. For much she wants to reproach him for that, how can she? Seven years is a long time. Honestly, she's glad that he's happy, even if that hurts her to the deepest level.

Kara can't blame Imra for falling for Mon-El either. He's charming and adorable, confident and funny, he's brave and has a big, beautiful heart. That's without mentioning how handsome he is, with his athletic body, his gorgeous blue eyes and his pointed chin. For the love of Rao, the beard makes him look so sexy. Without a doubt, Mon-El is a great catch.

Kara only wishes he was still her catch.

Aroused but disheartened, Kara blurts out, "Yes, I'm fine. I'm fine."

Mon-el stares at her in a way very similar he used to before. Certainly, he hadn't looked at her like that since he came back. Kara squirms under him because she has never been able to resist his puppy eyes. If they don't pull apart now, Kara will do something she's going to regret as soon as she's done, like kissing him senseless.

"Um… er, Mon-El, could you… can you get off of me?"

"What?" he blinks as he's waking up from a trance. "Oh, yeah. Sure, sorry."

His moves are jerky and hasty as if he's caught between the need to move fast and stay still at the same time. As soon as he is off, Kara misses his body heat and notices how cold the air is. Goosebumps spread on her skin and the chilly wind makes her shiver. As she gets on her feet while ignoring Mon-El's gallant offer to help her, Kara looks around. All that she can see is a peaceful snowy forest. White snow is everywhere. Above them, the sky is somber with menacing clouds, announcing that a storm is coming.

"Where are we?" Mon-El asks.

"I'm guessing in the same place to where all those couples have been disappearing."

When Kara returned home from Earth-1 after Barry and Iris' eventful wedding, Winn and J'onn informed her that a series of inexplicable disappearances were occurring in National City. The first case passed under the radar because the police thought it was nothing more than a jealous ex, taking vengeance on a former spouse. However, the pattern was evident after the fourth case in less than thirty-six hours.

The lack of evidence frustrates both the police and the DEO. Even if the reason for kidnapping those people is still unknown, the common denominator among all cases is that the missing people are couples who have broken up recently. Nobody knew how the couples were vanishing, leaving no trace whatsoever, until Winn detected a great amount of tachyons particles in each disappearing spot. Therefore, they're dealing with an interdimensional being.

Then, the unthinkable happens. Kara doubts that anyone at the DEO expected that this being was brave enough to attack in their premises. Yet, it did. It happened when Mon-El stopped Kara to apologize on the behalf of his wife for upsetting Kara earlier.

Kara didn't want to talk about that. Talking to Mon-El, just looking at him, is just too painful for her.

"And just for the record, Mon-El, I really am trying to be okay with this, but…" she said to him, wanting to end their conversation. "This is… this is worse than the worst thing I could possibly imagine. And that's you looking at me with no love in your eyes. So please, just… please."

Kara turned around and started climbing the stairs when a chubby, beautiful lady materialized out of the thin air on the landing.

"Oh, puh-lease!" the newcomer scoffed, rolling her eyes, "Now I understand what my cousin told me about you two. I didn't want to do this to you on Christmas' eve, but you don't leave another choice."

"Who are you?" Kara demanded

Rushing to her side, Mon-El asked, "what do you want? Why are you here?"

"It doesn't matter who I am. What matter is fixing…." the unknown woman waved her hand in their direction, "this."

Before either Kara or Mon-El could utter a single word, the lady snapped her fingers, opening an inter-dimensional breach. A heartbeat later, both Kara and Mon-El were sucked into it and transported to where they are now. Trapped in an unknown place and without a way to return home.

"This is our thing, it seems," Mon-El mutters.

"What?

Mon-El opens his arms and twirls around, signaling the obvious. "You and me… stranded on a strange planet. Something tells me that we're not on Earth anymore."

Yes, she picked that up too. Her first clue is the light, which is off, and Kara can't point out why. The dark clouds above Kara and Mon-El hid well all that it is beyond in the sky. That is besides the fact that it is day here when the sun had already set in National City. "We have to find the missing people and a way to get out of here."

*************

Mon-El couldn't agree more. This is bad; really, really bad… and not for the obvious reasons. It's not good having people missing and being in a strange place, but what worries Mon-El the most is being alone with Kara. He has no excuses or distractions to stay away from her here. Right now, all he wants to do is prove how wrong she is.

When she told him that she didn't see the love for her in his eyes, his heart broke. Mon-El guesses he should be glad that his acting is convincing enough for her thinking like that, but the reality is it pains him that Kara is not seeing past his deceit.

For seven long years, he never forgot her. His love for her is as strong as ever.

She won't be happy when she finds out his marriage with Imra is fake. He only hopes that Kara can forgive him once she knows his reasons for the lying and secrets. He hates himself for hurting her, but he wouldn't be doing this if he didn't believe that it is the right choice. It's critical for the plan to help Supergirl saving the world from Reign.

To do that, though, they need to go back to Earth first.

Mon-El stopped being the coward he was in the Slavers' Moon eight years ago. This time he is more than willing to help everyone who's trapped in this place. "Which direction we should take? Left… right?" he asks Kara as he glances around for some evidence of a road or a nearby settlement. All he can see is trees and snow. The forest is eerily quiet, as if they are the only living thing there.

"Let me get to a vantage point."

Kara takes off to the sky, intending to see past the forest. She elevates herself in the air for a few seconds before losing altitude abruptly. With luck, she manages to land safely on the ground, just not as gracefully as she normally does.

"Kara! You okay?"

"Seriously? A red sun again?!" she growls, looking up at the sky.

He doesn't comment on her complaint. Mon-El knows Kara doesn't like feeling weak and he can't blame her, especially due to what she went through recently on Earth-1. He's not amused of losing his powers either. Years of experience battling the evil in the future taught Mon-El exactly how dangerous the universe can be. What neither of them needs right now is to be stranded in a planet revolving around a red sun. "Did you see anything?"

"Nothing more than trees and snow. That's all there is in every direction."

"So what we do now? Where do we go?"

"Let's go left. We might find people along the way."

Mon-El follows Kara in silence and tries to ignore the cold. Both walk on, focusing on their surroundings trying to pick up any sign of movement. Snow starts falling no long after they begin their hike through the wood. At first, it's only a handful of snowflakes in the air but then the storm hits them hard. The blizzard makes the temperature drops fast, and Mon-El worries about how long they can stay out in the open before hypothermia kills them. Neither Kara or he are dressed properly for this weather, which is harsher than the ones either of them has experienced before on Earth and their home planets. She's visibly shaking and so is he.

"We need… to find a shelter… or we're gonna freeze… to death," Mon-El pants, trying to control his tremors.

"I- If we find p-people, we'll find sh-shelter."

Mon-El grinds his teeth in frustration, Kara can be so stubborn sometimes. She's so cold that her teeth are chattering nonstop. He grabs her arm gently to stop her. "If we turn into Popsicles, we can't help anyone, Kara. Besides, the night is coming and the visibility is getting worse; we don't know where we are or where we're going. We could be walking in circles, for all we know."

Unable to stop himself, Mon-El cups Kara's cheeks, which are reddened by the cold. His hands are freezing too, but he hopes he's giving her the little warmth he has left. Their eyes connect and time stops. The look Kara gives him with her beautiful eyes has always been his downfall. And this time isn't the exception. Mon-El gets lost in her stare. He noticed how her blue comets soften, watching him.

For a second, it feels like they are back in the dream world, where Mon-El visited Kara the last seven month while he was still in hypersleep. Kara believes those encounters to be mere dreams, a fabrication of her mind, but in reality, they were an effort of Mon-El —with the help of Imra's telepathic ability— to be with Kara. He missed her so much.

Mon-El senses that Kara's mind goes to the same place as his, and that makes her lower the guard on her emotions. Taking advantage of that, he begs, leaning his head down until their foreheads are touching, "Please, Kara. Let's let the storm pass before we continue. Please."

He sees the reluctance in her eyes, but her common sense kicks in. "Okay, you're right."

"Let's walk this path," Mon-El suggests as he wraps his arm around her shoulders, helping her to maintain every ounce of body heat. He feels her tensing up and thinks she will pull away. When she doesn't, he breathes in relief. "The forest is dense this way and the trees will provide us some protection against the wind."

Their progress is slow and difficult, which put their survival at risk . Each step is a herculean effort but they don't stop, even when is evident that both are losing their impetus. They're thirsty and hungry but, most of all, cold and wet. When Mon-El almost lost his hope, they find a small and weather-scarred hut in the middle of the forest.

"Oh, thank Rao!"

The place is abandoned and deteriorated, but it gives them the needed refuge until the storm is over. Lucky, indeed, they are. Inside they find logs to burn in the fireplace.

"Are you sure you can do it?" Mon-El asks Kara when she suggests using her heat vision to start the fire.

"Yes, I think so."

"Our powers…"

"They're weakened, but not completely gone. It doesn't feel that way, at least."

Kara is right, and although it takes much longer than usual, she's capable to ignite the fire. For when they have a good flame, outside is pitch black. The storm rages on and the clouds prevent the starlight from coming through.

Now that the temperature in the room is rising, Mon-El removes his wet clothes, the jeans jacket and striped Henley, to place them near the fire and get them dry.

"What are you doing?!"

Mon-El cringes inwardly as his hands pause unbuckling his belt. He knows that tone, which always means that he's in trouble. He doesn't think that will do any good, but he chooses to play dumb and states the obvious, "Um, I'm undressing."

"Why?"

"To dry my clothes near the fire… you know, it's easier to recover the body heat when you're dry. You should undress too." Mon-El fights the smile forming on his lips, suspecting why Kara is so uncomfortable with the idea of Mon-El without clothes. And he can relate. It's not going to be easy watching her in all her naked glory and not being able to touch her.

"No, I'm fine like this."

"Oh, come on, Kara! It's not that we haven't seen each other naked before. And if what worries you is getting mind-blown by just seeing my impressive anatomy again, I'll leave my boxers on," he doesn't hold his cocky smile anymore. "Or are you afraid that neither of us can resist the temptation?"

Kara makes disgusted guttural sounds at his arrogant declaration. "Oh, how I hate when you are like this. I see some things never change. Being an egocentric macho has never suited you, Mon-El, and certainly, it doesn't do now."

On the outside, Mon-El keeps his arrogant façade as he takes his pants off. Meanwhile, on the inside, he breathes in relief. His plan to make the situation easier for her worked to perfection. At this point, he rather making her mad and letting her focus on something else than watching the painful longing in her eyes, or feeling the desperate love pouring from her every pore.

The challenge doesn't go unanswered either, and Kara gets undressed too.

Mon-El refrains from suggesting to sleep next to each other, making skin contact. That would keep them warmer, but Kara would kick him in his tender parts, just for saying so. She wants to stay away from him, and she makes that perfectly clear when for the rest of the night, Kara gives him a silent treatment and avoids looking at him.  Across the room, he can't take his eyes off her and imagine how different their situation would be if instead of being stranded on a frozen planet they were on a cozy cabin somewhere on Earth for a holiday getaway.

They could be spooning in bed, comfy and warm under heavy blankets, or maybe making love in front the fire. Mon-El's dying to do just that right now. He would be in heaven if he could spend the entire night worshiping Kara's body with kisses and caresses, showing her how deep is his love for her.

Unfortunately, you can't always get what you want. Sighing, Mon-El settles with guarding Kara's sleep until exhaustion beats him too. A long day awaits them tomorrow.. They need to find the way back home. The sooner they return to Earth, the better. There are villains to defeat, a world to save… but when are things  that easy?

A surprise is waiting for them in the morning.

[yuniesan]

Glitter and Stardust - Chapter 44

Glitter and Stardust: (Cross Posted to WattPad )

Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Riley Matthews got the shock of her life when she realized that her best friend Maya Hart had feelings for the boy Riley had been in love with since middle school. Instead fighting for the love her Lucas Friar, Riley stepped back so that her friend would have the chance at a relationship with him. The only problem was that Riley was hurting on the inside. Riley decides to hop onto the first train the Philadelphia to go see her Uncle Josh in hopes of gaining perspective on where she should stand in the relationships between the two people she cares about the most. Or will this trip cause more heartache for her?

Chapters [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [8.5] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [27.1] [27.2] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] [40] [41] [42] [43]

Chapter 44 – New Home

Riley and Lucas went to look at the apartment the day after finals ended, they had been too busy during finals week to get away long enough to check it out. The owners were in town looking at new tenants and had left the key with Lucas for the day so that they would be able to look around. When they walked in Riley noticed that although the house looked well-groomed on the outside it needed some work on the inside. She remembered that Lucas had told her that the owners didn’t live in the house but had spent most of their time traveling which meant that the students who had lived here before weren’t good at maintaining the place and trashed it several times.

“Let’s take a look around,” he said when they walked through the living room. Riley only nodded knowing that they were going to use the two weeks they had off before their jobs started just painting and repairing things.

The first thing she noticed was that the bay window was in the front of the apartment, it was a part of the living room but it had the same type of bench seating as the one she had in New York. She tried to open to see if it also had storage space only to find a lot of dust and papers inside of it. To her it was perfect, she didn’t mind doing the work to fix up the place as long as she had the bay window.

“I love it,” she said when she walked towards where Lucas stood in the kitchen.

“Riles it’s going to need a lot of work,” he said trying to consider the cost of fixing it up.

“We’ll just have to discuss it with the owner, and I’ll talk to my mom about the lease she would find a way to help us too. I hope,” Riley walked around the kitchen and looked in the fridge. “Oh god that smells horrible,” she walked away from the fridge. “Yeah I’m talking to my mother.”

Lucas laughed and double checked the stove and the cabinets. “The last tenants did a job on this place.”

“Yeah,” she murmured. “But I do like the place, I haven’t seen Josh’s place and I guess the only one who has is Maya but I don’t want to tell them about this until we have the place settled. I kinda want to keep this a secret,” she said. It was something she didn’t want anyone to know because if it would get back to her father he would try to stop it.

“I don’t mind keeping a secret if it’s what you want.”

They continued looking around the place, Riley was taking mental notes about what needed to be fixed and painted so that she could tell her mother when it came to negotiating the rent and amenities. She learned a lot from her mother growing up especially when it came to the art of the deal and she didn’t want to miss anything. The apartment had a second bedroom but Riley knew that she was going to share with Lucas no matter what, but it was nice to keep up appearances when it came to everything.

“What do we do with the spare bedroom,” Lucas asked walking up behind her.

“I don’t know but for now let’s think about everything else.”

The two of them met with the owners telling them their interest in the apartment, they only rented to students and asked how long they had left in school. The two of them explained their goals and that they had only just completed their freshman year. The couple gave them a copy of the lease contract for them to look over and to give them a decision by the end of the week since they were looking at several other people.

When Riley got back to her dorm she called her mother and told her about her plans, along with the fact that she was planning on moving out so that they could give the babies her bedroom. She pleaded with her mother to keep this away from her father until she had already moved out her stuff because as much as she loved her father he still tried to hold a tight grip even after the talk they had had earlier in the year. She also told her mother about the lease for the apartment and how to make it work so that they wouldn’t have to spend too much repair things that might be at fault of the former tenants especially the appliances that needed repairing.

Riley remembered the story of when her parents had gotten their first apartment and how their parents wouldn’t help them but Riley wasn’t asking for too much help, she only wanted to not be held responsible for what the first tenants had done to the place. Riley was willing to do the rest of the work. Her mother called the owners and worked out a deal for the apartment that would be reasonable for the state of the place itself. The owners hadn’t gone into the apartment when they reached Philly but they had decided on getting the place inspected. They liked that Riley had taken initiative to get everything check out before accepting the place without question. When they all met the next day the couple had told her and Lucas that the rent was only to cover the utilities they had made a good living when they had lived in the house and decided to give back to the community but they hadn’t realized that all of the previous tenants had done such bad things to the place. They knew that the other two floors were well taken care of but they had used it to believe that all of the apartments were the same. They regretted not making sure, and made sure that new appliances were installed and that the apartment would be up to code.

“We still have to do the most of the work but at least they’re checking everything and they’re going to let us paint the place,” she said to Lucas after the meeting. Riley made sure to call her mother and thank her for what she had done.

“It’s going to cost a good amount of money but it would be worth it,” he said.

“Actually if we just buy our own fabric and stuff at goodwill we could do this really cheap all we would really need is paint, and we could even find stuff at the junk yard if we have to.”

“You’re thinking outside the box aren’t you.”

“Yup, we need to because we have to learn how to live as if we have nothing at all.”

“You are the smartest person ever,” Lucas said holding her close. “Now let’s start working on moving our stuff, we only have two weeks before we both start working full time so it would be best if we finished everything before then.”

“Yay,” she said. Riley loved decorating, she loved it even more when she could create something with used things. They had history in them and history has always been there for her teaching her.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The hardest part came the day they were supposed to move back home for the summer when all of their friends were packing their bags and all of their belongings. Riley had packed along with everyone else but when she loaded everything onto Lucas’s car everyone else wanted to add their own things.

“What are we going to do?” Riley said but Lucas looked at her and smiled.

“I guess it’s time to tell them everything,” he said.

“Guys we need to tell you something,” Riley started as they all stopped in front of the car.

“What you don’t want to help us take everything back. We only have two cars and the other one belongs to Josh,” Zay said.

“Zay it’s not like that,” Riley said. “Um well, we’re not going back.”

“Riles what are you saying?” Maya said.

“Well Lucas and I both got jobs here and I was accepted into a summer program so we got a place nearby. Well actually it’s the vacant apartment in Josh’s building.”

“My parents and Riley’s mom got all of our stuff together and are bringing it down since you all are going back they’re willing to help you get back to New York. We were trying to keep Mr. Matthews from finding out that’s why we didn’t tell you,” Lucas said.

Maya started laughing, “You guys are good. It’s a joke right.”

Before either one could say anything two cars pulled up to the curb and Riley’s mother and Lucas’s parents stepped out.

“Hey kids,” her mother said before walking up to Riley. “Here are the keys, we put everything in the living room.”

“Thanks mom.”

“Okay, we’re here to help the rest of you get back to New York,” Lucas’s father said smiling at the group.

“It’s not a lie apparently,” Smackle said. “Oh well good luck Sparkles.”

Farkle laughed and walked behind his girlfriend. “Well I guess we will have to visit once you guys get settled.”

“Really Riles, you’re leaving me?” Maya said.

“Peaches,” Riley smiled at her best friend. “I already know that you were planning on moving in with Josh next semester, it’s the reason why you didn’t fill out the housing form.”

“You pay too much attention to everything don’t you,” Maya said.

“I have to or else who knows what would happen. We’ll be downstairs from you guys so it won’t be that bad.”

“Okay,” Maya said feeling defeated. “But what about the summer weren’t we going to do something?”

“Not really, we didn’t plan anything out. Well I did but it was only for this program I signed up for.”

The friends all hugged and walked away towards the cars as they loaded their things. Riley and Lucas helped out but once everything was done it felt bittersweet. She was really growing up and even though her father was going to have the freak out of the century, Riley felt nothing but happiness.

[gocasualrunawaycollection-blog]

Insurance on Mini Cooper for an 18 year old?

"Insurance on Mini Cooper for an 18 year old?

I was wondering if you could get insurance on one of the older ones 1900s pickups or van or normal.I was thinking of a restoration project. But I want to know could I get insurance on one. And roughly how much. I know the restoration will cost a lot but I could do a bit and I have family that could just about cover everything else. I thought I might have 10,000 for everything including insurance. Thank you

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

RELATED QUESTIONS: 

Can insurance rates go up if...?

If you have a provisional license issued and you get a citation for carrying passengers in your car before your 5 months is up, can your insurance rates go up? If so, how much?""

Who can I talk to about insurance?

I am trying to help my boyfriend find some affordable health and dental insurance....I have attempted finding it online and I am overwhelmed...Does anyone know if there is some kind ...show more

I just got into a car accident Please HELP insurance rate?

It's my fault. I rear ended him. My car is old and probably not worth repairing, smashed radiator, bumper, lights. The damage to my car is awful but his was very light, just his rear bumper yet an onlooker said bumpers cost a lot, maybe $800. Should I get my insurance company involved or pay this huge (for me) amount via a check to him directly? I've been a driver for two years only and I'm 30yrs old. If I reported it to my insurance company how much would my insurance go up? Let's pretend my insurance is a nice round number of $100 a month.How much would it affect my rate? Also what are deductables??? Please write an answer instead of sending me to some advertisement type link. Please help!""

Insurance companies for a 18 year old new driver?

Ive just recently passed and im in need of a insurance company good for me. Money is tight as im a student and so i need something cheap. Ive been on money supermarket and its hasn't helped much.

Best Apartment insurance?

Hey I need apartment insurance. What are the top five best apartment insurance places? Thank you!!

Best car insurance for 17 year old?!?

Hi, I have just passed my driving test. I am a 17 year old male living in a stable suburb. My mum owns a 2002 Mini Cooper and my dad has just ordered a new Audi A7. Obviously I cannot drive the Audi when it comes haha. I am looking to drive the Mini. What is the cheapest insurance company to be a NAMED DRIVER on my mum's car insurance. THIS IS NOT FRONTING. I will hardly drive, my mum uses the car most/all of the time. I have got very high quotes and the best yet is 2000 from Admiral. Any other suggestions please?""

I need Auto Insurance?

I'm in a dilemma! I need auto insurance to get my drivers license back but I don't own a car. I need a non-owners policy but I can't get coverage because theirs a car in the household. how can I get a policy?

How much is car insurance?

I am in Delaware. I am starting grad school and I will have very little money. But I am considering getting an old car just to get around and save some time. I'm a 26 year old girl so I know I'm not in the worst catagories. I just want a basic idea of whether or not it will break the bank to consider a car.

About how much is car insurance in British Columbia?

About how much is car insurance in British Columbia, particularly Vancouver or nearby? Perhaps if you could share how much it costs you or someone in your family with a good driving record. Perhaps give a hint of what car you have, liability limits, etc. In the U.S., you can get online quotes. For Canada, I've never seen anything like it.""

Can someone explain this driver's insurance deal to me?

I don't have a license yet because I need to have proof of insurance to drive the car at the DMV. However, if my parents' cars are already registered to insurance, then I don't need to join their insurance or something and i can just drive their car right? My dad said if i join our family's insurance, the rates will get higher. But i don't get this. I thought it was just the car that mattered for insurance.""

Car insurance denied claim because they cannot contact its insured.?

Hi. On April first, my neighbor hit my dad's car in our neighborhood. Our garages are facing each other, and my dad was going backwards to get out of our garage. He was already in the street and he was ready to go in his way. Suddenly, our neighbor back out from her garage very fast and hit the driver door of my car. She didn't stay in that position, she moved and my dad did the same. The white bumper of her van had no visible damages, but my door needs to be replaced. Also, there is white paint in car in the place she hit it. We asked for her insurance, but she didn't have it in that moment. We wrote the plate number and took some quick pictures. I called my insurance to report the accident. In the night, when she returned home, we asked for her insurance, but she refused. We called the police and she agreed to give us her insurance information. In fact, she wrote the information herself. I called her insurance(Geico) the next day, and she had already made a claim, and she only said she didn't hit my car; she didn't give more details. My dad gave his version of the accident with a lot of details, but she didn't do it. Her Insurance tried to contact her, but there is no answer from her. I see her everyday, so I am sure is not responding on purpose. Now, her insurance called me and told me that because she is not responding, there is no way to confirm she was involved in the accident. therefore, they denied liability. I was shocked because they took that decision only because they cannot contact her. They didn't came to take pictures of the place or the cars. So, I tell them I was going to send the pictures I took. I did send the pictures but now, the adjuster is not in his office, and he will be back next week on Thursday. Right now, I don't know what to do, I could pay for the reparation of my car, but I don't believe that's fair. Please, if someone can guide me with this case. What can I do?""

Is This Right? (Retinal Detachment/Cataract/Lens/Insur... Question)?

Let me make a very long story short and get right to the questions. I have moved across the United States by myself at the age of 20 with no insurance covered by my parents, nor will they ever if they could. I had a retinal detachment in my left eye. Paid out of pocket for an eye doctor appointment, he freaked out and told me to go straight to the emergency room for emergency surgery since my entire retina was detached. After my surgery, half unconscious too, a social worker got assigned to me because I was under 21 and legally dependent on the state. So the state paid for my surgery. I had a 2nd one too because the first failed. During my 2nd surgery I had cataracts in my eye so they removed the natural lens. And they never replaced the natural lens since they feared the retina may detach again like the first time. But it stay together and I turned 21. So therefore, legally independent by the state. My check up appointment was after my birthday which the front desk of the eye section declared I must pay $80 for every check up visit, which they wanted me to come in every other week. And if I did not pay, I could not go in. Due to my 6 months of surgeries and recover time I had no money, and was not working. I live with my in-laws, and they were taking care of me, but they are certainly not going to pay my medical bills. So here I am now, age 22 and I have been working for about a year. My job does not offer health insurance until you worked for a year, and even then, there is a certain month you can sign up. I have been walking around for over a year without a natural lens, or ANY lens in my left eye. This is in no way like being blind. My doctor had told me that if I got my license and drove, if ever in an accident, I would get in serious trouble because you are not supposed to drive this way. Not that I do, I cannot see correctly so it is wicked dangerous. Having no lens in one eyes messes with your other eye. Hard to explain unless you have literally had this situation before. Sunlight glares into my bad eye, then into my good eye. Same with darkness or bright lights in general. I am actually very blind at night because of this. This is literally ruining my life. I have no money to pay for insurance, or the surgery which can be easily be 10,000 dollars. Is this legal for a county hospital to do? I have never heard of anyone in my situation. Even the thousands of times I have googled and searched. Never heard of anyone in my shoes. What are my rights here? Is there some way I can fight this? Where is my justice? This is holding me back so badly in life. Please someone with real help and not a crappy site they copy and pasted, help! I need some real human help!!""

Unemployed 18 to 25 year olds forced to have health insurance under Obamas plan?

if you where laid off, then your ok. But if you quit your last job you will be required by law to keep health insurance or be fined $2700/yr. And by the way thats $225/mo. for the ...show more""

What types of policies have been losing money for insurance companies?

Are property insurance policies in Florida (Hurricane area) still costing insurance companies? Any other kinds?

Step parents health insurance?

I was wondering is it possible for my soon to be wife, to put my kids on her health insurance plan from work? The children live with us. We are in california.""

What should I expect to pay for car insurance?

I am 18. I got my permit in March 2011 when I was 16 and I got my license this month. I will be taking a defensive driving course, the 5 hour course and I might also take a course with a driving school to reduce insurance cost. (I live in New York) I have enough money saved up to lease the car I want but the insurance seems like it will be very steep. The cars I'm looking at are a: 2012-2013 Mercedes Benz C300 4MATIC 2010-2013 BMW 3 series or 5 series What can I expect to pay on insurance based on this information and do you think I'd be able to get a quote for $400 or less? Also, what type of car do you have and how much do you pay for your car insurance?""

How much will my insurance rise for having a speeding citation?

I've done a bit of hunting around the Internet, but I haven't been able to find an objective answer to this. For some background, I'm 19 years of age. Unfortunately, I ...show more""

Why is auto insurance higher for teens then it is for adults?

I am writing an essay saying insurance should be higher for teens then adults. I need body paragraphs saying why it should be higher then adults.

Insurance for moped 16 year old ?

live in cork Ireland,im 15 now 16 in the summer im wondering how much a 50cc moped insurance would be roughly or how much insurance would be on a Yamaha tzr 50 ? Thanks""

What would health care cost if NOBODY had insurance?

I was reading about how doctors are now rating insurance companies, and one figure that stuck in my head was $210 BILLION wasted anually on excessive administrative costs. Not administration, UNNECESSARY administration. They want to cut out red tape, well, why not cut out insurance altogether? What would health care cost if NOBODY had insurance, and had to pay for everything out of pocket? I suspect that patients would start paying a lot more attention to their bills, doctors would have to start competing, and costs would plummet. Shoot, there'd be at least $210 billion a year more available! There's mention of one doctor who accepts a flat yearly rate, and doesn't accept insurance. Would this really be such a terrible way to do things? Letting doctors and patients decide what's fair, instead of insurance companies and the government? We could let people buy catastrophic insurance, but not general health funds like we have now. Could it work?""

Finding 2000-3000 insurance for young driver?

With my UK license I intend on buying myself a car for university (GOLF or POLO). Being a young driver (19 years old), insurers are less than happy to offer cheap insurances. The best quote I've found so far from gocompare and dozens of other websites are Quinn Direct with 3800. Could you please suggest where to get cheap 3rd party insurance, you're welcome to mention other car models if it helps cheapening it. Thanks""

""Why does your Fica score dictate an insurance premium rate, why not your driving record?""

are the insurance companies worried they wont get paid,,,,??""

Affordable full coverage auto insurance?

Where can I get affordable full coverage auto insurance in Delaware with a scetchy driving record?

Will obamacare lower health insurance premiums?

how will forcing more people to purchase a finite resource (increasing demand) cause the price to go down?

How much will health insurance costs rise in your state?

Our attorney general says Ohio's will be over 80%.

Insurance on Mini Cooper for an 18 year old?

I was wondering if you could get insurance on one of the older ones 1900s pickups or van or normal.I was thinking of a restoration project. But I want to know could I get insurance on one. And roughly how much. I know the restoration will cost a lot but I could do a bit and I have family that could just about cover everything else. I thought I might have 10,000 for everything including insurance. Thank you

Plz help me sort out my car insurance thanks?

? So am 17 and just passed my drivers test and I want to be put on my dads insurance. Originally he was directline or something but I found a much cheaper one for us both at the post office so when he went to change to it and put me on his insurance we had to pay a 170 pound deposit so my dad said just put him on first and the deposit was only 40 pound and now next week he'll add me on. So my question is when he puts me on next week will there be no deposit to pay?

Anyone know of affordable dental insurance for western Ky? ?

i need to have dental work done, but no insurance.""

Is it illegal to buy insurance out of state?

Is there any affordable way to get insurance, i am a first time driver, no collisions 17 years old btw on my dads user name, what is the most affordable way i can get insurance. All the quotes i have gotten so far have been 1300 for 6 months or more. I will drive a family car.""

Why Will Companies Keep Offering Health Insurance?

Why Will Companies Keep Offering Health Insurance? Who here believes that if Universal Health Benefits are offered through the US government to all US citizens that companies and employers will continue to offer health insurance benefits to their employees as a payroll/benefits expense. Do you really believe companies will continue to pay such a large amount of overhead when they can simply stop offering those benefits and let the government program take over? What employer in their right mind would keep dishing out $500 a month per employee when the government is begging to take that system over? If you think Yes, please tell me why.""

Primary insurance?????????????/?

So I took my Daughter to the doctor today she is on ARkids. everything went fine at the Doctors but when i went to get her RX they said i would have to pay 81 dollars because of my primary insurance. I dont have Primary insurance she has only had ARkids. well they told me it was through her (sperm donor) father. that had not had anything to do with her for 2 years. she is 5 and when he did it was off and on. well how is this right I have custody of her. I can not afford her meds with his insurance making me pay. when it was just her insurance i didnt have to pay since it is his doesn't he have to pay? I dont know how to get ahold of him like i said no contact nothing for 2 years. she never gets sick.. i havent had to get her any meds or take her to the doc for like 5 mo.or more.

Instead of buying auto insurance is there a way to just have a savings account just for $coverages?

So all US states require all cars on the road to have insurance ... since insurance is just dollars put asside for release in the event of emergencies or other pre-determined event ... why cant I just put $100,000 into a bank account and call it my auto liability account and have my car insured with the state under my name providing that I don't touch those funds?""

How does car insurance work?

so how does car insurance really work? im 16 and just got my license my parent's already have insurance on the cars and i plan on driving those cars, but why would i need insurance when those cars are already insured?""

Do landlords usually have homeowner insurance?

Do landlord usually have homeowner insurance? Also is it true that most homeowner insurance have liability coverage? And if they took out a mortgage does the mortgage company require them to have some kind of homeowner insurance?

Will My car insurance go up if a 16 year old gets a older 2 door car?

Will My car insurance go up if a 16 year old gets a older 2 door car?

I need help with car insurance.?

I am saving up for a car but I don't wan't the car to be a sports car because the insurance would cost to much. Could you tell me which cars are not sports cars. 1967 chevy impala 1969 chevy nova 1969 plymouth Barracuda 1995 chevy camaro 1970 AMC Javelin Ford thunderbird ford firebird Thanks!

Help on car insurance.?

I am 17 yrs old. I am about to get a 2008 Honda accord but right now I drive a 2002 Cadillac escalade. my insurance is $130 a month right now and I was wondering if it would raise it? the escalade is an SUV, & it has a v8. the accord is ofcourse a car and its a 4 cylinder! ( if that makes a difference) thank you to all that answer! :)""

Just got in a car accident...I'm 16 we have USAA. How much will my insurance go up?

I was being stupid and driving too fast on a wet day. I spun out and hit a wall (thank god I'm okay) and damaged the back right on my car pretty bad. I know our deductible is either $500 or $1000 but my question is about my much will my insurance go up? I know its not going to be pretty since I've only had my lisense for 10 months...

Health Insurance for Newborn baby?

I get health insurance through my job but I think I can get a better quote than what they offer if I go about it independently. What suggestions do you all have in terms of a good health insurance coverage? Is it best to have a higher deductible and lower premium or vice versa for a newborn? I want what will be the best for him but the most affordable for us. Thanks! :)

Will my insurance go up due to points on my license?

I am a 22 year old male. Was cited for going 25.5 miles over the speed limit on a freeway. Plead guilty. And 4 points were assessed on my license. This is the first time any points have been on my license. My question is will my insurance go up do to this and if so how much could I expect? Thanks Also, if anyone knows of anything I can do to keep my insurance from going up, please let me know.""

Cheapest Auto insurance?

Cheapest Auto insurance?

Am I covered under my parents' car insurance?

I am sixteen years old and I will be added to their insurance soon, but in the meantime, am I covered if anything happens? The car is insured under liberty mutual and I do no not often drive their car, but I need to use it to get to school tomorrow. What will happen if I get into an accident with an insured car under my mom's name and not mine?""

About how much will ensureance cost me?

Heyy ya'll, I'm 15 (ill be 16 next month) and I'm saving to buy a car next year! My mom says since I'm young they're going to charge me more for insurance, so what I want to know is about how much will they charge me a month since ill be 17 when I buy the the car?""

How can i claim for a new alternator under insurance- it cost me 400?

I am selling my car, and I would like to get some cash from my insurance policy. I just had a new alternator fitted 2 weeks ago- any ideas??""

Is there such a thing as affordable health and dental insurance for someone that is 60 years old?

And in pretty good health? What company(ies) would you recommend. I live in Omaha, Nebraska United States. I currently pay $330 a month for PPO BCBS a month and it is killing me! Thanks""

Is Blue of california a good health insurance?

Is Blue of california a good health insurance?

Are there any good Websites about Insurance ?

For someone who is newbie in Insurance , Also if it contains cases and Q&A it would be best Does anyone know any ???""

Will insurance cover girlfriend who lives with you?

My boyfriend and I live together and are going to get married within the next year or two (i am in nursing school and want to finish before getting married so we can afford a really nice wedding). He has United Health Care insurance and I've tried to find info online but cannot find the info i'm needing. He has this insurance through his employer. Can I be covered on his insurance without us being married? I see online you can do a family plan, but that's all i see. doesn't say if non-married couples can be covered.""

Should I sue Texas for requiring me to buy auto insurance?

After all I'm a good driver, and I'm willing to take your chances that I'll be financially responsible if something unexpected happens. Why should I be forced to take part in the government sponsored mandate to purchase something? What about free enterprise and my freedom to spend or not spend my own hard-earned money? Maybe I could get my case heard by the Supreme Court....""

I aged out of Medicaid 21 yr old male no insurance?

I no longer have health insurance because I'm 21 years old. My mom gets medicaid because of a disability and my sister gets medicaid because she is 19 yrs old. My family is labeled as low-income, and I can't afford private health insurance. What can I do to receive free health insurance. I live with my mother and sister. I'm a full time college student with a little part time job. Am I out of luck?""

How much would it cost to insure my motorcycle?

I plan on buying a Suzuki dr-z400s and I'd like to know what some people are paying for their insurance. Or maybe just what I would be paying. I'm 16 years old, Male, and I have a clean record. I'm not sure what kind of insurance I would get but probably just liability. Thanks!""

Insurance on Mini Cooper for an 18 year old?

I was wondering if you could get insurance on one of the older ones 1900s pickups or van or normal.I was thinking of a restoration project. But I want to know could I get insurance on one. And roughly how much. I know the restoration will cost a lot but I could do a bit and I have family that could just about cover everything else. I thought I might have 10,000 for everything including insurance. Thank you

What is the cheapest van insurance for a 18 year old with no previous insurance with a full lience?

What is the cheapest van insurance for a 18 year old with no previous insurance with a full lience?

Appropriate and affordable health insurance for my autistic son?

Here is the situation: My son is seven and severely autistic. He lives with his mom (we are divorced). As part of our agreement, I take care of his health insurance and medical bills, co-pays and things related to his medical care. I pay for insurance for him thru my employer, around $280 a month, just for him. However, although it is pretty good for office visits, it is really bad for hospital. Because he is autistic, he has to be knocked out for some procedures that he wouldn't normally be knocked out for. Recently he incurred a $9000 bill, which the insurance company wont pay because he already maxed out his hospital indemnity for the year. I feel that the time has come to provide him with some sort of hospital indemnity, but I can't find any that I can actually afford. I don't make very much, I make enough to pay his regular health insurance and his child support, and the occasional doctor bill. But I don't make enough to pay the huge premiums that a regular hospital indemnity plan has. To add another wrinkle, I live in New York, he lives with his mom in Connecticut, she is the one who brings him to the doctor/hospital, I'm just the one who pays for it, which I am happy to do. But the problem is, that anything available with NY, only covers providers in NY. CT wont work with me because i do not live there. Am I screwed (as in I have to pay 900 per month in hospital insurance), or is there something I can do? By the way, I make about $36000 per year, not a lot for New York. I just want to provide the best care for my son, but I need something I can actually afford""

Are they able to charge me with car insurance fraud?

A little over a month ago I had a contractor and his workers in my home. They came unexpectedly and although I didn't know it at the time I believe that one of them stole the key to my car, a new CR-V. Anyway a week later we went on vacation and the day we came back it was late we didn't unpack and order a pizza went to bed. The baby woke up a 5:30 am and I had no diapers upstairs so I headed to the car. The car was gone, we called the police and when they got there and were writing the report a dispatcher came over the radio and stated my car was found, but it was on fire. At the time of the report I didn't know where the key was and I didn't suspect anyone. I really thought that maybe my 2 1/2 year old took it and misplaced it. It wasn't a big deal to me I knew it would turn up. We told the cops that we would look for it. When the insurance lady called she asked me a lot of questions like why were you down stairs so early and where is the key and have you ever had a car stolen before. I told her yes to the car being stolen before. Two years ago. After weeks of working with the police. I now find out that the insurance company has turned the case over to an independent agency. She said that there were discrepancies in my story. I talked to her once, In the meant time the Dectective on the case has found the guy we think stole the car and has reopened the old car case and has a suspect with that one too. The firemarshell and the detective both told me and my husband (a retired cop) that we are in no way suspect. They have both spoken to the insurance company. So anyone who is in the business. What is going on? Is this routine? I have been very forth coming with them. I had paid 10000 on the car and it is worth 22000, because I am now a stay at home mom I never have the credit to get a loan for a new car again, my son's favorite toys were in the car along with strollers 2 car seats and a picture of my son on his 1st roller coaster ride. My son sleeps under his bed because he is afraid of being Stoled What else do I need to do to prove to these poeple that I didn't steel my car.""

Were can you get cheap car insurance?

i am 17 years old. i have ford kA and i am trying to look for cheap insurance cn any one help? xx

I have question about car insurance!!?

ok I live in California northern part so.... I wanto know how much is the car insurance for 16 years old? Is it depends on type of car and the price you got it? I found a car in the internet its 2008 audi rs4 $2000 clean title how much do u think is the car insurance for this car... Thanks for the real answers!!!!

How do you find out if a driver has insurance or not?

My car got hit and the driver took off. I have their name, address, and vin number but they did not provide an insurance company name either because they don't have it or there's a possibility that it was not provided at the time. Who can find this out for me, the police said they can't and my insurance company said they don't think they can either....""

How can I get health insurance in WA state?

I am 27. I am currently not working and have money saved. I am going to need to get a hearing evaluation at University of WA and it will cost 900 dollars without health coverage. I have never bought health insurance before, can I pay it month to month? Or pay it for one month, to get my evaluation covered and then cancel it?""

Where to buy cheap auto insurance?

Im 19 years old and I have had my license for about a year. I have no speeding tickets and have never been in a wreck. My driving record is picture perfect. I have been driving my moms car and she has had me under her insurance so it was really cheap. But Im getting ready to buy an 06' Chevy Colbat and where I am buying it off a car lot, she cant afford to put me under her name on insurance, becuase I will have to get full coverage as where as before I had liability. Is there a place in WV or somewhere online that offers reasonable prices on full coverage insurance for someone of my age. My mom is telling me my insurance is going to be about as much as my car payment. Is there any way to get it lower? I need a cheap place for insurance! Thnks.""

Can you rent a car without insurance?

For example....I don't have a car, so I don't need insurance, but if I want to rent a car, won't they ask for proof of insurance?""

""In CA, would my mom's car insurance cover my car?""

I live with my mom in California and we both have cars. I just bought mine recently under both mine and my mother's name but do no have it insured. My mom does have insurance though. I got in a little fender bender a couple days ago but when the report got filed, I got a citation for not having my own car insured. What I mean to ask here is, if my mom has car insurance and my car is under her name as well, would her insurance cover me, therefore leaving the citation void?""

State Farm Life Insurance... 30 year term? Whole Life? Select Term? Universal?

What insurance should I get? I'm in my late 20's and I'd like to make sure that if anything were to happen to me that my husband and son are left with enough to continue to stay on their feet. The 30 year term is affordable, but the life expectancy of my great grandparents, grandparents and parents, across the board is at least over 65. I'm as healthy as an ox now, but I know that diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol run in my family. I'm very active so I have no signs of any disease related to heart disease. It's a fear that I've had since I was a kid and it's the main reason why I stay active. That being said, what should I get? I already have 2 cars and condo insurances through State Farm so I'd get something like 17% off my car insurance. I'm struggling to figure out which policy to choose. I need some insight.""

How much will it cost (roughly) for a 21 year old to insure a new Audi A1 S-line 1.2?

its in the 1-10 band for the insurance which is the lowest group. the audi a1 is number 9. but i want to know what i would be expecting to pay insurance wise! would appreciate any comments.

I'm looking for affordable auto insurance...?

I am looking for an affordable auto insurance in New Jersey. Does anyone have any ideas. And is it true that a Broker is a good option? What would be a reasonable rate for just a PIP and a older car? I have no accidents or tickets.

Got a fine for no car insurance.?

I got a fine for no car insurance in CA, what will possibly happen to me? I'm fearing the worst...although there should be no excuse for it I didn't have the money at the time.""

""How old you need to be for classic car insurance , im 22 and have a 22 yr old car?

?

Car insurance INCREASE every 6 months with no accidents/tickets? wtf!?

Last year I had Unitrin Direct....they were charging me $85 a month...this is with NO tickets or accidents for the last 5 years of my driving record....this is also with the BASIC ...show more

Typically whats the cheapest insurance company?

my rates are pritty high.. im thinkin about changin

""How do I get quotes on things such as insurance, utility cost, and building remodling?""

how do I get quotes on things such as insurance, utility cost, and building remodling when I'm writing a business plan? We finally have found a great location for a bar and grill we have wanted to open and a business plan requires a lot of estimating costs and I want to find the most accurate figures so that I can set myself up for success.""

I was recently in a car accident and fractured my hand in two places. How much should my settlement be?

The accident was not my fault, but the other driver did not have insurance. My left hand was fractured at the pinky knuckle and also lower in my hand at the middle finger. I was in a splint for 8 weeks, and went to see a physical therapist for only two weeks. I still have pain in the pinky knuckle and cannot bend it as far as the right hand. The doctor told me that I will most likely have severe arthritis when I get older (I am 26 now). I was only out of work for three days, but I had to be on restricted duty for a month. I had a hard time buttoning and pulling up my pants, as well as fixing my hair. It took me an extra half hour to hour to get ready every day. I want to know what to expect from the insurance company.""

Homework / car insurance question?

I have to do a budget for the next 5 years of my life and im lost on how to get the car insurance part figured out. I have to figure out hom much i would be paying for car insurance if i was to buy a car in the future? can someone please help, i'm so lost. and plz dont just give me a website to go to, plz explain it a little. thanks""

Do I need insurance to drive my girlfriend's car?

I'm turning in my leased car next week and canceling the insurance on it. I plan on using my girlfriend's car for a couple of months before getting a new one. I know there are a variety of coverages, but generally speaking would her policy cover me driving her car despite me not having any car insurance of my own?""

What is the best health insurance plan for my husband and I?

We're age 20 & 22. In school. Don't receive insurance through work. Live in Michigan. No health problems right now (that we know of) lol. We can afford about $50 to $100 per month. Looking for dental and a visit or two per year to a physician (checkups) for each of us and a deductible that can work around that and decent co pay.

Best car years for insurance?

My daughter will be buying a used car outright because we can't afford a car payment and insurance, plus she is 23 and had a fender bender 18 months ago so her insurance is not exactly low. What I'm wondering is if you have advice for the best years for a used car as far as insurance rates go ... you know, what years are likely to give us the best rates Also, if you have any advice about the best types of used cars to keep rates low, and the best used cars period, any input like that would be greatly appreciated. We bought a used 2003 jetta, but the transmission is self-contained, or, that is, we have to take it in to have the transmission fluid replaced. Things like that about which we weren't aware before we bought it have made it not very practical for us. Thanking in advance for any help you can give!""

How much would my insurance premium rise be? Car accident.?

On the interstate going home from work, it started raining just as I entered, really hard. Then I saw this white car in front of me, who stepped on his brakes, and as soon as I saw that, I stepped on mines. I couldn't swerve to the right where the gravel and grass were cause the white car was already headed that way , since it was raining my brakes didn't help and instead my car slid and his the back left corner of the white cars, and then I hitted a gray car from behind. My car is messed up really bad and cannot be repaired. When I gained enough sense to realized what just happened, there was 5 cars that had stopped, but mines was the only one badly damaged, unrepairable. Nobody was injured, and everyone's car was still drivable. The officer basically said it was my fault, cause I couldn't stop MY car from hitting the other two. Now I have to pay a ticket of $165 and my insurance will be paying for the other car's problems.""

Classic car for a teenager?

Coming up to my 17th birthday soon and i need to buy a car. The sort of car i like is the plymouth cuda 1970 opel manta 72 ford cortina 72 chevy 69 So that kind of muscle car look. However being a teenager i am limited to what i can drive. What would be a good buy and something i can get insured on. Hope you can help Thanks :)

Insurance on Mini Cooper for an 18 year old?

I was wondering if you could get insurance on one of the older ones 1900s pickups or van or normal.I was thinking of a restoration project. But I want to know could I get insurance on one. And roughly how much. I know the restoration will cost a lot but I could do a bit and I have family that could just about cover everything else. I thought I might have 10,000 for everything including insurance. Thank you

Will car insurance be cheaper if I drive my mum's car?

I'm learning to drive, but my mum won't allow me to practice in her Fiat 500 or drive it once I've passed the test. This means I can either buy myself a car or drive my Dad's car, which is a much larger Jeep. I don't particularly want to drive it though because its an automatic whereas I'm learning manual (I know automatic is easier, but as a new driver I won't be able to practice for the test and I'm worried I might forget manual if I drive it for too long) and I imagine insurance is likely to be higher. I was wondering, which of these options are likely to work out cheapest? Is it worth trying to persuade my mum to let me drive her car?""

""Obamcare, how is it enforced?""

So, the single mothers of 3 children. The one who's flipping burgers for 12,000 a year income, She's going to pay $100 a month for insurance, or she will be in violation of the law, right? When she doesn't pay the $100 a month, she's a criminal, right? We're going to fine her $2,000? If she doesn't pay the fine, we'll throw her in jail? Really? This is the plan? Does anybody else see how ridiculous this whole thing is???""

How do you value a damaged tree for insurance purposes?

Long story short, a guy ran his car off the road into my front yard and hit a tree. The tree is a complete loss. He has insurance (thank god!). How much should I expect to receive from the insurance company for the value of the tree? The tree is a mature Blue Spruce. It was about 20-25 feet tall, had an 8-10 inch trunk, and a spread at the base of about 15 feet or so. I know that I should at least be entitled to the cost of removing the tree/debris and planting a new tree. But you cant really plant a 25 foot Blue Spruce! So, the problem I am having is determining what value should I be entitled to considering the maturity of the tree? Who can I call to get an appraisal? Other info: I live in a subdivision of custom brick homes on a large lot (about 1 acre) and my home is worth about $275k. The tree sat on the edge of my property in the front yard in a group of two trees (the other one was slightly damaged also, but can probably be salvaged) that provide some shading from the neighbor and the road. Obviously, the amount of shading is now reduced and the aesthetics of the group of two trees is messed up to the point that I am considering just removing both trees.""

Question about motorcycle insurance in the UK?

I just got a quote for the motorcycle I intend buying when I pass my test. Seemed a bit excessive at almost 900. I'm 23 and have ridden a 125 for a year with no claims. The bike is insurance group 13. My question: Does the fact I don't have a full license yet and haven't bought the bike affect insurance quotes?

How can i insure my car for 1?

just read somewhere on this site that you can insure a car for 1 surely this is a load of uncle tom cobbler? would be very impressed if someone can answer this question... seeing as my car is only worth 500 why should i be expected to pay almost that in insurance? it would get written off any way should i ever claim. cos being an olde banger insurance cost for parts and availability not as easy and quick to get.

How will my finance company know if i change my car insurance coverage?

im leaving to basic training next week and i was going to drop my car insurance coverage down to just storage insurance because my car is going to be stored and under a car cover at my fathers house while i am away. my car insurance company suggested before i make the change that i contact my finance company and make sure that there would be no issue if i did this, how ever the finance company said i could only do this if i literally go and rent a storage unit and keep my car there, AND i have to be deployed, simply being away at training is not enough. If i go ahead and reduce my coverage to storage insurance, how would my finance company know, im sure there has to be some way they would find out.""

""Car rental insurance, please help!?""

Hello everyone, I am really confused and need your help, please. I rented a car from Avis in Calgary, Alberta and drove to Vancouver, BC. I got involved in an accident that although my car was not damaged, but I think I am considered cause of the accident (two cars were badly damaged). I did not ask for any insurance of the rental car. My understanding was that the third party liability is covered by my own car insurance. However, someone called me earlier from my car insurance company(state farm) saying that they are not responsible. Today the rental car company has called and left me a message asking me to call them. I do not know what should I prepare myself for? Am I going to be charged to pay for all the damage? That'd be terrible. Please provide me with any information you have. I don't know what to do.""

I got car insurance and it allows me to drive other peoples cars on my insurance?

if i were to buy another car, 2nd car will i be able to drive that without registering to any insruance company? i wont be selling my 1st car, it will still have the insruance, and the insruance it has allows me to drive other cars, but im not sure if the other cars also need insurance from a company""

Should I call my auto insurance?

This afternoon, I was at a gas station and I backed my 2003 Pontiac mini van into a concrete barrier very hard. The left rear bumper is falling off, the hatch is dented fairly bad in the corner so it is difficult to open (that dent is about 4 inches in diameter but very deep) and the side with an automatic door has two shallow dents about a foot across. One of my taillights chipped on the side but didn't crack or shatter. No broken glass or anything. The plastic bumper is cracked in a few places, and has red paint all over over it from the barrier. the doors still work (excepting that the hatch catches on the taillight area), no electronic or mechanical issues, just body damage. The question is, should I call insurance? I am almost 17 and I've had my license for about 6 months. Roughly how much would the body work cost, since my insurance with AARP is sure to go up dramatically? Or would I want to play it safe and place a claim? My parents know all about it, and it was a total accident (I missed the brake pedal and hit the accelerator). Just looking for the way that will cost me less in the long run. Thank you for your help.""

Insurance premium increase for life insurance.?

Can my insurance company increase premiums (from $175.29 a quarter to $331.86 per quarter)when ever they wish? I retained my group life insurance for myself ($70,000)and for my husband ($50,000)after leaving my employment 15 years ago. Connecticut General(CIGNA Group) recently increased the premiums to the amount specified and said if we did not like it we could cancel. I've paid so much money into these policies and I do not wish to cancel now. There's no cash value on either one. We are in our fifties and preparing to retire and will not be able to afford premiums this high. What can we do, if anything? Any light you can shed on this issue is greatly appreciated. Thanking you in advance for your time and assistance.""

Should I sue my parents...?

When I was 4 years old I was in a car accident and my parents had a settlement with the drunk drivers insurance and recieved 100,000 dollars for me. At such a young age I didnt really know what was going on and they told me that it had to be put up till I was 18 and I couldnt have it. Well that money is no longer there and I am now 20. As I grew up they told me that it all just went to lawyer fees but obviously I am old enough now to know better. I found out from other family members that they just blew it. I am now married and have three month old baby and I could have used that money to help get a house for us or help with the financial problems that come with being a new parent or newlywed. Should I sue them to get what was mine to begin with and if so how do I go about it and what are the chances that I will win?""

Can I cancel my fathers car insurance?

He went on a business trip and it was supposed to be for 2 months but it turned out they wanted him to stay a couple months longer. He told me to cancel his insurance so If I return the plates to the DMV in NY with the receipt can I cancel his insurance?

Cheap home owners insurance?

they keep raising rates with no justification. Which company do you use? Are they expensive? Are they cheaper? I Cr 13;8a

My niece has a sr22 bond and insurance can she drive a car with that?

i need to know cause she is driving is hat legal?

What's the best type of life insurance to buy?

Is term better than cash value? or vice versa?

How can you justify paying this much for insurance?

my insurance was canceled on my a month ago so im shopping around. i have a friend who is a broker who recommended using progressive - for $711 a month. wtf. i have 1 speeding ticket, 1 minor traffic violation, and one comp claim. i used to have state farm and the most i ever paid was $240 a month. this is just wrong in all respects. how do they expect any 21 year old to pay that much? thats a rent payment. i have an 05 scion tc, im wondering if buying a cheap beater would affect the price at all.""

How long can you go without health insurance before things become preexisting ?

I currently have health insurance through my father's company plan, but after my 19th birthday my insurance drops because I won't be a full time student until spring this year. Meanwhile I need coverage through some plan so nothing will be preexisting. However I can't apply for the cheap insurance that I was hoping for until my old coverage ends, and I'm worried about the bureaucratic time lapse between coverage policies. Are there any problems I'm going to run into with this?""

Tips for a 17 year old MALE driver to get his CAR INSURANCE premiums below 2000?

In all seriousness, it takes the absolute Michael how much it costs a 17 year old male to get insured.... on my mums insurance on an Insurance band 1 car i'm looking at 2400. I'm a student, my mum has over 20 years no claims, and still i'm getting ripped off. Any tips other than doing driving courses? Am I just doing something wrong with the insurance websites?""

How much is cost of insurance of car driven by Indian driving licence holder in UK?

How much is cost of insurance of car driven by Indian driving licence holder in UK?

Car Insurance Settlement?

Ok about 3 weeks ago I was rear ended while my car was stopped on the freeway. The guy hit me doing about 30mph. I have had back and neck problems ever since. I have been seeing a chiroprator on a weekly basis. Also it was a hit and run but I was able to get his license plate number. I live in California. Ok so his insurance company called me trying to settle for 1000 plus my medical expenses. The problem is I don't now what my conditions will be like in the future. Also how many times will his insurance call me and change the offer?

Cheap car insurance for a 17 year old male?

I passed my driving test last month and did my pass plus last saturday. I'm now stunned to find that the lowest i've seemed to get my car insurance is 5000, I'm a full time 6th form student so how am I meant to pay that? Is there ANYWHERE where I can get cheap insurance for my car? (except gps box insurance with restrictions such as fines for going out past 11pm) any previous experiences? or recommendations? I understand that 17 year old males are higher risk to road users than others, especially newly qualified, but there must be some loopholes in the system which will enable me to get a cheap quote? Many thanks.""

If your insurance cancels and you reinsure the next day will you get hit with a penalty?

okay im with nationwide and theyre expensive so theyre canceling my insurance on 1/1/08 but i wont have the money to go to my new cheaper insurance until the next day so will i get hit with the 500 dmv fee??/

How would one categorize those who will not have health insurance after Obamacare officially starts?

Considering that it will be law that everyone must have health insurance. What of those who will not have insurance and did not for whatever reason sign up for the government plan? How will Obamacare address them?

If i get a v6 mustang will my insurance be lower?

Im 16 and looking for a mustang, but if i get a v6 mustang will it be a lot cheaper than a v8?""

What do I get as a USAA member without any accounts?

You can get a USAA membership with an online registration; however, I do not need to have any banking accounts, insurance, etc with USAA. What do I get with this membership and does it affect my credit score? What are the pros and cons of becoming a USAA member when I don't have any accounts open with them?""

Insurance on Mini Cooper for an 18 year old?

I was wondering if you could get insurance on one of the older ones 1900s pickups or van or normal.I was thinking of a restoration project. But I want to know could I get insurance on one. And roughly how much. I know the restoration will cost a lot but I could do a bit and I have family that could just about cover everything else. I thought I might have 10,000 for everything including insurance. Thank you

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-car-insurance-so-expensive-uk-gabriela-madewell"

[scentedrunawayshark]

Open Enrollment resumes for 3 months Feb. 15th-May 15th, 2021. Affordable health insurance is now available.

What you need to know for this Special Enrollment Period

The Coronavirus pandemic has cost millions of Americans their health coverage as they lost jobs in the economic fallout. To help counteract the economic damage, the Biden administration has reopened the Health Insurance Marketplace.  This will help millions of uninsured people select affordable health insurance policies under this special enrollment period.  Additionally, those who already have a plan through the Healthcare Exchange may change their coverage.

Dates to Buy Marketplace Health Insurance During the Pandemic Special Enrollment Period:

February 15th to May 15th, 2021

This is a unique opportunity to purchase health insurance for you and your family.  If you missed the recent Open Enrollment period, this is the perfect time to arrange healthcare. To make getting healthcare easy, we’ve provided a guide to prepare you.

Contents [hide]

You’re going to be asked a few questions when you apply.  

Here’s Some of the Information You Should Have Ready:

Compare Each Plans Details

2 mistakes that will Cancel your Insurance BEFORE it Starts

The documentation you will likely Need to Provide:

Proof of identity, citizenship, and age

Proof of residence/home address

Proof of current or future income

Other sources of income:

Attestation of Non-Incarceration Status

Proof they don’t have Medicaid

Proof that You DON’T Have Medicare

You’re going to be asked a few questions when you apply.  

This information is needed to determine which insurance plans are available to you.  Available insurance plans and rates are based on Geography (Zipcode), Age, Income, and other factors.  Cost-Sharing Reductions can also be calculated using this information, like Insurance Subsidies and Premium Tax credits that lower your rates!

We’ll help you find the VERY BEST HEALTH PLAN from more than 600 top insurance companies.

Call us now!

Here’s Some of the Information You Should Have Ready:

The Full names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of everyone in your household, plus any dependents you want to insure,

Home and mailing addresses for everyone you plan to insure,

Income information, including W2s, 1099s, alimony, and child support for everyone you plan to insure,

It’ll be helpful to have your most recent tax return handy; It will have most of the information you need

If you are covered under a health plan, have that information nearby

Whether you, or anyone you plan to insure, has access to coverage through their employer

Some basic details about your lifestyle and health, including whether you or those you plan to insure, smoke or vape.

After this special enrollment opens on February 15th, and you have all the information you need to apply for health care coverage, you can get full-service help here, or go to do it yourself at https://www.healthcare.gov/. This is where applying for health insurance often gets daunting for many people.

For DIYers, the application process is easy and straightforward, yet it can be confusing. And some families go through the process second-guessing themselves and wonder — perhaps all year — if they ended up with the right insurance plan for them or if they could have qualified for less expensive options.

You SAVE NO MONEY by doing it yourself and using a State-based exchange.

If you use a Private Marketplace, you’ll also get more options with a wider range of insurance plans.  They also offer more Dental, Vision, and other supplemental insurance options.

The Insurance professionals at TrueCoverage provide guidance, review plans from 600+ insurance companies, and specializes in qualifying you for VERY low-cost or FREE $0 health coverage by providing personal service, backed by our advanced technology, to ensure that you receive every premium tax credit and health insurance subsidy available.

Compare Each Plans Details

The key to finding the best insurance is to compare the available plans carefully. It’s tempting to shop solely based on premium cost, but health insurance is more complicated than that. Here are factors to consider:

What coverage does it provide?

All ACA-compliant plans must provide some basic coverage, but that doesn’t mean they’re all the same. Look at the details of the benefits to understand what you’re actually purchasing.

What Drugs are covered?

For more about the Affordable Care Act: https://truecoverage.com/blog/an-affordable-care-act-refresher-trump-healthcare-in-2020/

Refer to this article for more information: https://truecoverage.com/blog/why-are-not-all-drugs-covered-under-health-insurance/

Which providers can you see?

What are the deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums?

Are your favourite Doctors and specialists in-network for the plan?

Will have to change doctors to make healthcare more affordable next year?

Important to estimate how much your out-of-pocket expense will be for different plans.

For more information: https://truecoverage.com/blog/what-is-a-health-insurance-deductible/

What company is it through?

This is an often-overlooked consideration, but if you’ve had a poor experience with one insurance company in the past, you might not want to purchase a plan through them again.

2 mistakes that will Cancel your Insurance BEFORE it Starts

Submit your Documentation immediately

Make Your First Payment on Time

Your insurance plan availability and the rate is based on information you provide during enrollment.  Once you’ve enrolled in your health insurance plan, you must provide proof of those details.  

The documentation you will likely Need to Provide:

Proof of identity, citizenship, and age

Current driver’s license or photo ID.

A current passport

Social Security Card (along with Photo ID)

Other optional documents,

If you’re not a U.S. citizen, show proof of identity and immigration status:

If you don’t have a driver’s license, an official photo ID will do for insurance carriers;

Your birth certificate (U.S. or overseas) or proof of adoption records

ID card from a federal, State, or government agency,

school ID card

marriage records,

proof of military service,

official birth records from a hospital or doctor

I-551 permanent resident card (aka a Green Card)

An employment authorization card, either I-688B or I-766

Proof of residence/home address

For homeowners: a mortgage bill or property tax statement

For tenants: a rent receipt, apartment lease contract, or signed letter from your landlord

A utility bill (gas, electric, cable, telephone (land or cell line), water bill, etc.)

A postmarked envelope with your return mailing address on it

Proof of current or future income

For wages and salary:

If you’re self-employed:

Income tax return, plus a record of earnings (as documented in your 1099 form) or business expenses

Paycheck stubs

A signed and dated letter from your employer on company letterhead.

A federal or State income tax return

Business or payroll records

Other sources of income:

You may need to provide awards letters or payment stubs if you receive Worker’s Comp benefits, veterans benefits, or military pay.

A signed letter or receipt of payment for income received from rent or room/board

If you receive any income or interest payments, provide your prospective health insurer with earnings statements from your bank, credit union, agent, or broker; 1099 for miscellaneous earnings is also applicable

Attestation of Non-Incarceration Status

Each State may have its own form.

In addition to the attestation form, Photo ID as listed above will be required.

Proof they don’t have Medicaid

Letter or statement from a Medicaid or CHIP agency that shows you or your family members aren’t enrolled in or eligible for Medicaid or CHIP

Letter or statement from a Medicaid agency showing you or a family member are enrolled in a Medicaid program that’s not considered qualifying health coverage*

A letter describing your recent health coverage including:

The name of the Medicaid/CHIP program you were enrolled in and when your coverage ended, or

That you were never enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP coverage, or

The name of the Medicaid/CHIP program with limited benefits that you’re enrolled in that would still allow you to enroll in the Marketplace with help paying for coverage

Proof that You DON’T Have Medicare

Letter or statement from Medicare or the Social Security Administration stating your Medicare Part A coverage termination date

Document from a government agency showing you or your family members are:

Only enrolled in Medicare Part B without Part A, or

Eligible for, but not currently enrolled in, premium-based Part A

If you cannot provide a copy of these documents, please see below for other approved documents:

A letter describing your recent health coverage including:

When your Medicare Part A coverage ended,

Your Medicare Part B effective date with an explanation of ineligibility for Part A, or

When your Medicare disability coverage ended

Please, make your 1st payment on time.

“A top reason for policy cancellation is late-payment / Non-payment of the 1st premium.”

You must make your first payment on time for your insurance policy to go into effect. While some insurance plans might provide a grace period on payments, you should never rely on this for the first month’s premium.