#car insurance claim process

[beemawala]

How to take Claim Correctly in car insurance ? Correctly in car insurance ✅𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐩 ✅𝐙𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 ✅Nil 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ✅𝐑𝐓𝐈 Cover ✅𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐭 Cover ✅Cashless 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝟏𝟎𝟎% 𝐀𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 India ✅Tyre Accidental Cover ✅Repair of 𝐆𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬, 𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐫 & 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 Parts ✅𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 pan india ✅Fire/𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐟𝐭/rock slide/housebreaking/cyclone/storm/landslide ✅Towing facility ✅𝐁𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫 covered ✅Zero salvage charge ✅Zero 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 charge ✅Zero labour charge ✅𝐑𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 ✅Wire Harness covered ✅Engine 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 cover ✅𝐑𝐓𝐈 Cover

[champstorymedia]

Travel Insurance: The Smart Investment for Your Next Vacation

Planning your next great vacation? Don’t forget to consider the importance of travel insurance. While it may seem like an unnecessary expense at first, travel insurance can actually be a smart investment that can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. In this article, we will explore the key reasons why travel insurance is essential for your next vacation, and how it can provide you…

[diagnozabam]

Asigurarea CASCO 2025: Protecție Extinsă pentru Șoferi și Vehicule

Asigurarea CASCO reprezintă o soluție eficientă pentru șoferii care doresc să-și protejeze autovehiculele împotriva unei game variate de riscuri. În 2025, aceste polițe devin din ce în ce mai personalizabile, oferind acoperire pentru daune produse în urma accidentelor, furtului, incendiilor sau calamităților naturale. Ce riscuri acoperă polița CASCO în 2025? Asigurarea CASCO este o poliță…

[thekplawgroup]

Rideshare Accident Insurance: How to File a Claim the Right Way

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become essential for Atlanta residents and visitors alike. While these services offer convenience and affordability, they also raise unique challenges when accidents occur, particularly when it comes to insurance coverage. Understanding the nuances of rideshare accident insurance is critical for passengers and drivers alike.

The Basics of Rideshare Insurance

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide tiered insurance coverage for their drivers, but it varies depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:

Offline/Off-Duty: The driver’s personal auto insurance is the only coverage available.

Waiting for a Ride Request: Limited liability coverage is provided, typically up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

En Route or During a Ride: The most comprehensive coverage applies, including up to $1 million in liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Understanding which tier applies can significantly impact the claims process and the compensation you may receive.

Common Insurance Issues in Rideshare Accidents

Navigating insurance after a rideshare accident can be challenging. Some of the most common issues include:

Confusion Over Coverage: Determining whether the rideshare company’s policy or the driver’s personal insurance applies.

Denial of Liability: Insurance providers may dispute who was at fault, delaying or reducing payouts.

Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers: In cases where the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance, rideshare company policies may not fully cover your damages.

Policy Gaps: Personal auto insurance policies often exclude coverage for accidents occurring during rideshare activities, leaving some claims unresolved.

Read more: Rideshare Accident Insurance: How to File a Claim the Right Way

[threadmonster]

I absolutely hate American healthcare 乁⁠(⁠ ⁠•⁠_⁠•⁠ ⁠)⁠ㄏ

[incorrectbatfam]

[at a call center]

Stephanie, to her supervisor: I don't care if the President herself calls. If it's past five P.M. I will not be here.

*phone rings*

Stephanie: Thank you for calling Wayne Insurance, Gotham Division. My name is Stephanie. Before I can assist you, I'll need your policy number.

Stephanie: Ah, Commissioner Gordon. What can I help you with today?

Stephanie: Auto insurance claim. Wonder Woman's shield took a sideview mirror clean off your vehicle. Well, sir, the Wayne Foundation will actually cover weapon-related repairs if—

Stephanie: ...And then Superman lifted the entire car and threw it at a spaceship. Yes, sir, I can help you with that claim.

Stephanie: Commissioner, I see here you live on 57th. That wouldn't happen to be 57th and 11th, would it?

Stephanie: 'Kay, I'm gonna get you set up with a renter's claim as well. It appears in an attempt to wipe out a horde of aliens, the Flash and Green Lantern shattered every window on the street.

Stephanie: Yes, sir, it does appear they were successful and now they're headed toward West End.

Stephanie: Yes, sir, West End and 65th. Would you like me to go ahead and start a claim for your safehouse on that street?

Stephanie: Yes, sir, I'll get those processed right away. Thank you so much for calling.

*call ends*

Stephanie: Boss, I'm gonna go move my car. My new Batman insurance hasn't kicked in yet.

[ghosts-bandwagon]

TF141 + König help you move

Here’s some backstory (bc this is incredibly self-indulgent send help): you take everything upon yourself, plan everything down to the last detail so you just wind up overwhelming yourself and then you’re just running on fumes the entire time, you are not at peace until you’ve moved into the new place, you are a ball of stress aaaand go:

Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley:

He’s very much the type to watch you go, he knows you’re overloading yourself and he wants to step in but he also knows you need to learn how to ask for help

That’s not to say he’s completely hands off, he’s listening to every word when you review your checklist, he’s helping you pack- everything from assembling the boxes to sealing them when they’re full

He’s taken it upon himself to make sure you eat a proper meal

“What’s this?” You ask as you mute your phone while on hold with the utilities company for your new place,

“It’s breakfast. Eat.”

“I already-”

“Iced coffee isn’t food, love.”

Bet

So he’ll take to cooking or grabbing your favorite take out

If you’re worried you forget something, he’ll go down the list with you, going so far as to grab your notebook and review it with you

He encourages you to sort through your belongings and figure out what you want to keep and what you want to give away

His rule: if I haven’t seen you use it, wear it, read it, or touch it in the last six months, it’s going in the giveaway box (save for stuff with sentimental value)

Surprisingly enough, it helps reduce how much you have to pack and you couldn’t be more thankful

All in all, 10/10

John ‘Soap’ MacTavish:

He’s so much fun to be around

He knows you’re taking on too much and he’ll tell you as much

“I’m fine, Johnny, I just like these things done a certain way. And when the order gets messed up, I have a panic attack.”

“Well, then explain how you’d like it done, and I’ll see to it that it stays that way, sound good?”

He’s so understanding god bless

He does everything possible to make the process stress free, from putting on music while you’re packing and cleaning, to being in charge of snacks 

He helps divide the labor very seamlessly, he does all the physical stuff (packing, cleaning, moving furniture, etc) and he leaves the logistics to you, (utilities, new apt, address change, etc)

If at any point you feel like it’s still too much, he’ll jump in without hesitation 

Just tell him where you’re struggling and what your next task is and he’ll gladly take over

You point, he’ll shoot (or pack, in this case)

John Price:

Like??

Good luck trying to take control of the whole thing

He’s way ahead of you and doesn’t let you do a single thing on your own, that’s not true, he’ll let you do things on your own but not all of it, you get the idea

Man’s a Captain for god’s sake, he definitely has a system to make the process easier

He makes sure you start the process sooner rather than later to avoid scrambling last minute

Before even buying boxes, he’ll sit down with you to come up with a checklist for things to do and what order to pack your place in

He’s very encouraging throughout the whole process

“Phew, almost an hour later and I was successfully able to transfer my car insurance.” You sighed slumping against the table, practically throwing your phone to the other side of the room

“You’re doin’ great, love, keep it up.” He comes up behind you to rub your shoulders and rub your back encouragingly

He’s with you every step of the way

Kyle ‘Gaz’ Gerrick:

I love him but I can see it as being kind of chaotic lmao but still fun!

You better believe he’s got Animal Crossing music on loop

He claims it’ll help you get into the cleaning/packing frame of mind and son of a bitch he’s right 

He sets a hard limit of one to two things a day, so if you finished packing up your living room sooner than you expected and now you want to move on to your bedroom, too damn bad

He’ll physically stop you lol

“You already did enough, babe, it’s time to rest.”

“I feel fine, Ky, I can keep going.”

“Trust me darlin’, take it easy, you’re doing great.”

Definitely the type to give you a treat to help keep you motivated, or even start your day with a treat

You’re dreading calling the new internet company to set up your new wifi? Well guess what? He’s treating you to coffee and a cinnamon roll from your favorite cafe to help motivate you

You’re dead tired after packing up all your belongings in your room, dinner is your pick babe, whatever you want, yes, Taco Bell is perfectly ok 

König:

Very good at following directions and equally good at being perceptive and knowing when to step in without being asked

He knows you have a habit of taking on more than you can handle but he also knows your tells just as well

Increased irritability, you’re more tired than usual, you’re not eating as much, drinking more coffee than you normally do, jittery leg, trouble sleeping, he knows you babe, he sees you

So he does everything he can to prevent you from getting to that point

If you’re complaining about packing all your books, don’t worry about it, he’s on it

You’re stressed about cleaning as you pack, no need, he’s already coming behind you with Clorox wipes, a broom, and a swiffer mop

He encourages you to offload some of your tasks to him, insisting that he knows how you want it done and can do it accordingly

“Schatz, you have so much on your plate already, let me handle renting the truck and getting the supplies, we’ll go over what you want to do first, and I’ll help you do it, ok?”

At the end of the night when your limbs ache from exhaustion, he gently taking your hands in his and massaging the tension away, placing little kisses as he goes

[daysofyellowroses]

red rose

kerry von erich x afab!reader | 10.9k | 18+ minors dni | tw: mentions of death, language, some smutty implications

It wasn't exactly something you had planned for, certainly not at this stage of your life. Then again, life never did seem to work out the way you had expected. After a very happy and loving childhood and slightly turbulent but overall great teenage years, your world got turned upside down when you turned eighteen. 

so i finally finished this, i did not expect it to be over 10k 🫢 i am already thinking i want to write a little part two for this, but i got a whole lot more to write before that! i hope you enjoy this, and if you perservere the whole way through i love you! 🫶🏻💗

🌼

The drive took hours, the immense heat didn't help the feeling of exhaustion that settled over you. It was a rare occasion that you drove back home to Denton from Austin, particularly in the last few years. Now you wouldn't just be visiting, you would be staying. 

Your mom had been driving home from work when she got into a car accident, one which ultimately claimed her life. It left an empty space in your heart, one you felt could never be filled. Her death felt impossible to process, you couldn't do anything but feel totally numb. You hadn't cried when you were told by the doctors that she had passed away from her injuries. You hadn't cried when you went to her funeral. You couldn't, the tears wouldn't come. There was just a hollow void in you, you couldn't focus on anything. 

After the funeral, you received an acceptance letter from college, which you ignored. You weren't in the right headspace for it, and despite your dad trying to convince you to go, you refused. That was when the guilt sunk in. Why should you get to go on with your life, have new experiences when your mom would never have that opportunity again? 

Your dad withdrew into himself too, the two of you didn't talk and when you did it was to fight and argue, both unable to handle your grief.

You needed to get away, and planned to go to Dallas for a new start. That didn't pan out, so you headed to Austin instead, with a renewed determination to start over. And you did, you got yourself a place to stay, a job in a bar, and started getting back on your feet. Over time you got your own apartment and started working in a hair salon, doing basic jobs at first before deciding to professionally train.

After about six months you had gotten in contact with your dad again. It started slow, occasional phone calls or letters, then you visited one Christmas. You weren't super close, but he was the only other person in the world who loved your mom as much as you did, your tether to her. Then, a year or so ago, just when you had thought you were starting to really build a solid bond with your dad, he went quiet. Barely any calls, wouldn't let you visit. 

You feared the worst when two months went by with no contact. The neighbors would have contacted you, you knew, but you still worried. Then you got a call from a stranger, who turned out to be your dad's nurse. She explained that he hadn't wanted you to worry, sympathizing when you said you only worried more if he was silent. There was a knot in your stomach when you asked what was wrong, trying not to imagine your dad slowly wasting away in front of you or losing his memories of your mother and you. 

When the nurse informed you that your father had rheumatoid arthritis, the knot in your stomach loosened, but only slightly. You learned that the nurse could only visit your father three times a week, and his insurance didn't cover more care. So, you took the decision to give up your life in Austin and head back home to look after your dad. 

The sun was just beginning to set when you drove down the familiar road, passing the few neighbors' houses. You turned eventually, heading down the long driveway. Your heart thudded as you spotted the large garage, dozens of cars dotted about in the yard. None of them had been worked on for a long while, you suspected, the owners no doubt not pushing for a quick return.

You drove up to the house, taking a deep breath as you parked your truck. You only took one suitcase up to the door with you, deciding to get the rest of your stuff later. Pushing the doorbell, you took a step back and glanced at the light blue bird feeder hanging by the door. Your mom would sit on the porch for hours and watch birds come and go, she always looked so peaceful when she did.

A few moments later, the door opened and revealed your father on the other side. Neither of you said anything, neither of you moved for a moment before you both stepped forward and wrapped your arms around each other. 

“You didn't have to come,” Your father murmured, holding you close. “I'm fine.”

“I know you are,” You nodded, gently rubbing his back. “I wanted to come. Now let me get my things inside, I want this unpacking out of the way.”

Once you had taken your things up to your old bedroom and unpacked, you sat on the end of the bed for a moment. It had been a while since you'd visited, but you got the same feeling you did every time. The memories came back full force, from playing with barbies with your best friend to sneaking a boy in through your window late at night. The teddy bears, posters of bands and trophies had been put into storage but the bedsheets were the same ones you'd had as a teenager. There was still a cork board above the desk with faded concert tickets, photos and birthday cards pinned to it.

You made your way downstairs, finding your dad in the living room and letting him know you'd make dinner. It was easy, moving through the kitchen again. Every time you'd visited the muscle memory came back. It always stung a little that your mom wasn't there, singing along to the radio as she chopped vegetables, the knife moving in rhythm. She always made up her own lyrics when she couldn't remember the real ones, her version always stuck in your head when you heard the songs again.

Once dinner was ready, you brought the plate to your dad on a tray in the living room. You watched him out of the corner of your eye, the way he struggled with his knife. He didn't ask for help and you waited until he set his cutlery down in frustration before you quietly got up and cut up his dinner for him.

It was only when you were laying in bed later that night that you realized that things like that would be your life from now on. Parents look after their children, then children look after their parents years and years later. It felt too soon to be looking after your dad. He wasn't even retired yet, you weren't even thirty yet. But, life doesn't always go to plan.

In the morning, you thought you were dreaming when you woke up. It took a minute to adjust, to remind yourself you weren't just visiting. There was nowhere else to call home anymore. You took a shower and got dressed before making breakfast, having more small talk with your father. You noticed his shirt wasn't quite buttoned right but elected to ignore it. 

“I'm gonna take a walk,” Your father informed you after breakfast. “the air is fre-”

“Freshest this time of day,” You smiled, giving him a nod. “I remember. I'm gonna clean up, is Carla coming today?”

“Tomorrow,” Your father replied, clearing his throat. “She comes on different days each week. She covers a big area.”

“I see,” You nodded, watching your father for a moment before clearing the plates. “Well I got this under control. Enjoy your walk.”

Once you'd cleaned the kitchen, you decided to do the rest of the house too. It wasn't bad, just needed a little sprucing up. When you got to your dad's bedroom you took a breath before walking in. Your mom's things weren't there anymore, they had been put away into storage, but her presence was still there.  As you made the bed you thought about all the times you'd climbed into your parents bed after a nightmare, the birthdays and mother's days you'd take your mom a tray, feeling so proud when she told you she loved it.

When you were vacuuming, you glanced out the window and spotted a figure heading into the garage, unable to make them out clearly. You made your way out of the house and over to the garage, the air already feeling hot. 

“Hello?” You called, holding your hand over your forehead to shield your eyes as you turned into the garage. “Can I..”

You let out a sigh as you spotted your father leaning over the hood of a truck, lowering your arm.

“Dad, what are you doing?” You asked, walking over and folding your arms. “You told me you were taking a walk.”

“I was,” Your dad nodded, looking over to you as he gestured to the truck. “Then I remembered I had this sitting in here. I gotta get it back by tomorrow, Ed’s gonna need it.”

You took a deep breath, slowly lowering your arms and stepping closer to the truck. 

“If it really needs to be fixed by tomorrow, then let me do it.”

“Let you do it?” Your father repeated, a concerned look on his face. “I couldn't ask you to do that.”

“Then good thing you're not asking,” You smiled. I'm a little rusty but you can just give some guidance if I'm going wrong. I didn't spend half my teen years here for nothing.”

“Well, if you're up for it,” Your father nodded, taking a step back. “Give it a whack.”

An hour or so later, you popped the key in the ignition and let out a cheer when the truck started. Your dad stood up from where he'd been sitting, walking over to the window.

“Well look at that,” He smiled, opening the car door for you. “You never lost it.”

“Apparently not,” You grinned, turning off the ignition. “I can drop this over to Ed, if you want?”

“If you want,” Your dad nodded, looking down at his shirt and frowning slightly before looking back to you. “You'd be doing me a favor really. He said he wasn't in a rush but..I don't want to delay him.”

“Okay, I'll drop it over,” You nodded. “I'll pick something up for dinner, too. Do you need anything else?”

Your dad thought for a moment before shaking his head and gently patting the door of the truck. 

“I'm all good. I'll let you get off.”

“Alright, I'll see you later.” You smiled, closing the door and starting up the truck. You presumed Ed lived exactly where he always had, and honestly you were a little amazed he was still alive. When you were a child he was about a hundred years old, god only knew what miracle was keeping his heart ticking.

When you were out on the road, you lowered the windows and turned on the radio, enjoying the fresh air as you sang along to the music.

‘So smile for a while and let's be jolly, love shouldn't so melancholy, come along and share the good times while we can..’

When you arrived in town, you drove to Eds's first, parking up outside and looking up at his house. The place hadn't changed in probably 50 years, not so much as a paint job. You took the keys and headed to the front door, pushing the door bell before taking a step back.

After a few minutes, a woman you didn't recognise opened the door and you wondered if you'd somehow gotten the wrong house. She certainly didn't resemble Ed, with her kind eyes, warm smile and curly brown hair. Ed looked like Mr. Magoo on a bad day.

“Hi,” You smiled, gesturing over your shoulder to Eds's truck. “I'm looking for Ed Hicks, I'm dropping off his truck.”

“That thing,” The woman rolled her eyes with a smile. “He shouldn't even be driving it, yet he still gets it dropped for repairs. Come on in darling, he's here.”

You followed the woman inside, heading into a living room that looked like it should have been in a shack in the woods. In the corner, Ed was sitting on an armchair watching the TV, looking exactly as you'd remembered him.

“You got a visitor Ed,” The woman told Ed, raising her voice. “This young lady has come to drop your truck back. Don't tell me you've been driving again?”

“Nope, cross my heart,” Ed patted his chest before looking over to you. His eyes were so pale you were amazed he could see you but he recognised you right away.

“You back at your daddy's then?” Ed asked once you'd walked over and shaken his hand, giving him a nod.

“Yes, I am,” You told him. “He was busy so I thought I'd drop your truck back, needed to head into town anyway. How have you been, Mr. Hicks?”

“Oh you know me,” Ed shrugged, looking back to the TV. “I get by. Still waiting for this one to marry me though,” He gestured to the woman. “any day now.”

The woman laughed affectionately as she shook her head. 

“Stop it you, you old charmer. Now I need to get going, you need anything else?”

“I'm all good, you get yourself gone,” Ed waved his hand. “I got my stories.”

You said your goodbyes and left the house with the woman, turning to her as she closed the door.

“I know this sounds a little strange, but your voice is really familiar,” You raised a brow. “Have we met?”

The woman looked at you for a moment before nodding and smiling, folding her arms.

“I was thinking the same thing, we most certainly talked recently. I'm Carla, I'm a nurse, I do a lot of home visits around here.”

“Carla..of course,” You smiled. “I think you look after my dad?” You gave her the details and noticed her face lit up a little as she nodded.

“I certainly do,” She smiled. “So you must be the daughter he's so proud of,” She grinned. “You know I gotta say, it is really admirable what you're doing. If I could, I'd be out at your dad's more but..I can just about manage to hold onto the days I do have.”

The two of you walked down the porch steps and towards the curb, stopping by a little red car.

“You need a ride somewhere?” Carla asked, opening her purse and taking our her keys. “I've got another visit but I can take you somewhere if you need.”

“I just need to go to the supermarket, if that's okay?” You asked, deciding to worry about getting home later. 

“Of course,” Carla nodded, unlocking her car. “Hop on in.”

You got in the car and put on your seat belt, looking over to Carla as she started the engine.

“Can I ask you something, if you don't mind?”

“Of course you can honey,” Carla smiled, looking over to you before looking back and pulling away from the curb. “What's on your mind?”

You looked out the window, taking a deep breath. 

“My dad..it's bad, isn't it? His condition? Like..I know a lot of people function just fine with arthritis but I've noticed little things he can't do anymore.”

Carla let out a soft sigh, her hand gently touching your arm.

“I won't lie to you darling, your dad's arthritis is severe, in fact..the hospital wants to run more tests just in case he might be developing Parkinson's. You came at a good time, he's going to need the extra help.”

“Yeah,” You nodded, keeping your eyes on the world outside the window. “I think I did. It just feels..strange. How do you do it every day? Look after people, see them become frail in front of you?”

“Well I love my work,” Carla replied, gently squeezing your arm before letting go. “It feels like I'm making a difference. You'll get that feeling, it just takes time. And your dad isn't so frail, he just needs more time to accept his limitations. It hasn't been easy on him.”

“I know,” You nodded, looking over to Carla. “I'm sorry I haven't been around much, but I'm glad you've been looking after him. He can be a little stubborn about accepting help but I hope he hasn't been too difficult.”

“He's been a dream,” Carla smiled. “I know that he's frustrated that he can't do all the things he used to, but he's getting a little better at accepting it every day. The hardest part seems to be work. He keeps telling me he's gonna get back out to the yard and fix up all the trucks but..it's just not possible.”

You nodded before looking back out the window, the familiar sights flashing by. 

“I found him by Eds's truck this morning, I told him I'd do it and let him tell me what to do but..I could tell he wanted to be doing it himself.”

“Well that's not a bad thing,” Carla looked over to you. “He may not be able to work himself but if he feels like he's contributing then that might ease the disappointment. Are you a mechanic yourself?”

You smiled to yourself as you shook your head, glancing over to Carla.

“No, I'm a hairdresser. I used to help my dad out in the yard when I was a teenager, picked up some things. I never really thought of it as a job, more just a hobby.”

“Hobby or not,” Carla raised a brow, gently touching your arm. “Might be something to think about. Is here okay to drop you off hun?”

“Perfect,” You nodded, glancing at the window. “Thank you so much.”

“Anytime,” Carla smiled. “I'll be out at yours tomorrow, see you then.”

The afternoon passed by quick enough, you got a coffee in the diner, made small talk with people you knew in another life,  went to the supermarket, bumped into one of the neighbors who offered you a ride home. It was like you'd never left, the familiarity sinking into your bones.

Your dad was watching TV when you got home, a sight you never thought you'd see on a warm afternoon. You made your way to the kitchen, trying to ignore the knot in your stomach as you unpacked the groceries and started preparing dinner. You turned the radio on, humming along to the music as you moved about the kitchen with ease. When you were plating up dinner, you felt the knot in your stomach tighten as you got a knife and fork to cut up your dad's food. It was spaghetti, which made it easier to disguise that it had been cut, but you knew you'd have to keep doing it.

You took the plates into the living room, placing a tray on your dad's lap before sitting down yourself. 

“How was town?” Your dad asked, picking up his fork and glancing over to you. “Anybody about?”

“A couple,” You nodded, dipping your fork into your pasta and pushing it around a little. “Nobody too exciting.”

“Ah, never is,” Your dad shrugged, looking back to the TV. “Oh turn up the volume, the match is coming on.”

You reached for the remote, raising the volume and glancing over to your dad.

“What match?”

“Wrestling,” Your dad explained, pointing to the TV. “David's making his debut tonight. Should be a good one.”

“Oh,” You raised a brow, looking back to the TV. “I didn't know he was getting into wrestling..does Kevin still do it?”

“Sure does,” Your dad nodded. “He's good too. Reckon he'll be even better now with his brother on side.”

You sat back a little, your eyes watching the screen as the presenter explained the upcoming bout. When it cut to a reporter standing with Kevin and David Von Erich, you couldn't help but smile. They looked so different from when you had last seen them, but they still had that familiarity, a boyish charm. 

When David looked down the camera lens and gave a warning to the opponent, you bit your lip slightly, smiling to yourself as your Dad praised him. The match was fun to watch, your dad's enthusiasm made you think of how he was when you were a child, his passion and support for the things he loved shining through. The last thing you wanted was for him to lose that joy, to have things in his life that brought him happiness.

The actual wrestling didn't interest you all that much, but it was entertaining and fun to see Kevin and David show off their skills, raise their arms triumphantly when they won.

“What did I tell you? They got something special there,” Your dad looked over to you. “You know, you should pop over and visit them one of these days. They'd love to see you.”

“Maybe,” You nodded, getting up and placing your tray on the coffee table. “I have things to do so..I'll have to see when I got some time.”

You gathered up your dad's tray, taking the dishes out to the kitchen and resting them on the counter. Taking a deep breath, you closed your eyes and tried to clear your mind, not wanting to give certain memories an outing.

You focused on cleaning the kitchen, taking your dad a beer when you went back to the living room.

“Just the one,” You smiled, sitting down on the couch. “So don't get too excited.”

“I won't,” Your dad laughed, shaking his head. Hell, even if I wanted another one I couldn't. Carla..the nurse,” He corrected himself, clearing his throat. “She can always tell. Scolds me something terrible.”

“Well she's just doing her job,” You shrugged, sitting back against the couch and smiling as you looked at your dad and noticed the slight smile on his face.

 “She means well.”

“Mm, she does.” Your dad nodded, picking up his newspaper from the arm of his chair and slowly opening it, his face particularly obscured but not enough to hide his smile. 

“Just gotta remember that sometimes.”

“I met her today, actually,” You glanced to your dad as you said it, watching as he didn't look away from the paper but didn't turn the page either. “She said she was coming by tomorrow.”

“Yeah, she will be,” Your dad nodded. “I saw it on the calendar.”

You rolled your eyes with a smile, sitting back and reaching for the remote to find something new.

The next morning, you woke up naturally and stretched slowly in your bed as you glanced to the window. You had left the curtains half open, the warm sunlight filtering into the room. After taking some time to get up, you made your way downstairs and paused in the doorway of the kitchen as you spotted your father sitting at the table reading the paper. It wasn't so much what he was doing but how he looked, with his carefully gelled hair and good brown suit. His shirt was buttoned properly and you felt guilty for wondering how long it would have taken him, if you should have knocked on his door and offered help.

“Morning dad,” You raised a brow, walking over to him and placing a kiss on his cheek. “You're looking snappy. Don't tell me I forgot your birthday?”

“Nah course not,” Your dad laughed softly, shaking his head. “It's just polite to dress for company.”

“Of course,” You nodded, smiling as you put on some coffee. “I'm sure company always appreciates it.” 

You watched the machine brew for a moment before taking a deep breath and looking over to your dad.

“I was thinking..maybe today I could take a look at more of those trucks in the yard.”

“Hm? Why would you want to do that?” Your dad asked, and the knot in your stomach returned as you went to put on some toast. 

“Because,” You began, popping two slices of bread in the toaster. “I enjoyed it. And-” You stopped yourself from speaking the words you knew your dad didn't want to hear.

‘Because you can't anymore.’

“I need something to keep me occupied,” You continued, looking over to your dad. I'll probably only get started on one truck but I want to dust off my old skills. You didn't teach me to waste them right?

“Right,” Your dad nodded after a moment, lowering his paper. “You're right..if you want to take a look I won't stop you.” 

After breakfast you took a shower and got dressed in a simple blue sundress, glancing out the window as you heard a car approach. You smiled as you saw it was Carla's, heading out of your room and down the stairs. Your dad was in the living room, pacing back and forth a little until the doorbell rang and he rushed to answer it. 

“Morning sweetheart,” Carla smiled at your dad after he greeted her, the smile on his face wider than you'd seen for a long while. “Don't tell me I forgot your birthday?”

As Carla was running through some medical checks with your dad, you went out to the yard and made your way to the garage. You took a set of keys and found the truck it belonged to before getting into the garage. The radio was turned on, there was some shelter from the already immense heat, and you soon found yourself getting back into the swing of mechanics. A little while later you were under the hood when you heard a truck coming up the drive. You figured it would be a drop off, possibly just a courtesy one. No doubt the whole town knew about your father's condition.

When the truck door opened and closed and you heard multiple voices, you ducked out from under the hood and grabbed a cloth to wipe your hands, immediately dropping it in shock when you saw who was walking towards the garage.

“Oh my god!” You shrieked excitedly, rushing forward and wrapping your arms around Kevin Von Erich when you got close enough. He laughed and gave you a tight hug back, each of you holding each other's arms as you pulled apart.

“I can't believe it,” You grinned. “It's been..well a long time.”

“Too long,” Kevin smiled, his eyes shining. “We were so sorry not to be here for your last visit.”

You waved your hand, smiling as you looked up at Kevin. 

“Don't be silly. You big shot wrestlers have busy schedules, I get it. Caught you on the TV last night, almost couldn't believe my eyes.”

“You wouldn't be the only one!”

You laughed as Kevin turned around with a playful frown, your smile growing as you spotted Mike. You gently squeezed Kevin's arm before rushing over to Mike, his arms wrapping around you and swaying with you as you hugged him back. 

“You are not Michael Von Erich,” You teased as you pulled back, raising a brow. “you're way too grown up. Look at you!”

“Aw come on I ain't changed that much,” Mike grinned, the tips of his ears growing pink. “It's just been a minute. It's so good to see you.”

“Don't I get a hug?”

You rolled your eyes playfully, giving Mike a wink as you stepped aside and folded your arms.

“I don't know,” You shrugged, raising a brow. “You're a real big mouth hot shot wrestler now, you really need the girl next door hugging you?”

“Yes, right this second.”

“Oh yeah?” You smiled widely as you rushed forward, David's arms immediately wrapping around you and lifting you up as you wrapped your arms around his neck. 

When he set you down carefully, he gave you a wink and you gave him one back, stepping back and turning to Kevin and Mike.

“What brings you all over? I know it ain't that truck.” 

The Von Erichs looked at each other for a moment before looking back at you, Kevin clearing his throat.

“Well we heard you were back in town, and..that it's more permanent this time. We were sorry to hear about your dad, hopefully he's doing okay.”

You looked at the three men in front of you for a moment, smiling as you folded your arms.

“Damn, word travels fast. Was it Ed?”

“Ed.” They chorused, making you laugh.

“Of course,” You nodded, dropping your arms. “Well I am back, and thank you,  my dad's doing well. He's got his nurse with him today so..all good.”

“Hope it's not rude to ask if you want to come over for dinner some time?” Mike asked, resting his hands in his back pockets. “and your dad, of course. Mom keeps insisting.”

“So I really can't say no then,” You smiled. “That would be great, really.”

“Perfect,” David grinned, walking over to you and slinging his arm around your shoulder. “Knew you couldn't resist.”

“How could I,” You grinned, resting your hand on David's back. “I've had your mom's cooking before.”

“Amen to that,” David grinned. “Listen, what are you up to later?”

“You tell me,” You raised a brow, looking up at David with a grin. “Do I need to cancel my plans?”

“Absolutely,” David nodded, looking serious for a moment before grinning. “I'm taking you out for a burger, we're catching up properly.”

So, a few hours and one fixed up transmission later, you took another quick shower before changing into a clean t-shirt and jeans. Your dad was in an extremely chipper mood after Carla's visit, and you promised him you would be back in time to make dinner.

When David pulled up outside the house in his truck you felt like a teenager again, skipping down the porch steps and getting in beside him.

“Right on time,” You grinned, leaning over to kiss his cheek. “That a new habit?”

“Not the only one,” David grinned, turning the truck around and heading down the driveway. “You hungry?”

“Starving,” You nodded, sitting back and turning up the radio a little, singing along under your breath.

‘Go lightly from the ledge, babe, go lightly on the ground, I'm not the one you want, babe, I'll only let you down..’

You smiled as David turned up the radio, the two of you singing together as he drove towards town.

‘You say you're looking for someone, who'll promise never to part, someone to close his eyes to you, someone to close his heart, someone to die for you and more, but it ain't me, babe, no, no, no, it ain't me, babe, it ain't me you're looking for, babe..’

When David parked up in town, you were laughing at some silly joke he'd made, wondering if there would be any moment where you didn't feel seventeen again. You both headed into the diner, sliding into a red leather booth you'd sat in countless times in your life.

“I don't need to look at this, but it feels polite.” You plucked the menu from its metal stand and opened it, smiling as the wave of nostalgia hit you. Your mom taking you for a milkshake after school, hanging out with friends, one order of fries between six of you, and of course being there with the boys next door. 

“I don't think you can beat a cheeseburger,” David grinned, sitting back and tilting his head slightly as he watched you read the menu. “I mean why would you not want a classic?”

“To be adventurous,” You teased, putting your menu back. “Try something other than a cheeseburger, chili fries and a coke. Unless you updated your order since we were last here?”

“Hey I know what I like,” David grinned, giving you a wink. “And like you ain't gonna order a chili dog and a strawberry shake.”

“Why would you not want a classic?” You grinned, laughing as David rolled his eyes playfully.

“Fair enough,” He nodded, glancing around the diner and sitting up a little. You were about to say something when two girls appeared at your table, probably just about twenty one. They blushed as they asked David for an autograph, giggling when he winked at them, handing back the flowery notebook. 

“You're really famous now,” You grinned, gesturing to where the girls had stood. “you'll have a fan club next.”

“You could be the president of it,” David smiled, resting his arm along the back of his seat. “Give out all the buttons with my face on them.”

“Wow, you haven't thought about this at all, huh?” You teased, sitting up a little as the waitress came over. You both ordered your classics, choosing to let it slide.

“Oh you know who I met yesterday?” You raised a brow, looking over to David. “Nancy Moss, who apparently still hates my guts even though I ain't seen her since high school.”

“She hates you?” David raised a brow. “Nah, she never hated you.”

You shook your head, sitting back and holding your hands up. “She did, and still does.”

“I don't get it,” David frowned. “Why would she hate you?”

"Because of you," You grinned, pointing over to him. "I think she was jealous."

David looked surprised, glancing around for a moment before leaning on the table and meeting your eyes. 

"Jealous? Of what? It's not like you and I ever dated. Not.." He cleared his throat, looking a little embarrassed in an endearing way. “not technically, anyway.."

"I think that annoyed her more," You shrugged, resting your arms on the table. "We weren't a couple but I got to ride around in your truck, I was always at your house, you were sneaking into my bedroom at night.."

"You were the one sneaking me in," David held up his hand with a grin. "how would she even know about that anyway?"

You shrugged with a smile, resting your hand on your cheek. "I may have said some things that she overheard, not my fault if she was eavesdropping."

“Oh I see,” David grinned, sitting back and gesturing to himself. “Bragging about me huh? Can't say I blame you.”

“In your dreams,” You rolled your eyes with a grin, sitting up as the waitress brought your drinks. You thanked her before sliding your glass closer, lightly swirling the straw in the thick pink liquid.

“How are your parents by the way?” You asked, taking a sip of your milkshake.

“They're good,” David nodded, clearing his throat and sliding his glass closer. “Thanks. We're all good. You should definitely come by, they'd love to see you.”

“Yeah,” You nodded, lifting your straw and slowly dropping it, taking a deep breath. “I'll definitely try and drop by.”

“Good,” David nodded, taking a sip of his drink before leaning a little closer and reaching out to touch your arm. “Oh you know what? You should come to the Sportatorium on Saturday night, bring your dad. We got a big match coming up.”

“That I can't object to,” You smiled, meeting David's eyes. “My dad will be beside himself with excitement.”

“That's great,” David. “So will you be when you see me do my thing.”

“Oh I've seen your thing many times,” You raised a brow with a smile. “Hope it's as good as I remember.”

When you arrived back home, you felt like you were riding on a high. The afternoon had been easy and fun, you couldn't remember when you had laughed so much. You said goodbye to David and went inside the house, finding your dad in the living room reading the evening paper.

“Hey,” You smiled, walking in and sitting down on the couch. “How was your day?”

“Hey darlin’,” Your dad smiled, setting the paper down in his lap. “It was alright, Carla left that for you,” He gestured to a white envelope on the coffee table. “tried to sweet talk her into letting me read it myself but my charms need some polishing I guess.”

“I'll get you a cloth,” You laughed softly, leaning forward to pick up the envelope. “I don't know why she'd leave me something.”

“I don't either,” Your dad sighed, looking down at his paper. “Anyway, how was your date?”

“Date? It wasn't a date,” You grinned, opening the envelope. “Just two old friends catching up.”

You peeled open the envelope and took out the letter inside, your heart sinking a little when you heard your dad mutter ‘that's right, it was the other one.’

“Oh this is nothing, just her contact details in case of an emergency,” You smiled, folding the paper back up. “I'm gonna freshen up then start dinner.”

“Alright sweetheart, take your time.” Your dad nodded, picking his paper back up as you left the room, holding the envelope to your chest.

You made your way upstairs, heading into your bedroom and sitting on the end of your bed. Taking a moment, you let out a breath before taking the letter back out from the envelope. Technically you hadn't lied, Carla's details were indeed on the letter, just written above the rest of it. As it turned out, your father would have to be taken into hospital the following week for some tests, and Carla felt (accurately) it would be better to tell him closer to the time, but didn't want you to be surprised. 

Once you had carefully folded the letter back up and hidden it in your room, you went to the bathroom and splashed some water on your face, trying to push the thought of hospitals from your mind.

A couple of hours later, you placed a tray on your father's lap and sat down on the couch, looking over to the TV. 

“Oh I forgot to say, I got some invites for you,” You smiled. “David invited us next door for dinner, and he's gonna get us tickets for the match next Saturday.”

“You're kidding?” Your dad held the remote in mid air as he looked over to you. “In the Sportatorium? Well, I'll be damned. You thank that boy for me won't you? I can't believe it. Oh just wait til I tell Earl.”

You laughed softly, picking up your own tray from the coffee table and setting it on your lap.

“I wasn't sure about dinner at theirs,” You began, taking a breath. “We don't have to go if you don't want.”

“Don't be silly,” Your dad looked over to you, setting the remote on the arm of his armchair. “Of course we can go. Fritz and Doris are old friends, and good neighbors. Why wouldn't we..” He stopped himself, looking back to the TV and letting out a sigh, his hand moving to his neck. 

“I uh..I believe not all the boys still live at home. Some of ‘em went off, training..”

“I see,” You nodded, keeping your eyes on the TV and trying to keep your heartbeat steady. “In that case I'll tell David we'd be delighted.”

The week seemed to pass slowly, not that you objected. You spent most days out in the garage working on the various cars and trucks, finding yourself enjoying it more and more. Sometimes your dad would come out and give you instructions you didn't need, but followed anyway. You cooked, cleaned, made sure your dad had his good clothes for when Carla visited. You watched his eyes light up when she laughed at his corny jokes. She called you sweetheart and thanked you at least three times for a cup of coffee. You went into town, you noticed people stopped asking how long you were visiting for. Everyone sent their regards to your father.

One evening you and your dad visited the Von Erichs for dinner. It felt like old times instantly, your dad and Fritz putting the world to rights while Doris insisted you didn't need to help with the dishes but gave you all the gossip when you did. Kevin told you about a girl he was seeing, and you already couldn't wait to meet her. Mike invited you to a gig, and you promised you'd go. David constantly took the seat next you and made you laugh so much you ached. 

The evening after, you had gone into town with Kevin and David to meet Pam, Kevin's girlfriend. You adored her instantly, the two of you clicking right away. You hadn't intended to get drunk, but you were having a good time and the drinks kept appearing and you didn't object. When one of the bars you visited was having a karaoke night, you and Pam were up on the stage before the alcohol-induced confidence could fade.

‘Look into his angel eyes, one look and you're hypnotized, he'll take your heart and you must pay the price, look into his angel eyes, you'll think you're in paradise, and one day you'll find out he wears a disguise, don't look too deep into those angel eyes’

By the time Mike came to pick you all up, you were wrapped around David to steady yourself, the world spinning on a loop. You struggled not to fall asleep on the ride home, resting your head on David's shoulder and focusing on the feeling of his hand on your shoulder.

When you got home, David took you inside to make sure you got to bed safely, your eyes closing the second your head hit the pillow.

“I had fun tonight,” You murmured softly, turning onto your side and letting out a sigh. “tell me ‘m fun.”

David laughed softly beside you, his hand gently touching your hair. “You're very fun. And a heck of a lot more.”

“Yeah?” You sighed softly, pulling the blanket up a little. “Then..then why wasn't I enough for him?”

“Hey,” David’s voice was soft and made you want to sleep. “don't be worrying about all that, you hear me? That's all over now. It was all just..a misunderstanding. You need to get some sleep, I'll see you tomorrow.”

By the time Saturday came around, you were feeling pretty good, greeting your dad when you went into the kitchen for breakfast. You could have sworn he hid some of his paper but couldn't be sure, there was no reason for him to. You moved about the kitchen getting breakfast ready, unable to shake the feeling your dad was hiding something. 

You waited until he went to get dressed, looking under the table and finding a slightly scrunched up piece of newspaper on the floor. You picked it up and smoothed it out, trying to see what would be so offensive. Heatwave incoming, American athletes to withdraw from the Olympics, Cowboys win game, nothing to write home about. You left the paper back where you found it before cleaning up the kitchen, your suspicions melting away.

The evening came around quick, and you were looking forward to seeing the match. Your dad seemed a little quiet, to your surprise. He'd been so excited all week, now when it was time to go he didn't seem as enthusiastic. You didn't push it, especially when he didn't say anything about it. 

The Sportatorium was already bustling with activity when you got there and parked up, feeling excited for the night ahead. You went in with your dad, finding your seats and smiling when he seemed to relax more.

It was halfway through the match when you saw him.

At first you thought you were just seeing things, imagining it. Imagining him.

But he was there, sitting in the front row with Mike, cheering on his brothers.

You felt your heart sink into your stomach, closing your eyes and taking a deep breath. You could hear your dad cheer beside you, the crowd going wild as a body slammed down on the mat. 

You watched the rest of the match and refused to look anywhere else but the ring, wanting to run away more than anything. 

When the match ended, you told your dad you weren't feeling well, needing to get out of the arena as quickly as possible. You felt like you couldn't breathe until you got into your truck, wanting to crawl into your bed and forget the world. 

Your dad gave an enthusiastic debrief on the way back home, and you felt guilty for not sharing his excitement. When you got home you went up to your room and leaned against the door for a moment. You felt sick, your heart pounding in your chest. After getting ready for bed, you opened up the wooden chest at the end of your bed, rooting through it and eventually pulling out your last high school yearbook. 

Taking it into bed, you opened the book and looked through the photos of your old classmates, smiling at some of the quotes, laughing at the others. You flipped to the back of the book, where your friends had written messages on the white pages. You traced your finger over them, smiling to yourself until you found it.

There it was, in black and white. 

‘I love you now & always, can't wait to spend forever with you ❤️ KVE’

“Fucking liar.” You muttered, slamming the book shut and flinging it down to the end of your bed. 

The following morning you didn't want to leave your bed, a restless night leaving you exhausted. You reluctantly got up and got ready, already dreading what was to come. You went downstairs and met your dad in the kitchen, the two of you heading out to your truck.

“I know you hid something from me,” You told your dad as you started your truck. “I wasn't sure why at first but now I know. And I'm grateful, but I can't avoid him forever. He's back, I saw him last night. He's going to be there today, and we will talk to him because we are good neighbors, and I don't want to embarrass you by causing a scene.”

Your dad was quiet for a moment, and you could feel your heart racing. Eventually, he silently reached out and took your hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“I'm proud of you sweetheart, always will be,” He murmured softly. “You can do this.”

When you got to church, you wanted to be anywhere else, especially when you spotted David's truck. You walked into the building with your dad, putting on a smile and making your way up the aisle. You spotted the Von Erichs right away, giving them a polite nod as you walked by, feeling your stomach drop as you realized the only free seats were in front of them. Your dad walked down the pew first, your heart racing as you felt eyes on you. You sat down, almost anticipating a hand on your shoulder, blue eyes burning into yours. 

The service seemed to last forever, you wanted desperately to just turn and run, feeling trapped like a deer in headlights. When the reverend finally ended his sermon, you followed your dad outside and made polite conversation after polite conversation. Eventually you couldn't put it off anymore, and you found yourself with the Von Erichs. You felt like they were all looking at you like you were about to attack, electing to put on your brightest smile and stepping closer to Kerry.

“Well hey stranger,” You gave him a hug, feeling him hesitate for a moment before he hugged you back and the familiarity could have killed you. “It's so good to see you again.”

You pulled away, taking a step back as your dad greeted Kerry, your hand hammering in your chest. David gave you a reassuring smile and Kevin subtly squeezed your arm. After some small talk, you made your way to your truck with your dad. Neither of you said a word until you were back home and in the kitchen. You'd gone to put on some coffee and burst into tears.

Your dad immediately wrapped his arms around you, stroking your back and holding you close. 

“It's okay darlin’,” He murmured, letting out a sigh. “Your mama wasn't shy with the truth, and you know how she knew things about us we didn't even know? She knew all about you. She told me, and I'm sorry I wasn't there for you.”

“It's okay,” You whispered, pulling back and wiping away your tears. “It was a long time ago. I just..I just want to forget about it.”

“Alright darlin’,” Your dad nodded, letting out a sigh. “Come on, you need some rest.” 

He refused to listen to your protests, taking you to the living room and draping a blanket over you as you got on the couch. You wanted to insist you were fine but all you could do was wrap the blanket around yourself and close your eyes. 

You were dimly aware of noises around you, your dad reading the paper, the radio playing in the background. A dog barking in the distance. At one point, just as you were drifting between sleep and wakefulness, you could have sworn you heard voices in the hallway. 

‘Please sir, I just need to talk to her.”

‘It's not a good time right now.’

The next day, you went out to the garage after breakfast and focused on fixing things you could salvage. Your dad hadn't confirmed your suspicions there had been a visitor the day before, and you didn't ask. Part of you wanted it to be true, and you hated yourself for that desire.

The sun was high in the sky when you heard footsteps approaching, reaching for a clean rag to clean your hands.

“Almost done, I'll be in to make lunch in a second.”

“Hi.”

You took a deep breath as you heard the voice, clutching the rag in your hands before turning and seeing Kerry standing at the entrance to the garage.

“Why didn't you just drive over?” You asked, tossing the rag aside and walking back to the truck in the middle of the garage. 

“I wanted some fresh air.”

“Well now that you've had it you can go home,” You sighed, feeling your hands tremble slightly. “Sorry to make you waste a trip.”

“I'm not going anywhere,” Kerry told you, walking closer. “I need to talk to you.”

“Who says I want to talk to you?” You sighed, keeping your eyes on the engine. 

“Please just let me explain,” Kerry sighed. “You see, I-”

“Explain what?” You interrupted, stepping back and looking over to Kerry. “That you're sorry? You never meant to hurt me, you wish you could take it back, you've lived in regret, blah blah blah. Bullshit. Save your breath.”

Kerry was silent for a moment, keeping his eyes on you before he looked away and nodded.

“I understand that you're upset, but-”

“Oh, you understand,” You scoffed, placing your hands over your heart. “That makes me feel so much better, you understand. If you understood then you wouldn't have done what you did. You never even gave me an answer, you know that? One minute we're planning our future, you're telling me you love me, we're forever, we're going to start a new life. The next minute I'm standing right here waiting for you and you never show. Then I hear you're gone. You're with her and you're heading off to start a future with her. How the fuck could you possibly understand how I feel?”

“David,” Kerry replied. His tone was soft but there was a hardness in his eyes. “That is how I understand. I thought that was all over between you, then I heard you two got back together after our graduation. I took it as you choosing him over me, I had to protect myself.”

“Am I seriously hearing this?” You laughed, shaking your head. “Some idiot told you I was with David and you just believed it?”

“Can you blame me?” Kerry muttered. “Not like you didn't have previous. I wasn't gonna sit around waiting for you again.”

You felt something inside you snapped, and you stormed over to Kerry with a fire in your eyes.

“How dare you say that to me?!” You snapped. “As if you ever sat around waiting for me, don't make me laugh. I was the one sitting around waiting for you to open your eyes.”

“Oh yeah?” Kerry frowned, his voice raising slightly as he stepped forward, his tone growing harsh. “Was this before or after you fucked my brother?”

You took a deep breath, holding Kerry's gaze. 

“Don't you dare, Kerry Von Erich, throw that in my face. You never fucked anyone? Not my best friend, not every girl that was throwing herself at you? And not that it's any of your fucking business,” You held your hand up. “But the only reason David and I started doing anything was because you had stood me up again and he was consoling me. I have been in love with you since I was thirteen years old, and I thought I was destined to be your friend forever. If I couldn't have you then David was the next best thing. But I couldn't officially date him because I knew you'd never want me then. Then I did get you, I finally fucking got you and you saw me, and I..” 

You stopped yourself as you felt tears welling up, trying to push them away. 

“I couldn't believe my luck, I wanted to believe that we could be together forever, you made me feel so loved and so safe and happy then you just ripped it all away. I..I can't deal with this,”

You stormed past Kerry, the tears fully flowing. He called after you, tried to grab your arm but you pulled it away. You could hear him following you, trying to talk to you. You blocked it out, heading up the porch and into the house. Heading into the kitchen, you got yourself a glass of water and tried to calm yourself down.

“Please just let me explain,” Kerry pleaded behind you, fresh tears welling up in your eyes. “I swear I never meant to hurt you.”

You set your glass down, turning around and taking a deep breath. 

“I don't believe that. If you didn't want to hurt me you would have just left, but you left with someone else. You left with my best fucking friend, so don't tell me you didn't want to hurt me.”

You walked past him, heading to the living room and freezing on the spot when you got there. 

“It's not what you think,” Kerry sighed as he approached. “I can explain if you-”

He looked at you before following your gaze.

You felt like time stood still as you ran across the living room and dropped to your knees, your dad lying unconscious on the floor.

“Dad,” You gently shook his shoulder. “Dad it's me, wake up. Come on, wake up now..”

You felt panic set in as he didn't respond, holding your hand to his hot forehead. 

“Dad..please wake up, you're not leaving me. Come on..”

A few minutes later, Kerry appeared by your side, dropping to his knees beside you.

“I called an ambulance, they're on the way,” He explained, gently touching your back. “He's going to be okay, don't you worry.”

“How can you know that,” You murmured, closing your eyes as more tears filled your eyes. “What if I've lost him too?”

“Hey, don't say that,” Kerry wrapped his arms around you and you didn't object, sobbing into his chest. “He's going to be fine,” Kerry whispered, stroking your back. “It's not his time yet, you got him for a whole while longer.”

“I'm still mad at you, you know,” You muttered, taking a shaky breath. “But thank you.”

Everything seemed to happen in a blur. You only remembered clinging to Kerry as paramedics came into the house and got your dad into the ambulance. You held his hand on the ride to the hospital, your head buried in Kerry's shoulder. 

Being back in the hospital waiting room felt like a nightmare. You wanted to be anywhere else, wanted to run away from it all. When Kerry went to get some coffee you wanted to beg him not to leave, but couldn't. When he came back you accepted the coffee with a grateful nod.

“I think we should talk,” You sighed softly, looking over to him. “I don't need another thing hanging over my head. So..just tell me why you left?”

Kerry looked down at his cup for a moment before looking back at you and giving you a nod.

“Alright  let's get this out there. I know that I wasn't perfect, far from it. I swear to you that I had no idea how you felt about me, if I had even suspected you saw me as something other than a friend then..”

He shook his head, laughing softly.

“I wouldn't have been such an idiot. I was crazy about you but I thought you saw me as more like a brother. So I thought I should just date anyone else, try and get over you. Then you and David started hanging out more and I really thought you weren't interested in me. So I just wanted anyone else as a distraction, I was so angry at David for stealing you even though you weren't mine to steal. I would hear you laughing in his room and it would kill me, I just wanted to know why you chose him over me.”

You took a sip of coffee, your heart aching in your chest. After a moment of silence you took a deep breath and looked over to Kerry.

“Why didn't you just come to me when you heard that stupid rumor that me and David were together again?”

Kerry looked up for a moment, letting out a sigh before looking back at you.

“Honestly? I didn't want to hear you confirm it. It would have killed me. I shouldn't have believed it, but I did. I thought you had realized I wasn't good enough for you and I just wanted to get away. So when the opportunity came up I took it.”

You wrapped your hands around your cup, letting out a soft sigh.

“And my best friend?”

Kerry shook his head, clearing his throat. 

“That wasn't anything. We fooled around a little at a party. I was just desperate to get the thought of you being with David out of my mind. She asked if she could come with me when I was leaving but we went our separate ways when we got there.”

You went to reply but stopped when a doctor walked towards you. You reached your hand out to touch Kerry's, hesitating for a moment before he took your hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. 

As it turned out, your dad was indeed going to be fine. He had suffered a minor heart attack, and while he was to be kept overnight for observation, he would make a full recovery.

“Don't say I told you so.” You looked over to Kerry when the doctor left. 

“Never would,” Kerry held his hand over his heart. “I promise.”

You took a deep breath, looking up for a moment.

“I should go see him. I was so scared I wouldn't be able to.”

“Go on,” Kerry smiled softly. “I'll be here.”

You made your way to your dad's ward, finding his bed and letting out a shaky breath when you saw him. He was still with you, still breathing. You sat down beside the bed, touching his hand.

“Thought you were gonna leave me too,” You murmured softly, watching his chest rise and fall slowly. “I would have brought you back to life and killed you again for doing that to me. I should've known you'd pull through, you're too stubborn to go this soon, right? And you got a lot more to pack into this life. Asking Carla out, for one. You think she's going to be won over by the jokes? You need to woo her, she'd be good for you.”

You stood up, stepping closer to the bed.

“I'm gonna be right back here in the morning, okay? You're in safe hands. I love you so much.”

You leaned down and placed a kiss on his forehead before pulling back with a smile and heading back to the waiting room. Kerry was still waiting for you, and you tried not to feel too pleased about it. 

“I think I'm gonna head home,” You sighed softly, sitting back down beside Kerry. “I'll come back in the morning, I don't really want to spend the night trying to sleep in one of these chairs.”

“Fair enough,” Kerry nodded. “I can call Kev, get him to give you a ride home.”

“Okay,” You nodded. “Thank you.”

“And by home I mean our home,” Kerry took your hand. “You think I'm gonna let you spend the night alone in your place then you got another thing coming.”

Any urge to protest faded away, you nodded and watched Kerry go to phone Kevin to pick you up. You let out a breath, looking up for a moment before smiling to yourself. 

As it turned out, it was exactly what you needed. Kevin came to pick you up, and very kindly agreed not to tell anyone about your dad. He brought you back to the Von Erich household and any fear you had about things being awkward melted away when Kerry and David seemed to be on perfectly normal terms with each other. 

The boys played football and you cheered them on, feeling a lightness settle over you. When Kerry and Mike won they grabbed you and lifted you up like a trophy, your laughter filling the air as the sun dipped lower in the sky. 

You ate dinner and helped Doris with the dishes and sat half on Kerry's lap when you all watched TV, his arm around your waist. You felt as if the last few years hadn't happened, you were back where you'd always felt happiest.

When the time came to go to bed, you insisted Mike didn't need to give up his bed for you, feeling guilty when he insisted he would. You wouldn't sleep anyway, knowing Kerry was in the bed across the room. You stared up at the ceiling for a while for a while before throwing the blanket off and getting up.

You padded across the room before you found yourself standing by Kerry's bed. He was awake too, looking up at the ceiling before he turned and his eyes met yours, the light of the moon making them seem even more blue.

“Can I get in?” You asked, smiling a little as Kerry immediately moved over and pulled the blanket back for you.

“Couldn't sleep either?”

“No,” You sighed softly, getting into the bed and laying down with your back to Kerry. He moved the blanket over you and kept his hand by your shoulder for a moment before pulling it back.

“Today was..a lot. Just feel like I need to come back down to earth.”

“I get you,” Kerry murmured softly. “Sometimes you just need something familiar.” 

“Well this certainly is,” You raised a brow, smiling as you felt Kerry's hand near your waist. You reached down and pulled his arm around you, relaxing into his touch.

“I can't remember how many nights I slept in this bed.”

“Enough to make us experts at keeping quiet,” Kerry laughed softly.

“I know,” You smiled with a groan. “Oh poor Mike..did he ever find out I was sneaking in here?”

“Nah,” Kerry murmured softly, wrapping his arm around you a little tighter. “Sometimes in the morning he'd ask if I got up in the night or he'd tell me I talk in my sleep. I never corrected him.”

“Well I'm glad we really could keep quiet then,” You murmured softly, turning over and meeting Kerry’s eyes.

“I never said but..thank you for being there with me today. I know I didn't say the nicest things to you, and I stand by them, but..I really appreciate what you did.”

Kerry smiled and gently stroked your waist, giving you a slight shrug.

“Don't mention it, honestly. You would have done the same for me, and..no matter what happened between us I still love you, I'll always love you.”

“I'll always love you too,” You smiled softly. “We both did stupid things, we both ended up right back here. I'm sure that means something but I don't want to think about it too much right now.”

“That's okay,” Kerry smiled, letting out a breath. “It's been a long day, why don't you get some sleep.”

“I will,” You murmured softly, glancing down for a moment and taking a deep breath. “But I need to do one thing first.”

You leaned in closer, closing your eyes as your lips pressed against Kerry's. For a moment you worried he wasn't going to kiss you back, but your heart soared when he did, his arm pulling you closer.

In the morning there would be a chat about the future, you would have to bring your dad home from the hospital, carry on with normal life.

But, the night was young enough to not worry about all that, and you planned to make the most of it.

[gamergoblingurrl]

Flood relief for a friend

Within one day my friend lost it all - her home, car and workplace. The water took it all.

While traumatic, Aga's situation is shared by hundreds of others, struggling in the aftermath of floods sweeping Poland. The relief movement is in place, but with so many people in need the waiting can be long, adding to the already difficult situation.

Right now Aga and her family need basic human necessities - shelter, food, clothes and drinking water.

Hence comes my plea - help me raise funds to move Aga and her family from the temporary flood victims' shelter, which is no place for a young family, to a safe abode, with enough money to provide food and clean clothes. Her workplace has been lost to flood too and currently, she has no source of income - with the massive scope of the damages caused by the floods, processing any insurance claims for damages they have caused will take months at the least.

https://gofund.me/46e9478b

I am looking for good people to help my friend and her family in her hour of need, any amount counts and will make a world of difference.

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

Nuanced Foil Lena AU Pt 3

After Lena's mic drop outside L-Corp, CatCo is aflurry by the time Kara arrives. During the morning's pitch meeting, James wants an official interview as soon as possible. Half the room turns to Kara, but she remains quiet, saved only by Nia volunteering herself as tribute.

"I'll reach out to her team," she offers. "Any particular angle you're looking for?"

James shakes his head. "We'll let her guide us on that-- make that clear to her people and it might get us in the door faster."

"On it."

---

To Kara's surprise, Lena accepts the interview offer with Nia almost immediately, and more than that, agrees to a fully televised interview at CatCo HQ. On the day of, Kara doesn't need to be there-- in fact, she's sure Lena would prefer if she wasn't. But she lurks in a corner of the studio with a handful of other reporters, watching as the finishing make up touches are made and the mic packs are given their final adjustments.

Her heart beats loudly in her chest as the room quiets, and the countdown starts.

"Thank you for being with us tonight, Miss Luthor." Nia's tone is rich and professional, betraying nothing of the relatively friendly conversation they'd shared before the cameras started rolling. "As I'm sure you can imagine, a lot of people have been asking questions following your comments earlier this week."

Lena smiles self-deprecatingly. "Of course-- Has another Luthor lost their mind? More at eleven."

She chuckles at herself, but where others might have seemed disingenuous in doing so, it only serves to make Lena more approachable. Nia's responding grin is a testament to that, with some of her first-big-interview jitters easing off, allowing her to relax just a little.

"But can you blame them? A Luthor speaking out against a Super certainly carries some heavy baggage."

Lena nods. "It does, unfortunately."

"So let's get the big question out of the way, shall we? Are you, Lena Luthor, denouncing Supergirl?"

"No, not at all," Lena delivers, her smile still in place. Historically, Lena's smiles in public interviews are a little too perfect to be real, but tonight the one she wears is warm, gentle, and humanizing.

"Yet you claimed Supergirl was a burden," Nia digs a little.

"I did. I do. Since her first appearance three years ago, National City's infrastructure has been overbudget to the tune of 1.6 billion dollars overall. That's a lot of money that the city simply doesn't have. It's money that its *citizens* don't have."

Nia nods thoughtfully. "But as a scientist, wouldn't you agree that corellation doesn't always equal causation?"

"Sometimes that's the case, and it can absolutely be said that equal or greater damage wouldn't have occurred without Supergirl in the mix. I'm certain studies are currently taking place to determine the true relationship, but really, the whole thing simply sheds light on the greater issue at hand."

"Which is?"

"Tell me, Miss Nal-- if you step out into the street and get hit by a car, what happens?"

Nia's eyes widen slightly. "Go to the hospital, hopefully!"

There's a laugh in her voice, and Lena joins in, waving her off. "Yes, of course! You're fine, maybe a few broken bones. But it's still an ER visit, maybe even an ambulance ride to get there. So who pays for all that?"

"My insurance, I would think. Or theirs."

"Bingo." Lena leans in, suddenly more intense. "Now let's say it wasn't a car that hit you. A hero pulls you out of the way, breaking your wrist in the process. They don't mean to, of course, but accidents happen. It may not even be a result of their speed or strength, just the wrong amount of pressure applied the wrong direction. What happens then?"

Nia blinks. She doesn't respond right away, which gives Lena the opportunity to continue.

"Do heroes have insurance that would cover medical bills? Could you take a hero to court and sue for damages?"

Kara's stomach clenches, and she has to fight every urge she has to not to interrupt, to rescue her protegee from the offensive Lena is suddenly on.

"What if Supergirl is investigating a crime, and believes there is relevant evidence inside your home. Do heroes have the burden of obtaining a warrant before entering your residence? If she gets the house number wrong, and enters an entirely different home by accident, what recourse do those homeowners have to get repaid for property and emotional damages?"

The studio is so quiet, one could hear a pin drop. But where everyone else seems stunned, Nia looks thoughtful.

"Are you saying that heroes shouldn't do what they do to help protect the public?"

Lena eases back in her chair a little bit, shaking her head. "I think it's clear by now that without heroes, National City wouldn't be here. It certainly wouldn't be the same city it is today, at the very least."

"So what are you suggesting?"

"Oversight. Legislation. Regulation." Lena shrugs. "Think about it-- every other position within our judicial system, as flawed as it is, requires demonstrable qualifications. Lawyers have the bar, police officers undergo months of training... to what standards do we hold a hero?"

"It's sounding a little like you're calling for registration," Nia hedges.

Lena lifts her hands. "I understand that's a slippery slope when it comes heroes, or really anyone with special abilities. I won't speak to that. And honestly, I'm not claiming to have all the answers. I'm just asking the questions."

Shifting in her seat, Nia glances at her notepad. "And what would you say to those concerned that you're following in your brother's footsteps? As you say, it can be a slippery slope."

Taking a deep breath, Kara watches Lena consider her answer. For a moment, Lena's gaze unfocuses as she thinks, looking inward, before sharpening with resolve.

"I would say... you're right to be concerned. I certainly was, making the decision to say anything on the matter. In a lot of ways, I don't feel like I have the right to ask these questions. But if not me, then who? Who has the platform or the privilege to ask and actually be heard?"

"So you have responsibility."

Lena smiles again, close-lipped and sweet.

"I'd say we all do, don't you think?"

[hustlerose]

diary entry about terrible life stuff, car crash, read at your own risk, not really for public consumption, just needed to write and process

boyfriend wrecked his car and brok ehis leg today. i'm so scared and mortified by how fragile we all are. we were up late last night making plans for a four day roadtrip. we both took time off work for it. i kissed him in bed this morning. it's all fucked now. nothing is guaranteed to us. just because we expect things to carry on like usual doesn't mean they will

doctors said he's likely to make a full recovery. we have no idea how long it'll take. leg's broken in three places. he's got EDS and other conditions already. there's a chance he'll never walk the same again.

we've promised each other over and over to enjoy the time we have together, even when his body is falling apart and his muscles waste away every day and we can't say for certain whether he'll be able to walk unassisted in 10 years. i worry this injury will shorten the distance between his current life with chronic pain, and a life of extreme and permanent disability.

i hate to think of the pain he was in. getting in a car crash doesn't mean anything. it doesn't fit into any human story or schedule. shit like this just happens. he coulda died today and i wouldn't have been able to say goodbye.

this is one of those "grown up nightmares" i've avoided so far. i need to be stifle my anxiety disorder and sort out insurance claims and paperwork and shit and fuck and hell fuck shit shit. i hate that i'm being forced to do this garbage instead of caring for a loved one, under threat of permanent financial ruin. i feel like i'm going to throw up.

everybody count yr blessings. you or anyone you love can be grievously injured anytime and for no reason at all.

[ae-azile]

The Non-Newtonian Newborn: Chapter 8 Preview

Porsche has Kinn drive. Arm doesn't need to under these circumstances. Kinn seems to realize that, since he gets in the driver’s seat without thinking twice and doesn't seem to mind when Porsche sits in the back with Arm.

“Everything will be okay,” Porsche says as Arm stares straight ahead, “I promise. You will have support.”

“So much support,” Kinn adds, “The baby will be added to the company health insurance at no extra cost.”

“Both your baby and Achara will have the best pediatrician as soon as we finish screening them and add one to the roster,” Porsche says, “When the baby is old enough, they can be admitted to the BEST private school.”

“They would probably get in anyway, with how smart you are,” Kinn says, “But we will make sure they have the best educational opportunities provided for them. The best tutors too.”

“And if Korn has anything to say about you keeping a baby at the compound, we’ll stand up to him for you!” Porsche says, “We’re your family, got it?”

Kinn nods in agreement, “We are in this together-”

“You’re the one who got me in this mess to begin with!” Arm snaps.

Porsche jerks back at the accusation, mainly because Arm doesn't accuse Kinn of anything, much less raise his voice at him. But here he is, glaring and fuming over this. But honestly, Porsche can't blame him. It is sort of Kinn’s fault.

“You can't get mad at him for talking to you like that,” Porsche whispers as he leans forward, “He's stressed out, and you were the one who asked him to accompany us. Don't reprimand him-”

“I'm not going to reprimand him,” Kinn says quietly, “I know it's my fault. I'm sorry.”

Porsche nods, “We’re sorry, Arm-”

“It's too late for an apology!” Arm tells him, turning his glare onto Porsche, “I'm mad at you too!”

Porsche gasps, “I wasn't the one who asked you to come! Be mad at Kinn! Not me!”

“Porsche,” Kinn says in a warning tone.

“It's true!” Porsche says, then tries to put a comforting hand on Arm’s leg, only for Arm to slap it off.

“Hey!” Kinn warns

“Fuck off,” Arm mumbles under his breath, then holds his head in his hands. Porsche lets out a sad and guilt-ridden sigh, then reaches over and rubs Arm’s back.

“It's okay, Kinn,” Porsche says, “He's obviously stressed out. And remember what Niran said. He said some people show strong symptoms after breaking an egg. They get emotional, or overly sentimental, or have a lot of cravings and nausea. Despite this all working differently, the person who breaks the egg is essentially pregnant until the baby arrives one to five days later, depending on the moon cycle-”

“I am NOT fucking pregnant!” Arm says, pulling away again, “I always act like this!”

Porsche purses his lips, “...Okay.”

Kinn seems hesitant to combat that claim as well, but does it anyway, “...Arm, you tried to lunge at an old man.”

“He deserved it,” Arm mutters, then lets out a groan, “Pull over.”

“Why-”

“PULL OVER!”

Kinn immediately does what he's told and pulls onto a side street. Arm jumps out before it comes to a complete stop and Porsche is ready to go after him. Arm is clearly overwhelmed, but Porsche has never seen him like this. Who knows what he might do? But luckily, Arm doesn't seem to be making a run for it. He stops by a trash can on the corner, throws himself over it, and empties the contents of his stomach so violently that two pedestrians jump back and rush away.

“Fuck,” Kinn mutters as they watch him from the car, “I feel like such an asshole.”

“As you should,” Porsche says, “You forced our head guard into an unplanned pregnancy.”

“He's not exactly pregnant-”

“Look at him!” Porsche says, “He is one of the ones Niran was talking about, one who gets severe morning sickness and is miserable until the process is over!”

“It isn't even growing inside him,” Kinn says, “He may be throwing up due to anxiety.”

“Arm isn't an anxious vomiter,” Porsche counters, “If he was, he wouldn't have gotten the head guard position and become so openly adamant about staying on Tankhun’s team despite the promotion. He's a nerd and can be introverted, but he has balls of steel! And now he's pregnant!”

Kinn groans, “We’ve never had a pregnant guard. Pregnant girlfriends of guards, and pregnant maids and cooks, but not guards-”

“I'm not pregnant.”

Kinn quickly shuts up as Arm gets back in the car. Arm looks at both of them, appearing clammy, tired, and suspicious before letting out a sigh.

“Do you have gum?”

Porsche quickly digs into his pocket, “Here. You can just have the rest of the pack. In case you need to throw up again, you will have it.”

“I don't need to throw up again,” Arm says, sticking a piece of gum in his mouth before leaning his head against the window, “I need food.”

Porsche quickly bangs on the back of the seat, “Kinn, we’re going out to eat. Wherever Arm wants.”

“Hibachi,” Arm says, his eyes closed, “And sushi.”

“Expensive and sophisticated cravings!” Porsche says with an approving nod.

“They aren't cravings. It's just what I want.”

Again, Porsche isn't going to challenge Arm. Not right now.

—----------------------------------------------------------------

Arm doesn't know why Kinn and Porsche are trying to restrict what kind of fucking sushi he gets when he's NOT pregnant. He isn't even in denial. If Achara was truly born from a magical egg created by Niran, then Arm understands he may very well find a newborn who is biologically his child outside his door within the next couple of days. But it isn't like that baby is growing inside of him. Even Niran said they will grow in his workshop, or whatever the fuck it is.

“We are just asking that you get low-mercury fish that is cooked,” Kinn says softly, acting like a fucking know-it-all despite just looking up this information, “Or a roll with just vegetables. We’re not trying to control you-”

“Fine,” Arm says, tossing the menu at Kinn, “You pick for me. Despite saying I can eat ‘whatever’ I want, you go ahead and pick. Take away more of my autonomy. I’ll wait.”

Kinn stares at him for a moment, then looks at Porsche.

“How am I supposed to respond to that?”

“With patience, respect, and empathy,” Porsche says in a hushed voice, then gives Arm a bright smile, “We will buy you ALL the sushi when your baby arrives-”

“After he finishes breastfeeding,” Kinn whispers, “He needs to be careful about what he eats if he starts breastfeeding.”

Porsche's smile becomes more forced, “Once the baby is weaned.”

Arm really doesn't want to breastfeed. He feels strong emotions bubbling up inside of him, and his normal level of control seems non-existent. Before he knows it, he feels tears springing to his eyes so rapidly that he takes off his glasses and presses the heels of his hands into his eyes.

“Fuck, Arm,” Kinn says, sounding truly upset for him, “I'm sorry. I'm sorry this happened. You…If you need some time off…I know you have sisters. If you want to spend some time with them, we can arrange that. I would prefer it if you stayed. So we can make sure you and the baby are safe. But if you need some time away, I…I understand.”

“Or we can invite your sisters to stay in the compound, if they are open to that,” Porsche says, “But regardless of where you stay, you will not be put at risk. Not anymore. We’ll also give you so much time off-”

“You have no one to fill in for everything I do for you,” Arm says bitterly. When Arm puts his hands down to look at them for a reaction, it seems as though they realize what he is saying is true.

“We’ll…make due while you spend time with your baby,” Kinn says carefully, “Obviously, if you can consult - or help with the management side of things should you continue living in the compound - we will greatly appreciate it.”

“And we’ll give you a family suite!” Porsche says, nodding encouragingly, “One of the nicest ones we have. I'm sure Khun will love to throw a baby shower for you too! He might have even more fun with it than Kim’s and Chay’s!”

Khun shouldn't plan something like that. Not when this baby will be his too.

“And…” Kinn starts, looking slightly nervous, “Once the baby comes, we’ll run their DNA through the database. See if the other parent pops up, or at least one of their family members.”

“Of course we will,” Porsche says, then gives Arm another smile, “You know who it probably is? Pol. I bet it's Pol. You guys are really close!”

“I can see it!” Kinn says, looking hopeful for that particular outcome.

Pol is his closest friend. Raising a baby with him would not be awkward or terrible. In fact, they would probably co-parent harmoniously - albeit platonically. But Pol being his soulmate would be incredibly weird. He's like his brother.

“They would be so cute together!” Porsche gushes.

“I really think it's Pol,” Kinn says, nodding, “It just makes sense.”

It's not fucking Pol.

But he can't say that. Not without coming off as an asshole, nor can he say who it really is. Arm has no doubt in his mind who his soulmate is. He's been in a relationship with him for almost a year, and he's been in love with him for almost five. Even now that they are together, Arm still feels his heart skip a beat whenever Tankhun walks into the room.

But they aren't out. Not with how controlling Tankhun believes Korn will be, or how concerned and overly protective Kinn will be. It has stayed quiet, and their relationship coming out will likely alter Arm’s employment with the family.

He needs to talk to Tankhun. He needs to talk to his boyfriend.

“Khun just texted,” Kinn says, checking his phone, “He’s asking if everything went okay. What should I tell him?”

“Your call, Arm,” Porsche says.

Arm lets out a breath and does not give into the sudden need to rip Kinn’s phone out of his hands, lock himself in the bathroom, and cry to Tankhun over the phone.

“Tell him we are grabbing something to eat. Make sure to let him know we are saving room for the food being catered at the shower,” Arm says, “After everyone leaves and we get back to the compound, I will tell him about…this situation. I don't want him to get worried about me or stressed out during the party.”

With that, Arm takes his menu back and looks down at it, “Cooked, low-mercury fish or vegetarian sushi, right?”

“Just to be safe,” Porsche says.

“Fine,” Arm says, even though everything feels the opposite of fine right now. But logically, he knows he will feel better when he talks to Tankhun.

His soulmate.

[champstorymedia]

Stay Safe Abroad: The Importance of Having Travel Insurance

Introduction: Traveling abroad can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it also comes with its own set of risks. From unexpected medical emergencies to trip cancellations or lost baggage, there are many potential challenges that can arise while traveling. This is why having travel insurance is crucial to ensure you stay safe and protected throughout your journey. Section 1: What is Travel…

[abboudlawfirm-tucson]

What is an Example of Incidental Damage?

When dealing with personal injury cases, understanding key terms like "incidental damages" is crucial. These secondary costs often go unnoticed but can play a significant role in the overall impact of an injury. Let’s delve deeper into what incidental damages are, how they arise, and why they matter in personal injury claims.

What Are Incidental Damages?

Incidental damages refer to additional expenses that occur as a direct result of another party’s wrongful actions or negligence. While these costs are secondary to the primary damages (such as medical bills or property repair), they are often necessary and unavoidable when addressing the consequences of the injury.

Key Characteristics of Incidental Damages:

Direct Link to the Incident: These costs stem directly from the initial injury or accident.

Unexpected Expenses: They often arise unexpectedly as you manage the aftermath of the primary damages.

Supplementary in Nature: They go beyond the obvious costs, adding to the financial burden of recovery.

Examples of Incidental Damages

To understand how incidental damages might apply, let’s look at specific examples:

Transportation Costs: Travel expenses for medical appointments, therapy sessions, or consultations.

Household Help: Hiring assistance for cleaning, cooking, or childcare due to limited mobility.

Replacement Items: Costs for items damaged in the incident, such as replacing a phone or laptop.

Temporary Housing: Expenses for staying elsewhere if your home becomes uninhabitable due to the accident.

Lost Wages: Income lost from missed workdays, particularly if they are tied to appointments or recovery needs.

A Real-Life Scenario

Imagine you’re involved in a car accident where another driver runs a red light and crashes into your vehicle.

Primary Damages: These include hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and repairs for your car.

Incidental Damages: You might face additional costs, such as:

Paying for transportation to physical therapy sessions.

Replacing a broken phone that was damaged in the accident.

Hiring someone to assist with daily tasks while you recover from injuries.

While incidental damages may seem minor compared to primary expenses, they can accumulate quickly, creating a substantial financial burden.

The Legal Context of Incidental Damages

In personal injury claims, incidental damages are an essential part of the compensation process. Here’s how they are handled:

Proving Eligibility: You must demonstrate that these costs are directly connected to the accident and were necessary for recovery.

Maintaining Documentation: Receipts, invoices, and detailed logs of expenses are critical to substantiating your claim.

Legal Recognition: Courts recognize incidental damages as part of a fair compensation package, provided they are adequately justified.

Challenges in Claiming Incidental Damages

While incidental damages are legitimate, they can be difficult to claim without proper preparation:

Proof of Necessity: You’ll need to show that these expenses were reasonable and directly resulted from the incident.

Insurance Pushback: Insurers may try to downplay or exclude incidental damages to reduce their payout.

Why a Personal Injury Attorney Is Essential

Navigating a personal injury case, especially one involving incidental damages, can be overwhelming. An experienced personal injury attorney can:

Identify All Applicable Damages: Ensuring no costs, whether primary or incidental, are overlooked.

Build a Strong Case: This will help you gather the necessary evidence and documentation to support your claim.

Negotiate on Your Behalf: Countering attempts by insurers to minimize or reject compensation for incidental expenses.

If you’ve experienced a personal injury and believe incidental damages are part of your claim, getting the right legal support can make a significant difference. Reach out to a Tucson personal injury attorney today to ensure all your damages are accounted for and to secure the compensation you deserve.

[abboudlawfirm-omaha]

Can You Sue for Personal Injury After an International Accident?

Traveling abroad can be an exhilarating experience, but what happens when your trip takes an unexpected turn due to an accident? No one plans to get injured while exploring new places, but accidents can and do happen anywhere. Being in an unfamiliar country, navigating a different legal system, and facing language barriers can make an already stressful situation even more daunting. The question on many people's minds in such circumstances is, "Can I sue for personal injury if I was injured in an international accident?"

The answer is not always straightforward, as international accidents come with unique legal challenges. However, it’s important to know that there are legal pathways available to seek compensation for your injuries. Whether it’s a car accident, a slip and fall, or an injury caused by faulty equipment, you have the right to pursue justice and hold the responsible parties accountable. Understanding how to approach the situation can make all the difference in protecting your rights.

Seeking help from an experienced personal injury attorney can be invaluable during such times. These professionals can guide you through the legal complexities, helping you make sense of foreign laws while ensuring your voice is heard. While the road to compensation might seem overwhelming, having someone advocate for you can help you focus on what matters most—your recovery.

Steps to Take After an International Accident

If you’re injured in another country, the steps you take immediately after the incident can significantly impact your ability to claim compensation:

Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries appear minor, getting checked by a healthcare professional is crucial. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, might not show symptoms immediately.

Document everything: Take photos of the scene, collect witness information, and ensure an official report is filed with the local authorities. These records will be vital when building your case.

Contact your insurance company: Travel insurance often covers accidents abroad, but the claims process can be intricate. Early communication with your provider can simplify things.

Preserve medical records: Keep copies of medical bills, treatment plans, and other related documents. This documentation is key for determining the full extent of your damages.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Handling a personal injury case abroad involves complexities that differ from domestic claims. Each country operates under its own legal framework, which can include varying procedures, time limits, and compensation rules. In many cases, determining jurisdiction—where your claim can be filed—can become a significant hurdle.

A personal injury attorney helps bridge this gap, bringing expertise and clarity to a challenging process. They can coordinate with foreign authorities, communicate with international insurers, and ensure you meet any deadlines or legal requirements. Additionally, they’ll help you calculate the true cost of your injury, accounting for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.

Promoting Justice for International Injuries

When facing the aftermath of an injury sustained abroad, having legal support can make all the difference. Personal injury attorneys in Omaha are equipped to handle even the most complex cases, including those involving international accidents. They understand the importance of securing evidence, navigating legal systems, and negotiating with parties on your behalf.

Whether you were injured during a vacation, work trip, or study program, a skilled attorney can guide you through every step. From filing your claim to pursuing fair compensation, they ensure your rights are protected. If you’ve been hurt while overseas, don’t let the complexities of international law prevent you from seeking justice.

Types of Compensation You May Be Eligible For

Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses (including future treatments)

Lost income due to missed work

Emotional and physical pain and suffering

Permanent disabilities or reduced quality of life

Because each country has unique laws surrounding compensation, working with an attorney experienced in international personal injury cases is essential. They will ensure you pursue every avenue to recover the damages you deserve.

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When should I contact a personal injury lawyer after an accident?

Accidents happen when you least expect them, and the aftermath can be overwhelming. Whether you've been in a car accident, experienced a slip and fall, or suffered another injury, knowing when to contact a personal injury lawyer can make all the difference. Acting quickly can protect your rights and maximize your compensation. If you're unsure about your next steps, now is the time to reach out.

Right After You Get Medical Attention

Your health comes first. After an accident, the top priority is seeking medical attention. Once you’ve been checked out by a doctor and know you’re safe, it’s time to consider the legal side. Contacting a personal injury lawyer early ensures that you don’t miss important details or deadlines. A lawyer can also help start gathering any evidence that might be useful down the road.

Before Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies tend to reach out quickly after an accident. But remember, their goal is often to settle your claim for as little as possible. Before you speak with them or sign anything, it’s smart to talk to a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can guide you on how to approach conversations with insurance companies and make sure you don’t unintentionally say something that could harm your case. McGinn Law Firm has handled these types of negotiations and can help you avoid common mistakes.

When Fault Isn't Clear

Sometimes, it’s not obvious who’s at fault in an accident. In other cases, multiple parties might be involved. If the other party denies responsibility or there’s a dispute over who’s to blame, it’s especially important to get a lawyer involved. They can help sort through the facts, collect evidence, and figure out who is responsible. McGinn Law Firm specializes in tackling these kinds of complex cases, ensuring that the right people are held accountable.

If You’re Unsure About Your Claim's Value

If you’ve never dealt with a personal injury claim before, you might not realize how much your case is worth. Factors like medical bills, lost wages, and the overall impact of your injury on your life all come into play. A lawyer can help you get a clear picture of the compensation you might be entitled to. McGinn Law Firm offers a free consultation, where they’ll assess your claim and explain the next steps.

When Your Injuries Are Long-Term

Injuries don’t always heal quickly, and in some cases, they can impact your ability to work or live your life the way you used to. If you’re facing long-term or serious injuries, a lawyer can make sure that any settlement reflects the ongoing challenges you’ll deal with. The earlier you talk to a lawyer, the better your chances of getting fair compensation. McGinn Law Firm has a track record of helping people in similar situations get the support they need for the long term.

Filing an Insurance Claim

While your instinct may be to file an insurance claim right away, it’s important to proceed carefully. Insurance companies often want to settle claims quickly and for less than they’re worth. If you find yourself facing low settlement offers or unclear communication during the process, it’s a good idea to consult a personal injury lawyer. McGinn Law Firm can help you navigate this tricky terrain and make sure your claim is treated fairly.

When a Personal Injury Lawsuit Might Be Necessary

In some cases, insurance claims don’t cover all your expenses, especially if your injuries are significant. If the insurance company isn’t being cooperative or your injuries require extensive treatment, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. This process can feel overwhelming, but a lawyer can give you the support and knowledge you need to move forward. McGinn Law Firm has experience guiding people through the legal system, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected.

Should You Contact a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

If you’ve been in a car accident, you might wonder if and when to contact a lawyer. Here are a few situations where it’s a good idea to reach out:

Serious Injuries: If anyone involved in the accident has serious injuries, getting a lawyer involved can help ensure you receive the right compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Insurance Disputes: If you feel like your insurance company isn’t treating you fairly, a lawyer can advocate for you and negotiate a better settlement.

Multiple Parties Involved: If the accident involved multiple people, a lawyer can help gather evidence and clarify who’s at fault.

Long-Term Effects: If your injuries will affect you for a long time, having a lawyer early on can ensure that your future needs are considered during settlement talks.

You May Not Need a Lawyer If…

There are some situations where you might not need a personal injury lawyer. If the accident was minor, with no major injuries or damage, and you’re comfortable handling the insurance process on your own, you might choose to go without legal representation. But even in minor cases, it’s worth keeping in mind that things can change, and having a lawyer on your side can give you peace of mind.

Why McGinn Law Firm?

At McGinn Law Firm, we know that every case is different. That’s why we take the time to listen to your story, answer your questions, and build a strategy that fits your unique situation. Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to court, we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Wondering when to contact a personal injury lawyer? Don’t wait too long—getting advice early can make all the difference. McGinn Law Firm offers free consultations, so you can get the answers you need without any pressure. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery.

Contact McGinn Law Firm today for your free consultation. We’re ready to help you through every step of the process.