#do curses have use-by dates or warranty's?

[the-scarecrow-of-aus]

For added peculiarity: danny while distraught that that happened is more confused at why it took so long for the joker to age to death (should have disappeared in a puff of dust not tried to stay together).

While the batfam is looking in shock danny investigates the slowly crumbling remains and deduces that the joker was willingly bound up in a curse that he would keep surviving no matter what until a condition was completed (terminated by the batman/killed the batman).

Fortunately the curse basically 'burnt out' like a fuse trying to keep the joker going while danny was sending him far into the future (perhaps to a point far beyond where gotham -or the curse- no longer exists?)

Batman is now upset and is worried Danny might be traumatised that he killed a person (needs to be shut down before he tries to bring joker back to erase the guilt)

Jason is both excited and upset that the joker was taken by someone else's hand (not his or bruce's) but happy because that looked 'extremely painful for the joker (it was).

Danny (unfazed about the death) is just idly stamping on the remains of the jokers soul in the dust of his body to stop it ever reforming to become a ghost (ancient curse, meet my boot)

Everybody else is planning a national holiday for danny!

Wait till they talk to him about it and realise they could never have waited the joker out.

DP x DC prompt 7

So Danny has time powers, not many but some. He'd been training under Clockwork enough to where Clockwork thinks it's a good idea to grant those to Danny, and Danny knows more or less how they work.

For the most part he just fixes or gets rid of objects with them (think the first Doctor Strange movie where Stephen is messing with the apple using the Time Stone). Like he rewound the transmission on Jazz's car when it goes to when it's brand new, since Jazz didn't have the money to fix it or to really get a new car. He also puts dangerous things forward in time, such as inventions his parents make that're too dangerous to be left around.

The issue here comes when Danny ends up in Gotham, however that comes about, and ends up a hostage of The Joker. Danny was not really aware before this point that his powers worked so well on living beings, tho he probably should have guessed. He didn't even mean to throw The Joker's body forward in time, it just happened. For a brief moment Joker looks like that one dude from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade who chose the wrong cup (the whole "He chose poorly" scene) before he crumbles to dust.

[sideshow-tornado]

Last picture I took of my 2008 Saturn VUE, purchased new ‘08 and sold on this date in 2017. Over 160k miles and lots of up and downs in those nine years, including many headaches due to the vehicle itself; had to rebuild the transmission (which was thankfully under a recall warranty from GM) but mostly a lot of electrical & computer issues, otherwise it ran quite well mechanically. I regretted buying this beige model when there was a blue model on the showroom floor available, but at the time I just wanted to get out of the dealership as quickly as possible.

My next vehicle purchase came about 9 months after I sold this one. I downsized from an SUV to a very unsexy hatchback sedan (2017 Ford Focus). And I am nearly done paying it off, but it’s been sitting parked in the driveway for over year. Not currently running, has a transmission issue (seems I’m cursed with that issue in every car of mine) that isn’t worth me putting the money into.

Just ready to pay it off and sell. It’ll be a good parts source or if someone can rebuild the transmission can make a decent cash car for resale. It’s got 140k miles but interior and body all in great shape. Very clean. Even sitting for a year looks good.

It was always meant to be a transition vehicle, was going to eventually trade it in for a truck or SUV, maybe an electric or hybrid if I could find one that would suit me. I’m lucky I’ve been able to access other vehicles on a regular basis this past year, but it’s time I get my own again.

I think I’ve only had 2 1/2 years of my adult life without having a car payment, so it’s pretty much a basic, permanent part of my budgeting (not that I’m great with budgeting) life expenses.

My ex wife had never bought a car on her own, I bought her one after the double hand me down Honda she had for years (it had been her dad’s car and then her older sister’s and then finally hers) died its long overdue death. She had a bought a house though and it remained only in her name after we married, which I had no problem with. But it was a pain getting the car in her name only after we divorced.

I only took my personal belongings when we separated. She tried to give me or make me take things like furniture or appliances, things were wedding gifts or I had purchased for us. I did not want any of it. Left it all to her to do whatever she wanted to, sell or give away.

And even then I still had to get a storage unit for most of my crap when I moved back home, and I had the storage unit until about two years, acquiring other things along the way and eventually just getting rid of or finding a place for enough to no longer need it. I’m trying to downsize even more now. Slowly Marie Kondo-ing my belongings. I don’t like having so much clutter and literal baggage.

Just want to be able to pack up and start over more easily since I seem to be destined to keep doing that with my life over and over again despite how much I long for the opposite.

Now I’ve been rambling on for way too long and don’t remember why I started this post to begin with. A car? Oh yeah.

It’s already so late in the evening. I used to take late night drives when I couldn’t sleep. Gas is way too expensive to do that nowadays, so instead I bemoan my life’s misery to a formerly popular blogging site.

[hadeschan]

item # K20B17

RARE Pra Leela, Nua Din, Gru Lan Dok Mai. An over 650 years old baked clay Walking Buddha amulet discovered at Lang Dok Mai Archaeological Site, Sukhothai Province in BE 2520 (CE 1977). This ancient amulet was dated to the reign of King Lithai of Kingdom of Sukhothai between BE 1890 - BE 1912 (CE 1347 - CE 1369).

…………………………………………………….

“The Walking Buddha shows action, guided by good practice, concentration and wisdom, is the basis for all goodness. The Walking Buddha is leading owner by walking tirelessly toward the new age of life, where you live happily with a bright face and act with selflessness. The Walking Buddha displays the gesture of dispelling fear (Abhaya Mudra), or giving instruction (Vitarka Mudra), Walking Buddha amulet would bring good luck in all that comes your way in the future.”

…………………………………………………….

BEST FOR: The Walking Buddha brings success in career and in life ahead, and it helps achieve victory over all difficulties. Buddha would walk with you through pain and suffering. Wealth Fetching, Maha Larp (it brings Lucky Wealth), Klawklad Plodpai (it brings safety, and pushes you away from all danger), Kongkraphan (it makes you invulnerable to all weapon attack), Maha-ut (it stops gun from shooting at you), Metta Maha Niyom (it helps bring loving, caring, and kindness, and compassion from people all around you to you), and Kaa Kaai Dee (it helps tempt your customers to buy whatever you are selling, and it helps attract new customers and then keep them coming back. Ponggan Poot-pee pee-saat Kunsai Mondam Sa-niat jan-rai Sat Meepit (it helps ward off evil spirit, demon, bad ghost, bad omen, bad spell, curse, accursedness, black magic, misfortune, doom, and poisonous animals). And this amulet helps protect you from manipulators, backstabbers, and toxic people.

…………………………………………………….

The amulet made from soil or earth

The soil or earth is the oldest minerals on Earth, it accumulates all power of good deeds of all Arhats (or Luohan), Bodhisattva and Buddha as long as you and your enemies are standing/living on the earth, the Pra Mae Thoranee (the Earth Goddess) will witness good deeds and bad deeds, if you have made good deeds, then your good deeds have already witnessed by Pra Mae Thoranee, Pra Mae Thoranee will help you, and your enemies could not do any harm to you. And the difficulties of your life, Pra Mae Thoranee also witnesses, and Pra Mae Thoranee will ease all of your difficulties.

………………………………………………………

The ancient Thai custom of making amulets and store them somewhere.

The ancient Thai Theravada Buddhism Custom of making amulets with figure of Buddha, and store them somewhere or in the chamber under Buddha Statue, and chamber inside Chedi/Stupa is a custom of Thai Buddhism for the continuation of Buddhism, and for the merits of one who made them. According to Buddha’s prophecy, his Buddhism won’t last after 5,000 years he had founded. And the later generations who accidently discover the amulets with figure of Buddha in them would acknowledge that Buddhism once existed in this world. And Thais believe that the amulets stored in the chedi/stupa accumulate the power, and sometimes the stupa/chedi blasted by itself caused by the power of the amulets inside, those amulets are very powerful and the MOST WANTED among the collectors.

………………………………………………………

DIMENSION: 3.80 cm high / 1.40 cm wide / 0.50 cm thick

………………………………………………………

item # K20B17

Price: price upon request, pls PM and/or email us hadesamulet@protonmail.com

100% GENUINE WITH 365 DAYS FULL REFUND WARRANTY

Item location: Hong Kong, SAR

Ships to: Worldwide

Delivery: Estimated 7 days handling time after receipt of cleared payment. Please allow additional time if international delivery is subject to customs processing.

Shipping: FREE Thailandpost International registered mail. International items may be subject to customs processing and additional charges.

Payments: PayPal / Western Union / MoneyGram /maybank2u.com / DBS iBanking / Wechat Pay / Alipay / Remitly

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

[namjoonchronicles]

tumble | yg

↳ genre fluff, established relationship, slight smut at the end

↳ words 5k ↳ summary preparing for close friend’s wedding gifts is a given for young married couple. an unexpected encounter with an old flame led to an unwanted rekindled feelings but karma reminds you who your heart truly belongs to, because it’s all about the actions, not words.  ↳ notes this i wrote during first week of university of my final year, trying to run away from responsibility. midway, my friend @hellotherehoneybee​ was having a difficult week at hers too, so i wrote this extra fluff for her, i hope she noticed. thank you for working so hard! (i wish someone would comment on the work i put on the banners of each of my stories, but nevermind) ↳ warning attempts of infidelity (not by you) ↳ song ‘happiness is a butterfly’ lana del rey

Nimble fingers punched the numbers on the passcode pad, just outside the door. Crumpled papers on the floor. Supreme skateboards stacked on the wall. Yoongi walked in, greeted by a line of guitars at the corner of his studio. His attention was on the phone, preferring to text over calling. His face was shone by the light from it. His feet kicked away the crumpled papers on the floor to get to his computer. There’s a frame of baby breath on his table next to his stationery. A picture of you next to his desktop. Bothered by the melody he endlessly replayed in his head, he plans to record the notes in digital form. He hasn’t decided which work of his he wanted them in, but any of it would be just fine. Today, he is expecting a guest that will contribute to the guide. Jimin springs in first, as usual.

“Why do you lock the door knowing that I’m coming?!” Jimin groaned outside the door. He is leaning against the frames, knocking repeatedly.

This is exactly why he had those locks put up. Several young producers lined up. Yoongi is teaching them how to make music. With a wry look and dry greetings, Yoongi invited them in and started the meeting. The project is rather simple. Yoongi has provided a raw sample to the aspiring producers who will try to make lyrics. These melodies are then sung by Jimin. Yoongi whipped out his sample from his computer and he will give exactly 30 minute for the producers to think of ways to make the music a song. The young producers wrote down notes given by Yoongi. They write and they erase. They wrote and erased. Write. Scratch. Write. Scratch.

Noticing this, Yoongi gave a soft smile. It reminded him of himself when he was just starting. The uncertainty, the overwhelming feeling of not knowing if the lyrics are good enough, or just plain dumb. As an underground rapper with social anxiety, he was afraid to be ridiculed the most, and he is pretty sure that these producers have the same fear. What he is about to say is nothing new. In fact, he advises it frequently in his lectures. Clearing his throat and with the aura of a seasoned lyricist, he said,

“Go with your gut feelings. Understand the feel of the sample and what you could derive from it. Let your mind run wild. First rule of writing music is that there are no rules.”

He emphasizes on creativity. Jimin was trying to write the lyrics too. He wanted to learn to write faster. “Jimin, your problem is that you’re a perfectionist…” Yoongi spat, “Your mind goes haywire at the possibility of writing everything, you have no clear direction. That’s why it’s so hard. You select a theme, and you stay on it…”

“But Namjoon…” Jimin began.

“Namjoon is a genius. His diction is out of this world, and he has been writing lyrics for years. Don’t compare yourself to him or rather, learn with him rather than coming to me, uninvited,” Yoongi swivels in his chair as the three other producers hang their head low.

Jimin puckered his lips and muttered curses under his breath.

Yoongi reaches for the journal he kept by the book rack. When he opened them, a warranty card fell out. He crouches down to get them. It was from the phone you bought. He caught you buying a phone on an online store when he returns to the studio, earnestly picking a good one. You even asked him about these specs and technology terms you don’t know about. Some of it was written down as notes in this journal along with his own scribbles of song lyrics. You wanted to buy a phone for your mom and pretend that it was from your dad. Your mom always complains that your dad never gave her gifts and is reluctant to spend money on her. Yoongi didn’t need the extra information but you gave it to him anyway. Yoongi learnt from you that your mother had been using the same phone for a decade, and nothing can be updated anymore. And because your father isn’t doing anything about it but think about himself, you decide to buy your mom a good new phone. Saving your father’s face by pretending it was him who bought it.

You didn’t know this but, Yoongi fell in love with you once more.

That phone comes with a warranty card that is now made its home in his old journal. You know he wouldn’t throw any of his journals away.

Glancing at the digital clock on his shelf, he wondered, just how his favorite person in the world is doing…

Yoongi entertained questions from his students. Explaining the build up, the body, climax and ending. Sharing what is fun and what is not, in writing music. What’s cliché and what’s attention grabbing. But his explanation was cut halfway when his phone vibrated, and swiped his thumb over the caller ID and answered with a small, “Hello?”

Jimin and the students studied his face. At first, Yoongi seemed pretty laxed, and then he stood up, abruptly. Instantly and visibly tensed.

“Where are you?” Pause, “Okay, stay right there, I’ll be right over…” He grabs his coat from the hanger and his tongue glides along his drying lips upon ending the seemingly urgent call. He appears distressed but it is masked by his calm exterior.

“Is something the matter, hyung?” Jimin asked. “I have to leave, I am sorry because I  have to cut the classes short. Make sure you email me the verses by noon tomorrow. I will deduct marks for late submissions…” Yoongi said in one breath and yanked the door open, had them leave the studio at once and locked them.

Namjoon was standing outside the hall, watching Yoongi as he trudges through. The older one was putting on his jacket albeit roughly and as quickly as he could. Namjoon couldn’t even get a proper greeting in return. It seems Yoongi is troubled by something.

Troubled by something is indeed accurate.

A few hours ago.

You thought you made a great choice. It’s what you wanted when it was your wedding, and you’re sure that Jungkook would like it too. Knowing just how obsessed he is with having everything the same color code, the sapphire blue kohiki plates would have fit in right into his kitchen like it’s one of the built-in. Yoongi always thought that Jungkook’s gifts are the hardest to choose because he is picky, but also not very picky. He has specified interest but also not very specified. You know more than anything that Jungkook is neither of those things. Ever since you knew the boy, he had always been grateful for any gifts he was given. It didn’t matter how expensive or how rare, it’s the thought that counts. Many years ago, Jungkook came to your house, when you and Yoongi were still dating, and he frequently used the kohiki bowls you have. He said he liked it. That's how you came to decide that his wedding gift would be just that. For his wife, you don’t really know her well, but you had Yoongi book a Swarovski perfume after recognizing that she frequently carries the fun sized bottle around when she’s out.

“Would you like to also see the latest collection of our Kohiki plates, Mdm. Min?” the salesperson politely addresses you and you thought that simply looking wouldn’t hurt. You after all had time to kill today.

Your hands glide over the impressive finishing of the white kohiki plates, truly in awe of the time and the craftsmanship involved in making this. They came in many sizes and as you narrowed down to the end of the gallery, you recognized a collection so similar with the one at home. You turned to the salesperson with a beaming smile, almost child-like. The man bowed at you and explained to you how this particular collection was especially sought after and high in demand, they decided to keep it in collection. Yoongi’s personal family collection had been imitated countless times in the past centuries, they eventually trademarked the design to be named, Empire Min’s timeless collection. It had served countless royalties in the whole world and the tableware was of grand prestige. Sometimes, it dawns over you that you married quite an incredible man with a lineage of such esteem, comparable to those of aristocracy.

Min Yoongi’s family may have stranded far from the royals now, but the traces are there. His delectable face, porcelain skin and honey-succulent voice, are as good as a blue bloods’. His family registrar was kept in the national museum and you had a glimpse of it during Chuseok every year, where they pay homage to his ancestors and it’s quite unbelievable that something from centuries ago was still available today. You didn’t ask a lot about how his family branched off the King, but you do know that the surname Min belonged to four most important Queens in the Joseon dynasty. Is that where his beauty originates from?

You smiled to yourself as you saw his signature underneath the gallery as the last few descendants of the Queen.

“The gifts are wrapped up, we will have it shipped personally to Mr. Jeon Jungkook as per addressed…” the salesman ensured you with an assuring voice.

Kohiki plates aren’t cheap to say the least. But Min Yoongi doesn’t like you worrying about it. Much less, he’d rather have you spend his hard-earned money because he doesn’t always know what you like. One last thing, a visit to the gallery with your trustee art enthusiast, Kim Namjoon.

He stride over as he ended the call. He looks everly dashing in those turtlenecks and grey blazer. His pectorals and buff body looks great in it. He wore those glasses that made him look like he was a postdoctoral student. Only he isn’t. He shoves his phone into his breast-pocket and his face shifted from a serious one to a cheeky expression. He presented his arm for you to take and embraced in a small talk with you.

“You just ended your lecture?” you asked him. “It took a little longer than planned, sorry about that��” he chuckles, handsomely.

“This gallery better be lit…” “You won’t be sorry. I promise.”

Namjoon guides you into an exhibition, guarded by several men in black suits and ear-pieces. The whole way there, you realized that there was no one around. It is only given, because Namjoon owns it. It seems he had it shut down for the day, because the most important painting is arriving from Versailles, and he wants nobody to have a look on it. Except you, of course. And it’s easier to do painting shopping without people hustling in and out trying to catch a glimpse of the ‘Kim Namjoon’. Namjoon talked to you about the randomness of things as he introduces to you his favorite works. He was talking about his sudden trip to Paris and how he regrets it, then talking about a wrong purchase and the books he is currently reading. All in a quiet voice, the kind you give to your lovers.

But you know that’s just Namjoon being flirtatious like it’s his second name.

Suddenly, you stopped in your tracks. This section of the gallery feels like it’s cut off from the rest. It has been endless modern art since the entrance until a few paintings back. This one felt like it was Rome or the Renaissance. The sculptures and dramatic scenes, the skin tones and flesh, it was a whole other world. You turned to Namjoon, questioning him with your eyes. You know him well enough to know that he doesn’t like this type of art.

“I had a change of heart… while trying to understand yours,” he confessed. And it sounded strange because he let those words glide out as if he had no control over it.   He stepped back, pressed his lips together for saying more than he thought necessary, dropped his shoulder and turned to the art he loved.

“I understand it now,” he added, speaking to the frames, “Why do you like them so much… There’s so many stories to tell from each of these characters…”

You remember explaining to him about eyes in realistic paintings. How you wonder what they’ve seen, and what they have experienced. These endless thoughts usually trouble Namjoon, up to when he was about to sleep. You look beyond the surface of this painting and put feelings in them. That’s when he realized that emotions can be painted. Namjoon owed it to you, to having understood himself. And as he explained just how your art classes changed his perspective in life, he introduced to you the painting he thinks fit Jungkook the most. When you saw this painting unveiled before your eyes, you couldn’t agree more. It would look best in his spacious living room. Namjoon watched you as you signed the insurance paper to deliver the artwork. Watching you from afar like this felt foreign. With the history you both had, who would have thought that he would spend his life dreading the future he could have had with you.

It is all too late now.

The ring around your finger isn’t his. Maybe it’s for the better. He couldn’t have cared for you better than Yoongi does.

The most difficult thing about this relationship is, getting stuck between caring too much, and not caring at all.

“So you’ll deliver them to Jungkook’s house soon?” your eyes darted up at him as he approached the table.

“Leave it to me…” he said with a broad smile and dire confidence from a seasoned seller. A billion dollar man like him, could get away with anything with that smile.

Namjoon hooks his finger around the flaps of the door handle of your car and watches you climb in. Winding the window down, he rests his elbows and fixes his eyes on you, a coy smile on his pretty lips. You darted at him a look. A look you’d give to your malice doing little brother to warn him.

“Go on dates, go meet people, Namjoon… How long will you live this way?” “How would you know I’m not meeting people?” “You stacked books in my online bookstore, and still use my Netflix account to watch movies…” “Books and movies are better companions.”

You looked at him through your lashes and in those particular moments of silence, glances were exchanged and feeling somehow attempted to rekindle, however, before it could, you looked away.

“I’m going to Yoongi’s office, I’ll tell him you said hi…” “But I didn’t…” “Goodbye, Namjoon.”

The white Mazda CX-3 glides away, seamlessly. Stopped at the junction, and entered the main road. All these while, Namjoon kept watching. And it seems like, all his life, he had been watching. Because that was all what he was courageous enough to do.

“‘She loved him too early, and he loved her too late…” Namjoon muttered to himself.

At the junctions, your car pulls to a stop as the traffic light turns red. The building you were in were kilometers away but the scent of Namjoon’s body lotion hasn’t left. You always refrain from reading too much anything Namjoon does because you’re not who you were anymore. Your loyalty is with Min Yoongi now and it should be. Rather than feeling like you used to feel for Namjoon, it actually narrows more to pity. Namjoon had it all. He had your endless support, you had been his emotional anchor, and he had taken you for granted for many years. Eventually, you pick up your worth and search within yourself what you’ve given him. What you found out when you peel yourself away from everything that is Namjoon, is the fact that he had given you nothing but his concerns. There was no give and take. All he does is take.

Finding yourself, led you to finding Yoongi.

Yoongi was nothing easy to have. So it daunts you that difficult men might have been your type. Yoongi is rash and dry on his best day and even more harsh and unapologetic than anyone you have ever met. It came to a point where you exploded, thinking that even as life swallowed you whole and his arms was the only thing that could save you, you’d rather be swallowed whole. When Yoongi heard such a damning insult to his being, he got even. As harsh as Yoongi appears to be, he was a softie right under the flesh. Under his blank expression and inattentive eyes, he is all soul and bones. The more you know him, the more you realize that you both are strikingly alike. From the way you solve problems to the way he speaks, you both are a lot more common than you are different.

He is so intelligent and witty and blunt. You can ask him about literally anything and he always has an opinion about it. Because of his wide arrays of interest, you can never run out of topics to talk about. He is a great fun, and always adventurous although he prefers to whine about it at first. He said he hates camping but when you forced him to come with you, he looked like he has been camping his whole life. Lit the bonfire within seconds, adapted the forest life and just casually calm. The kind of calmness you hadn’t felt in awhile, you felt in Yoongi’s presence. Camping nights are always so romantic with him playing the guitars and you requesting songs you know he doesn’t know. There will be crinkles around his eyes before he looks down, embarrassed for not knowing that song. Once you give him a listen, he could play by ear.

He is adorable when he is confused or terribly tired. One night, he asked if you would come over his studio’s rooftop to spend time together. He spoke two sentences and fell asleep while you were talking. He unknowingly leaned his head on your shoulder as he dozes off. You brushed his hair away and thumbed his cheeks. His lips pouting cutely as he slept. You sat awfully still for hours, hours that he is still paying off with himself. To this day. It is astonishing how he could look like the cutest little kitty and also looked like he could swallow you whole.

His dangly multi earrings, gorgeous eyes and veiny arms, his multifaceted talents are as endless as his sweet words. Yoongi could make you feel heard without you saying a word.

The pedal planted to the ground, screeching tires and loud crashes. The windows on the driver side shattered and the airbag deployed. Loud ringing in your head as you try to gather your thoughts. What’s happened? You drove ahead a little more, because if you didn’t the road would have been congested. You pressed the hazard light on and parked on the side of the road to avoid other cars.

Hooking your fingers around the car handle, the door was pushed open. The car that collided with you stopped behind you. Your Mazda could continue driving but you don’t want to risk it because the shell of the tire was a little dented. The sharp ends were grazing your tire if you continued. The driver whose car you collided with was eerily quiet but he kept staring at an interval. You gathered your purse and fished for your phone.

“Please don’t get mad…” you huffed, “I got into an accident…” The back of your wrist on your forehead as you looked around in worry.

“I am at a round-a-about pass on Samsung Building 77 street… I’ll send the location,” you breathed, oddly a little calmer than he expected you to be. It all happens too quickly. You weren’t sure who was in the wrong. The last thing you remember was using the signal stick to turn to the right and the car on the right wanted to head to the left, surreptitiously ignoring the signal you gave. It seemed ages for Yoongi to get there, but when he did, he parked a little further and got off the car, jogging to where you are. Your eyes stung and got watery as he came to get you. You were so grateful that he wasn’t angry and in fact, just wanted to know where you were so he could be where you are. He held onto your hand as he went to inspect the car and its damages.

“What are you going to do with my headlight?” the owner of the other car came over, uninvited. Yoongi instinctively pulls you behind him at the forwardness of this man.

“Take it easy, let’s check the dashcam to see who was actually in the wrong, let’s take this to the police station…”

“What police station, it is more than obvious that she was driving recklessly and not paying attention!” The man tried to go over Yoongi to get to you but Yoongi held his palm outward at this rude man.

“Like I said, we will take this to the police station and they’ll decide who is in the wrong and needs to pay for the damages…” Yoongi once again marched against this man and stared dead into his eyes while dialing on his phone. He placed his phone on his ear and continued to warn the man with his body language.

“The insurance company? Yes, I have a car you need to tow. We’re along Samsung 77th Street by the roundabout, how long will you take to get here? 10 minutes, okay…” Yoongi spoke on the phone. You held onto Yoongi’s arm tighter. One hand in his tight grip, the other clawing on his sleeves, slightly below his elbow. Your eyes unfocused. You were biting your lips. Chewing on them.

Yoongi climbed into his car after you. Pressed the car engine on and thumbed your knee. You weren’t as calm now.

“What if it is actually my fault? What if I was the one driving foolishly…?” You stuttered.

“We will let the police decide okay? We hadn’t even seen the footage from the dash cam yet, he could just be manipulating you to think that you were in the wrong, just by the look on his face I know he’s the type to drive like a drunkard and blame people for his mistakes…” Yoongi’s large palm covered your entire knee.

“You want jellies?” he tries to console you. “What about the car?” you looked over the car seat to the view of your stranded Mazda.

“The insurance company will have it towed, don’t worry… It’ll be okay,” he smiles and chuckles lightly, “This isn’t a big deal, accidents happen all the time, honey.”

The car pulled to a stop at the red traffic light, and he extended his arm to gather your hand to kiss your knuckles. You looked at him with watery eyes, full of guilt and despair and you said to him in broken voice,

“I’m so s-sorry… I’ve troubled you,” you bursted into tears, “I just went out to get gifts for Jungkook’s wedding and it all happened so fast…” Yoongi gathered your head in one hand, pulling your face into his nape. He plants kisses on your head and fondly smiles against your hair. . . . .

The police decided to hold the man accountable. He was clearly changing lanes without signals, and he was also ignoring your obvious signals. Not only was he driving past the speed limit at a roundabout in broad daylight, he had the audacity to shift the blames towards you. The dash cam was proof that he was a reckless driver so he had his driving license suspended and he had to pay for damages you faced. Yoongi laced his fingers into the gaps of yours as he turned around from the man. Yoongi smiled smugly and took you out of the police station. With the reports done and you were acquitted from any traffic misconduct, the car insurance company will cater to all the repairing. Yoongi will have to drive you everywhere for now but it wasn’t something he minds doing.

You let go of his hand and proceed to walk to the car, hugging yourself while he watches you from behind. Your steps weren’t hurried, rather they were a bit slow but for some reason you thought it was far better to not hold him. In your head, you are still scolding yourself and knowing you as far as he did, he understood it. He climbs into the car, avoiding eye contact as his index finger sunk into the engine button. You were dazed, looking out the window at everything on the outside. Noticing this, Yoongi stops by your favorite mall. He said he wanted to get some tools and appliances for the sink at home. Every three months, Yoongi would have the sink maintained by pouring cleaning liquid and have it stay there overnight so it won’t clog anytime soon. Usually, when this happens, he would buy dinners outside and take you out for breakfast the next morning.

Both of you once experienced the sink clogging before, and the whole kitchen was flooded with foul-smelling liquid. To make matters worse, Yoongi was away for business in Tokyo, and you had to handle them alone. Some plumbers walked in to help, and even if Yoongi was grateful for their help, he would rather his house be under his maintenance. That's why he keeps a schedule for every heavy duty appliance in the house. This is to avoid unnecessary over spending and inviting unnecessary people inside the house. He has a yearly check for the washing machine, the refrigerator, the electric stove, the air-conditioners and the oven. He is always making sure that everything is safe for you to use.

With the car parked so swiftly, Yoongi joins you in the mall's lobby. There aren’t many people around since it’s weekdays. And as if you remembered that you needed a conversation, you jerked your head up and to the side, at your husband.

“Oh right! You have a class today?” “Sent them home early with an assignment to mark later…”

He pauses, momentarily. Lifting his left wrist for the time, he yanked his sleeve up. He then, out of a sudden let out a sigh,

“Should we have dinner here or…” his voice drawls, “I plan to start on the sink right away when we get home…” “That sounds great, I don’t feel like cooking…”

You lifted your eyes at the elevator door opening before you. Yoongi lets you step in first. You move to the back of the elevator at the corner, by habit and Yoongi joins you. He could see from your face that the accident hadn’t left your mind. So when the elevator arrived at the second floor, instead of the fourth where the hardware stores were, he took your hand and walked out. You didn’t question him right away but you thought it was odd.

“Ice-cream…” he beamed at you.

He ordered your favorite. Waffles, drizzled with chocolate syrup and some fruits. Then you talked about Jungkook’s wedding gifts and plans on that day. He asked you about the venues since you were the one that booked them. You excitedly say that it was in great shape. The venue was a garden, it has this magnificent backdrop of a man-made lake and Jungkook’s fiancé loved the idea of exchanging vows at the view. However, your smile swept away when you spoke about the wedding dress.

“Why?” Yoongi spoke softly. “Because she seemed conflicted to follow what her friends’ recommended instead of what she truly wanted. She texted me yesterday, saying that she hated her wedding dress,” your shoulders dropped. “Why did she hate them?” “Her friends basically forced her to get this dress from a designer they know. From what I heard he was pretty famous, but she originally wanted her old classmate to make one for her. So now she regrets it, because the dress was not her style,” you sighed yet again.

Yoongi looked at you through his bangs and a small smile formed in the corner of his lips. Always taking in other peoples’ problems as your own, always thinking of others and always solving other people’s problems like your own. Yoongi could feel how devastated you were to hear that story first hand, and he is certain, as you were scooping those waffles into your mouth, you are thinking of ways to fix it. Typical. When you make a folded taco, you would take the ugliest one so he could have the prettier sets. When you buy medical supplies, you always make two purchases, one for him. The bigger portion of cake is for him, the larger piece, the better half. Even when you ate something you think is tasty, you would buy one for him at home.

In one ways or another, you are constantly thinking of him. It gives him butterflies. How lucky was he to be able to find you. How can someone look past such a genuinely beautiful person. Inside and out. Whose love is this true and this devoted. Only a dire fool, that is.

From the ways you love him, he is most certain that you haven't changed any part of you.

“Oh!” you exclaimed, “I bought you something… I saw this at the bookstore, it's a moon and star water globe and I thought it would look good on your studio desk…” You rummaged your bag for the item while your husband sat there, staring at you with a fond smile. Literally, a woman’s bag is a wonder. There’s all kinds of things in there. Receipts from 5 years ago, set of cutleries for travelling, hand sanitizer, tissues, a notepad, a glue gun and candies. Coins.

He picks the old receipts up between his index finger and middle finger.

“Why do you keep these things?” he chuckles. You looked over at him and snatched them.

“Are you worried that a cop may come and ask you, where were you, four years ago at 2:53 pm so you can whip out that receipt from your back and be like, ‘I was at the Hunts Restaurant sir, I had a bento and tea. I have receipts to prove it?’ For your alibi?”

“I might…” you dashed. Half of your head disappeared into the bag, still looking for the globe.

Yoongi picks up Band-Aids, some unopened menstrual pads and coupons from your favorite pizza place that expired four months ago.

“Honestly…” he comments.

“Aha!” You exclaimed, “The globe…”

The globe, like its name, has moon and stars on it. His nimble fingers examined it, closely. You were so expectant of what he’ll say.

“It’s pretty…” he said. “Isn’t it…” you gushed.

You return them into your bag because Yoongi don’t have one. Once again, you reminded him to put them on his table later on. He assures you he will, he even kept it in the car’s dashboard, so that when he returns to the office, he’ll make sure to take it with him. On the ride back home, you fell asleep. He made sure that he went over the bumps on the road gently, making his turns like a grandma on the wheel. He parked the car and waited. Fishing out his phone and he took pictures of you sleeping. He scrolls down messages from work, check on items he bought online, read a few emails...

Then you inhaled sharply, awake. Stretching your fingers.

“Why didn’t you wake me up?” you mewled sleepily. “Based on experience, you take 10-15 minutes to wake up when the car stops... “ he nonchalantly passed. You smiled at his bluntness. He endured 10-15 minutes of silence with his sleeping wife despite the turmoil he went through today. You couldn’t have married a better man. Even if there was a better man out there, if it isn’t Yoongi, you don’t want him.

Yoongi wasn’t lying when he said he wants to work on the sink immediately. You held the torch while he examined the sink. He wants to change the tap and clean the drainage hole. While he was struggling under the counter, you can’t help thinking that you were so fortunate. From how he handles things, to how he comforted you in times of need, to how he is made of husband material, you are certain, that God made this one, especially for you.

When he rolled out from underneath the sink, he caught you daydreaming. And he threw a sheepish smile at you. His thin white shirt is now drenched with spots of sweats on his chest and along his back. And he snarkily say,

“Wanna shower?”

You bit your lips at his remarks, playing coy at his forwardness. When in all honesty, you were down for it. And all the showers you will have in the future. . . .

Deep in you, knees dug into the mattress, between your thighs. His veiny arms gripping hard on the bed sheet. The sounds of heavy paintings, squelching cascaded in the room. He hovers sloppy kisses along your jaws like he was possessed and he said in his husky voice,

“That guy Namjoon… don’t feel right…” “I’ve been meaning to…” hisses in the delectable pain, “Talk about him…”

You propped your elbows up, leaning against it, brushing sweaty skin with Yoongi, you spoke is rasps,

“He said some strange things, so I am going to… delete him.”

Yoongi bit his smile, his porcelain skin glistening with the sweat that drenched him. His hand glides down your torso, with touches so hungry and starved kisses. He drew out a long deep moan, dove his face into your neck, chanted your name like a mantra--like a man standing on the verge of sanity, licking on the taste of infinity. .

.

.

.

.

Copyright © February 8th, 2021 namjoonchronicles do not repost, and thank you for reading! Likes and reblogs makes me happy!

[theatreslave]

Recovery

Chapter One

Drea Mikami silenced her cellphone for the third time in ten minutes. It was ringing incessantly, receiving calls from a number she didn’t recognize. She was supposed to be concentrating on paperwork but the sinking feeling that had started in her stomach two weeks ago when the number called her for the first time, was growing.

The phone rang again and she silenced just as her partner Michaela Stone-Landon reached her desk.

“You’re popular.” Michaela said with a raised eyebrow.

“It’s nothing just asking about my vehicle warranty or whatever. I swear those telemarketers are trying to annoy me to death,” Drea replied with her usual sass, trying not to show her nerves to her partner. Her amazing partner who was soon to be leaving her for a while. “Did you finish up everything? Are you excited?”

“Yeah I tied up loose ends and I have the rest of my paperwork done. Any open cases have been transferred to different detectives, barring the ones you wanted of course,” She said fondly. Silencing her friend’s phone for her the next time it rang. “In a couple hours I will be on a flight to my honeymoon, stress free!”

“I’m really happy for you Mick. I hate you for leaving me here by myself but how could I stop such a happy couple from enjoying their private time! Just make sure to have a few margaritas for me. Or better yet a few mai tais.” Drea laughed.

“You gonna be ok? I know Bowers assigned you to work with Jared while I’m gone.” Michaela asked, feeling a bit awkward.

Drea scoffed, “It’s just Jared. Afraid I’ll steal him away?”

“You can have him. Just don’t let him sulk too much ok. And take it easy on him. Your unending enthusiasm might actually make him smile and he might get a cramp in his face.” She joked.

“Oh trust me Mrs.Landon, I will make sure your ex-boy toy has nothing else to worry about except how to shut me up.” Drea stood up next to her partner and gave her a hug. “He’ll be ok Mic. He’s a big boy. I’m sure under all that brooding he is happy for you. Jared is just a passionate guy and you were all he was passionate about for a while.”

Drea released Mick from her hug. Mick nodded in agreement. “I know. He was all I knew for a long time too but Zeke, he’s everything and more. I can’t explain it. We are more than just soul mates. It’s deeper than that.”

“I know it is. I mean he survived against all odds because of you. So don’t worry, a dose of MIkami and me gushing over all the nauseatingly cute pictures you send me from your trip, will turn Jared off of you forever.” Drea was more than confident that she would have some fun while Mick was away. “And speak of the Devil.”

Jared Vasquez, newly appointed lieutenant, strode into the precinct confidently. He shrugged off his jacket and paused before scanning the bullpen and spotting the two women next to Mikami’s desk.

“It’s our big strong lieutenant back from a successful mission,” Drea teased. “I was just saying ‘bon voyage’ to the newly wed before she leaves tonight.”

Jared chuckled a bit then turned to Michaela, “Have a safe trip, and come back on time. Or if you’re going to disappear, take me with you this time.”

Michaela smacked the man’s arm, then gave him a hug as well. “I’ll be back, I promise. Be nice to Drea ok. I don’t wanna come back here and find out that you made her cry.”

“Like he could make me cry!”

“I’m not that mean!”

Drea’s phone rang and she absentmindedly silenced it again. Jared noticed but ignored it, figuring that she didn’t want to interrupt the conversation.

“So Vasquez, was it a successful mission?” Drea diverted.

“Yup, finally caught those Irish mobsters after, what, 6 months of tailing them. I am ready for something simple after all that.” Jared said as he loosened his tie and unbuttoned his top button.

“Congratulations! That’s great I know how that case has been bothering you. Using their prep-school sons as drug mules was a new low.” Michaela said with a sad look as she started packing up her bag at her desk just across from Drea’s.

Drea’s phone rang again and this time she flinched. Michaela reached over and silenced it again. Before Jared could ask what was up with that Michaela was ready to head off.

“I will see you guys in a month. I’ll send you guys some pictures. Call me if you need anything. But only if it’s urgent.” Michaela said with a wink and then waved as she walked out of the precinct.

“Aww they grow up so fast.” Drea said, wiping away a fake tear.

Jared stared at her for a second before rolling his eyes, “Make sure your weirdness doesn’t rub off on me.”

“I’m not weird! I’m just confident in my uniqueness.” Drea stuck her tongue out at him, “At least I know how to have fun.”

Her cellphone rang again. Jared finally lost his battle against his own curiosity and swiped Drea's phone and answered it. “Hello, you’re calling this phone an awful lot and it’s really starting to get annoying.”

Drea’s eyes were wide as saucers as she tried to take the phone from the much taller man in front of her. “Jared, what the hell! Give that back.”

“Who are you? Why are you answering this call?” A male voice answered. The tone he used alarmed Jared.

“Hey man, just stop calling this number ok. She doesn’t want to talk to you. And you’re making it so I can’t even enjoy the silence of a nearly empty precinct.” Jared scoffed.

“Are you that bitch’s new lap dog? She’ll curse you like she did to me. She’ll ruin you. Drea I know you’re there! You fucking bitch!” The man would have been foaming at the mouth if he were in front of Jared.

Drea finally pulled the phone from Jared’s grasp and disconnected the call. Jared was shocked then angry. “ Drea what the hell was that? Who was that? Are you in trouble?”

“Jared, it's nothing. I promise. Just some guy that’s mad that I didn’t go on a second date with him. Don’t worry about it. I was gonna get a new phone tomorrow anyway.” Drea just shut her phone off and tried to busy herself at her desk.

Jared took a moment to stare at her then went to his desk to grab a couple things, threw his jacket back on and then found his way back to her desk. “Grab what you need, the day is over and I am taking you to get a new phone.”

“Jared you really don’t have to do this,” Drea refused.

“I don’t but I’m not going to have a sleepless night thinking about that grim reaper calling you every ten minutes, so let’s move Mikami.” Jared said jokingly, trying to lighten the mood. At first Drea hesitated then grabbed her things and followed the Cuban man out of the precinct.

Drea sat in Jared’s passenger seat, having taken the bus that morning instead of her own car. It was silent as they made their way to the closest AT&T store. She played with her fingers feeling nervous for some reason.

“Do you need help getting a restraining order?” Jared asked, keeping his eye on the busy evening streets of New York.

Drea considered being honest but decided against it. Her and Jared weren’t very close and she didn’t need to involve him. “Yeah but it’s not like he’s stalking me. I probably should have given him a social media account instead of my actual number.”

“Don’t take any of the blame here, Drea. If this guy is really just being an asshole because he can’t take rejection. That’s all on him. You’ve blocked his number?”

“Yeah but he just calls with new ones. But it’s ok, I have my knight in shining necktie taking me to get a new phone so everything should be fine.” Drea teased, hoping the topic would be dropped.

“Brat,” Jared glanced at her, “If you ever need my help with some dude, don’t hesitate to ask. I know I may not be the best guy but I won’t stand for any of you girls getting treated like shit.”

“Thank you, Jared. Really it means a lot. But I don’t think this will be a big deal so don’t worry too much. That wrinkle between your brows will just get deeper.”

“I do not have a wrinkle!” Jared shot back as he parked the car. “Come on, let's go.”

“You’re coming with me?” Drea asked, surprised.

“And what, leave you here to take a night bus or taxi by yourself? Not a chance, especially after that phone call. We are getting you a new phone then you are buying me dinner for driving you around.” Jared said as they both exited the car and made their way across the street.

“How about I just cook you something? I was going to make some ramen when I got home anyway.” Drea said, smiling at Jared, honestly relieved to not be alone.

“That sounds like a deal. Just don’t poison me ok.” Jared joked as he pulled the store door open for her.

“You’ll see. Unlike Michaela I am an amazing cook!” Drea smacked Jared’s shoulder lightly as she walked past him.

The process of getting a new phone was a bit of a hassle as it always is. The minute Drea turned her old phone on, to transfer data, it started pinging with ‘missed call’ notifications followed by more calls from mystery numbers.

Jared looked a bit concerned but as soon as the service was cut off the phone stopped chiming. Drea opted for a Samsung, switching her allegiances, as the sales rep called it. It made transferring her phone numbers and data a little incomplete but Jared made sure to grab her phone and edit his contact information for her.

“Hey I literally just got that!” Drea said after saying ‘goodbye’ to the young man who helped her with her phone.

“I’m just making sure you have me saved properly.” Jared said with a laugh before snapping a picture of himself. “There ya go.”

Jared handed her the new phone as they both made it back to his car. Once they were both seated and Jared had her address in the GPS, Drea finally had a chance to look at his contact info. He had taken a quick selfie with a smile on his face from that dumb angle that guys always take it from. And had saved himself as Jared “Knight in Shining Necktie” Vasquez.

“You’re honestly a giant dork under all that machismo, aren’t you?” Drea smiled as she looked over at him.

“Only around my friends. So keep it a secret. Now are you really going to cook for me or am I just dropping you off? I’m starving after that kid couldn’t stop talking about Samsung being better than Apple blah blah blah. “ Jared said as he made his way down her street.

“Hey, we made a deal. Plus you were right, I definitely prefer this over taking the bus or subway. You can just have the valet take your car. Jonathan will take care of it.” Drea said as they pulled up to an upper class apartment building. Jared let out a low whistle.

“Your apartment complex has a valet? I knew you came from money Drea, but come on now.” Jared said, looking in awe as he stopped the car and spotted the valet driver.

“Jonathan, you’ll take care of Jared’s car won’t you.” Drea asked happily as she made her way into the building.

“Of course, Ms. Mikami. Will the Sir be spending the night?”

“Jonathan! You’re scandalous. Jared is just having dinner with me as a favor so don’t you go reporting to my mother about anything.” Drea teased the older gentleman.

“Of course Miss. Have a wonderful dinner.”

Jared watched the exchange and couldn’t help but chuckle at Drea’s cheerful manner. He followed Drea through the lobby to the elevators which were just as extravagant as the front of the building. “I’m guessing your mother likes to keep an eye on you.”

“She’s always been a tiger mom. She never did forgive me for going into law enforcement and now she wants me to apologize by getting married to one of her friends’ sons.” Drea scoffed. They made it to her apartment and she swiftly let them in.

Jared was pleased to see that her apartment was rather simple but lived in. She had a cat, or he figured she did from the litter box in the corner of the living room that opened up from the front door.

“You can hang your jacket up right there. And take off your shoes please!” Drea called as she rushed into what he assumed was the kitchen to work on their dinner. “Have a look around while I cook. And if you see Mimi, she’s friendly, I promise!.”

“You named your cat ‘Mimi’?” Jared asked as he made his way further into the apartment. He noticed a VR headset promptly displayed next to the TV, a bookcase filled to the brim, and that most of her furniture was a dark cherry color. The depth of which was offset by her cream colored walls and the shine of her lights off the various mirrors that helped make her apartment feel larger than it was.

“Yeah, why? You don’t like it?” Drea called back. The sounds of running water and then the telltale chop of a knife on a cutting board filled the apartment.

“Mimi Mikam? It’s cute.” Jared said with a laugh. He stood at the threshold of the kitchen.

“And she’s cute. If you haven’t seen her then she will come out when I bring her food out,” Drea said absentmindedly as she busied herself with the bowling water and what looked like noodles.

“Where’s your bathroom? I wanna wash up.” Jared asked, not wanting to try and find out himself in case he got accused of snooping. Not that he wasn’t a little interested in the inner workings of his silver spoon fed coworker.

“Just keep going down the hall past the living room. The first door on the right. The door on the left is the guest bedroom. The one at the end of the hall is my room, and across from it is a closet.” Drea answered not looking up from the meat she was slicing.

“Thanks. Not that I needed a full floor plan,” Jared replied as he turned to the hallway.

“I’m just being thorough. Like I am with this food you’re going to love by the way,” Drea shot back.

Jared just chuckled to himself as he walked down the hall, flicking a light switch as he went. The hall was longer than he expected. He found the bathroom easily and washed his hands. He pulled off his tie, finally letting himself relax after the long day. The Lieutenant looked at himself in the mirror, taking in the littering of grey hairs and the deepening crease between his brows. Jared let out a long sigh, he really wasn’t getting any younger. He shook his head and let his mind focus on the enigma that was Drea and her mystery caller. He had a feeling there was more to this than some stilted “nice guy” but he didn’t want to pry. He wasn’t as close to Drea as Michaela but hopefully a month as partners would remedy that.

Jared exited the bathroom only to hear the sound of something falling in what he now knew was Drea’s bedroom.

“Jared,” Drea called from the kitchen.

“Yeah?” Jared called back, his sense on high alert and his hand on his gun which was still at his belt.

“Can you make sure Mimi didn’t knock over the glass I keep on my bedside? She does that sometimes when she realizes I’m home,” Drea requested.

“Yea sure,” Jared let out a sigh of relief and then made his way down the hall. The door to her room was already ajar. Knowing that Drea asked him to check made it easier for him to flick the light switch and enter her bedroom. Jared chuckled to himself, “I guess this is one way to get into a woman’s bedroom.”

Drea’s bedroom was the definition of feminine sophistication. She had a four post canopy bed with light gauzy curtains that were pulled open. Her sheets were a cream color with mauve accents. The wood of her furniture matched the furniture in the rest of her apartment. Her side tables matched and had gold filigree lamps atop them. The carpets were plush and squishy under Jared’s socked feet. He noticed an empty glass laying haphazardly on the floor and moved to pick it up. The glass was placed neatly back on her bedside table.

Jared took a moment to snoop, unable to help himself. There was a small porcelain tree next to her lamp. A ring holder. He did notice she always wore a pinky ring on her left hand and a plain gold band on her right ring finger. A simple brush lay next to it along with a novel. Something horror related from the looks of the cover. Across from the foot of the bed was a dresser and next to that a vanity. In the opposite corner was a desk and a door that he assumed led to the master bathroom.

His attention turned at the soft mewl of Mimi who made herself known. She appeared and with the usual agility of a cat, hopped on to the vanity. That’s when Jared noticed that Drea’s window was open. She hadn’t been in here since they arrived and he doubted that she left it open by accident. Jared shut the window and did a quick sweep of the room. Once satisfied that no one was hiding in the room he turned back to Mimi.

“You wouldn’t be in here if there was an intruder right?” Mimi just blinked up at him. She was a short haired cat. Small and white, with striking blue eyes. She mewed at him and made a movement trying to rub up against him. Jared wasn’t a cat person but he had to admit she was cute. He stepped closer and tentatively reached out a hand. Mimi happily bumped her head against his palm asking for pets.

Jared smiled down at the cat just as Drea called, “Dinner’s ready! Quit snooping and come back out here.”

Jared slowly picked up the snow white cat and was surprised to see how easily she curled into him and purred. He held her to his chest, scratching her head as he made his way back to the kitchen where Drea had set a table for two at the small dining table. “Hey, I wasn’t snooping, I was bonding. See.”

Drea turned and smiled at the sight of the normally stoic detective holding her purring white cat while he scratched her head. “ Aww that’s so cute. Mimi likes you.”

“By the way did you leave your window open? I closed it for you. You should be more careful.” Jared said as he took a seat. Finally he relinquished his hold on Mimi who was more than happy to make her way to her food bowl which Drea had filled.

Drea hesitated then sat down as well, “Uh, yeah I must have forgotten about it when I went to work this morning. Thanks. I really should wake up earlier. Anyway, here we are, a Mikami special. Tonkatsu ramen and shredded seaweed chicken rolls with a side of rice.”

“Wow, it definitely smells better than anything Mick has ever tried to make,” Jared joked..

“Dig in. You had a long successful day and this is our first time hanging out as partners.” Drea said, “Thank you for coming with me to get a new phone too.”

“If I get fed like this every time I might have to do you more favors.” Jared happily dug in.

They chatted throughout dinner enjoying the food and eventually opening up a bottle of wine. Drea reasoned that they were both off tomorrow anyway. Jared, having loosened up, asked Drea about the VR headset he saw and she was more than happy to teach him how to use it. And that’s how they ended up in the living room, Jared exhausted after playing a shooting game and Drea exhausted from laughing so hard at his irritation.

“You know, I should get one of these. It’s like working out without a gym.” Jared said between breaths as he turned off the headset and returned it to its stand.

“I never took you for a gamer. But I must say that was definitely entertaining. You get way too competitive.” Drea said with a laugh. “You should just bunk out in my spare room. It’s late and we drank the whole bottle.”

“Are you sure? I’m not drunk or anything.” Jared realized it was nearing 2 a.m.

“You still drank. We’re cops Jared, we have to set a good example. And you won’t have to worry about me drunkenly jumping you in bed, the spare room has a lock.” Drea said cheekily as she started cleaning up the errant wine glasses and napkins.

“Let me do that then. You cooked and let me stay so I will wash the dishes. Go get ready for bed.” Jared insisted as he started picking up bowls and utensils.

“Yes dad, “ Drea joked as she let him take over, a yawn escaping her mouth.

“I prefer Daddy.” Jared quipped before he could stop himself. Drea let out a laugh and threw a pillow at him. “In your dreams Vasquez.”

He caught the pillow laughing as he cleaned up the remains of their dinner. It wasn’t until he was nearly done with the dishes that he felt the wine headache coming on. Drea met him in the hallway with some extra towels and a pair of sweats that were much too large to be her actual size.

“Here. So you can wash up and change. You’re lucky I like to wear big mens sweats when I’m home by myself. I will be off to bed now. Goodnight Jared.” Drea said nonchalantly as she handed him the pile then made her way back to her room, picking up Mimi who had been winding around her legs.

“Thanks Drea, goodnight.” Jared said. He washed up in the bathroom then went into the guest bedroom to change. It was simpler than her bedroom and slightly smaller but still had the plush carpet and elegant side tables. He took off his shirt and pants, hanging them up in the empty closet, then unfolded the sweats. They were a bit loose on him but were worn in. He could tell from the creases that Drea normally folded the legs up quite a bit. His eyes barely staying open, he hopped into the bed, thinking for a moment about how he ended up here. A ghost of a smile on his face as he drifted off to sleep.

Saying goodnight to Jared was an odd feeling but not bad. Drea definitely didn’t think her day would end with Jared Vasquez sleeping in her apartment. But as she went over the events of the day, it seemed to be an appropriate ending. Drea was about to climb into bed when she noticed something green on her vanity.

As she walked across the room and started to recognize the object, her blood ran cold. She stood less than a foot away, staring down at the handmade Valentine’s Day card wishing it would burst into flames. She looked up at the window next to the vanity, the one that had been open. For a split second panic filled her at the idea that he had made his way into her apartment. But Jared would have noticed, he wouldn’t let her get hurt. He wasn’t here but he had been.

Drea swiftly walked to the kitchen and grabbed some chopsticks and a ziplock bag, hoping her movements wouldn’t wake Jared. She was back in her room with the door shut behind her. She paused again, staring across the room at the offensive item. Until she let her anger surge up within her and drive her forward. She used the chopsticks effortlessly and put the card into the ziplock bag before shoving it in a bottom drawer of her vanity.

Breathing heavily she made her way to her bed. Hoping she would be able to get some sleep. Hoping the vents of the past two days wouldn’t send her spiraling back into her nightmares.

AND THATS IT FOR CHAPTER ONE. SOON TO BE ADDED TO AO3 and FANFIC.NET

[ryosei-hime]

Sex and Therapy : The Safe Word

Concord learns a bit more about Fizz’s history. Rape is discussed in this chapter. I also attempt to show Concord actually having a life outside of his apartment. : P Also available on AO3.

Concord had a hard time concentrating at work the next day, knowing Fizz waited for him at home. He did his best to pay attention to his clients but, between them, his receptionist could catch him staring off into the distance with a silly grin. 

“Sir, are you okay?” 

Concord blushed and tried to pull his professional demeanor back together before turning his chair to face her fully.

“Yes, of course, Lannah.”

She lowered her spectacles and raised her eyebrows at him as she placed some papers on his desk. 

“I’m fine,” he stated again in a warning tone.

She sighed as she set her glasses up to rest in front of her black and white horns, dropping the professional facade Concord liked to insist upon. 

“I’ve never seen you make more than three facial expressions in all the time I’ve worked for you, Concord. What’s got you so excited?”

“It’s nothing.” He rearranged a few random items on his desk. “Has my three o’ clock arrived.” 

“Canceled.” She gave him a smug look. “Looks like you have some time to talk.” 

“It’s very unprofessional to engage in these sorts of conversations with employees.” 

She gasped and hopped up to sit on his desk. 

“These kinds of conversations? Do you have a date?” 

 Concord cursed his big mouth once more. Of course he used the same phrasing he’d used to try to curtail her oversharing with patients about her personal life.

“In...a way. I suppose. But again, it’s not appropriate workplace conversation.”

“Sir, I’ve worked for you for six years. You have never smiled the way you’ve been smiling today. I gotta know!” 

Concord found himself being shaken by the shoulders. 

“Okay, Lannah! Please, control yourself.” 

She released him and wiggled excitedly as Concord eyed her like a live grenade.

“Who is it? What are they like? How’d you meet?” 

“I...I’d rather not say too much. But I will gladly tell you he’s very out of my league in terms of physical appearance.” 

“He’s hot?” 

Concord lost his professional mask, giddiness taking over as he reacted to Lannah’s energy. 

“He’s so hot, and so tall!” 

“Picture! Picture!” 

“I’m afraid I don’t have one.” 

“Then what’s your favorite part of him?” 

“His eyes. They captivate me.” Concord looked a little bashful as he recalled the way Fizz’s eyes shone in the darkness of the closet. 

“Aww. That’s so sweet. I’m so happy for you, sir. I’ve been worried about you. Couple more years and I would have had to ask you out myself.”

Concord’s gave her a deadpan look.

“Really, Lannah?”

She laughed and poked him on his forehead. 

“Hey, you’re cute enough for a pity date.” 

“Sadly, I’ll take that as a compliment.” 

The rest of the day went by fairly quickly. He did have to deal with Lannah giggling at him from time to time if she caught him smiling to himself. But he combated his embarrassment at being caught expressing happiness by reminding himself she was actually happy for him not laughing at him. 

When Concord finally arrived home, he braced himself to be swept off his feet. But Fizz wasn’t waiting for him at the door like an excited puppy like he expected. That didn’t slow him down. He hucked his briefcase without looking to see where it landed, too busy struggling out of his sweater as he stumbled across the room.

“Fizz! I’m home!” 

“I’m waiting!” he called back. 

Concord finished fighting his way out of his sweater and followed the voice to his room. He found Fizz with his hands above his head, tied to the headboard as he reclined against a pile of pillows. His pose made Concord think of some romance novel covers he’d seen, long legs curled in a way that accentuated the hips, chest thrust forward a bit. Concord’s body reacted as intended, but his mind still got fixated on what should have been an irrelevant fact at this point. 

“How did you tie yourself up?” 

Fizz responded by sticking his long tongue out with a wink and that got him moving. He laughed as Concord scrambled up to him. He took Fizz’s face in his hands and their lips met, desperate and messy, only parting for moments so Concord could breathe. He finally had to lean back and Fizz followed those lips as far as he could, pulling on the ropes binding him. 

He fell back against the pillows and stared up at Concord, a demure expression on his face as he rolled his hips to part his legs. 

“I’m all yours. What’ll you do with me?” 

Concord blushed more for the position he found himself in than anything. He hadn’t planned on taking charge. If he’d known, he’d have spent all day obsessing about it. What would he do? Why did he have to be so awkward? He couldn’t compare to what Fizz did for him.

He had to follow his instincts, Satan help him. He felt his body moving forward, hand sliding up Fizz’s thigh as he leaned up to kiss him again. Softer this time, less desperate as their tongues met and felt each other out. Concord opened his eyes as he pulled away, meeting Fizz’s. 

“You have the most beautiful eyes.” 

He hadn’t even thought before saying it and would have kicked himself if he weren’t so lost in them. Fizz looked amused. 

“You’re such a softie. Did I even need to come up with a safe word?” 

Concord felt a bit embarrassed for a moment. He’d said too much. He felt like hiding before the other half of what Fizz said clicked. He looked confused. 

“Wait. You can’t use the one I use?” 

“Not unless you want me to go rag doll on you, baby. Or are you into that?”

Concord ignored his attempts to keep things rolling.

“That works even when you say it?” Concord’s wheels turned slowly. “But that means….if you can’t…”

Concord reached up and started pulling at the ropes around Fizz’s wrists. 

“I like to show off and all. But that was actually very hard to do on my own, you know.” 

Concord ignored him again, wanting him to be completely free before he started talking. He straddled him as the ropes fell away and intended to look him in the eye, but he couldn’t. He kept his head down, tears stinging the corners of his eyes. 

“Fizz. Your previous owner made it so you couldn’t tell them to….to cease their actions without….terminating your own functioning?” 

“He didn’t like to be told what to do,” Fizz responded coldly.

“He raped you.” 

“I don’t have bodily autonomy. Legally, he was within his rights.” 

Concord looked up suddenly and took Fizz’s face in shaky hands, tears trailing down his cheeks. 

“Fuck legality! Fizz. Who was he? What’s his name?” 

“I can’t tell you. Confidentiality policies.” 

“Could we get Cog to override that?” 

“It’s part of my core programming.” Fizz’s voice suddenly took on a tinny sound. “It is inadvisable to tamper with core Fizzarolli programming. Tampering with core programming will void your warranty. Mammon is not responsible for dismemberment or death once the warranty is void.” 

“Maybe we can….find a loophole?” 

Concord’s eyes were scanning the air for answers now, frantic. 

“Concord.” Fizz took his hands from his face. “Don’t.”

Concord looked at him and Fizz wiped away some of the tears on his cheeks. He stared into his eyes pointedly and Concord looked away. He wrapped his arms around Fizz’s neck and leaned into him for a hug. His voice came out a sad and desperate muffle.

“But he raped you.” 

Fizz’s arms came up around him, tightening as he leaned his head against Concord’s. 

“Yeah. Yeah, I guess he did. But I’m here with you now.” 

He sounded as if he were only just accepting that word could apply to him. Rage wormed its way into Concord’s heart. It burrowed into the center and made a nest. Fizz couldn’t tell him who he was. But Concord would find him somehow. He’d find him and he’d kill him. 

“You’ll always be safe with me. I promise.” 

Fizz kissed his horn, rubbing his back. 

“I know, baby.” 

Concord pulled back after a bit and wiped at his eyes. 

“I’m sorry. You shouldn’t be having to comfort me.” 

“So, why don’t you comfort me now?” he suggested with a grin.

“We need to call Cog to turn this safe word off before we do anything.”

“You mean change it.”

“No. We can use safe words without them literally turning you off. I trust you to pause on your own when I ask. Why didn’t I realize it could be turned off before?”

“It can’t. It’s a safety protocol. There has to be a failsafe word. It’s part of the core programming.” 

“Then we’ll change it to something ridiculous that I’ll never be able to pronounce.” 

“Concord. Do I get to have a say on this one?” 

“Of course. But why would you want to keep it?”

“The safe word isn’t bad. What he did with it was. What if something goes wrong with my programming? I could hurt you. I need to know you can shut me down. Let me have this.”

“...I don’t have to let you.” Concord was a little embarrassed he’d gone off and forgotten to take Fizz’s feelings into consideration. “It’s your decision.” 

Fizz slipped a hand behind his head and hooked it around a horn, pulling Concord’s face up to his. 

“Then let’s just wait to call Cog. I promised you a lot of things yesterday. And I really want to give them to you.” 

Concord wanted to check with him that he really wanted to continue after such a sensitive subject, but he’d promised himself he wouldn’t try to be Fizz’s therapist. And that was a very therapist thing to ask. Right now he had to trust Fizz knew what he needed. So, he smiled for him and brushed his cheek with a thumb.

“Then take me. I’m yours.”  

He leaned up to kiss Fizz softly, but Fizz didn’t let him pull away, pushing more passion into it. He released his horn and donned his demure look again. 

“But first, let me be yours. Show me that strength in softness you talked about.” 

Concord laughed a little and felt some of the pressure relieved. He didn’t have to live up to Fizz. He could just be himself and Fizz would at the very least find it adorable or quaint. Maybe that was okay. As long as he brought Fizz any kind of joy. 

As long as he made him forget for even a moment. 

[demivampirew]

So we meet again - part 4

Henry x Reader x Chris

Summary: A recent graduate recounters someone from her past with who things did not exactly ended up in great terms. She holds a grudge on him for that and still has unanswered questions about what happened.

You can find the rest of the story in the Masterlist

Triggers: cursing, stalking and mentions sex (not smut) - also mentions of cheating.

After your first class of the day, you decided to go for a coffee before your next class. You were tired. Last night you had problems sleeping because you could not stop thinking about Henry. And, to make matters worse, you argued with a student that thought that you were injust with his exam grade when he got wrong crucial points. You thought that teaching college students would be easier than highschoolers, but sometimes they were even worse. The only positive thing that happened that morning was receiving a message from Chris asking if you were ok going to The Ledbury for dinner. You weren't used to going to fancy restaurants, but you agreed to go there and he requested your address to pick you up at 7 pm. - I don't think I've ever seen you wear pink. That baby pink jacket looks amazing on you.- a deep male voice that came from behind you said. You turned around and it was non-other than Henry. Was he following you? - What the hell are you doing here? - you questioned annoyed - Same that you, buying coffee. - he replied smiling - Yeah, how curious that from all places you decided to buy coffee in a coffee shop close to my workplace. - your sarcastic tone made him smirk and he shrugged but didn't reply-  Are you following me? - I just want to talk to you, but you keep ignoring my calls and texts and blocking me from social media.- he reproached you, putting a sad puppy face. - Oh, my biggest apologies. I've been ghosted in the past. It feels awful, doesn't it? - I've never blocked you from social media, he shrugged - OMG! I'm so sorry! What a terrible mistake I made! That, of course, changes everything! - I understand that you're mad at me for everything, you have the right to be angry with me; hell, I'm angry at myself for everything that happened between us. That's the reason I've been trying to talk to you. - Well, it seems that at least we both have something in common.- you pointed out- And I don't want to talk to you. - I believe we have another thing in common. This thing is why I'm trying hard to speak to you. - Oh, yeah? Well, enlight me, will you? What else do we have in common? - you asked amused - You still have feelings for me; I have the same feelings for you. - You're right. I do have feelings for you...I hate you. And I don't doubt that you hate me too, after all the crap that you did. - Again, I'm more than sorry. But no, you don't hate me. And I'm certainly don't hate you. The fact that I'm an idiot that caused you pain it doesn't mean that I cannot love you. I screwed up big time, I know. But, I believe I still can make things right if you give me a chance. - he pleaded. - Do you want to make things right? - you asked - Well, why don't you start by disappearing and leaving me alone. You started to walk away but he followed you while trying to get you to talk to him. - Leave me alone! I'll be late to my next class.- you exclaimed, a bit too loud which caused a few pedestrians to look at you. - That's not true. Your next class is in an hour.- he replied and then bit his tongue, knowing that he shared a piece of information that he wasn't supposed to know. - How the hell you know that? - you asked him furiously. - I can't say. I made a promise. - he apologized. You looked straight to his face, trying to read his expression. - Oh, man...I'm going to kill Mark!- you shouted. - Don't, please! It's not his fault. He was too busy in the pub and I kept bothering him until he shared the information so I'd leave him to work in peace. - Alright.- you accepted.- I blame you for that as well. So another negative point for you. Now, leave me be and leave my friends alone as well.- you turned around again and walked away. This time he did not follow you; he knew you were too mad at him to talk. He would have to wait for another moment when you were in another mood.

You barely owned any dresses. You were a pants kind of girl. But, unfortunately, the place was too fancy for pants, so you searched in your closet and found a dress that your sister got you as a birthday gift two years ago and you never wore. The dress was a metallic grey with long sleeves and had black lines. It was pretty chick and stylish, but too short for your taste. So you put a pair of leather leggings underneath and a pair of black stilettos. Put some makeup on and Very Irresistible by Givenchy as your fragrance of choice. You were waiting outside by the time Chris arrived to pick you up. He was a few minutes earlier that the time that you agreed, but you were waiting because you always liked to be prepared with plenty of time - being late wasn't something you were used to doing. He apologized for making you wait, even if you assured him that he was earlier than the time he was supposed to be there. He complimented your wardrobe and then opened the backseat door of the fancy car for you to get in and then he got in the car next to you as he told the driver that he could proceed to drove you to the restaurant. He continued to flirt with you, throwing lines that you knew he must have told to many ladies in the past. Thanks to your ex, you could easily recognize the behaviour of a ladies' man. Chris was charming, but there was no doubt he was a sweet talker. You enjoyed the compliments, though. Furthermore, you were delighted to make jokes for every cheesy line he throw at you. You noticed that your sense of humour was amusing him and he was having a great time. He had a captivating smile, there was no denying that. His laugh was adorable too. The only problem with him was that during the date he would barely talk about his life and only would ask questions about yours and that would remind you about your ex's behaviour once more. He at first was all about you, because he wanted to get you into bed and when you started dating things changed, especially when he started to sleep with other women while he was with you. That thought that crossed your mind scared you for a moment, more when you could not stop yourself from comparing him with Henry as well. Henry was not a sweet talker. He was too shy to act like that. He would listen to you, he would talk about his family a lot and then he'd look for a topic in common to talk. You never dated him romantically, but that's the way he behaves with you and how you saw him act with Gina, his ex-girlfriend. Remembering that made you angry with him again, which brought you back in time and place, while you continue to look at the menu to choose your meal. - What are you expecting from me.-you prompted, leaving him surprised and confused.- I mean. Do you want to sleep with me or you truly like me? I don't intend to attack you, but I should inform you I don't sleep with guys unless they're looking to connect with me and possibly date, and even if that's the case, I don't have sex until the sixth date. Is like a warranty for me. If it is only sex what they're looking for, by the third date they're gone. - I like how frontal you are. You don't fool around, don't you? That's probably the reason why I'll fall for you and you will be my girlfriend. You know what? Let's make it ten. - he offered. - Ten dates? Are you sure? - you asked him raising an eyebrow - Positive. - he said smiling. - Ok. - you agreed- Not sex until the tenth date. Let's see what happens. - I cannot wait.- he replied and winked.

[cozykhaos]

A New Sun. Part 2

The day dragged as usual and it wasn’t until after lunch that I was summoned to the sixth floor, the executive offices. I took the elevator up, and it opened to a large open room. It was a whole different world up here. The flooring was dark gray concrete with sparkling inlays, a crystal chandelier hung in the middle of the room, there weren’t any windows, but an entire wall phased through scenes. Cherry blossoms in Japan, the mountains, the ocean. On and on it went, soft music playing in the background.

“Ma’am?” A brunette woman looked at me from behind a desk.

“Yes, sorry, that’s just really – “My voice trailed off as a scene of a crystal-clear lake appeared.

“Beautiful, right?”

“Very,” I bounced a little on the balls of my feet, nerves getting the best of me.

“Kit! In here please” Diane poked her head out of an office to my left. She disappeared, and the door shut once again.

The brunette frowned. “Go on in I guess.”

I entered the room, beside Diane was a handsome man I had never met before. He towered above me, even with his authority stance of his legs parted at shoulder length, arms crossed in front of him. He had a strong jaw that was shadowed with black stubble, he had a full head of thick black hair and deep brown eyes. His shirt, even though collared with a tie, was short sleeves and his olive skin glowed from being outside. I glanced over at Diane who had put on makeup today, her cheeks were rosy, lips cakey with too much lipstick. From where she was standing behind the man, she was clearly checking out his ass. Good for you Diane, good for you.

“Hi, Miss McKenzie my name is Thomas,” he flashed a smile of perfectly straight white teeth and extended his hand. I shook it and flashed a smile of my own. “Nice to meet you.”

He moved behind his desk and motioned for me to have a seat, Diane shifted nervously in her spot, still standing.

“Miss McKenzie, I know there was an issue yesterday with a –“ He paused and looked over the paper work. “Mr. Anthony Lynell, he called in and placed a complaint about you. Your first one since you started working here. That’s rather impressive.”

I didn’t respond, Thomas cleared his throat and continued. “I have reviewed the audio tapes of Mr. Lynell’s conversation with you and Miss Gould and have come to determine that he was the one out of line.”

I relaxed and handed out a folder that I had brought with me. “I did a little bit of research, in case this didn’t go well for Lauren and I. Mr. Lynell has a profile with us and the notes that have been documented are very concerning. He has been aggressive with numerous employees. Name calling, threats. He apparently tried to beat one of the service technicians with a cowboy boot. I’m surprised he hasn’t been brought to a supervisor’s attention before,” I handed over the folder and Thomas thumbed through it, a frown tugging at the corners of his lips. Diane shifted in her still standing position, was that sweat I spotted on her upper lip?

“This is very good work Miss McKenzie. I’m going to make sure I reach out to Mr. Lynell myself and let him know we will no longer be doing any sort of work for him.”

“But-“ Diane started. Thomas raised a hand, silencing my boss, then leaned forward. “I have been reviewing your file with us Miss McKenzie, I’m very impressed. When you started here you were right out of high school and working in the warehouse. Where you came up with a new process on getting new service vans set up. Before it would take us weeks to get a new van out to the field. Your process changed that to matter of days. You were then sent to warranty where you climbed into a management position in just a year and you were going to college full time. That’s where you have been the last 4 years. Our customer service scores are the highest they have ever been, and we haven’t missed a 24-hour deadline in the time you’ve been there.” He leaned back in his chair. “How would you like to be our new Humane Resource Manager?”

“But Thomas –“Diane started but she was cut off by another raised hand.

“Diane, we are all done here, you may leave,” Thomas nodded towards the door. Diane stared at him, mouth hanging open. Finally, after a tense minute Thomas got up, placing his hand on her lower back he led her to the door.

“Sorry about that,” Thomas spoke as he sat back down. “You don’t have to say yes right away, I understand it’s a lot to drop on you,” he slid a packet of paper work my way. “Look it over and see what you think, get with me in the next couple of days, my extension is listed as your point of contact,” he flashed another smile.

“Wow, uhm thank you!” I finally managed to get out. “I will back to you.”

The smile stayed as he watched me, I wonder how long he could keep it plastered on his face. I shook his hand again another round of “nice to meet you,” and I was making my way back to elevator after a wave to the brunette. Once inside I leaned against the back wall and stared at the double doors, some part of me was screaming to take the elevator to the bottom floor and start running. But this was a huge opportunity, I called this job my big girl job, but the promotion was a full-on adult job. I flipped through the paper work finding the salary and let out a low whistle, I’d be making more than double my yearly income now. The doors opened to my floor and the thought hit me, I’d be stuck here.

I set myself on autopilot and finished out the rest of my day. As soon as I left the front doors, I dialed my dad.

“Hello Sunshine!” He greeted me.

“Hey dad,” I forced a smile onto my face, hoping it came through my voice.

“What’s wrong?” Apparently, the smile didn’t work. I explained to him what had happened over the last two days and the offer that was on the table. “That’s great news, why do you sound so bummed out?”

The smile cracked, and the tears welled up in my eyes. “I hate it their dad.”

“No no, don’t cry Sunshine,” he soothed. “It’s going to be alright, do you want to meet up for dinner and we can talk about it?”

“No, it’s okay. I’m going to go home and try to unwind and calm down. How about tomorrow?”

“What is tomorrow, Friday?”

“Friday.” I confirmed

“I’ll meet you at Cal’s at 6:30?” He asked.

“It’s a date!” We said our goodbyes as I opened the front door.

I started the tub and threw my work clothes into my laundry basket. I went back to the tub and dropped in a bath bomb. I had a pillow that was for the bath that I had received as a Christmas gift a few years ago. I had thrown it in my closet and forgotten about it. After looking under a pile of clothes, a few gift bags, and an old photo album, I found the pillow still in its original box.

“Hah!” I cried out in triumph, doing a little dance when my toe stubbed something. After a string of curses, I looked down at want had assaulted me, a memory box. My mother had given it to me when I had graduated high school, since then I have only pulled it out a handful of times to add something to its collection. I brought it into the bathroom and set it on the toilet seat, I quickly installed the pillow at the back of the tub then submerged myself. I pulled the lid off the box and started looking through the contents. A piece of petrified wood from a beach trip with my dad, a program from Lost in Yonkers that I saw last year. I kept riffling through, there was something in here that was calling out to me, finally I found it, my fingers tingling as I touched the envelope. A letter my grandfather had left me, sealed with a purple wax stamp. Fingers shaking, I opened the letter and read:

My darling Kit,

If you are reading this, you must be in dire need of change.

The same thing happened to me, long ago. I’d lost sight over what mattered most in life… real connections with other people and nature. So, I dropped everything and moved to the place I truly belong.

I’ve enclosed the deed to that place… My pride and joy: Eos Farm. It’s located in Stardew Valley, on the Southern Coast, it’s a great place to start your new life.

This was my most precious gift of all, and now it’s yours. I know you will honor the family name, my Sunshine. Good luck.

Love, Grandpa.

I don’t know when I started crying, but the tears fell freely, and my shoulders shook. I folded the letter back up and placed it in the box. I slid into the hot water a hiccup escaping. My mind raced a mile a minute, I submerged myself under the water, my long red hair spreading out around me. I held my breath for as long as I could, counting the seconds, 14, 15, 16 … 25, 26, 27, 28, finally my lungs couldn’t take it anymore and I popped back up.

I had gone to the Valley as a teenager, I hadn’t been happy about it at first. I wanted to spend time with my friends, going to the beach, having sleep overs, going shopping. But dad insisted, saying that it would be good for me. He wasn’t wrong.

I spent my summer with grandpa, learning about the farm. Waking up at 6am to start watering, pulling weeds, and chopping wood. I would spend my afternoons in town with a group of the other teenagers that I had made friends with. We spent out afternoons on the beach, Abbigail, one of the local girls I had met, with purple hair, kind eyes and a sunny smile, we would run down the pier, hand-in-hand, jumping, the ocean rising up to meet us., Sam, who’s hair was long and down to his shoulders, with too much energy and Sebastian, his black hair short, fingers always tapping against the side of his leg. There were other teenagers in town about our age, but it was usually the four of us. How long had it been since I talked to them? Abby had reached out to me numerous times over the years, but I always at work, or in the middle of a project for work. Eventually the text and phone calls stopped. In fact, they had stopped from all my friends. I went on facebook, scrolling through my timeline, they were still out there. Living their lives, finding that perfect work/life balance. While their lives continued, dating, getting married, having babies, going out on weekends, I was frozen in place. Frozen in Joja Corporation limbo.

Grabbing my phone off the side of the tub again I dialed my dad. He picked on the second ring. “Everything okay, Sunshine?”

“I’m moving to Stardew Valley.”

I went into work Friday and let them know I was leaving. I didn’t give an explanation, just handed in the note and walked out. It felt good walking out the front door of Joja for the last time. My dad was at my apartment when I got home, moving boxes at the ready. It took the majority of Friday and the weekend to sort out things. I had to call the Mayor, Lewis to let him know I was coming, the old man sounded excited and let me know things would be set up by Monday when I arrived. I got rid of my Joja Corp clothes which were all business casual, I wouldn’t be needing them on the farm. I brought my pots and pans, packed up my computer and consoles. A lot would be going to my dad’s house, the farm house was small. From what I remember there was only two rooms. The main room and the bathroom, the main room had a small kitchenette, fireplace, table and a bed.

I didn’t like the idea of downsizing and I refused to leave my computer desk behind, I would find a place for it. Early on Monday morning I handed over the keys to my dad, since I owned the apartment, we had decided we would rent it out. We stopped at McDonald’s to get breakfast on our way out of town, then spent the next 3 hours of the drive bantering back and forth about the farm. My grandfather had passed away just after I graduated high school and the farm had been abandoned ever since. Dad had decided to come with me, he knew there was going to be a lot of work to get done. Despite that he was only in his 50’s he had been retired for a while now. He had served his 20 years in the military and then retired, doing odd jobs around town as a handyman.

               A smiling red head waved us down as we approached the bus stop. “Mayor Lewis sent me out here to welcome you while he finishes getting things ready.”

I smiled and opened the door, scooting over the middle, Robin pulled herself into the cab and shut the door. “Hey, Kit. Good to see you again sweetie!” She gave me an awkward one-armed hug. “It might be tough to get the truck in, I’m warning you now,” she said with a grimace.

“Robin! Thanks for meeting us. Is it that bad?” I looked at her. Robin scrunched up her nose and nodded. Oh boy.

No matter what Robin said, nothing could have prepared me for the state of the farm. We were jostled around in the cab of the truck as we bummed over fallen branches and stones.

Lewis existed the house, taking off his hat he waved at us.

“Holy shit,” I breathed out, earning a giggle from Robin.

“Sure, it is a bit overgrown, but there is some good soil underneath this mess!” Robin said as she hopped out of the truck. I caught my dad’s face out of the corner of my eye as he rounded the truck. It was the same as mine, mouth open, green eyes wide. “With a little dedication you’ll have it cleaned up in no time!”

“Kit!” Lewis walked over to us, making sure to step lightly on the groaning porch steps. He gathered me up in his arms giving me a hug. “It’s so good to see you again!” He held me at arm’s length.

“Hi Lewis,” I beamed up to him. “I’m glad to be back. Even though the circumstances kinda suck.”

He laughed. “They do kinda suck.”

My dad cleared his throat as he looked up at the house. “Very… rustic,” he chimed in.

“That’s one way to put it,” Robin snorted. “Crusty might be more appropriate.”

Mayor Lewis bristled. “Don’t listen to her! She’s just trying to get you to buy one of her house upgrades!” Robin glared at the old man and playfully slapped his arm. Lewis turned his attention to my dad. “I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure of meeting.”

Dad shook his head. “I’m James, Kit’s dad. I dropped her off in the summer. But I usually just had her practice tucking and rolling then went on my merry way.”

Robin erupted into a fit of laughter.

“It’s nice to finally meet you. We should get going, you’ve probably already had a long day and will want to start unpacking.” Both started to go but Robin doubled back. Lewis hung out on the edges of the farm waiting for her.

“The kids wanted to come by today, I told them to wait until tomorrow. Figured you would be overwhelmed,” she waved before joining Lewis again.

Once it was just to two of us again, I finally looked out across the acres of land. It was a wasteland with broken branches, trees slouched over from past storms, the earth looking as if it had been chewed up and spit out.

“What have I done?” I sank down to the ground, dad sat next to me and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

“You haven’t done anything yet. We are just getting started.”

I looked at him and gave him a weak smile.

[scottyscanlan-archived-blog]

TASK 001 : Character Development

X // BASIC CHARACTER QUESTIONS

First name? Cain.

Surname? Scanlan.

Middle Names? Peter.

Nicknames? “Scotty.”

Date of Birth? April 18th.

Age? 38.

Gender? CisMale.

Pronouns? He/Him/His.

Sexuality? Bisexual.

X // PHYSICAL / APPEARANCE

Height? 6′5″

Weight? 209 lbs / 95 kg.

Build? Stocky, built like a brick shithouse.

Hair Color? Coppery red.

Hair Style? Growing out a prison buzz.

Eye color? Green.

Eye shape? Deep-set, downturned.

Glass or contacts lenses? Nada.

Distinguishing features? Left-leaning nose, thick Irish accent, trademark beard.

Scars? Many, but notable among them is a notch on his left cheekbone, and the prong marks of a fork on his inner left thigh.

Birthmarks? Freckles; most prominent on his shoulders.

Tattoos? None.

Style? Dresses to unimpress, and puts significant effort into appearing like he doesn’t give a shit what people think of him. Worn jeans, plain shirts, boots, emblem rings.

Mannerisms? Lip-licking, squinting, smirking, slouching, often limping, hard eye-contact.

Are they in good health? Nope. He voided the warranty on his lungs & liver decades ago.

Do they have any disabilities? None.

X // PERSONALITY

What words or phrases do they overuse? Aaaalllll the curses.

Do they have a catchphrase? “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.”

Are they more optimistic or pessimistic? Pessimistic.

Are they introverted or extroverted? Extroverted.

What bad habits do they have? Smoking, drinking, picking fights, nail-biting, neglecting hygiene, lack of sleep.

What makes them laugh out loud? Outrageous acts of stupidity.

How do they display affection? Playful banter, physical closeness/displays, protectiveness, admiration. 

How do they want to be seen by others? Capable, fearless, intelligent, worthy of his place.

How do they see themselves? Stunted, drowning, unable to catch up with the life he was exiled from, living as an outsider.

How are they seen by others? Quick-tempered, closed-off, aggressive, loud-mouthed, a hot fuckin’ mess.

Strongest character trait? Loyalty.

Weakest character trait? Patience.

How competitive are they? Slightly. He’s used to being the one cheated out of the largest share of the profit, and has been content to allow his brother the spotlight, but is now beginning to question what he is capable of on his own. 

Do they make snap judgement or take time to consider? Quick to judgment.

How do they react to praise? Deflect it.

How do they react to criticism? Typically with back talk and/or violence in the immediate, but things that hurt him ultimately drive him to find outlets of self-destruction. (i.e. binge drinking, recklessness, fighting, sex.)

What is their greatest fear? Becoming irrelevant, dispensable, or showing vulnerability.

What are their biggest secrets? Why he stays with the Ivory Syndicate.

When was the last time they cried? Five months ago.

What will they stand up for? His reputation & those he cares for.

Are they indoorsy or outdoorsy? Indoorsy.

What is their sinful little habit? Shoplifting.

How do they treat people better than them? Feeling threatened, he usually over-compensates for his confidence with aggression or snark, which comes back to bite him in the ass 4/5 times.

How do they treat people worse than them? A pretty low bar to clear, in his opinion, but anyone he considers an ‘enemy’ needs to be put down quickly and routinely reminded of their place.

What quality do they most value in a friend? Loyalty.

If they could change one thing about themselves, what would it be? His tolerance levels.

What is their obsession? Rum & Coke.

What are their pet peeves? Having others’ ideals/world views shoved down his throat, people who are impervious to his torment.

X // FRIENDS & FAMILY

Is their family big or small? Small.

Who does it consist of? Dermot Scanlan (brother), Saoirse Scanlan (mother, deceased), unknown (father), Alanna Gagnon (aunt).

What is their perception of family? Those you are bound to by blood. Whether you like it or not, you are responsible for the protection of one another, and share in the consequences of the collective family’s actions.

Do they have siblings? Older or younger? Dermot, about four years younger.

Do they have any pets? No.

Who are their natural allies? The witty, charismatic & fearless. Other members of the Ivory Syndicate.

Who are their surprising allies? The mooncalves; those soft-hearted and patient enough to see through his shell.

X // PAST AND FUTURE

What was your character like as a baby? As a child? Sensitive, quick-to-anger, curious. Cain both looked up to and envied his younger brother, who he believed was smarter, more fortunate, and more likable than he ever could be.

Did they grow up rich or poor? Lower-middle class.

Did they grow up nurtured or neglected? Nurtured, until his mother passed away. Dermot & Cain’s aunt was less equipped to handle them.

What is their greatest achievement? Successfully robbing one of the largest banks in Quebec - and never being caught for it.

What was their first kiss like? Messy, uncoordinated, and eager, in the front seat of a ‘borrowed’ car with a girl he’d met hours earlier.

What is the worst thing they did to someone they loved? Lied.

What are their ambitions? To learn what he is capable of on his own.

What advice would they give their younger self? Fuck more.

What smells remind them of their childhood? Lavender, sea spray, nutmeg, felt glue, evergreen air-fresheners.

What was their childhood ambition? Initially, he wanted to be a pirate.

What is their best childhood memory? Shucking dried lavender on the porch while his mother sang, filling baskets that she’d later sew into beautiful sachets.

What is their worst childhood memory? The plane ride to Montreal, directly after his mother’s funeral.

Did they have an imaginary childhood friend? No, but he did have a stuffed Snoopy he was very fond of.

When was the last time they were crushed with disappointment? At the Mayor’s gala.

What past act are they most ashamed of? His arrest.

What past act are they most proud of? His relationship with Alex Yuen.

Has anyone ever saved their life? Yes.

[sirfrogsworth]

Customer Service

I had a very upsetting phone call on Friday. The hose broke on my CPAP  breathing machine that helps my sleep apnea. I called my supplier to have it replaced. I am eligible for new supplies every 3 months. But I thought since the hose was damaged, they would replace that now even though my resupply date is still a few weeks away. 

I was mistaken. 

I’m already super anxious on the phone. It’s a huge problem for me. And when things don’t go as rehearsed, I freak out pretty bad. I try to remember the customer service agent isn’t “the enemy.” I tried to keep my cool, but I got pretty frustrated. I didn’t really raise my voice or curse or anything, but I definitely became antagonistic. I also feel like she was doing nothing to help find a solution. Maybe she could have talked to a manager or helped me find another suitable option. 

In the end, I said forget it and bought a new hose from Amazon. It actually ended up being cheaper than the one they tried to offer me. But I really don’t think I should be responsible for this expense. I don’t know the exact model of hose they use, but most of the ones I researched have warranties for 90 days. Mine broke before that time had expired. 

Since I botched the phone call, I decided I would write them an email. This is not the first time I’ve had trouble replacing a broken accessory. Considering these are medical necessities, I feel like they should have some process in place where people can get prompt replacements for damaged goods. 

I was hoping some of you would be willing to read my draft email below and let me know what you think. 

Too stern? Not stern enough? Too dramatic? Too long? Did I make all of my points clearly enough? 

---------------------------

Greetings,

I don't know who to send this to, so if you could forward this message to the person in charge I would appreciate it.

I called Friday and was told I could not get new supplies for several weeks. Unfortunately, the hose for my CPAP had broken. So I requested that someone send that to me immediately. I expected this to be no big deal. However, I was told that was not possible. 

First, the fact that you do not immediately replace defective parts is ridiculous. I also feel like you should pay for the replacement. I've only had this hose for a few months and I expect this stuff to function. This isn't even the first hose that has failed on me. I've had to wrap them in duct tape before. Though this one failed so dramatically, that wasn’t an option. Clearly, these are not the highest quality products. Perhaps you might even look into ordering sturdier hoses in the first place.

I was told you have no process to replace broken items. I was told there was no warranty. Despite my internet research showing most hoses are covered for 90 days by the manufacturer.

Then I asked if I could just purchase a new hose with my own money. It was a $13 part. I was told that I would have to drive to a not-so-near location and sign forms to get a damned hose. Not only would that cost a lot of gas money, but I am disabled and have no car. So I would have to hire a car service to get me there. FOR A $13 HOSE.

I was then told they could mail me the forms to sign. But it would take just as long to get the forms, send them back, and get approved for a hose. A hose that I would be paying for myself! 

I understand Medicare may have some weird rules, but I think you are following them to a nonsensical extreme in this case. Plus, if you just ate the expense yourself, I don’t see why you’d even have to inform Medicare. I’m pretty sure your company can handle $13 in losses. 

This is terrible customer service. I tried my best not to lose my temper, but I could not believe that a stupid hose required this much hassle. I was also upset that my customer service person did not try to offer alternate solutions or ask a manager for help. 

I asked the person to have someone put a hose in a box and send it to me. They told me this was impossible. Which I do not believe for a second. Maybe it would take a few phone calls. Maybe it would take some extra effort. Maybe someone there would be out 13 bucks. But I know that there must be some way to get me a new hose quickly. Even if you had to go on Amazon and order it yourself. And, no, I am not kidding.

This is a medical necessity. I cannot go weeks without my CPAP machine. 

How is it possible that you have no protocol to replace broken parts in a timely fashion? You need to fix this. You need to figure out a system where if someone's equipment breaks, you immediately send them a new part. As fast as possible. Preferably at your own expense. 

You cannot screw around with people's health like this. You are responsible for making sure we have the equipment we need and that it functions properly. You need to take this more seriously. You need to stop hiding behind ultra-bureaucratic rules and serve your customers. I know Medicare likes to complicate things. And if this was an issue with an expensive piece of equipment that requires prescriptions and medical evaluations I would understand the added layers of complexity. But treating a broken $13 hose with the same significance just defies common sense. 

I am not just upset because this affects me directly. You must have hundreds of customers. And if you supply them with the same cheap equipment, I’m sure they’ve had similar issues. 

The big problem is that I am stuck with you. I can't go to another business. I wish there was someone I could report you to. I think this problem is borderline dangerous. We do not use these CPAP machines for fun. I literally stop breathing while I sleep. I’ve gotten so used to sleeping with the machine that I cannot fall asleep without it. And not getting proper rest even for one night can affect my health for weeks. 

You might as well have told me “Deal with it yourself or don’t use your machine for two weeks.” 

This is not an isolated incident either. Previously I had headgear that was causing sores on the back of my neck. The plastic clips broke off and the elastic band failed. This combination of failures caused the strap to dig into my skin. I woke up with a bloody neck every morning. 

You’d think getting a replacement for something that was physically damaging me would be simple. Yet, I had to go through a long process to get that sorted as well. I had to continue injuring myself over several days while arguing with people to send me something new. The best they could do was send me plastic clips for the headgear. I got so fed up with trying to convince you to do the right thing that I gave up and just wrapped my neck with ace bandages until I was eligible for a proper replacement. 

What should have happened was, "Your new headgear is in the mail with expedited shipping at no cost to you. I'm sorry the equipment we sent was faulty."

I really hope you will consider instituting some kind of process where people can get prompt replacements when equipment fails. You need to take responsibility for the products you provide. Again, this is not okay.

Regards, Benjamin Grelle

[aalt-ctrl-del]

my desktop computer is kind of old, not ancient from the era of BC but it has years on it and now it’s doing it’s dramatic “End of the semester dying” so right now it’s hard to access crucial programs, websites, tabs, the whole kit.

I won’t even turn it over to sleep mode, because it started having a conniption every time I booted up. Why is this a seasonal thing? Why not mid-break, where I can “Oh, I need to use that expensive warranty to fix some shit up.”

nope. End. Of. Semester. B. S.

And my Laptop! Lemme tell you ‘bout the laptop. It was used to stream the crucifixion of Christ (praise he the lord amen), it is blessed. IT IS GODDAMN ARCHAIC. It was touched by Windows Vista. Dinosaurs built it when the aliens came to share their technology before the Mayan temples got built. I can do almost anything on that thing, I don’t even. I tossed it out a window one time, and all I got out of that was a lawsuit and a long ass research report.

I was attending meeting for a festival preparation, and every damn time they asked me to do something, I went “Well, my laptops ancient. I don’t know - Oh, it worked. That’s terrifying.” It works to spite the fact I doubt it’s power.

And the Laptop is omniscient. It uses Bing search engines (don’t ask) and every piece of information I need it just sort of formats into the appropriate source citation. It writes the report as I’m thinking about it, it gives me dates and topics from the future. The Laptop is ancient and all knowing and still weighs five tons, it doubles as a heater for those chilly nights - I roast marshmallows and warm coffee on its little keyboard space; I s2g I boiled and egg once. I don’t even need virus protection for it, the Laptop is so old it’s practically devolved into a MAC. I think when it acquires a virus, the Laptop devours it and sticks the bastard in a breed pin - I think the Laptop is becoming skynet.

And when I take it in for the routine checkup/debug (because omniscient technology fabricated with dark magic need care too). The IT people-person do something, look at me and go “wtf is this? This code is hellish. I can’t even - where did you get this?”  

I’ll stare at the guy and go “I bought this demon box here”?

Sometimes the Laptop screams. I’ll be in the middle of working on something, the only time it behaves like a regular laptop, and the thing will stop working to scream at me. And it goes BUZZZZ-BLAAARRRRUGHHHH!I And my only remedy is beat the shit out of it. People stare at me when it SCREAMS. I feel their judging gaze, they’re like “What did you do to that poor machine?”

I’m just hitting it, shrieking “Let the power of memes compel you!”

If I sell it or something, the curse will pass on. One time I left it on a table, hoping someone would snatch it. But whenever someone would go near it the computer would blare Rick Astleys Never gonna Give Yoou Up. I have never seen a more spiteful chunk of technology.

in the tags add your old as beans tech and what omniscient properties it holds. Or add a story

[hadeschan]

item # K16B02

RARE Pra Huu Hai Klong Kor Chaang, Nua Din, Pim Luang Phor Toh. A baked clay big and bulky Buddha with suspension hole in the back, the suspension hole is similar to the one at the Chinese rice wine ceramic jar (Huu Hai in Thai). This amulet is believed to be made as a pendant worn around the neck of a royal war elephant for safety in the battlefield. This Luang Phor Toh baked clay amulet was dated to the Kingdom of Ayutthaya (CE 1351 to CE 1767), made from sacred earth taken from many holy places in the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. And Luang Phor Toh in Thai refers to big and bulky Buddha figure.

…………………………………………………….

BEST FOR: Pra Pim Luang Phor Toh is believed to be one of Thailand’s Best amulets for Nak-layng, ruffian (a violent person, especially one involved in crime), Mafia Boss, Crime Prevention Police Officer, Park Ranger, Field Soldier and Nak-layng Poo Ying (a connoisseur of women / a womanizer). Luang Phor Toon helps you win all fights, competitions, problems, arguments, and confrontations that you get involved in. Kongkraphan (it makes you invulnerable to all weapon attack), Maha-ut (it stops gun from shooting at you), Maha Sanay (it turns you to a Prince Charming in the eyes of women/men), Metta Maha Niyom (it helps bring loving, caring, and kindness, and compassion from people all around you to you), Klawklad Plodpai (it brings safety, and pushes you away from all danger), Maha Larp (it brings Lucky Wealth / wealth fetching), and Kaa Kaai Dee (it helps tempt your customers to buy whatever you are selling, and it helps attract new customers and then keep them coming back. And Ponggan Poot-pee pee-saat Kunsai Mondam (it helps ward off evil spirit, demon, bad ghost, bad omen, bad spell, curse and black magic). And this amulet helps protect you from manipulators, backstabbers, and toxic people.

…………………………………………………….

THE AMULET MADE FROM SOIL OR EARTH

The soil or earth is the oldest minerals on Earth, it accumulates all power of good deeds of all Arhats (or Luohan), Bodhisattva and Buddha as long as you and your enemies are standing/living on the earth, the Pra Mae Thoranee (the Earth Goddess) will witness good deeds and bad deeds, if you have made good deeds, then your good deeds have already witnessed by Pra Mae Thoranee, Pra Mae Thoranee will help you, and your enemies could not do any harm to you. And the difficulties of your life, Pra Mae Thoranee also witnesses, and Pra Mae Thoranee will ease all of your difficulties.

…………………………………………………….

DIMENSION: 4.50 cm high / 3.20 cm wide / 2.00 cm thick

…………………………………………………….

item # K16B02

Price: price upon request, pls PM and/or email us hadeschan@gmx.us

100% GENUINE WITH 365 DAYS FULL REFUND WARRANTY

Item location: Hong Kong, SAR

Ships to: Worldwide

Delivery: Estimated 7 days handling time after receipt of cleared payment. Please allow additional time if international delivery is subject to customs processing.

Shipping: FREE Thailandpost International registered mail. International items may be subject to customs processing and additional charges.

Payments: PayPal / Western Union / MoneyGram /maybank2u.com / DBS iBanking / Wechat Pay / Alipay / INSTAREM / PromptPay International

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

[bagofgroceries]

Alice’s Tips For Calling Tech Support

As a sidenote I have never seen this gif before and it is delightful.

Hello everyone! Here are some tips on making your experience calling tech support less stressful for all parties! My resume for this comes from working in several call centers with different types of customer bases, my father doing the same, and questioning my fellow call center employees about their experiences. Spread this post! Make people’s lives easier! You may think some of these are obvious but they are not to everyone.

1. Be Prepared

         - If you are calling about a device it should have some sort of serial number, please have this ready. If you have called in before you should have a ticket number, this is also useful to have. My coworkers and I have a specific look of frustration for when someone says “Oh let me grab that for you.”. Usually we also have a narrow list of things we can find you with! I have worked for both computer manufacturing companies and cell phone service companies, and neither can search by your first and last name, or rather, they can but it’s pointless. Your name will bring up dozens with the same name or slight variants. Specific is best.

2. Have A Basic Grasp of The Phonetic Alphabet

        - Cell phone audio quality can be terribad, add background noise in and I am going to have trouble understanding you. Many serial numbers for products have letters mixed in (alpha numeric), giving these to me phonetically will cut down on your frustration and mine.  I’ll also ask for your email phonetically as well! That’s Alpha Bravo Charlie by the way, not A as in Alpha, B as in Bravo. Other words work as well of course, U as in United, A as in Apple, and C as in Cat are pretty common. X for Xmas is pretty funny though.

3. Before You Try and Bond With Me

     - I understand some people are very friendly, extroverted and naturally curious when talking to strangers. I am happy for you. Really. But please be aware for a lot of call center employees their are harshly judged on the time of their calls, as in that could make or break what schedule they can get, raises, or even keeping their job. So before you launch into  how you spent one semester at a college I don’t care about in my state, keep that in mind. Also, you are not clever, nor unique for asking about your tech support person’s accent.

4. My Name Doesn’t Matter To You.

     - Alright, so to be honest, this is probably just me. So my real name is slightly odd in it’s pronunciation. It’s not spelled the way it sounds, an there are a dozen ways to spell it. Nightmare growing up.  Most people who try and repeat my name back to me get it wrong and you know I rarely correct them. Because this is customer service and it doesn’t matter. You can’t call back and ask for me personally, with any luck I’ll fix your ____ so I never have to talk to you again, and spending two minutes guiding you through my name and hearing you exclaim the same things everyone else does serves no purpose. So when people go “Did you say your name was ____?” I agree. They could call me anything that’s not a curse word and I would agree with “Sure”. A customer thought my name was a beer brand once and I agreed. Just don’t bother.

5. Don’t Be Using The Broken Thing

       - This primarily applies to cell phones. Oh, and cars I guess. Don’t call me on your broken cell phone please, and if you do be prepared with a notebook for me to give you instructions  without us.

6. Be Aware Of Your Warranty

      - If you buy a computer from Best Buy (etc) it will usually come with a very limited one year manufacturers warranty. Again, very limited. You can often call and upgrade it. I suggest calling pretty quickly to find out what that warranty covers.  Your Basic warranties like that are also usually hardware based, software is more of a fancy warranty thing or the other manufacturer, such as Adobe, Microsoft, etc. Sometimes your Cell Phone Service Company (Sprint, AT&T, Cricket, Verizon, etc) will send you to the manufacturer such as Samsung or Apple. At the end of the day those companies only provide/are liable for service of your phone.

7. Being A Bully Is Often Fruitless.

       - At the Cell Phone Service Company I worked for people constantly demanded credit on their bill, or free stuff. Some of them yelled, some of them cursed, some of them said really mean things like how do you sleep at night (very well, thank you), or even threats. Some of them made people cry to get what they wanted. When you do this, or when you ask for a supervisor, this is what we call an escalation. I was promoted and I was basically paid to take these, to get abused. So none of that phased me, and if you went above me I would find a Manager who I knew would say no (because some of them did say yes out of laziness). You know what will often work in getting you compensation of some sort? Facts. Keep a record. My computer Blue Screened on these dates this month or  I had 20 dropped calls on these dates because those things are often (though not always) verifiable. I can take those to a manger and often get you something. Again. Not always.

Lastly....

8. Ask If You’re In The Right Department

     - There are often dozens of departments for different things in big companies. Before you give a ten minute explanation about what is going on ask if you are talking to the right person! 

- I have questions about my recent healthcare claim, am I in the right place?

- I need tech support for my internet, rather than my home security, am I in the right place?

- I need help with my desktop, am I in the right place?

Don’t assume the Automated System did you right buddy. Also, when you do get to the right place, ask if they have a direct number for next time!

Thank you for reading, have a good one!

[johnrobinsonmobile]

Do you think the year 2020 break the curse of foldable phones?

The device will be released for $ 1,500 (£ 1,170) and will be available in the United States starting December 26.

Parent company Lenovo blames Razr's popularity, saying demand exceeds supply.

But this is another example of a molar problem with a folding phone.

Motorola said it doesn't expect the delay to be "significant" but has not revealed a new date.

When Chris Fox of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) tried out Razr's prototype, he discovered some hardware issues-especially the way the screen separated from the device when folded.

His judgement is that it is more likely to appeal as a fashion accessory than the main device.

Although the $ 1,500 price sounds like an expensive accessory, the Razr is less expensive than the two main competitors in the nascent folding phone market-Samsung Fold ($ 1,980) and Huawei Mate X ($ 2,600).

Samsung postponed the April Fold release after critics reported that its device screen was broken.

Huawei followed closely, saying Samsung's problems led it to decide to conduct further testing of the Mate X before launch.

Both devices eventually launched-Fold in September and MateX in November. Although trend forecasters had heated discussions about the foldable phones coming up early this year and how they can help revive the stagnant smartphone market.

The giants were defeated by Royole Corporation, a little-known California company that launched a foldable phone called Flexpai at an event in Beijing in October 2018.

The device has never been widely used and has not been well received-BBC Click's Dan Simmons tried the developer version in January 2019. He said that at that time there were no specially designed applications that could change according to the change of the folding screen. Its location.

Also in January, Xiaomi President Lin Bin showed a prototype of a folding phone-however, the Chinese giant has yet to present a product that consumers can use.

I haven't seen folding equipment in the wild, that is, in the hands of someone on the street, rather than a prototype that is tightly protected at industry events or a mobile phone used in the office.

Will this change by 2020?

As many failed crowdfunding projects will tell you, it is well known that hardware is difficult to install properly. However, CCS Insight analyst Ben Wood is optimistic.

Although he pointed out the problems with folding devices, not only because they are more fragile than similar products, but also pointed to the demand for Razr and early sales figures of Samsung Fold, which strongly indicated consumer enthusiasm.

He told me: "I believe the impact of flexible display technology will be much greater than the impact on smartphones alone."

"In the next decade, it will open a whole new chapter for consumer electronics devices, adding screens to all types of products. Soon we will see devices such as smart speakers being wrapped in screens. "

Mr. Wood also believes that in the new year, we will see a whole new set of folding equipment-especially at the large consumer electronics show CES in January and the mobile phone expo MWC in February.

I will definitely be vigilant when I attend the CES in Las Vegas in the new year.

For those of us who are a little dazzled by the price tag, this is a surprising outsider who is bold.

This month, a company called Escobar Inc, founded by the brother of Colombian drug bar Pablo Escobar, announced that it also plans to enter the smartphone market with a folding device that costs only $ 349.

Various technical websites have noticed that the Escobar Fold 1 is very similar in design and specifications to Royole Flexpai.

Currently only available on the company's own website.

Somehow, I don't think Samsung will lose any sleep for this.

Are you looking for the best phone screen repair shop in the UK? Then Phonerepairsuk, could be the right choice to get your mobile phone repair with high quality parts and 12 month warranty on it.

To get a free repair quote for your cell phone repair, visit the website https://www.phonerepairsuk.co.uk

[its-lifestyle]

It seems odd that an elderly person has to seek solace from you. I presume you are much younger than me. But here goes.

My husband and I have been married for nearly half a century. I am in my 70s and he is nearly 80. We have a married daughter and a son staying with us. We are pensioners.

During the last couple of years, we have been at loggerheads, on average once a week over trivial matters. He would show his temper by throwing and banging things around, scolding and shouting, sometimes with obscenities.

He would also drive at break-neck speed, knowing that I have a weak heart. One careless or matter-of-fact word would send him flying off the handle.

Sometimes he seems considerate, sometimes he is very selfish and self-indulgent. He forgets important dates. On most occasions, I put up the white flag because life is short for us.

I don’t socialise much and my children avoid confronting him because of his temper. He also tries his best to avoid important family matters and decision-making situations.

Dear Thelma, what is the best thing for me to do whenever he throws a tantrum? Julie

Isn’t it interesting that we think that “answers” come with age? Yet there are 22 people who have won Nobel Prizes before their 35th birthday and 16 of those are physicists and doctors.

But, let’s get to your question. Your husband is temperamental, cursing and throwing things about. He’s also a very dangerous driver. Finally, he appears to forget important dates. Put it all together in the context of his age, and my first thought is that he should be assessed for dementia.

I am not a medical doctor. However, as you know, there are certain brain diseases that are associated with ageing. The most famous of these is Alzheimer’s, a disease that leads to emotional problems including inexplicable bad temper and sudden rages, as well as trouble with memory and rational thinking.

As he’s trying to avoid making decisions, it may be that he knows something is wrong but he’s trying to hide it. Perhaps out of concern for you or fear.

My other thought is that he may be in pain. Long-term pain leads to depression and angry outbursts. It also consumes the mind, leading to absent-mindedness. Elderly people are more prone to arthritis, rheumatism and other problems.

So I’d ask, how is his health overall and is he hurting? Now, on the other hand, I may be jumping to conclusions simply because you mentioned his age. As we age, our characters can become more focused or exaggerated. A man who is snippy and moody when he’s 35 has a big chance of becoming habitually bad tempered when he’s 70.

So, I would suggest that if he has always been bad tempered, rude and thoughtless, then you may simply be seeing his character. But if he wasn’t like this before, that is important information.

My suggestion is this: Take away his car keys and stop him from driving. It doesn’t matter what’s going on with his health. What matters is that he’s driving dangerously. You cannot allow him to hurt or kill someone.

Also, speak to your family doctor and get her to run some simple tests and assessments. If she thinks there’s a problem, get her to recommend a neurologist, geriatric psychiatrist or other appropriate specialist.

If your husband has a tantrum at the thought of going to see the doctor, I suggest you say you want yourself assessed and drag him with you on the principle of, “We’ll BOTH get tested, just in case.”

Is something bothering you? Do you need a listening ear or a shoulder to lean on? Thelma is here to help. E-mail star2.thelma@thestar.com.my or write to Dear Thelma, c/o StarLifestyle, Menara Star, 15, Jalan 16/11, 46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Please include your full name and address, and a pseudonym. No private correspondence will be entertained. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, usefulness, fitness for any particular purpose or other assurances as to the opinions and views expressed in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses suffered directly or indirectly arising from reliance on such opinions and views.

from Family – Star2.com http://bit.ly/2UJvOcP

[falcksafetyservices]

Superb Guidelines For Your Next Amazing Property Improvement Project

Home enhancement can be a extremely intriguing thing to get into. It has so many methods that it can be tailored for each house and the prospects are practically endless. This can make it a problem for a newcomer who does not have a clue exactly where to get started. This listing of tips can get ready you for the obstacle. Adding insulation to your partitions, crawl areas and attics isn't anything that a whole lot of individuals feel about when it arrives to improving your residence, but they need to. Adding insulation is a wonderful way to make your house cooler in the summertime, hotter in the winter, and much more audio evidence. A combo washer-dryer might be the reply if your area is as well tiny for specific models. There are diverse kinds and styles of mixture washer/dryers, but most types will in shape in about the exact same room as a dishwasher. The combo can the two clean and dry garments. Indicator a agreement just before a contractor starts functioning on your house. To support protect you, have the house enhancement contract reviewed by an legal professional. All information, such as warranties, completion dates, what perform will be accomplished and all costs involved should all be nicely outlined and mutually agreed on in the agreement. When it will come to home improvement, take into account getting quality goods in stead of less costly kinds, and this will consequence in a significantly increased return on your expenditure. Whilst you might save funds at first by the expense of the areas, their durability may possibly be considerably lesser than people of higher good quality. An case in point of this would be purchasing a high quality granite counter prime rather of Formica. Set electrical wire connectors on your tubes of caulking! These tiny plastic covers that come with the tubes always go missing! A easily had alternative that works as very good or much better than the original cap is an electrical wire connector. You can even use special shades for specific sorts of tubes. Employing a expert organizer for a house storage makeover, can do miracles for your home's appear. Most of us have capture all regions throughout the residence, in which things tend to go to die. We all have places that we seem at and say that we will straighten it out tomorrow. Flood damage A professional organizer can recommend adjustments you can make to stay away from these dilemma places and make your residence a lot more successful. Transform your closet by using closet organizer kits. These kits are designed to improve usable room in your closet. A simple kit normally arrives with a closet rod and adequate parts to give you multiple cabinets that you can adjust. Added factors can be bought to customize your closet even more. This is a wonderful way to include storage space in your residence with out a main rework. If you live in a very hot climate, replace your original glass windows with minimal-E glass, which can make it simpler and more cost-effective to cool your property in the boiling summertime. Although the installation can be a little bit pricey if you spend somebody to do it, you will recoup your costs in strength savings by the finish of the summer. Replacing the home windows in your home is 1 of the most crucial measures in perfecting your house. This is because the windows are one particular of the 1st factor a person notices in a house. Make sure to get windows that are resilient. Vinyl windows are the very best selection for longevity and strength. If you are installing new flooring, try to find one that has a heating selection. This is particularly advantageous for colder climates, as heating in the flooring will hold your toes heat. There are many varieties of flooring that supply radiant warmth options like certain hardwoods, ceramic tiles, linoleum, and bamboo. Brighten up fatigued home furniture with slipcovers. If your furniture is worn or stained, or you just want to change the search of your space, use slipcovers. They arrive in a big range of fabrics, and are accessible in sound hues or patterned. A great function of slipcovers is that they are washable, which is quite handy if you have children or pets! House enhancement is in fact a factor of fantastic assortment with so several techniques and ideas and that is both its present and its curse. It really is a reward because it has numerous alternatives that are customizable and it truly is a curse simply because, frequently, way too several choices make it hard to choose. These suggestions ought to have created it a little bit easier for you.