#headache city + the fact this system keeps getting bigger

[ineffable-gallimaufry]

just watched across the spiderverse 👍 it was fun. i have a slight headache tho

[0kayblue]

A Peace Offering

Summary: You’ve graduated from Hawkins High and summer has officially begun, bringing new beginnings with it. You’re focused on turning over a new leaf and becoming an actual adult, putting your Queen of Hawkins High title behind you.

So far it’s turned out in your favor. You’ve got a job, your parents almost off your back about college, and a best friend who works for the ice cream shop up stairs.

Adulthood is proving itself to be pretty fruitful, but one day when you go to visit your best friend, Robin, you cross paths with the former King of Hawkins High, Steve Harrington. You and Steve were most definitely not strangers but you wished you were as memories flood both yours and Steve’s minds

Word count: 10k

Notes: Anything written in italics is a memory. It is either a memory from you, Robin, or Steve. I understand how that can be pretty straight forward as you read, but the groundwork for this piece is the memories.

Character Relations: Robin x reader (best friend), Steve x reader (romantic interest), Billy x reader (close acquaintance)  

A/N: Hi! This isn’t the first imagine I’ve ever written, but it is the first Stranger Things centered one. It’s also one of the first imagines I’ve ever even posted. I really enjoyed writing this and I also feel a little accomplished, lol. There might be a part two? I haven’t decided if I really want to dive deeply into this or not yet. Anyway, if you read thank you so much! Critiques and comments are welcomed with open arms!

WARNINGS: Cursing, lots of cursing. Fluff? Angst? A mix of emotions.

                                                    ……………

As you flashed an obviously fake smile at the dusty blonde man who “complimented” you on your ruby red lipstick, you felt the urge to jump across the table and strangle him.

“Well, I thank you. It’s a new shade I’ve decided to try out. Now, is that all I can grab for ya?” You said with a tone too sweet to indicate how venomous it actually was. The fake twang seemed to echo in your head and you wondered how anyone with a natural accent could handle the sound of their own voice.

“Ah, no thank you dear. I’m afraid that’ll be it.” He smirked and you simply nodded as you turned and walked up to the diner window. Your cheery facade fading as you glared at the cook behind the open order window.

Sal, the cook, chuckled as he analyzed how upset you were starting to get. You weren’t a stranger to the irritation you felt every time you stepped foot in this damn diner.

You clipped the order onto one of clothespins and let out a deep sigh as you rested your head on the cool smooth steel counter. Sal just smiled as he threw a hamburger patty on the grill. You looked up at him and he just continued to chuckle.

“Y’know I think you should drop that fake twang, you might be less miserable.” Sal was a bigger built man, he reminded you of your father, just bald.

“I might be less miserable if I didn’t have to wear scratchy outdated themed clothes that do nothing but irritate the irritable.” You huffed out laying your head flat on the counter.

“Mhm.” He just groaned out. “Only way you are getting rid of that poodle skirt is if you quit.” You groaned in defeat knowing quitting was not an option.

“Then it’s empty pockets.” You said as you stood up straight, the snickering of table five being overheard. “Damned if I do, damned if I don’t.”

“I’m serious, kid. I don’t know why you are here. You should be enjoying your summer and going to college in the fall. You’re smart enough for it.” You rolled your eyes.

College seemed to be the only thing that people wanted out of you. A nice college education and maybe you could make something out of yourself. You couldn’t help but scoff and give Sal a look of distaste.

“I’ve been over this with you. And my parents. And my grandparents. And basically everyone. I don’t want to go, at least not yet. I want the experience of working first.” This wasn’t an exact lie per say, it was more of a beefed up truth. You didn’t want to go back into the school system mainly because it just made you feel like shit, and you believed knowing all sides is better than just one. So an honest job was not only a way to get experience and out of college pressure, but to also to hold onto to this fleeting feeling of youth.

“Besides, this is also to fund potential college endeavors.” You smiled as he placed two plated burgers on the counter in front of you.

“Yeah, right. You better take this to table five so you can take your break.” You rolled your eyes as you picked up the plates and walked over to table five with a painful fake smile.

“One double cheeseburger with fries and a single hamburger with extra ketchup and fries.” You sat the plates in front of the correct recipients of their order. “Is there anything else I can get ya? Refills, maybe a milkshake?”

“A strawberry milkshake, but only if we can share, doll face.” You looked at the black haired man as the blonde across from him stifled a laugh. You bit your inner lip taking a deep breath and tried not to break your smile.

“So you won’t be needing anything else. Wonderful.” You reached into your apron pocket and pulled out your order book. You ripped out their order and lightly slammed it on there table. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to check you out due to the fact that my break is about to start, so just take your receipt up to the register and Sal will check ya out.”

The black haired man sent a glare but quickly recomposed himself with a smirk. “No problem, doll. A milkshake tomorrow, then?” You unwillingly bit your tongue and just smiled.

“We’ll see.” You said and turned. You tried to not stomp as you walked back and pushed open the kitchen door, but it didn’t work. You could hear them laughing as you yanked your punch card off the wall.

“Don’t let them get ya.” Sal said as you went ahead and punched your time card into the machine signaling you were officially off the clock. You yanked off your apron and threw it on the clean counter by the freezer.

“Yeah, uh huh, I’m headed to Scoops. You want me to bring you back anything?” You said as you took your hair out of that headache inducing high ponytail. As you fluffed your hair out you took a deep breath and exhaled, clearly exhausted from working the morning and afternoon shifts.

“No thank you. Watching my figure.” You chuckled as you walked past him patting him on the back.

“Suit yourself.” You said as you walked out into the nearly dead mall. You figured the heat index was keeping everyone either inside or at the pool, but you honestly didn’t expect the mall to look this empty. It was weird to only have to walk past people and not forcefully push your way past.

Starcourt was Hawkins newest addition and it’s busiest. Which was sort of sad as you saw local businesses close one by one. You overheard of a scheduled protest to take place on the lawn of City Hall, but other than that, nothing was really being done to help savage Hawkin’s local flare. You weren't doing much to help it either, I mean hell, you worked for Starcourt. There wasn’t anything you could really do, you tried to get a job down main street, but alas no one would hire you. Mainly because they couldn’t afford to pay you for any work you might actually stumble upon.

So, naturally, you ended up working in Prime Time 50s Diner on the first floor right across from Hot Dog On A Stick. Which was just as depressing as it sounded. Hot Dog On A Stick was busier than the diner nine times out of ten and you legitimately thought about moving across the way just for something more to do.

As you stepped on the escalator you spotted the bright flashing bulbs of the big Scoops Ahoy sign. You enjoyed ice cream and even though you had ice cream at your job you couldn’t resist the getaway from the smell of greasy cheeseburgers and the constant repeat of the same old songs. You walked your way into Scoops Ahoy glancing at the few people eating ice cream inside. No employee in sight as you approached the front counter. You smirked and began to ring the front bell in front of the register rather obnoxiously. You loved this stupid little bell it was a great way to get under Robin’s skin. You stopped ringing the bell and just stood there for a split second and rang it one more time. You snickered and headed over to look at the ice cream flavors they had today. Contemplating on trying something new or not, you wouldn’t, but it was always nice to look.

Your ears perked up as you heard shuffling to the door, a thud, and then a sliding window open.

“Ahoy!” Robin said with a tone of annoyance in her voice. Her face sarcastically fell realizing it was just you and you smiled. A slight smirk found her face when you giggled at her.

“Ahoy there!” You said as you lazily gave her a two finger salute. You both let out a laugh and she walked around and met you on the other side of the counter.

“What are you up to?” She asked and you just shrugged.

“Same old, same old.” You smirked as you saw Robin grab your favorite flavor. “You know I could’ve changed my mind, I could’ve wanted the U.S.S. Butterscotch.”

“As if.” Robin said as she rolled her eyes. You always knew of Robin, you, of course, went to high school together and knew each other through passing. But you never were friends. You simply just knew of each other and that was that, until one day during your lunch break you guys started talking.

The food court was packed and almost every seat was filled, except for two right across from each other. You sat on one side and Robin sat across from you on the other side. You started friendly conversation not expecting much of anything to come from it.

“So, you work at the 50s place?” She asked trying to keep her gaze towards you limited. You wondered what she actually thought of you. You hoped that you never did anything to offend or hurt her in high school because she was proving to be pretty cool and not just the band geek you originally thought.

“Yeah.” You said with a friendly smile, wondering how much she remembered of you from high school.

You were the Queen of Hawkins and the ruthless truth rang down the halls as you called people out on their bullshit. If they started something you would sure as hell would end it. Not in any physically violent way, but words do cut like knives.

You understood that, but you couldn’t stop yourself once the thought entered your brain. People liked seeing you be a bitch, so you were a bitch. For six hours a day five days a week, you were Queen of Hawkins High, the Bitch of Indy, not (Y/N).

“You should stop by, it’ll be on me.” You smiled honestly wanting to give Robin a chance. You were tired of being lonely and pretending. You wanted a friend, an actual friend, something you haven’t had in a long time. It was time to be an adult.

Robin’s head shot up as her eyes meet with yours. There was some sort of gleam in her eyes, like she was finally able to hang out with the popular girl. Your eyes met hers with a shared excitement.

Now, this was something new and you planned to just let the walls you built crumble a bit and you were genuinely excited. High school was over and you could be who you wanted to be, who you should have been.

“Maybe tomorrow, lunch?” You questioned and she nodded. You stood up and apologized due to the fact your break was over. “Great. I have to get going. I’ll see you then.”

“See you then.” Robin said with a smirk as she returned to her Chinese food.

The next day she met you for lunch and you gave being open a chance. You didn’t expect Robin to stay after that, but she did. She put up with your stubbornness and your tendencies to shut down, and actually stuck around and helped you out of that hole you were stuck in for so long.

You told each other everything and you both knew everything about each other. Even Robin’s biggest secret which was actually pretty funny because you thought she was dying when she very mysteriously “had something she needed to tell you before your friendship could continue”.

“Seriously? That’s it?” You questioned.

“Yeah.” She said shakily and she was so nervous. “I’m a lesbian and I understand if that’s a problem and you don’t want to be friends-.”

“Robin.” You cut her off abruptly. “I thought you were dying. Dying. You being gay doesn’t matter to me. As long as you are happy I will always support you. You are my best friend and I have no idea where I’d be without you.” You pulled her into a hug, holding back tears. Robin let a few slip, but would never admit it. As you parted you put your hands on her shoulders.

“Movie night?” You asked smiling.

“Movie night.” She affirmed.

“What are you up to tonight?” You asked her.

“Not much of anything. Movie night?” She asked as she handed you ice cream and as you took it you nodded. You shoved money into the tip jar knowing that she wouldn’t take it. She rolled her eyes and you heard another thud from the back. You raised an eyebrow and tried to glance around her. She quickly fidgeted so you couldn’t take a peak, not that you’d be able to see into the break room that was down the hall.

“What is going on back there? Did they finally hire some help?”

“Just some shelf assembly.” Robin said and you raised an eyebrow quizzically. What type of shelf was being put together? What idiot was assembling it? “But, yeah they finally hired help. What movies are you thinking of for tonight? I was thinking maybe a classic or something along those lines.” She tried to gently ease the conversation away from the noise that came from the back. You just shrugged.

“Anything works tonight.” You said taking a lick from the ice cream cone as you studied Robin. She’s hiding something and it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out Robin knew something you didn’t. “Who is your new co-worker? It isn’t Tommy is it?” You stifled a laugh picturing Tommy in the sailor uniform. You leaned against the counter continuing to eat your ice cream.

“Ah ha, no. So, about this movie how do you feel about Dargonslayer, I heard-.”

“So you are avoiding the co-worker conversation.” You cut her off and grinned. “Do I know them? Is it Tammy? C���mon just tell me-.” You went to finish but was cut off by the loudest thud thus far.

All conversation stopped in Scoops Ahoy as you and Robin made desperate eye contact before you both ran into the back. As you both took a sharp turn into the break room your eyes locked with the complete and utter idiot who was laying underneath the poorly constructed steel shelf.

“Harrington?” You spat, your actions not correlating with your wicked tone as you went to pull the shelf back onto its four legs.

“(Y/L/N)?” He questioned his eyes not leaving you as he pushed the shelf off of him as you pulled it up. The shelf wasn’t completed therefore it wasn’t that heavy but it was in fact tall. When you had it back and up straight you crossed your arms as Robin gave Steve a helping hand up.

You crossed your arms and glared at him.

“What are you doing here?” He asked as he dusted himself off. Robin chewed the inside of her cheek knowing it was only a matter of time before you and Steve crossed paths.

“Why are you failing to assemble a simple shelf?” You questioned and he mocked you. You could cut the tension in the room it was so thick.

“Ha, well I think it’s time for you to scurry out of here. Besides you aren’t supposed to back here anyways..” Robin said with a clap trying to relive some of that bottled up tension, being no stranger to the rocky relationship you and Steve had.

“Yeah, Scoops Ahoy employees only.” Steve said as he went back to the shelf and its instructions. Steve wanted to continue to look at you, but knew it was best to turn away.

“Right.” You said not wanting to hang around anyway.

“Right.” He said as he picked up a screw driver.

“I’ll see you tonight, Robin. 7 as usual.” You said as you left. You took a lick of your ice cream cone and shuttered. It no longer tasted as sweet nor as refreshing as it usually did. You couldn’t believe that Steve Harrington was the newest Scoops Ahoy employee. Throwing the ice cream in the trash you left Scoops Ahoy with mixed emotions.

Robin went to call after you but decided to let it go. She glared at Steve and Steve just looked back at her somewhat confused.

“What did I do? Are you guys friends?” Steve asked as he put the last screw into the shelf to make it sturdy. He was clearly disgruntled, something Robin hasn’t really seen on Steve. He was just fine not too long ago, going on about how Dustin was to be coming back from camp soon.

“What is with you two? You guys have been bickering back and forth, since, well the whole King and Queen thing started.” Robin said as she began to help Steve by putting boxes of plastic utensils on the newly constructed shelf. You never told Robin the real reason you and Steve were at each other's throat, she asked one time, but didn’t get anywhere.

“Some people just don’t get along.” Steve grunted, a hint of sadness lingering. It was out of character, well as far as Robin was concerned, to see Steve get so upset so fast. Not to mention stay upset about something.

“Something has to have happened. I believe you guys were fairly close in middle school.” Robin said and Steve just sighed.

“Harrington!” You yelled from the end of the middle school hallway as kids tried to rush past you and out the school.

“(Y/L/N)!” Steve yelled back as he shut his locker and lightly jogged down to the end of the hall to meet you. As he met you with a smile you both walked out of the school and continued on the way down to the end of the street. You and Steve both walked home and went in the same general direction, so it just made sense to Steve for you both to just walk together. Thus, a friendship was born.

“Did you see Mrs. Karly today? What was the deal with those glasses? They made her look like an owl.” He said and you both laughed picturing the big bright orange circular glasses on Mr. Karly’s thin and brittle face.

“Well it was nothing compared to Carol’s new braces.” You chuckled smiling at Steve as both your laughter died down.

Once you guys where further away from the school you sighed and your head fell. Steve could sense that something wasn’t quite right with you and he playfully pushed your shoulder.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” He asked as he could feel a type of fear grow in his stomach.

“It’s nothing really. I think I’m just worrying for no reason…Maybe?” You questioned facing him.

“Spill the beans, (Y/N).” He said and you just sighed.

“Do you think we will still be friends, Steve. In high school? I mean we only have one more semester of middle school, one, and then a new cycle of everything begins.” You let the words fall from your mouth as you tugged on your back pack straps.

Steve looked at you baffled wondering why you would think he’d leave you. Steve really liked you, really liked you. You were funny, and honest, and not to mention very pretty. What would bring him to not have you around him in the slightest had to end.

“Of course we will.” He said in a stern tone unsure of how to exactly convince you he didn’t want to be anywhere you weren't. You laughed and the way he looked at you with such seriousness made your checks warm.

“Yeah, of course, we will.” You said with a smile as you looked at Steve. He coughed and looked away as a hand found the back of his neck, his body temperature rising causing him to flush red. You laughed and punched him in the shoulder and you both just died of laughter.

When you both parted ways that night to your proper houses, you both had a lot to think about.

“Just forget about it.” Steve said, clearly cranky and an out of place redness to his face. “She’s your friend, why don’t you ask her.”

“After how upset you just made her, with only saying, what, eleven words in total to her. I’m clearly afraid to ask her anything.” Robin and Steve finished putting the multiple boxes from the floor onto the shelves. “So,  go on, what exactly happened? High school is over, right?” Steve rolled his eyes and pulled out a chair from the break room table and sat down. Steve hasn’t really talked about you since his last rant about you to Nancy Wheeler.

“I just don’t understand! It’s like she’s lost her goddamn mind! What is she thinking getting between Carol and Tommy like that?” Steve exclaimed to Nancy. Nancy was listening to Steve, but her mind was also going elsewhere with thoughts of Barb’s parents and how her and Steve had to cancel dinner, yet again.  “She’s not stupid, Nance. She has to know that Carol isn’t taking this lightly.” Steve said with frustration as he ran his hand through his hair. Nancy just nodded making a noise of affirmation.

Steve was trying to focus on the road and wrap his head around your actions and why all of a sudden you chose to mess around with Tommy. Tommy, of all people, Tommy. Really? It made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up and his blood boil at just the thought of Tommy.

He was a giant prick! If anyone knew that, you did! You constantly reprimanded Tommy. He couldn’t believe it when he first overheard some people in the hallway gossiping about it. You hated Tommy, you have since fifth grade. Tommy! Who’s next, that new guy, Billy? Steve’s hand moved from his hair as he put it out of the car window. Steve grunted as subconsciously his foot put more weight on the gas.

Why are you fucking around and acting like a child? Is it because he hasn’t apologized for what he said at that party junior year? Is it because you needed some type of drama? What ever happened to Michael McEvers? Were you just lonely and would just take anyone? What was he chopped liver?!

“Steve!” Nancy shouted and Steve brought his full attention back to the road and the stop sign fast approaching. Steve’s foot slammed on the break as he watched the blue Camaro race past their four way stop. Steve and Nancy both caught their breath and looked at each other. Steve took a deep breath and just slammed his hands against the steering wheel. Nancy, finally pulled out of her own thoughts  of guilt began to comfort Steve as he laid his head against the steering wheel and sighed.

Somehow, he managed to make it through a lecture from his father this morning, starting yet another college application, a rough basketball practice with Billy joining the team, and a deep conversation with Nancy that nearly avoided a break up. And this, this was just the icing on the cake. Steve’s eyes started to water.

“Steve, honey, it’s okay.” Nancy’s brows furrowed as she cooed and rubbed Steve’s back.

“She just-. I just-.” Steve began but kept getting cut off by his own sobs. “I should’ve stuck around. I shouldn’t have blown her off. I kept meaning to call. I keep meaning to show up at her door and talk with her. I should’ve been there for (Y/N), Nancy. Why wasn’t I there?” Steve sat up and put the car in park. “O-Oh yeah, that’s right I was too busy being an absolute a-ass.” Steve sniffed trying to pull it together. Nancy leaned against Steve’s shoulder and ran her hand up and down his arm.

“Steve, things happen. People get busy, especially after what we just went through. You can’t let yourself be responsible for everyone. It’s okay.” Nancy said as she placed a kiss on his cheek and genuinely felt bad for Steve. Steve just sighed out a chuckle and shook his head slowly. He could’ve fixed things with you. Steve took another big sniff and without even thinking he just started speaking.

“I just miss (Y/N), so much, Nance. If I could go back and get her, I would. In a heartbeat.” Steve rubbed his red and irritated eyes and his mind just focused on you.

They sat there as Nancy seriously began to contemplate on her and Steve’s relationship, and the relationships they didn’t take.

Steve regretfully looked at Robin as she sat on the edge of her seat. Steve sighed and took a deep breath.

“We just got into a fight. That’s all.”

“You can’t just leave it at that. I need to know the details.” Robin said with a raging curiosity in her mind. Robin knew that you would tell her in your own time, but she wanted to know now. It was hard to admit but Steve’s goofiness was growing on her and the fact that he actually did stuff at Scoops and she wasn’t alone anymore made her life a lot easier. Robin looked furiously at Steve and he just sighed.

“Take a seat.” He said and gestured to the other seat. As Robin took a seat, Steve thought about where to begin. It’s funny how you can recall things in such vivid detail and once someone asks you what happened you can’t find the words to say to describe it.

A laugh escaped both yours and Steve’s lips as you flopped down on the king sized bed that belonged to Tammy Thompson’s parents. You both laid next to each other on the bed. Neither of you were drunk, just a little tipsy. You both had drunk enough just to find each other and sneak off together.

As you stared at the ceiling Steve’s eyes were glued to you. He took in the way your hair fanned out onto the bed and how it looked against the dark purple comforter. He wondered what was going on in that head of yours and how he could work his way in there and take up as much of your attention as he could.  

As you rolled your head over to look at him and you had a big goofy smile on your face. A redness started to become present on your cheeks.

“What?” You questioned as you playfully punched him on the shoulder. You focused on blinking as if your eyes were cameras taking pictures of this moment and capturing it so you could put those pictures into a scrapbook.

“You are beautiful, (Y/N) (Y/L/N).” He said with rose tinted cheeks that he blamed the booze on. He also blamed the booze on this need to be close to you, this need to tell you how wonderful you are, and how he had to be touching you. As his hand laid against yours his eyes studied the way your lips looked, and he couldn’t help but wonder what flavor chapstick they tasted like.  

“Shut up, Steve. You’re drunk.” You stated as you snuck a glance at his lips telling yourself not to linger for too long. You couldn’t make that mistake tonight, even though the thought of both your lips synchronized in harmony against each other warmed you to your core.

“What, and you’re not?” Steve asked as he looked into your eyes. You bit your lip, like a tease, and Steve swore on God that you were going to be the death of him. He wanted your body pressed against his, he wanted his hands to roam over every square inch of your body, he needed to know how your lips felt against his. As his thoughts drove him insane he came to the conclusion that tonight, wasn’t the night for that. Not while you both of you were almost off your asses, you deserved better. He wanted to give you better.

You turned on your side as you propped yourself up you began to think about that one conversation you had on that one walk home from school. Your mind quick to distract yourself from the intrusive thoughts of Steve.

“Why didn’t we stay friends, Steve?” You questioned sadly, not exactly wanting to take that road. It was too late now and now you had to know.

“We still are friends.” Steve lied looking up at the ceiling and away from you. Steve couldn’t look at you and lie, he couldn’t handle the way your features settled into disappointment.

“Bullshit. We really aren’t, Steve. This is the first night in, like, forever that we have had an actual fragment of a conversation.” You said exasperated, beginning to get annoyed.

“(Y/N), can we not, can we just-.” You sighed and sat up. As sadness filled the room where drunken laughter once rang out. Steve followed you quickly and reached for your wrist. “Hey. C’mon, (Y/N), what does it matter?  We are friends right now. Stay with me.” You yanked your arm away from his gentle grip.

“What does it matter?” You said standing up and Steve sighed. Your heart broke. Steve sat up straight up as he felt the consequences of what he said.

He fucked up, he royally fucked up.

“It matters because I’ve tried calling and everytime I did your mom answered and said you were out. Or that- that you had a friend over to help you study.” You said putting air quotes around the words “out” and “study”.

“I’ve been busy.” Steve said, and he has been. Trying to navigate his way through his feelings and thoughts. Evaluating what he wanted and building a reputation along the way. You just chuckled and Steve stood up annoyed. “Like you haven’t?” He questioned with an edge to his voice. Trying to keep the volume down not wanting anyone to overhear.

“What is that supposed to mean?” You questioned and Steve stood there dumbfounded. You weren’t with him, therefore you had to have been busy.

“You know what it’s supposed to mean. I’ve seen you around with Michael and his crew of football cronies!” His voice raised and stern, any thought of keeping anyone from hearing gone. You let out a sharp laugh. “Which has apparently given you a complex to just go and call anyone out. You yelled at Tommy just this past week.”

“Tommy needed to be yelled at! He was ogling up Barb and Nancy like they were greasy hamburgers fresh off the grill!”

“That’s what Tommy does! He’s harmless!” Steve bickered back.

“So that’s supposed to make it okay?” You questioned raising your brows and looking at him in disbelief.

“What? No, of course not!” You just shook your head and rolled your eyes.

“Then why don’t you say anything? Why don’t you call Tommy out on his bullshit? Ever! You just stand there with this look on your face. It’s like you know what you are doing is wrong but you don’t do anything about it! You just stand there with this shit eating grin and it’s not you! It’s not you.” You yelled and Steve was left speechless. He didn’t know what to say and even if he did, he wouldn’t know how to say it. Tears were threatening to start to pour, but you just sniffed refusing to start crying.

Steve wanted to apologize. Steve knew you were right. Steve understood that his actions weren’t a true reflection of who he was. He was just lost and the attention he was getting wasn’t something he wanted to give up, yet. So as most things go.

“Not me? (Y/N), you don’t know me! You don’t know shit about me and you can’t stand here and lecture me when you have your own title you don’t even live up too! Queen of Hawkins my ass! You show off this fake face to everyone and feed into their obsession of seeing if they can please you or not. They see this mean character that you mask around as and you love it!” He yelled and you just laughed because you knew he was right to a point.

“Yeah, well, at least they get honesty from me!” You shouted back at him.

“Do they get the complete honest you, though?” Steve asked his voice lowering, selfishly hoping that he was the only one that knew this you. The real you. You stood there refusing to give him the ‘no’ he wanted and you gritted your teeth as you headed for the door. As your hand gripped the door knob you took a deep shaky breath and then exhaled. As you faced Steve with a couple tears leaking out of your eyes. Steve’s demeanor softened and he regretted everything he just said. He went to bring you into a him but stopped as you flinched away from him. You longed for his embrace but you knew it would shatter your already broken pieces. Steve stood frozen, broken, and hesitantly awaiting for you to say something. Anything.

“Like you said, ‘what does it matter’? We all put on these facades and we don’t get hurt. I don’t get hurt.” You said as strongly as you could as you opened the door and began to walk away from the room as quickly as you could without alerting the rest of the party that something had happened in that room. Steve just looked at the empty doorway and his jaw tightened. He paced the length of the bed thinking.

“Shit.” He shouted frustrated with himself. What was he doing? Maybe it wasn’t too late to change. Maybe he could fix things, fix this. Steve took strong strives out the door and he began to scan the hall for you. His pace quickened as he repeated your name.

“(Y/N).” He tried to say audible enough for you to hear over the blaring music as you made a beeline for the stairs.

“(Y/N)! I need-!” Steve was cut off by a sharp hit on his shoulders. It was Tommy.

“You slept with (Y/N)?” He asked with a sinister grin and a light laugh.

“What? No, Tommy I need to get-.” Steve went to begin.

“You dog!” Tommy shouted. “King Steve! King Steve! King Steve!” As Tommy began to chant the whole party started to join in. With their chants getting louder and louder you turned and glared at Steve.

Steve’s heart broke and your glassy eyes told him enough. You stumbled down the stairs and away from the chanting upstairs.

“(Y/N), wait!” Steve shouted as he began to take off after you. The chanting followed Steve down the stairs, Tommy sinsterly lurking behind him. His eyes glued to the back of your head as he tried to get as close as he could to you. He didn’t want to let go, he wanted to fix this.

As you were almost out the door you tripped over the now stained welcome mat and into Michael McEvers arms.

“(Y/N), are you okay?” Michael asked concerned pulling you up and you just nodded while trying to dry your eyes and sniffling. Steve was so close to touching you when Michael’s eyes met Steve’s he knew Steve did something. “Get away from her, Harrington!” Michael shouted as he pulled you out into the porch and slammed the door behind you. Steve went to go after you to make things right but Tommy’s hand found Steve’s shoulder holding him back.

“Let the slut go. C’mon we can get you another.” Tommy said wrapping his arm around Steve’s shoulders.

Maybe it was best that he let you go. He’d only say the wrong things and hurt you even more. He couldn’t fix this, he couldn’t make things right, it was just too late. He had to accept that. Michael was a good guy anyway, he could give you things Steve couldn’t. Steve took a deep breath furrowing his brows as a headache started to form.

“Let’s get you wasted.” Tommy said as he went to go get Steve a drink. Being wasted and feeling as light as air sounded a hell of a lot better than how heavy and broken he felt now.

As Steve finished his brief synopsis of your guys’s argument to Robin, guilt settled in his stomach.

“And you didn’t say anything after that night?”

“No, I figured it was best to leave her be. She didn’t need me anymore. Or at all to be completely honest.” Steve said as the bell from outside rang and he stood up pushing in the chair and working his way to the front. Robin followed him on his heels. He silently thanked whatever customer rang the front bell.

“Are you serious?” She questioned wondering how someone could be so stupid.

“I wasn’t going to waste my breath.” Steve said. He thought about making it up to you countless times. But, one time he called when he really needed you, desperately needed you, you couldn’t get to the phone.

“You are joking?” Robin was astounded with how much of an idiot Steve was being.

“Why don’t you just talk to her?” You strained out through a hick-up as you leaned against Robin’s shoulder looking at both of your reflections in the pool. Robin just laughed.

“Let me just waltz up to Tammy Thompson and say, ‘Hey! I really like you and I think you should’ve been gazing into my eyes instead of at that stupid Steve Harrington!’ yeah, you do that and then tell me how well it works for you.” Robin continued to laugh. It was a movie night and for some reason you couldn’t focus on that dumb rom-com you picked. Which lead to you sneaking some beers from your dad's “secret” stash and hiding out in the backyard wasted with Robin. Sitting on the side of the pool with your bare feet in the water and you smiled sadly. Steve, “the hair”, Harrington. King Steve. You snickered at the thought of him and you could almost smell a faint hint of Farrier Fawcett hairspray.

“What made you two go at each other’s throats all the time?” Robin just asked. You looked at her confused.

“You and Steve. You guys were always bickering and it literally made no sense. I mean you were Queen and he was King of Hawkins. Why didn’t you guys run the place together?” You nodded sadly understanding what Robin was saying.

“Yeah, I really liked, Steve. Like I mean I liked him.” You said with an emphasis on “liked”, but it was so much more than the simple like.

“Oh.” Robin said shortly understanding fully well how that stuff works.

“But then he turned into ass hat McAsserton and everything changed. He just pissed me off so much, and it wasn't him, like, I know Steve Harrington. He is such a goof and he was being someone I knew, I knew he wasn’t and I just couldn’t stand it. He’s such an-.”

“He’s changed, y’know.” Robin cut you off. “He’s lonely.” Steve had just hired in at Scoops Ahoy and Robin could tell that something had changed and for the better. You scoffed and slid off of her shoulder as you laid on the wood deck connected to the above ground pool.

“Okay.” You snorted refusing to get your hopes up.

“If you could change why couldn’t he?” Robin stated as she leaned back to joining you. “Think about it.” Robin was right as she usually was. You took a deep breath and thought about that night. You should talk to him. You should go see him. You should be there. Then maybe this weight on your chest would be gone. This summer you would finally patch things up with Steve Harrington once and for all. A creed you pushed aside in the morning once the hangover was gone.

“Well, I think you could do better than Tammy anyway.” You said as you turned your head and looked at her with a smile.

“You think?” Robin asked knowing what you were doing, but she just let it be. She wasn’t going to force you to talk about anything you didn’t want to talk about.

“Oh my god, definitely, Robin.” You both laughed as your thoughts wondered about Steve.

“Don’t you miss her?” Robin asked, her tone giving away her confusion.

“Of course I miss her, Robin.” Steve said in a matter of fact tone. “What can I get for you?” Steve asked as he pulled out his ice cream scoop from it’s holster around his waist. He twirled it in his hand as the old lady examined the flavors.

“You do understand that all of this could be solved by just talking to her. Right?” Robin said with her hands on her hips and a serious look in her eyes.

“Gee, I never thought of that.” Steve said with an airy laugh.

“How about the mint chocolate chip?” The lady said squinting trying to figure out who exactly she was talking to.

“You could have fooled me, Steve.” Steve made a ‘tsk’ sound as he shook his head and began scooping up some ice cream.

“It’s a lot easier said than done when you have that much history with someone, especially someone as stubborn as her. Also, she could come to me, y’know.” Steve said putting the ice cream into a sugar cone and taking it down to the register handing it to the old lady not even bothering to ring her up. “It’s on the house.” Steve said frustrated, what if you didn’t want him around anyway.

“Why thank you, Miss.” She said taking it and hobiling away. Robin stifled a laugh as Steve threw his hands in the air out of frustration. Today has not been his day.

“Steve.” Robin said straightening up bringing her focus back to the matter at hand. “Do you honestly think the Queen of Hawkins would go to you first? Especially when she was in the height of her high school career? Honestly? Especially after the whole school branded her a slut after that party. Which you totally should have done something about, by the way. Jumping from you to Michael when she didn’t even have a thing with either of you.” Steve stood up straight.

“She didn’t have a thing with Michael? They were dating, holding hands in the hall and everything.” Steve said feeling completely and utterly confused.

“No, dingus. Michael’s-. (Y/N) fake dated him to keep it from getting out that him and Tyler were, well,-.” Robin said not exactly knowing how to phrase what she was saying. She tried to be cautious not knowing how Steve would take the news that Michael McEvers was totally gay. “A thing.” She said with little fear while she scanned Scoops Ahoy with her prefils hoping the two people there weren’t catching on.

“Michael McEvers?” Steve questioned wondering how he didn’t pick up on it. Then again he could’ve sworn Jonathan Byers was gay, but he was currently seriously invoved with Nancy. “Wait, how do you know that?” Steve asked Robin with an eyebrow raised.

“(Y/N) told me.” Robin said quick to get any suspicious thoughts about herself away from the conversation.

“Shit.” Steve mumbled.

“Y’know I think that pale yellow looks great on you, Mike.” You said as you straightened up Michael’s cardigan.

“Really?” He questioned.

“Of course.” You said as you leaned against the lockers. “Tyler doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” Michael shut his locker as he awkwardly took your hand.

“Thank you, for all this.” Michael said quietly and you just smiled.

“Please don’t mention it.” You smiled softly as you both walked down the hall.

“Do you want to go to the movies tonight? Tyler will meet us there.”

“Yeah. Of course.” You said and Michael continued to talk. As you and Michael walked to Algebra you both passed Nancy and Steve. Yours and Steve’s eyes locked, a sadness lingering over the noisy hall. As you passed you looked straight ahead while Steve looked back.

“Steve?” Nancy questioned.

“Uh huh.” Steve said and looked back at Nancy.

“You have basketball tonight, right?”

“Right.” Steve said as he let go of Nancy’s hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

“So a double cheeseburger with a side of onion rings and a large coke to go.” You read off the order to Billy while simultaneously ringing it up.

“You got it, Queen.” Billy said with a wink and you rolled your eyes. Billy had a fascination with you and he couldn’t just place his finger on what made you so different. He liked your attitude and he liked the way you handled yourself.

You and Billy never got together, together, and maybe that’s why he liked you, you weren't throwing yourself at his feet.

Usually when Billy was around you were open and gentle with him, because you could tell he was dealing with something that he couldn’t handle. You wanted Billy to know if, or when, he wanted to talk that you were here.

“What’s the matter, doll?” Billy asked before he could even think about why he even asked.

“Nothing, Billy.” You sighed as you sent the order to Sal. The diner still as empty as it was an hour ago.

“C’mon. I haven’t seen you this frustrated since I almost T-boned Harrington’s car.” Billy laughed.

“That wasn’t funny, he and Nancy could’ve really gotten hurt. Not to mention we could’ve really gotten hurt.” You said leaning against the counter facing him.

“It was an adrenaline trip and you can’t deny that. Almost had you in my lap.” He laughed and you smirked.

“You and I remember that drive very differently then.” You laughed and crossed your arms. Billy smirked trying to think of something that might cheer you up. Maybe keep that smile around.

“Do you remember that Halloween party? Do you remember Tommy being shit faced and his face just colliding with the porch cement out back. He always was a giant prick.” Billy laughed and you did to. You didn’t go to that Halloween party but you had heard about it. You were appreciating what Billy was trying to do so you just went along with it nodding and laughing.

“Mom! Get the phone, please! I’m kind of busy!” You yelled as the phone rang off the hook and you tried to paint your nails with your non dominant hand and flip a page in your magazine at the same time. The last thing you wanted to do was answer the phone to a drunk sobbing Carol asking why you weren’t at this party to comfort her while Tommy hit on anything with a pulse. Steve was also there with Nancy and you didn’t feel like feeling like shit for once. You didn’t want to be jealous of Nancy anymore. You didn’t want to see them. As the phone stopped ringing, your mom obviously not grabbing it, you just sighed. Finally, just some time by yourself. Nice and quiet-. Your thoughts suddenly interrupted by the phone ringing again.

“Mom!” You yelled as your aggravation got the better of you.

“Hold on!” Your mom yelled from downstairs as she shut the door on a couple of trick or treaters in ghostbuster costumes. As she sauntered her way over to the phone she picked it up with a friendly hello.

“The (Y/L/N) residents, (Y/M/N) speaking.”

“H-Hey, Mrs. (Y/L/N). I-It’s a- um Steve. Is (Y/N) around by any chance?” Steve choked out through tears.

“Steve Harrington?” Your mom questioned with an edge to her voice.

“Uh,-.” Steve coughed. “Yeah, Steve Harrington.” He said his voice breaking while he was hoping to God you were home. Your mom chewed the inside of her cheek as she contemplated her next few words as wisely as she could. She knew Steve and she knew that he sent you into multiple whirl winds of consent confusion.

“Mr. Harrington, if you know what is good for you, you’d leave (Y/N) alone and you wouldn’t dare to call this number again.” She threatened and hung up the phone.

Steve on the other end was a mess of tears while his heart felt like a black hole. Steve nodded swallowing back tears. His house was empty, it was just him and the mind numbing silence.

You got up from your desk and went down the stairs to see your mom glaring at the telephone and you were completely bewildered by her strange and unusual attitude. The doorbell rang and as you went to the kitchen she went towards the door.

What could that phone call possibly be about to make your mother's whole attitude change on a dime.

“One double cheeseburger with side onion rings to go!” Sal shouted and as you picked up the to go bag and coke you glanced at the clock. Only 30 minutes left to your shift then Jessica comes in to replace you.

“Well, Billy here you go.” You said as you handed Billy his to go bag of grease.

“(Y/N), if you need a time out, you know my number.” Billy said with a sly smile. His intentions were truly pure, maybe Billy was also growing old of the part he used to play. You smiled at him not breaking eye contact.

“I know, Billy. I know.” you said as Billy completely took the bag and gave you a cheeky wink.

“I’ll see you later, alright?” He said as he turned and left.

“Whatever you say, Billy.” You chuckled and waved. As you watched him leave you heard Sal whistle.

“What?” You snapped as you had a light glare targeted at him.

“You two would be cute together, that’s all.” You rolled your eyes, unfortunately a lover wasn’t on the agenda for you. But, when did your agenda ever go as planned?  

Steve was on the escalator on his way down to the first floor to grab himself and Robin a corn dog as a little snack that wasn’t ice cream. On his way over there he peered into the diner and saw Billy leaving. Steve just scoffed as he hopped off the elevator peering through the big open entrance of the diner catching glimpses of you. As he headed towards Hot Dog On A Stick he stopped. He could see your full frame as you laughed at something someone must’ve said. As he leaned against the pillar near him he examined how when you laughed your hand found your mouth. Steve chuckled as his cheeks grew pink and his stomach flipped excitedly.

He wanted to make things better and that’s all he’s been able to think about since hearing your voice earlier. Since he saw you earlier.

Steve didn’t think he’d ever even see you again. He thought for sure you’d be packed up and out on your own, away from Hawkins, away from him. College bound with the world at your feet. Maybe it was a sign? Maybe it was time. It’s been so long, too long. A peace offering. He needed a peace offering. His brain told him to move, to get going. To use this excitement that was coursing through his veins to pull something together. But his body didn’t move, instead he continued to lean against that pillar and look at you. Just look at you and the way when you really started to laugh you you would throw your head back. He just wanted to look at you for a while longer.

“I swear you just want me to leave.” You said as your laughter died down. You glanced out into the mall and your eyes unexpectedly locked with Steve’s. A light smile on your face as Steve quickly looked away and took off towards Hot Dog On A Stick. You sighed, just talk to him. He wasn’t going to bite, quit being stubborn and grow up.

“Hey, Sal, I’ll be right back. I’ve got something I have to do real quick.” You said and began to lightly jog out of the restaurant and catch up with Steve.

“Hey. Hey!” Sal called and you just waved. Sal rolled his eyes as your eyes locked on the back of Steve’s head. Enough is enough. You are an adult now. You can pick up after yourself and mend relationships. As you finally caught up to Steve and stood behind him in line, and you were about to touch his shoulder to get his attention when all of that confidence left and was replaced with doubt. What if he was still mad? What are you doing? He should be coming to you. He’s the one that fucked up, not you. Turn around and go back.

“I can help you over here, ma’am.” Said a spunky looking teenage girl in a bright and obnoxious primary colored uniform. She pulled you out of your thoughts causing Steve to glance behind him.

“I, uh-.” You began but was cut off by Steve.

“She’s with me.” Steve said quickly, praying that you actually were with him. If you said yes it would make it easier to explain the apology corn dog, if not he’d probably get cold feet and give not only your corn dog to Robin, but his own.

“Uh, um, yeah.” You said awkwardly and he smiled letting out a breath he didn’t even know he was holding. “I’m with him.” So cold feet weren’t an option. Steve had to go through with this long over do make up conversation. You smiled and the girl at the other register just rolled her eyes.

“Three corn dogs.” Said a man in front of Steve holding them between his fingers. Steve broke eye contact with you, turned, and grabbed the corn dogs.

“Thanks.” He said with a smile and handed over some cash. “Keep the change.” Steve spit out quickly as he turned back to you.

“Let’s go for a walk.” You stated not giving Steve the option to turn you down.

“Definitely.” As you both walked out into the nearly empty food court you held your hands behind your back. How did this work? How do you talk to someone you know so well, but were mere strangers with.

“This.” Steve said holding out a corn dog. “This is for you. If you want it of course. I wanted to get you one so we could start talking. Well, I could start talking to you, make it less awkward and maybe soften you up a bit.” Steve let out an awkward laugh and you just smiled. “I don’t even know if you really like corn dogs. I know you used to. I remember when we went to the state fair and you got one that was the size of your head. You said it was good, but people's taste buds change. I guess I should’ve gone with candy, or maybe flowers. I should’ve thought this out-.”

“Steve, you’re beginning to ramble.” You said taking the corn dog. Only Steve Harrington, only Steve Harrington.

“Right, so.” He said before starting in on his corn dog. God, this was hard. You both walked in an awkwardly comfortable silence and before too long Steve’s corn dog was gone. Steve’s always been a nervous eater, it was quite an adorable little quirk he had. You took a bite of your corn dog and held the corn dog closer to him, signaling you’d share yours with him.

“This is a bit weird.” You said as Steve leaned and took a bite of your corn dog. He didn’t say anything but he did agree. It’s been almost two years since you didn’t snap at him the first time you saw him and he didn’t run away. You took another bite of your corn dog and then passed it back to Steve.

“Y’know, I think the sailor uniform fits you, it’s kind of cute.” You laughed and Steve almost choked.  

“S-Seriously?” He laughed and you couldn’t wipe the grin from your face.

“Seriously.” You said with a nod as you guys continued to walk down through the food court. No idea where you were going or how much time has passed. It felt like you’ve been walking for hours, both your corn dogs gone and Robin’s getting cold. When in reality it was only mere minutes since you’ve left the register at Hot Dog On A Stick. You caught a glimpse of  Jessica walking into the diner.

“Steve, I, uh, I’ve got to go. Maybe-.” You started trying to break away from this until you had yourself together and you could put together what you wanted to say and how you wanted to say it.

“I’m sorry.” Steve blurted out. He had to say this before you left. “I’m so sorry. I should’ve listened to you. I should’ve called. I was scared you wouldn’t want to listen to me. I’m still afraid you don’t want to listen to me. I should’ve came around, I just. I thought I was-. I’m a schmuck. I was a real asshole and I’m so sorry. You looked like you had everything figured out. I didn’t think you’d want to deal with me. I tried calling one time and your mom answered, she told me to leave you alone. I mean, I couldn’t blame her, in fact I could even agree with her. I already put you through a lot. It felt wrong, but you seemed to be doing alright and I thought that maybe if I searched for you elsewhere I wouldn’t miss you as much. It didn’t work, I mean it helped, but it didn’t work.  I miss you so much. I want to make things right, I have got to make things right with you. You don’t have to stay around, I just need to know how you feel. I get it if you don’t want to see me again. I’ll leave right now if you want me too. I’ll pack up my sailor hat and I’ll-.” Steve started to speak quickly not even really thinking about the words coming out of his mouth. He just had so much to say and it was pointless for him to try and organize all of it. He wanted you to know every thought that ran through his mind.

“Steve.” You interrupted him and as he caught his breath you grabbed ahold of one of his hands. “I’m sorry too, so unbelievably sorry. I miss you too.” You smiled lightly and Steve let out a nervous sigh as his eyes traveled to your hands holding one of his.

“(Y/N)!” You heard Jessica yell from the diner. You whipped your head around.

“In a minute!” You yelled across the mall. You faced Steve and followed his eyes down to your hands. You quickly let go with an awkward chuckle. Steve let a small smile escape as he saw your cheeks go a rosy red and you playfully pushed him away.

“Truce?” He asked holding out his hand. You smirked and took it both of your hands gliding down each others wrist as your pinkies enter locked. You both had wicked smirks plastered on your faces as you both chuckled.

“You dork.” You said and Steve’s mouth hung open dramatically.

“I’m the dork? You did it too.” He laughed and you both just felt so at peace that it didn’t matter that your fingers were starting to intertwine.

“(Y/N)! Come clock out!” Jessica obnoxiously yelled from the opening of the diner.

“Look, I’ve gotta go. I’ll see you later.” You said as you began to head off towards the diner, your heart lighter than air.

“Movie night tonight, right?” He shouted.

“That’s up to Robin not me!” You shouted turning and walking backwards. “I don’t think she’s sold on you, yet!” You joked and turned back around and entered the diner.

Steve chuckled taking a bite of the other corn dog in his hand. Not sold on him, yet? How could she not be sold on him yet. As Steve swallowed his bite of corn dog he realized that Robin wasn’t going to be sold on him if he went back upstairs with a cold corn dog with a bite taken out of it.

[blazehedgehog]

What are your thoughts about the seemingly recent trend of fandoms trying to claim ownership of a franchise they're into? Like the feeling that fans would be better at managing a specific franchise rather than the people who work on these things for a living. (Examples of this include the backlash and petitions against Star Wars and Game of Thrones, along with the "Sega should hire you, this is so much better than Forces!" comments you see regarding Sonic fan-projects)

It’s not a recent trend at all. Nerds today are the same as nerds back in 1993. What’s changed is the fact that the internet makes it easier to find these people than ever before. And I have to wonder… what is ownership? Who says who’s ideas are the right ideas?

A point I’ve hammered in over and over and over is how the whole comics industry operates. The guys who created Superman aren’t alive anymore. But Superman the character is still around. If you’re smart, and you’re in control of the Superman brand, you hire people who are fans of the character to keep writing new Superman content. That was true in 1985, in 1995, in 2005, and in 2015.

The only thing separating modern Superman comics from fanfiction is the stamp of approval from a bunch of people in business suits who inherited ownership when the real creators of Superman died. Because they say “this is official,” that makes it official. But you could write a totally normal, on-brand Superman fanfiction and there would be no difference between official and unofficial besides that stamp of approval. It would be the same story regardless.

(Yes, I know, it also means the difference between getting paid and being “part of the cannon” but that last point doesn’t matter as much as anyone thinks it does)

And the people who are writing Superman fanfiction today could be the same people writing official Superman comics tomorrow.

Back in 1995, you might have a friend or a bystander see your fanart and say, “You’re really good, you should work for Marvel Comics.” That would be one person, maybe two. Ever. In your whole life.

How do you do that in 1995? The internet is still in the infancy of mainstream adoption, and there aren’t really any websites or people you can ask about this topic. Do you just, like, send artwork in to their mailbag address? If you don’t know what you’re doing, you’ll probably get rejected. I sent design documents in to Sega in 1995, and I got rejected.

Maybe you go to a convention. You bring some sample artwork with you, you corner a guy from Marvel and show him your work. How often were comic conventions back then? Once a year? How far would you have to travel? Multiple cities? Multiple states? For a potential rejection? Back in 1995, this was a big, difficult headache.

But this is how much the internet has transformed our lives. Any artist can reach an audience of hundreds, thousands, millions of people. Anyone can just start a comic about anything they want to make, bypass the whole system, and turn that in to a solo career easier than ever before. If you’re determined instead to work with someone else’s IP, like you really love Spider-man and want to make Spider-man stories specifically, there are endless resources on how to build a portfolio.

That one or two people that urge you to strive for bigger and better things now probably do so through social media, an international forum where their one post could snowball in to a much greater campaign. That “one shot a year” window is now easier than making a phone call.

I use comics as an example here because that’s an established industry where this kind of thing is normalized. So you have Christopher Hastings, he starts Dr. McNinja in 2004, and by 2011 he’s just writing for Marvel Comics. First for Deadpool, then Longshot Saves the Universe, and eventually he created Gwenpool.

A lot of this can be applicable to any fandom. If you’re good enough and the property is around long enough there is a non-zero chance you might get to work with it in an official capacity.

But you have to be realistic, because it’s not actually going to be that easy. It’s never, ever going to be easy. And everyone forgets that. Everyone gets star struck by the glitz and glamor and never stops to think about the cold, hard, business machine that chews people up every single day. If you can do it, anyone can do it, which means a much larger pool of competition and sometimes the job goes to the guy who was 0.2% luckier than you. It still ultimately comes down to who you know and being in the right place at the right time.

The issue here is that the peanut gallery will never understand that. When that one guy encourages you to “do it for real,” he has no concept of what the professional side of that industry even looks like. He’s just paying you a compliment. Unfortunately the pessimism actually required for something like that isn’t fun or uplifting or complimentary. So that part never gets said, and it never gets thought about, which is part of the reason why it can get so out of control when it gains popularity with a larger crowd. Think of it like the opposite of a pity party.

Point is, these are old sentiments that have been around forever, it’s just the internet empowers people more than ever before, amplifying these ideas significantly. But there always were, and always will be people that are ignorant to the reality of this situation. My advice would be to not pay attention to them. Reality will find them eventually.

[feathers-scales-and-tails]

Paralysis Ticks

So it’s summer in Australia and that means ticks! Many of us born in Australia are aware of these nasty buggers, however I was reminded today that people who move here often are not aware of the hazards of our ticks considering many ticks outside Australia are nothing more than blood sucking pests. Like most things in Australia though, we have a tick who is... special. 

This is the Paralysis Tick (Ixodes holocyclus) and is an incredibly common sight in Brisbane where I live. Here’s a map of their distribution (along with our other common, nicer ticks) below. 

Their favourite environment to live in is bushland and long grass, although they travel near and far into city and household through trusty transportation; bats, wallabies, and birds, along with others. They live  for one year with a 4 stage life cycle; egg, larvae, nymph, and adult. They can range in size from a pinhead to the nail on your thumb, the bigger the tick the longer it’s been attached and feeding. An adult tick can lay up to 3000 eggs and they take roughly 60 days to hatch! Hence why they spread like wildfire. Only the females attach and feed off hosts, while the male ticks will feed off the female, mate her, then die. 

If you haven’t guessed already from their name, these ticks cause paralysis! As they feed they inject neurotoxins into their host through saliva, causing a plethora of issues. Paralysis is rare within adults, however young children can suffer. Despite adults not suffering the paralysis, they still make us incredibly sick. Symptoms are similar to the Influenza Virus (the Flu) and there are a lot of symptoms you can suffer. These can include; rashes, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, fever, body aches and pains, lethargy, balance issues, intolerance to bright light, weak limbs, and finally issues with motor control particularly in the facial muscles and hands. They are incredibly nasty ticks. 

I’m not talking about human health today however, I’m making this post to talk about how they affect animals. Specifically our pets. 

Tick ‘season’ begins in September and progressively gets worse as our weather heats up; December and January which are in the peak of heat are the worst months. Ticks don’t stick to season though, it’s entirely possible to find them in winter! However it’s not nearly as common. During Tick season Vets are overrun with patients. Roughly 10,000 dogs are affected each year with a 5% fatality rate (500 animals). These ticks aren’t picky, they’ll commonly target; dogs, cats, birds, chickens, cattle, sheep, goats, rodents, snakes, lizards, and wildlife. Paralysis Ticks can and will kill all of the above animals if treatment is not provided. 

Animals usually start showing clinical symptoms 3-5 days after the tick has attached, it takes a while for the toxins to get into their system. This isn’t good though, as once the toxins are in and start causing noticeable issues you have a very short time frame to seek medical help. The most common symptoms within cats and dogs are; heavy and laboured breathing, excessive panting, coughing, vomiting, constant salivation and frothing at the mouth, wobbly and unsteady back legs, refusal to stand up and walk, full hind leg paralysis, and finally full body paralysis and loss of consciousness. It can take as little as 24 hours after you notice clinical symptoms for your pet to succumb to respiratory or heart failure. 

They sound like a nightmare, and trust me they are. If you discover your animal has a tick you need to book a Vet appointment immediately as without treatment they’ll likely die. Even if you remove the tick, the toxins can remain within the body for weeks. 

If you find a tick, it’s best to remove it straight away so no further toxins are injected. However refrain from squeezing the ticks body with tweezers or fingers!!! Squeezing the abdomen can cause the tick to regurgitate straight into your pet, releasing more toxins. There are special tools you can buy which twist the tick off, if not try and grab the tick by it’s head if it isn’t burrowed into your animal. Here is an example of the removal tool, and another of how to use it. 

If you don’t have this on hand, obviously have a go with tweezers. Just try your best to grab them as far down on their body as you can. 

Vet treatment wise, an antiserum to neutralise the toxin will be administered and the animal may require Intravenous fluids, oxygen and assistance breathing, and assisted urination and defecation if full paralysis has occurred. Never give your animal food or water if it’s paralysed by a tick, as your pet could inhale this into their lungs. Ticks cause respiratory failure, so without full control over their throat and chest muscles they may fail to block off their airway or swallow this food/water properly. It can take up to 9 days for a pet to recover, so your animal will either stay in vet care or will be cleared to go home with antibiotics and/or anti-nausea medication. 

The best way to avoid this heartache for your pets is obviously prevention. Below are some examples of ticks attached, keep in mind that these ticks are engorged so relatively easy to feel or spot. Newly attached ticks will be a pinhead bump, not the huge things you see here. First image is a tick attached to a dog, second is a blue tongue skink, third is a bird (I’m unsure of species). First image is an engorged Paralysis tick, second image are some non-full paralysis ticks, third image is not a paralysis tick (from my viewpoint anyway).

The most straightforward method of prevention is to check your animals regularly, particularly within Summer for ticks. You do this by feeling along your animal and pulling back their fur/feathers/wool to check any small bump or raise you might feel. Common areas of attachment is on the chest and neck, however ticks also like eyes, ears, belly, and around the anus. Check every inch of your pet, sometimes the pricks even go between toes. Here are common areas to check for different animals. Dogs and cats: under the collar, ears, eyes, mouth, belly, chest.  Birds: eyes, beaks and ears. Generally ticks like to attach in places a bird can’t reach so they can’t be pulled off. Armpits (under wings) and along the bottom are also favoured spots.  Reptiles: cloaca, armpits, ears, mouth, eyes.  Rodents: face, stomach, back, ears Sheep: udders, belly, armpits, ears, eyes, jaw/chin.  Cattle: everywhere. Just trust me. Everywhere

Obviously check over your entire animal, but those are the most common spots for each respective species if you’re short for time. Other methods of prevention include sprays and topline treatment. Cattle and sheep get sprayed down for ticks, while dogs and cats should receive regular preventative treatment often in the form of a spray on the back of their neck just like flea treatment. It’s also important to keep grass short on your property as ticks love living in this. Furthermore, don’t walk your dog through any long grass or bushland during summer if you can help it. 

I think that pretty much covers everything! It’s a lot of information but I figured the more the better use it would be to somebody wanting knowledge/help. To everybody living in Australia, or potentially visiting, stay safe and watch out for these ticks. I’ve had several myself and they are not fun! 

Here’s a chonky little Brushtail Possum for you! Fun Fact; Australian Possums and Bandicoots (along with some other species I’m forgetting now?) have built up a natural immunity to Paralysis ticks considering how frequently they’re exposed! They can still be affected, but are very unlikely to suffer paralysis from them. Brushies are my favourite so I had to share one. Chonky tree cats. 

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

COTW 23 - update

Holding Viren, Levi was pacing back and forth in the family waiting area. Eren had already been in surgery for 8 hours, and he was still yet to hear anything about his husband's health. Doctor Reed had suggested he wait back at the hotel, and that she would call when the procedure was over, but Levi couldn't bare to bring himself to leave. He didn't want to be unable to get to Eren in time... Hushing Viren as he started wake, Levi wished someone would pick him up and carry him around. He was dead on his feet, but if he sat, he'd never get back up. Eren hadn't had a great flight down, due to a panic attack that had resulted in him sedated. When he'd woken at Mitras Royal, his husband had been severely disoriented and groggy. He'd begged Levi to take him home, and grown agitated over the lack of rings on his finger, taking hours to come back to reality as the drugs left his system. Having spent the whole night before Eren's flight at the hospital with his omega, then going straight to spending a flight being serenaded with Viren's stunning "operatic" vocals, and topping the trifecta with a terrified Eren, Levi was tired, smelly, exhausted to the point of nausea and nursing a headache greater than Viren's ability to scream. He knew Viren couldn't help the pain in his ears that came from flying, but out of everyone on the plane, only one little old beta woman had been happy to help. The rest of the passengers getting mad at the three year old for something he couldn't help or understand. By the twelve hour mark, Levi was wondering if they'd forgotten he existed. He'd given up pacing, thanks to his knees threatening to give out, and thanks to having to take Viren to the bathroom, and for food. His paranoia left him wondering if they'd come to find him, then found that he wasn't there and assumed he'd left. His arse was numb, his back hurt like a bitch and his eyes burned from a lack of sleep, but there was no way he was going home. 16 hours after kissing Eren goodbye as he wheeled away, Doctor Reed finally came to find him. The woman looked as bad as he felt "Levi" Rising to his feet, she gestured for him to sit. Levi's heart was hammering as he did "How... how is he?" "It was a hard and difficult surgery. Separating the tumour wasn't easy..." Oh god... oh... fuck... this was it... Eren had... he was... Levi's eyes filled with tears, Doctor Reed placing her hand on his shoulder "... and we were unable to remove the entirety of the tumour, however, we did remove over 80 percent of the tissue. Now. There were some complications, extending procedure time. The pup went into distress which is why we didn't remove the tumour in its entirety, the second twin then slipping into distress from the extended surgery..." Reed paused, Levi was getting over these pauses real fucking fast "Eren?" "Eren crashed on the table, suffering a major bleed as we were closing. We closed the bleed, and got his heart back into normal sinus rhythm, but we've placed him in a medically induced coma to relieve the pressure on his body. The next 48 hours are going to be critical. We'll be monitoring both pups very closely, as well as Eren for clots, preterm-labour, or secondary bleeds. We won't know if there are any lasting effect from the bleed, until he wakes" Levi felt as if he'd been dumped into an ice bath. His stomach clenching so hard that vomited into his mouth "Now. I know you're anxious to see him, but we have him a sterile room to lower risk of infection, and we will be keeping him under until we are absolutely sure he is strong enough to be brought back out. You need to go home and rest" Rest... how could he rest? "I know everything I said is scary, but it was nothing outside the realms of possibilities we knew may occur during this procedure. I'm also not sugar coating it, because I know you'd be insulted if I did. So the best thing you can do for Eren, is to go back to your hotel and rest" "I want to see him" "That's not currently possible" "I... I don't care if I can't talk to him, I need to see him... he's... my husband" Reed took a long breath in through her nose "Please. I need to see he's out of surgery" "You won't be able to communicate with him, and the amount of equipment surrounding him may be alarming" "I know. I'm prepared for that. But I still need to see him. We've come all this way. He's in a city and hospital he doesn't know. Having a surgery he was scared shitless over, and now you tell me he died on table. I need to... see him" Reed softened "I can give you a few minutes, but you have to promise me you'll rest" Levi nodded quickly "Alright, come with me" Forced to stand on the outside of the room, Eren was locked away from him. His omega's room was directly across from nurses station, which was generally reserved for the riskier of patients. Normally doctor's liked their patiences to come out of anesthetiser naturally, but there Eren was. Surrounded by monitors, his stomach bare and other than the small sensor pads placed across his swell to monitor the vitals of their pups. Levi found no relief at the sight of Eren like that. He looked too thin, and far too pale "Levi?" Blinking, he realised Reed had placed her hand on his shoulder again "My team is the best on the whole island. He is in very good hands here" "He looks like a doll" "He may be pale, but he did just go through a 13 hour procedure. Even unconscious, surgery is a heavy burden on the body, and there is a risk of infection. Being in a coma is the best thing for him right now" So they had left him waiting... They'd left him to stew in his own misery "He'll wake up again, won't he?" "We have no reason to doubt he won't once the drugs are weaned from his system. He will be weak, but if all goes well, he'll be home by the 28th" Levi nodded, swapping Viren to his opposite hip. He and Eren had married on the 13th, it was now the 17th or was maybe even the 18th... Eren was due to remain in Mitras until the 21st, then to be transferred back to Shinganshima. He didn't see Eren being home by the 28th, nor did he see him testifying on the 6th of March like Floch had organised... Eren wanted to take the stand as it would be the states lawyers questioning him this time, and giving him a chance to explain his life in his own words. Floch was sitting on the pushing incident, which left Levi furious, yet the man had restated that he had a plan "Now. The best thing for you is sleep" Levi nodded, he didn't want to take his eyes off Eren. The three rings and the two wolves he wore around neck felt incredibly heavy, almost like a hangman's noose. If anything else were to happen... he'd lose his head "Thank you... and thank you for... for saving them..." "You're welcome. I never promised this would be easy, but we all came through the other side in one piece. Are you alright to get home from here?" "Yeah... yeah, I've got it covered" "Then no doubt I'll see you soon" "Thank you..." Back at the hotel, Levi crashed hard. Getting Viren, and himself, showered and changed used up the last of his energy reserves. Turning the TV on and setting it to low for the background noise, he pulled his son into bed with him. Viren wasn't a happy camper, not after a whole day at hospital with being able to run and play, but Levi wasn't about to let him go loose in a hotel room, even if the door was weighted and chained. He needed the soft warmth of his son against him. He needed to know he was safe, no matter how many whines and grabby fingers to the face he took in the process. Sleeping came easy, the hard part was when Viren woke him early demanding food. The boy had somehow rid himself of his nappy, and pants, and all managed to make one hell of a mess of their hotel room. Ordering room service, Levi was ready for another however many hours of sleep he'd gotten. Chasing Viren down and getting him back into a pair of pants, his son promptly pulled them back down, before attempting another break for it. It wasn't fair how much energy toddlers had... or maybe he was just getting old. Breakfast was another trying experience. The syrup from their pancakes ended up across the sheets, with strawberries smeared into the sheets for extra flavour. His cup of tea fell victim too, its appeal lost once half chewed, toddler drooled on, pancake ended up floating in it. If Eren had been there, he would have had everything under control, and the room service man wouldn't have had to deal with a toddler with his willy in his hand yelling about making it bigger, when the poor guy was just trying to do his job. Levi gave a him a decent tip, the man taking it all in good humour as Levi tried to assure him that this wasn't an every occurrence and that Viren was his son, and that he wasn't up to anything shady. When he thought about it after the fact, his awkwardness was probably what he was laughing about. Once again he found himself thinking Eren would have handled everything so much better. With too much energy for his own good, Levi googled parks on his phone. It was barely 8am, so he wouldn't be able to visit his omega for another two hours. Two more hours he would have preferred to be have used to sleep, but Viren was just too wired, and their bed was a mess. Fighting to get his son dressed, then himself, he went to scold his son for jumping on their bed, when the boy jumped on him with a joyous cry "Daddy! Cuddle Attack!" "Whoa!" Spinning round with Viren in his arms, his bad mood lifted. He wouldn't be out of his flunk until Eren was back home, but this was nice. His son didn't mean to tax his nerves or neurons, and his pure happiness was like a salve to the throbbing wound that was his worry for Eren "What do you say, you and I go to the park, then we'll find something nice to bring mummy" "Mummy!" "Do you miss mummy?" Viren nodded, his wide grey eyes questioning Levi silently "Mummy had to have a special procedure, to make sure he and your little siblings are alright. But he loves you, very much and he's going to be ok" "Can mummy come to the park?" "Not today, baby. But he's going to want hear all about all the fun things you've been doing" "Daddy, why does mum always have to be sick?" "Mummy doesn't want to be sick, but this special procedure is to make him better..." "I don't like it" "I know. How about we get a special gift you can give mummy? And when he's all better, you can tell him how much you love him" "I do" Kissing Viren forehead, he nodded "That's my boy... let's head out to the park" His mind really wasn't on playing, but without other children there, his son had latched onto him. He stubbornly demanded Levi watched as he climbed up the half dozen ladder rungs, so he could slide down a slide as long as Levi's leg. Whoever had designed the park, had definitely not thought about kids at all. The playground was only a slide and a couple of swings, half hidden in the ridiculously perfect grounds. It suited Mitras though, it's rich and money burning image, along with its closed society where kids were probably just thought as pretty decorations. Viren didn't really enough space to explore or enough to work off any extra energy... so he wasn't surprised when Viren came running to him and begged to go on the swings. This was only their second day in the city... he had no idea how he was going to keep Viren entertained for the rest of them. * Eren kept him waiting, his husband had been showing signs of waking all day, but it was 9 hours after he first started to stir that Eren's eyes finally opened. As feared there'd been a few complications. The pups vitals had dipped so low they thought they may have to deliver them ahead of time, before gradually improving, but not before Levi just about collapsed on the spot. Then an infection had started to form along the edge of surgery site. A hair follicle irritated by a stitch, but it was enough to scare the shit out of him again. Kept under for a third day, Eren's system was flooded with antibiotics, and the fourth day after his operation, he was finally weaned off the barbiturates. Hitting the call button, Levi rose and grabbed Eren's hand, as Eren's heart rate began to rise with panic "Shhh. It's the breathing tube, don't fight it... you're ok" Blinking at him, Eren's whole face softened. Though his gaze was unfocused, his husband knew he was there, his struggling lessening "You kept me waiting beautiful.... shhh, don't fight the tube. You're ok... you're ok, bright eyes" Eren weakly squeezed his hand. It'd been a long four days. Especially when he'd been told Eren would be under for another day. Moved away so the tube could be removed, Eren's first move was to reach for Viren. The boy crying as he watched the tube come out, and Eren began to cough. Sitting Viren on the edge of Eren's bed, his husband smiled sleepily "H-hey..." "Rest your voice. Both know how those tubes feel" "Horrible" Levi snorted softly, moving to drag the visitors chair closer to Eren's bed before sitting. Trust Eren to try jumping right into talking again. Reaching up, he brushed Eren's hair back from his face, rubbing his forehead with his thumb as he felt himself tear up "You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen" Eren coughed as he shook his head, wincing slightly as he dropped his head back against the pillow. Levi's heart jumped into his throat "Eren?" "Throat" "Then rest. Let me try read your lips" Eren didn't seem convinced, but his husband was fast falling back to sleep "Pups" "Both... both are fine... I'm fine. Viren's fine and you're going to be just fine too" Eren didn't need to know anything other than that "Good... mmm, baby..." Kissing Eren's cheek, Viren blew a raspberry. Lifting the toddler back into his lap, he wasn't happy to be parted with his mum "Mummy's still recovering, here. Hold mummy's hand. He's really missed you" "Missed him too" Levi was pretty certain that wasn't the case given Eren hadn't been conscious to miss him, but the way Viren carefully held Eren's hand with both his smaller ones were adorable. Just as carefully, he laid his left cheek down on the back of it "We did a little shopping for you... He wanted to buy you half the soft toys in the store" And a million other things he grabbed off the shelves, loudly proclaiming "for mummy" each time Levi took it from his hands to return it the shelf "He's a good kid" "Yeah. A complete and total handful, but he's so much like you" "N'mm like you" Eren's eyes started to slide closed. The eyes that had haunted his dreams and teased him over how long it'd been since he'd seen them "Get some more sleep, bright eyes" "It's been a while since y' call'd me that" "I've missed seeing your eyes... I've missed all of you" "Mmm... sorry... still sleepy" "I can see that. We're not going anywhere" "Love you guys" "We love you too" Sleeping for the next few hours, the second time Eren woke, Levi took Viren out the room while the checked Eren over. His husband didn't remember their earlier conversation, but it wasn't like he'd expected him to. Given it'd gotten so late, they probably wouldn't be able to stay for that much longer. Viren was bored and sleepy. Upset mummy couldn't get up and play. Making it a mission to find his son a cookie, he managed to keep the toddler entertained for a solid half an hour, before Viren got his cookie and they returned to Eren's room. Sitting up, Eren smiled at them tiredly "Look who's awake" "Look who's filling our son with sugar" "Mummy!" Viren made a run for Eren, Levi catching him as he tripped over his own feet and nearly lost his hard earned cookie. Carrying him over to Eren, he sat down with their son in his lap "Hey, baby. That's a pretty big cookie you've got there" "I needed bribery. How do you feel?" "I'm ok... sleepy... but I'm ok" "Good. Did they say anything?" "Mmm... yeah... pups are ok... that's the main thing" "What else did they say?" "A whole heap of words..." Levi forced a laugh. What he really wanted to know was if they talked about how the surgery went, but he didn't want to upset his omega by asking "Said we'd talk about it tomorrow with... with Reed" Yawning, Eren reached out to Viren to rest his hand on his head "My baby been good for daddy?" "It's been interesting" "He's been bored" "You could say that. I never realised how much time he spent sticking his hand down his pants" Eren laughed, before groaning with pain. His hand going from Viren's head to his stomach "Eren?" "Laughing isn't so great... I feel like I'm going to burst" "No laughing. Ok..." "Mmm... skins itchy too" "You had the start of an infection, but they've got it under control" "I think they said something about that too... and bleeding... I really can't remember" "Don't try and force it..." "'m not... how about you? You look sleepy" That was so very Eren "I'm ok. You have me a bit of scare though. I'm sure my hair's more grey than black these days" "Sorry... I like your hair black" "It's fine" "Tell me what you've been up to. Have you been having fun with daddy?" Viren hid behind his cookie, Eren giving another laugh and a groan "I should know better than to ask" "We went to the park, and we've been shopping. They have a kids channel at the hotel..." "TV babysitting for the win..." "Yeah. I've been lost without you around" "I'm sure that's not true" "I let him out in public without shoes on yesterday. Completely forgot them" "I've done that before too. You're not alone" "That's nice to know... I've missed... I've missed you so much" Tearing up, Eren gave him a loving smile "Hey. I'm ok" "I was scared you wouldn't wake" "Like I'd leave my two best men alone... hey, come here" Moving Viren up to Eren's bed, Levi wrapped his arms around both his loves. Nuzzling and kissing Eren's temple, he didn't care that Eren's hair smelt or that his mate hadn't showered in days. All he cared about was holding him again. The floodgates breaking open completely "You died... you left me and you died... and I wasn't there" "Shhhh... it's ok, alpha. It's ok" "I was so fucking useless. I kept wondering if it was ok to be taking Viren to play or to go shopping. I kept thinking about you" "I know you would have. I know. But it's over now, right?" "Y-yeah..." Eren picked up on the stuttered in his word "They couldn't remove all the tumour, but they got most of it... and then you nearly... you were gone" "Shhh, Levi. Levi, it's ok. I'm ok... my poor alpha. You've been so worried, while I slept. Have you called anyone? Let them know how things are?" "N-no..." "Leeeee. You were supposed to" "I texted Mike when you came out of surgery. But... I didn't want to hear it" "You said you'd call them. I didn't want you being alone" "I couldn't. Not until you were awake. I love you... I love you so much" "I love you, Lee. And I love my baby boy... can you lift Viren? He's on my stomach" "Oh! Shit... hold on..." Viren clutched to his cookie and at Eren's hospital gown as Levi pulled him back into his hold as he sat back in the visitors chair "Better?" "Not really... I'd rather the cuddles" "When we get home, you're going to have so many cuddles that you won't know what to do" "I wouldn't mind them now. My omega's so confused over everything. It wants its alpha, and wants to kill whoever touched our pups" "I don't think Reed will appreciate that" "Nor do I. How's your alpha?" Anxious. Worried. Angry. Confused. Freaking the fuck out... "Better now you're awake" "Coming off suppressants doesn't help either" "You're supposed to be worrying about yourself, not me" "Of course I'm going to worry about my family. You guys are my everything" "And you're ours..." Knocking on the glass door, a young nurse poked her head in the room "I'm sorry, but visiting hours are coming to the end" Withdrawing before he could reply, Levi looked back to Eren. His omega having paled in the last few moments "Eren?" "'m ok" "Hey, if you don't want us to go, I can ask about staying" "No. No, you need to take Viren home. He needs a bath and it's way past his bedtime" Murmuring the words, Eren's tearing eyes betrayed him "Eren..." "It's ok. I know you guys can't stay... I'm just... feeling really clingy..." "Like I said, I can ask" Eren wiped his eyes, not stemming the running tears "No... you look tired too... and I'm not... not going anywhere" "I can't leave you like this" "I know I shouldn't be scared, but I don't know this place... it doesn't smell like home" "Shhh... it's ok. You're safe. Here, Viren hop up for a second" Lifting Viren off his lap, Levi pulled his jacket off. Not caring it wasn't hygienic as he moved to lay it under Eren's head and across his pillows "Better?" "I love your scent..." "Good. I'll..." "You should take Viren back to the hotel... He spends too much time in hospital" "I don't want to leave you" "I don't want you two sleeping here..." "What can I do? I hate seeing you crying" "Give me a kiss?" Levi was happy to oblige, the nasal cannula getting in the way as he did. Straightening it out, he smiled at his mate sadly. He hated how scared Eren was becoming "I'll be here first thing in the morning, and we'll stay the whole day. I'll bring my phone in, so you can use it if you want, or look at photos. I've taken heaps of photos because I know you love them" "I... I don't deserve you" "Oh, bright eyes. You deserve the world. And who knows, maybe I'll bring you your own huge cookie" "Reed said I can't eat solid right now" Levi frowned "When did she say that?" "Before the surgery... because of you know... giving birth out my arse" Oh... yeah... straining to take a shit might not be the best thing right now "Right. Then I'll just have to make you cookies when we get home" "I'll hold you to that... where's Viren? I want to give him a kiss" It fucking sucked to leave Eren behind. His omega looked heartbroken as he guided Viren out Eren's room. He should have insisted that Eren slept. If he'd been asleep when Levi and Viren left, then his mate wouldn't be so sad... * Eren was flown back on the 23rd of February rather than the 21st. Coughing too hard due to his irritated throat had caused a tear in his stitching, and another unexpected surgery. Even if it was a very minor bleed, he was proud that Eren caught the fact that something was wrong, and spoken up about it rather than trying to hide the bleeding. Coming back home to Shinganshima was relieving. Eren was heavily depressed over the remaining tumour mass, despite trying hard not to show it. His husband's vitals had been all over the place, and Reed wouldn't sign off on the transfer until they'd steadied and remained within suitable values for 24 hours. Viren had once again hated flying, crying from the moment the cabin pressurised, right up to the moment he was taken into Hanji's arms at the hospital. Being on home turf made it easier to keep his worry under control. Eren was back in an environment he knew, and they'd be able to have some together as they had babysitters available. Meeting him at the front of the hospital, Hanji was all smiles as cuddled with Viren "It's about time you got back" "Nice to see you, too. How's Eren?" "Popped in to see him before, but he was sleeping. The transfer went like clockwork, buuuut, you're both in the sh-shoe with me" "Oh? Why now?" Falling into step with Hanji was easy. It felt like he could breathe easier and the air all that much cleaner than it had been in Mitras "Getting married without telling anyone! I can't believe you stole my Honey away and eloped" "Who told you? Was it Eld or Gunther?" "What?! They knew?! How come they got to know?! I wanted to throw Eren a huge wedding... did you do it right!? Was he happy!?" "We got married at the courthouse before Eren's surgery... and if it wasn't them, then who?" "It was on his transfer papers. Under personal affects was listed none as they were in the possession of his husband" "I knew I hated paperwork" "Why didn't you tell meeeeee?! Do you know how long I've been mentally planning this wedding?! How many hours I've put into the seat charts and flowers?!" "Don't worry, we still want a big wedding... Eren was scared of dying without marrying me" If he said he was just as scared, Hanji would pull the piss out of him for the rest of his life "And here I was, ready to give you shit. I can't tease you for a reason like that" "Once the trial is over and the pups are born, then we'll talk wedding. That's the agreement" "I read his updated medical records..." "And?" Pressing the elevator button, Hanji made him wait until they'd stepped inside and she'd pushed the button to the floor Eren was on before continuing "And I read about what happened... how is?" "Not happy. He's trying to hide it, but he feels guilty for not being strong enough for the whole of the tumour to be removed. Which is complete shoe. His omega's also been all over the place. He's wanted cuddles, but we got in trouble for Viren sitting on his bed, and I got us in trouble for leaving my jacket over his pillow so he'd have my scent" "Well, he's home now. Mike said he'd take Viren tonight. He also said that Titan needs to go on a diet" "He's fine the way he is... and I might take him up on that. We haven't had a chance to talk about everything. Not with little ears in the room" "How did he enjoy his holiday?" Watching the doors open, this time Levi made Hanji wait as he stepped off. Viren was practically asleep in her hold "He didn't. He wanted Eren and didn't understand why he couldn't be there. Plus, being in a hotel room most of the time left him with energy to spare. The second day Eren was awake, he talked at him for two hours straight" "I'm sooooo glad Anna's growing out of that. She's made Eren a card, but I'm not allowed to give it to him. And she's been lost without Viren" "For being your daughter, she's not as much as a pain in the arse as you are" "I know. She reminds me so much of Moblit... I'd like to take credit, but Eren has been so good with her" "Eren's really good with kids, and omegas. It's a shame he never got to put those skills to use outside of babysitting and saving omegas being attacked" "He's still young. Give it a couple of years for the pups to grow" "I know he's still young. I'm just saying..." "You're saying your smitten by everything he does" "He is my husband" "I know that. Do I get to see the wedding ring?" "Once it's back on his finger with the other two" "You've bought him half a jewellery shop... the rings, the charm bracelet, the wolves..." "Eren bought the wolves..." He couldn't deny Hanji's point though. He'd bought Eren four rings over the span of their relationship, which would possibly be around $7000 worth of jewellery... or so. But when compared to the fact that some spent that on a single ring, it really didn't seem that bad. Besides, Eren was beautiful. He'd had such a hard life and deserved pretty things. And the charm bracelet was Eren's pride and joy. A "V" added for their son, and when the next two pups came, he'd buy charm letters for both of them "Ooooooh. That makes me more sense" "Yeah. He didn't want me to give his jewellery back until we were back home. Viren's been after the wolves" Eren was awake when they walked in, giving them a small wave, Hanji raised an eyebrow "Is that all I get?" "Sorry. Hey, Hanji. How've you been?" "I've been worried about my little Sweetheart. My married, Sweetheart" Eren looked from Hanji to him "I didn't tell her. It was on your paperwork" "Oh... yeah... um... we got married" "I know. I mean. I heard. Levi said I couldn't look at the wedding ring until it was back on your finger" "That might be a while... I think they're swollen" Swollen? Since when? Eren's fingers were on the slender side. Like those of a piano player "Noooo... I want to seeeee! I can't believe you guys didn't invite me" "It was a small ceremony" "With a nice wedding night. Can I have Viren?" Walking over to Eren, Hanji set Viren down beside him. Leaving Levi to walk around the bed and sink down to sit on the other side "How do you feel? Any pain? Or discomfort?" "Hanji, you know what it's like to be pregnant. Everything hurts" "This is true. I want to take a little look at your stitches while I'm here" Levi sighed, taking Eren's hand into his. His omega's fingers didn't look swollen "Leave him alone" "I can't help it. He was gone for soooo long" Kissing the top of Viren's head, their son mumbled out "mumma" as he nuzzled into Eren's chest "How long am I going to be in here?" "A week or so. It depends if any complications arise" "Yay. I've gone from being stuck in one hospital to being stuck in another..." "At least you have all of us for entertainment..." Eren didn't look enthused or amused "Fiiiine. At least you're closer to being back home. Oh. That reminds me. I had Mike go ahead and pick a shower chair up for you, and a couple of rails in the bathroom to make getting around easier" "You didn't need to do that" "Nonsense. You're not to be on your feet for extended periods of time" "I know this" "Then you know it's for your own good, Eren" "It doesn't mean you get to rearrange Levi's apartment while he's not home" It wasn't just his apartment. He'd noticed the changes in Eren's speech that directly related to his omega's mental state. If he was upset, Eren tried to back away from things. It became Levi's room, Levi's apartment and Levi's son. Thankfully, Hanji hadn't or she'd be making Eren even more uncomfortable "He doesn't mind. Your health is our number one priority. Over the next few days, you'll be resting. We'll be performing ultrasounds daily, as well as monitoring you closely. I know you're sick to death of having no privacy and of being poked at... but this is for your own wellbeing and that of the pups. We need to know the second something doesn't feel right or normal" Eren let out a faint whine, Levi squeezing his hand hard "Stop scaring him" "I'm just explaining so he knows what's going on" "You can do that without scaring him" "Guys... that's enough. I think I want to get some more sleep" "Mike is going to look after Viren tonight, because we both know Levi isn't going to want to leave you" "He should go home" "I'm not going anywhere" "Titan and Viren need you" "And they're both going to be taken care of... we haven't had a chance to talk since the surgery" "I don't really feel like talking. I'm still tired from the flight" Hanji caught his eye, her frown obvious "I'm fine. I just need to sleep off the meds and stuff. Levi, you should take Viren home" "I'm staying with you" "Levi" "Eren. I'm staying and that's final. You're husband and I've been worried sick about you. We're home and Mike is happy to look after Viren" "No fighting you two. Eren, I want to take a look at those stitches now, then I'll let you sleep" "Not with Viren in the room..." "Alright. Let me get Mike and we'll figure this out" Eren's stitches didn't look great. That wasn't to say that whoever closed the wound hadn't done a nice job. It was more that he hated that Eren needed them to begin with. The bruising had mostly faded, and the edges had started to scar closed. Replacing the wound dressing, Hanji hummed as she worked "It looks good. The infection has cleared up nicely... you've got a little bit of flaking which is probably itchy as hell, so I'll get some cream for that..." "So, he's ok?" "Yep. You'll have a scar, but things look really good to me" "No signs of another bleed?" "Nope. The bruising and swelling will pass, and we'll find out the rest when we give you an ultrasound" Eren had his eyes closed during Hanji's examination. Breathing through his nose, his husband looked as if he was trying his hardest to fake being asleep "Thanks, Hanji. Is... am I allowed to lay next to him?" "You'll need to be careful not to jostle him, and you'll need to avoid placing any pressure at all on his stomach. For now, I would prefer if you remained sitting by his side until after the ultrasound" "Alright. I'm not going anywhere anyway" "We all know that. I'll try to be here for the ultrasound, then we can find you a blanket or two" Nodding, Hanji flashed him a large smile as she started cleaning up the mess she'd made "It really is good to have you back. Anna is going to be so excited to see you again. She's been asking about you everyday and how "Uncle Eren's babies" are. I'm off for a couple of hours tomorrow around lunch, so I'll bring lunch in with me. You're probably sick to death of hospital food" "They've had him on soft foods" "That makes sense. I know a great place that does an amazing array of desserts. I'm sure I can find a few things" Eren let out a nasally sigh "Ok... can I go to sleep now?" "Sure thing. Levi, you're in charge of watching over him" "Like I'd do anything else"

[larrytcamp]

How Much Does NAD IV Therapy Cost?

IV Therapy is swiftly turning into one of the most invigorating treatments across the nation, with hundreds of clients getting the go-happy increase they need from an infusion of essential vitamins, minerals, as well as enzymes. From bustling large cities to smaller towns, IV Treatment Bar is going far for itself as being the injectable matching of an afternoon coffee pick-me-up. At The Center IV Bar in Chestnut Hillside, MA, we offer a large area of IV therapies so our people have a selection of IV Therapy expenses that suit their budgets.

Just How Much Does NAD IV Treatment Price?

Normally speaking, you may anticipate to invest in between $125 as well as $200 on any sort of IV Treatment. IV Treatment costs for something that consists of NAD is in fact typically extra affordable than other IV choices. This is due to the fact that NAD is a type of booster that may be added to other IV bags in our collection. If you want just making use of NAD for your therapy, after that you will usually be adding the booster to a fundamental saline bag, which is the least costly alternative.

Just How May NAD IV Treatment Advantage You?

For many years, science has deduced that NAD, which represents Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, is unbelievably useful for your wellness and instrumental most of your basic physical functions. NAD is a coenzyme of Niacin, a B vitamin produce by your body that is responsible for transforming food into energy, and also keeping the health and wellness of your worried, digestion, as well as skin systems.

Actually, if you focus on the components on the back of your charm products, you may see something called niacinamide included in your moisturizer. Niacinamide is one more type of Niacin as well as is associated with NAD by the way of likewise improving skin health and wellness as well as cellular resiliency. This B vitamin co-enzyme is additionally clinically confirmed to aid with problems such as:

Exhaustion

Muscular pain and also weak point

Joint discomfort

Headaches

Mood instability

Diabetes mellitus

Rest disruption

Amnesia or poor focus

Constant fevers and sore throats

Low sex drive

Age-related worries

Secure as well as Fix DNA

Among the key features of NAD in the body is the defense and also repair work of mobile DNA. Each of your body cells contains stress of DNA that inform those cells just how to behave and also exactly how to work with the rest of your body processes. When mobile DNA is damaged, it may develop a snowball result of inadequate health and wellness in the rest of the body, including the advancement of either benign or deadly illnesses.

By shielding the integrity of your cellular DNA and also repairing damage prior to it may worsen, you are taking positive steps to keep your health and wellness and wellbeing.

Improve State Of Mind and Mind Health And Wellness

NAD has strong associations with neurological wellness and feature. As an example, studies have discovered that NAD may stimulate the manufacturing of dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline, the "delighted" natural chemicals in your brain that assistance stabilize your emotions. When levels of dopamine and serotonin are down, people are more probable to have reduced moods such as anxiety or anxiety. NAD may assist keep your natural chemicals normally stabilized to boost state of mind.

NAD is additionally connected with healthy and balanced cognitive feature. The neurotransmitters in the mind that are in charge of chunking as well as saving memories, in addition to those that are connected to focus, are highly responsive to degrees of NAD in the mind; when NAD levels go down, so do your capacity to believe plainly and bear in mind things, also in the temporary.

Productive Antioxidant

Numerous researchers regard NAD as one of the most powerful antioxidants in the body. An antioxidant eliminates unsafe cost-free radicals in the body that may harm mobile DNA, as well as aid the body strain toxins that may adversely affect health. Detoxing your body and bringing your cells back into equilibrium is the very most method to be proactive about your preventative wellness.

Boost Overall Health and Resistance

NAD is additionally extremely significant in the typical performance of your bodily procedures. As an example, NAD is very closely linked to excellent cardiovascular wellness because it assists reduced cholesterol and also blood pressure. NAD is additionally essential for reinforcing the health system, certainly the speed of the health action. More powerful health systems are a lot more able in getting rid of microorganisms, infections, and other contaminants from the body before infection may embed in.

Various Other Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Identifies the Cost of IV Treatment?

Your IV Therapy price is determined by two primary variables: the active ingredients utilized in your IV therapy, and also the size of your IV bag. Essentially, the more active ingredients that are consisted of in your IV bag will boost the cost, with harder-sourced minerals as well as enzymes being a little much more expensive than typical vitamins.

The size of your IV bag describes the amount of milliliters are consisted of in your treatment. Ordinary or smaller sized bags, which are treatments that may just take thirty minutes, are cheaper than bigger bags because the smaller sized bags utilize fewer active ingredients. If you aren't certain which dimension IV bag is appropriate for your age, gender, as well as weight, we will certainly aid you choose the size that is preferably suited to your needs.

2. How Does IV Treatment Job?

Much like your expected IV Therapy price, the method IV Treatment works is fairly simple. If you've ever been admitted to a health center and also had a saline IV drip, then the process needs to recognize to you. You will certainly be seated in a comfortable area as well as one of our knowledgeable service technicians will certainly place an intravenous line right into your arm, either at your joint or on the back of your hand. From there, your therapy is as easy as draining the IV drip.

Appointment

Before your first IV therapy meeting, we will have a brief appointment to explain the therapy actions as well as your treatment alternatives in more information. We may require to gather certain pertinent medical info, such as any kind of existing medical problems you may have, your present routine of vitamins and also medicines, as well as whether or not you are presently pregnant or breastfeeding.

IV Appointment

Your IV consultation may be done any time of the day, though there are a couple of IV options that are most throughout the morning hrs, such as our Boozy Bag. Generally, you should expect your IV Treatment to take at least 30 minutes to finish. Nevertheless, if you are using a bigger bag for your treatment, your appointment might take as long as 45 mins to complete.

Recovery

There is no recuperation time connected with this therapy. After the therapy is complete, a lot of patients have the ability to spot a boost in overall energy within 1 to 3 hours. Individuals are encouraged to resume all typical everyday tasks, including job as well as regular workout regimens.

3. Just How Frequently May You Have This Treatment?

Many individuals may have this therapy once every 2 weeks, although depending on the type of IV therapy you make use of, your time in between therapies may be a lot more spaced apart. It's common for people to have IV treatment a minimum of when a month so as to get the full gain from the treatment.

4. What Are Other IV Treatment Alternatives?

At The Hub IV Bar, we have several different IV options for our clients to choose from. Each of our IV Treatment alternatives is particularly curated with a cocktail of pick vitamins, minerals, and also enzymes to develop a details equilibrium of renewed benefits in your body. Our IV Treatment Bar options consist of:

Standard Bag

The Standard Bag appears saline that rehydrates the body, equilibriums electrolytes, and renews the minerals in your body. Boosters such as NAD are most generally used with this bag.

Banana Bag

The Banana Bag attracts inspiration from the health benefits of bananas and consists of a multivitamin to increase your energy as well as sustain your health system.

Boozy Bag

The Boozy Bag is our headache remedy, best for assisting you recuperate from an amazing weekend break. This bag includes ingredients to aid your body detoxification after alcohol consumption, which will certainly raise your hydration and may help your liver procedure the alcohol brisker.

Stomach Bag

The Stubborn belly Bag is designed for those who are suffering from GERD or acid reflux, or that are or else having belly problems. With Pepcid at the helm of this treatment, individuals may bring back hydration as well as soothe the inflamed belly cellular lining.

Insect Bag

The Insect Bag is your brisk as well as very easy common cold solution. Including ingredients such as Vitamin C as well as Zinc the Pest Bag offers your body health system the increase it needs to kick your under-the-weather sensation to the visual.

Body Bag

The Body Bag is a corrective post-workout option that aids your body recoup quicker from sports activities. With active ingredients such as B Vitamins and also L-Carnitine, your muscular tissues will certainly thank you for the boost in inner repair work devices.

Sleeping Bag

The Sleeping Bag is a basic mix of saline and Benedryl that may assist you recuperate from jet lag or get a much good evening's rest.

Elegance Bag

The Elegance Bag is a corrective treatment having B Vitamins and also Vitamin C each of which aids your body battle versus the signs of aging as well as recovers the wellness of your skin.

Boost Bag

The Increase Bag includes B Vitamins, Zinc, and also Magnesium may help fortify your health system as well as provide your energy a much-needed increase ahead of crucial life occasions.

Brain Bag

The Mind Bag is developed to assist deal with migraines, frustrations, and brain fog associated with stress.

Book Bag

The Book Bag has everything you require to enhance your cognitive health and also feature, including B Vitamins as well as Magnesium.

Equilibrium Bag

The Balance Bag brings your mind and body back into equilibrium with ingredients like B Vitamins and Lysine for an all-over restorative impact.

5. What Are Boosters and Should You Use Them?

Boosters are additional active ingredients that may be included in a lot of IV alternatives. You may want to include boosters in your treatment if you wish to raise the performance of your IV therapy or if you would like your IV therapy to be multi-functional. Some of the boosters you may choose from consist of:

CoQ10

Glutathione

Slim Shot

B12

Biotin

NAD

6. For How Long Do Outcomes Last?

The results of IV Therapy Bar will typically last for 2 to 3 weeks at once, which is the length of time the brand-new vitamins, minerals, and enzymes will continue to be energetic in your body before being gotten rid of via routine metabolic processes.

7. That Are Excellent Prospects?

Since this therapy is secure for a lot of clients, those who are interested in IV Therapy Boston are likely excellent candidates. If you have certain medical conditions, such as maternity or persistent conditions, please allow us know so we may good establish your candidacy.

Boost Your Health With NAD IV Therapy

Some patterns stay for a reason-- as well as IV Treatment Bar is one of them. Whether you pick to boost your health with NAD IV Treatment or you have an interest in another of our IV Therapy Bar alternatives, you ought to recognize IV Therapy costs are budget-friendly for lots of people.

The post “ How Much Does NAD IV Therapy Cost? “ was seen originally on The HUB IV Bar

Find out how an IV therapy of vitamins may help improve your overall health. Drop by Dr. Amauri Wellness Centre located in Toronto, Ontario.

[peterblairca]

Condos for Sale in Calgary: Big Tips for First Time Buyers! Part 1

Calgary Condos: What to Know Before Buying – Part 1

In our decades of experience, the good agents here at Elite Home Real Estate have learned that summer is the #1 season for first time buyers. In fact, the number of first-timers that we help is consistently the highest during this season than any other time of the year… And for a whole lot of first time buyers, condos are the property type of choice.

Thing is, we’ve also learned that very few buyers – first timers or not – are 100% aware of the many ways in which owning a condo differs from owning a house or even a townhouse. It’s with this in mind that we write this blog series, “Calgary Condos: What to Know Before Buying”… Because a little bit of extra knowledge goes a long way!

The Benefits of Condo Living

Condos make a truly great home for many different reasons – from having your sidewalks shoveled for you to indoor parking, to low maintenance costs and property taxes – condominiums have become the property type of choice for an increasing number of homebuyers.

For a lot of first time buyers, these above factors are very attractive selling points! After all, the idea of property maintenance, taxes, home improvements, and utilities can be pretty intimidating for someone who has never owned their own home before (and sometimes, even if they have).

On the flip side, homeowners who are looking to downsize are also attracted to condo ownership for the very same reasons. After years of shoveling snow, cutting grass, taxes, endless property repairs and upgrades, and having to deal with your own plumbing and furnace emergencies, all these long-time homeowners want is someone to deal with this for them! (And, really, who can blame them?)

But owning a condo is not like owning a house or even a townhouse. In many ways, the responsibilities and duties of a condominium owner are much easier. In other ways, however, the obligations of condo ownership are more complex.

From the state and status of the condo building itself to the details of living in and insuring it, there are a number of things to consider when you look at buying a condo in Calgary.

Value vs. Workmanship

In Calgary’s last big boom, we saw the construction of literally thousands of new condos in Calgary These condos were built in a comparatively short span of time and sometimes by contractors who were stretched to provide the resources needed to accommodate all the building projects they were working on.

Ten years and many building code amendments later, many (but certainly not all) of these boom condo buildings are in need of upgrades and repairs. They’re still 100% habitable and have retained impressively strong property value, but their management companies and governance boards are now sending out special assessments. As a result, these condo unit owners are beginning to realize these additional costs.

This is why we always make sure our clients understand the difference and connection between value and workmanship.

Several months ago, we did about a blog post about a young couple that bought a home with some serious structural issues. In it, we emphasized the need for accurate and current home inspection reports. This same advice bears repeating here – but with a condo, you will want to have 2 types of thorough inspections:

A certified, professional home inspection • A thorough inspection of the condo documents

This is because unlike a home inspection of a house or townhouse, condo inspections only cover elements specific to the condo unit itself. These are unit-specific elements such as windows, appliances, cabinetry, fire and CO2 detectors, etc.

“Common elements” – like the plumbing, roofing, and electrical systems – are outside of a condo inspection’s scope and therefore cannot be included in a condo home inspection report.

This is why it’s crucial you have a trained eye review the condo documents. It’s in these documents that you’ll get a fuller story because they will reveal any problems or potential problems relating to the bigger picture and long-term issues.

A Bit More About Condo Documents…

These documents give you critical information on the condo’s overall status. This includes pertinent information on the building, the board’s financial resources, special assessments, insurance claims, condo fees, any legal actions taken against the condo’s builders or its board, and how the condo building is and has been managed.

Condominium documents also include the meeting minutes of the condo board, which is a great place to learn about potential issues that may be creeping up to cause serious headaches in the future.

Condo documents must be supplied to condo owners, potential owners, and their respective mortgage providers within 10 days of receiving a written request for them. You can find out more about condo documents from this incredibly handy Service Alberta info sheet.

Geographic Considerations (Prime Example: Floods)

Almost any Canadian who was around in 2013 will remember the devastating, overwhelming floods Calgarians endured that summer.

And while floods like that were previously considered a rare occurrence, the Government of Alberta itself has acknowledged that climate change will “result in long-term changes in temperature and precipitation, as well as increased frequency and severity of weather events such as droughts, floods, forest fires, and severe storms.” 

With this in mind, reviewing flood maps and available flood insurance policies is a very wise idea for anyone who is considering condo ownership – especially near Calgary’s two rivers and inner city.

Don’t get us wrong here; we’re not trying to dissuade anyone from investing in a condo in these beautiful and established Calgary neighbourhoods! We are, however, pointing out that there are some unique considerations to keep in mind  – regardless of where you want to purchase a condo.

As for floods, the vast majority of condo buildings will have water damage insurance that includes storm sewer back ups. This is important to know about because hundreds of buildings that were not directly affected by the flooding rivers in 2013 still suffered serious damage from over-flowing sewers, drains, and other infrastructure-related flooding damage.

However, if you are thinking of buying a condo near Calgary’s flood zone or flood fringe zone, then be sure to find out if the condo building has overland flood insurance (this information can also be found in the condo documents).

If and/or when the next big flood hits, you’ll be glad to know that you’re properly covered!

Insurance

Flooding and water damage insurance aside, owners of a condo unit will require a unique form of insurance known as “condo insurance”.

What a great many condo owners don’t realize (until they’re in the thick of it) is that condo insurance policies are very unique creatures in the property insurance world.

A condo insurance policy can be a confusing document to understand. That’s because a condo insurance policy needs to balance and complement the insurance that exists for the rest of the building with the coverage needs of your specific condo unit.

A prime example of this is a fire. If there was a fire in your condo, the condo building’s insurance would only cover the damage of the walls and ceiling outwards – so your carpets, fixtures, appliances, and furniture would be covered by a condo owner’s individual condo insurance policy.

Can Ya’ Do a Condo?

As you can see, there are some important things to think about when it comes to buying a condo in Calgary. What we’ve listed above are just 4 of the bigger considerations that potential condo owners need to be aware of.

There is definitely much more food for thought when it comes to being a condo owner, but luckily Elite Home Real Estate has some of the very best condo buying specialists in the province!

Stay tuned for our next installment of “Calgary Condos: What to Know Before Buying” where we’ll share more tips and helpful factoids about buying a condo in Calgary.

 Want to know more, or maybe you have some condo questions that need answering? Then get in touch! We absolutely know our stuff when it comes to Calgary real estate and Calgary condos – and are always happy to help.

The post Condos for Sale in Calgary: Big Tips for First Time Buyers! – Part 1 appeared first on Calgary Real Estate.

Via https://www.elitehomerealestate.com/condos-for-sale-in-calgary-big-tips-for-first-time-buyers/

source https://elitehomerealestate.weebly.com/blog/condos-for-sale-in-calgary-big-tips-for-first-time-buyers-part-1

[elitehomerealestate]

Condos for Sale in Calgary: Big Tips for First Time Buyers! – Part 1

Calgary Condos: What to Know Before Buying – Part 1

In our decades of experience, the good agents here at Elite Home Real Estate have learned that summer is the #1 season for first time buyers. In fact, the number of first-timers that we help is consistently the highest during this season than any other time of the year… And for a whole lot of first time buyers, condos are the property type of choice.

Thing is, we’ve also learned that very few buyers – first timers or not – are 100% aware of the many ways in which owning a condo differs from owning a house or even a townhouse. It’s with this in mind that we write this blog series, “Calgary Condos: What to Know Before Buying”… Because a little bit of extra knowledge goes a long way!

The Benefits of Condo Living

Condos make a truly great home for many different reasons – from having your sidewalks shoveled for you to indoor parking, to low maintenance costs and property taxes – condominiums have become the property type of choice for an increasing number of homebuyers.

For a lot of first time buyers, these above factors are very attractive selling points! After all, the idea of property maintenance, taxes, home improvements, and utilities can be pretty intimidating for someone who has never owned their own home before (and sometimes, even if they have).

On the flip side, homeowners who are looking to downsize are also attracted to condo ownership for the very same reasons. After years of shoveling snow, cutting grass, taxes, endless property repairs and upgrades, and having to deal with your own plumbing and furnace emergencies, all these long-time homeowners want is someone to deal with this for them! (And, really, who can blame them?)

But owning a condo is not like owning a house or even a townhouse. In many ways, the responsibilities and duties of a condominium owner are much easier. In other ways, however, the obligations of condo ownership are more complex.

From the state and status of the condo building itself to the details of living in and insuring it, there are a number of things to consider when you look at buying a condo in Calgary.

Value vs. Workmanship

In Calgary’s last big boom, we saw the construction of literally thousands of new condos in Calgary These condos were built in a comparatively short span of time and sometimes by contractors who were stretched to provide the resources needed to accommodate all the building projects they were working on.

Ten years and many building code amendments later, many (but certainly not all) of these boom condo buildings are in need of upgrades and repairs. They’re still 100% habitable and have retained impressively strong property value, but their management companies and governance boards are now sending out special assessments. As a result, these condo unit owners are beginning to realize these additional costs.

This is why we always make sure our clients understand the difference and connection between value and workmanship.

Several months ago, we did about a blog post about a young couple that bought a home with some serious structural issues. In it, we emphasized the need for accurate and current home inspection reports. This same advice bears repeating here – but with a condo, you will want to have 2 types of thorough inspections:

A certified, professional home inspection • A thorough inspection of the condo documents

This is because unlike a home inspection of a house or townhouse, condo inspections only cover elements specific to the condo unit itself. These are unit-specific elements such as windows, appliances, cabinetry, fire and CO2 detectors, etc.

“Common elements” – like the plumbing, roofing, and electrical systems – are outside of a condo inspection’s scope and therefore cannot be included in a condo home inspection report.

This is why it’s crucial you have a trained eye review the condo documents. It’s in these documents that you’ll get a fuller story because they will reveal any problems or potential problems relating to the bigger picture and long-term issues.

A Bit More About Condo Documents…

These documents give you critical information on the condo’s overall status. This includes pertinent information on the building, the board’s financial resources, special assessments, insurance claims, condo fees, any legal actions taken against the condo’s builders or its board, and how the condo building is and has been managed.

Condominium documents also include the meeting minutes of the condo board, which is a great place to learn about potential issues that may be creeping up to cause serious headaches in the future.

Condo documents must be supplied to condo owners, potential owners, and their respective mortgage providers within 10 days of receiving a written request for them. You can find out more about condo documents from this incredibly handy Service Alberta info sheet.

Geographic Considerations (Prime Example: Floods)

Almost any Canadian who was around in 2013 will remember the devastating, overwhelming floods Calgarians endured that summer.

And while floods like that were previously considered a rare occurrence, the Government of Alberta itself has acknowledged that climate change will “result in long-term changes in temperature and precipitation, as well as increased frequency and severity of weather events such as droughts, floods, forest fires, and severe storms.” 

With this in mind, reviewing flood maps and available flood insurance policies is a very wise idea for anyone who is considering condo ownership – especially near Calgary’s two rivers and inner city.

Don’t get us wrong here; we’re not trying to dissuade anyone from investing in a condo in these beautiful and established Calgary neighbourhoods! We are, however, pointing out that there are some unique considerations to keep in mind  – regardless of where you want to purchase a condo.

As for floods, the vast majority of condo buildings will have water damage insurance that includes storm sewer back ups. This is important to know about because hundreds of buildings that were not directly affected by the flooding rivers in 2013 still suffered serious damage from over-flowing sewers, drains, and other infrastructure-related flooding damage.

However, if you are thinking of buying a condo near Calgary’s flood zone or flood fringe zone, then be sure to find out if the condo building has overland flood insurance (this information can also be found in the condo documents).

If and/or when the next big flood hits, you’ll be glad to know that you’re properly covered!

Insurance

Flooding and water damage insurance aside, owners of a condo unit will require a unique form of insurance known as “condo insurance”.

What a great many condo owners don’t realize (until they’re in the thick of it) is that condo insurance policies are very unique creatures in the property insurance world.

A condo insurance policy can be a confusing document to understand. That’s because a condo insurance policy needs to balance and complement the insurance that exists for the rest of the building with the coverage needs of your specific condo unit.

A prime example of this is a fire. If there was a fire in your condo, the condo building’s insurance would only cover the damage of the walls and ceiling outwards – so your carpets, fixtures, appliances, and furniture would be covered by a condo owner’s individual condo insurance policy.

Can Ya’ Do a Condo?

As you can see, there are some important things to think about when it comes to buying a condo in Calgary. What we’ve listed above are just 4 of the bigger considerations that potential condo owners need to be aware of.

There is definitely much more food for thought when it comes to being a condo owner, but luckily Elite Home Real Estate has some of the very best condo buying specialists in the province!

Stay tuned for our next installment of “Calgary Condos: What to Know Before Buying” where we’ll share more tips and helpful factoids about buying a condo in Calgary.

  Want to know more, or maybe you have some condo questions that need answering? Then get in touch! We absolutely know our stuff when it comes to Calgary real estate and Calgary condos – and are always happy to help.

The post Condos for Sale in Calgary: Big Tips for First Time Buyers! – Part 1 appeared first on Calgary Real Estate.

source https://www.elitehomerealestate.com/condos-for-sale-in-calgary-big-tips-for-first-time-buyers/

[hakuyamazakisensei]

November One-Shots: Day Twenty-Seven; Window (Harada and Shiranui Conclusion)

I hope you enjoy this conclusion to the little ditty I started on Day 10 and then continued on Day 17. You can read them all over at AO3! :)

Harada leaned heavily on Shiranui as they exited the ship. It had been a long and agonizing journey for him, the constant swaying of the boat wreaking havoc on his already punished body. Shiranui scowled and muttered a string of complaints about the weight and ‘having to carry your worthless ass’, but he shifted his stance to better assist the spearman anyway. Harada rolled his eyes and ignored the expletives, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other without sending waves of pain shooting through his system.

The doctor back in Ueno had attempted to discourage the men from making the trip. It had taken some doing for Shiranui to convince Harada to leave in the first place, but when the doctor told them the damage it could cause to Harada, he had held his breath waiting to see if the spearman would change his mind. He had not. In fact, he had been rather adamant that if they were going to leave Japan, they would do it immediately.

Harada remembered the conversation he had with Shiranui quite well. He had woken to find the demon hovering over him with a frown. A stranger stood behind him, trembling in his boots and looking from Shiranui to the door across the room. Harada was certain the man would have bolted had Shiranui not had a very tight grip on his wrist.

“He’s awake, doc. Get to it.” Shiranui pulled the stranger closer and the man dropped to his knees next to Harada.

“H-how are you feeling, mister?” the man asked in a shaky voice.

Harada tried to focus on the question. Who was this man? What the hell was Shiranui doing here? Where was here? He didn’t realize he had asked the last question aloud until the Shiranui spoke up.

“You’re still in Ueno, baka. Answer the doctor and quit asking stupid questions.”

Harada gritted his teeth and glared up at the demon. If the doctor hadn’t looked completely petrified, he would have had a few choice words to say as well. Instead, he turned his focus inward and attempted to give an accurate account of how he felt.

“Well, my gut feels like someone has a knife plunged into it and they keep twisting the damn thing. Other than that, a few stiff muscles and a headache. Nothing else.”

The doctor nodded and turned to Shiranui with wide eyes.

“Those pains are to be expected. His fever has gone down and he is getting plenty of sleep. He needs liquids. I would hold off on solid food for now.”

Shiranui nodded and released his grasp on the man. “Fine, you can go. I will come find you tomorrow for another look.”

“H-hai!” The doctor scrambled to his feet and left hurriedly.

Shiranui turned back to Harada, who was watching him with narrowed eyes.

“What’s your game, Shiranui?”

“Is that how you thank me for saving your miserable life, Harada?”

“Why did you save my life? Not that I don’t appreciate the gesture...thank you.”

Shiranui rose to his feet and walked to the irori in the center of the room. He poked the fire absentmindedly. After a moment, he spoke.

“It would have been a waste, your life ending there. That’s all. Don’t go reading anything into it.” He glanced up sharply at the low chuckle coming from across the room. “What’s so fucking funny?”

“Nothing,” Harada said, wincing in pain.

“Serves you right.” He was quiet for a moment more, and then asked, “What are your plans, Harada?”

“What do you mean?”

“Now that the war has shifted, now that those abominations are gone...what do you intend to do?”

“The Shinsengumi....”

“The Shinsengumi are gone!” Shiranui growled, standing up and striding to the window.

“W-what?! What are you saying, Shiranui?”

“I’m saying you are a fool if you think you’re on the winning side here. Your Shinsengumi have fled to Ezo...they stand no chance. I’m saying you’re an even bigger fool if you think you will be able to rejoin them in time. So what are your plans?”

The conversation had gone on for hours; so long that Harada had fallen asleep in the middle of an argument he knew he would win. Days passed and Shiranui stayed, much to Harada’s surprise. The demon was not known for his patience or his kindness and Harada enjoyed pointing it out often.

By the end of the month, word had come that things were even worse in the north and Harada was beside himself. Shiranui took off the day they received word that Kazama had headed toward Ezo, and left Harada in the care of the same doctor who had been so anxious to be anywhere but there. At least the man seemed much less distressed without the demon present. Harada had no idea what Shiranui planned, or if he planned on returning.

Time passed slowly for Harada. The belly wound was healing slowly but no sign of infection gave him hope. Nearly three weeks passed before he heard anything of Shiranui. Word came via the doctor that the ‘blue-haired madman’ was back in town. The doctor let Harada know that he would not be returning and with that, Harada was left alone for the first time since his injury. He struggled to his feet, the effort nearly causing him to black out. He drug himself over to the small window and looked out, surprised to find himself surrounded by nothing but trees. He hadn’t realized the cabin they were in was out in the middle of the woods. There was no way he could make it anywhere...not that he would be able to get far in his condition, anyway. Looking out at the expanse of trees gave Harada an overwhelming feeling of isolation.

He moved from the window, his feet dragging as he made his way to the futon. The short trip had tired him and he could feel his legs trembling from the exertion. He made it halfway across the floor before his legs took out completely and he fell to the floor. The searing pain that shot through his gut terrified more than anything ever had before. Had he ripped open the wound? He crawled toward the futon, dragging his body slowly across the floor. The door banged open behind him and he rolled to his side to see what was going on. Shiranui stood in the doorway, brows arched and hand on hip.

“I can’t leave you alone for any amount of time before you’re trying to kill yourself?”

“Shut up and help me to the bed,” Harada grumbled, clutching a hand to his stomach.

“Did you open your gut?” Shiranui asked as moved closer.

“Don’t know. Feels like I tore something.”

Shiranui knelt down and started pressing on Harada’s abdomen.

“Hey! Try being a little less rough, yeah?”

“Shut up. I need to see if you’ve done any major damage.” He muttered under his breath as he prodded, then drug Harada’s arm over his shoulder. “Come on, get up. I don’t see any blood, so you’ll probably live.”

Together, they managed to get Harada back on the futon in one piece, and he slept for the remainder of the night. The next morning, Shiranui woke him with a short jab to the ribs.

“Wake up!”

“Is there no other way you know to wake somebody?” Harada grumbled, his body sore from the previous night’s activities.

“Yeah, but they aren’t as fun. Listen up. I went to Ezo...”

“What!? But you weren’t gone that long...”

“Quit interrupting! I am a demon, remember? I can move circles around you humans. Anyway, I saw your pal...Nagakura? Gave him your spear.”

“You did what? What do you mean...Why would you do that?” Harada sat up, ignoring the discomfort it caused, to intent on hearing what Shiranui was saying.

“You were taking too long to decide what you wanted to do. I took your spear to Nagakura. He was upset that you were dead, by the way. Really tugged at his heartstrings, I think.”

“Shiranui, you...” Harada couldn’t even begin to assimilate what he was hearing. He shook his head and clenched his hands into fists. “You...told Shinpachi I was dead?”

“Of course not. Demons don’t lie. I just gave him your spear. He assumed the rest on his own.” He grinned, not apologetic at all. “Now, we just need to get a ride on a boat. I think...”

“Wait, wait...What?! What the hell are you talking about?!”

“A boat...you know, those things that float on water? Take you places across the sea?”

“Shiranui, you are two seconds from getting your ass kicked. I don’t care if it kills me. What are you talking about?!”

Shiranui grinned again. “We’re getting out of Japan. I’m done with the war; you’re too injured, so you’re done, too. Besides, you’re a wanted criminal now, you know. All that Bakumatsu shit and all...”

“So let me get this straight. You took it upon yourself to take my weapon to my best friend, leading him to believe I’m dead, then you waltz back here and expect me to leave the country with you? Are you fucking insane?”

“I’ve been told so,” Shiranui said with a shrug. “But it makes sense, don’t you think? If you stay in Japan, you’ll have to change your name and hide for the rest of your life, always worrying about who’s coming after you. Of course, I could protect you, but I won’t. I’m not that nice.”

The argument continued, but no matter what Harada threw at him, Shiranui always had a response that made sense...sort of. In the end, Harada had given in. It was true; Japan wasn’t a safe place for him now. And he had grown disenchanted with it as the old ways crumbled.

And now, here they stood, at the dock of a new city in a new country, Shiranui supporting Harada as they made their way down the pier. Shiranui���s eyes were alive with excitement, and Harada found it contagious. He could start over here, be whoever or whatever he wanted to be. He glanced over at Shiranui when the demon laughed aloud.

“Breathe it in, Harada! New life! Ah, just think of all the new things we will see. I read that they have a problem with something they call bandits here. Bet we could take ‘em. Or maybe we could join them! Either way, it sounds exciting!”

Harada rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress the grin that lit his face. Electricity charged the air. Yes, this would definitely be interesting.

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

COTW 23 - full

Holding Viren, Levi was pacing back and forth in the family waiting area. Eren had already been in surgery for 8 hours, and he was still yet to hear anything about his husband's health. Doctor Reed had suggested he wait back at the hotel, and that she would call when the procedure was over, but Levi couldn't bare to bring himself to leave. He didn't want to be unable to get to Eren in time... Hushing Viren as he started wake, Levi wished someone would pick him up and carry him around. He was dead on his feet, but if he sat, he'd never get back up. Eren hadn't had a great flight down, due to a panic attack that had resulted in him sedated. When he'd woken at Mitras Royal, his husband had been severely disoriented and groggy. He'd begged Levi to take him home, and grown agitated over the lack of rings on his finger, taking hours to come back to reality as the drugs left his system. Having spent the whole night before Eren's flight at the hospital with his omega, then going straight to spending a flight being serenaded with Viren's stunning "operatic" vocals, and topping the trifecta with a terrified Eren, Levi was tired, smelly, exhausted to the point of nausea and nursing a headache greater than Viren's ability to scream. He knew Viren couldn't help the pain in his ears that came from flying, but out of everyone on the plane, only one little old beta woman had been happy to help. The rest of the passengers getting mad at the three year old for something he couldn't help or understand. By the twelve hour mark, Levi was wondering if they'd forgotten he existed. He'd given up pacing, thanks to his knees threatening to give out, and thanks to having to take Viren to the bathroom, and for food. His paranoia left him wondering if they'd come to find him, then found that he wasn't there and assumed he'd left. His arse was numb, his back hurt like a bitch and his eyes burned from a lack of sleep, but there was no way he was going home. 16 hours after kissing Eren goodbye as he wheeled away, Doctor Reed finally came to find him. The woman looked as bad as he felt "Levi" Rising to his feet, she gestured for him to sit. Levi's heart was hammering as he did "How... how is he?" "It was a hard and difficult surgery. Separating the tumour wasn't easy..." Oh god... oh... fuck... this was it... Eren had... he was... Levi's eyes filled with tears, Doctor Reed placing her hand on his shoulder "... and we were unable to remove the entirety of the tumour, however, we did remove over 80 percent of the tissue. Now. There were some complications, extending procedure time. The pup went into distress which is why we didn't remove the tumour in its entirety, the second twin then slipping into distress from the extended surgery..." Reed paused, Levi was getting over these pauses real fucking fast "Eren?" "Eren crashed on the table, suffering a major bleed as we were closing. We closed the bleed, and got his heart back into normal sinus rhythm, but we've placed him in a medically induced coma to relieve the pressure on his body. The next 48 hours are going to be critical. We'll be monitoring both pups very closely, as well as Eren for clots, preterm-labour, or secondary bleeds. We won't know if there are any lasting effect from the bleed, until he wakes" Levi felt as if he'd been dumped into an ice bath. His stomach clenching so hard that vomited into his mouth "Now. I know you're anxious to see him, but we have him a sterile room to lower risk of infection, and we will be keeping him under until we are absolutely sure he is strong enough to be brought back out. You need to go home and rest" Rest... how could he rest? "I know everything I said is scary, but it was nothing outside the realms of possibilities we knew may occur during this procedure. I'm also not sugar coating it, because I know you'd be insulted if I did. So the best thing you can do for Eren, is to go back to your hotel and rest" "I want to see him" "That's not currently possible" "I... I don't care if I can't talk to him, I need to see him... he's... my husband" Reed took a long breath in through her nose "Please. I need to see he's out of surgery" "You won't be able to communicate with him, and the amount of equipment surrounding him may be alarming" "I know. I'm prepared for that. But I still need to see him. We've come all this way. He's in a city and hospital he doesn't know. Having a surgery he was scared shitless over, and now you tell me he died on table. I need to... see him" Reed softened "I can give you a few minutes, but you have to promise me you'll rest" Levi nodded quickly "Alright, come with me" Forced to stand on the outside of the room, Eren was locked away from him. His omega's room was directly across from nurses station, which was generally reserved for the riskier of patients. Normally doctor's liked their patiences to come out of anesthetiser naturally, but there Eren was. Surrounded by monitors, his stomach bare and other than the small sensor pads placed across his swell to monitor the vitals of their pups. Levi found no relief at the sight of Eren like that. He looked too thin, and far too pale "Levi?" Blinking, he realised Reed had placed her hand on his shoulder again "My team is the best on the whole island. He is in very good hands here" "He looks like a doll" "He may be pale, but he did just go through a 13 hour procedure. Even unconscious, surgery is a heavy burden on the body, and there is a risk of infection. Being in a coma is the best thing for him right now" So they had left him waiting... They'd left him to stew in his own misery "He'll wake up again, won't he?" "We have no reason to doubt he won't once the drugs are weaned from his system. He will be weak, but if all goes well, he'll be home by the 28th" Levi nodded, swapping Viren to his opposite hip. He and Eren had married on the 13th, it was now the 17th or was maybe even the 18th... Eren was due to remain in Mitras until the 21st, then to be transferred back to Shinganshima. He didn't see Eren being home by the 28th, nor did he see him testifying on the 6th of March like Floch had organised... Eren wanted to take the stand as it would be the states lawyers questioning him this time, and giving him a chance to explain his life in his own words. Floch was sitting on the pushing incident, which left Levi furious, yet the man had restated that he had a plan "Now. The best thing for you is sleep" Levi nodded, he didn't want to take his eyes off Eren. The three rings and the two wolves he wore around neck felt incredibly heavy, almost like a hangman's noose. If anything else were to happen... he'd lose his head "Thank you... and thank you for... for saving them..." "You're welcome. I never promised this would be easy, but we all came through the other side in one piece. Are you alright to get home from here?" "Yeah... yeah, I've got it covered" "Then no doubt I'll see you soon" "Thank you..." Back at the hotel, Levi crashed hard. Getting Viren, and himself, showered and changed used up the last of his energy reserves. Turning the TV on and setting it to low for the background noise, he pulled his son into bed with him. Viren wasn't a happy camper, not after a whole day at hospital with being able to run and play, but Levi wasn't about to let him go loose in a hotel room, even if the door was weighted and chained. He needed the soft warmth of his son against him. He needed to know he was safe, no matter how many whines and grabby fingers to the face he took in the process. Sleeping came easy, the hard part was when Viren woke him early demanding food. The boy had somehow rid himself of his nappy, and pants, and all managed to make one hell of a mess of their hotel room. Ordering room service, Levi was ready for another however many hours of sleep he'd gotten. Chasing Viren down and getting him back into a pair of pants, his son promptly pulled them back down, before attempting another break for it. It wasn't fair how much energy toddlers had... or maybe he was just getting old. Breakfast was another trying experience. The syrup from their pancakes ended up across the sheets, with strawberries smeared into the sheets for extra flavour. His cup of tea fell victim too, its appeal lost once half chewed, toddler drooled on, pancake ended up floating in it. If Eren had been there, he would have had everything under control, and the room service man wouldn't have had to deal with a toddler with his willy in his hand yelling about making it bigger, when the poor guy was just trying to do his job. Levi gave a him a decent tip, the man taking it all in good humour as Levi tried to assure him that this wasn't an every occurrence and that Viren was his son, and that he wasn't up to anything shady. When he thought about it after the fact, his awkwardness was probably what he was laughing about. Once again he found himself thinking Eren would have handled everything so much better. With too much energy for his own good, Levi googled parks on his phone. It was barely 8am, so he wouldn't be able to visit his omega for another two hours. Two more hours he would have preferred to be have used to sleep, but Viren was just too wired, and their bed was a mess. Fighting to get his son dressed, then himself, he went to scold his son for jumping on their bed, when the boy jumped on him with a joyous cry "Daddy! Cuddle Attack!" "Whoa!" Spinning round with Viren in his arms, his bad mood lifted. He wouldn't be out of his flunk until Eren was back home, but this was nice. His son didn't mean to tax his nerves or neurons, and his pure happiness was like a salve to the throbbing wound that was his worry for Eren "What do you say, you and I go to the park, then we'll find something nice to bring mummy" "Mummy!" "Do you miss mummy?" Viren nodded, his wide grey eyes questioning Levi silently "Mummy had to have a special procedure, to make sure he and your little siblings are alright. But he loves you, very much and he's going to be ok" "Can mummy come to the park?" "Not today, baby. But he's going to want hear all about all the fun things you've been doing" "Daddy, why does mum always have to be sick?" "Mummy doesn't want to be sick, but this special procedure is to make him better..." "I don't like it" "I know. How about we get a special gift you can give mummy? And when he's all better, you can tell him how much you love him" "I do" Kissing Viren forehead, he nodded "That's my boy... let's head out to the park" His mind really wasn't on playing, but without other children there, his son had latched onto him. He stubbornly demanded Levi watched as he climbed up the half dozen ladder rungs, so he could slide down a slide as long as Levi's leg. Whoever had designed the park, had definitely not thought about kids at all. The playground was only a slide and a couple of swings, half hidden in the ridiculously perfect grounds. It suited Mitras though, it's rich and money burning image, along with its closed society where kids were probably just thought as pretty decorations. Viren didn't really enough space to explore or enough to work off any extra energy... so he wasn't surprised when Viren came running to him and begged to go on the swings. This was only their second day in the city... he had no idea how he was going to keep Viren entertained for the rest of them. * Eren kept him waiting, his husband had been showing signs of waking all day, but it was 9 hours after he first started to stir that Eren's eyes finally opened. As feared there'd been a few complications. The pups vitals had dipped so low they thought they may have to deliver them ahead of time, before gradually improving, but not before Levi just about collapsed on the spot. Then an infection had started to form along the edge of surgery site. A hair follicle irritated by a stitch, but it was enough to scare the shit out of him again. Kept under for a third day, Eren's system was flooded with antibiotics, and the fourth day after his operation, he was finally weaned off the barbiturates. Hitting the call button, Levi rose and grabbed Eren's hand, as Eren's heart rate began to rise with panic "Shhh. It's the breathing tube, don't fight it... you're ok" Blinking at him, Eren's whole face softened. Though his gaze was unfocused, his husband knew he was there, his struggling lessening "You kept me waiting beautiful.... shhh, don't fight the tube. You're ok... you're ok, bright eyes" Eren weakly squeezed his hand. It'd been a long four days. Especially when he'd been told Eren would be under for another day. Moved away so the tube could be removed, Eren's first move was to reach for Viren. The boy crying as he watched the tube come out, and Eren began to cough. Sitting Viren on the edge of Eren's bed, his husband smiled sleepily "H-hey..." "Rest your voice. Both know how those tubes feel" "Horrible" Levi snorted softly, moving to drag the visitors chair closer to Eren's bed before sitting. Trust Eren to try jumping right into talking again. Reaching up, he brushed Eren's hair back from his face, rubbing his forehead with his thumb as he felt himself tear up "You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen" Eren coughed as he shook his head, wincing slightly as he dropped his head back against the pillow. Levi's heart jumped into his throat "Eren?" "Throat" "Then rest. Let me try read your lips" Eren didn't seem convinced, but his husband was fast falling back to sleep "Pups" "Both... both are fine... I'm fine. Viren's fine and you're going to be just fine too" Eren didn't need to know anything other than that "Good... mmm, baby..." Kissing Eren's cheek, Viren blew a raspberry. Lifting the toddler back into his lap, he wasn't happy to be parted with his mum "Mummy's still recovering, here. Hold mummy's hand. He's really missed you" "Missed him too" Levi was pretty certain that wasn't the case given Eren hadn't been conscious to miss him, but the way Viren carefully held Eren's hand with both his smaller ones were adorable. Just as carefully, he laid his left cheek down on the back of it "We did a little shopping for you... He wanted to buy you half the soft toys in the store" And a million other things he grabbed off the shelves, loudly proclaiming "for mummy" each time Levi took it from his hands to return it the shelf "He's a good kid" "Yeah. A complete and total handful, but he's so much like you" "N'mm like you" Eren's eyes started to slide closed. The eyes that had haunted his dreams and teased him over how long it'd been since he'd seen them "Get some more sleep, bright eyes" "It's been a while since y' call'd me that" "I've missed seeing your eyes... I've missed all of you" "Mmm... sorry... still sleepy" "I can see that. We're not going anywhere" "Love you guys" "We love you too" Sleeping for the next few hours, the second time Eren woke, Levi took Viren out the room while the checked Eren over. His husband didn't remember their earlier conversation, but it wasn't like he'd expected him to. Given it'd gotten so late, they probably wouldn't be able to stay for that much longer. Viren was bored and sleepy. Upset mummy couldn't get up and play. Making it a mission to find his son a cookie, he managed to keep the toddler entertained for a solid half an hour, before Viren got his cookie and they returned to Eren's room. Sitting up, Eren smiled at them tiredly "Look who's awake" "Look who's filling our son with sugar" "Mummy!" Viren made a run for Eren, Levi catching him as he tripped over his own feet and nearly lost his hard earned cookie. Carrying him over to Eren, he sat down with their son in his lap "Hey, baby. That's a pretty big cookie you've got there" "I needed bribery. How do you feel?" "I'm ok... sleepy... but I'm ok" "Good. Did they say anything?" "Mmm... yeah... pups are ok... that's the main thing" "What else did they say?" "A whole heap of words..." Levi forced a laugh. What he really wanted to know was if they talked about how the surgery went, but he didn't want to upset his omega by asking "Said we'd talk about it tomorrow with... with Reed" Yawning, Eren reached out to Viren to rest his hand on his head "My baby been good for daddy?" "It's been interesting" "He's been bored" "You could say that. I never realised how much time he spent sticking his hand down his pants" Eren laughed, before groaning with pain. His hand going from Viren's head to his stomach "Eren?" "Laughing isn't so great... I feel like I'm going to burst" "No laughing. Ok..." "Mmm... skins itchy too" "You had the start of an infection, but they've got it under control" "I think they said something about that too... and bleeding... I really can't remember" "Don't try and force it..." "'m not... how about you? You look sleepy" That was so very Eren "I'm ok. You have me a bit of scare though. I'm sure my hair's more grey than black these days" "Sorry... I like your hair black" "It's fine" "Tell me what you've been up to. Have you been having fun with daddy?" Viren hid behind his cookie, Eren giving another laugh and a groan "I should know better than to ask" "We went to the park, and we've been shopping. They have a kids channel at the hotel..." "TV babysitting for the win..." "Yeah. I've been lost without you around" "I'm sure that's not true" "I let him out in public without shoes on yesterday. Completely forgot them" "I've done that before too. You're not alone" "That's nice to know... I've missed... I've missed you so much" Tearing up, Eren gave him a loving smile "Hey. I'm ok" "I was scared you wouldn't wake" "Like I'd leave my two best men alone... hey, come here" Moving Viren up to Eren's bed, Levi wrapped his arms around both his loves. Nuzzling and kissing Eren's temple, he didn't care that Eren's hair smelt or that his mate hadn't showered in days. All he cared about was holding him again. The floodgates breaking open completely "You died... you left me and you died... and I wasn't there" "Shhhh... it's ok, alpha. It's ok" "I was so fucking useless. I kept wondering if it was ok to be taking Viren to play or to go shopping. I kept thinking about you" "I know you would have. I know. But it's over now, right?" "Y-yeah..." Eren picked up on the stuttered in his word "They couldn't remove all the tumour, but they got most of it... and then you nearly... you were gone" "Shhh, Levi. Levi, it's ok. I'm ok... my poor alpha. You've been so worried, while I slept. Have you called anyone? Let them know how things are?" "N-no..." "Leeeee. You were supposed to" "I texted Mike when you came out of surgery. But... I didn't want to hear it" "You said you'd call them. I didn't want you being alone" "I couldn't. Not until you were awake. I love you... I love you so much" "I love you, Lee. And I love my baby boy... can you lift Viren? He's on my stomach" "Oh! Shit... hold on..." Viren clutched to his cookie and at Eren's hospital gown as Levi pulled him back into his hold as he sat back in the visitors chair "Better?" "Not really... I'd rather the cuddles" "When we get home, you're going to have so many cuddles that you won't know what to do" "I wouldn't mind them now. My omega's so confused over everything. It wants its alpha, and wants to kill whoever touched our pups" "I don't think Reed will appreciate that" "Nor do I. How's your alpha?" Anxious. Worried. Angry. Confused. Freaking the fuck out... "Better now you're awake" "Coming off suppressants doesn't help either" "You're supposed to be worrying about yourself, not me" "Of course I'm going to worry about my family. You guys are my everything" "And you're ours..." Knocking on the glass door, a young nurse poked her head in the room "I'm sorry, but visiting hours are coming to the end" Withdrawing before he could reply, Levi looked back to Eren. His omega having paled in the last few moments "Eren?" "'m ok" "Hey, if you don't want us to go, I can ask about staying" "No. No, you need to take Viren home. He needs a bath and it's way past his bedtime" Murmuring the words, Eren's tearing eyes betrayed him "Eren..." "It's ok. I know you guys can't stay... I'm just... feeling really clingy..." "Like I said, I can ask" Eren wiped his eyes, not stemming the running tears "No... you look tired too... and I'm not... not going anywhere" "I can't leave you like this" "I know I shouldn't be scared, but I don't know this place... it doesn't smell like home" "Shhh... it's ok. You're safe. Here, Viren hop up for a second" Lifting Viren off his lap, Levi pulled his jacket off. Not caring it wasn't hygienic as he moved to lay it under Eren's head and across his pillows "Better?" "I love your scent..." "Good. I'll..." "You should take Viren back to the hotel... He spends too much time in hospital" "I don't want to leave you" "I don't want you two sleeping here..." "What can I do? I hate seeing you crying" "Give me a kiss?" Levi was happy to oblige, the nasal cannula getting in the way as he did. Straightening it out, he smiled at his mate sadly. He hated how scared Eren was becoming "I'll be here first thing in the morning, and we'll stay the whole day. I'll bring my phone in, so you can use it if you want, or look at photos. I've taken heaps of photos because I know you love them" "I... I don't deserve you" "Oh, bright eyes. You deserve the world. And who knows, maybe I'll bring you your own huge cookie" "Reed said I can't eat solid right now" Levi frowned "When did she say that?" "Before the surgery... because of you know... giving birth out my arse" Oh... yeah... straining to take a shit might not be the best thing right now "Right. Then I'll just have to make you cookies when we get home" "I'll hold you to that... where's Viren? I want to give him a kiss" It fucking sucked to leave Eren behind. His omega looked heartbroken as he guided Viren out Eren's room. He should have insisted that Eren slept. If he'd been asleep when Levi and Viren left, then his mate wouldn't be so sad... * Eren was flown back on the 23rd of February rather than the 21st. Coughing too hard due to his irritated throat had caused a tear in his stitching, and another unexpected surgery. Even if it was a very minor bleed, he was proud that Eren caught the fact that something was wrong, and spoken up about it rather than trying to hide the bleeding. Coming back home to Shinganshima was relieving. Eren was heavily depressed over the remaining tumour mass, despite trying hard not to show it. His husband's vitals had been all over the place, and Reed wouldn't sign off on the transfer until they'd steadied and remained within suitable values for 24 hours. Viren had once again hated flying, crying from the moment the cabin pressurised, right up to the moment he was taken into Hanji's arms at the hospital. Being on home turf made it easier to keep his worry under control. Eren was back in an environment he knew, and they'd be able to have some together as they had babysitters available. Meeting him at the front of the hospital, Hanji was all smiles as cuddled with Viren "It's about time you got back" "Nice to see you, too. How's Eren?" "Popped in to see him before, but he was sleeping. The transfer went like clockwork, buuuut, you're both in the sh-shoe with me" "Oh? Why now?" Falling into step with Hanji was easy. It felt like he could breathe easier and the air all that much cleaner than it had been in Mitras "Getting married without telling anyone! I can't believe you stole my Honey away, and eloped" "Who told you? Was it Eld or Gunther?" "What?! They knew?! How come they got to know?! I wanted to throw Eren a huge wedding... did you do it right!? Was he happy!?" "We got married at the courthouse before Eren's surgery... and if it wasn't them, then who?" "It was on his transfer papers. Under personal affects was listed none as they were in the possession of his husband" "I knew I hated paperwork" "Why didn't you tell meeeeee?! Do you know how long I've been mentally planning this wedding?! How many hours I've put into the seat charts and flowers?!" "Don't worry, we still want a big wedding... Eren was scared of dying without marrying me" If he said he was just as scared, Hanji would pull the piss out of him for the rest of his life "And here I was, ready to give you shit. I can't tease you for a reason like that" "Once the trial is over and the pups are born, then we'll talk wedding. That's the agreement" "I read his updated medical records..." "And?" Pressing the elevator button, Hanji made him wait until they'd stepped inside and she'd pushed the button to the floor Eren was on before continuing "And I read about what happened... how is?" "Not happy. He's trying to hide it, but he feels guilty for not being strong enough for the whole of the tumour to be removed. Which is complete shoe. His omega's also been all over the place. He's wanted cuddles, but we got in trouble for Viren sitting on his bed, and I got us in trouble for leaving my jacket over his pillow so he'd have my scent" "Well, he's home now. Mike said he'd take Viren tonight. He also said that Titan needs to go on a diet" "He's fine the way he is... and I might take him up on that. We haven't had a chance to talk about everything. Not with little ears in the room" "How did he enjoy his holiday?" Watching the doors open, this time Levi made Hanji wait as he stepped off. Viren was practically asleep in her hold "He didn't. He wanted Eren and didn't understand why he couldn't be there. Plus, being in a hotel room most of the time left him with energy to spare. The second day Eren was awake, he talked at him for two hours straight" "I'm sooooo glad Anna's growing out of that. She's made Eren a card, but I'm not allowed to give it to him. And she's been lost without Viren" "For being your daughter, she's not as much as a pain in the arse as you are" "I know. She reminds me so much of Moblit... I'd like to take credit, but Eren has been so good with her" "Eren's really good with kids, and omegas. It's a shame he never got to put those skills to use outside of babysitting and saving omegas being attacked" "He's still young. Give it a couple of years for the pups to grow" "I know he's still young. I'm just saying..." "You're saying your smitten by everything he does" "He is my husband" "I know that. Do I get to see the wedding ring?" "Once it's back on his finger with the other two" "You've bought him half a jewellery shop... the rings, the charm bracelet, the wolves..." "Eren bought the wolves..." He couldn't deny Hanji's point though. He'd bought Eren four rings over the span of their relationship, which would possibly be around $7000 worth of jewellery... or so. But when compared to the fact that some spent that on a single ring, it really didn't seem that bad. Besides, Eren was beautiful. He'd had such a hard life and deserved pretty things. And the charm bracelet was Eren's pride and joy. A "V" added for their son, and when the next two pups came, he'd buy charm letters for both of them "Ooooooh. That makes me more sense" "Yeah. He didn't want me to give his jewellery back until we were back home. Viren's been after the wolves" Eren was awake when they walked in, giving them a small wave, Hanji raised an eyebrow "Is that all I get?" "Sorry. Hey, Hanji. How've you been?" "I've been worried about my little Sweetheart. My married, Sweetheart" Eren looked from Hanji to him "I didn't tell her. It was on your paperwork" "Oh... yeah... um... we got married" "I know. I mean. I heard. Levi said I couldn't look at the wedding ring until it was back on your finger" "That might be a while... I think they're swollen" Swollen? Since when? Eren's fingers were on the slender side. Like those of a piano player "Noooo... I want to seeeee! I can't believe you guys didn't invite me" "It was a small ceremony" "With a nice wedding night. Can I have Viren?" Walking over to Eren, Hanji set Viren down beside him. Leaving Levi to walk around the bed and sink down to sit on the other side "How do you feel? Any pain? Or discomfort?" "Hanji, you know what it's like to be pregnant. Everything hurts... and my tits are leaky" Hanji giggled "This is true. I want to take a little look at your stitches while I'm here" Levi sighed, taking Eren's hand into his. His omega's fingers didn't look swollen "Leave him alone" "I can't help it. He was gone for soooo long" Kissing the top of Viren's head, their son mumbled out "mumma" as he nuzzled into Eren's chest "How long am I going to be in here?" "A week or so. It depends if any complications arise" "Yay. I've gone from being stuck in one hospital to being stuck in another..." "At least you have all of us for entertainment..." Eren didn't look enthused or amused "Fiiiine. At least you're closer to being back home. Oh. That reminds me. I had Mike go ahead and pick a shower chair up for you, and a couple of rails in the bathroom to make getting around easier" "You didn't need to do that" "Nonsense. You're not to be on your feet for extended periods of time" "I know this" "Then you know it's for your own good, Eren" "It doesn't mean you get to rearrange Levi's apartment while he's not home" It wasn't just his apartment. He'd noticed the changes in Eren's speech that directly related to his omega's mental state. If he was upset, Eren tried to back away from things. It became Levi's room, Levi's apartment and Levi's son. Thankfully, Hanji hadn't or she'd be making Eren even more uncomfortable "He doesn't mind. Your health is our number one priority. Over the next few days, you'll be resting. We'll be performing ultrasounds daily, as well as monitoring you closely. I know you're sick to death of having no privacy and of being poked at... but this is for your own wellbeing and that of the pups. We need to know the second something doesn't feel right or normal" Eren let out a faint whine, Levi squeezing his hand hard "Stop scaring him" "I'm just explaining so he knows what's going on" "You can do that without scaring him" "Guys... that's enough. I think I want to get some more sleep" "Mike is going to look after Viren tonight, because we both know Levi isn't going to want to leave you" "He should go home" "I'm not going anywhere" "Titan and Viren need you" "And they're both going to be taken care of... we haven't had a chance to talk since the surgery" "I don't really feel like talking. I'm still tired from the flight" Hanji caught his eye, her frown obvious "I'm fine. I just need to sleep off the meds and stuff. Levi, you should take Viren home" "I'm staying with you" "Levi" "Eren. I'm staying and that's final. You're husband and I've been worried sick about you. We're home and Mike is happy to look after Viren" "No fighting you two. Eren, I want to take a look at those stitches now, then I'll let you sleep" "Not with Viren in the room..." "Alright. Let me get Mike and we'll figure this out" Eren's stitches didn't look great. That wasn't to say that whoever closed the wound hadn't done a nice job. It was more that he hated that Eren needed them to begin with. The bruising had mostly faded, and the edges had started to scar closed. Replacing the wound dressing, Hanji hummed as she worked "It looks good. The infection has cleared up nicely... you've got a little bit of flaking which is probably itchy as hell, so I'll get some cream for that..." "So, he's ok?" "Yep. You'll have a scar, but things look really good to me" "No signs of another bleed?" "Nope. The bruising and swelling will pass, and we'll find out the rest when we give you an ultrasound" Eren had his eyes closed during Hanji's examination. Breathing through his nose, his husband looked as if he was trying his hardest to fake being asleep "Thanks, Hanji. Is... am I allowed to lay next to him?" "You'll need to be careful not to jostle him, and you'll need to avoid placing any pressure at all on his stomach. For now, I would prefer if you remained sitting by his side until after the ultrasound" "Alright. I'm not going anywhere anyway" "We all know that. I'll try to be here for the ultrasound, then we can find you a blanket or two" Nodding, Hanji flashed him a large smile as she started cleaning up the mess she'd made "It really is good to have you back. Anna is going to be so excited to see you again. She's been asking about you everyday and how "Uncle Eren's babies" are. I'm off for a couple of hours tomorrow around lunch, so I'll bring lunch in with me. You're probably sick to death of hospital food" "They've had him on soft foods" "That makes sense. I know a great place that does an amazing array of desserts. I'm sure I can find a few things" Eren let out a nasally sigh "Ok... can I go to sleep now?" "Sure thing. Levi, you're in charge of watching over him" "Like I'd do anything else" "I don't need a babysitter" "You do too. Besides, I don't want to be the one to make Levi leave. You might not know it, but he's scary" "Mmm... I've been told... I think I need to sleep for like a year" "You can't sleep for a year, there's the trial and then there these two than need to come out. And this little one of mine. Nope. Sorry. No can do" "Can I sleep for a month?" "There's still the trial, Honey" Levi wanted to smack Hanji for being stupid enough to bring the trial up, but then... Eren laughed softly "Damn. Foiled again..." "I know. But you're home now. We're going to get you through this, and that's final" "Yes, mum. Now let me sleep" "You'd be asleep if you didn't keep talking" "Then stop talking to me" "You're the one talking to me" "Fine. Good night" "Goodnight, sleep tight. Don't let the big bad alpha bite" "Mmm... ok" When Hanji left, Levi sighed "Do you want to tell me what you're thinking?" "I'm sleepy" "Eren, I'd like to think I know a little something about my own husband by now. I know you're pulling away, and I want to know why" When Eren didn't answer right away, Levi squeezed his hand "It's the pup. I know it's the pup. Bright eyes, it's not your fault they had to end the procedure" Eren replied flatly "How do you know that?" "Because Reed said as much. The pup was going into distress, so she made the call. And yes, you're going to have a caesarean, but you were going to have one anyway" "I... it feels like all this... was for nothing... it was supposed to fix it... and it didn't... fix anything" Releasing Eren's hand, Levi moved to pull his husband against him "That's not true... that's not true at all" "Tell me how that isn't true. He's going to need more surgery... and he's still got that tumour attached to him..." "Oh, so it's a he now. I thought we weren't finding out" Eren sniffled, his scent was all over the place, as if his omega really couldn't understand how to feel "I don't know... but... they need more surgery. I'm sick of our pup needing more surgery. It's not fair. They didn't do anything wrong. The only thing they've done wrong is have me for a mother" "That's not true. You're an incredible mother" "An... an incredible mother who died on the operating table... I ruin everything" "You had a bleed, which was not your fault. You'd just had a mammoth procedure done. You haven't ruined a single thing. Yes. The pup will need more surgery once they're born, but, with a decrease in tumour mass, less of everything they need to grow will be going into it. It's going to ease the pressure on his systems, and make things easier until he's born. Eren, you're an amazing mum. This world is filled with people who don't care about their children. Most people would have aborted, but you wanted them to have a chance to live. To experience everything and to be happy" "But what if something else is wrong? What if he's wrong? What if when he's born, he's... he can't look after himself" "No baby can look after its self" "You know what I mean!" "Then, we'll figure it out" "Not everything can be figured out. What kind of quality of life is there if he's nothing more than... than a vegetable..." "Hey... we don't know that... and, if something were to happen, we both know how hard you fought for him to have a normal and good life. I mean it Eren. You're the reason our family functions. When I'm with Viren, I'm still scrambling to figure out how to make him happy and how to keep him entertained. I don't know how to calm him down, or anything like that... I thought I was doing a good job at being a father, but these past few months taught me, and showed me, how much of a failure I had been" "You're not a failure... you had to work" "While I kept leaving the pair of you home alone" "He's too young to remember. But you had to work. I got it..." "You shouldn't have to get it. I realised something when I took Viren to the park. All those times we were sick, you nursed us like it was nothing... but unless you couldn't hide it, you hid being sick from us, didn't you?" "It's what a parent does... Viren didn't understand... you were busy... so I had to..." "I'm sorry, Eren. If I could back in time, I would..." "You had to work... and it wasn't always bad... Hanji let me stay there sometimes... or Mike would come check on me if she was busy" "And I had no idea" "I asked them not to tell. You had a really hard job. You didn't need to be worrying over something like me" "You're not a thing. You're my husband. My husband who I wished would be more selfish and tell me the things he wants and needs" "I want this all to be over... I'm so scared that I'm going to sneeze and go into labour... Mitras was so fucking scary at night... but I didn't want to be even more of a burden on you. I'm sick of it" "You're not a burden. You're stubborn and frustrating, but you're not a burden... and soon these two little ones will be part of our family, and the pain of all of this will fade to a memory" "I want a girl... but... I don't know. I don't want Anna to be jealous" "I think Anna would be thrilled if you had a girl. Viren was the one who didn't want a sister" "That's because he only had girls to play with... I want a brother for him... so he can feel what it is to have a brother who loves you..." "So you want a girl and a boy, that sounds pretty perfect to me" "Sometimes I wonder what the other pup would have been..." "I do to. But I don't care if they're male or female, I only care that their mother is safe and heathy" "You're supposed to care about them" "I do. But I can't run this family the way you can. And if you're safe and healthy, so are they" Eren nodded, sniffling louder as he tried to calm down "It's just so frustrating" "I know it is. I know, but I'm here with you" "I'm sorry for making you worry... I haven't been able to calm down since the surgery... everything in my head... I can't work it out" "Unlike Mitras, no one is stupid enough to tell us off or separated. After the ultrasound, I'm going to curl up in this bed with you, and cuddle the fuck out of you" "I... I want that so fucking much... I've been really lonely" "Not anymore. Anyone who tries to seperate, I'll hand Viren off to when he's mid tantrum" "That's cruel" "He throws some impressive tantrums" "Anna's were just as bad when she was his age. One time she found a pair of scissors and gave herself a hair cut, then screamed herself hoarse when Hanji took the scissors off her. Another time, Hanji gave her the wrong fork, so Anna threw her food at her. It ended with Anna on the floor screaming as she smacked her spilt dinner" "Oh... wow..." "Mhmmm" "And we have two more tantrum machines coming" "Aren't you glad you quit work for this?" "I'm starting to wonder..." Eren let out a tiny laugh "If you want to go back, I won't blame you. You're the kind of person who has to always be busy" "I'm pretty sure I'm going to be plenty busy" "What I mean is, you need the job or a job too..." "Who knows. I could be the house husband and you could get the job" "I tried... I tried really hard before I found out I was pregnant. No one wants to hire omega's. One guy yelled at me for wasting his time. One guy told me I could have a job if I let him fuck me in front of everyone in the cafe it was at... the only job I could maybe get again would be as a dancer and you don't want me to show my body off..." "You didn't tell me this" "Why would I?" "Because..." "Because what? It's so common it's not worth mentioning. There was one I kind of wanted. It was just an office job, but it was the kind of place I never thought I'd be able to even get an interview at. The problem was, they wanted someone with a higher education... but you get that" "I..." "I don't want to talk about it anymore. I think I want to nap" This time, Levi let Eren get away with it. Despite his protesting muscles and aching back, Levi remained hunched over and awkwardly hugging Eren until his husband actually fell asleep. The fact that no one wanted to hire someone like Eren, left him sick to his stomach. Anyone would be lucky to be working with Eren. He cared deeply about those around him, and was always working hard to improve himself and the things he took an interest in... yet society had spat on his again for being an omega. He may have been joking about being a house husband, on partly, but now it might really be better if Eren was the one to get a job once everything had settled down again. It'd be an enormous confidence boost for his mate. Something Eren definitely needed... but until that happened, maybe Eren would be interested in going back to school and learning something new? Levi had been thinking he should probably look at retraining too, so maybe they could find something to do together?

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8 Benefits of Virtual Learning

Virtual learning, remote education, online classes: there are many names to refer to what has become our "new normal" almost overnight. The COVID-19 pandemic forced countless schools, universities and other places of education all around the globe to close and, when possible, to figure their way through virtual learning. Overall, the experience has been (and in many places continues to be) stressful for educators, parents and students alike. This is mostly because everyone had to very quickly adjust to a new system that they were not used to and could not anticipate, while also having to juggle with overwhelming emotions triggered by stay-at-home orders, the spread of a deadly virus, telework, and sometimes layoffs. If we pause for just a second though, step back, and take the time to reflect, we can quickly realize that quality virtual learning has many incredible benefits, besides saving the day to education during a global pandemic. And breaking news: virtual learning is nothing new! We can find references of "distance learning" and "correspondence study" as early as the 1730s! Although there were no computers or Internet then (Insta-what?), it gives us the bigger picture of the history and experience that pour into today's virtual learning. In this article, we highlight a handful of the many benefits that virtual learning has to offer, if you give it a chance!

Bringing education where YOU are

Whether your child's school, your university or the educational program at your local mosque had to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic, or you just live in an area where educational options are very limited, virtual learning is truly your way - sometimes your only way - to quality education and knowledge. This is especially true for Islamic education (Arabic, Quran and Islamic Studies), which is not easily accessible in the West. You might ask: but isn't it better to go to an Arabic-speaking country to earn Arabic? Yes, learning Arabic in Egypt for instance is always a better choice. That is, IF the option is open to you. The reality is, for many of us out there, it is not - pandemic or not. We might have responsibilities (family, work, other studies), financial restraints, health issues or other specific situations that keep us where we are. The good news is that today, virtual learning can bring Egypt into your living room thanks to online Arabic classes with expert, native Arabic teachers for instance - and you can still travel to Egypt later insha'Allah!

No moving notice or headache

We all move, and we move a lot. Whether we are just moving to a nearby city, different part of town, or across states or even countries, we all experience the hassle of planning, packing, and pestering that a move involves. To give some perspective, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, "a person in the United States can expect to move 11.7 times in their lifetime". That's 11 new homes, 11 changes of address, possibly 11 new schools if you have children, and 11 new headaches when you try to find a local program that will allow you or your child to continue the education you had started at the previous residential location. With virtual learning, education will be the one thing that you won't have to worry about: you will still be able to attend the same class, with the same teacher, on the same day, at the same time (even if you moved time zones, provided your online institute offers classes 24/7). For Islamic education specifically, an online Quran or Arabic class will allow you or your child to have continuity and stability in your learning.

Accessible from anywhere

This is pretty self-explanatory, but we can easily overlook this benefit. When you take online classes, you can usually access them from anywhere with your device. All you need is an Internet connection. You won't have to worry about hazardous weather conditions, traffic, commute time (use that extra time to study :)), or worse, a pandemic.

Flexibility and convenience

Nowadays, everyone lives a pretty busy life: demanding job (sometimes more than one), long commute, multiple extracurricular activities for the kids (or absence thereof - the fact that many are canceled due to COVID-19 can make it more difficult for parents and kids to compensate in other ways), etc. Yet, it is still important to pursue the educational goals you have set for yourself and/or for your children. Virtual learning gives you the flexibility your schedule needs and the convenience that your mind craves: you can learn at any time, from the comfort of your home (or any other place that you deem comfortable, no questions asked!)

Flexibility and convenience - bis

This is not a typo, we really meant to write "flexibility and convenience" twice, because we know what parenting is like. You want the best education for your child but it can be hard to really engage and track their progress when so much time and energy is spent on commuting and working out everyone's schedules. With online classes, you not only save time that can be spent in a different way, you also have more energy to connect with your child and talk with them about what they have learnt in class and to communicate with their teacher to monitor their progress and their challenges. This is especially important for your child's Islamic education as there is a higher purpose in enrolling them in a Quran class for instance, and children are an amanah (trust). If you need some help with your child's online learning, for their secular or religious education, make sure to read our blog article with 16 Tips To Improve Your Child's Virtual Learning Experiences.

More options available

Sometimes, we get excited about a new educational program starting in our area, only to find out that it is only in Arabic/Urdu (think whichever you don't speak :)), or that it's only for young kids/teenagers (think whichever group your child doesn't belong to), or that you are not interested in the specific topic it will address. With virtual learning, there are options for everyone, no matter the language, the age or the interests. Now your only problem will be to pick from those many options - which is a good problem to have, alhamdulillah!

Tailored learning

One of the biggest issues with traditional education in a classroom is that everyone in that classroom gets the same: the same teacher, the same delivery, the same content, the same method, the same approach. But research and experience have shown that we do not all have the same needs when it comes to education. A lecture-style teaching method might work for some, but others might thrive best with workshop-style learning. Some interact well in groups, others need more one-on-ones. Some have already mastered the foundations of a subject and need to move onto the next level, others need more review and depth. This is especially critical in Arabic, Quran and Islamic Studies, for adults or children. Virtual learning can allow a more tailored approach where the student's individual learning style is taken into account. This is why, at Studio Arabiya, we offer one-on-one classes that are self-paced, according to each student's level and needs when they start their class and as they progress through it. Our innovative, interactive online student portal further gives our students a completely customized experience to help each of them in their unique quest for knowledge.

Safety

There are many factors that should be taken into account to determine whether a physical place is safe or not (location, attendance, parking area, timing of the program, company, security services, etc.), but one thing that we have learnt with the COVID-19 pandemic is that there is another aspect of safety that now needs to be considered as well. In general, it is safe to say (no pun intended) that, in many places around the globe, it is still safer (in some areas even still mandated) to stay at home except for necessary outings. One might argue that education and knowledge are a necessity, and they definitely are, but with virtual learning, there is the option to stay at home and still learn, so that we can continue to all work together to fight this pandemic the best we can, God willing. There are so many benefits to virtual learning, especially as we adapt to an ever-changing world. Research has actually shown that virtual learning can be just as effective as - if not more than - traditional, in-person education, especially as we continue to see incredible developments in the field, making the experience very humane and easy. Virtual learning has so much to offer if you give it a chance and do your homework to find the program that's right for you. Stay tuned for an upcoming blog article on exactly this topic!

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A little bit more in the “Pirate Jedi AU” featuring Captain Jinn, Menace to Monopolies, Friend of Freedom and general headache to Senate and Sith. Sorry, it got long again. Many thanks to @albaparthenicevelut @tygermama  and @resistancepilots for their contribution to the crack!

So we left off with the Not-Clone Wars in full swing (albeit much more slowly and at a slightly smaller scale as neither side had as much time to build up resources), and Mandalore, Naboo and a few other systems sitting it out in “Neutrality” while Qui-Gon and his vigilantes continue to make a nuisance of themselves by, you know, actually attempting to do some good where it’s needed. Between their own resources and their contacts with other disreputable groups (*cough* Hondo) they manage to become quite a thorn in the side of the Hutts, CIS and Republic alike. Which is why Qui-Gon shouldn’t really have been surprised when the bounty on his head suddenly became large enough to actually tempt the big players. As a Jedi he was used to the idea of being worth something in ransom or as revenge, but this is ridiculous! You could buy a small moon for that price!

Obi-Wan rolls his eyes and points out that that the council probably would think it worth purchasing a moon if they could get Qui-Gon to promise to stay there quietly with his menagerie so they never have to hear his name ever again. Besides which, why is Qui-Gon surprised- his bounty has been increased despite his diplomatic immunity as the husband of a planetary ruler, and not-so-little Ani has to be the most valuable teenager in the galaxy. Speaking of which has Qui-Gon had a look at some of the fine print?

Qui-Gon glares at him before taking off his eyepatch and putting on his glasses. Huh. Sure they’re all worth a lot to the Hutts dead, but the price for capturing them, and particularly Anakin, alive is extraordinary and… wait.  Dooku makes sense. He has made no secret of the fact that he wants Qui-Gon and his apprentices to join him, and will not hesitate to hold them captive until they turn. (He’s managed to take them prisoner once or twice, but between Qui-Gon’s stubbornness, Obi-Wan’s preparedness, Anakin’s creativity and their typical uncanny luck, the wily old Sith has had little success). But why in the name of the Force does someone on Coruscant want them, and in particular Anakin, alive so badly? It makes Qui-Gon very uneasy.

But the show must go on, and foiling kidnapping attempts by various bounty hunters simply becomes a part of their lifestyle. So far Cad Bane is the only on to even come close, and even he left swearing never again - facing Qui-Gon Jinn in combat is one thing, facing Qui-Gon Jinn on a mission to retrieve his sons is another thing entirely ( He has a very particular set of skills. Skills he has acquired over a very long career)! One day Obi-Wan notices that there is a name conspicuously absent from the list of those who’ve tried to collect on the bounty. And somehow he doesn’t think it’s respect for his wife that’s preventing Jango Fett from giving it a shot. Since he has his own ship he takes the opportunity to do a little bit of digging and find out what the man is up to these days…

Meanwhile, Qui-Gon is having a very interesting conversation with a certain small green gremlin. Let’s take a step back. For the moment Palpatine is content with keeping the war at a slow boil, the point being to slowly consolidate power while whittling away at his enemies until the pieces are in place to really step things up. After all the longer the conflict goes on the less resistance he’ll have when he makes his move, and Sidious is nothing if not patient.

So unlike in canon, the Jedi have managed to avoid being pulled as deeply into the war effort, but it is an ongoing struggle. Their primary argument, apart from (“we are peacekeepers, not soldiers”) is that they simply do not have the numbers to participate in full scale conflict. As a result, they have primarily been involved small scale tactical missions where a handful of Jedi can make a difference to the outcome of the primary battle or in campaigns where a Sith presence has been confirmed. It’s still costing them heavily though, and the Senate is constantly pushing for greater involvement.

So tensions are strained, and right now they have a problem that perhaps Qui-Gon can help them with. Ryloth is under blockade and there is a desperate need to get humanitarian supplies in - it has been suggested that Jedi pilots might be able to run the blockade but the bigger problem is the lack of supply staging post - Toydaria would be ideal, but allowing the Republic in would break their neutrality and the negotiations would take time that Ryloth doesn’t have. Qui-Gon groans because he can see where this is going, and Anakin’s excitement at the prospect of combining his favourite pastimes of piloting and heroics is palpable.

While he’s more than happy to help out the people of Ryloth, Qui-Gon is a little hesitant - while transferring the supplies at Toydaria shouldn’t pose a problem, particularly if they make it look like smuggled goods, showing up and smashing through a CIS fleet would make him and his fleet a legitimate target. Yoda points out that he already is. Qui-Gon complains that’s not the point - he is not about to ally with the Republic and he refuses to give any suggestion that he ever will. Especially given the precarious balance he and the planets under his protection are keeping in order to not be crushed by either party’s military might. They agree to think it over and talk again in a day or so to make a final decision.

So the last thing is Qui-Gon needs is a slightly garbled message from Obi-Wan ranting about Mandalorian bounty hunters, clones and a Jedi army. As it happens Quinlan Vos had been on the trail of some suspicious rumours and on finding a link to Jango Fett had happily teamed up with his old friend to track him down. This had eventually led them to Kamino, and while Quinlan remained out of sight so as not to tip off Fett, the lightsaber and a bit of quick talking was enough to convince the Kaminoans that “Master Kenobi” was here to check on the progress of the Army, which is still some time away from full operational capacity, but the first units are ready for deployment if necessary.  Vos is shocked. Obi-Wan is horrified. Neither of them can quite believe the council would have ordered this, but both can see the potential implications.

Forgetting the moral dilemmas involved, the presence of an Army designed to serve the Jedi can only lead to bad things. For a start, there’ll be no keeping away from the front lines, and the long term nature of the project will make it appear as if their previous stance was only stalling for time until they could provide the Republic the military force it needs. Great for morale no doubt, but it welds them intrinsically to the will of the Senate. And if they do use this army? While large it’s not going to be enough to finish the war quickly, and as a result the scale of the conflict will only ramp up so much higher. This is bad. Very bad. Master you need to find out immediately if this really was the work of someone on the council!

This, unfortunately sounds like the kind of conversation you can't​ have over the comm, so Qui-Gon hastily arranges to sneak himself on to Coruscant in the entourage of an “outraged” Queen Amidala ( Padme had plenty of diplomatic issues to use as a pretext, she just couldn't be bothered to lodge them in person before now). He leaves Anakin with the fleet and instructions listen to Obi-Wan and relay any messages as necessary. Given that bounty there is no way his apprentice is getting anywhere near this vipers nest!

Mace Windu is having a nightmare. That is the only explanation for why he is being woken up by the image of Qui-Gon Jinn in an obviously stolen robe standing over him and demanding to speak to the full council. Immediately. When the council is convened he learns the nightmare is real and even worse than he could have imagined. An army of sentient beings commissioned in the orders of a paranoid Jedi Master missing for years whose very existence will spell disaster. And without Jinn and Kenobi they might never have known until it was too late to do anything but react! A nightmare.

Relieved that the council has not suddenly become less sane than usual, and that there's nothing he can do to immediately solve the problem Qui-Gon figures it’s probably time to head back before his apprentice does something ill-advised… and then Anakin urgently comms.  Obi-Wan and that Reprobate Knight Vos apparently spooked Fett into revealing evidence that Dooku is up to something major and have gone to Geonosis to investigate. They've already missed one check-in. Sithspit.

Qui-Gon begins to rush off but Plo Koon points out that a credible report of Dooku's location is enough to justify sending a team of Jedi to report back, and if he can wait for them to assemble they'd be happy to give him a lift. So Qui-Gon heads to Geonosis accompanied by Masters Koon, Ti, and Tholme, and oh dear. It seems Vos and Kenobi were right - those droid factories do not bode well. Suddenly the visions Sifo Dyas had make a lot of sense. Unless they want full-scale combat they need to take out those factories ASAP. But they also need to find out what happened to Vos and Kenobi.

Of course, narrative timing means they catch the bulletin advising that there is a dangerous spy on the loose -  the execution of his partner will take place the following day in the main arena but until his capture the planet is now on lockdown and all ships exiting atmosphere will be fired upon. Great. That explains a lot - and makes their lives so much more difficult.  They split up. Shaak Ti and Tholme head towards the factory, Qui-Gon and Plo towards the city via their ship - if they don't make it out then the Jedi need to be warned.

So who does Dooku have? You guessed it - it’s Obi-Wan who is really getting tired of the whole “join the dark side” spiel. After all, what could he possibly gain from from it? It's not like the Sith has any leverage. But then Dooku gets a message and Obi-Wan doesn't like that look. He has a bad feeling about this. Dooku smirks and in walks Jango Fett holding a murderous looking Anakin in cuffs. He’s here for his bounty.

Obi-Wan audibly groans. Anakin protests that it's not his fault! He stayed with the fleet! It's just that the fleet ended up engaged in a skirmish over Tatooine and in the chaos Fett managed to sneak on board! Obi-Wan frowns and raises an eyebrow - and the reason he didn't retreat to the safe room they installed specifically for this type of scenario was? Anakin looks at his feet as Jango laughs and says the kid was too busy pointing the lightsaber at him and demanding to know what he’d done with Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan sighs. Forcedammit Anakin! Can't you listen for once in your life?!

Meanwhile in the catacombs beneath the droid factory Shaak Ti and Tholme run into an injured Quinlan - he’s been using his psychometry to navigate but he hasn't been so good at avoiding all the patrols and is beginning to tire. As he explains, he has a stash of explosives courtesy of Obi-Wan - if placed correctly the “Skywalker Specials” should be capable of bringing down the entire complex. No-one quite wants to think about why Kenobi would be carrying around that much firepower, but they're not about to look a gift eopie in the mouth. With two Jedi Masters to back him up Quinlan sets about finishing the job. Then they can collect the rest of their party and blow this joint. Literally.

Back with Qui-Gon and Plo, who have been slowly infiltrating the complex and they’ve found the prison cells and by proxy Anakin and Obi-Wan. Plo stays back to watch for guards while Qui-Gon attempts to break them out. Unfortunately Dooku was expecting this, and was lurking in the shadows - he knows his former padawan, and there’s no way he wouldn’t come running to the rescue. The trap has been well baited.  Now it’s very simple - Qui-Gon puts down his lightsaber and the boys don’t get hurt. Anakin swears in impressively vugar huttese. Obi-Wan admonishes him - insults should be given in a language your captor understands! Cue the lightning. Qui-Gon’s anger is immense and Dooku revels in it- come now, feel your power!

They duel, hard and fast, and are so focused on one another that they don’t notice Plo cutting power to the restraints and Obi-Wan and Anakin wriggling their way out. Battle droids prevent their escape however, and after an impressive display of lightsaber skills and a frantic chase through the complex they all end up trapped in that infamous arena watching as Qui-Gon and Dooku battle it out in the stands above. And they’re getting worried - the droids seem never ending and Obi-Wan swears he can almost see a flash of gold in Qui-Gon’s eyes...

And then the air seems to explode.

Skywalker Specials are nothing to joke about.

Destruction and debris rains down everywhere and there is chaos. Of course at just the worst moment Jango Fett shows up again - if he takes back his prize he might still collect on the Coruscant bounty - only to be taken out with a single stroke by the sudden arrival of scorched and burnt, but still completely composed, Shaak Ti. Behind her is the transport which has landed in the arena - they weren’t counting on quite that blast radius, but the ship is still space worthy if they can find a way to make it through the lockdown.

Qui-Gon and Dooku’s battle has been disrupted by the collapse of the area they were standing on, and a frantic call from Anakin has Qui-Gon racing back to the rest of the group and they take off. Despite Plo’s expert piloting (Anakin is impressed) they reach an impasse where they cannot make it through the cordon, and Dooku hails them telling them they have fought well, but escape is impossible, and if they set down immediately perhaps he might find it in himself to be merciful...

Only to be cut off in an instant and for a new transmission replace him. It’s Shmi, and she’s brought the rest of Qui-Gon’s fleet. Dooku obviously hasn’t learned his lesson yet, do they need a rescue?  Honestly she can’t leave them alone for a week without this sort of thing happening, and what’s this she hears about a Jedi made slave army!?

So they’re back to relative safety, many hugs and lectures on reckless behaviour ensue, but all is not done. The droid factory (and much of the capital) is destroyed, but the war goes on, technically Qui-Gon has outright attacked a CIS planet in conjunction with Republic forces which could be construed him choosing a side,  and they still have a clone army to deal with. Whatever they do they need to move quickly, before certain things become public knowledge and political factors come into play.

It is in the holoconference with the council that Yoda and Mace reveal that they think they might have a solution. They are grim, but there’s a twinkle in the old frog’s eye that Qui-Gon doesn’t trust. He really begins to worry when Mace gracefully tips his head to Padmé (who is currently with them in the council chambers) and thanks her for her assistance in working out the details.

As Mace points out, the clones have been made for the Jedi. Not, technically, for the Republic. Additionally, to their knowledge the only ones outside the Kaminoans (whose discretion is unimpeachable) that know about the circumstances of the their creation are part of this conference. Further production has been immediately halted and measures put in place to ensure no further orders can be made, but there still remains the question of what to do with the existing clones. They will only serve the Jedi, but they can’t exactly keep them in the temple without anyone noticing. Mace then smiles. On an unrelated note, you do realise don’t you Master Jinn that you never formally resigned from the Order?

Qui-Gon protests - he’s a pirate now! He lies, cheats and steals! He hasn’t been beholden to the Council’s orders in years!  Mace gives him a look because honestly there’s nothing new about any of that, but before he can say anything Yoda butts in.

“Follow the Force, you do not?”

“What? No, the Will of the Force is ever my guide but…”

“Then serve the Dark, you do?”

“Never.”

“Our teachings entirely you forsake?”

“No…”

“Then a Jedi you remain. Unless that title you would reject?”

And Qui-Gon is torn, because yes, he doesn’t consider himself a member of the Order any more, but he is still a Jedi at heart. He may have incorporated more than a few old ideas considered heretical these days, but fundamentally it is Jedi training he teaches Anakin and Jedi philosophy that guides his decision making. And, looking at Obi-Wan’s wide eyes, he is not the only one to have been holding on to old notions of identity. So he does not deny it.

“Then resolved it is.” Yoda finishes smugly. “Sad, it is, that our records are incomplete. Missing, are the records of Knight Kenobi and Padawan Skywalker. Remain so, they will.”

Obi-Wan gasps. Qui-Gon glares. “That’s cheating.”

“Learned much from me, your old master did.”

“We’re not going to suddenly start following the Order’s edicts again. For a start Satine would kill me if she lost her husband.”

Yoda looks very old, and more than a little weary.

“Tumultuous times these are. Not for all is our path. But rigid, we always were not.  Perhaps a new approach is needed hm? Jedi we are, not machines. Remember that we must. Interfere, we will not.”

Qui-Gon is speechless. That is… groundbreaking. And brain breaking. And says something about how worried they are if Yoda is even considering this.   

Mace interrupts the shattering of centuries of tradition to bring them back on track; they can discuss the legalities later. What is important is that technically they can give Qui-Gon the authority for the clones, even if it remains off the books in all but the sealed council records. That puts them outside Republic control, but still under a command the clones likely to accept and will support their rights to self autonomy (Shmi starts beaming in the background. She’s already making plans on how to adapt the existing support structures). Obi-Wan pipes up - that still doesn’t answer the question of what exactly they are going to do with all these trained soldiers.

Queen Amidala coughs delicately. The Kaminoans were paid in advance from a hidden fund large enough to create, train and equip millions of clones. Even taking into account the penalty for early dissolution of the contract and the portion needed to pay for those still in training, there are sufficient credits in the fund to support the much smaller number of existing batches for some time. And Ryloth does remain under siege... Perhaps once the pressure is off they might be amenable to a similar arrangement to that which Mandalore and Naboo have? Aggressively enforced neutrality in exchange for unofficial support? Their resources should be able to cover the extra system and her sources on-planet suggest that the people have grown cynical about their importance to the Republic.

That.. might just work, Qui-Gon thinks. Providing of course that they succeed in taking Ryloth. It would even dispel any attempts to accuse him of consorting with the Republic - after all you don’t go an steal planets from governments you’re allied with. And it does seem like appropriate retaliation for the head of the CIS taking his family members captive. The only issue is preventing the Jedi from being involved in the backlash. After all, Quinlan’s face had been plastered all over Geonosis, and the Senate will no doubt want answers.

This time it’s Master Gallia who smiles and asks the Jedi on board the “Will of the Force” how they feel about taking up a life of piracy? After all, if they’re going to be transferring the clones to Qui-Gon’s command, he’s going to need a few more Jedi to help coordinate things...

So that is the story of how Qui-Gon and company gained an army, another planet under their protection, and three more Jedi recruits (Tholme wasn’t spotted on Geonosis and decides to stick with the Order for now - too many masters leaving would be suspicious and he can take the opportunity to tag other Jedi who might benefit from exploring a new career. Aayla Secura is top of his list, and there’s a youngling in the creche who Plo has told him to keep an eye on too).

They fit right in. Shaak Ti and Shmi are fast friends, and promptly adopt all the clones, who watch them corral the unruly mess of Mandalorians/Freedom Fighters/Pirates that make up Qui-Gon’s fleet in awe. Plo steals a couple to teach Anakin about the intricacies of flying in formation, inadvertently creating the beginnings of the Wolf Pack. Quinlan Vos was born to be a pirate and revels in the freedom to finally take out some of the sleemos he’s been wanting to deal with for years, but couldn’t without risking his covers. He makes Obi-Wan tag along - it’s so nice to have his old friend at his side! Qui-Gon is torn between being happy to have other Jedi around and the despair of realising that he has now become the de facto grandmaster of his own pseudo-order. He can hear Mace’s laughter half the galaxy away.   

Satine is exasperated. Why does her family do things like this without telling her! On the other hand it all worked out in the end; she now has an entire clan of fairly sensible babysitters (both for the children and the Jedi who act like them), a new set of Twilek friends to talk revolutionary politics with, and an entire new set of legends to keep her people happy. She should probably have a chat to Padmé though - they may need to adjust their long term plans a little. After all, they now actually have a chance at changing the galaxy within their lifetime...  

Ok, that’s enough for now! The stage is set- all parties are in place just in time for the shenanigans of the true Clone Wars to start once Anakin is fully grown! Because there are still plots to discover and Sith to foil, and a galaxy in need of sorting out. But that’s a story for another time. :)

[completeutterbooknutter-blog]

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[spacetubers]

Cosmogyral: Prologue

-For those who can’t access AO3 ❤

(adj.) whirling around the universe.

Milky way, Year XXXX

All his life, Mark Fischbach dreamed of traversing the stars under the Galactic Alliance. The general peace had given rise to many systems banding together to survive in harmony, and Mark wanted to be part of that. A difference, he wanted to make a difference; he wanted to be a part of this peaceful era. 

With that dream in mind, and a fast tracked initiation into the Star Corps, he stands one atmosphere away from doing that. Being the youngest captain to control a vessel in the Corps should be a great honor...

But something doesn't seem right; his crew, disapproved from all sides, agrees.

The universe just got a whole lot darker. The objective, a tad clearer.

T he glass expanse overlooked the city of Los Angeles, with the midnight rush flying just beyond the protective barrier. Neon lights, glinting off the metallic skyline, cast a sheen into the office and beyond. A shadow moved, and its owner sighed, eyes darting to the paperwork on his desk; the words glared back at him through a pounding headache.

The floors below were probably still cleaning up the night’s festivities; something he ducked out of early to avoid the conversation. It was, however, a good christening , despite the obvious tensions in the room. Fucking Euro-Division; they could have avoided that tension easily.

A sharp sting made him groan in annoyance, wrinkled hands rising to rub under sandy curls; nails coagulating with the infused gel. It was something new, he called; some imported Faunix nonsense. The substance was sent flying out of their fingers soon after. He could deal with the smell for now; it was better than the headache.

For a moment, he wondered where the pain originated from, but the sheer possibilities stemmed back to one man. He rubbed his temples, muttering. “Hnng Rea, activate night mode, please.”

There was a short silence, before the metallic whirring behind him signaled the change in lighting. “Right away, Admiral Ellis.” The overhead lights dimmed to a more somber mood, and the whirring stopped with a small ding.

More silence.

“Are you satisfied with this alternation?” The sleek, artificial voice queried with a warm tone; it almost sounded concerned. “Would you like me to call for some medication, Admiral?”

“Send it in after I’ve had my meeting.” The ding of a registered request followed soon after, so he added. “Speaking of which...Has Captain Fischbach-”

“Captain Fischbach is currently in the South Wing.” The Interface Module responded immediately, ignoring the slight delay in their charge’s words. “His estimated time of arrival is 7 minutes and thirty six seconds.”

There was a pause. “Admiral?”

The groan that followed held enough emotion for a dignified response. “Actually, send the medication now.” The shuffling papers held the instant punctuation. His eyes flickered past the various reports; the names were already memorized, and the level of compatibility assessed. If there was one thing he knew, then it would be the names displayed. “It’s going to be a long conversation.”

His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy...Well,not exactly, but the eminem reference was appreciated. His stride was confident, and his arms were swinging loosely with each step, so he only had his face to think about.

Nice try, Slim Shady.

Mark Fischbach tucked that thought away for another mental conversation, ignoring the questioning glances he got as he passed. They didn’t need to know where the smile originated from, anyway. Besides, it wasn’t the first time the recently promoted Captain held such an expression; they should be used to it by now.

However, Mark knew he was nervous. He hadn’t been nervous the day he joined the Corps, despite many cadets dropping out a week into the program. He’d curbed his anxiety through each exam session with a reassuring smile and extensive work. Hell, he’d psyched himself for weeks before he accepted the promotion offer.

Why the hell was he biting his tongue? “...What if they made a mistake?” The whisper came out involuntarily. If only he had someone to empty his fears onto before he entered the room. In fact, the missing presence of Tim didn’t help the situation at all; Mark practically had that droid by his side in everything he did. “I don’t know...Nevermind.” Nervous as all hell, that's for sure.

Admiral Ellis never called anyone in for meetings these days, considering there were mere hours before the christening of a new starship. Considering the small factoid that he was the new captain of the ship, the meeting was nervewrecking. The door loomed ahead, Starcorp insignia etched into the metal.

Mark knocked. “You may proceed, Captain Fischbach.” Mark jumped. “...My apologies. I am REA: Admiral Ellis’ new Assistance Module.”

The captain furrowed his brow in confusion, “I thought there was another AI-”

“Due to unforeseen infiltration, the module was terminated.” The door slid open, and the voice dinged once more. “Admiral Ellis is expecting you; don’t keep him waiting.” The module clicked off.

“Come on in Mark.”

“Evening, Sir.” Mark cleared his throat as he stepped into the office, registering the door closing behind him; his hands, going to his sides, kept the respectful stance. “You wanted to see me?”

The Admiral seemed to watch him for a few moments, eyes darting to the papers on the table, before the sides of his mouth curled. The nervousness left his body with that very expression. “...At ease, Captain. Please, take a seat.” Mark fulfilled the request with a strained smile. “I just wanted to discuss some things my favourite student before you hit the road tomorrow...You can breathe now.”

“I’m...breathing.”

Mark's exhale of relief- and a rather amusing mutter - caused a booming laugh to echo through the room. “That’s better! Can’t have you dying before you even breach this solar system.” The Admiral's laugh dissolved into a fond chuckle. “Can we?”

“Well...That would suck ass.” Mark offered a small smile. “Tyler would kick me back to life.”

“I am sure Lieutenant Scheid would do just that. He is in charge of your crew’s security, after all.” The tone was suggestive, which brought a more sombre tone to the conversation.

Mark ignored it for a moment, testing the waters. "He could just use a defibrillator as well. Shocking, I know"

The Admiral watched the smile dissipate. “Doctor Bisognin would patch you right up, though I'm sure one of the others could have done it just as well...”

Silence.

Mark frowned, leaning forward in his seat; his elbows, grazing the table, retracted. “What are you trying to say? Are we really here for this?” The exasperated tone reverberated through the room, hanging heavily by its epicentre. “...I choose my crew. You approved it.”

The admiral sighed. “Mark...You know your choices have caused a 'ruckus' among the Corps. You haven’t even made an approved choice on your science officer, let alone your helmsman, and now your inner circle is a mismatched group of-”

"Sir."

"-A metaphorical bomb bound to explode. It makes no sense!"

“Admiral...I just want to know why we’re still on about this.” The response held an edge to it, Mark’s frown  was increasing. “Ethan is fully capable of directing the ship until we reach the outpost, then we can sign on our missing bridge members. Just because they’re not exactly what was decided-”

“I’m on about this because you’re not taking the sheer chaos you may cause!” The retort took Mark by surprise. The captain leaned away from the table, while the lecture continued. “First Officer McLoughlin, Lieutenant Nestor....Kjellburg. I understand your inclusion of Doctor Bisognin-”

“Commander Kjellburg.”

More silence.

"Don’t you dare…”

“With all due respect, Sir,” Mark's words, dripping with disapproval, left his lips. “Felix has a title.”

“I refuse to call him anything of the sort.” Mark got up at those words, turning towards the door. The action was immediately followed by a chair screeching. “Fischbach, sit down. Fischbach! Violating the orders of an admiral-”

“I have to get ready for launch, Sir. We leave in less than eight hours.” With each word, Mark’s anger grew and his patience waned, but his stride remained the same. “My crew needs me.”

“Your crew...Mark please. You need to listen to the voice of reason. You can't surround yourself with a crew like that; we can-”

The patience left with a whirl of his body. “The voice of reason, huh?” Mark’s smile held no humor, “The same voice that got me to join the Academy? Or perhaps the voice that managed to impress the Corps into being the youngest captain in their history?” He shook his head, hands running through black hair. Only a few weeks ago, it had been a scarlet hue. “I know my friends, and I trust them with all of my very being. The fact that-”

“Mark, please...Come sit down.”

Silence.

Mark inhaled, closing his eyes. “Look, Sir, I know I’m making very risky decisions, but they feel right. They feel justified! It’s not the easiest route, nor is it the accepted route, but it’s a route I’m willing to take. They’re my crew, and I am their captain. You can’t expect me to change myself to suit others; we’re going to do great things together, and I want it to go my way; for the Alliance, for everyone...”

The silence that followed was bloated, uncomfortable. Disappointed.

"For the Alliance, huh?"

He waited for more words, for any hint of disapproval. The words he’d heard from almost every higher up since his promotion, and the sneers he’d heard once the crew-list was announced. Some were encouraging, while most were pure amusement, but the intent was clear. This was never going to slide; they were waiting for a bigger mistake. Mark’s thoughts, whirling together, almost blocked the sound of the door opening with a curt farewell from REA. He opened his eyes in shock, but stepped through with slight reluctance. Could he really leave this relationship on such an estranged note? “Sir?”

“You’re right...I’ve tried my best.” The sigh was filled with pity, and Mark had to turn around to view the resigned face through the door, staring down at the papers. “You have no idea what you have brought upon yourself, Captain. Are you sure you are willing to destroy everything...and possibly everyone...you love?”

“I-” Mark was cut off by the chuckle that followed, and a final shuffle of papers.

“Don’t answer.” Admiral Ellis, holding up a hand, shook his head, looking away from the door. “You don’t owe me the answer...Godspeed.”

The door closed with a click.

"So you're saying that he called you over...just to tell you to kick most of us out?"

"Exactly."

Weaving through the city skyline, the standard issue hovercar thrummed happily; the auto-pilot system held no qualms to being this overworked. Mark, sitting in one of two seats, regarded the suited being with a neutral gaze. The being in question picked at a set of scarlet scales under his collar. The main species on Solax had many human-like characteristics, but the hardened scales must be itchy in earth's varied environment. There was no use in using contacts to hide the eyes either, but Mark had gotten used to the warm gaze. "Well, at least you can confirm that he's a little shady, huh? At least he hosts good parties; is it me, or do all potential villains host good parties?"

Mark caught the grin before he groaned. "Let's not call him a villain just yet, Wade. He's just doing his job...There must be a reason he's like that." Eyes darting away from the scales to rest on the nearest hologram, Mark continued. "Besides...You're as shady as he is right now, Mr I just hacked into Corps property to help my smuggling friend."

The Sol gasped, rolling his eyes. "When you say it like that...It almost makes me feel bad." The two shared a smirk. "Besides, I don't even know who you're bringing aboard. The only thing Bob told me was that they're part of the main team...Why can't I know?"

"...It's complicated." Mark sighed, shaking his head slightly. It wasn't that he didn't want to tell anyone, but rather a necessity to make sure everything worked out.  That was one of the reasons he let Bob in on the plan, for one, which helped ease the situation ever-so-slightly; it also allowed for a quicker recruiting of Wade. All he had to do was dupe the Corps.

Easier said than done.

The hovercar shuddered slightly, swaying with the sudden change in course as the base coding was overridden. Wade, holding onto a railing as the sudden jolt, gave a sheepish smile. "It was a very sudden job..."

Mark laughed, and settled in for the ride.

It didn't take that long; the pickup location was just a few moments from the city centre, yet far enough to divert suspicion. If the plan worked, they'd be in and up in ten minutes; it was virtually full-proof.

Mark just hoped that Professor Nelson held true to her word.

Professor Amy Nelson- real name unknown -had the missing Kalustrian princess with her, after all.

They had met by chance; Mark had been running some errands when he spotted the two trying to hail one of the many taxis in the area. Despite the rain, the kalustrians didn't seem to have an umbrella on them, so he presumed they were tourists. Out of the good will of his heart, Mark had offered them a ride to wherever they were going.

That was the most interesting- and shocking- four hours of his life.

(Which included waffles, but that was besides the point)

"Y-you're actually her? P-Princess Kathyrn..."

"Well...I guess so. It's not a big deal."

"Big deal?! Kalustra is literally hunting you down!"

"...And?"

The hovercar docked.

"Aand we're here." Wade, proclaiming the obvious, finally let go of the railing. With a quick look at his friend, the Sol went to check the hovercar controls. "Go do whatever shady things you need to do."

"Well thanks, Wade." The swish of the door opening caught Mark's attention, opening to the entrance to n apartment block. The brick faced exterior and small front garden were too familiar to forget; he'd spent many an afternoon conversing inside the walls. If someone had told him those starry eyed, dream-like propositions would have come to fruition, he would have laughed.

But they were doing this, so backing out now was futile.

Mark took a deep breath, and stepped out of the vehicle. "Ten minutes. We'll be back."

[got7-texts]

Alcohol- Jaebum (Day 51/100)

You can find my post explaining the 100 Day Drabble Challenge here

To read the other drabbles in my drabble challenge, click here

Prompt: Alcohol Member: Jaebum x Reader AU: Royal!AU

Word Count: 2079

This is a fic describing the first kiss of Prince Jaebum and his assassin guard~

You stopped in front of the prince’s tent and cleared your throat, hoping to get his attention.

“My lord,” you said, waiting for a reply. There was a moment of silence before Jaebum spoke.

“You may enter,” he called from inside the tent.

The two of you had been travelling for a while to get to a nearby city, keeping off the road as much as you could. You finally reached the outskirts and had insisted on going to check it out before letting the prince go in order to make sure it was safe for him. To your surprise, the city had been extremely lively and was filled with kind people that continuously asked if you were okay or if you were lost.

You managed to obtain information from one of the elders in town and were about to take your leave when he handed you a bottle. You were surprised at first, but he assured you that it was a custom to give those kinds of gifts to new friends in the city. You had taken it with suspicion but simply thanked him and headed back to where you and Jaebum had made camp.

“What news do you have?” he asked when you entered. He had let his long hair down and it framed is sharp face nicely. You sat cross-legged before him and pulled out your bag.

“The citizens are all in good health. The town seems to be wealthy and, at least at the moment, there don’t seem to be any disturbances,” you said. “Also, some of the older men said that the leader of the town hall would be making an announcement tomorrow afternoon about the new water supply system. I think it’s worth going,” you added. Jaebum nodded at your information.

“We’ll have to go and see what it’s about tomorrow,” he said. His brow furrowed as his gaze shifted to the bag in your hand. “What is that?” he asked, curiously. You reached in and pulled out the alcohol, looking at the beautiful bottle. There were no words or markings on it and nothing to tell what was inside.

“It was given to me by one of the village elders. I believe he gave it with good intentions, but I’m still a bit wary myself,” you said, tutting your tongue. Jaebum reached out and you handed it to him. He gave the bottle a good looking over and then popped the top off with a satisfying ‘pop’. You watched as he inhaled the liquor and took a deep breath.

“It smells…familiar,” he said, staring at the bottle. His mind looked far away, as if he was trying to place the smell. You reached over and took it from his hands to which you received a frown from him. You smelled it yourself and hummed.

“It doesn’t smell like any poison I’ve ever smelled,” you mumbled. You brought to bottle to your lips and let just the tiniest bit of liquid flow into your mouth. You could feel Jaebum’s eyes on you as you let the alcohol swirl in your mouth. Eventually you swallowed, relishing in the feeling of the warmth in your stomach.

“I don’t think it’s poisonous,” you said, taking another small sip. “It’s quite strong though,” you said, coughing as the alcohol burned your throat. Jaebum watched you intently but then reached his hand out once more for you to give him the bottle. You hesitated at first but then gave it to him.

Once again, he took a deep breath of the liquor before bringing it to his own lips and tasting it. His gulp was significantly bigger than yours and you marveled at his ability to withstand the alcohol content. You might be an assassin, but that didn’t change the fact that you had a small alcohol tolerance.

“I know this drink,” Jaebum whispered, taking another small sip. “My father used to drink it often when I was younger. It’s a very rare alcohol. I doubt the man that had it in his possession knew its worth,” he said, smirking lightly. You hummed and reached for the bottle, taking a bigger sip and letting the liquid work it’s magic.

“Do you think we should give it back and tell him?” you asked. As soon as the words left your mouth you realized how ridiculous they sounded. The liquor must have been affecting you faster than you expected it to. You glanced at Jaebum for his reaction but he simply shook his head.

“No, it was cause too much attention. Best to just enjoy it while we can,” he said, chuckling as he took the bottle from your hands and drank more.

You went back and forth for a while, discussing the journey and everything it entailed. Every time you took another sip of the alcohol, you felt your walls crumble and your inhibitions disappear. You weren’t sure if Jaebum was experiencing the same thing, but as his words began to slur and he began to teeter back and forth in his seated position, you figured that it was.

“How did she even become the palace maid in the first place?” Jaebum asked, chuckling as you laughed hard. “She’s so clumsy,” he added, making you hold onto your stomach in fits of laughter.

“I don’t know….but one time…she spilled wine…on the queen,” you explained, between gasps of air. Jaebum let out a booming laugh as he leaned against you for support.

“I remember that! Mother was upset for the rest of the evening!” he exclaimed, grinning and laughing at the memory. You tried to suppress your laughs, but you were smiling too wide and couldn’t. Your vision had long since been blurry and now it took all of your focus just to look at Jaebum’s face.

There was a moment of silence as you stared at him and he stared at the ground in front of him. Your laughter subsided and through your hazy drunkenness, you could feel the atmosphere tighten.

“Y/N?” Jaebum asked, still looking down at his hands in his lap. You leaned your head into the crook of his neck and sighed, closing your eyes as the room spun before you.

“Yes, my prince?” you asked, with a breathy voice. Never in a million years would you ever imagine that you would be in this position with the prince. If you were sober you would never have dared to touch him let alone lean into him like this. Jaebum must have felt the alcohol too because he did not push you aside, nor did he threaten to execute you (something he often playfully did when you annoyed him).

“Do you think…” he said, looking up towards the top of the tent. “Do you think that I’ll become a good king?” he asked, barely above a whisper. You stared in front of you for a few moment, gathering yourself before turning towards him.

It was then that you realized how extremely close his face was.

If you moved even two inches forward, your lips would be touching his cheek. You stared at his sharp jawline, aweing at it as you brought your fingers up to his chin. You brought his face to yours, the liquid confidence burning in your stomach, and stared into his eyes.

“Jaebum,” you whispered, falling deeply into his big, warm eyes. “I think you are going to be one of the best kings our country has ever had,” you said, honestly. Jaebum stared at you, his expression unchanged. Now that he was facing you, your lips were only inches away and that thought alone made your heart pound in your chest.

You dropped your hands from his chin and were about to turn away when he suddenly reached out and grabbed your cheeks in his big, rough hands. He pulled you forward onto him and you fell over on top of him with your lips pressed against his own.

You were not surprised and instead melted into the kiss willingly. You felt his arms drop down around your waist as you laid on top of him, your hands bringing themselves up to his hair as you kissed him hard. He kissed you more passionately than you had ever been kissed in your life and once you broke for air, you only gasped once before pressing your lips back on to his.

He let out a small groan and flipped you over so that you were laying on your side facing him. You continued to kiss him as the kisses became shorter and sweeter. You snuggled farther into his arms and put a hand on his chest as he held onto you tightly, as if afraid to lose you. Somehow or another, you felt sleep overtake you and you closed your eyes, listening to the sound of Jaebum’s heartbeat.

The next morning you awoke with a start, clutching your head in your hands. You moaned in pain and fell back down, trying to quell your headache.

“Too much to drink?” a voice called out. You peaked one eye open and groaned at Jaebum who was sitting in the corner with a smirk on his lips, drinking water. You sat up once more and held your head as you reached for your own flask of water.

“What happened?” you asked, groggily. Jaebum chuckled and bent down to pick up the empty bottle of alcohol.

“You drank the entire bottle,” he snapped. At his words your eyes widened and you frowned.

“No, no! Don’t blame this on me! We drank the whole bottle. It wasn’t just me,” you shot back, drinking your water deeply.

“As my personal guard, I’m disappointed that you didn’t stop me from drinking it when you should have,” he berated, massaging his own temples.

“Well, I’m sorry,” you said, sarcastically. “But once you started reminiscing about how it was your ‘father’s favorite drink’ you didn’t really give me much time to stop you!” you exclaimed. Jaebum pursed his lips and then cleared his throat.

“Well, you didn’t have to drink it with me,” he stated, trying to retain his dignity. This only made you let out a short laugh.

“You told me that I had to drink ‘by order of the prince’,” you said, mimicking his voice. Jaebum rolled his eyes and looked down at his flask.

“I don’t sound like that,” he mumbled. There was a moment of pause as you tried to rmemeber the events that took place last night, but everything seemed to be one massive blur. You brought the bottle, then you tasted it, then you began talking about things, then….

Wait.

He had asked you something. It was something important. What had it been? And what happened after that? Did you just fall asleep? No…you remember your heart beating fast. Because of what? What happened? You stole a glance at Jaebum but the latter was leafing through a book in his hands.

“Did you…” you began, causing Jabeum to glance up briefly.

“Did I what?” he asked, sharply. You looked down at your hands, trying to remember what had happened.

You had been nervous. Why? Because he was so close. Why? Because you had leaned into him. Why? Because you were inches away. And? And then he…had he really…

“Did we…” you began again. Jaebum gave you an annoyed groan.

“If you have something to ask me, ask it. Stop making all of these half statements,” he stated, glaring at you from his stool. You took a deep breath and began again.

“After we drank the bottle and talked about your father and the maid and all, what happened?” you asked, straight to the point. Jaebum stared at his book for a moment and then closed it with a sigh.

“I don’t remember anything either, Y/N,” he stated, annoyance in his voice. Whether it was directed at you or at himself, you were unsure, but you decided it didn’t matter.

“Alright, then let’s forget it,” you said, clearing your throat and standing up. “We have a long day ahead of us and there’s no point in getting held down by things we don’t remember,” you added, grabbing your daggers and looking at them closely, trying not to look at Jaebum.

You heard him grunt in agreement and you decided not to think about it anymore. If it was anything of importance, Jaebum would mention it again in due time. Until then, you had a job to do.

[truthonmysleeves]

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