#here's hoping they at least get workers comp

[gotham-response]

[elsiebrayisgay]

there is something that feels so insidious to me in the way certain loved ones will wish me well. sometimes it feels like there is an obvious implication that the presumed goal not just of my treatment but of my life is the absolute minimization of symptoms, which is probably fine on the surface. symptoms feel bad, right? so why shouldn't you do everything you can to avoid them and keep all the "normal" function you can?

however, i think there is some implicit ableism that has snuck its way into that framing and is doing a lot of the lifting, it turns out. first, it implies a narrative of the "illness warrior"—life with an illness is often depicted as a struggle against the disease, and to lose your life (in terminal cases, as with cancer) is to "lose your fight." even in non-terminal chronic illness, i believe that framing is still common, at least from those who are not sick around the chronic illness patient, though there are some sick people who identify with that language. for some people, it can be empowering, giving them the strength to be a warrior and get up and fight, but for me, it feels like it puts the severity of my illness in my hands. to be very ill is to lose ground and fight badly. to some extent this is true, in that there are certain factors in my life i can change that will positively or negatively impact my health, but more broadly, this idea feels brutally unfair. if i am in pain because of a weather-triggered migraine, am i to simply get up and move my entire life in time with the seasons to avoid storms? it feels terribly unfair and lays responsibility for my symptoms existing or disabling me at my feet.

secondly, the high valuation of symptom-free—or as close as possible—existence feels to me to be assimilationist with capitalist values of labor. there has been a lot written about intersections and cross-applications between queer and disability theory. comp het translates to similar ideas of comp-abledness, which i think is a large part of what's going on here. i would extend this further to use queer assimilation as a framework for disabled assimilation. in the way that traditional values will lend more legitimacy to a queer couple who are monogamous, who follow established norms of marriage, cohabitation, etc, there is legitimacy to be had for disabled people who support themselves without or with minimal benefits, who are gainfully employed, who "do not let their disability stop them." yet disabled labor is undervalued especially in the laws that allow for disabled workers to be paid under minimum wages and the bleak landscape of legal accommodations being insufficient, difficult to enforce, at an employer's discretion, or all of the above leaving disabled workers in the hands of petty tyrants. disabled people are encouraged to keep working but not protected or treated fairly when they do. i believe this extends beyond work as well—the minimization of symptoms allows for a disabled person to keep their own household and do their own chores without support, and is therefore the valued goal, however unrealistic or difficult. in what i believe is a critically under-read essay, sunny taylor outlines "the right not to work," defending the value of a disabled life which does not fit norms of productivity in the workforce or the home. so i wonder: if there are supports available, why restrict myself from them? if there is a life that does not involve recovery to the norm but rather prioritizes quality of life, isn't that worthwhile? if there is a life without recovery to the norm but rather recovery self-directed towards the activities and functions a patient wants for themself, would that be so bad, even if they are still sick, even if they still need help?

i hope for such a life.

[stevenuniversequotevstory]

“Well, We’re Getting There” Steven Universe x Female reader story

Chapter 1~ New life, New Start

Word count~ 2,706

Page count~ 7.1

Chpt 2

There is a tall man walking into an Adoption Agency. He has black hair, glasses, a green button up shirt, and blue jeans. He has filled out papers for a child with a very “special case” when it comes to adoption. He is currently comping in to adopt a young girl named Y/n and another very unusual kid that must be adopted with Y/n. That’s what it says on the papers at least.

The young girl was sitting on the couch in the loft room waiting for her new guardians arrival. She didn’t think much of, knowing that she’d be stuck with the same mayor of “parent” that she always felt with. Ruby was sitting next to her, worrying about how the father may act like and how she could make a good first impression, or if this guy was even a good person to begin with. 

You see, Y/n and Ruby both had some..family issues throughout growing up. Ruby knows that her treatment wasn’t as bad as Y/n’s since gens don’t need sleep, eat , or any other human things. Y/n on the other hand, hasn’t been cared for like a normal human child should be cared for, and Ruby was aware of that. 

“So” Ruby started looking at Y/n. “What do you think this new guy looks like?” Ruby was trying to start a conversation with her to brighten the mood.

”I don’t know” Y/n said still looking down. “ We don’t know anything about this person. What if he’s bad? Doesn’t matter what he looks like” Y/n said with a meanish tone.

Ruby stared at her awkwardly, seeing how she failed to cheer up her best friend. She decided to nudge it off for now and stay quiet for Y/n’s sake. Then, Y/n finally looks over to Ruby. “ Sorry if that came off as harsh, I’m just worried that this new guy will be terrible like the others. I know that the facility said that he would be a better person, but I don’t believe them”. Y/n says looking a bit sat and worried.

”Don’t worry, I’m sure that he’s good. And if he’s not then we can try again!” Ruby said in an attempt to cheer her friend up again, but this time worked a bit.

”Thanks Ruby, your always there for me huh?” Y/n said rubbing the top of Ruby’s head or hair I should say.

”Hey! Stop that!” Ruby said laughing trying to push your hand off.

”Y/n, Ruby”. One of the facility workers came in. “ He’s here. Please come with me”. The two girls were interrupted but both Y/n and Ruby obliged. Both girls walked into the room that held their new parent. 

Once they were in the room, they saw a tall man that didn’t look scary as Y/n or Ruby thought he’d be. “ Hello, you must be Y/n and Ruby” he stated with a gentle yet study voice. “ I’m Henry Greyson, it’s a pleasure to meet you both.” He stuck up his hand and Ruby went to shake it, while Y/n was cautiously looking at him.

”Y/n!” Ruby whispered yelled to the girl. “ Your supposed to shake hands?” Y/n looked over at Ruby, but ignored her anyway.

” I see” Henry put his hand down.” Well, let’s just hope you get use to me soon huh?” He said in a joking matter.

” Yes” Y/n said in a voice that didn’t really care.

”Mr. Greyson. Please finish signing the rest of these papers so you can leave”. One of the facility workers said handing over the last of the papers. 

“Of course” Henry stated walking over to the counter to finish writing down important information.

Y/n and Ruby stood there is silence, until Ruby decided to break it. “ He’s not that bad, right?”

” Who knows, this could all be just an act. He may not care about us and just want the money for him and his family”. Y/n said in a mean but worried tone.

” Come on girls” Henry said after finishing the last of the papers.” Let’s head to the car and show you guys where you’ll be living at for now on”. 

Y/n and Ruby both agreed and walked outside with their new parent, saying goodbye to a few children and facility workers on the way. Once they came to a stop, they saw a Toyota Tacoma black truck parked in a parking space. Both of the girls have never seen really nice cars or clean ones to say. 

“I see you guys are pretty amazed with my car I see huh?” Henry chuckled while unlocking the car and opening the door for the girls.

” Shiny “ Ruby’s eyes turned to stars and she hopped in the car excited already buckling her seat. Henry looked over at the other girl who was cautiously looked at the car deciding wether she should get in the car or not.

”Are you coming?” Henry asked curiously. “ I won’t bite, and neither will the car “ He stated in a joking matter.

”…Yeah” Y/n said as she sat next to Ruby. Ruby must have noticed the look of worry on Y/n’s face and held her hand.

” It’s gonna be okay” Ruby said giving Y/n a light squeeze with her hot hands. Y/n got use to the feeling of Ruby’s skin when she was younger so it wasn’t something for her to fret about.

”Okay girls! You both buckled?” Henry asked.

“Yes!” Both girls said though Y/n’s voice was a bit quieter.

”Alright then! Let’s head on over to your new home”. Henry said with excitement in his voice. Y/n was still cautious about this whole situation, but, it feels better than her past families. She may not be able to trust this man, but maybe she will later.

                           The present day

Over the past 3 months, Y/n and Ruby had learned a lot about Henry. First of all, he was single. He had no family and that was one of the reason why Y/n and Ruby were adopted. Also, he worked as a heart surgeon and was on the rich side of society. Y/n and Ruby were treated like actual children. They both got paid attention too, got plenty of food, and even got their own rooms! Of course,. Y/n and Ruby will sometimes sleep together since they are still getting use to be separated from each other. 

Ruby started to trust Henry way faster than Y/n. She even called him dad sometimes. Y/n on the other hand, still didn’t fully trust him. After so many years of neglect, she hasn’t fully healed or is use to this new life. She is trying her best to get along with her new caretaker, but it’s something that cannot be changed that quickly.

Currently, Ruby and Y/n are in the backyard. Both are looking around for critters to watch and find. They both enjoyed doing that ever since they were little, well ever since Y/n was little. They were over by rocks and trees.

”Hey look!” Ruby said in excitement after finding a snake.

”That’s a Ring-neck snake” Y/n said to Ruby. Ruby has been on earth for many years now, but still can get confused with different creatures since most look the same to her.

”Are they venomous?” Ruby asked, snake already in her hands. 

“Not to humans “ Y/n stated lifting another rock that hid two big roads under it. “ Aww~. Look at these guys”. Y/n picked up the toads and showed them to Ruby.

” Wow those are big fellas huh?!” Ruby said excited before putting the snake back where she found it and taking one of the toads from Y/n’s hands. 

“Awww it’s so cute! And bumpy” Ruby laughed as Y/n chuckled beside her.

”GIRLS!” Henry called from the house. “LUNCH IS READY!” Ruby and Y/n out the toads back in their spots and rushed to the house. 

“What’s for lunch?” Ruby said while walking into the kitchen. Now, gems don’t have to eat, Ruby has already explained that to Y/n and Henry, but she still likes to taste food and likes to try to “fit in” with society.

”Pasta!” Henry said while serving the two girls food.

”This looks delicious!” Ruby said eating pasta with Y/n for the 3rd time. Both of the girls were never served such great food and have only ate pasta three times in their life! All from Henry’s place.

”It is” Y/n chuckled taking a bite.

”Well I’m glad you like it “ Henry stated sitting down across from the two girls. All three of them sat together in a comfortable silence. Until Henry started to speak up.” I have some news for you girls and I don’t know if you’ll like it or not.” Henry said with a halfway smile.

”What’s the news?” Y/n asked with a sort of worried expression upon her face.

”Well, you know how my job at the hospital has been…not that great lately?” Henry asked

”Yeah! You complain to me and Y/n ALL the time!” Ruby talked a little bit louder than before. 

Henry chuckled and began to speak again” I’ve decided that I will be attending to a different hospital”.

Y/n and Ruby were quiet. They were both confused on why he had told them that information. So Y/n spoke up.

”Why are you telling us that?” She stated in a rudish tone.

” In order to for me to work in that area, we’ll have to move” Henry said taking another bite.

”WHAT!” Y/n and Ruby said in union. 

“ I know you guys think this is a bad idea, but maybe moving out of the city would be good for you two.” Henry said.

What was he talking about? Y/n and Ruby both LOVED their new life even if one of them barely showed it. Plus, both of them aren’t city kids. Has Henry even been paying attention to them? Or is that just something he needs to say to try to convince both of the girls to be okay with leaving. 

They would miss so much. Adapting to different life styles was already hard enough, now changing again?! They would miss their rooms, the streets, their school, the backyard and every creature that they’ve ever found back there. 

Henry noticed the looks on their faces and looked away guilty. Ruby seemed to notice and decided to give it a try.

” So…where is this ‘area’ at?” Ruby asked warning a side glance from Y/n. 

“ Oh!” Henry said looking at both girls again. “ I haven’t told you where we’re moving to yet huh? It’s called ‘ Beach City’”.

“Beach City?!” Y/n hit the table out of surprise. “ We’re moving to Delaware!? We live in California ( sorry if you don’t, you can change it), that’s across the US!?. 

“Yes I know it’s far and it may take a while, but it’s great there! I grew up in Delaware and it was great!” Henry said trying to excite the girl. Sadly this didn’t change anything.

”Yeah? But did you grow up in that area? Beach City?” Y/n said with an irritated tone.

”Well..not..in..that..area” Henry said slowly.

”Then you can’t tell us it’s great if you’ve never even been there before.” Y/n got off her seat and walked to her room upstairs.

”Jeez” Henry sighed, rubbing his temple lifting up his glasses a bit. Henry knows about what has happened in Y/n’s past and knew that she would act differently towards him. He knows that he should be use to it by now but he’s still not.

”I’ll go check on her!”Ruby said jumping off her seat and running up the stairs into Y/n’s room. “Y/n? Why did you do that? I know that you don’t like this but at least give him a chance?”

” I know Ruby, but it’s just- I don’t want this to change. I don’t want anything to change. The house, the neighborhood, the school, even the mean grumpy old man that lives next door to us”. Y/n said laying on her comfortable bed.

Ruby chuckles at the last statement” I know, I’m scared too. But Mr. Greyson has been so good to us. Don’t you want to let him know how much you appreciate his effort?” Ruby said. “ And besides, I REALLY want to go to a beach” Ruby said with puppy dog eyes” If your not doing it for him, then can you at least do it for me?” 

Y/n looked over at Ruby, noticing the puppy dog eyes that she learned from a dog that once came up to her and begged her for her donut. Y/n let out a loud king sigh and sat up facing Ruby.

”For you”  Y/n started. “ I will do this for you.” As soon as Y/n said those words, Ruby got excited.

”EEEEEE” Ruby screeched jumping up and down on Y/n’s bed. “I’ve never been to a beach before! What do you think it’ll be like!”

” I’ve never been to one either. But I’m sure we can look up pictures later” Y/n said picking up their phone.

“ We should tell Henry!”  Ruby said jumping off Y/n’s bed.

”..Yeah” Y/n said, recalling the events that happened earlier.” I do need to apologize anyway. And maybe he’s right? Who knows, there could be more creatures that we haven’t met in Delaware yet?” Y/n said trying to look on the bright side of this new change.

”Yeah that’s the spirit! We might even meet a new grumpy old man!” Ruby yelled excited.” Let’s go Y/n!”

”Im coming!” Y/n giggled at her friend’s antics.

Both Y/n and Ruby raced down the stairs into the kitchen, hoping to find Henry in the room. But he wasn’t there. They both walked over to his room and knocked.

”Yes?” Henry said opening the door while on a phone call.

” We’ve both agreed that we will move to Delaware with you!” Ruby exclaimed.

” Huh? Really ok good. I’m actually on the phone with the airline. I was gonna cancel but never mind!” Henry puts the phone back up to his ear.” Hello?. Yes. I would like to keep the tickets please. Ok thank you.” Henry hung up and walked back over to the girls. Y/n began to speak up.

” Hey Henry?” Y/n said looking at Henry. As soon as she got his attention she continued” I apologize for how I acted earlier”.

���it’s alright kiddo, we all make mistakes and you were just scared. I get it change it hard. But I promise you both that you will have a great time in Delaware.”

”When do we board the plane?” Ruby interrupted with interest and excitement since she and Y/n have never rid in a plane before.

“Two weeks”. Henry said looking at his calendar. “ I would start packing now before the trucks come. Their gonna pick up our stuff earlier and get a ship to transfer the cars.

”Okay well do that” Y/n half smiled walking with Ruby up to her room.

She didn’t know why, but somehow she feels like she’s gonna enjoy her new life at Beach City.

Yas I have finished chapter uno! There may be some spelling Mistakes or whatever but it Otay 👍. I hope you enjoyed this. I know that the reader hasn’t met the Crystal gems yet, but I wanted to show off Y/n’s life a bit and how the neglect over the years affected her. Don’t worry you guys will meet probably on the next chapter! Which I am working on now because I have insomnia and I can never sleep 😂😭. But this was pretty long and I’m going to either make them this long or longer because I know that people don’t like short stories, or at least most. Anyways goodbye and stay tuned!

[mercerislandbooks]

A Double Dose of 50 Years of Island Books: Rachel Linden / Martha Brockenbrough

Rachel Linden is a novelist and international aid worker whose adventures in over fifty countries around the world provide excellent grist for her writing. She is the author of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie, The Enlightenment of Bees, Becoming the Talbot Sisters, and Ascension of Larks. Currently Rachel lives with her family on a sweet little island near Seattle, WA where she enjoys creating stories about strong women facing big challenges, travel, food, and second chances at love. She promises her readers a happy, or at least very hopeful, ending and infuses each of her stories with a touch of magical realism. Her newest novel, Recipe for a Charmed Life, comes out in early 2024.

Miriam: Welcome, Rachel. Let's start with your first visit to Island Books. Where were you in your career then, and what stood out about the store?

Rachel: When I think of Island Books, I feel I can sum it up best in the word "inviting". I first visited Island Books when my second novel, Becoming the Talbot Sisters, was about to release. If I remember correctly, I came bearing homemade cookies my husband and son had made, and an advanced reader copy of my new book. I was hoping to meet some of the staff and see if they'd be interested in stocking my book. I was instantly charmed by the special Island Books vibe. I love independent bookstores and feel so fortunate that we have so many in our area. Island Books has always been one of my very favorites because of the wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable staff (with fabulous owner Laurie at the helm), the inviting places to sit and stay awhile, and such an excellent and extensive selection of books. They were so warm and welcoming to me on my first visit, and I continue to greatly enjoy and appreciate their enthusiastic support and care for local authors like me! I love every chance I get to be at Island Books because I always feel so welcomed. It's an inviting, enjoyable space with true book lovers, and for a bookworm like me, that's basically my definition of paradise!

Miriam: Rachel, you can't drop a teaser about bringing cookies to Island Books and not share the specific recipe. When many of us think of you, we think, foodie book club, mmmm.....Will you share which cookies you brought to that first event here on the blog? We can make them official "Rachel-Linden's-Take-a-Trip-to-Island-Books cookies" or something. 

Rachel: Absolutely! I can't remember exactly which cookies I brought the first time I visited Island Books, to be honest! But here's a recipe for some amazing lemon bars that I know I brought along with an advanced reader copy of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie!  These delicious lemon bars are super easy and super yummy! I enjoy this recipe from one of my favorite baking sites, Sally's Baking Addiction! I amended it slightly, but mostly it is her recipe. 

Rachel-Linden's-Take-a-Trip-to-Island-Books-Luscious-Lemon-Bars

Ingredients

SHORTBREAD CRUST

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cups + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour 

optional: you can add a bit of the zest of the lemon to the crust for added lemon flavor

LEMON FILLING

2 cups granulated sugar

6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour

6��large eggs

1 cup lemon juice (about 4-5 large lemons)

powdered sugar for dusting over the top of the bars when cooked and cooled

optional: add a bit of the zest of the lemon to the filling for an added kick of lemony flavor 

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Carefully line the bottom and sides of a 9×13 glass baking pan (do not use metal for these bars) with parchment paper, leaving the paper hanging over the sides so you can easily lift the finished bars out. This is an important step and makes cutting the bars much easier!). 

Make the crust: Mix the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt together in a large bowl. Add the flour and stir to completely combine. The dough will be quite thick. Press firmly into your prepared pan, making sure the layer of crust is nice and even with no holes. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until you see the edges of the crust are lightly browned. Remove from the oven. Using a fork, poke holes all over the top of the warm crust (careful not to poke all the way through the crust). This helps the filling stick and holds the crust in place. Set crust aside.

Make the filling: Sift the sugar and flour together in a large bowl. Whisk in the eggs, and then add the lemon juice (and zest if using) and stir until completely combined.

Pour filling over the warm crust. Bake the bars for 22-26 minutes or until the center is relatively set and no longer jiggles. (You can give the pan a light tap with an oven mitt to test that the filling is set.) Remove bars from the oven and cool completely at room temperature. It is recomemnded to cool them for about 2 hours at room temperature, then stick in the refrigerator for 1-2 more hours until fairly chilled. 

Once cool, lift the parchment paper out of the pan using the overhang on the sides. Dust the bars with confectioners’ sugar and cut into squares before serving. Enjoy! 

Miriam: Thank you! Okay, one last question, now that I'm thinking about The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie. One of the big messages in that book is that instead of looking backward, we should make the best of things and focus on the road ahead. With that theme in mind, as we head toward our store's 50th anniversary, what do you think the road ahead looks like for indie bookstores?

Rachel: Looking forward, I believe indie bookstores will continue to thrive because of the amazing connections they provide between people and great stories. In an increasingly digital world, to walk into an independent bookstore, talk to smart, book loving booksellers, and walk out with amazing stories in our hands...that personal experience cannot be replaced. For authors, independent bookstores offer wonderful opportunities for us to make personal connections with book lovers—both bookselling professionals and readers. I think Island Books does this so beautifully, and what they offer will continue to be valued by readers and authors alike. 

Miriam: Thanks so much for stopping by our blog, Rachel. We always love hearing from you.

To our community—if you make Rachel's Lemon Bars, send us a picture! In the next installment of Island Books, I'll be talking to...

50 Years of Island Books: Martha Brockenbrough

Martha Brockenbrough (rhymes with broken toe) is the author of Frank and the Masked Cat and more than twenty books for young readers, including YA fiction and nonfiction, picture books, a middle grade mystery, and a chapter book series. Her next nonfiction book for teens, Future Tense, will hit shelves in 2024.

A faculty member at Vermont College of Fine Arts, she's also the founder of National Grammar Day (every March 4), and she's written game questions for Cranium and Trivial Pursuit.

The former editor of MSN.com, Martha has interviewed lots of celebrities, including the Jonas Brothers and Slash. Her work has been published in a variety of places, including The New York Times. She also wrote an educational humor column for the online encyclopedia Encarta for nine years. 

She lives in Seattle with her family. Her favorite kind of food is Indian, although Thai runs a close second. Besides writing, she likes dogs, cats, cooking, weight-lifting, and laughing.

Miriam: I'm so excited to have you here, Martha, especially because my 10-year-old twins LOVED To Catch a Thief and we are big fans of yours. Let's start with your first visit to Island Books. Where were you in your career then, and what stood out about the store?

Martha: That makes my day! The book is set in a slightly distressed Seabrook—if you ever go, the kids will recognize some of the sights!

Meanwhile, I can’t even remember the first time I went into Island Books. I’m a Bellevue native and only a few years older than the store. So let’s just say I have no memories of life without Island Books. As an author, though, I think one of the first events I attended was for the wonderful Jennifer Longo debut novel, Six Feet Over It, inspired in part by her life growing up at a cemetery. My first event with Island Books was a King County Library fundraiser—Garth Nix and I were in conversation with each other. I really love his writing and it was so much fun learning more about how he thinks about storytelling. 

I led here with the people, because in truth the writing and reading life isn’t lived only on the page. I love Laurie (and we share appreciation for a good Old Fashioned). I’ve known Lillian and Caitlin for years and through other stores, and I so appreciate people who make a life out of literature. The store itself is an absolute treat. It’s exquisitely edited and I find something I didn’t know I needed every time I go in. It’s also a place I love to shop for gifts, and not just books—the whole store is full of beautiful and joyful objects.

Miriam: We've been to Seabrook and yes they did recognize the sights, funny you mention that. I think that's half the fun of reading local authors who write about the Pacific Northwest! These are great memories, and for us it's all about the people too, so we love that. Tell me, I know we've offered special pre-orders of signed copies of your books over the years. Do you have any special memories of signing in the store?

Martha: Coming to Island Books is like a visit with old friends. Seeing Lillian and Caitlin at Island Books gathers all of those fond memories from other stores in one place—and it’s a testament to the deep knowledge that the stores booksellers have. They are in this work for life. I was a reader first, and truly I always will be. So to have my reader heart in such good hands means the world to me. 

Miriam: Thanks, Martha. We're so grateful for to have you and your books in our lives too.

To our Island Books community: In the next 50 Years of Island Books installment, I’ll be talking to author Elise Hooper about how she crashed a staff party the first time she visited our store, and why her underdog stories have a special appeal at Island Books.

—Miriam

[icelily17]

I am SO FUCKING DONE with this job

So I am an aide in a local child daycare, specifically for 1-2 year olds, my fellow aides in the room are cool enough but I have a big problem with the way this place is run by the owner.

Red Flag#1: When I first got hired in March, my co-worker had just gotten back from surgery in her foot which she had broken at work by slipping on a toy in February. She did not get her worker's compensation until around late May and the owner/boss had vocally complained about not wanting to pay worker's comp.

Red Flag #2: When The owner came in to give said paperwork to my co-worker, she made a "joke" that nobody else get hurt on the job or she should just fire them instead. Very tasteless, and illegal if actually done.

Red Flag #3: This is not in order, but this did happen to me today. The teacher in my classroom had to leave early for an appointment, we were all made aware of this earlier in the week. Cool, no biggie, there are still 3 of us to handle the 5 kids in the room. All of a sudden, at 12, the assistant director (who is the sister of previously mentioned coworker) comes in and informs us that they are leaving. All 3 of us are confused, and the AD explains that the owner is sending home half the staff bc not many kids showed up today, didn't she come in and tell us? No, we say, Owner hasnt been in all day despite her explicitly telling AD that she did come in and inform us. This happens right at lunch and before nap, it is very difficult to get five toddlers cleaned, changed, and down for a nap between 2 adults let me tell you. Oh my god we were so pissed but we managed to get it done.

Final Red Flag but the biggest one: We are supposed to have a State Inspection any day now, and Owner finds out that the teacher of the Older 2 Year olds is required to have a degree, which she did not (despite being excellent at her job). Fair, it is what it is if it's state regulations. The shitty part is that Owner did not tell the teacher about this when she found out in August, but instead went ahead and interviewed and hired her replacement before telling the teacher on her final week before demoting her to aide about 2 weeks ago. She was hoping for the teacher to quit because then she wouldn't have to pay unemployment, but teacher refused to leave and is instead just an aide now.

Fuck this job, it's no wonder the turnover is garbage. The only reason I'm still here is because I dont have another job lined up and I need to make money. It could be so much worse, my classroom is actually the least problematic but I feel like I'm losing my mind because this owner doesn't give a fuck about anything but making money

[insurance-professionals-arizona]

3 Things To Know About Special Event Insurance In Arizona

Are you looking for special event insurance in Arizona? Although you always have the best intentions and hopes for your event, there are things that are beyond your control. So what is special event insurance? It’s usually defined as: a specific insurance policy that helps to protect the money you’ve invested in an event–a wedding for example–but it doesn’t have to be something that big. This type of special event insurance are for sporting events, engagement parties and business events.

If the thought of investing money in a special event and then having it go sideways is maddening, keep reading.

If you’re hosting an event–even it’s just in your own home–you should consider special event insurance in Arizona. Here are three very convincing reasons why.

1. People are unpredictable, your special event insurance in Arizona shouldn't be

We’ve all been there. The party or the wedding is running smoothly. Everyone is smiling and dancing and celebrating. And then someone gets out of control. If you are serving liquor or alcohol, having special event insurance in Arizona is something you definitely want to consider.

Let’s face it. Even if you think everyone at your event will be reasonably behaved, the possibility of someone bringing a rowdy plus one is always there. One of the requirements business owners or venue managers have is a liquor liability policy. In the event that a person becomes intoxicated and out of control, a liquor liability policy will cover any harm done. This is something that can come included with special events insurance in Arizona.

In the off chance that there is property damage or bodily injury, you need to prepare to cover what ever financial curveballs come your way.

2. Weather has a mind of its own...even in Arizona

Here is a great reason to consider special event insurance in Arizona. Although Arizona isn’t typically affected by things like hurricanes and tornados, we do have quite a few other weather events that can cause damage. Because of this, you will want a special event insurance policy in case you need to cancel your event.

It’s not uncommon to have drought or flooding, and storms that can produce high winds or straight line winds. The weather in Arizona can be unpredictable at times. Having an outdoor event increases the possibility of  canceling it because of weather. Many venues and vendors require a non-refundable deposit or full payment when booking. A sudden cancellation can void any refund and you’ll lose your money.

Getting a special event insurance in Arizona to cover you in case of cancellation, you can at least get some of your money back.

3. There are many other categories you should consider for your special event insurance in Arizona

Numbers 1 and 2 described some specific reasons why to get this type of policy. If you are planning a special event in Arizona, there are a whole host of liability policies to think of. These policies are good to have in mind depending on the type event you are having. Let’s look at a few and discuss why they might be important in certain situations.

Worker’s Compensation Insurance

Whether you are working as an independent contractor or you are managing independent contractors, worker’s comp insurance is essential to have. Depending on the event you are planning or managing, there is always the possibility of someone getting injured. With contracting several types of workers  you need to protect your business from legal complications if someone gets hurt.

Third Party Damage Insurance

This type of policy exists to cover an individual or a firm in the case of damage caused by a third party. The principle categories for these policies are property damage or liability coverage.

Waiver of Subrogation

This is an interesting one and a bit similar to third party damage. A waiver of subrogation is a policy which allows your insurer to “step into your shoes” in order to recover a financial payment made to a third party. This type of policy might come in handy if there is property damage, or if you have a “no fault” type of accident.

Liquor Liability Policy or Host Liquor Liability

As we briefly discussed above, there are certain types of events that will warrant a liquor liability policy. In particular, events such as weddings or bachelor/bachelorette parties are a great example. If you have any large gathering where there are is a large number of people and there is also alcohol, you should consider a liquor liability policy.

If you are a business that doesn’t sell alcohol per se but is managing an event that is serving alcohol and want to be covered, you can obtain a host liquor liability policy. Either way, these policies insure coverage for any damage that an intoxicated person. This can also be included in a general liability policy.

Your event = your time and money

In the end, you are putting a lot of energy and resources into planning your special event. Although everyone wants to think their event will go perfectly, planning for the worse is vital on the off chance it does happen.

This means considering the things that could go wrong and having the appropriate insurance policies in place to protect yourself and the people that might be working for you at the special event. Special event insurance in Arizona is a great way to make sure your guests are not only having a blast at your event, but that you and protect your efforts in the best way possible.

Visit Insurance Professionals of AZ to read more and find out how we can help you to secure your special event insurance in Arizona today. We want your events to go off without a hitch— every time!

Here at IPA, We Care About You

Our business has over 15 years of insurance experience in the State of Arizona. IPA strives to make your insurance experience as smooth as possible. That is why we offer online and in-person options for you. This allows you to choose what is going to be best for you and your situation.

We want you to feel comfortable about getting insurance. Let us answer any questions you have. We let you choose from over 40 insurance providers. This lets you have control over what matters most to you. We provide both personal and professional insurance options.

At IPA, we have insurance specialists that are knowledgeable about all things related to business insurance. Even if you have general questions or do not even know where to start, we can help you out. Let us show you how we can help protect your business. Start today by getting a quote online.

For more information visit Us: www.insuranceproaz.com

We’re here to help! Call us today. 480-981-6338

[sweater-daddiesdumbdork]

Taking The Risks

Chapter Two

Summary- 4.5k Mike Weiss x You. After the encounter with Joey, leaving you with a certain promise you didn't want to see fulfilled, you knew you had to cut ties with Mike Weiss, for both of you. Divider made by @firefly-graphics​

Warnings- abuse, assault, threats, smut. This is an 18+ Blog. 

Masterlist

All day Mike catered to the clients Paul sent him, one after the other of cases that he really couldn't do much about except encourage them to take the deal workers comp was offering them. Neck injuries, back sprains, sprained wrists, shitty working conditions that would never change, and Mike didn't have the power to change it because all these people were poor as hell, not able to actually challenge the big corporations. 

Mike hated it completely, this wasn’t why he became a lawyer. 

By the end of the day, he had a raging headache that pounded in his temples. No amount of combinations of tylenol, ibuprofen and a healthy cocktail of smoothies he had with him that day actually helped. 

There was one thing he could do though and when the last poor soul left his office, he yanked over the form Amy had left him that morning to start filling out. Tapping into the funds they had set up for you didn't bother him a bit. You clearly needed the help, no matter how involved with you he was. 

Filling out the basic information, faking the shit he didn’t know, he got it emailed to the bank so that he would be able to withdraw the funds needed. By this evening, he would be stopping by to drop it off to you. Get Joey off your back. 

All in all, Mike felt good about it. 

As he was collecting his stuff to leave, Paul happened to darken his doorway. “Thanks for your help today.” He said, arms folded over his chest while Mike snapped some files into a bag. Reaching in his shirt pocket, he took out a pack of cigarettes and popped one to hang from his mouth. “You know those things are going to kill you Mike.” 

Mike shrugged as he lit it up, blowing out a bit of smoke from his nostrils after inhaling it deeply. “After today, I need it. Besides, it this is what kills me then fuck I was doomed anyways.” 

His habits were not unknown to Paul, who grimaced a bit but chose not to respond. “Hey, Laurie is making a roast tonight, how about you stop over? Get a good meal, hang out. We haven’t really seen you outside of work.” Paul left off the whole ‘when you show’ up part, which Mike was grateful to. 

“I can’t tonight Paul.” Mike responded, dropping his smoke to the ashtray he kept on his desk, tipping off the end. “But soon, I know I have been kind of absent. How is Laurie doing by the way? And you? She's close.” 

Changing the subject away from him to Paul’s expecting family was always safe, because once Mike asked, he beamed, happiness crossing his expression. “Close. Another month and a half and we will be expecting. Actually… I was hoping to bring that up to.” He stepped into Mike’s office and settled in a nearby chair while Mike was perched against the corner of his desk. 

“What is it?” Mike questioned, blowing another puff of calming smoke away from the two of them and snubbing out the rest of his smoke, turning his focus on his partner. 

“When Sarah is born, I need to take some time off, at least a few weeks to help Laurie out…” Paul started and Mike shrugged. 

“It’s not a big deal, you know I can do this.” 

“Can you though? You will have to take on my caseload as well as maintain yours. It means being here, everyday Mike. Till late at night.” 

Mike scoffed a bit. “You worry too much.” 

Paul leveled a look at him. “I don't worry enough, why I am thinking of hiring someone on, even just temporary help till I return.” 

“If you think it will help, fine. But its not necessary.” Mike made a reach for his trucks keys, now ready to continue his errand and make his way to you. 

He even had the allusions of him playing the knight in a shining armor role, seeing how relieved you were, welcoming him with open arms. Happily turning off your open light, keeping you all to himself for another night. If he had his way, that would be every night, but he couldn't kid himself. Paul interrupted his thoughts while moving to a stand, turning to the door. “I actually have someone lined up, she will be by tomorrow to meet you.” 

“Sure, I will be in with bells on.” Mike said somewhat sarcastic, glancing at his watch. He had another hour till the bank closed, he had to go. 

“Please Mike… take this seriously.” Paul stopped in the doorway, suddenly looking tired himself and Mike paused, giving a reassuring smile. 

“I promise okay, I hear you and your concerns. I am taking this seriously.” 

“Thank you… see you in the morning.” 

“In the morning, give Laurie my love.” Mike said on his way out the door, whistling to himself in a good mood.

Once you got to leave Joey’s, you were in a terrible state. This time he didn't hold back and your body felt it with every step. Landing in behind the wheel of your car, you yanked down the visor and whimpered seeing your face. 

Joey pushed you out the bed to crumble onto the floor in the fetal position, covering your head while he pulled himself out the other side, yanking on his boxers. “Clean yourself up and get out. Consider this ‘getting off lightly’ this time. Next time your ass will end up in a ditch, Mike will have a bullet in his skull, thats a promise Y/N.” 

You pushed yourself up, gathering your clothes and trying to fit them on as quickly as you could, tears streaming down your face. Joey stood at the nearby window, staring down into the street as his neighbors went about their lives. Lawyers, bankers, office managers. None of them knew the monster they lived next to. 

“As I said before, my reputation is everything, and you haven't disappointed me for the most part. But I'm not putting up with this shit you got going on with Mike anymore. It ends, now. I better not find out he is hanging around anymore.” 

You say nothing as you wince tugging your shirt on over your head, trying to hurry up with your escape. 

“Y/N! Do you fucking understand what the fuck I said?” 

“Y-yes, I wont see Mike anymore.” 

He hummed as he approached you, grabbing your chin and making you look at him. Tilting your face back and forth to look at the bruises he left behind. Mild really compared to the rest of your body. “You have always been such a pretty girl, why you used to be my number one. Even now that you are getting older. I also expect you to make up for your missing days. I have a list for tonight, start early. You're not getting any more product till you pay me back for what you used bitch.” He ripped his fingers away and walked away, clearly a dismissal. 

You rush out as fast as possible. 

Your face staring back at you was a mess of mascara tears and bruises, split lip. Your tongue darted against it, and the sting made you hold back a sob. Snapping it shut, you peel away back to your prison and place of safety. 

When you stumble into the econo lodge 8 room, you rush right into the shower and crank it as hot as possible. Wanting to wash Joey from you, soak your muscles, check the damage. When you stepped in, you cried out, your hand covering your mouth with a sob as it felt like a raining of needles on your back, but soon you went blissfully numb. Sinking to the old tubs bottom, your forehead sank to your knees and you cried. Really cried for yourself because no matter what, there was simply no way out. 

After your shower, after resting for a bit during the afternoon to prepare for the long night before you, you paced the room. Mike had messaged you earlier asking if you were okay. You hadn't answered him, not wanting to lie. 

Fuck your life. 

You sat down on the edge of the bed, just about to turn on your light for the night when your door just opened, Mike striding in. “I got it, the money Y/N.” He tossed the envelope down on your nightstand, your head lowered, not yet looking at him. He was going to be pissed, you could already envision the reaction he would have. 

Not to mention the rest of the news. 

“Mike thanks… “ You start and he stops in front of you, over sized hands cupping your face and making you look up. 

“What the fuck.” He frowned, reaching over to flick on the light next to the bed and ripped off the shade to engulf the room in light. “I’m going to fucking kill him.” Mike snarled, seeing the side of your face in a nasty yellowing, your lip split. He was about to pull away when you grab him, keeping him there. 

“Mike stop. There isn't anything you can do.” 

“Bullshit Y/N, you might work for him, but this? What else did he do?” He demanded and you shook your head, looking away. 

“It doesn't matter. Because this, you and I are all done. You can't stay.” 

“Good luck making me leave.” He said defiantly, both of you facing off from one another. “You know you deserve better than this. Fuck Y/N, don’t you deserve to give us a actual chance. I have told you before what I wanted.” 

You shake your head and turn away from him, unlocking your door. “And what Mike? We are both fucked up and I can't see either of us getting better. We will snort, shoot or smoke everything in sight for a while, chasing that high we get with one another. Till it's gone, I will hit the street again, you resort to possibly losing your license. I won't, I can't be a part of that.” You hiss, your anger building, covering the real issue with it all. 

“That’s a lame fucking excuse and you know it Y/N.” He stalked forward, crowding into you enough to pin you against the door, his hands caging you on either side. “I have myself under control.” 

You pressed your hands to his chest, to push him away but there was no power behind it. You didn't actually want to put distance between you two. “I don’t have myself under control. How many times have you done rehab Mike? Have I? Besides, Joey wont let me.” 

There was a rumble of anger under your palms and you tilted your head up to look at him. “Look what he did, because I dared to defy his rules. There is no escaping him, even if I paid off the debts owed. He would just send someone for me, drag me back.” Your throat closed, you didn't want the death threat hanging on Mike. 

You couldn't do that to him. 

“Fuck Joey Y/N, hes nothing but someone who people give power to because no one will stand up to him.” 

“There is a reason for that Mike, he has law enforcement on his side, basically all the drugs and prostitutes coming through Houston, and works out of the other major cities here. I know, I have been there since the beginning.” You looked away ashamed and Mike tilted your head back to face him. 

“Don't do that, don't look like you have anything to be ashamed about.” He kissed your forehead, traveling down while your hands twisted in his shirt, landing on your lips to draw you into him. He was careful, avoiding the cut while you breathed against him, screwing your eyes shut. 

“Stop…” 

“Stop what Y/N? This?” He pressed gentler kisses down your neck, sliding hands along your sides to under your shirt. “Tell me again and I will. Tell me you want to leave here and I will take you away from all of this if you just let me.” 

How badly you wanted to actually believe it. That you and Mike could just be normal, not have these messed up pasts, that it would actually be safe, Joey wouldn’t come looking for you. But you couldn't lie to yourself, not with this. Not with his life or yours. 

But his touch demanded your attention, drew you away from your thoughts and you didn't push out the words he asked you to. Your fingers curled into the straps stretching over his chest while being swept away from your worries in that second. 

Over sized hands slid up the skirt you were wearing to grasp your hips and push you up the door till your legs folded around his waist, caught in each other's sighs, pressing urgent kisses to each other. 

Mike didn't want to think about saying goodbye, leaving you for the night to all this, your job, your fucking life. He saw the bruises, heard the whimpers when he might press against a tender spot. He wanted to kill Joey, would commit murder if there would be no repercussions to you in the end. Greedily you sought his kisses, pressing yourself against him and he tugged at his pants, trying to get it open while you yanked one of his suspenders loose to give him room. 

When he got his pants open enough to pull himself out, your own hold loosened around his neck, to reach down, trusting Mike not to let you go or fall. You yanked your panties aside as best you could and pushed him into your aching body, gasping as he inched into you. 

Mike's head lifted from where he was loving on your neck and shoulder. “What's wrong? Am I hurting you?” 

Yes. “No, please don't stop, it feels good.” You kiss him again, encouraging and flexing your hips. 

You could push past the pain left behind from earlier so you could forget Joey, you just wanted to forget Joey. You clutched at Mike as he moved, grinding into him while he started to fill you, your whimpers hidden in his shoulder while he nipped at your ear, groaning against you. 

“You feel so good baby.” He grunted, hands grasping your ass to move you faster on his cock. “I don't want to share… Not anymore.” 

You buried your face in tighter against his straining neck, clutching at his back through his shirt, the pain resided the more you grew aroused, till it was just the sensation of Mike surrounding you, feeling him slide against fluttering velvet walls and his words sinking in, trying to commit it to memory. “Fuck baby, your just clamping so tight.” 

You pull back to kiss him, your whimpers different this time, now the need to just cum for him. His pelvis rubbed against your clit, bringing sparks into your vision. Mike maneuvered off the wall and lowered the two of you to the bed, your legs shaking as they fell to brace against the mattress, while his movements became measured, angled. Your head tilted back into the pillows and you got lost in it, this time you broke apart in the only way you wanted to. For the only man you wanted to. 

You felt him stutter in his movements, his tone changing higher, rushed. “Fuck, fuck fuck… I cant…” 

You grasp his face, its slack in pleasure as he’s trying to keep himself from cumming already. His eyes are dark in passion, blown pupils hiding that blue. But not entirely. You nudge your nose against his and kiss him with a demand. It was enough for him to flood you, warmth shooting through you till you could only moan at the sensation, breaking away from him to arch, almost trying to escape that fullness till you sunk back to the bed, feeling Mike let go his control and collapse over you. 

“Fuck baby…” He groaned and you cursed that this last time you two were fully clothed. How you wished it was skin to skin, could trace those tattoos one last time. You looked over his shoulder, and could see someone shifting by the window. 

It was time, Joey wouldn't forgive you a second time. 

“Mike, I have to start work.” You smile a bit at his forlorn look, but he pulls away and straightens at his clothes, you do the same, pulling yourself together. “What does Joey have on you Y/N that you cant walk away from?” 

“You know he wont let me go Mike.” You pause in front of him, lifting the suspender strap back over his shoulder while he tucks himself away. You can see the wheels turning in his head, and it hurt knowing what your next words were going to be. Picking up the envelope, you tuck it in his shirt pocket. “He has enough to make me say this is it Mike. Don't come back here again, I wont open my door for you. Were all done. For good.” 

You step away to unlock your door and he grabs at your wrist. “You don't mean that Y/N.” His eyes challenged and you opened the door. 

“I do, goodbye Mike.” 

“Don't. Do. This.” He tried pulling back in the room, but you shook your head firmly. 

“I need to. For me and for you Mike.” 

His nostrils flared as he looked past you out the door. “I will be back Y/N.” 

You shrugged and looked down, away from him, anywhere but at him as you felt his anger seethe. 

“You know this is wrong.” His voice darkened and you sighed. 

“I know it is.” You whispered as he brushed past you, shutting your door. When you locked it, you sunk to the floor, sobbing all over again. You couldn't bring yourself to turn on your light to announce you were open for business. You felt worse than you had this morning escaping Joey's house. Your heart felt shattered as you gulped for air in your burning lungs. Through your hazy vision, you could see Mike had left the envelope sitting back on the nightstand.

Mike gave it a couple days, you two had done this before. Tried to separate business from feelings, but they intermingled enough that he wouldn't be able to stay away. He cleared up though, worked with Paul regularly, met the help Paul was looking to hire for his maternity leave, played the supportive business partner he was supposed to be. 

But he was checking his phone, waiting for you to answer one of his many messages. He wasn’t lying when he offered to take you away. Houston was huge, Texas even more so. Mike would move you anywhere you could possibly want. Joey was an issue, but Mike wasn't without his own resources. 

He was after all a drug addicted lawyer who managed to stay in business. 

Three days past, three terribly semi sober days where he resorted to smoking weed to tide him over, doing his best to prove that he did have control. But that third day, his messages started coming back as undelivered. 

His client was currently explaining how she had gotten herself in a bind with her company, trying to break a contract that from what Mike could see, was pretty solid. Was it fair? Fuck no, her situation with her family had changed, but there was no way around it. He really didn't want to be that person who told her she was basically screwed. 

“So do you think I have a case?” She asked hopefully and Mike sighed, running his hand through his hair while glancing over the documents. 

“I'm going to be frank with you Mrs.Sicily, you signed the original document stating the obligations listed and didn't give yourself any way out of it. I'm sorry, there really isn't much that we are able to do. We can try, get into a lengthy court battle. It will cost you, but they might want to just cut their losses.” He did his best to lay it out on the table, but the trembling in the older woman's chin just confirmed what was about to happen. 

Mike hated this part of it. 

“There is no hope?” 

He went back to the documents when his phone beeped, distracting him. His brow came together as his gut sank. 

Another undelivered message. His jaw clenched as Mrs.Sicily faded from him entirely, his mind wracked as to why you wouldn't have your phone anymore. There was no way he could wait till after this meeting to find out. 

“Uh, let me go get my partner to take a look, okay? Maybe i'm missing something.” He quickly gathered the file and rushed out the door, leaving the woman bewildered at the change of events. Mike passed the secretaries desk, dropping the folder in Amy's lap. “Get Paul in my office to deal with this. I got to go.” 

Amy gaped at him and hung up the phone she was on with an apology. “MIKE! What do you mean you got to go?” She rushed after him, waving the folder. “Mrs.Sicily has been waiting three weeks for your sit down.” 

“Emergency Amy, can't be helped.” His words were curt as he patted his pants pockets for his keys. 

“Mike, you can't be serious about this. You guys are on thin ice as it is, this is about to go under if we don’t keep steady clients and start winning cases.” 

Mike snapped as he yanked open the door. “Let it fold then Amy.” He rushed away and Amy cursed under her breath, returning into the building and poking her head into Mike's office. 

“Give us just a few minutes to get you situated Mrs.Sicily, Mr.Danziger will be right in to overlook your case.” 

Mike's truck squealed into the parking lot and he rushed up to room 8, pounding on the door. “Y/N, open up, why are you not answering my texts?” 

The door sprang open to a cleaner wide eyed stuttering at him. “No one has been in this room for days.” 

“Days?” Mike repeated and she nodded. 

“When did the woman check out?” He pushed for answers and she shrugged. 

“Days ago, she packed her car and left in the middle of the night. The manager is furious as she owed him a week's worth of rent here.” 

Mike didn't need to hear anymore. He knew where his next stop was. Joey’s. He would know where you were. 

Speeding through Houston afternoon traffic almost caused several crashes and a stop from the cop. 

Two hundred dollar tickets later, Mike was pulling up to Joey’s house. His tires tore into the yard, but he didn't even care. 

If he hurt you, Mike was going to end up killing him. Slamming his door, he skipped up the steps and started shoving his finger on the doorbell, slamming his fists against the door. “Open the fuck up, where did she go?” 

Joey cracked open the door while Mike tried to peer in the crack. “What the fuck you want Weiss?” 

“You know why I’m here. I was told Y/N left Econo Lodge. Where did you make her go?” 

Joey opened the door further, a good head taller than Mike, he didn't have the audacity to look bothered by Mike on his front porch. 

“Go home Weiss, go take another hit. You look like fucking shit.” 

“Just tell me where she is.” Mike ground out. 

“She moved, out of Houston.” Joey stated. “Got a better job somewhere in Austin I think. Dallas? Maybe El Paso. But she's not here anymore.” With that the door slammed shut, leaving Mike on the doorstep, knowing he had to find you. 

Not even wasting time trying to get the answer out of Joey, he knew he would never give him the answers he wanted, Mike made a choice. One he wouldn't make lightly, as he hated feeling indebted to anyone. 

But Mike knew if anyone could help him, he could. Going back to his car, he pulled out his cell, and stared at the number before hitting the call button. 

“Come on… pick up.” He breathed out anxiously, the ringing a deafening sound in his ear. 

You knew you couldn't stay in Houston. Not if you wanted to stay alive as well as Mike. Joey wasn't one to make promises and not keep it. It wasn't hard to put your life into the back of the rundown toyota corolla and take one last look. 

It was a dump, the econo lodge was nothing more than a shit hole. And most of the memories were drug hazed and sex fueled. But they were the ones you shared with Mike. The ones that weren't mixed with the business side of your life made you smile. Something you didn't get to enjoy enough. 

You wanted to hang onto those memories, so saying goodbye to Mike simply isn't an option. You didn't want to make that one of the last memories, it was already bad enough you had that one of him stalking away mad at you. 

Joey set you up in Austin, reconnecting you with an old friend you used to work with named Jen. She lived in a nice apartment, welcoming you right into her place as if you always lived there. Helping you unpack your car and bring everything up to the bedroom, she perched on the end of the bed as you started to hang up clothes in your closet. 

You always liked hanging with Jen, when Joey ‘moved her up’, basically making her one of his top earners, you had been happy for her, but had missed her the past couple of years. 

She had everything to make it in this business. Jen was stunning, large green doe eyes that captured your attention from across the room, she was easily able to draw in crowds of buyers, entertaining for long hours. 

You were more of a one on one person. 

“Do you want to talk about it?” Jen asked while you hung up your clothes, your back to her as you winced at her question. Talk about how you ran away from the one person you cared about to keep him safe. 

No, you didn't want to talk about it. 

You plastered a smile to your face and turned back to Jen, shaking your head. “Nothing to talk about. Time for a change, Joey said I could try Houston.” You grabbed another dress and fitted it to a hanger. 

Jen gave a doubtful look but changed the conversation. “Make yourself at home, I do have a job tonight. Actually I could use the help with it if you want the cash. Pays good.” 

You shut the closet door. Might as well get right back into it even though you just arrived, the money Mike had given you covered the cost you owed Joey, but that was it. “What is it?” 

“We just need to provide some entertainment for Anthony Lang’s guests.” 

Anthony Lang… You have heard the name in Houston, a man with power, you were sure he was Joey’s supplier. “If you need the help, I'm there. Just let me know what look you want.” 

Jen popped up off the bed and immediately opened your closet, going through your dresses till she pulled out a little black dress and held it up with a grin. “This will be perfect for tonight.”

[nerianasims]

My husband’s got physical therapy now for at least a couple months. He has exercises to do at home as well. The Hell Month of right after he broke his wrists is over, but things are still weird. I’m used to my husband being the strongest person I know -- and he still is, emotionally speaking. But I no longer live with someone I can hand any jar to and know that he’ll be able to open it without a thought. He can no longer move a full large solid wooden dresser about single-handed. He carried a pillow earlier and said “Argh it’s heavy this sucks.”

It’s a good thing his work has real health insurance for this kind of thing. We’re still pinched (and we never had much), because worker’s comp is only 2/3 of regular salary. Anyway, here’s hoping my husband gets most of his strength back as soon as possible, and especially stops being in pain all the time.

[fenheart87]

Name For Your Order?

My work for the @lovebugs-and-snakecharmers Exchange 2021! This goes out to @bevvydraws . Prompt was Coffee shop au! - So a coffee shop au where Luka is a singer who occasionally performs at the cafe, and Marinette is the shy barista who keeps forgetting to ask his name.

It was Tuesday, a bright and sunny Tuesday. Usually, just another day of the week except Marinette had been persuaded to swap her shift so one of her co-workers had the day free, which she did not mind at all, for two reasons. The first being that co-worker always covered when she needed it, and extra hours never hurt, but the bigger reason was one tall, blue-eyed and sweet guitarist that played at their little coffee shop on most Tuesdays. Now if she could only manage to talk to him and get his name, that way she could quit calling him ‘blue eyes’ in her head. Maybe she would ask him when he came to get his free cup of coffee, a perk that the manager gave for him bringing in more business.

Looking at the clock showed that the rush hour would be hitting soon, and Marinette checked all the cups, syrups, and other mixing items to make a list of what needed to be restocked before the rush. They never seemed to be successful in preparing for it but anything to make the miserable time easier was always a plus. Moving to the back she grabbed as many items as she could carry until Nino came in through the employee door and helped to break up the load with an empty box he found. Smiling gratefully, Marinette emptied her arms and grabbed a few things she was unable to before. She opened the door for Nino and helped to refill the items, weaving through the other employees as they were making drinks and serving pastries.

“Welcome to The Busy Bean, what can I make fresh for you?” Marinette greeted, finishing a refill of the large cups.

“I’d like a cappuccino with caramel drizzle please.”

“What size for the cappuccino?”

“Medium, I think small goes too quick and the large gets ignored when I’m playing back to back.” Oh, he was early.

“Sure thing!” Marinette squeaked, almost punching in the wrong order but correcting at the last second. She grabbed a medium-sized cup and slid to the side to write on it while her manager comped the drink for the part-time musician. Passing off the cup for someone else to make it, the petite employee moved back to the register. “Next time I recommend a chocolate swirl. it makes it even better.”

“I’ll have to try that next time. Time for me to get to work, thanks Marinette.” The musician smiled softly, just like always, and then made his way to the little stage area they had.

“Still didn’t get his name huh?” Nino teased, knocking Marinette out of her love-struck staring.

“No, and I don’t want to know from you.” The DJ shrugged with a smile and handed off another drink. It had become a thing between the two childhood friends, the mysterious singer was actually Nino’s roommate that he never really talked about by name. It was surprising but humorous and the DJ had fun, too much in the designer’s opinion, teasing her about her crush and not being able to ask him for his name.

“Okay, dudette, but you do realize I’ve been fighting not to say his name anytime we talk, it’s difficult.”

“Free macaroons and I’ll even throw in an eclair a day for Alya.” The raven-haired girl bargained with a sly smile.

“You drive a hard bargain dudette but you got yourself a deal.”

“Welcome to The Busy Bean, what can I get started for you today?” Marinette hip-checked Nino who snorted good-naturedly and moved back to his place in the hot drink line.

The lunch rush came and went, and the stress was eased by the upbeat pop songs the guitarist had been noodling together for the better part of an hour. Marinette had missed her break but was fine as she could take a longer one now that there were only a few people in the coffee shop. Deciding to whip up a similar drink but with sprinkles and roasted marshmallow, she grabbed two medium cups and made her way to the ‘Blue-Eyed Prince’ as Nino teased.

“Hey stranger, thought you could use a pick me up.”

“Well if you’re talking about the coffee then yes, not that I would say no if you were talking about yourself.”

“I uh, what?” Marinette stuttered and froze with her hand outstretched.

“Sorry, Nino has been teasing me about the coffee girls. I take it, you’re not one?I’ll ask for you to make my drinks from now on, it’s hard to play when I’m being flirted with and some girls can’t take no for an answer.” The guitarist sighed, sipping on his drink. Surprise colored his features for a moment, making the coffee worker giggle.

“I put a spin on it, I hope you like it.”

“Sprinkles,” he smiled crookedly and Marinette felt her breath catch, “I like it. Think we can make this my regular drink?”

“When I’m here yeah, I don’t usually work Tuesdays, but now a co-worker owes me and I’ll see you on Fridays to make your signature drink.”

“Cool, I shouldn’t keep you since you get paid to be here and I’m just here to vibe.“

"I had extra time on my break, at least I’m over here and not being harassed by people trying to get their caffeine fix and bugging me when I’m clearly on break at a table. I need to bring a jacket back to work so I can zip it up and not be bothered.”

“Hey I’m here until closer to six, take mine so you don’t get harassed.” He passed over a well loved leather jacket that had a hint of cologne.

“Oh I couldn’t- I mean that’s so nice but I’m so clumsy and I would spill something on it.”

“Nino talked about a friend that works here, she’s a pretty bomb designer and I’ve seen her work on his favorite jacket that she made him and the stains that Chris has put it through. If you make a mess, I have faith she’ll be able to fix it.”

Marinette squeaked as she turned red, and the musician’s knowing look, causing butterflies to run rampant in her stomach. Accepting the jacket, she hid her face and listened to his smooth chuckle.

“Alright I need to play something chill, it seems like the ladies with the short hair cuts like to their chins? They are quite uh-”

“Demanding? Crazy? Rude? A little too Bourgeois?” The shop employee rattled off after removing her face from the leather cover. “Yeah, it’s about that time because the yoga class and spin classes let out.”

“Any requests?”

“I like Jagged Stone but I don’t think they appreciate it. Maybe something mellow?” Marinette mused before Nino waved with a hand signal. “Ah Nino needs help, he’s hopeless with the swirls. Duty calls.”

“When does your shift end?”

“Supposed to be five-fifteen.”

“I’ll play Jagged for you then.”

“Awesome! See ya ‘round Rockstar!” She chirped, nearly skipping her way back to the counter. With a fist bump to Nino, he rattled off the orders that needed swirls, and the designer set to work with the same determination she had when designing for the rest of her shift.

“One caramel macchiato swirl for Rose!”

“Thanks Marinette! Oh hey, I didn’t know Juleka’s brother played here.”

“Wait, brother?”

“No way dudette, you didn’t know my roomie is Juleka’s older brother? And here I thought you knew your blue-eyed prince.”

“Juleka! Oh my gosh that’s so cute! Isn’t it?! Juleka!” Rose squealed, latching onto her girlfriend’s arm and shaking the taller girl a bit.

“That’s my brother, gross.” Came the dry reply.

“I mean if it bothers you I can back off. I don’t even know his name…” Marinette backtracked, not wanting her friend to feel awkward.

“It’s fine, just no details. I haven’t seen him in his birthday suit since we were young and took baths together.”

“Oh my God! Juleka!” For the second time that day Marinette lit up bright red, this time collapsing onto the counter and shielding herself with her arms.

“It’ll be okay dudette, when you remember to ask his name at least.”

“It’s not my fault! We get to talking and he doesn’t seem to mind my crazy runaway brain and lets me figure out my words but, like, not in a rude way. Then I get distracted by his eyes oh my God those should be illegal. And he’s just so nice and funny and talented. By the way, you didn’t tell me you told him about me fixing your hoodie!”

“Hey he’s my roomie and he asked if I got a new one. I told him the truth because you’re awesome.” The DJ shrugged with a grin.

“That’s Luka’s jacket.” Rose gasped, pointing at the leather jacket she was wearing.

“Yeah he let me borrow it, can you give it back to him for me?” Marinette passed over the jacket to Juleka who took it with an odd look on her face but remained silent.

The lack of music drew their attention to the small stage where Luka waved and then started playing a Jagged song, tossing a wink at the ravenette. Marinette flushed again, ignoring the coos from Rose and playful elbow from Nino.

“Huh. he usually hates playing Jagged’s music…”

“Really? I mentioned I liked his music but I wouldn’t have asked if I had known.”

“Go figure.” With that mysterious comment, Juleka shoved the jacket back at Marinette and pushed her towards her brother who finished up the song.

“Hey there Sprinkles.”

“Hey Rockstar, I think this is yours.” Marinette handed over the leather jacket with a shy grin.

“You know out of all the times I’ve played here the last couple of months, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you call me by my name.”

“Well, that uh might be because I don’t know it? And Nino teases me all the time calling you my 'blue-eyed prince because I get distracted by your blue eyes, they should be illegal. And you’re so nice when I’m having a bad day or just a busy day, you always smile and listen to me and don’t make me feel stupid for getting words mixed or rambling like I’m doing right now and oh my God!” She wished a hole would appear so she could sink into it.

“Well your eyes are pretty amazing too, they’ve kept me up on more than one night trying to find the music to describe them.” Her eyes met his, a soft smile present on his face, “And since I was too distracted by the pretty coffee girl to give my name, I guess I should fix that. I’m Luka, nice to finally introduce myself.”

“Hi, Luka.” Marinette smiled, the blush dying down to a pinkish color and not a full red.

“So uh would you like something to eat? I’m sure you’re tired of coffee…” Luka packed up his guitar, taking the jacket and putting it over her shoulders.

“Sure but let’s go somewhere else, the best pastries in all of Paris.”

“Wait, if you’re going where I think you’re going you had better bring me back something! I’ve got another hour left!” Nino shouted, amusing the customer he was supposed to be taking the order of.

“Maman won’t mind another mouth to feed if you just want to come over for dinner. I think it’s dumpling night?”

“Marinette you are my best friend! Sorry bro, you’ll understand when you taste the food.” The DJ joked before focusing back on the order he was punching in.

“Did I just get invited to dinner?”

“Yeah but that’s okay, you’ll have to meet my parents at some point. Juleka and Rose are already like their adopted daughters.”

“Oh! Maman Sabine dumplings?! I’m in!” Rose jumped on her toes excitedly, tugging Juleka along to follow the budding couple.

“I’ll text Maman and let her know we need to break out the other chairs and let Papa know we need another batch of macarons and eclairs.”

[aspiringwarriorlibrarian]

Everytime i heard stuff about how life is in america i come to the realization that i simply couldn't have survive there. My dad pay probably wouldn't last him a month over there and we wouldn't have the government help that allow us to have a pretty good life. And almost all of our medical expenses are covered by social work that probably doesn't exist over there. And then there are all the hurdles my mom has to get into to get me my autism diagnosis and disability certificate that would be a whole lot harder. I not saying my country is superior, we got plenty of issues here, but if i was born there i would had break a long time ago.

I don't know where i was going with this, just something that has been on my head, correct me if i say something wrong.

Probably, yeah. I only got my autism diagnosis basically because I made clear I wasn't going to apply for disability, and it probably won't hold up if I push it. My current job doesn't offer insurance so I'm hoping I'll get it when I pass my one-year mark or at least be able to move to a slightly higher rank that gets insurance, and that any medical emergencies happen at work so I can claim workers' comp. This country is not kind to the sick and disabled, and COVID has made it all a thousand times worse.

[glottia-arts]

For the honor of the Captain

Man, this took a lot longer to finish than I expected, having to deal with internet issues (I'm gonna write on my comp from now on instead of google docs), focus, and lack of ideas of how to get from point A to point Z.  I apologize for the million year wait, @emizel, but this fic is finally finished! It probably wasn't worth the wait, but I still hope you enjoy regardless!

For anyone else reading, this is an AU for emizel's and my plot for MediEvil. Everything's mostly the same for this universe, the only difference is, is that emizel's character, Hilda, wound up turning into the Boiler Guard, Hecate. She is also very AU-ish on her own since this was my initial idea I had for her, but even though it's not the canon for the exact AU, emizel still encouraged my idea of this.

Warning: Character death, but they're already dead so does it entirely count?

Word Count: 4,344 _____

It was hard focusing on the task presented, worrying for the other residents of the castle. It was announced hours ago that Sir Daniel Fortesque approached the lair, having overtaken the fleet captain’s ship. The would-be hero was on a winning streak that far exceeded their own, and it was downright pitiful how he lucked out against Zarok’s army. Today, that would end. At least, that’s what Hecate hoped.

Her gaze had shifted to the gate several times during hers and Zarok’s preparations to shift into the last stage and conquer Gallowmere once and for all. The mechanical mage couldn’t help her actions, anxiety plaguing her mind on who would come from that entrance. No one was allowed in other than the Captain of the Boiler Guards, requiring to report his success. Sir Daniel, the blighter, would not adhere to such rules.

Kesten was strong, she’s always known this despite denying the concept in the beginning, but he’s lost several times over to that skeleton. This previous time he returned from the repair bay, there was a notable mark Fortesque left on the guard’s chest. The thought infuriated her once more, mixing with fear for the captain. What sort of powers had Fortesque obtained to harm her captain?

Hecate stumbled in her work, somewhat embarrassed from that silly mishap. Why was she thinking about it in a notion other than following under him? Her arms grew a little hazy in her flustered state, berating herself for such thoughts. Though she tried to ignore them, she couldn’t help but focus on it now.

Brief memories of their time serving under Master Zarok together filled her memory, her boiler growing full with happiness. The happiest she’s ever been since her creation has always been with him. Even before they began interacting outside of business, those times were special to her as well, no matter how dull.

Her furnace burned hotter, imagining how many more memories they could create when Zarok finally seized control of Gallowmere. It was a grand task and though it would be sometime before they could have peace to themselves, she relished the idea of relaxing with him. No hero’s to worry about and a brief respite from orders sounded heavenly to her. Perhaps they should venture out on their own accord for some alone time, with Zarok’s permission of course.

The sound of chugging metal caught both hers and her lord’s attention; Someone was coming by train. Hecate couldn’t run fast enough to the balcony to look at who arrived, her professionalism long forgotten. Zarok followed her at a much calmer pace, a barely audible chuckle escaping him prior to reaching her side.

“I believe that is the quickest I’ve seen you move yet, Hecate. You must be excited to witness the results of our defenses.”

If he wished to call it that, sure.

It felt like centuries waiting for her master’s creation to halt, her eyes glued to the opening as footsteps sounded off. Something dropped in her core, noticing the silhouette emerging from the shadows was not that of who she hoped for. Entering from the darkness and stepping to the center of the chamber was Sir Daniel Fortesque, scuffed up, but still roaming the earth.

Zarok disappointedly muttered to himself, “So Kesten failed again I see. I suppose it cannot be helped.”

Hecate struggled to hear her Master through the fog that now clouded her mind, her focus solely on the knight below them. Even the movements he made while addressing the hero and thereafter hardly caught her attention. Her boiler grew scorching hot the minute she caught sight of something that did not belong to Fortesque as he moved around; one of Kesten’s knives hung on the skeleton’s waist.

Her fists clenched as she placed them on the balcony to lean over the ledge.

Why does he have that!?

She was brought out of her anger at the touch of a hand, reminding her of her position and company. Standing tall, Hecate did her best to remain calm in front of her Master and the enemy. The idea was good on paper, but nothing could quell the rage boiling inside.

How dare he keep a trophy of their battle! He continues to mock Kesten, even after defeating him.

It disgusted her to witness the false hero carry that on him, only to have it as a prize. She watched as the blade went unused against the Fazghouls, only using that chalice to keep his summoned spirits afloat.

Coward, won’t even fight his own battles.

A flaming chain shot out at the cur, forcing him to dodge and her eyes to keep up with his movements. With the Fazghouls defeat, Master Zarok’s very last line of defense appeared; Lord Kardok.

Hecate knew the champion had seen the item when he sent a glance her way. She stiffened at the unwanted and unneeded attention and pity, feeling as if she’d break down from his gaze. Kardok must have picked up on this, returning his attention to his opponent and begun unleashing an unhuman assault of fiery madness upon him. She could tell he was just as furious over the news of Kesten’s loss as her, albeit for a different reason. He didn’t shy away from letting the hero know his own hatred in the form of several lashes.

The skeleton struggled as the attacks struck him but nevertheless managed to survive. Just when she thought Lord Kardok might be winning, the enemy pulled out a glove and channeled a lightning attack to push him back.

Clenching her fist, Hecate went rigid.

That must be the weapon that gave Kesten that mark.

It made sense. Lightning was one of the few substances that left scorch marks, especially on a Boiler Guard. The woman doubted he had any explosion inducing weapons on him, but she shouldn’t underestimate him; it was a mystery how he damaged Kesten until now after all.

In the brief respite, Dan downed a potion of some sorts even with Kardok’s soldiers coming to aid him. They were swiftly defeated with that accursed blue sword of his. Lord Kardok, not having gone against him before, was left unaware of the weapon’s strength. A briefing on it differed from facing the blade himself, and he more than likely believed he could handle it. His horse on the other hand…

Circling around towards the hero to ram him, Sir Daniel evaded the undead with a somersault. The sly cur put enough force into his arm as he went, the large blade colliding with the horse’s limbs to send the once majestic beast crashing to the ground. A loud cry fell from the pair’s mouths on their impact, a small pillar of fire following the collision. Cunning as the knight was, he knew to stay away as Kardok’s horse stood on fractured bones, ready to continue. The larger skeleton hit the ground with the mace ball, an enormous wall of fire shot at the hero, knocking him to his knees. Galloping to the now kneeling skeleton, Kardok’s horse was ready for revenge, leaving fire in their wake. Now on top of Fortesque, the creature released an angered neigh as they raised their hooves to bring them down on their enemy. Fortune continued to grace the skeleton, once again dodging the attack. Lucky for them, it positioned Sir Daniel point-blank to the horses flaming legs. He avoided the initial attack unscathed, but the burst of hellfire erupting from the stomp got him, sending the skeleton up into the air.

Yes! Lord Kardok has him!

With the skeleton defenseless, Lord Kardok began twirling the flail in his hand, murder looming in his eyes.

Perhaps he could never defeat Kesten, but destroying his ender would be the next best thing. She thought a little somberly.

Making his final descent, Sir Daniel still refused to give up now fiddling with his pouch. Kardok noticed this and flung the chain with as much force as possible, sparks of light radiating from the tool. The airborne skeleton glanced to the oncoming weapon, panic setting in with its speed, forcing him to feverishly dig through the bag, finally producing three daggers. With a flick of his wrist, a blade sped to collide with the spiked ball, another following to deter its path, and the final one to knock it in an alternate direction.

Hecate watched this all take place and was baffled that someone with one eye had the precision to achieve the accomplished task. Yes, she and every worker that mattered around here lacked physical eyes, but they didn’t require them.

She knew Zarok was stunned as well, his own body now bending over as he clutched his head with his free hand.

Unseen to the horsemen was Daniel’s hand reaching into his quiver, pulling out three glowing arrows.

Hecate knew what that meant.

Warrior pride be damned, she had to interfere. Her magic traveled faster than Zarok’s and though she required time to generate real damaging spells, a quick one should still at least halt Fortesque’s assault.

Her right hand gripped her staff and- wait… why is there nothing? Panicking, she looked to her hand to see it void. Head shooting in every direction seeking the metal rod, Hecate froze.

It’s in the other room near her station. She can’t run fast enough to get it either!

Head snapping towards the arena, time seemed to slow as Sir Daniel fired an arrow. Hecate felt sluggish as she bolted to the edge, trying to yell out for Kardok to move. Only, she was too late. The projectile had struck and created a blue explosion, merging with the red flames of the skeleton and his steed. Another arrow struck, further increasing the mass. The mage nearly dropped to her knees as the last arrow struck, a thundering cry echoing from the arena as Kardok went up into magical flames. In an instant, Zarok’s champion was no more.

She stared at the spot where her ally once stood, unbelieving what she watched. Zarok’s best warrior was incinerated. His greatest soldiers were gone. The elite guard he had so painstakingly created had fallen. Who’s to say what happened to everyone else in the castle.

Her mind went to Scrap, recalling the other Boiler Guards gave them an important task to carry out. What the mission was, she had no inkling, but her emotions plagued her still. Something wanted to escape from the openings of her eye plate. The shadow of the feeling brought a sense of questionable nostalgia. She has never experienced this before, yet it seems so familiar.

Dead eyes shifting to Fortesque, she nearly saw red. He made a safe return to the ground and was storing his bow away, eye looking to Zarok.

The wizard slammed his staff down in frustration. “Bugger! Right then, that’s it! I’ve just about had enough of your meddling!”

As he spun to leave, she called out, “Master Zarok, wait…”

He paused, a hint of annoyance in his tone. “What is it, Hecate? Can’t you see that I’m in the midst of something?”

Slowly facing him, she squeezed her hands, hardly feeling them anymore. “Let me fight your enemy, milord.” Brow raised, Zarok’s mouth down-turned further, unconvinced. Continuing, she did her best to not rattle. “Please… I can take him. You shouldn’t waste your valuable time on him, sir. My magic will destroy him before you know it.”

His dark eyes cast on the floor, gripping his chin with his free hand in thought. “You do have the best means to dispose of him… but you severely lack the speed which Kardok and Kesten possessed.”

Hecate flinched at the mention of Kesten’s name but continued. “I need just one hit and he’s easy prey. He’s tired from battling as well, Master, more vulnerable to mistakes.”

Zarok continued to stare at the floor, and she was thankful the skeleton below didn’t scale the wall to come after them. Her Master was good for split decision making, but right now he was struggling.

A few seconds later he sighed, reluctantly nodding. “Alright. But the second I find you unfit to battle, I am stepping in. With Kesten out of the painting, you have no means of protection.”

Her voice was lost to her, bowing in response before treading to the rear chamber to retrieve her staff. Picking up the forgotten rod, she clenched it so hard she was hoping to leave a dent. Her strength was not like his though. A small sob made it past her throat. She couldn’t focus on him right now, she had a skeleton to exterminate.

Reigning in her emotions, Hecate descended the stairway to the corridor that led to the arena. Blanketed by the dark, Sir Daniel did not see her, but she could clearly see him. Her ire reignited anew, and this time, she did not have to save face. Lingering no longer, she strode into the light with her staff in hand, preparing a spell. Might as well get a head start with a powerful one.

Sir Daniel’s unwavering sight now set on her fed the fire further. Surprising her, he stowed his regular blade on his belt, making no move to draw any of his other fancy weapons.

Was he already giving up?

Almost laughing to herself, Hecate shook her head. Sir Daniel knew how to tick her off. “Is this some game to you, Fortesque? You dare mock not only me but the other warriors you’ve fought within the castle walls! Draw your weapon!”

Shaking his head, he replied with near incomprehensible speech. “Nuh-uh.”

Furious as is, she was inflamed now. Literally. Sparks of fire radiating from her boiler. “I don’t mind an easy win, but it is disgraceful to those who fell if you don’t show me the same respect!”

The skeleton shrugged as he kicked the ground, seeming uninterested in what she had to say.

Magical attack nowhere near its full potential, Hecate aimed the staff head at him. She would have liked some form of a challenge and sweet revenge, but if he preferred to play that card, she’d send him back to where he belonged.

“Fine! Burn in hell, Fortesque!” Without as much of a warning, the blast of vile magic soared to him.

Sir Daniel’s attention finally drew to the speedy attack, sweating bullets by the looks of it. It was too late for him. He dug his grave with the lack of regard.

In a completely unexpected turn of events, he drew Kesten’s knife at the last second, a sense of fear following.

What was he doing!? She wanted to recover that after he perished, she couldn’t recover ashes!

Her thoughts were put on a screeching halt in the next minute; Sir Daniel had used the knife and sliced her spell in half, both parts disintegrating in on themselves.

Dumbfounded was an under exaggeration: What the hell happened!?

Apparently, he had not expected the results either, glancing in both directions where the fragments of her attack passed. Once it was confirmed he had in fact deflected the magic, his posture was more jovial as he shot her a smug look.

“Where did you get that knife!?” Both combatants focused on Zarok, his pale complexion somehow even paler. “Forget that, where did you learn you could do that!?”

Attention drawn to the skeleton, he twirled the weapon, shrugging.

“Hecate, you need to be more cautious with your attacks! That knife was enchanted in the event your magic ever grew out of control. It can destroy or deflect your attacks!”

Her head could not have angled toward Zarok any faster. “It what!? Why did you not tell me this before I came down here!? Actually, why was I not informed of this prior!?” Catching herself, she hurriedly added, “M-Master Zarok, forgive me, but it would have been nice to know everything about my partner’s artillery!”

“Now’s not the time for this conversation, Hecate, it was a ‘what if’ scenario. I didn’t expect the fool would use Kesten’s knife, let alone the enchanted one. It was hardly worth mentioning.”

This was knowledge she should have received at an earlier point. Like a few decades earlier! Why didn’t Zarok trust her with this information? What else was he hiding from her? Was Kesten aware he had an enchanted blade?

“I recognize that look Hecate, but you need to focus on the battle. Unless you call for my intervention?”

“No, sir. That is unnecessary.” A small amount of venom underlined her words, still not thrilled at the secret.

Footsteps began approaching, dragging her focus back to her foe. Taking aim, she flung another mass of energy at him, much weaker in contrast to the last. As before, Daniel deflected the blast with the knife. Panic overtook her as doubt set in for her abilities. She was better than this! Hecate began firing multiple spells at the skeleton as she backed away, desiring to maintain the distance in between them. Every attack cast was diverted or dodged as he advanced, her precision further faltering.

He was so close now.

She was unable to send an attack out as he was practically on top of her, slashing the knife straight down. Thankfully, she still had enough common sense to use her staff and block the attack. Much to her surprise, there wasn’t much force behind it. Hecate knew Sir Daniel was putting his all into it, his body tense from applying as much pressure as possible.

A wicked smile formed on her ‘lips’. The earlier fights exhausted him, leaving her the stronger of the two. How pitiful.

Humoring him, she gradually kneeled to one knee, pretending to struggle in their altercation. Almost leaning down to both, Hecate flipped the tables; pushing off her hind leg with as much force as she could, she effortlessly threw Dan off his footing, making him backtrack to catch his balance. Staff now free, it was used to strike at Sir Daniel’s legs, knocking him to the ground. She slammed the end of the object onto his torso to keep him in place, adjusting her hold as she approached.

Laughter burst from the balcony, almost camouflaging the sound of the train making its return. Hecate could only assume it was reinforcements, but she chose to ignore it in favor of her prey.

“My, my, how the mighty have fallen. I expected more of a fight from you, Fortesque, but I see my colleagues had all the fun.” She channeled her magic into her staff, the action not unnoticed by the hero. “I would have preferred a fair fight,” The skeleton eyed her incredulously, but she continued, “but I understand with the weapon you carry, it wouldn’t have been much of one. It’s a shame it all has to end like this. I was dying to disintegrate you piece by piece, make you wish you were never reanimated. I suppose we can’t all get what we desire in the end, no?”

The train outside stopped, unknown metallic sounds following, echoing into the night and room.

Staff nearly charged, Hecate felt more enraged as Sir Daniel looked to the entrance, a smile forming on his boney face.

“What are you staring at!?” His smug eye glanced back to her as soon as the creaking stopped. “You’re about to rejoin the dead and you have the nerve to smile at me like that!?”

“Hecate.”

Shocked at the interruption, she lost all concentration on her spell.

That voice…

Slowly, Hecate’s head twisted to the entrance, eyes unbelieving. “Kesten..?”

Low and behold, standing proud as ever with his firearm was the Captain of the Boiler Guards, Kesten. Several pieces of armor were missing, particularly the entirety of his left arm and parts of his legs, and was banged up to hell, but here he was. Standing. Still alive.

Her body shook, relieving pressure off the skeleton beneath, the conflict essentially forgotten.

“Well, well, you survived I see, Kesten.” The commander’s attention diverted from her to their Master. “But my oh my, you were in quite the brawl, weren’t you? I’m impressed you’re still standing with all that grime and incisions to your plating. Hecate was about to finish up taking care of Fortesque-”

Zarok was cut off as Kesten swiftly held his gun up, firing at the Wizard. A yelp sounded from him, dodging in the nick of time but not quite escaping the bullet. A string of blood escaped the wound that was now present along Zarok’s left cheek.

Hecate stared at the Captain, shocked at what he did. Zarok, likewise, slammed his staff down.

“Kesten! What has gotten into you!? Fortesque is your enemy, not me!”

Smoke now evaporated from the blunderbuss, Kesten lowered it. “I will fight your battles no longer, Zarok. You’ve used Hecate and I for far too long in this selfish game of yours to control Gallowmere.”

Appalled, the Wizard sneered at him. “What are you getting at, Kesten? I created you two and I can dismantle you both if I so choose!”

“I believe you’re aware of what you stole from both of us, Zarok.” Angling his head in her direction, he spoke words she didn’t expect to hear. “Captain, your orders!”

Still stunned, it was easy for Sir Daniel to knock her staff off himself and roll out of the way into a standing position. Dusting himself off, the skeleton shrugged.

“I think we know what the end goal here is, Kesten.”

Kesten nodded before truly focusing on her. Hecate struggled to pay attention to either of them as she backed up, confused more than ever. What was happening? Why was Kesten acting so strange? Why was he being friendly with their enemy? She didn’t understand.

“Hecate, don’t just stand there, kill them!”

She froze at the command, clutching her staff tight.

Kill… Kesten? She just… got him back. Surely he was jesting… right?

Hecate stared at the Boiler Guard, conflicted. She received direct orders from the Master, but this was Kesten. Could she bring herself to go through with it? To kill the one she grew so fond of?

“Hecate, don’t listen to him, he’s been manipulating us this whole time.” Zarok sent a green bolt of magic his way, sidestepping it he was forced to glimpse between both magic users.

“Be quiet, you malfunctioning miscreant!”

Smoke wafted from Kesten, the telltale signs of anger rearing its head. “I’m working better than ever without your mind control spell plaguing my mind you wretch!”

Another blast of magic fired and missed, this time on Zarok’s account. “What would make you assume such a thing, Kesten?” A brief pause before the wizard began cackling and gestured to Dan. “Was it that good-for-nothing knight over there? I knew he had a way with words, but to fool you? I’m appalled you believed such drivel.”

Smoke exploded out of Kesten’s boiler and even his unarmored arm started to dissipate into steam. Verbal anger was one thing with the Captain; frightening and something to avoid at all costs. This new silent rage spoke of danger, putting Hecate on edge.

The Captain appeared normal, but he had changed in so little time. It was like he was someone else. Did Kesten speak the truth with mind control? Or was Zarok correct in Kesten’s impairment?

Hecate weighed the facts and all sources pointed to…

With an iron grip on her staff, she channeled magic into it. Fear and anger coursed through her body, adrenaline high as her head snapped to Sir Daniel. His expression grew nervous once more, holding his hands up in a placating matter.

He murmured out to Kesten, seeking to gain the Captain’s attention while also not trying to set Hecate off.

“You… this is your fault.” Now it was her turn to slam the end of her staff down, the action causing the tip to glow brightly. Unable to stop a palm from moving, she gestured about while yelling at the skeleton. “Everything was fine until you returned from the grave! We would have conquered Gallowmere and not lost anyone without your interference! You destroyed everyone I knew! Damaged the Captain!” She took aim, unhearing the fast footfall and explosions going on behind her. “I won’t forgive you for that, Fortesque! For my Captain and Zarok’s honor, I will destroy yo-urk!”

Sharp pain in the backside of her boiler forced her to preemptively fire her attack, missing the undead by just a fraction. She hasn’t experienced this kind of pain since her early years, back when she believed she could handle everything without Kesten. The woman couldn’t even move her body, it hurt so bad. Still, she forced herself to twist her head and see if she could make out the offender. Her body began to shake more beyond the physical injury.

“W-why..?”

Towering behind her was Kesten, leaning over some but still shadowing over her. With his close proximity and the green and black smoke that billowed from her body, she already knew what had caused the suffering. He had stabbed her in the back with his knife.

Zarok’s ranting and cursing was audible, but no outside sounds registered. All senses were hyper-focused on the Captain.

Pain erupted once more as she felt the knife leave her, but it stung nothing like the silence of the other Boiler Guard. The discomfort grew as she stumbled to her knees, unable to look at him further. Her staff dropped in favor of curling in on herself, clutching at her midsection. The effort caused the injury in her back to ache worse, but she did not care. The sting of betrayal brought a distorted choke from her.

Another chill shook her frame as she heard a soft click, followed by the barrel of a gun pressing to the back of her head.

Every sense all but faded away, her concentration on the weapon. One thing she thought she might have imagined was the soft words of “I’m sorry” before everything went dark. _____

Part 2 Part 3

[dailyaudiobible]

02/19/2021 DAB Transcript

Leviticus 7:28-9:6, Mark 3:31-4:25, Psalms 37:12-29, Proverbs 10:5

Today is the 19th day of February welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I’m Brian it’s great to be here with you today as we round the corner here. We’re at the end of another week just about and we’ve transitioned into two new books this week and we’re getting’ moved into those and enjoying that. So, let’s…let's continue…let's continue with the journey. We’re reading from the Common English Bible this week. Leviticus chapter 7 verse 28 through 9 verse 6.

Commentary:

Okay. Let's…well…let's talk about harvest today. Jesus talked about it. And, you know, harvest…harvest is definitely a scriptural…a scriptural term that Jesus talks about, being the Lord of the harvest or sending workers, the laborers are few to go into the harvest. So, this is definitely a scriptural term but it’s…it's an agricultural term as well. We understand that seedtime and harvest that's…that's how we get our food. And, so, if you are a farmer you want to seed to go into the soil, you want it to…to yield fully to its full potential, and we understand these things. So, Jesus is talking about different kinds of soil that the seed gets planted into and depending on the kind of soil really dictates the kind of harvest. So, the seed can be awesome seed but planted in not so awesome soil it's not gonna be an awesome harvest, but good seed planted in good soil does produce a great harvest. Jesus was teaching this in a story, in story form, in parable form, as He often did. And it's easy enough, and this is a popular…popular enough parable that we sort of understand the lay of the land. And Jesus was pretty explicit in giving an interpretation of the parable that He had given. We all want that 100-fold harvest, right? We all want a bountiful harvest in our lives. Maybe we need to start thinking about gardening. Maybe this is the point in our journey through the year and our journey in life that we need to turn inward and see our heart, see our hearts as a field of soil. What kind of soil is there? Because whatever kind of soil is there is going to dictate the harvest, no matter how good the seed is. So, God is nourishing us through His word every day here as we take this journey through the Bible. This is good seed we could say, but are we, are our hearts good soil for this good seed. So, if the seed falls and cannot take roots then it’s just gonna lay there on the surface and it's gonna get snatched away. If…if our hearts are hard and stony and difficult, then there's nowhere for the seed to take root. And if we’re just distracted and anxious and full of worry or we’re just distracted and chasing other things, other desires…well…then the soil of our heart is thorny and it's gonna choke the seed out. We can understand this. We can even…we should be able to visualize this. We’ve seen rocky ground we’ve seen thorny ground. Like, we should understand this and we can even visualize how difficult it would be for a bountiful harvest to grow under those conditions. If our hearts are in that condition than they are not going to yield the bountiful harvest, we are hoping for. In other words, God’s gonna do His part here, but we have some gardening to do. We have our part. Our role to play in. And maybe it's time to dig up the stony ground and do away with the thorn bushes and make ourselves fertile and ready for anything that God wants to bring in this adventure that we call life, this dance that we are in together with Him.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank You. Thank You for this wisdom. It's very clear. It's abundantly clear. We know the hard places in our lives. We know the thorny places in our lives. We know the shallow places in our lives. And we just need help. We need You to guide us and show us how to become good soil. So, come Holy Spirit as we contemplate this, as we consider, as we meditate upon this, show us the areas in our heart that need some gardening. Come Holy Spirit we pray. In the name of Jesus, we ask. Amen.

Announcements:

dailyaudiobible.com is home base, and that is indeed a website, it’s where you find out what’s going on around here in a virtual community like ours. That's where the Global Campfire burns day and night. No matter where we are in the world we can reach out. Of course, if you’re using the Daily Audio Bible app all of this is available as well. So, be familiar. If you don't have the app yet a make sure you go to your app store, get the Daily Audio Bible app and download that. And it is…it is the most comprehensive way of entering into community and moving through the Scriptures that we have. It kinda keeps track of where we are on our journey. And as we move through the different sections of the Bible we get to see that we have accomplished that section of the Bible. So, just be familiar and check that out.

Check out the community section. Of course, this can be done at the Daily Audio Bible website or in the app. Check out the Community section. That’s where the Prayer Wall is and it’s such a centerpiece, such a foundational part of who we are as a community, that we accept each other, we understand that we are all in process, that we…we…we are all under renovation, that this is a process and that we have to have an incredible amount of grace for each other. Can you imagine how much grace our Father has on any given one day for His children. So, the least we can do is offer grace to each other. And we do that so well by accepting each other where we are and being willing to just walk a stretch of road together, pray for one another, shoulder each other's burdens. And one of the places to do that is at the Prayer Wall in the Community section. So, be familiar with that.

If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible, if this mission to have a Global Campfire, that we can step out of the chaos and have at least one place in life that's an oasis that we can count on every day than we can step into that place and just get our head screwed on straight, right? Just get our heart reoriented to God through the Scriptures. If that is life-giving than thank you for your partnership. There is a link on the homepage, at dailyaudiobible.com, If you’re using the app you can press the Give button in the upper right-hand corner, or the mailing address is PO Box 1996 Spring Hill Tennessee 37174.

And, as always, if you have a prayer request or encouragement 877-942-4253 is the number to dial or you can just hit the Hotline button, the little red button up at the top in the Daily Audio Bible app and share from there no matter where you are in the world.

And that is it for today. I'm Brian I love you and I'll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

Community Prayer and Praise:

H family it's Mica I haven't called for over a year. So much as has happened I could never catch you up in about a minute and 30 seconds; however, I…I did really need you guys help. You’re the closest thing I have to a family for a long long time. And I’ve spent a year homeless and been in a domestic violence shelter and lost all my stuff add my car and I was put in jail and you name it. Right now I'm out because of an injury from work and because there's some hold up and misunderstanding about the last time I was on unemployment. I am waiting for the determination so that I can get my workman's comp and things like that because I was injured back on January 7th. I haven't been working since. I've been borrowing money from people and leaning on people and I am just tired of it. I need I…need things to go right and I need __ things to stay away from me. Most of all I…I need to be right with God again and I need a family too. Please family help me __.

Hello Daily Audio Bible family this is Natalie. I'm calling because I just wanted to leave a quick prayer for… I've been listening to a lot of the prayers of the people and I just wanted to just do a little prayer for each and every person. I may not know the name or the…where you're from but I know we are all connected in God’s family and the spirit of God is with us and…and He can intercede on our behalf. So, heavenly Father I thank You Lord this day for each and every person who's called in who had a prayer or who had a concern Father. You tell us Lord Jesus that Lord we are connected as a family and we can come boldly before Your throne to ask for mercy in our times of need oh God. Father I pray for those that are sick Lord. There was one gentleman who said he had a heart attack, and he was struggling…they diagnosed him with bipolar Father and we…we…we come against that Father because we know Lord God that You are the author and finisher of our faith and we know that by Your stripes we are healed Father and I pray for healing on those people Father God. What man says is one thing but what God says the final authority. Father I pray for those people that are struggling with their jobs, with their families, those that are not saved Lord. I ask Lord God that You Father God Lord You said that we just need to plant the seed and You would do the growing Father. Father I pray over those people Lord Jesus that have…have…have been one Young lady said that her…her Father committed suicide in December of 2020. Father I pray for peace in that family Lord Jesus. Father You said that You would work all things together for the good of those that love You and are called according to Your purpose. And, so, I pray Father God that everything that we go through in our lives, everything that she is going through and her families going through that Lord You would…You would receive the glory from at all. You said what the enemy meant for evil You will turn it around...

Hello Daily Audio Bible family this is Ethan of Ashburnham MA in the USA. I have a prayer request that I've been meaning to ask for…for a long time. I have a friend his name is Chris he's going through some sort of crisis that I won't go into detail here. He…he's walked away from Christ and truth be told I am really scared for his future. I know I shouldn't be. I'm not responsible for his future but I am. I just…without Christ there's this void in him that he's trying to fill with everything money can buy, physical items, but as we all know those don't fill us up. And also, I'm starting to become concerned that this is becoming an unhealthy relationship for me. I feel like I have to be in his life to just try and bring him back to Christ but that's not my responsibility. I shouldn't be doing that and subjecting myself. Please pray for my friend Chris. God knows who I'm talking about. He's been my dear friend for over 15 years, and he was one of the few people I thought with absolute certainty would never abandon me during a time in middle school when I thought nobody liked me. He's been one of my closest friends for over 15 years and I'm heartbroken of the way that he's becoming but I choose to trust in Christ and His strength.

Hi guys this is Margaret from Southern California. I'm calling in for Tiffany and Tony of Cleveland. Tiffany had called again asking prayer for joy after the loss of her daughter Gianna. And I remember your original first call and my heart sank because I can relate to this loss of your precious daughter. I lost my baby girl 11 years ago. She was a full-term stillborn baby girl, 9-pound beautiful baby and I delivered her still. And I know she went to heaven when she was in my tummy but at the time, I couldn't see straight for anything and I absolutely lost all joy. And I just want to encourage you guys that God has brought me alone and my husband so far these past 11 years and we truly have joy. We feel that God has done everything for us and as far as healing and mending our hearts and giving us more children after that and…but mostly I think that He's giving us a perspective of knowing that she's in heaven and we're going to be with her again. And I want to encourage you guys. Gianna, you're going to be with her again. And one day down on earth is one day closer to heaven for eternity and perfection with Jesus and I just can't wait for that day. And I just want you guys so badly to be able to experience that. And you know what, it may not be tomorrow but just keep…keep on keeping on and have that faith that the Lord will deliver you from this despair. I love you friends.

Good morning DAB family today is the 16th day of February and I'm just sitting in my car. I just finished listening to Daily Audio Bible for the 15th. Again, Brian it's just amazing listening to you. So, this is Janet from…from the UK and I'm just calling to ask for prayer for my mom. It's been 2 weeks. She's been diagnosed with breast cancer. And even though she lives in America I live in the UK I do have a sister and brother that's in the US also but they're not really active in her life and she's literally at the house by herself, but thanks be to God we do have friends that are taking care, helping to take care of her. But I’m going to try to go over to the UK. So, I'm asking for prayers, journey mercies as I leave from the UK to go to America to help take care of my mom. And I also pray for my mom because she has like diabetes and all these other stuff that…other combabilities as they call it. But I'm asking for prayer because I know I have the best…I have the best family, the most prayerful family powerful in prayer. So, I'm asking family that you help me pray that God will see us through, that He would just give us one day at a time as He normally does and that we’ll appreciate it and that my mom would be OK. Thanks family. Thank you so much for your prayers. God bless.

Hi family this is Melissa from Albertville Alabama. Brian, Jill, and Ezekiel bless you for all that you do for the body of Christ. I have a…a…a couple of prayer requests. And my sisters pastor his name is Darrell Davis his son was shot and he's not doing well, and he's developed Covid. Please pray for that family. And my nephew Elijah, I've called in several times. He has alopecia and he’s suffering from mental illness. He has left home and said he didn't want to anything to do with our family or God. He’s somewhere in California. We have no idea where he is. Please pray for him. Kingdom Seeker Daniel, Lord your call. I'm praying for you brother. I'm praying. God is so able. My sister who has metastatic breast cancer I didn't catch your name. God knows who you are. You said you had a compression fracture, I think. I'm praying for you. Jeremy Neph, please call if you can let us know how you're doing. So many calls have been so heavy on my heart. Just y'all just keep praying. Don't stop praying. God has us. I'm going through some health issues right now. I can't even go to church. But God is good. I love you family. You all keep us prayed up. Bye-bye.

[name-me-regret]

If The World Was Ending - 1/?

If The World Was Ending Chapter One: Lovely Day

Read on AO3.

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~

“When I wake up in the morning, love And the sunlight hurts my eyes And something without warning, love Bears heavy on my mind

Then I look at you And the world's alright with me Just one look at you And I know it's gonna be A lovely day...”

~Lovely Day - Bill Withers

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~

When Buck’s phone rang on day eight day of his funk over not being able to be a firefighter, he contemplated ignoring it. In fact, he wanted to throw it against the wall. The only thing that stopped him was the fact that it could be someone from LAFD calling to say he could go back to work. After all, it wasn’t like he’d officially quit; he’d just told Bobby that he quit.

There was something that told him (mainly the others that had been told by the Captain had said that Buck would be able to return as soon as he was off the blood-thinners) that Bobby hadn’t filed the official paperwork. Buck had also not received anything in the mail, with the exception of his worker’s comp check, so that meant he still had his job. He just couldn’t be officially back, with his team at the 118.

So, now he was back to thinking that he wanted to fling his phone at the wall, since he’d not only been jerked out of a good sleep, but he was sure it would be one of his ‘former’ co-workers that wanted him to go out. And really, what was the point?

In the end, he decided to answer. He fumbled for the phone, almost knocking it off the bed before he grabbed and answered. “What?” he grunted, hoping it wasn’t Maddie trying to get him to go do something with her. Although, he quickly remembered that she had a shift that day.

A familiar voice chuckled in his ear. “That’s certainly not how I expected to be greeted after I took time off my busy schedule to see how you were doing,” the man said, all mock-offended.

Buck frowned. “Tony?” he asked, quickly glancing at the number and not recognizing it.

“The one and only. So, I hear you took a nap under a fire engine,” he said, hearing him moving around. “You’re supposed to ride the truck, not let it ride you.”

Buck sat up, running a hand through his short blonde hair. “It was a ladder truck actually,” he corrected as he got up. He was fully awake and was sure that Tony wouldn’t let him go back to sleep. He’d be likely to show up, even with being all the way in New York. “And it was five months ago. I have blood clots now, which gave me a pulmonary embolism, making me vomit blood and almost die,” he said flippantly.

“Holy shit, Evan. Your life sounds more exciting than mine,” Tony tried to joke. Buck had known him long enough to know he was freaking out. He was also the only person besides Maddie that called him Evan, simply because the man simply refused to call him Buck.

The blonde man scoffed. “Somehow, I highly doubt that.” He pulled open his fridge and made a face with how empty it was. Buck really needed to go get groceries. “But risks comes with the job though. We should get together for some lunch the next time you’re in California, and we’ll trade stories.”

“Oh?” Tony intoned, sounding interested. “That sounds like you’re asking me out on a date, Mr. Buckley. I don’t put out on the first date, well, not anymore at least.”

Buck rolled his eyes, but whether it was at Tony’s words or that he also had nothing in his pantry, he wasn’t sure. “Aren’t you dating that red head?”

“Yeah... no,” he sighed. “We broke up after... well, what happened last year.”

He quietly smacked his fist against his forehead, trying not to groan at his slip. “Ah man, I’m sorry, Tony,” he said. Buck knew it had been pretty serious, the only serious relationship he’d been in since... well, since they had dated.

“No, it’s my fault. I couldn’t stop my extra-curricular activities, and she couldn’t deal with it anymore. Maybe it’s for the best.” He laughed, but Evan could tell it was forced. “It’s just super awkward being in New York, since she’s here as well. So, I might take you up on your offer sooner rather than later.”

Buck nodded as he leaned against the metal stairs that led up to his loft. “Yeah, of course. You can stop by whenever.”

“Are you sure I wouldn’t be stepping on anyone’s toes?”

He frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Well, the last I checked your Instagram, there was a cute kid on there... with a tall, dark and definitely handsome Hispanic man.”

“Oh,” Buck said. “That’s Eddie and his son, Christopher. We’re not... it’s not like that.”

“But you want it to be,” he said it like a statement and not a question.

It was Buck’s turn to force a laugh. “Even if I did, I’m pretty sure he’s straight. So, as I said, you don’t have to worry.”

“I wasn’t worried,” Tony laughed. “Just don’t want to get punched by a jealous boyfriend.”

Buck grinned as he licked his lips, since they always felt really dry when he woke up. “Well, it wouldn’t be the first, and probably not the last,” he taunted.

Tony snorted on his end. “Very funny, Buckley,” he said.

“Wasn’t trying to be, Stark,” he shot back.

The other man laughed again. “Well, I gotta go. It seems my job is never done.”

“Alas, tis’ the life of a superhero,” Buck said with mock exasperation.

After they said their good-byes and hung up, Buck saw how early it was; not even 7am yet. Tony was such an asshole, since he knew about the time difference and had called him anyways. And on a Saturday.

He decided that since he was up, he might as well go get some breakfast, since being awake had awoken his hunger. As he climbed down the steps, his front door opened and his favorite Diaz boys walked in.

“Oh, you’re awake,” Eddie said, sounding surprised. “I thought for sure you’d still be in bed.”

Buck sighed. “I was, but some as- I mean, some jerk woke me up,” he said, eyes darting to Christopher. He crouched down to smile at the precious eight year old. “Hey buddy.”

“Hi, Buck,” he said, the slight lisp making the greeting sound adorable and never failed to make Buck’s heart melt. It was almost ridiculous how fast and easily he’d fallen in love with the kid, and knew he would do anything to make sure that smile never went away.

When they situated Chris in front of the television and they’d wandered to the kitchen where Eddie proceeded to make himself at home and make some coffee. It wasn’t that Buck minded, not one bit, but he also wondered what Eddie was doing here. “So, what are you doing here?” His eyebrows drew together in an unhappy frown. “Don’t you have a shift today?”

The Hispanic man drank the coffee as he looked over the rim at Buck, amusement in his eyes. Buck just scowled at him as he drank his coffee and didn’t bother to answer him until he’d downed at least half of it. “That’s why we’re here,” he said as he walked over to give Christopher a hug, lifting him up and out of his seat on the couch where he’d started watching some cartoons. “Chris is hanging out with his Buck today!”

Chris gave a small giggle, before Eddie put him down where the eight year old immediately started watching his cartons again. “Because I have a 12-hour shift today.”

Buck was a bit thrown by that. “Uh, w-where’s Carla?”

“She went to Morongo!” Chris exclaimed.

Eddie grinned at the little boy. “Mmhmm.” Now he turned to Buck. “So take him out, have some fun. Maybe you’ll learn something.” He went to leave and paused, lowering his voice. “He never feels sorry for himself.” He left, and Buck resisted the urge to point out that his shirt was inside out. He hoped he realized it until he’d gotten to the firehouse and felt embarrassed. It was a bit petty, but he didn’t care.

“Love you buddy!”

“Love you! Love you, dad!”

The door closed and Buck was left with the eight year old. He gave a slightly nervous laugh as Chris eyed him curiously.

“So, what do you like to do for fun?”

At nine o’clock that morning, Southern California was hit with a tsunami.-

[dorigvbcorvis]

The French Horn

A Second Season Glee Story

CHAPTER 3: THE SECRETS WE KEEP - FROM OURSELVES IF NECESSARY

The Muse behind this story is Kurt’s French Horn tee-shirt.  Seen here in ‘The Power of Madonna’ it was also worn in ‘Grilled Cheesus’ - My head Canon since seeing Kurt wear the shirt twice is that Kurt had once played the horn. This is a story that addresses why Kurt quit playing

NOTES:

Since originally this chapter had graphic depictions of high school bullying and the use of homophobic slurs I felt that this might be too sensitive and/or could be a trigger for some and for this reason I split the chapter into three pieces CHAPTER 4 will post likely to my Live Journal or possibly A03 

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3: The Secrets We Keep…From Ourselves If Necessary

Kurt felt his world starting to fold in on itself the moment he stepped outside Dr. Thompson’s office. His hand went to his chest as it tightened - Each step he felt his body become increasingly shaky- more clammy, his legs were like lead, and yet chief among these growing concerns for the epicene young man was the fact that the perspiration dripping from his forehead was now leaching product down his face. For him it was the worst; it meant he had to fight like mad the urge to wipe away the whole mess from his eyes with his sleeve of his wool-blend blazer - If he was in his father’s garage in his work coveralls this would be no problem….

But here at Dalton he still needed his uniform one more day as it was midday Thursday. Oh great! he said literally dripping now - He knew he had to find something to wipe the mess away - but he had nothing, not even a pocket square.

Everything was spearheading into a perfect storm and like added water Kurt had come to an icy cold realization that the last time he felt this badly it was just after learning Korofsky had won his appeal and was returning to McKinley. Kurt knew it made little sense to believe Korofski was behind his current malaise - For one the guy would never drive two hours out his way just to seek him out when it was more likely the guy would have just move on to another target. Deep down It was Kurt’s personal hope that somewhere in the whole f***ed up mess that Korofski had just found peace with himself - So where did that put him? 

Stalled…stalled by what?  fear? Then if fear, what was he was afraid of? And just like that he was back to square one trying to figure it all out.

Shit, Kurt uttered finally wiping the mix of sweat and hair product away with the sleeve of his blazer He had to - It had gotten that bad.

As much as fear made sense to Kurt he quickly ruled this out with the reasoning that fear was something he should have had before meeting with Dr. Thompson not afterwards. Yet looking back at Thompson’s closed office door Kurt knew Thompson was the only thing different in his routine - So what was it about him?

Maybe it was it bringing up his mother’s death and because of this having to stay back a year when he was in the third grade…

‘No, no,’ Kurt shook his head: ruling this out. It couldn’t be this. There had been countless times he had shared how he didn’t have a mom - and sure this often bought back heart ache and tears - He could not recall a time this ever make him feel this physically ill.

Kurt’s head started to swim with racing thoughts he didn’t want. If he were at home right about he was sure nothing at all would be stopping him from numbing his thoughts with alcohol – His Aunt Mildred’s variation on a Tom Collins that entailed mixing champagne with gin came to mind. “Except news-flash Kurt,” Kurt made a harsh point to informed himself. “You only just came off probation…Something like getting drunk at Dalton is not just dumb but you’ll surely get yourself put back on probation or worse get yourself expelled.’ This self-admonishing only made things worse and he still wasn’t any closer to knowing what it was exactly that was making him he feel like crap and he was running out of ideas.

The only thing Kurt knew looking at his watch was that the lunch hour had almost slipped away completely without him eating a thing. This revelation made Kurt giggled with a sad laugh - ‘Was is it really that simple? Was this only because he had skipped a meal?’ He of course remembered when he and Mercedes were in The Cheerios and how Mercedes face planted in the middle of the cafeteria’s from not eating. Low blood sugar now seemed plausible and it had a lot of the same symptoms. This was enough to point his feet in the direction of the cafeteria in hopes that this late the dining hall would still be open. Kurt quickened his steps fearing this would indeed be the case.

Just as he expected- Only the cleaning crew was in the hall. Gone was everyone else. He walked past a crew bussing tables with what dishes still remained on his way to the cafeteria itself only to find the cleaning crew had already switch off the heated buffet tables and removed the food trays leaving nothing but lukewarm baths of water. Even the salad bar had been gutted…but what really sucked was The desert case had been completely emptied out he could have totally gone for comfort-food in the wondrous baked pastry form.

“I’m not going to catch a break am I?” It was a loud enough statement for him to start to fume.  That was until one of the headphone wearing cleanup workers stopped and pointed out the three tiered basket display at the end of the counter.

 “Thanks,” Kurt said to the worker

The worker only nodded and rolled his mop bucket out of Kurt’s way

 The worker was right - It hadn’t been cleared out yet. Five weeks of being at Dalton Kurt knew Sandwiches had always been placed in the bottom basket, chips and pretzels in middle basket, and fruit in the top basket. ‘It would have to do,’ He told himself as he rifled through saran wrapped sandwiches Only here too he found his run of bad luck had continued because every last one of them was Ham and Cheese sandwich - Kurt uttered an Ugg tossing back the of the lot he has looked at - He absolutely loathed processed deli ham he found it too salty and that emulsified gelatin sort of grossed him out. If it was to be ham he preferred a slow cooked ham leg that had been properly cloved or pork tenderloin medallions glazed in a sesame ginger sauce and then that had been grilled to perfection …and then he would not ever add cheese.  His stomach growled thinking of food but he didn’t seem to be catching any luck.

He knew it was his own damn fault He should have eaten first and then gone to see Thompson - ‘actually,’ Kurt thought internally correcting himself - ‘He shouldn’t have gone to see Thompson at all - That way he never would have spilled the beans and made himself feel like crap now…Now was that really what was wrong?’

‘Oh crap,’ He knew now. While it bothered him that any additional meeting with Thompson he would end up letting the man know everything - What was really bothering him; the brass tacks of it all, was the risk of his dad finding out all the things he kept from him. It would kill him.  Suddenly Kurt wasn’t hungry anymore he tossed back the bag of sun chips before picking it up again plus an apple from the top basket.  Kurt knew it would be six hours until dinner service.

Kurt quickly departed the food area to find a seat the worker with his mop moved in behind Kurt to mop the floors like they had been only waiting for him to leave.

Kurt tried not to let this too bother him the guy after all pointed out the chips….but the thin irony of it all was feeling like every last thing in the world was eating at him while he went without anything to eat himself.

Kurt was just about to sink his teeth into his apple when he heard Blaine call out for him. And as much as he was secretly crushing hard on the black haired boy with the killer tenor voice the last thing Kurt wanted was for Blaine to see him like this - So exposed, so vulnerable with his heart pounded in his chest like something was terribly-terribly wrong.  Blaine called to Kurt with a tone that was both happy and relieved to see him. “So it’s true -Trent said he saw you in here. I totally looked for you everywhere during lunch.”

“Except where I was,” Kurt blurted, before instantly regretted it. He didn’t know why he said it out loud. “I had to see Dr. Thompson.” Kurt now said, offering up the truth.

The explanation alone gave Blaine pause. He knew Dr. Thompson and how most at Dalton liked the man- It was just as well known how many emerged from his office in tears either because they had lost their scholarship or because they had to see Dr. Thompson in the capacity of the school’s psychologist…given his own bout with the man and how similar Kurt’s situation mirrored his own it was much too likely this was how it was with Kurt now but it wasn’t until Blaine actually looked at Kurt did his happy go lucky demeanor change… “My God, are you alright? - It looks like you’ve been crying “

“It’s nothing,” Kurt said defensively blowing off the question.

Blaine wasn’t about to buy Kurt’s write-off noting how he could “Totally see your eyes”

Caught Kurt was back peddling “What I meant was, I don’t want to talk about it and I kind-of want to be alone right now” this much was true.

Blaine frowns… ”Fine,” he says, after a beat of feeling stunned.  But then he adds “But let me at least tell you why I was looking for you.”

All Kurt had to do was look at Blaine sitting in front of him hazel eyes looking like a lost puppy for him to cave. “Okay - You win. Why were you looking for me?”

“I got comp tickets for my King’s Island gig - Dad called right after our duet in the Commons Room - He has to fly to New York on business so he can’t go.” Blaine sets a King’s Island admissions ticket down on the table and pushed it towards Kurt - It’s yours if you want it” then he adds with a high brow flourish Call it a Thank You for our practice session last night” Blaine returns back to common speech for the details “The plan is Mom is gonna pick me up Friday to drive me there. We’ll probably stay a couple nights in Cincinnati and come back on Sunday”

Kurt silently cursed the rotten timing of how in a heartbeat he would go see Blaine and spending two nights in a hotel with Blaine? …In the same room?  Kurt was kicking himself. “I-I cant,”‘ Kurt said, biting his tongue in protest. “Friday is dinner night - I also have these damn papers my dad needs to sign.”

“What are those?” Blaine asked, suddenly taking notice of the stack of papers sitting on the table next to Kurt’s arm.

“One is for a test I need to take…” Kurt trails off “The others…” Kirk’s voice breaks and wavers as he starts over… “The others are because Thompson thinks I should see someone over what happened”

Blaine was nodding knowingly. “Yeah, he was like that with me last year…But he’s good. He’ll listen…But…you don’t want to hear that do you?” Blaine saw Kurt didn’t seem to be listening.

“It’s not that, not really - It’s complicated - It’s why I have to go home when I so much rather go with you and not have to bothered with this - It’s just horrible timing and rotten luck. And - I am sorry”

Blaine shook his head, Kurt’s apology wasn’t needed - He knew he would have no trouble finding another to go in Kurt’s place. It was that he was just as sorry it wouldn’t be Kurt joining him.. He also heard the hurt in Kurt’s voice so he knew it wasn’t out of personal choice.  It was why he hesitate to go any further talking about Thompson or his King’s Island gig - Instead the first words out of his mouth are only about the test. “Haven’t you taken enough tests? - I mean when I came here I didn’t have it anywhere near as bad as you had it” he looks again at the stack of papers and corrects himself saying: “….still have it”

“That’s because you came here as a sophomore” The voice seemed to come out of nowhere.  Both boys look up to see that Wes was now standing at the table’s edge. Wes was still talking “Kurt came here as a junior, and everybody here knows that’s the year they get you: SATs, Subject Tests, AP Exams….” Kurt’s eyes had widened hearing what still remained. Wes switches to a more personal note with Kurt and asks “Did everything go ok with Dr. Thompson?”

“Yeah, he just wanted me to take some cognitive test” Kurt answered, deliberately stopping short of repeating the bit about Thompson also wanting him to seek counseling..

“Very well. You boys need to finish up here and get to class.” Wes starts to walk away before turning back. Oh, and don’t forget we have a double practice meeting today.”

“Through dinner?” Kurt asks with the kind tone in his voice that would let anybody know he wouldn’t liking the answer if it was to be yes.

Blaine was already jumping to Kurt’s defense. “He’s kidding!” Blaine exclaimed, placing a comradic arm around Kurt’s neck like they both in were in sync while he emphatically added: “We’ll be there!”

Wes raised an eyebrow but he was also a perceptive young man, he knew enough to guess what was behind Kurt’s objection. With a shrug he said. “We’ll order pizza like we always do when our practice cuts through dinner”

It was just enough to make Kurt reply with a simple relieved “Oh?”

“Now you two should really get to class. The Warblers have a reputation to up hold.”

“What kind of test did you say?” Blaine asks wondering if he would be someday be taking the same test.

“It’s called the CogAt - Apparently I was supposed to have already taken it. But I never did. That’s Public Schools for you - gotta love that attention to detail.”

“You’re smart,” Blaine insists like it’s known statement of fact.. “You’ll probably ace it”

“I’m not that smart”

“Yeah, you kind-of are,” Blaine reaffirms with a warm smile that could melt butter. “It’s one of the things I like best about you.”

Kurt manages a halfway smile. He knew there was no ‘there’ yet between them but he loved it when Blaine flirted – It made him believe that one day there could be.

“Well, you heard the man,” Blaine said, standing up.

“Where to?” Kurt asked, also getting up out of his seat and placing his paperwork in his satchel along with his apple and unopened bag of chips.

“I have Algebra” Blaine answered, promptly. “You?”

“World History - I actually think today might be the day I am finally caught up with the class.”

“You’ve been working on that hard enough.”

Kurt pursed his lips - He wasn’t sure if what Blaine said was meant to be a jab or not.

Blaine was already sheepishly offering a correction. “What I meant to say is I hope whatever it is getting you down - I hope it passes”

Kurt drew a hard breath trying to hide his feelings he managed to nod.

The boys left the dining hall not saying much else. They proceeded down two long corridors to the section of Dalton where the classrooms were. Kurt watched Blaine turn down the maths wing “I’ll see you after class,” Blaine said, with one last look back. He then proceeded turning the door knob to his math class and walking in.

As the door closed Kurt suddenly knew he was never going to make it to history… He went straight to the nearest bathroom to throw up the contents of his stomach which under the circumstances wasn’t a whole lot. When he finally had stopped he washed his face. He looked up from the sink, to the mirror mounted above it not at all liking the young man in the mirror staring back at him. Not even a little.

Maybe it was because he was in a restroom - maybe it was because he was dripping with perspiration…or maybe simply after two years it was bound to resurface but standing there looking at himself in the mirror Kurt’s memories came flooding back and covering his face he began to sob.

The pee filled balloons didn’t end with him being chased off the football field - No, That was where it began - It started back up again after the jocks followed him into the same bathroom.

[imagines-dreams]

Your Mentor(s) - Tom Holland Imagine

Rating: G

Warnings: not that much Tom, but it’s cute and fluffy

Summary: Stacy meets her biggest hero while interning at Stark Industries. /  It's a wrap on Gwyneth Paltrow, so it's your last day to give her a gift, to thank her for being an amazing Pepper Potts.

Word Count: 2201

Notes: So, it’s now a series, because even though I have a standardized test in four days, i still have ideas for this insane ideas

Part 1 

~ - ~

You stared at the calculations given to you. Your internship at Stark Industries was basically two things. Shadowing amazing scientists and their respective projects, and going over their calculations and conclusions to double-check simpler things before sending it to a team to be triple checked.

But… something wasn’t right. The data was inconsistent. Even accounting for the differences in the subjects before testing, the data was inconsistent. You spread them out on your desk and stared at all of them. You double-checked your calculations. You checked them again. By the sixth time, you came up with the same numbers. Something was off.

You brought the data set to the lab and stared at the displayed holograms. The new piece of biotech your team was working on was a vibranium-based mesh that would theoretically be used as a permanent mesh that’s used in surgeries.

There were a total of twelve possible designs, each a different thickness and a different denseness of mesh. Supposedly, with the incorrect data you held, the thinnest and most dense mesh would be best, but that didn’t make any sense. If vibranium mesh was too dense, the cells would take in vibranium and try to spread it out when too much is inside a person.

A too dense mesh should be absorbed by the cells around it and therefore disintegrate, becoming a temporary mesh when it should be permanent.

You gulped and checked the simulations. Something was off with the “successful” trial of mesh. You turned the hologram of the bunch of cells and the mesh. Mesh looked fine. Set to the thickness and denseness that was set in the paper.

The cells, though, were acting strange. You brought up the codes for the cells’ behavior. Structure of the cell, first. Movement of the cells, next. Last, how the cell reacts to outside stimuli. That took up most of the code. “Jocasta,” you said into the air, “bring up a notepad and write what I say, please.”

The friendly Stark Industries AI responded politely, “Of course, Ms. Stacy,” and followed your instructions.

You read each line of code and said what each line was for. Then, you found it. A mistake! “Jocasta, highlight line 351 and inform Dr. Singson that the vibe mesh trials have been incorrectly coded, resulting in uncharacteristic cellular behavior.” You stuck out your tongue and zoomed in on one of the trials. “Specifically, the cells don’t sense a difference in concentration of vibranium outside the cell and inside the cell.”

A few seconds later, Friday announced, “Dr. Singson is currently unavailable, but his associate Dr. Hansen is coming up to check on your calculations.”

“Dr. Hansen?” You haven’t met that doctor. You straightened out your outfit and prepared yourself for the introduction. After a few cycles of deep breathing, a man, you were guessing Dr. Hansen, barged into the lab. “Who are you?” he asked.

You smiled and held out your hand. “Good evening, my name’s Gwen Stacy, and I’m an intern here.” You pointed at the simulations. “I was-”

“Intern?”

You blinked a few times. “Yes, Stark Industries hires high school and college students to-”

“Right.” He stared at your notes. “You’re authorized to access these?”

“When needed,” you explained. “I’m the first person to check Dr. Singson’s calculations before sending them to-”

“Me.” Dr. Hansen shook his head. “I can’t believe Dr. Singson allows the intern to check his calculations,” he muttered.

Anger bubbled in your gut, but you pushed it as far down as you could. Dr. Hansen was Dr. Singson’s associate, and you couldn’t insult him. You weren’t going to lose your internship.

“What classes are you in, little girl?”

You inhaled through your teeth. “Currently a sophomore at Townsend, taking Advanced Calculus, AP Comp Sci, and AP Bio.”

“Hm.” The man sighed. “I don’t see anything wrong here.”

“Then, you’re not looking.” You cleared your throat and tried your best to keep your voice level. “The vibe trial with dense mesh doesn’t take into account that cells can sense vibe concentration inside and outside the cell. Cells would absorb the vibranium, and this should be a permanent mesh, not a temporary one.”

He raised his eyebrow at you. “How do you know about a cell’s reaction to vibranium?”

“Since I’ve interned here for one and a half years under Dr. Singson and took a specialized course on vibranium along with the rest of the team.” You smiled. “Also, I’ve sat in on a video conference with Wakanda’s head of research as she explained vibranium’s properties.”

“Excuse me?”

You sighed. “Dr. Singson,” you greeted.

The younger doctor smiled at you. “I see you’re discussing our conversation with Princess Shuri. Enlightening, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, its was. I can’t thank you enough for letting me sit in that day.”

“I guess my team and intern are now American experts in vibranium.” He walked to your side and looked over your notes. Without looking at Dr. Hansen, your boss said, “You can go now, Doctor. Stacy and I got it handled.”

You smiled at Dr. Hansen. His mouth was a tad open, and you were almost worried he would catch flies. Instead, you pointed at the door. “There’s your exit.”

You didn’t even watch him leave. After all, you had work to do it. After twenty minutes of correcting the code and running simulations, the door opened again. You almost groaned at the thought of seeing Dr. Hansen again. Thank whatever god there was that Dr. Singson said something first.

“Ms. Potts! What a pleasant surprise.”

You nearly choked on air. Ms. Potts? As in the Pepper Potts? The assistant turned CEO of Stark Industries? The woman who killed the terrorist Aldrith Killian? That Pepper Potts? You wiped off dust from your lab coat and tried your best to not look like you were screaming on the inside. When you turned around, you nearly squealed. It was her! It was Pepper Potts! Red haired, high heeled, power suit-wearing Pepper Potts!

“Dr. Singson, I just wanted to pop in and see what’s going on. Dr. Hansen was complaining about an intern?”

Just like that, your excitement died.

Dr. Singson shook his head. “Oh, it’s a misunderstanding. Stacy here, caught a mistake in my work, and Dr. Hansen incorrectly disagreed.” He motioned to you. “This young woman saved our trials.”

Ms. Potts smiled at you and held out her hand. “Pepper Potts. A pleasure to meet you.”

You nodded. “Yes, uh, trust me, the pleasure is all mine.” You shook her hand. “Gwen Stacy.”

“Of course. Daughter of the Captain, right?”

You gulped. “Yep.” That’s what you were known for. “That’s me.”

The CEO blinked a few times. “Actually, I believe I remember your application. Very impressive essay and proposal. And now you're exceeding expectations here with Dr. Singson.”

Astounded, the only thing that left your lips was a stuttered, “T-Thank, uh, yes, thank you, Ms. Potts. Thank you.”

“Did Dr. Hansen bother you?”

You shrugged. “Not too much, you know? Just standard, uh, confusing with my status and, well how would you say-”

“Sexism?”

You inhaled through your teeth. “Possibly,” you added. "Why?"

She tapped a few things on her Stark-issued pad. "We've had a few minor complaints, but not to worry. I’ll sit down and talk with him personally. Should at least be able to make him take a few seminars before coming back to work. And don’t worry about him. I’ll make sure he doesn’t bother you again, ok?”

You nodded. “Ok!”

“Great.” She smiled. “You know, we could use more people like you here. If you ever have any trouble, don’t hesitate to ask me.” She nodded at your mentor. “Dr. Singson.”

“Always a pleasure, Ms. Potts.”

And just like that, she was out of sight, and you were practically vibrating with excitement. You met Pepper Potts! And she liked you! And she complimented you! And she sided with you! “Impressive,” she had said. Impressive! Not only that, but she wanted more people like you at Stark! You couldn’t wait to tell your parents.

“That’s a wrap on Gwyneth!” A round of applause came up from the entire cast and crew. “Thank you, everyone! Let’s move on.”

You were whisked off stage to wardrobe where you changed back into your clothes. Your next set of takes should be after at least two hours, so you could comfortably lie in your trailer. As you planned out your relaxation, you caught Gweneth Paltrow and her team.

You couldn’t help but smile.

Jacob told you that Gwyneth had memory problems. It wasn’t that noticeable until she forgets a name or is under the spotlight. Because of that, you made sure to always work your name into the beginning of the conversation, just in case.

She has been so nice to you. You couldn’t ask for a better actress or person to act as your mentor, and if you could make her life just a little easier, it was almost like thanking her for recommending you and being such a great actress to work with.

Speaking of! You almost forgot the present you got her! “Sorry, excuse me,” you rushed to grab your things and get to your trailer. You grabbed the bouquet of origami flowers and card and found Ms. Paltrow in record time. “Gwyneth, excuse me.”

Her team dispersed to let you through, and the woman smiled at you. “Hello,” she said softly with a kind smile.

“Just a gift from me.” After she took your presents with a soft gasp, you curtsied with a giggle, “Your humble co-worker, (Y/n) (Y/l/n).” You shrugged. “I hope it’s an ok gift. I wasn’t sure-”

“They’re lovely,(Y/n).” She gently plucked one of the paper flowers and tilted her head. “Who did you buy this from?”

“Oh, I made it,” you said. “Tried something new.”

“Recyclable,” she commented.

You nodded. “And they will never wilt.”

She laughed, and you could swear your heart swelled, and you were floating on air. Robert was right. Having Gwyneth Paltrow on set was distracting. She was too entrancing. Not just because of her beauty, even though yes, that, too, but because she has this neverending optimism and air of grace about her. When you grow up, you wanted to be like her.

“It’s very sweet gift.” She handed it to someone on her team. “Can you put this in my trailer, please?”

“Of course, Ms. Paltrow.”

“Thank you.” She sighed. “Mind if I give you a hug?”

“Not at all!”

And so, she took you into her arms, and all the soreness and little annoyances of the day slipped away, and you relaxed into her embrace. Yes, there was no better woman to be your mentor. You were so lucky.

Tom and you were in your trailer, watching Gwyneth’s interview with Jimmy Kimmel for one of her non-Marvel movies. You couldn’t stop smiling, because god, you really knew that woman. You knew someone on tv who was being interviewed by a famous late night show host.

Tom laughed. “Close your mouth, darling. Catching flies and all.”

“Sorry.” You shook your head. “Still surreal.”

“Yeah.” He handed you the popcorn bowl.

You gladly took a handful before handing it back to him.

“So, I heard you have been receiving presents on set?”

“Yes, I do! I’m proud to say that most sets I step foot on, that we act like a family.”

“Yeah, we’ve heard that the newest member of the MCU-”

“(Y/n).”

“Yes, her!”

You choked on your popcorn. “What?!”

“Yeah, we’ve heard you’ve taken her under your wing. Is that correct?”

“Yes, or I’m trying to.” Gwyneth laughed. “Whenever I can, she’s just a really talented actress. I can see her going far in this business.”

“Oh my god,” you mumbled. “This is how I die. From compliments.”

Your friend laughed. “Shut up! I’m trying to listen to our mom.”

“My mom!” you argued. “Now, sh!”

“So, she gave you a present?”

“Yes, she did. And I kept it. Or part of it, anyway.”

“Yeah, you actually sent us a picture.” Jimmy Kimmel took out a picture of one of your paper roses and the envelope with the card on a windowsill. “She bought you some paper roses.”

“She made them!”

“She made them?”

“Yes, can you imagine? She’s so sweet. I keep it as a little reminder for myself.”

“Of what?”

Gwyneth smiled. “Of the family I have on set, and the admiration I have for our next generation.” She leaned in close and stage-whispered, “She’s one of the best.”

“That’s it! I’m dead!” You fell right onto the cushions, feeling like everything was turned to jelly, because oh my god, Gwyneth Paltrow, the Gwyneth Paltrow, complimented you and called you one of the best, part of her on set family!

“Still not used to it?” Tom asked sarcastically.

Heat crawled up your neck and into your cheeks. You covered your eyes with your arms. “Shut up, you movie star!” You threw a pillow at him. It was satisfying.

Then, you went right back to your soft cushions and muttered, “Gwyneth Paltrow knows me. And likes me.” You brought a pillow to your face and screamed into it.

[thistransient]

state of the union

In the end I’ve decided to go back to Perth to fly to Hong Kong for Chinese New Year. That’s when my partner will have school holiday (he won’t have the time or energy to go with me to Taiwan afterwards) and I won’t have time to take a leisurely drive to Melbourne if I want to make it (I can just fly to Melbourne for a short vacation later). I’ve found a reasonable flight a few days after I’d finish my 3 months here, but I’m waffling on buying it now because that also means I’m committing to completing that three months and not doing a midnight run after payday (not something I’m seriously planning on, but having that option keeps my soul alive when the rest of me is succumbing to heat exhaustion, you know?). In that unlikely scenario I could just roam around for a month. Or sell my car and get the paperwork in order to just get a job in Southeast Asia and never come back. Or file a claim for worker’s comp because I’m developing carpal tunnel in my right hand. Or just buy a new flight and go live in the mountains of Taiwan like that Japanese guy who overstayed his visa by 36 years (before finally getting deported, even though he’d forgotten where in Japan he was actually from). 

I’ve more or less decided to try to move back to China next fall. Optimally I’d like to get a job teaching university (given that the requirements are not terribly stringent in some areas, possibly because the salary is low compared to private kindergartens). The other day I was talking to a coworker and without thinking, surprised myself a little by confessing aloud that I knew in my heart that (as things stand right now) I don’t actually want to go to grad school. The point of going to grad school would be to be able to teach at university in countries with higher standards than China, but perhaps I ought to find out first if I actually enjoy that kind of job before committing to at least a year of studying (and a lot of paperwork).  Of course, it’s not that I’m averse to studying per se -  I would love to spend a year just studying Mandarin (and Taiwanese, if I moved to Kaohsiung), but at this point I feel I need to start being practical about getting a qualification that leads to sustainable employment not involving nerve damage in my hands or back, extended exposure to toxic chemicals, stinging insects, or...yeah, that’s a good start for criteria. A few years ago I had planned to look for a uni job in Mexico (where the standards are similar but the salary even lower), which just turned into a 4 month trip through Central America. I’m hoping my affinity for Chinese will make me a little more likely to follow through this time. 

And, shockingly, I’m still diligently studying Mandarin. “Studying” generally means going through TOCFL and HSK wordlists on Memrise, occasionally going over my textbook, and reading webcomics. I try to do 25 words/day from each wordlist, and I made it to the HSK 6 list last week. I don’t bother trying to commit everything firmly to memory, the goal is more to familiarize myself with new characters, reinforce things I’ve already read/heard, plus learn the spelling of words I know how to say but not write, and vice versa (I don’t know how I went so long without knowing the 肌 in 肌肉 was not actually 雞). Unfortunately I’m going through everything in traditional characters, so I’ll have to relearn it all in simplified if I ever want to actually take the exam, but I’ll burn that bridge when I come to it.