#i think education about the risks of soft dailies needs to be stepped WAY up though

[it-may-be-dull-but-im-determined]

As it's also totally valid if you do happen to prefer contact lenses though, you don't have to actually buy those via your optician either - once you have your prescription and have trialled a lens brand you know works for you, there are plenty of much cheaper generics out there that you can brand match online (I use Everclears via VisionDirect in the UK) and then double checked they were safe with my optician next time I had an appt.

can we talk about how literally 64% of people wear glasses, and yet we NEVER see them in movies/tv unless it's on some nerdy or uncool character? why do we adhere to such a weird beauty standard that subconsciously makes us feel bad for,, not being able to see???

[youngwings-writes]

Infinitely Ordinary

Lee Felix x OC

Summary: "𝕀 𝕣𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕞𝕓𝕖𝕣 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕀 𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕖𝕕 𝕙𝕠𝕨 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕝𝕠𝕨 𝕕𝕠𝕨𝕟"

Busy. Busy worrying, working, just trying to survive. That was the daily life of Jordan Johnson. The world never seemed to slow down; not for her...not for anyone. Finally deciding to take matters into her own hands and get some much needed R&R, she jets off on a trip to South Korea. While there, she unexpectedly meets her soulmate. Will they be able to find happiness together, or will his status get in the way?

Genre: Fluff

Length: 1026

Chapter 2: Ready to Go

Here we go kiddos, chapter 2! It's time for my writing to inevitably go downhill and all plot get lost! Woo hoo! 

ALSO, there is a slight trigger warning for this chapter! There are brief mentions of anxiety and anxiety attacks, so if you are sensitive, PLEASE READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. take care of yourself bb!!

Growing up, pretty much all of my long distance travel was done via car. We would occasionally drive to Utah in the summer to visit distant relatives or family friends. Once I got older, those trips stopped and we began driving to Oregon to visit my grandparents in the summer. While getting away from the heat was nice, the 20+ hours of driving was not. Thank god we split the trip up.

If only that was the case with my flight to Seoul.

I had not been given the luxury of stopping between my hometown and Seoul. I was up in the air for almost an entire day with no layover.

And here I was thinking that the three and a half hour plane ride I took to New York when I was 15 was long. This flight truly put it to shame.

I don't think I've ever been so thankful to be in an airport.

Landing at the Incheon Airport was like a breath of fresh air. Not only was it incredible to finally have my feet on solid ground again, but getting to see hints of Korean culture in the airport was exciting; and this was only miniscule in comparison to the amount of culture I had yet to experience on the remainder of my trip.

Lucky for me, finding my bags and making my way out of the airport went smoothly. Honestly, getting a taxi to my hotel was more difficult than claiming my bags and showing my passport to security. 

Sitting in the backseat of the taxi, I watched the world go by. Everything felt so surreal. I had always wanted to travel the world and see new cultures, and now it was finally happening. 

And I did it all by myself.

I busted my ass working to get here. I saved every cent given to me from birthdays, graduation, you name it. On top of saving whatever money was gifted to me, I worked several jobs. I would pick up shifts whenever I could, work multiple jobs at a time, and so much more. I cut back on so much just to have this happen.

While completing both my general education and secondary education were some of my proudest moments, taking this trip is definitely up there with them.

The anxiety I had felt back home about the things going on in my life were washing away as I watched the city of Seoul fly by. Instead, my stomach was filled with a new anxiety. This wasn't the one I was used to; instead of gasping for breath, sobbing for seemingly no reason, and shaking uncontrollably, this anxiety was almost...pleasant.

Yes, my hands were shaking, but I could breathe easy. My eyes were dry and full of wonder. My stomach was filled with butterflies and fire crackers. Really, the tremors in my hands were just me itching to explore. I knew my body was tired from the journey, but I had never felt more awake. 

I used to think the most alive I would feel in my life would come from performing in high school marching band. But this...

This was so much better.

Soon enough, the taxi pulled up in front of the hotel I would be calling home for the next two weeks. The driver got out and helped me with my bags even though it definitely wasn't necessary. Thanking him profusely, I paid him for his services and added a small tip (oh Americans and our tip culture).

I looked up at the large building and took a deep breath. With a smile on my face and a pep in my step, I wheeled my luggage into the lobby of the hotel and waited to check in.

Checking into my room wasn't really any different from back in the states. I guess the only big difference was me stumbling over my words more than usual. The whole speaking another language thing always got to me when I spoke to native speakers, and this time was no different.

 Despite me making a slight fool of myself in the lobby, the lady at the front counter was very patient and very kind. She made the process much less nerve wracking than I thought it would be.

Keycard in hand, I made my way into the elevator and pushed the button for the third floor. The doors soon opened and I began the hunt for my temporary home. Number flew by until my eyes landed on the number I was looking for, 325. Putting the keycard up to the sensor, a soft beep and click were emitted as the door unlocked.

Too lazy and distracted to do much I else, I pushed my bags in the corner of the room and threw myself onto the cushy bed. While I was undoubtedly still buzzing with excitement, my body was aching for me to slow down for a minute.

I flipped over, now on my back staring at the white ceiling. There was no noise in the room except the soft sound of the air conditioning and distant sound of traffic. I could hear my steady breath and heartbeat in my ears.

My mind was flying at a million miles an hour.

I did it.

I'm here.

And boy, am I ready to go!

A/N: I know these first few chapters aren't super exhilerating or lengthy, but I promise things will start picking up soon. After all, you gotta get to your destination before the story can begin ;) n e ways, Felix and the gang will probably show in either the next chapter or the chapter after that, so keep your eyes peeled!! I hope everyone is doing well right now. Stay happy and healthy! I'll see you all in the next chapter :) ~youngwings-writes

<previous  |  next>

[hellenicpoliticiansuggestions]

The Best Holiday Presents For Dogs To Consume!

We've invested the last couple months screening and also curating the most effective vacation gifts for dogs (and their people)-- as well as today's suggestions are all gifts for your dog to EAT! If I had to think, I think today's most likely our dogs' preferred day of the present guide!

When it concerns screening edibles, I don't rely upon the dogs. They do not have one of the most discerning palates. My initial step is to examine ingredients to see if it's something I really feel comfy giving them. Now, I'm not a person who's "all health and wellness, at all times." I such as to balance a little of junk food once in a while. These winners, however, all ranking really highly for being nutritious-- and I included our favorite supplements to balance out a lot of Christmas cookies. I had a bumpy ride narrowing it down, so right here are our preferred seven best vacation gifts for dogs that they can EAT!

DGP

Let's kick this off with our supplement fave. I've covered this before, as well as if you have a dog with joint problems or you just want preventative care, this is the one for you. DGP is everything about sustaining flexibility and flexibility, and also if your dog is already on a glucosamine-type supplement, it can be added to provide extra assistance. Lucas has bad hips, and also he's starting to obtain a bit older-- though he appears not aware of that fact-- and likes to dip into doggy day care one day a week. It was taking its toll on his joints, however with the DGP, he now appears to be rather strong. I'm SUPER delighted with this supplement, and my huge young boy is mosting likely to stay on it for sure!

Indigo Triple Chews

Oral wellness is critical, yet we aren't excellent regarding cleaning these people' teeth. We look for dental products that keep their teeth clean as well as their mouths healthy and balanced. The Indigo Triple Chews are by FAR our faves. They're digestible and grain-free. They integrate benefits by consisting of anti-oxidants as well as probiotics with the dental care. But why we enjoy them: They actually are lasting. We've attempted every sort of oral eat, and they complete them SO quickly. As well fast for exactly how costly they are. These seriously last longer than any other we tried. I desired a statistics, so I provided one to Lucas before I took a seat to compose today. It took him from 3:24 till 3:51. In my residence, that's a Christmas wonder.

Fruitables Holiday Edition: Vanilla Snowflake Flavor

So, these treats have by FAR the most effective story to them. They are made with actual snows! Seriously! You can see a video clip of them collecting the snow. These are little, crunchy treats that are made with 300 snowflakes in every bag. Just how amusing and also adorable is that?! The ingredients are rather allergy-friendly, too. The treats do not contain any wheat, corn, soy, man-made shades, or chemicals. While the young boys do not care way too much about those variables, they did swallow them up! I definitely like the tale as well as believe these would certainly make a very wonderful equipping stuffer for any kind of lucky puppy!

Zuke's.

Complete disclosure: If you have a dog who is as food sensitive as Cooper is, Zuke's have not been the most effective deals with for him. For some reason, they really worsen his sensitive stomach. The huge boys, on the other hand, couldn't. get. enough. We love Zuke's for training because they have a solid odor and also are quickly gotten into little bits. These jerky ones, however, have a lamb that we're trying with Coop, and so much, so good! The other tastes are wonderful for the other dogs. There are a couple various beef options and turkey, too. These jerky deals with-- made from absolutely risk-free meat sourced in the US and also New Zealand, rather than China-- include actual meat, carrots, blueberries, apples, and also antioxidant-rich herbs. We break them right into little items to use when we're working with the dogs outside due to the fact that the strong odor keeps them involved. These are treats we NEVER want to lack!

Train-Me Treats.

We do a great deal of training around right here, and also we use deals with for nearly everything from normal walks around the block to educating new techniques to servicing whatever Cooper's new fear-of-the-moment is. To maintain them interested, we need to blend the benefits. These training deals with from Crazy Dog were new to me, and they've been functioning so well. They're soft-- so much far better than crunchy when training-- and all list meat as the first component. They can be found in bacon, chicken, as well as beef tastes as well as either 4-ounce or 6-ounce bags.

Animal Naturals of Vermont supplements.

Several years back, we drove from DC to Indiana. Then, later, from Indiana to Louisiana. After that, once again later on, from Louisiana to Indiana. Sigh. All those miles with the dogs is pretty demanding, so we had been acquiring Pet Naturals of Vermont soothing treats. They have a HUGE variety of supplements past the prominent relaxing deals with, though, and we've been using the Daily Best for Emmett (although, I think possibly he requires the elderly formula) and the Skin + Coat. They're well-formulated and also absolutely have a great flavor-- the young boys gobble them up. Benefit for anyone with an allergy-prone dog: The Skin + Coat version is seasoned with duck, making it extra commonly endured!

PetSafe 2-Meal Automatic Pet Feeder.

If you stay in a multi-pet household, this may not be the Christmas gift for you (unless you have a feline who has different accessibility from your dog or something). My herd demands being fed at a particular time. Every. Solitary. Day. Morning meal goes to 7. Supper is at 5. I know not every person has pet dogs so diligent about their feeding times, but these guys urge. For a while, Coop was additionally consuming lunch. And also, really, Newt gets a problem toy mid-day. Anyway, this item would certainly be a dream if you had to do a mid-day feeding or if you had a late conference or supper plans and also wanted to feed your family pet in a timely manner. For a dog like Emmett-- who takes, roughly, 15 tablets a day some of which need to be timed with meals-- this would be a lifesaver if you needed to leave early/come home late. All you do is fill up the feeder, established a timer, and also TA DA! Your animal is fed the correct amount at the right time, even if you have to head out or are running late! $34.95 for the 2-Meal (1.5 cups per side) version (HINT: The 5 cup version is coming later on in the week!).

Barker Kitsen treat assortment-- No longer readily available.

You individuals, I'm in love. Can you be in love with a pet seller? I sure am! This online shop is devoted to "under-the-radar items," which indicates you're mosting likely to uncover something NEW in their shop. I seriously enjoyed poking around, and also I check out pet dog products all-the-live-long day! From their objective: "The business's mission is to assist quality-minded pet dog owners make remarkable product choices to maintain their pet dogs healthy and also happy, while giving arising as well as unidentified brands nationwide direct exposure as a distribution source for their items." As I said, I'm in love! They sent us a number of treats to attempt: Raw Bistro free-range bison liver and flaxseed treats, organic pleasant potato treats from 2 Dogs Treats, Bixbi's Skin as well as Coat poultry breast jerky, and Scrappy Moo treats. Not one of those deals with was a flop. We enjoyed them ALL. (Cooper can also consume the bison! Yippee!) And the product packaging is incredibly charming. Combined with the great goal, I'm head over heels!

[chocoluckchipz]

A simple woman

                                                                                                     Read it on A03

Caline Bustier had always considered herself a good teacher. She loved her job, her students and prided herself in being not only an excellent educator but also somewhat of a personal, “older” friend to the kids entering her classroom daily. Nino and Kim, Max, Nathaniel and Ivan, Rose, Juleka, Mylene and Alix, Marinette, Chloe and Sabrina – Mme. Bustier knew almost everything there was to know about these kids. Even the new students Alya and Adrien. There were little mysteries between them. Her students trusted her and let their guards down easily, letting their true personalities and potential shine through. Their strengths and their weaknesses, their likes and what made them tick, even their romantic interests and most daring dreams. Caline Bustier knew them all. Or so she thought so until about five seconds ago. How, the teacher was wondering as she stared into the worried eyes of a nervously smiling blond teen in front of her desk. How in the world had she missed that one of her favorite students, a kind and smart boy named Adrien Agreste, was not only the Paris’ most sought after supermodel but also the famous superhero Chat Noir?

“I know this looks…” Adrien mumbled. “Well, you see…” he tried to find words. “I might be able to explain…” the boy raised his eyes at the teacher and sighed. “Is there any chance you didn’t see that?”

“Two weeks ago my optometrist told me that my vision is at its optimal level, Adrien,” the teacher replied after a short pause.

“So, you saw that…” he looked to the side. “That…”

“I saw Chat Noir jumping through that window into this classroom and then becoming you a few seconds later,” Mme. Bustier filled in the words Adrien was struggling to say out loud. “I don’t think I need an explanation for that.”

“Please, don’t tell my father,” the boy whispered, his eyes and voice full of pleading.

Her first reaction was to raise her brows in a surprise because believing that Gabriel Agreste with all of his overprotectiveness and safety measures didn’t know his son was regularly risking his life to keep Paris safe was a little hard. Yet, just mere seconds later, remembering the fashion mogul’s constant ignorance and negligence of Adrien on the personal level even she noticed, it was easily understandable.

“ Your father doesn’t know?” Mme. Bustier decided to confirm.

“No,” Adrien responded quickly his eyes widening in panic. “Please, don’t tell him, Mme. Bustier. Nobody knows. It's dangerous for anyone to know but my father is the last person I’d want to find out. If he’d knew—“ the boy frowned and looked away, “—he’d take my Miraculous away and lock me up again. I’d lose all my friends, my freedom, everything I fought so hard to get.”

The blond shifted on his feet before raising his eyes pleadingly to a woman who earned his trust and a soft spot in his heart in the short time he knew her.

“Please, Mme. Bustier, don’t tell anyone. Especially my father.”

Mme. Bustier sighed and closed her eyes for just a moment, letting the silence encased them. Ever since Adrien stepped over the threshold of her classroom she cared for him deeply. She knew he wasn’t happy at home. She knew he struggled to fit in and made friends, find those who would accept him for him, not for his fame and money. Since day one Adrien had overcome and achieved so much through his hard work. How could she take that away from him? How could she strip him of a chance to celebrate his victories and enjoy what he earned?

Caline looked back at Adrien. Really looked. If it were up to her, she’d make sure this boy never had to risk his life ever again. If it was her choice, she’d given him a happy family and loving parents. She’d made sure he’d never again lacked in friends and fun times. She’d made sure he was happy. Unfortunately, it wasn’t up to her. Sadly, she couldn’t give him half of the things she’d like to. In reality, there was only so much Caline Bustier could do. But there was still something.

“Does it make you happy?” she asked quietly.

“More than anything,” Adrien whispered back.

“Promise me, you’ll do anything to be safe.”

“I’ll try my best,” he didn’t lie.

“Then,” the woman smiled. “Your secret is safe with me, Adrien.”

This. This was something she could give him. A bit of happiness and freedom. A chance to keep what he fought so hard to obtain. A chance to be Chat Noir.

“Thank you very much, Mme. Bustier!” Adrien’s face lit up with a smile.

For the few next moments both, the young teacher and her relieved student continued to stand in places silently thinking about what had just happened. About Mme. Bustier letting her class go home early due to an akuma attack in a close proximity. About her never leaving the premises herself, hiding safely in the school with a couple of other teachers, including that handsome gym instructor who was finally starting to pay her much deserved attention. About the teacher coming back to her classroom once everything was taken care of by the superhero duo. About Adrien hopping into that same room to detransform because he was out of the time and this was the only open window around. Her plan was simple – go to the room, swap her forgotten purse and the stack of books that she had to return to the library and depart home. His was even simpler – hide in the empty classroom, change back into Adrien and go home. Neither anticipated the other to be at the same place at the same time. Neither expected to see the light shine on Chat Noir’s civilian identity.

“That’s it!” an arrogant voice suddenly split the silence as a small catlike creature floated to Mme. Bustier's eye level. "How long are you going to stall, Lady? Don’t you want to know how does this ‘Chat Noir’ thing work? Don’t you want to know about me?”

The black blur frowned and pouted, piercing the woman with his glowing green eyes.

“What kind of a teacher are you if you are not curious at all?” he scoffed.

“Plagg!” Adrien hissed and unsuccessfully tried to grab his kwami.

"No, wait, Adrien," Plagg said lifting one paw up to stop the boy. “I am the ancient demigod of destruction and I deserve some respect here. The leastshe could do is to ask who gives you the power to be Chat Noir.”

“Plagg–“ Adrien tried to shush him again but was interrupted by a low giggle.

“Oh, I am sorry,” Mme. Bustier chuckled. “I sincerely apologize for my delayed interest in the supernatural… uh…”

"Plagg," the kwami boasted. "Thousand-years-old demigod of destruction and chaos, the almighty enabler of Chat Noir's powers and simply the most handsome kwami around is pleased to meet such a lovely lady,” Plagg bowed in midair. “Now,” he turned back to Adrien, suddenly completely ignoring the teacher. “I am starving! Where is my Camembert, Adrien?”

“Please, forgive him,” the blond shyly apologized, fishing out a piece of the smelliest cheese Mme. Bustier had known about. "Plagg is not the best-mannered kwami around."

"He's adorable," Caline smiled back and stood up on her feet, not even realized how she ended up leaning on her desk. These sudden discoveries sure proved to be too much for her to still be standing. A trip home and a quiet evening was badly needed right now to think this all over. "Alright," Mme. Bustier sighed. "I'd love to chat more but I'm sure you have places to be and I need to get these—" she pointed to a stack of about ten thick books, "—to the library before it closes in a little less than five minutes.”

“I’ll help you carry them, Mme. Bustier,” Adrien hurried to pick up the heavy load. “I am not in a hurry.”

“Thank you, Adrien,” the teacher smiled. “It’s very nice of you.”

“You know,” she added as they headed down the hallway. “This actually explains a lot.”

"It does?" Adrien cocked his head to a side. He really hoped she wasn't hinting that his acting a little silly here and there, which he tend to do more frequently recently, feeling more and more at ease with his friends, was a sure way to out himself to everyone else. His Chat Noir couldn’t be showing that much, he thought a bit worried. "What does it explain, Mme. Bustier?"

“Your frequent absences and late appearances. Your long bathroom breaks and too frequent to be true photoshoots,” Mme. Bustier replied. “I was, actually, about to contact your father’s secretary about this issue. However,” she quickly added, noticing the terrified look on Adrien's face. "In light of this new information, I think I might reconsider doing that. Just try to keep those to a necessary minimum.”

“I’ll try my best, Mme. Bustier,” Adrien tried to reassure her. “And I’ll study extra hard to make up for missed lessons.”

“I’m sure you will,” Caline replied. “You’ve always been a good student, Adrien. That’s why I never contacted Mme. Sancoeur before, even though you have almost as many absences and late comings as Mlle. Dupain-Cheng.”

“Marinette?” Adrien frowned in surprise. “Is she often absent too? I haven’t noticed that.”

“Well, you might have—“ Mme. Bustier opened the door to the library, “—if you were in school yourself. Now, that I think about it—” she added while looking around in a search of a librarian, “—most of the days you two are absent at about the same time.”

“At the same time?” Adrien murmured with a completely baffled expression. He furrowed his brows in concentration, his eyes fixed on the same spot as the pieces had started to come together. He had his suspicions for quite some time because, despite even his level of obliviousness, the strikingly similar looks and the same fierce character of one of his best friends just couldn't escape Adrien's attention after a year in the same class, kindling an unreasonably strong desire in him for Marinette to be Ladybug. Sometimes, he was afraid, he had even caught himself looking for the evidence but everything he had, thought, was too vague and uncertain to act upon. This, however, might have been the last puzzle piece he needed to at least entertain the idea.

"Marinette?" he whispered to no one in particular, a small smile starting to tug at his lips.

“Aha,” Mme. Bustier hummed absentmindedly, still scanning the room for the librarian. He was nowhere to be seen. Only a couple of voices sounded somewhere deeper in the room, probably even on the second level. Adrien put the books on the table and listened closely. One of the voices was familiar somehow but the other sounded too young and childish to even be in the school at all. There was some peculiarity in this voice that Adrien couldn't pinpoint but it bugged him. A lot. He really hoped it wasn’t another akuma.

“I should probably go check on the second level,” he suggested quickly as his feet were already carrying him away.

Mme. Bustier nodded but the blond was already gone, silently looking for the source of the only sound in the room. A few moments later, coming up the stairs and carefully sneaking to the very end of the room, behind one of the bookshelves, right next to the only open window in the room, he finally spotted the speakers… or the speaker, to exact, and something else that was talking. Bathed in the sunlight coming from the window there stood Marinette holding her purse and talking to something red with black spots, which remotely reminded him of Plagg.

“No need to apologize, Tikki,” Marinette whispered. “It’s not your fault we couldn’t reach home in time.”

“But, Marinette…” the creature wanted to say something, then froze, noticing a pair of curious, green eyes not far behind the girl. Panicking, she quickly looked at Marinette letting her know that something was wrong. Really wrong.

“Meow.”

Over the course of the last year Adrien Agreste had witnessed a lot of fascinating, silly and even strange things from Marinette Dupain-Cheng. She was a great leader and an amazing speaker but she also could stutter out of the blue and had a habit of stumbling all the time on thin air. She was fearless against Chloe but went crimson in a flash if he would lean close and whisper something into her ear and nobody yet was able to count a number of facial expressions on her cute little face. Marinette Dupain-Cheng was an enigma to Adrien, a mystery waiting to be solved, a puzzle worth putting together, especially in the light of what he had just learned from Mme. Bustier. Adrien couldn’t help but grin. Today he could add one more item to his list of things he knew about Marinette - his friend’s face could lose all color as fast as it takes her to turn around and meet his eyes.

“A- Adri- rien,” she stuttered. "H-hhi- Ummm- This- This is my c-c at?”

“A cat?” Adrien echoed in amusement arching a brow. He felt like he's just won the ultimate lottery because "Marinette Dupain-Cheng – Ladybug confirmed" was just written down at the top of his list. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“It’s- it’s a very r- rare kind,” Marinette continued. “Ancient Ch- Chinese pedigree. Very un- uncommon and un- unique.”

“Really?” Adrien was suddenly a lot closer than before. Marinette tensed up, being unable to do anything but stare in a mix of panic and awe at the object of her affection. In the next moment, she could feel his breath way too close to her face to still be comfortable in her own skin. The color rushed back onto Marinette's flaming cheeks when Adrien leaned even closer and didn't look away as well, piercing her soul with his gaze.

“Can I see it?” he asked innocently, barely hiding a sly, little grin on his lips and tiny flickers of fire dancing inside those green eyes.

“Yes! No!” Marinette yelped. She bit her lower lip and looked at Tikki who was nervously fidgeting herself. "Just don't touch her. She is a delicate creature," she added, lifting her purse a little higher.

“That’s a really strange cat indeed,” Adrien concluded after inspecting Tikki. "Red with black spots," he murmured, looking Marinette straight into eyes. "I bet that's the only one of its kind in Paris, no?”

“I think so,” Marinette whispered a thick blush stubbornly covering more and more of her face the closer Adrien was getting. "I- I've never seen another one before."

“What do you feed it?” he asked poking Tikki gently with his finger despite Marinette’s objections. “Camembert?”

“Ewww,” Marinette frowned and stuck her tongue out in disgust. “What kind of people would feed their cat that horrible, stinky goo? Tikki eats only cookies,” she finished proudly, lovingly glancing at her kwami. To her surprise, Tikki closed her eyes and face palmed.

“Ahahaha,” Adrien laughed before Marinette could realize her slip. “I think, the same kind of people who let her hairless, earless, talking kitty eat cookies, Princess,” Adrien grinned. The girl’s eyes went instantly wide. The degree of familiar smugness on his face dumbfounded Marinette even more. Speechless, she just stared back at Adrien for the full twenty seconds before opening her mouth only to be interrupted by intruding voice.

“Oh, there you are, Adrien.” Mme. Bustier appeared suddenly in front of them but paused when seeing the blushing girl. “Marinette? You are still in school at this hour?”

“I was about to leave, Mme. Bustier,” the girl mumbled. “Just getting this book for my next project.”

She grabbed the first book on the shelf and excusing herself quickly disappeared from view. Adrien only shrugged his shoulders in response to his teacher’s curious gaze and looked at the bookshelf.

“I think, I'll go too," he quickly said and headed down. The sooner he would lead Mme. Bustier away from that place the fewer chances she would have to notice that Marinette picked up a book from a shelf titled "Torture methods during Middle Ages". Somehow, the knowledge that his Lady had a book on the subject in her hands right now made him feel slightly uneasy. Another point to add to his list – might be educated in causing physical pain. Do not make her angry. Be a good kitty.

Later that day, settling in for the night, Adrien was glad in a way that it wasn’t his turn for a patrol. He wasn’t sure that Marinette understood his hints but if she did, she looked like she needed some time to take it in. He had to admit he was hoping a little that she would be happy and would come to talk to him because some things would need to be dealt with and their relationship boundaries in both worlds would need to be established and better it happened sooner rather than later but she didn’t and that made Adrien fear that his partner was currently researching the best methods of torture to use on him later. Oh well, he sighed. Whatever would happen, he’d find out sooner or later.

Despite his worries and uncertainties, Adrien drifted to sleep with a lovesick grin on his face. He found her. He wasn’t looking for Ladybug, respecting her wishes for privacy, but he found Marinette, nevertheless, by a lucky accident. The fate, he thought, also thinks that we are made for each other.

*     *     *

Adrien was confused. The next day Marinette didn’t pay him any extra attention. And the day after that. And the one that followed as well. She continued to greet him shyly as she always did. She stammered a little and tripped a few times… that was about it. Nothing more. Nothing unusual. No special treatment. Zero attention. By the lunchtime of the third day, the boy was starting to get agitated. He did call her “Princess”, didn’t he? She heard him, right? He did hint about the food his kwami ate, right? Heck, he behaved as Chat Noir as much as possible these days, throwing puns and jokes everywhere to the point where even Nino had to raise a brow or two. What was happening? Why hadn’t Marinette reacted yet? Why hadn’t she confronted him yet? By this point, Adrien would even agree to a torture or two because this total silence and complete ignorance were way worse than anything they could have invented in Middle Ages.

“So as you can see—“ the voice of Mme. Bustier floated somewhere in the background of Adrien’s sub conscience. He glimpsed behind again. Marinette was busy putting down notes. He turned back to his own mostly empty page, sighed and started to write.

At least, Mme. Bustier had kept her word. She didn’t contact his father and hadn’t mentioned anything to him in school to avoid an accidental reveal to even more people. She did, however, discreetly asked if there was anything she could help him with to what he politely replied that letting him out of the classroom when an akuma attacks would be greatly appreciated. He was also glad she didn’t ask about Ladybug’s identity, even though, even Adrien could see the curiosity in Mme. Bustier’s eyes. It wasn’t his secret to tell and his respect for the teacher greatly soared when the question was never asked.

Suddenly a loud ringtone along with a few other buzzes split the ongoing instructions. Mme. Bustier and a couple of students quickly took out their cellphones.

“An akuma attack at the Louvre,” Adrien heard Alya whispering to Marinette. “It looks like Hawkmoth doesn’t like to waste time. Wasn’t there an attack just a few days ago?”

“Adrien,” Mme. Bustier cleared her throat. “ I have a special assignment for you.”

“Sure,” the blond stood up ignoring a few surprised whispers behind. Mme. Bustier had never asked anyone to do an assignment during the class time before. All assignments were expected to be done in their spare time. The young teacher took a sheet of paper and wrote something on it.

“Can you go into the city and bring me this?” she handed him the sheet. Adrien glanced down at it and smiled. "Be safe," it said. "Of course, Mme. Bustier."

“But there is an ongoing akuma attack!” Chloe shrieked. “You can’t send Adrinkins out to his doom, Mme. Bustier! I’ll call my daddy!”

“Hmm,” the blond’s face appeared concerned just for a moment as he packedut his bag. The thoughts ran quickly through his mind. If Marinette hadn't gotten his message by this time, this was a chance to tell her straightforward because handling even one more day of this, whatever she was doing, was beyond his abilities. "I think Chloe's right, Mme. Bustier," he added with an unexpected grin. “I hope you wouldn’t mind then if I take my lucky charm with me? For protection?”

“Your lucky charm?” Mme. Bustier echoed a bit confused.

“Yup,” Adrien nodded. “I doubt I can do what you asked me to if I don’t have my lucky charm with me.”

“Alright,” Mme. Bustier agreed. “Just don’t take too long.”

“Will try my best.” Adrien inhaled deeply and to the surprise of everyone, including Mme. Bustier, turned away from the door and faced the one Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

“Are you ready to go, princess?”

“M- me?” Marinette’s eyes widened in surprise as Chloe choked in the background filled with shocked gasps and snickers.

“You,” a so-not-Adrien-Agreste’s grin split his lips just before he gently took one of Marinette’s hands and placed a gentle kiss on the back of her palm making sure the girl noticed his ring in the process.

“You are my lucky charm after all, aren’t you?” he winked causing a layer of thick blush to cover the girl’s cheeks. Marinette tensed but didn’t pull her hand back. She hopelessly looked at the teacher who was only smiling in the sudden realization. Shared absences and late days, tiredness and unusually long bathroom breaks the two teens took regularly. Only a few days ago she commented on those to Adrien. In a flash Mme. Bustier remembered everything she knew about Ladybug - her looks, her character, her appearances, her attitude… It all clicked at once. How was she so blind again?

“This is so ridiculous!” Chloe fumed. “Utterly and infuriatingly ridiculous! Completely unacceptable!” she growled. “My Adrinkins cannot go anywhere while there is an akuma on the loose. And what’s worse – with her???”

“Chloe!” Mme. Bustier intercepted.

“But, Mme. Bustier,” the blonde continued to argue.

“Coming, my Lady?” Adrien whispered meanwhile taking an advantage of overly loud shrieks of his childhood friend. “The faster we leave the less of a class we’ll miss. I don’t really want to spend my free time on catching up with English literature.”

Marinette blinked. She had been a little restless these days after that accident in the library. She spent most of the nights convincing herself that “Princess” and any other possible hints Adrien gave her that day were not that. They didn't hint about, you know, his secret identity because Adrien could not be him. There was no possible way that Adrien Agreste was Chat Noir and the girl worked hard to convince herself of that until about 5 am each morning when she fell asleep simply of exhaustion. The things Adrien said in the last few minutes and his smug face at the moment shattered the fragile arguments she was able to come up with to pieces.

“Are you…” she started to blurt on a sleepy head.

"Very eager to leave and do this assignment," Adrien finished and started to pack Marinette's things. "Let's go before Chloe calls the national security on us."

The boy zipped her backpack closed and looked straight into Marinette’s eyes with so much to say that the only thing she could do was to yield. At that moment the curtain was lifted off her eyes and then she saw it clearly. Blond, tall, fit, green eyes, horrible sense of humor and love of puns but also loyalty and responsibility, kindness and gentleness – she didn’t have a type as she thought the whole past year. She simply loved one boy and was too blind by his civil persona to recognize his superhero one. That had to change. This would change this minute, Marinette smirked. Adrien wants to be Chat Noir? Fine! Adrien could be Chat Noir!

“Then don’t make me wait,” she bopped his nose teasingly walking past the blond. “Chaton,” he heard her whisper passing by.

“We’ll be quick, Mme. Bustier,” Adrien babbled, a lovesick grin filling his face as he followed Marinette out of the room, leaving the class full of confused classmates trying to calm raging Chloe behind.

“So,” Marinette turned to Adrien as soon as the door behind them was shut. “A lucky charm for protection?”

“Of course,” Adrien grinned. “Someone needs to protect you, my Lady.”

"For some reason, I feel very confident that it'll be a piece of cake this time.” Marinette grinned and start walking towards a nearby empty classroom to transform.

“Well, then,” Adrien added. “I’ll protect everyone around you.”

Marinette stopped and frowned. “Meaning?”

“You are deadly gorgeous today,” Adrien grinned.

Yup, Marinette concluded, staring at the blond. Adrien was Chat Noir. There was no doubt about it now. Jokes this horrible could only belong to her partner.

“You carrying my bag, chaton,” she declared and turned away quickly, hiding the treacherous blush quickly invading her whole face. There was no way that cat would see her blush on his account twice in one day.

Adrien laughed and followed Marinette. The blush didn’t escape his eyes and this was better than he’d imagined. Way better! This looked like a start of something great. For the first time in days, he was glad Mme. Bustier discovered his identity and he followed her to that library.

Oh! Mme. Bustier. Adrien stopped and mentally face palmed. There was little doubt he just ousted Marinette as Ladybug to her as well. Oh well, he shrugged. We’ll deal with it later. Now there was an akuma on the loose. He only hoped his partner would be understanding and not use the knowledge of that book on him irresponsibly.

*     *     *

Caline Bustier had always considered herself a good teacher. She loved her job, her students and prided herself in being not only an excellent educator but also somewhat of a personal, “older” friend to the kids entering her classroom daily. Nino and Kim, Max, Nathaniel and Ivan, Rose, Juleka, Mylene and Alix, Marinette, Chloe and Sabrina – Mme. Bustier knew almost everything there was to know about these kids. Even the new students Alya and Adrien. There were little mysteries between them. Her students trusted her and let their guards down easily, letting their true personalities and potential shine through. Their strengths and their weaknesses, their likes and what made them tick, even their romantic interests and most daring dreams. Caline Bustier knew them all. At least now, she thought, she really did.

It’s been three months since she discovered that two of her students were the famous superheroes. A week after this discovery the three of them had a talk and managed to work out a more or less comfortable routine for the attacks. Within five minutes from the notification coming in Mme. Bustier would either send 3 or 4 of her students on different tasks in different places or let the duo go to the washroom, principal’s office, music room, photoshoot, home emergency, bakery burning down, etc, with their bags a few minutes apart. Adrien and Marinette were now able to easily slip away and came back after dealing with the akuma no questions asked. Often they brought a pastry bag for the teacher as a thank you. A random third and fourth students, chosen to diverge unnecessary attention from the pair, was, unfortunately, stuck with an actual task to do.

The attacks during school hours weren’t supposed to happen often and the multiple ways of getting the heroes out were bound to cover the sneaking away effortlessly. It really was the best-she-could-do plan to help Ladybug and Chat Noir to do their job without thinking how to ditch school unnoticed. However, its many flaws did not escape the watchful eyes of Mme. Bustier’s pupils. Soon the rumors were swirling and when Adrien took Marinette on an official date two months later no one was surprised. Pastry bags she received from the duo were proclaimed to be a thank you from the secret couple hiding their relationship from their friends, Gabriel Agreste and Chloe until they were ready to go public. Mme. Bustier was declared to be the main “Adrienette” shipper.

It’s not that I don’t like the idea, Caline frowned as she checked over her school documentation, but that wasn’t the point!

“Whatever,” she mumbled a few moments later and took an attendance sheet to look over. As long as her actions would help her students keep Paris safe a little bit easier she could live with the label. She could only hope that the new kids, Queen B and Volpina, had the similarly caring teachers as Ladybug and Chat Noir had. They needed all the help they could get being new to this and all. Caline sighed and focused on her papers. They weren't her responsibilities. Why was she worried about them so much ever since they appeared? She already had two superheroes to look after. She didn't need two more.

A second later her eyes spotted an unusual pattern. Mme. Bustier frowned and noted that she needed to talk to Mme. Cèsaire and M. Bourgeois about the rising number of absences and late days of their daughters.

There, she thought. I have my teacher’s responsibilities to fulfill. I don't have the time to worry about a few teenagers with supernatural powers who can perfectly take care of themselves. After all, I am a simple woman with a simple job and a few rather extraordinary students.

Buy Me a Ko-fi

[rebaobsessivelywrites]

Emotional Intelligence Ch1 (SS:BH Pt1)

You can find this entire series here on AO3. This chapter is here.

Fandom: Sanders Sides (Web Series) and Detroit: Become Human (Video Game)

Fic Description: Logan was a genius. Everyone said so. He was also the most self sufficient 12-year-old you would ever meet, and he was very happy with that--thank you very much. If there was one thing he did not want, it was an android. Thankfully, things don't quite go his way.

(This is the first installment in a 5-part series. I expect 3 chapters currently.)

Warnings: ‘benign’ neglect, trouble with emotions, and misgendering? (it vs he)

Chapter word count:  3,597

Headcanon post, master list, next chapter. Please read and let me know what you think and if you want to be tagged @rebaobsessivelywrites or @reba-andthesides.

A/N: This went a LOT faster than I expected. I have over 2,000 words of the next chapter done too ^.^

Logan Sanders was a genius. That was not a boast, just a simple statement of fact. Logan himself had never stated the fact, but he had heard it more times than he could count. His parents, his teachers, his classmates and peers—they all commented on his intelligence, in one form or another. It was obvious to him that it was true, but sometimes he wished they’d stop. Especially the children. Over time he had become desensitized to all forms of the observation, but it had been difficult in the beginning, when he began to skip grades.

He was now, at the age of 12, enrolled in the equivalent coursework of a junior in high school, although he was ‘homeschooled’. That term was rather insufficient, considering he was mostly self-taught, but it was as honest as his parents would allow. He had no problem with that, however; if he told the truth, other adults would panic about supervision and guidance and proper care… and that simply would not do. He was, for all intents and purposes, already an adult himself and wanted nothing to do with the constraints normally placed upon children his age.

Logan was self-sufficient. He got up on his own, obtained his own sustenance, dictated his own schedule, kept his room tidy, and ensured his laundry and trash were placed in the proper locations on the designated days. As long as he told his mother’s assistant where he was when he left the house, he was left to his own devices. It was a suitable arrangement. He may be more isolated than the average 12-year-old, but his autonomy was far more valuable than fleeting childish connections. After all, he could clearly remember what it was like before his parents pulled him from the traditional education system. It had been a… displeasing experience, and one he would prefer to avoid repeating.

So, he went about is business, comfortable in his routine and isolation, uncaring of his parents’ absence or the strangely empty feeling that would follow him through the empty hallways in his luxurious family home. (It was simply quiet— peaceful. That was the only logical conclusion.) He was content. That was all that mattered.

But now, out of the blue, his parents were suddenly no longer satisfied leaving him to himself. He was getting a babysitter. Sure, it was an android, not an actual person who could risk his precious freedom, but it was infuriating all the same. Now, of course that’s not what they told him. They were buying him an “assistant” to help him “manage” his studies and daily life… but it was a babysitter. A machine meant to cater to his every need. He didn’t want that! He could do it himself, hadn’t he already proved that?

Logan could remember when he had first heard about androids. He had been around five years old when he picked up a stray technology magazine and read about the extraordinary RT600, a humanoid android that had publicly passed the Turing Test, proving an extraordinary capability to mimic human conversation. Following that discovery, Logan had idolized the inventor Elijah Kamski and obsessed over biomechanics for years, carefully following the development of CyberLife’s groundbreaking technology, starting with the release of the first commercial model, the ST200. The world was blown away, hundreds sold despite the model’s staggering price, and Logan was thrilled to occasionally see a humanoid machine with a LED glowing blue on their right temple. Over time, sightings became more and more common. By 2027, just after Logan turned nine, CyberLife had streamlined their android production and released the JB100; it cost a fraction of previous models, dropping to only four figures. Sales skyrocketed, and it became more common to see the extraordinary machines on the streets with their owners.

The company had only improved in the three years since, adding features and dropping prices constantly. Sales continued to increase and androids became analogous to cars (expensive but extremely useful) throughout the city of Detroit and (Logan presumed) the world. Logan found every new model and feature extraordinary and awe-inspiring. When his father bought a secretary android a few months before his twelfth birthday, he had been fascinated to examine it and admire the craftsmanship and remarkable programing.

That did not, however, mean that he wanted one!

Logan valued his independence. He liked doing mundane tasks and taking care of himself. It proved that he was more than just a brain, that he was capable and functional despite his obvious lack of social aptitude. He ran his own life and he was good at it. An android was meant to care for it’s owner, handling tasks like cooking, cleaning, and scheduling so the human could “get more out of life.” Logan loved technology, but having a personal android went against everything he wanted.

He found, as he descended the elegant darkly stained wood staircase in his house’s entryway, that he felt like he was going to the slaughter. The decision had been made before he had even been told about it and no matter what argument he presented, his parents had insisted. And now his android was here, and his parents were officially killing his independence.

“Logan!” his mother’s excited voice cut through his somber reflection as he stepped into the entryway itself, the soft carpet giving beneath his shoes. She was standing next to a human-sized box and an exhausted looking uniformed technician, her eyes gleaming, “Come on, lets get it activated for you!”

Logan cautiously approached the pair, giving his mother a strained smile before resituating his glasses and pasting an expression that hopefully passed for friendly. “Salutations,” he turned to the technician and attempted to hide his displeasure at the situation, “Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to come here in person.”

The haggard looking man gave him a wry smile, “Not a problem, kid, it’s part of the job.” Before Logan could decide if he should take offence at the term, he turned to pop open the box, “This will only take a few moments, and I’ll get out of your hair so you can enjoy your new toy.”

Staring at the back of the man’s head, Logan felt his lips twitch downward into a frown. Androids weren’t toys. They were efficient, cutting-edge, and extraordinary machines. He found himself almost disturbed at the implication— that this man had activated androids for children who intended to use them as toys. His inner inventor was downright offended! His brows furrowed and his frown deepened slightly as the technician unwrapped the android, muttering something under his breath, but Logan instantly realized his mistake; he caught his mother giving him a sharp look out of the corner of his eye and quickly pasted a smile back onto his face before the man turned around.

“Alright, this’ll only take a few moments,” the technician moved back so that he was even with both Logan and his mother, before turning back towards the android. It was of average height with light mousy brown hair about two inches long and one of the more standard face shapes for caretaker androids, however it’s skin module was obviously special order— it was a light tone, slightly tanned, covered in hundreds of freckles. Logan couldn’t help but feel slightly betrayed by his mother; she knew that he had wanted freckles when he was younger. His own skin tone had always been horribly pale, certainly not aided by his dislike of outdoor activities, and he hated how it contrasted with his stark black hair.

“HK400, confirm voice recognition,” the man commanded, breaking through Logan’s thoughts.

The android’s eyes flicked open, revealing eyes just as startlingly blue as the LED on its right temple. It blinked once, twice, “Voice recognition confirmed.”

“Good. HK400, perform a system check.”

Its LED indicator flashed blue, indicating rapid mental processing, before it gave a bright smile—its first facial expression—and happily announced, “Everything is working perfectly.”

The technician gave a small smile, and glanced at Logan, “You have a name for it, kid?” Logan, caught completely off guard, wasn’t certain what look he had on his face, but it must have been answer enough because the tech simply gave him an amused look and turned back to the bot, “HK400, postpone name identification.”

The android nodded, the picture of geniality, “I am HK400.”

“Alright, HK400, these are your owners, Sarah and Logan Sanders. Understood?” the technician gestured towards his captive audience. Logan’s mother smiled warmly at the man, but Logan himself was transfixed watching the machine in front on him, his light brown eyes wide and searching.

“Of course!” it beamed, skin stretching in complete realism and accentuating the dusting of dark dots over the bridge of its nose.

Logan tilted his head in fascination, watching as its vibrant blue eyes flicked back and forth, following the movements of the technician and Logan’s mother as they wrapped up business. He became so engrossed in just observing that he didn’t realize the man had left until his mother embraced him unexpectedly from behind, jolting him from his peaceful state of non-thought and causing his spine to go rigid.

“I know you didn’t like the idea when your father and I brought it up… but look at it Logie! Isn’t it amazing?” she gave him a squeeze, “Just imagine everything it’ll do for you!”

Logan desperately inhaled through his nose, swallowing the bitter sensation rising in the back of his throat. For one terrible moment, he was furious beyond belief. He wanted to rip himself out of his mother’s arms, storm up the stairs and slam the door to his room. He wanted to yell and kick and scream until his face was red and his shins were bruised… but he sucked it down. Such impulses were childish and pointless; he was better than that.

He forced a smile back onto his face, refocused his eyes on the android—whose eyebrows were creased as it gazed down at the pair—and turned stiffly to face his mother. She reluctantly let go and smiled warmly in return, before clasping the side of his face (unknowingly setting off another internal struggle as the 12-year-old fought the urge to jerk away) and pushing his glasses back up his nose.

Seemingly satisfied, she straightened, tugging at the bottom of her suit jacket, and turned her attention to the new machine, “HK400, you will take care of Logan, make sure he’s healthy, and do anything he asks.”

It smiled warmly again, “Yes, Mrs. Sanders.”

“Good.” She glanced down at her son, “I’ll leave you to it, then.”

Logan kept the smile on his face until his mother disappeared down the hallway to her office, before sagging. Running a hand over his face, knocking his glasses askew, the 12-year-old turned to peer back up at the android. It was standing exactly where it had been last time he looked, with the exact same expression on its face. It was rather unsettling how statue-like it appeared.

“What can I do to help, Logan?” it asked brightly.

Logan could tell that was going to get old really quickly. “I do everything myself,” he crossed his arms, “I didn’t want an android.”

The HK400 gave him a sympathetic look, “I’m very sorry your parents went against your wishes.”

“It’s not…” he squeezed his eyes shut, “not your fault. Just. Don’t… interfere with my routine or start doing everything for me, alright?”

“Of course, Logan,” it agreed easily, “Just let me know if I overstep your boundaries.”

Logan’s lips twitched downward and his eyes flew open to stare at the machine; he didn’t know what he had expected, but for some reason he hadn’t expected easy agreement. He didn’t know why—it was an android! Of course, it agreed with him. That was what it was programmed to do. But, as he examined the crinkled freckles, brilliant white smile, shining blue eyes and matching LED… he couldn’t fathom why his chest felt heavy.

A week later, Logan was settling into a new routine, one that was not as horrible as he had expected. Yes, he did fewer chores and he rarely obtained his own sustenance, but he had almost double the amount of time to spend studying and exploring avenues of academic interest. It had been wonderful! He was almost complete with his Calculus course and was preparing to start his next math course (Calculus 2).

Although… he could do without the HK400 hovering over him, harping about optimum sleep cycles and hydration and nourishment—he already knew all of that! He just… well, didn’t do as good of a job on his own as he thought. It was just so easy to get lost in his books. It had been strange, at first, having his work flow interrupted unexpectedly for such necessities, but after seven whole days he was almost used to the bot’s presence and was learning to tolerate its more annoying qualities in favor of the benefits it clearly provided.

“Are you lonely?” (Speak of the devil…)

Logan was sitting in one of his favorite spots in the house, perched on a windowsill overlooking the small garden in the backyard, when the voice broke through his thoughts. Caught off guard, he blinked blindly at the book in his hands a few times before glancing up. Standing in the doorway to the room was the HK400 unit, its face crinkled in something that resembled concern and its head tilted curiously to the side. For a moment, Logan was dumb founded at how human it looked, with its vibrant blue eyes almost glowing with emotion. After several seconds, however, where the android stood perfectly unmoving showing no reaction to the lack of response, he was able to shake of the knee-jerk reaction and turn his attention to the question it had asked.

“No,” he finally pronounced, pushing his glasses back into place, “No, I’m not lonely.”

If it was possible, the HK400’s brow creased even farther, its LED changing from blue to yellow, “Are you sure? You’re always alone—over the past week, I haven’t seen you interact with anyone but your parents, and even those interactions have been brief and distant.”

Logan frowned at the concern somehow lacing the android’s voice. “Just because I am alone doesn’t mean I’m lonely,” he explained as firmly as he could. After a beat, the machine’s LED stopped flashing yellow and its face smoothed out slightly. Logan nodded to himself, taking that to mean it would cease its line of questioning, and turned back to his book.

However, it persisted, “Logan, as you know I was made to care for whoever my owner might be. That means I know a bunch when it comes to human health.”

Logan looked back up, a frown once again plastered across his face—both at the strangely colloquial wording and utter bafflement at the android’s goal. “I am aware.” The android shifted under his gaze in manner that seemed… uncomfortable? Logan stared as it lifted a shoulder in an aborted shrug, lips twitching upwards in a half smile he was sure would mean more to him if he knew anything about body language. (And what did it say about him that an android was better than him with the nuances of human expression?)

“Humans need social interaction,” it stated, ignorant to Logan’s internal crisis, “You need social interaction.” Logan wasn’t aware that he had opened his mouth until the HK400 raised a hand as though to stop him. “I know you don’t want to play like other children, but there are other things you can do… and as your caretaker, I have to advise you do something.”

Logan squeezed his eyes shut and heaved a sigh, finally giving in and shutting his book, though he kept his finger in it to mark his place. “Look, I’ll admit I’ve appreciated your assistance more than I anticipated. It has been beneficial to my studies to not be responsible for every meal and chore necessary to sustain my lifestyle, but I stand by the boundaries I gave you a week ago. I do not want you to affect my way of life.”

“And I won’t,” it immediately insisted, LED shining a steady blue, “so long as it doesn’t go against my primary mission—your wellbeing.”

“HK400—”

“A walk,” it interrupted him, “Just once a week, go out into public and at least see other people. Please.”

For a long moment, the room echoed in silence and they stared at each other, human and machine, both attempting to understand the other. Logan’s light brown eyes searched those of his android, finding nothing but honest concern and determination, and he sagged. For that moment, at least, he didn’t care if that emotion was real or merely a feat of programming.

“Fine,” he sighed, setting his book aside, “One walk.” He would humor the android. He could, after all, spare the time now.

The HK400 unit beamed at him, his face and eyes lighting up, “Thank you.”

Logan sat there staring at the doorway for a long time after the android left, attempting to decipher the unanticipated behavior he was witnessing in the machine and resolutely ignoring the bizarre sensation in his chest.

(It felt suspiciously like hope.)

Logan was reasonably certain he had just experienced a perfect day, or at least as perfect as feasibly possible. He had spent his morning reading Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and several research articles relating to a tangential interest in genetics, before his HK400 unit herded him out of the house for his second weekly walk. Unlike last week, the android insisted he go to the park it recommended, and Logan certainly ended up thankful he had listened; the park was equipped with chess tables and a surprising number of players.

Needless to say, Logan’s walk lasted about three hours longer than planned.

“Well, I’ll be!” Logan’s current opponent leant to offer a hand over the table, “Third time in a row! Well done, ki—” he cut himself off and gave a wry shake of his head, “I mean, Logan.”

After a moment of hesitation, Logan accepted the handshake, “Thank you, Mr. Stokes. It’s been a pleasure.”

The man gave a warm smile, the worn creases around his eyes crinkling, “Likewise.”

“Logan,” a voice that was growing familiar sounded from just behind him, “We might want to head home soon. Dinner is at 6.”

For a second Logan was confused—although the HK400 attempted to keep his meals and sleep on a schedule, it wasn’t typically that strict. As he frowned to himself, the android moved to stand beside him. It had its normal warm smile plastered across its face and its LED was a bright blue that accentuated its eyes in a way that continued to fascinate Logan.

“It’s Friday today,” it prompted helpfully.

Realization and dread swept over him. He had forgotten. His parents were having a dinner party, and he was, of course, required to attend. Their precious little genius. Logan couldn’t help letting out a huge sigh, swiping a hand over his face. Well. There went his perfect day.

“Oh, well I take that to mean you need to get out of here,” Mr. Stokes chuckled a little.

“Yes, that is correct,” Logan muttered, indulging briefly in his frustration before pulling himself together and smiling politely, “Thank you again.”

“No, no, don’t worry about it, kid,” he waved him off, “Like I said, it’s my pleasure. I know I speak for the others when I say you and your tin can are welcome here whenever.”

Logan chose to overlook the demeaning nickname the chess player had let slip and gave him a genuine smile as he stood, Mr. Stokes following his example. They shook hands a final time and Mr. Stokes wandered off to find another partner while Logan set off home with his android. Despite the direction he was headed, Logan couldn’t help smiling. He had enjoyed his day and he wasn’t going to let it be ruined by a dinner.

“Do you think they’ll be here next week?” the HK400 examined him intently from its spot at his side, blue LED flashing.

“Well,” Logan shrugged, his smile growing at the thought of repeating today’s experience, “that’s anybody’s guess.”

The android grinned, “Don’t you mean it’s anybody’s chess?”

“Did you just—” he stopped mid stride and turned to stare at the android.

The HK400 froze, its smile fading slightly and its LED flashing yellow. “I’m sorry, Logan,” it turned back to him, widening its smile again and looking earnest, “what did I do?”

Logan stood there and simply stared up at the machine, examining its face to the best of his meager ability. Ever since it was activated, it seemed different. It kept doing things Logan had no idea androids could do, and it was always so… emotional and expressive and baffling.

And now it was looking at him with an expression so obviously fake that Logan could tell. Well—it helped that its LED was rapidly flashing yellow, but the point was still valid! There was something off in its expression; he wasn’t quite sure what was hidden underneath the false cheer and all too real concern, but it unsettled him.

“Nothing,” Logan shook his head and started walking again, “You didn’t do anything.” Out of the corner of his eye, Logan clearly saw the HK400 sag in relief.

What, exactly, was going on with his android?

A/N: Idk how I like this first bit, but up next are more puns (and dad jokes!) and HK400 gets a name :)

Next Chapter.

I will be reblogging with my taglist on my Sanders Sides specific blog.

[drmilliesays]

Natural Cures for HPV - The Cervical Cancer Virus

The human papilloma virus is ubiquitous, which means it’s everywhere and hard for public health agencies to control it so many people are looking for natural cures for HPV. There are vaccine solutions but the studies were done hastily and there have been reports of severe side effects leaving many people wondering if they should take it or if it’s too late once they are already struck with the virus. The virus itself is said to be self-limiting, which means that the body deals with it in most cases. However, the fact still remains that this is the virus that may cause genital warts, cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer and a host of other cancers such as throat and anal cancers as well. Therefore is it any wonder that many people are looking for natural cures for HPV - otherwise known as the cervical cancer virus.

There are 4 strains responsible for cellular changes that could eventually cause cervical cancer (HPV 6 and 11, which are less harmful than the aggressive HPV 16 and 18). These same strains lead to anal, throat and mouth cancer in sexually active males and females.

Symptoms of HPV

Men are usually silent carriers, meaning they do not know they are spreading this pervasive sexually transmitted disease because they are free of symptoms and there no is no possible testing method. Most women will also never develop any symptoms because the HPV infection is usually self-limiting – this means that the body’s immune system fights the virus on its own. The Papanicolaou, or PAP test, is a necessary exam for females whereby the physician takes a cellular sample from the cervical tissue for cellular analysis to assess for cellular changes, called cervical atypical or cervical dysplasia. While spotting and pain during sexual intercourse are the most common symptoms, the PAP test is the only way to determine actual risk for cervical changes. Having routine PAP tests reduces a woman’s risk of developing a cancer related to the HPV infection. Diagnoses are staged for severity of cervical dysplasia (Cervical Intracellular Neoplasia 1, CIN2, CIN3 and cancers (Carcinoma in Situ, Invasive Cervical Carcinoma). But what determines if person develops a persistent HPV infection, or if it clears up on its own?

What to do about HPV?

Despite a reported high vaccine effectiveness3, the prevalence of infections may be rising. Studies show that vaccine compliance is low, possibly due to lack of public trust on the safety of the vaccine (see incidence reports on deaths and adverse events here: http://www.nvic.org). Data from the American National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2009-2010 found that the prevalence of HPV infections among women is 42.7% in the cervix, and 3.8% in the mouth and throat2. Women with oral HPV infections were 5 times more likely to have a cervical HPV infection as well, which means that HPV infections at these two sites are not independent2. Thus, overall body health and susceptibility, rather than exposure, might be the issue.

Since it is the body’s immune system that is responsible for fighting off this virus, then education and Nutrition may be the missing pieces to overcome these conditions in a safe and non-invasive way. Nutrition and lifestyle factors can play either a positive or detrimental role on an individual’s overall level of health. You may check your own nutritional status using an online tool as ensuring adequate nutrition is the first step towards having a strong immune system. While there has been massive promotion of the HPV vaccine, the population’s health efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle and diet have been minimal at best. A lack of health information on the risk factors of HPV and prevention and lifestyle strategies to treat it leave the public feeling confused and powerless about their options. While research is behind, there are many risk factors and interventions associated with lifestyle and nutrition that the public ought to be informed of so they know how to best prevent and treat their current situation.

GET EDUCATED: How to Reduce your Risk of HPV Infections

Get tested. Getting examined by the doctor establishes your cervical health. - PAPS, and think prep of cells to check for virus and abnormalities.

Use protection.  Unprotected intercourse increases risk for developing tissue abnormalities. While cervical cancer is unlikely with condom usage, genital warts can be contacted, as male and female condoms do not cover the entire area. Keep in mind the virus may be latent for years or decades.

Delay intercourse and be selective. Changing male partners (especially prior to 18 years of age) introduces the virus at a time when the body is still maturing, meaning the cells are most susceptible to viral influences.    

Delay childbirth. Giving birth prior to 22 years of age increases risk for cervical dysplasia due to cellular changes in the cervix.                                       

Stop smoking. Women who smoke have 2-3 times higher risk for developing cervical abnormalities due to oxidative stress that lower the immune system’s response to fight the virus.  Results from a large prospective study confirmed that tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for the most severe types of cervical dysplasia (CIN3) as well as CIS, and even the more severe ICC4. Quitting smoking is required for recovery from HPV.

Reconsider your Pill. Long-term use of oral contraceptives (over 5 years, as well as other medications such as Midol, Tylenol, and Ibuprofen) may be responsible for nutrient deficiencies of the crucial antioxidants (Folic Acid, Vitamin C and Zinc) needed to protect soft cervical tissues against conditions caused by HPV.

Cut down on alcohol. Alcohol damages cells and leaches key nutrients in the body that protect the immune system (B1, B12, Folic Acid and Zinc). A link has been established in women who consume two or more servings of alcoholic beverages per day with a persistent HPV infection of the mouth5.

Fruits, veggies and supplements. Those who eat a poor nutrient diet, meaning insufficient servings of fruits and veggies, are missing these key nutrients mentioned above as well as special plant nutrients mentioned below. Keep reading.

GET HEALTHY: Nutrients Researched for HPV Infections and Immunity

If you have been diagnosed with abnormal cervical cells or cervical dysplasia, rather than waiting to the next PAP test, why not act now to improve antioxidant protection and boost your immune system? Nutritional programs may include food and supplement suggestions for increasing specific nutrients, as well as improving immunity so the body can fight the virus on its own:

High nutrient intake. A diet rich with green, yellow, orange, red and cruciferous vegetables has been shown to be the best way to incorporate key nutrients into the diet. When specific antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C, E, folic acid, carotenoids and lycopene are low, HPV is harder to treat. What’s more, cabbage-family vegetables with natural levels of Indol-3-Carbinol and Sulforaphanes have great cancer-fighting abilities.

Increase alkalinity and decrease acid. You can measure the acidity of your urine using a pH test strip. Increase green vegetables and green tea, and decrease processed food, meat, alcohol and coffee.

Breathe in salt air and eat from the sea. Seafood contains essential minerals such as iodine, magnesium, calcium, boron, selenium and zinc, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, healthy thyroid function, metabolism, and electrolytes. If your whole body is healthier, delicate tissues like your cervix will respond positively.

Exposure to the sunshine vitamin. Don’t forget Vitamin D is essential for normalizing immune response. The salt water mineral magnesium is required in order for Vitamin D to aid in proper calcium absorption.

Leave junk food behind. Processed foods are high in sodium, refined sugar, processed white flour, and animal products with hormones and other bad fats, causing inflammation and robbing the body of essential nourishment.

In addition to the diet, there are several key antioxidant nutrients have been studied in relation to HPV, cervical dysplasia, and cervical cancer. While there is no guarantee you can recover naturally from cervical cancer, nutrition can be used alone or in combination with medical procedures to improve outcomes and protect one’s response to HPV exposure. Here is how to augment specific nutrition to give your immune system the best defense possible, inspired by the original protocol by Dr. Tori Hudson, ND, here is a 12-month plan to boost your immunity. Supplement levels will vary in each individual.

Dr. Millie's Plan

Folic Acid: Low serum and red blood cell folate are moderately, but not significantly, associated with an increased risk of invasive cervical cancer6. If you are on oral contraception pills, drink alcohol, or take ibuprofen or other pain relievers, you are more likely to have an insufficient supply of folate in the body. Several studies have shown that low serum folate levels are linked to cervical dysplasia, and high folate blood levels are linked to the prevention of CIN I (cervical dysplasia).8,9 Improvement in cervical dysplasia outcomes using folic acid supplementation is also well documented10, showing improvement when using up to 10mg per day for 3-6 months. If you are over 35 then take half the dose.

Indol-3-Carbinol, Sulfurophanes and DIM: Studies show that this extract from cabbage or cruciferous family vegetables, broccoli seed extract, sulphuraphane, I-3-C and DIM have the potential to prevent and even treat a number of common estrogen-related cancers.11 In a double blind, placebo-controlled study, 30 patients with biopsy-confirmed CIN II-III (moderate to severe cervical dysplasia) received either a placebo or 200 or 400mg oral 1-3-C daily for 12 weeks. None of the 10 placebo patients had complete regression of CIN, whereas four out of eight patients in the 200 mg per day group and four of nine in the 400 mg per day group had complete regression.12

Depending on the quality of your diet and lifestyle, a multivitamin and mineral supplement for women that includes antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C, E, CoQ10, Lycopene, Lutein, Selenium and Zinc may be essential for good cervical health. One study found that blood levels of CoQ10 and Vitamin E were significantly lower in patients with diagnosed CIN cervical cancer than in controls.13 Another study revealed that levels of CoQ10 from cervical epithelial cells themselves were significantly lower in women diagnosed with CIN.14

Vitamin C in any form is one of the body’s main antioxidants. It also works to re-circulate Vitamin E, another one of the body’s most important antioxidant. While it’s known that women with cervical dysplasia have low blood levels of  Vitamin C15, Vitamin C’s benefits are numerous. One study showed that women with high intake of Vitamin C had a lower risk of cervical dysplasia.16 Another study of Korean women looked at 58 cases of CIN cervical cancer and compared them with 86 women with normal PAP test results – the cancer group had significantly lower blood levels of Vitamin C than the control group.17 Take up to 5000mg / day.

Green Tea: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most powerful polyphenol antioxidant from green tea, known to impede the epidermal growth factor receptor, an agent needed for cervical cell growth. A recent study looked at 51 women with HPV-positive cervical dysplasia and divided them into 4 groups, compared to 39 controls. Green tea ointment was applied locally to 27 patients twice a week. 20 out of 27 patients under ointment therapy showed a response. One standardized EGCG capsule was taken every day for 8 to 12 weeks. Six out of eight patients under green tea ointment plus capsule therapy showed a response. Six out of 10 patients under EGCG capsule therapy alone showed a response. Overall, a 69% response rate was noted for treatment with green tea extracts, compared with a 10% response spontaneous improvement rate in the controls. A positive response meant an improvement in cervical dysplasia staging.18

Coriolus Versicolor (Reishi, Shiitake, Cordyceps and Coriolus)  is an immune mushroom commonly used for its health-boosting properties due to their high beta-glucans and polyphenol levels.. As a known immune-modulator, it has been studied for its immune-enhancing properties. It has been studied for its ability to improve immune response to HPV and to reverse the early stages of cervical cancer.19 In a year-long Portuguese study, Coriolus versicolor cleared high-risk strains of HPV known to cause cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer in 39 women. All of the women had the equivalent of CIN 1 or 2. After one year, 9 of 10 women who supplemented with 3000mg Coriolus versicolor tested negative for HPV, compared with just 1 of 12 placebo women. In addition, 13 of 18 Coriolus patients reverted to normal PAP results, compared with 10 of 21 non-supplemented women.

Resveratrol: In one in vitro study, Resveratrol treatment (150-250 µmol/l) applied for 48 hours increased cell-cycle arrest on HPV18 and HPV16 positive cervical cancer cells.21 Furthermore, a lower dose of resveratrol (50 µmol/ produced a similar effect, suggesting that this effect is not necessarily dose-dependent and that even a low dose of resveratrol treatment changes the expression of the cancer gene on both HPV18 and HPV16-positive cells. This study shows promise that that resveratrol uses different mechanisms to induce the killing of cervical cancer cells.

Topical treatments are important as well. In addition to this vitamin protocol, there is a treatment option involving a rotating series of vaginal suppositories for women with moderate or severe cervical dysplasia. Many of these suppositories have been taken off the market by the FDA because it now considers suppositories a drug. However if you are having a compounding pharmacy make them it would would include a combination of antiviral, escharotics and therapeutic herbs, enzymes, and vitamins to treat and heal the local site. These suppositories are capable of killing the virus and healing the local area, and unlike the LEEP procedures, are non-scarring. Suppositories must be performed or taught by a trained alternative health professional. You must see a Naturopathic Doctor for this treatment option is for you. Unfortunately PAP tests are provided less often now, however it is important if you have tested positive to go for them more often. Do your best to deactivate this virus and strengthen your immune system using the amazing tips provided.

To attend our virtual presentation of Health Club on how to use self-care to prevent and treat HPV, and ask Dr. Millie questions - please register AT THIS LINK

If you cannot attend live, then the replay will be sent afterwards.

[gimmetheheadcanons]

Public/Relations 3/?

A/N: It’s long. It soooo drags. But at least it’s here. TW: Mention of death/suicide.

3. Three

They walked in silence. The young actress in front of him, huddled up in his arms as he directed her through an obstacle course made up of swaying guests. As they entered the final leg of the night, a desperate DJ stepped up his efforts, blasting music appealing to waning legs one last time.

After finally having delivered them both to the privacy of the concierge’s front desk (and with minimal interference from any loiters in the venue’s large lobby), Klaus impatiently ushered the valet to return to him his black Aston Martin Vanquish. Fast. There was the grave matter of a shaking woman in want of whisking away; and naturally, ever the leading man at a moment’s notice, Niklaus Mikaelson was dying to be of assistance.

It felt odd. That unearned intimacy between them.

Bonnie Bennett, so small and exposed; and Klaus, determined to keep peeling at the layers until she appeared without a thread of cover.

Yet the sudden way their sniping subsided made him wonder if maybe – perhaps – there could be a second chance at a more favourable first impression. 

Almost instantly embarrassed by the ridiculous notion of him being required to make any sort of adjustment or impression, Klaus cast the sappy thought aside.

This was Elijah’s doing.

Or any of the others.

Those damned detractors and the low regard with which they held him.

Klaus had always found spite to be an excellent motivator, except thanks to the champagne lending a hand in fuzzing up his thoughts, he couldn’t quite work out what on earth it was he was trying to prove on this exact night.  On any ordinary day, no matter how inebriated, he’d always have enough nous left to barricade against any dangerous ideas a weak heart may have. Meet the forces gathering at the base of skull, head on, and cut them down without mercy. Stop himself from doing silly trite things such as slipping away from his own celebration for the sake of impressing a girl.

A girl.  

Yet Klaus could do little to deny it; something had changed upon observing the overwhelming pain on Bonnie Bennett’s face. The quick, cruel death of that airy little laugh he quite liked. Those blazing eyes worryingly wet and weepy. That firestorm which had so quickly excited him, suddenly snuffed out. All put together, such a pathetic picture had the power to pull at his chest, instantly inspiring an untried impulse

He actually wanted to help this girl.

Get her far enough away from here so he could once again poke and prod until this frightful cocoon burst and the Bonnie Bennett emerged, hopefully ready to take a second stab at that magical, made for syndication, sitcom banter he unashamedly sought after.

Make their own laugh track to muffle the sobering realities of unscripted life.  

Klaus frowned a little as their carriage finally approach.

But then what? Where would they go? And more importantly, would she stay with him? Or without any polite notice, just up and go. Cut her losses, just as his dear brother had.

The clock ran out. The moment for deliberation gone as Klaus was confronted by the bane of his daily existence – flashes of white light in the distance brewing up a terrible storm of tabloid scandal.  

Of course the parasites would’ve congregated to catch a glimpse of his court. Klaus groaned inwardly, feeling disappointed twice over – once for momentarily forgetting this detail and then for remembering.

The paparazzi, or more accurately those unable to deceive their way to legitimate press status or forcibly gain access to his guest list, had set up their own party across the street. Careful to adhere to the minimum distance required to avoid any altercations and additional days in court (and Heaven knows how Klaus enjoyed those); three men and a woman took a flurry of hurried photos of their favourite meal ticket.

Klaus rolled his eyes, imagining the gleeful eyes cowardly hidden behind monstrously oversized contraptions, hideously glued to where a human face ought to have been. On his own, each snap of him was worth a decent sum but whenever a beautiful woman was involved the rate tripled.

He was certain the bidding for any pictures taken tonight would be especially high.

Klaus turned to his right. Bonnie, still in a state of quiet distress, thankfully hadn’t noticed the vampires. Best to keep it as such by disappearing quickly.

Unfortunate for them both however, was that this latest unfortunate development meant Klaus’s plans were in drastic need of amending. He couldn’t very well risk a high-speed pursuit with a valued asset of the Disney corporation in the passenger seat.

Oh won’t you think of the children Niklaus!

Klaus let escape a small but grim laugh at his favourite past-time, pulling out from the depth of his memory a rather unkind impression of stuffy, proper, pain in the arse Elijah.

But with none of the awkwardness of having to admit defeat to a flesh and bone version of his brother, Klaus was free to heed the words of caution offered by his figment.

“No bother.” He called out, finally having made up his mind to return inside and thus throwing back the keys to the man who’d just delivered them to him. Klaus casually waved his hand over the car, attempting to deflect any questions with a masterful performance of his usual indifference. “I have no need for this now. Take it back.”

“And once again, need I remind you – be gentle.”

He received a swift nod from a quaking man familiar with the implied consequences. To Klaus that terrified trembling was just a perk he got to enjoy after all the diligent work he put in to consistently educating his fellow man, wherever he went. He watched as the valet and car disappeared at once, then turned to deal with the wrath of a woman he knew to be unlearned and unafraid.

“Why?” Bonnie shouted angrily at the apparent act of betrayal. Klaus withdrew slightly so as to avoid any possibility of being struck in the face.  

Still composed but only barely – Bonnie spared him.    

Cautious not to indulge the oglers and sadly unsure how long Bonnie’s self-restrained would last, Klaus carefully positioned himself with his back to the cameras before answering in a low whisper.

“Why should we be the ones to abscond into the night like bandits? I swear to you love, nothing but merriment awaits – should you choose return with me.” Klaus said ensuring his voice was soft and sweet enough to assuage her fears, offering up the sincere and practical solution of support against Parker.

One word from her and the buffoon should find himself flung out on his arse, free to model on this very curb for the long-lensed vermin he so adored.  

“I won’t leave your side Bonnie.”

But Bonnie perceptive eyes signalled to him she saw through to his core. The man they all sensed him to be. She saw through this obvious glitch in his programming, all the way through to the selfish curiosity under the surface inspiring such chivalry.  

“No.”  She answered predictably, inviting a sad smile from him.

Yes, there was a story here, Klaus could admit that whilst focussing in on the beautifully pained face before him. A story he desperately hoped to know. Meanwhile, was it so hard to believe that his instinct to protect her ran just as deep as his desire to distract himself from the foul mood his bothersome brother had left him in?

“Then perhaps I can offer you an alternative solution. One more agreeable to you.”

And for the second time that night, Klaus Mikaelson took hold of Bonnie Bennett’s hand in a bid to lead her to a safer haven.

-----

When they finally arrived at their new much more discreet location, a private penthouse located within the same building, Klaus couldn’t help but show off a little. After all, leading a life of luxury meant he had the luxury to do so.

The noticeably awe-struck young woman in his company drank in the immaculate interior of the space. He followed the music of Bonnie’s heels connecting with the limestone tiles. As she took lead, soft yellow lights fixed high above were coming to life to greet her and celebrate her bravery. She didn’t have to travel too far from him to explore, her eyes doing most of the work, scanning the entire open space all the way to high glass walls revealing a fully furnished outdoor seating area and a sky pool in the distance.

“Make yourself at home.” Klaus called out, pointing towards the richly black Edelman leather sofas as he made a beeline to the built-in butler bar. He was about to pour two glasses of something comforting for them, when it dawned on him mixing drink and despair may appear slightly predacious to his watchful guest. Instead, Klaus returned to Bonnie’s side holding a less sinful (and therefore much less fun) bottle of mineral water which she politely accepted.

“Thanks.”

A genuine warm smile spread across his face at the tiny one he spotted her lips were failing to fight back.

“I usually keep this space for the after party. A handful of noteworthy individuals, for light debate followed by much needed debauchery. However…seeing how deeply loathed I am by everyone and their mum at this point in time– a fact my dear brother reminded me of a couple hours ago – I’d rather put it to better use tonight.”

Again, Bonnie thanked him, causing his chest to swell up like a balloon.

Klaus knew the automatic, monosyllabic, society taught reply shouldn’t have warranted such a reaction from him; yet there was a potent power in being able to receive Bonnie Bennet’s praise. Perhaps he could set himself a new challenge and keep a tally of exactly how much gratitude he could gross over the course of the night.

“To harbouring fugitives.” Klaus said raising his own bottle of water for a toast.  

Bonnie resisted to clink plastic, choosing instead to roll her eyes at the bon mot.

“I’m not a fugitive.”

Klaus shrugged his shoulders, the glint in his eyes still very much intent on teasing her at the cost of the night’s takings.  

He glugged down his drink partly in bid to appear unconcerned about the way she left him hanging and partly to try and rehydrate enough so he could have his wits about him before attempt to engage with Bonnie once more. She stood with her own bottle unopened, stealing subtle glances just as he was.

Once his thirst had been managed, Klaus lazily swiped at his wet mouth, his left hand unable to mop up each rebellious drop he let carelessly slid down his chin and onto the naked flesh peeking out from the top of his loosened-up shirt.

“Well…” He said sensing Bonnie’s discomfort at the intentional combination of silence, staring and so-close-together-standing.  

“Now that I have obliged you so, will you –  at the very least –  grace me with an explanation as to why we have been banished from my own party.”

Bonnie hesitated for a moment before turning her face away and answering in a low voice.

“I don’t need to see him.”

Klaus’s jaw tensed at the distance she insisted on putting between them. Screwing back on the lid, he disposed of his bottle by frustratingly flinging it onto a nearby armchair, where it landed with a soft thud.

“That much I gathered.”

She appeared unable to get comfortable with him, her body still on high alert as she slowly began pacing the room whilst aiming to maintain the guise of leisurely browsing the full stocked bookshelves.

It was frustrating. The hold that idiot Parker seemed to have over this woman. A woman, Klaus, in the short span of time they’d become acquainted, assumed was fearless.    

“Rest assured, there is no tail in need of shaking here.” Klaus promised again urging her to take a seat on any of the numerous chairs in the room.

Bonnie however denied him once more, continuing to evade him by staying constantly on the move.

A little heavier handed and a little more in character, Klaus proceeded to press harder.

“As an objective third party observer, I find the only thing pursuing you at this moment is your personal demons regarding Mr. Parker.”

She appeared to tense at his direct reference to her co-star, halting in a stride long enough for Klaus to close the gap between them. Good, he thought, pleased with the result of the harsher tactic he chose to employ. Perhaps now she would be more open to his assistance, whilst he was still gracious enough to be offering it.

“Demons,” Klaus continued in a slow purposeful drawl, inching nearer and nearer until able to see the specific shades of brown – from dark to light – of each individual hair strand on the back of Bonnie’s head. Klaus observed the beginnings of a couple of soft curls marching out of time, at odds with the rest of her perfectly placed and professionally straightened locks; and he wondered, how many more would join their marvellous little mutiny by morning.

With her back to her, Klaus had to guess what was going on inside Bonnie’s head. Instead his mind was preoccupied with the way her thin shoulders rose and fell as she breathed in and out more deeply. Charmed by the rhythm, Klaus’s own breath followed hers – his nose taking in the scent of sweet feminine fragrance on her skin. It was warm and comforting, like rich berries in a summer fruit crumble drowned in smooth vanilla custard. Meant for consumption during the blackest of winters, to heat the soul and stain the corners of your mouth a bloody red.

She turned to face him, without any warning and almost startled him.

Almost.

“These demons. I’d be glad to exorcise them for you if you could just make them more corporeal, love.”

The sequence continued on whilst she was facing him – that up then down, in then out – until Klaus interrupted it by gently resting his hands atop Bonnie’s shoulders, commanding them to steady.

She didn’t gasp for him.

His disappointed eyes watched her doubtful ones, unable to win them over; her silence just about to start reminding Klaus that his patience was a finite resource in need of constant replenishing.

“Details Bonnie.” He said, following up with a more insistent growl he knew he would come to regret. “I demand them.”

Klaus found his planned interrogation aborted quite suddenly. However, not by any hostility of Bonnie’s but by the gentle interruption of beeping coming from somewhere on her person. It was the sound of an incoming text message, she chose to immediately answer.

Phone in hand and pushing past him, her shoulders savagely cut across his chest like a rugby player’s.

After a silent second, Bonnie let out a furious scream.  

Shaking with rage, her livid eyes were glued to the screen.

Intrigued, Klaus approached her to peer over her shoulder pryingly. Unfortunately, he was unable to catch the communication in its entirety when Bonnie once again shrieked.

“Argh! Damn it Alaric! Thanks for the heads up asshole.” She cursed upon having fully read the script herself, angrily smashing down her water on the marble counter in front of her. Not having noticed him walk up behind her, Bonnie bumped flat into his chest as she turned around.

“How about a little personal space?” She said her tone acerbic as she lashed out at him for the sins of another.

Hardly offended Klaus obliged, cordially stepping out of the way but not before mockingly putting both hands up and throwing her a wink.

Bonnie ignored him, angrily pressing away at the keyboard on her phone screen.  

Alaric Saltzman, Klaus knew the man as well as he did every agent who tried their luck at claiming him as a prize. For a time, Klaus toyed with the idea of striking up an alliance with the man, before quickly recognising that Saltzman’s body of work, in all its underwhelming mediocrity wouldn’t have been well-suited to Klaus’s needs.

Not in the long run anyway.

Klaus wickedly grinned, thinking back to wholesome redheaded he freed from a potential life sentence as the second Mrs. Saltzman; realising that for a short while, there was a need the agent – or to put more accurately the agent’s fiancée – did satisfy.  

His indulgence and mischief however had cost him in a way. Word got round and no agent in this town since managed to last beyond a couple of weeks managing Klaus. Each finding him too – what was it that Josh said – “mega intense and scary like a medieval torture expert guy”.

It was a gratifying sacrifice, if undertaken solely to punish Saltzman for his insolence. For the crime of daring to believe he and Klaus could be equals, the actor extracted his revenge most viciously. Taking from the man the love of his life, compelling her to lose herself in a moment of weakness, debasing her and discarding her. Still, it took just that on time of mixing pleasure and business for Klaus to see how quickly most fled from him.

Afraid of joining the pile of bodies he left in his wake.

Young Joshua must’ve been a glutton for punishment when he signed on with Klaus. Since the Saltzman affair, the pitiful boy had the pleasure of pulling double duty on all of the actor’s booking needs. Naturally, he did this collaborating with the patient people at William Morris Endeavour.

Done sending her text, Klaus wondered if Bonnie’s displeasure meant she could someday be persuaded to leave that dullard agent of hers and join him at the rival agency. Except, he quickly realised, that would require her to start viewing him in a much different light.

She must’ve been distracted enough by the unpleasant news she received, it slipped her mind to hold him to account for his earlier pushy behaviour. This would’ve been an ideal time to cease testing the patience of his guest, yet wholly undeterred and his impulsive nature getting the best of him, Klaus continued.

“Still waiting love.”

“Look Klaus,” Bonnie said finally snapping at him; the woman before him, far away from the timid, torn up creature he needed to coax into that lift. “Thank you for the rescue but you can return to your party. Okay? I’ll be out when I’m ready.”

This Bonnie, the one prone to turn on her heel and storm away from him, required a far more delicate touch. “Perhaps I can make arrangements to have you returned to your place of residence?” Klaus offered in a plea to appear reasonable.

But Bonnie didn’t need a moment to muse over his suggestion. Shaking her head immediately but looking somewhat despondent about having to do so, she replied weakly.

“No. I can’t. Not after tonight.”

With another piece of the puzzle in his possession yet somehow saddened by what it held, Klaus wavered a little.  

“Then I have a suggestion you may find either entirely pleasing or wholly preposterous.”

“Stay here.”

It was out there now. That dangerously weak heart of his finally successful in its intended coup; and Klaus’s deepest desire for company – a secret no more.  

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” Klaus replied fully committed to this idiocy now.  

Bonnie took another look at the grand apartment he’d just made available to her. “I guess this is okay.”

Catching herself venturing into a territory occupied by the far more ill-mannered, Bonnie tried again –  a little more enthusiastic this time. “Good even. I mean – it’s good. Thank you, Klaus.”

Another Bonnie Bennett thank you for Klaus’s book. The idle angel on his shoulder sure had an unusually amount to brag about tonight.

“Well, not so fast.” Klaus added, reminding Bonnie there were terms attached to his offer. “I cannot vouch for what kind of pay there is in television but there are a few items here that’ll fetch a pretty penny online. Morbidity of fame I suppose.”

Deciphering his meaning with narrowed eyes, Bonnie finally conceded.

“Fine stay if you must.”

“Just don’t bother me okay?”

Klaus clapped his hands together jubilantly. “Now we’re finally seeing eye to eye, I’d like to revisit my earlier queries.”

He walked over to the largest sofa and sat, his hand outstretched hovering over the space next him where he’d visualised she should be. “Come sit with me.”

Bonnie let out an ironic laugh at the proposal. “You gotta be kidding me!”

“You’re not gonna trick me into some ridiculous Dr. Phil situation Klaus.” She promised with a resolute look on her face.

Klaus lazily stretched his arms out above him and yawned, before satisfyingly settling his back against the soft cushions further. He then cast a relaxed smile in Bonnie’s direction, hoping to entice her to come do the same. Her day must’ve started as early as his, if not earlier.

“Come now, you’ve been standing in those heels for long enough love.”

“No way. No matter how comfortable the couch, I refuse to share it with you.” Bonnie repeated.

Frustrated, Klaus grabbed the soft white throw pillows, snatching them out from under him and busily began rearranging them. Without looking at her he muttered under his breath what he knew could only be received as a menacing attempt at intimidation.  

“I’ll be sure to send Kai Parker your most affectionate greetings when I go then.”

Once again, Klaus made sure to use his full name for effect.

Dissatisfied with the thought of missing her reaction, Klaus put away his angry pout and turned to face Bonnie, adding with a sneer. “I so did enjoy him in this summer’s must-see superhero flick. Really remarkable how far he’s come from his humble beginnings as a teenage witch.”

Bonnie did not blink. It looked as though she’d been inoculated to his mean mouth after the first incident. Klaus was about to try something different to get that reaction he craved when she cut him off.

“Why are you doing this?” She demanded, completely throwing him.  

“Why are you fucking with me?”

Not sure how to reply to such a straightforward question, Klaus hid behind a mocking gasp of shock and opted to childishly mutter about her use of foul language instead. Unfortunately, the aggravated actress firmly stayed on topic.

“All night in fact! Do you even see what you’re like?”

All of a sudden, Klaus had been stunned into silence by her more measured tone and the crashing waves of righteous rage radiating from her threatening to batter his unprotected body.

This was nothing like he’d ever dealt with before. Similar words from his siblings often fell short because of their own failings being so laughably apparent to him. No, blasted Jiminy Crickets would seldom manage to escape without being mercilessly crushed by his fist.  

Yet here was Bonnie and having a bloody good go!

And it was different, he noted. Her inquires into his very character held no pretence of a search for higher moral reasoning. She didn’t care to teach him anything or even win for that matter. She just plain and simple wanted to know.

Demanded to know.

Why was he, Klaus Mikaelson, fucking with her?  

It was a brilliantly phrased little question, simple in every way and yet something told Klaus he was in no way capable of delivering the complexity of its answer.

With no response coming her way any time soon, Bonnie groaned, wearily throwing her arms up in the air.

Her annoyance flared up once more when Klaus made the mistake of smiling. Her eyes flashed widely in disbelief at the action.

“Why are you grinning like a villain? Have you really nothing better to do?”

Ready to incur another deadly glare, Klaus was surprised to see her face soften.  

“Come on man, why all this,” She whined in response to this uncharacteristic quietness she had to endure from him. “I don’t even know you.”

The plainly said statement, a desperate final attempt at trying appeal to his better nature. There are protocols in civilised societies, she beseeched him The pools of hazel staring back at him called for the decency to mind one’s own bloody business.  

Except, that’s where Bonnie Bennett had gone wrong.

Klaus Mikaelson, more beast than man, was hardly civilised.

“Oh don’t be daft.” He laughed for a second time, crossing his arms under his head casually, further propping up the pillows. “Of course, you know me. Everyone does.”

“Great.” Bonnie said, her face clearly regretting her efforts to try and reach him. Klaus frowned a little at how easily she gave up. “So where’d your babysitter go? The big brother?”

Her casual mentioning of Elijah replicated the same discomfort Kai Parker’s did. Klaus shifted awkwardly in his seat and Bonnie noticed.

“Oh wow. You’re all of a sudden bored of twenty questions when it’s your turn?” Bonnie said with a sneer ugly on her pretty face.  

Determined not to lose to her, Klaus answered frankly. “He should be where he prefers to be. Back in his hotel room in a deep untroubled slumber. Miles away from here. From me.” He said bitterly.

His earnest confession as to the reason for his aloneness had an unexpected outcome.

A sudden crash and the empty space next to him became occupied.

Bonnie let out a tired sigh, appearing exhausted by everything leading up to the moment to collapsed down next to him. It was odd having her choose to not only sit, but then to do so closely.

As her thigh pressed against Klaus’s, he turned his head slightly to get a better look at the profile of her face. Her heavily lashed eyelids were shut as she inhaled deeply, sinking further into the comforting cool leather. Using just the tip of her toes, she flicked off her right shoe followed by the left. Her perfectly pedicured and painted toes then giving a little victory wiggle.

“It’s a nice couch.” She hummed, her still lids shut.

“It is.” Klaus chuckled.

“So jerk brother huh?” Bonnie asked, her eyes opening to look around the room as if she had misplaced something.

Up close, Klaus noticed slightly dry flakes of darkly stained skin peeling off insides of her lips, revealing a fleshy pink in contrast to the impeccable matte coat of chestnut brown from earlier this evening.

Without being asked, Klaus found himself on his feet and heading to the counter, returning with her discarded bottle in his hand. Again, she thanked him when he opened it for her and Klaus counted that as being five now in his favour.

“Jerk brother.” He concurred taking his seat once more.

“And what of your handler? Your agent, Saltzman was it?”

Bonnie’s mood soured at the mention of the man. “Urgh, just found out he ditched me to deliver his twins.”

Klaus was surprised at her answer.

Why the old bugger sure bounced back rather marvellously! So, it was two sets of tiny feet, and not his own cold ones that kept Alaric Saltzman away this evening. But why instead of being elated for her mentor, was Bonnie Bennett clearly furious? Surely there had to be some greater transgression than this? Or was she a far pettier person than Klaus had realised.

“What a monster.” He said mockingly.

Bonnie snorted. “Yeah well, he could’ve drop a warning he was going to be leaving me with one.”

“Poppycock! I’ve been a perfect gentleman.”

When Bonnie allowed herself to giggle at his exaggerated exasperation for even a second, Klaus noted how his ears, coming through the other side of a severe joyless drought, were beginning to grow fond of the sunny sound.

“Like hell you have.” She said slipping on a brief smile, comfortable enough to lazily slap the side of his thigh with the back of her hand without really looking at him. The impression left by her touch tingled for a moment thrilling him. Then the smile, just as easily slipped from her face leaving nothing but a pool of quiet bitterness in her eyes.

“I didn’t mean you.” Bonnie added in a low whisper, unblinking eyes gazing into the distance.

Klaus inhaled deeply, the solemn air between them thick and heavy.

Alaric Saltzman’s failings finally revealed.

A heads up.  

“Kai Parker.” He said without even the faintest hint of a sneer. She hadn’t anticipated on him being at the party. Alaric must’ve withheld that information from her.  

“Yep.”

Klaus shook his head sadly, trying on for size the part of a supportive friend. “He seems like such a prince too. Making the rounds at children’s wards in his silly tights and cape.”

“Well what do you want me to say? That Disney money got him playing you all 24/7 okay?” Bonnie retorted, straightening up.

Klaus knew he’d gone wrong, his attempts at sincerity rang false.

“Okay.” He said yielding to her and hoping she’d return to that almost tranquil state of earlier, teasing him with a touch or two.

But it wasn’t to be. As if only just slowly waking from a hazy dream and suddenly aware of her surroundings, Bonnie Bennett’s guard came up in full force.

“Are you friends with him?”

It was Klaus’s turn to jolt awake.

“Excuse me?”

“I said are you friends with him?” She demanded more sternly.

Klaus’s chuckles were dismissive. “Why? Did he pass along a lovely little handwritten note asking us to be mates love?”

Bonnie shot up.

On her feet and at a distance, she repeated herself.  

“I mean it Klaus. I need to know.”

“Are you friends?”

“No.” He said but by the time he answered they’d returned to their earlier roles. “Bloody hell. I said no didn’t!”  

To his horror, Bonnie would not abide.

In one swift motion, Klaus rose also. Back to facing off with Bonnie, but now with a much greater height advantage than the barefoot actress.

“We hardly travel similar circles. Just the overcrowded ones in need of a good cull if you ask me.”

Sensing she needed more than that Klaus decided to spell out for her exactly how he felt about the Kai Parkers of the world.

“I never thought of him as anything but a self-centred, man-child with mediocre flair for the arts yet an unmatched need for constant attention.”

He was met with raised eyebrows from the young woman.

“Don’t look at me like that!” He insisted growing increasingly irritated she would continue to question him. “I mean it love.  Believe me, we have nothing in common. He’s a hack. A Buzzfeed quiz favourite, constantly clamouring for followers across his social media like a harlot.”

Finally, Bonnie grinned a little. “Hashtag blessed.” She quipped in a voice much too heavy to be actually humorous.

Finally, Klaus watched as she settled back into her seat and convinced he did enough to ease her her doubts about him, followed.

“Well, I guess you know better than anyone not to believe what you read in the papers.” Bonnie observed, her head turning to face him. Her nose may as well have be touching his cheek but Klaus was too troubled by the mystery she still hid from him to take any joy in his triumph.  

“On the contrary love, when it comes to me, I must urge you – believe every word.” He said completely unironically.

“Even Carol Lockwood?”

“I – sorry – I didn’t meant to – ” Bonnie stammered her face utterly changed by the dark weight behind those words. Her mouth slammed shut; Klaus’s grim look, a judge’s gavel coming down on hard on such the feeble defence her lips were aspiring to form.  

“I don’t know why I said that.”

The choppy waves threatening to form above Klaus’s brows instantly settled, the flood of emotion never quite reaching the shores of his eyes. Gripped by the eerie stillness of a drowning victim, he sat unresponsive.  

There was hardly any point to it. The pens dripped in poison had done their job, effectively killing this conversation as it had the one with Elijah.

“The topic exhausts me.” A whisper of life left in him confessed.

Klaus shifted in his seat slightly ready to resist any and all of Bonnie’s resuscitation attempts. He expected a taste of his own medicine; bracing himself for a barrage of prying questions meant to unsettle.

Bonnie, far kinder and empathetic he thought the descendants of Adam could ever be, simply decided to nod.

“I understand.”

Understanding. His heart ached a little at the prospect of such a thing – he was the keeper of far less publicised ghost stories. Ones good souls would greatly struggle with.

“How could you possibly love.”

Gallons of redness spilling over the sides and onto the tiles, setting Klaus up to lose his footing and fall when he found her. A bathtub transformed into an overfilled wine glass. His mother, always such a careless drinker, had decidedly drained herself. The shirt he wore that day suddenly a bib, soaking up the mess she left for him as Klaus lost consciousness on the floor.

Last thought on his mind?

She finally did it.

Escaped them all to other side.  

[annathewitch]

An Entire Ocean

Summary: Bones x reader, pirate!au. Autumn 1715. Travelling from Boston to Barbados to meet your betrothed, your ship is captured by Black Jim and the pirates of the dread ship Enterprise, including the tall, dark and objectionable Bones. Part 1 of about 3.

Word Count: 5500

Warnings: Swearing, panic attack, may be further warnings in future parts.

A/N: Written for the @yourtropegirl Historical AU challenge Golden Age of Piracy era. This has been so much fun, but is totally outside of my normal writing experience! I hope you enjoy! Title is from a poem by Nikita Gill.

Standing at the rail near the prow of the Mary Charlotte as it sliced a steady path through gentle rolling swells, you turned your face into the spray and inhaled deep breaths of fresh salty air. After being confined belowdecks for the last days to suffer the wild pitching and tossing of the barque during a most tiresome storm, you were relieved and excited to feel sun and the rush of a warm Atlantic breeze.

Although it felt uncharitable to think it, you were secretly pleased that Mrs Stewart did not yet feel equal to emerging from the cabin you shared. While you had disliked the feeling of being thrown about your berth, your companion had been left retching miserably at every movement. 

However, her seasickness had not prevented the matron from assuming her usual stern, disapproving demeanour and she had scolded you soundly to properly dress your hair and tighten your stays before leaving the cabin. When you grumbled that it wasn’t as if you had the need or inclination to impress any gentlemen on the ship, she merely narrowed her eyes and repeated the promise she had made to your elderly aunt, to ensure you maintained proper Boston standards of decorum until your safe delivery to your betrothed, even if savage seamen were unlikely to appreciate it.

It chafed at you that everyone treated you like some beautifully wrapped, fragile package, to be carefully couriered to the allotted destination, while you had very little say in the matter. It was only your future after all. But while Mrs Stewart recovered her spirits you were free to wander the ship at your pleasure and enjoy a small amount of liberty and excitement. Perhaps the last I shall get. 

Shaking your head, you squashed that melancholy thought and picked your way carefully across the deck, minding the orderly bustle of seamen going about their work, to approach the steps to the quarterdeck. The Captain had generously given you leave to sit up there, as long as you kept out of the way, and you had found it to be a perfect spot to observe the daily routine of the ship, and to read a little. 

A man of few words, Captain Carter politely expressed his pleasure at seeing you up and about, before returning to the business of adjusting course, and, abandoning your parasol, you settled on your little wooden stool with your book open on your lap. Orders were bellowed to the crew, Topmen dropped sails and as the Mary Charlotte tacked, she heeled to starboard to better catch the wind and propel you more quickly to Barbados.

Since leaving the dull, comfortable familiarity of your Aunt’s home in Boston some weeks earlier, your final destination and your future life there had never been far from your mind. When your father had visited last year, he had hinted at the possibility of your marrying, but it had come as a surprise when his letter had arrived in the spring presenting your betrothal to the son of a dear friend as a fait accompli. Some great service had been rendered by that family and your father had considered it a debt of honour to be settled through offering the hand of his only daughter. 

Over the summer, whatever childish hopes you had held for a match of mutual feeling you suppressed, until you were resigned to the inevitability of your marriage to a man you had no more than a vague childhood recollection of. You trusted your father, and felt your sense of duty keenly. However, that did nothing to quell the growing nervousness, as each mile brought you closer to Barbados, that you were to live with a virtual stranger for the rest of your days, in a place you could barely remember. Fingering the locket that was your mother’s, you swallowed the lump in your throat and attempted to absorb the lines of French on the page of your book. 

Some miles away, just out of the view of the watchful eyes of the midshipman in the Mary Charlotte’s crow’s nest, another vessel was lying to, sails furled and riding the gentle swells. Waiting. 

On the main deck of the ship a dark-haired man leaned against the rails, staring contemplatively out at the vast expanse of ocean. These days, he didn’t often wonder at the strange turns his life had taken, but today was different. It marked four years since he had discovered the treachery of women and taken to the sea to try and forget. It had been the whim of a drunk, and he had fully expected the disease and danger of seafaring to kill him, but here he was alive and well. And restless.

As he frowned at the unwelcome intrusion of long abandoned hopes, he was joined by a younger man, who leaned back against the hammock netting beside him and sighed.

“It’s too quiet. We are overdue some excitement.”

The first man huffed and turned to the other with a grim smile. “For once I find myself in need of some distraction too. We should not linger here too long, or we risk discovery by those who would dearly like to capture this ship and it’s notorious captain. I’m sure that’s not the kind of excitement you imply.”

“No my friend.” The younger man paused. “It is your anniversary is it not?” Receiving only a grunt in reply he continued, “I may not be a well-educated man, but I know enough to tell you not to let the past rob you of your future.”

The other opened his mouth to form a cynical reply, after all what sort of future could he expect, but he was forestalled by an excited shout from the top of the mainsail. “Sail-ho! A merchantman!”

His friend grinned and clapped him on the shoulder. “Looks like Chekov has found us that excitement. Time to gussy up Bones!” 

“Aye Captain,” he muttered, but the ship’s master was already halfway across the deck, shouting orders to set the sails and come about. There would be plenty of time, and plenty of rum, to be melancholy later.

The first you knew that something was amiss, was when the shrill sound of the bosun’s whistle was heard from above decks. You had been about to sit down to a noon meal in the officers wardroom, but the urgency of the sound sent your company scurrying up the companionway and, curious, you made to follow them. 

As you emerged out of the hatch onto the main deck, cursing your skirts for being so cumbersome, there was a strange kind of tension and an unusual stillness had fallen over the vessel. The crew, to a man, were staring up at the top of the mainsail where the midshipman on watch had been joined by the Chief Mate. He had his legs looped in the rigging and his spyglass trained on the far horizon in the wake of the ship. After a few moments he stowed the glass and rubbed the back of his hand across his forehead, before shouting “‘Tis a frigate. No colours.”

A low murmuring started amongst the crew, and you knew as well as they did that a ship flying no colours was an ominous sign. They leapt to action as a series of orders were issued and you pressed yourself against a rail out of the way. From there, looking out towards the horizon, your naked eye could just discern the white smudge of sails, almost blending into the wispy clouds. Eventually a midshipman tugged on your sleeve.

“Begging your pardon miss, but the Captain would like a word.”  He escorted you onto the quarterdeck where you waited as Carter observed the progress of the unknown vessel with a worried frown. 

“Miss Y/L/N, you seem a sensible young lady, so I will be blunt. It appears we are being pursued and there is every chance that it is by pirates.” You swallowed thickly, having your suspicions confirmed.

“Are we in danger Captain Carter?” 

He paced a couple of steps up and down the deck before answering. “It is a frigate, and likely faster than this lady, we are laden with cargo. We will try and outrun them and the men are trimming the sails as we speak. But should they catch up with us it is hard to know what they may do. If I give the order you must lock yourself in your cabin with Mrs Stewart and I will do my best to see that you come to no harm.”

It was more words than he had spoken to you for the entire voyage, but none of the others had shaken you so. Not wanting to appear frightened or missish, you lifted your chin stubbornly and nodded crisply. “Yes sir, I will do as you say.”

Something in your expression must have betrayed you, as the Captain laid a hand on your arm and said in as soft a voice as he could manage, “Do not worry, the cargo will be their object.”

The next half hour saw a hundred minor adjustments to sail and course, each trying to get the ship to produce a vital burst of speed, but it was to no avail. Slowly the smudge of sails grew larger and more distinct and there was no doubt that the Mary Charlotte would be slowly but inevitably reeled in like a large fish. A leaden feeling grew in your gut.

At length, the stalking ship was clearly visible and Chief O’Brien raised his spyglass to see if it was possible to determine its identity. He swore under his breath, before glancing at you and apologising. “I beg your pardon miss, but Captain, I would swear on my mother’s grave that it is the Enterprise.”

Carter visibly blanched under his ruddy seafarer’s complexion. “The Enterprise? Black Jim? God help us,” he muttered. Removing his hat and wiping a hand across his damp brow, he turned to you. “Miss Y/L/N it is time for you to go belowdecks. I will come for you myself when this storm has passed.” You bobbed a curtsey and hurried to do as you were bid. 

In the cabin, Mrs Stewart was sleeping soundly and you were loathe to wake her until the situation became dire. So you shot the bolt on the cabin door and dragged your trunk across it. You tried to sit on your berth, but could not rest. Every creak and groan of the timbers, every muffled shout and footstep made you jump. So you paced the four steps up and down the narrow space between the beds, trying fruitlessly to avoid thinking about what was going on above and what fate was to befall the Mary Charlotte, until she heeled hard to port. At the same moment, the unmistakeable thunder of cannon fire rattled the very walls and your companion sat up with a scream. 

Bones climbed up the steps to the quarterdeck of the Enterprise to take his customary position behind his Captain. He was dressed to the nines in his best shirt and a richly embroidered coat, as were the rest of the crew. As a raw recruit to the ship he had laughed it off as a silly affectation, but he couldn’t deny that they made an intimidating spectacle and goddammit if it wasn’t effective. 

As he buckled on his sword and adjusted his eye patch, he saw that the pursuit had unfolded much as he had expected. Despite the desperate manoeuvres of the merchant barque, the distance between them had closed until they were perhaps a half mile apart. Though they did not know it, it was a fool’s errand to try and outrun the Enterprise with Sulu at the helm and Captain Jim Kirk’s instinctive knack for predicting the winds. There was not a more dangerous predator on the high seas.

He was joined by Mr Spock, a strange, stiff sort of fellow with a cool logical head that made him ideally suited for his role as quartermaster.

The Captain turned to them, the thrill of the chase evident in the fierce expression in his eyes. “I have a good feeling about this one, and the way we are reeling her in it is as if she was destined to be ours!”

Spock raised an eyebrow. “I do not believe it is a matter of destiny Captain, she is a large vessel and judging from the way she is sitting low in the water she is well loaded. As such she is far slower than we are, and likely to have a promising cargo. It’s an entirely logical pursuit,” he said flatly.

Kirk laughed. “Aye Spock, but destiny put her in our way. We shall overhaul them in short order, let’s put on a good show.” He winked at his two crew mates and bellowed, “All hands to their stations, man the guns! Prepare to intercept across their starboard bow.”

The main deck swarmed with activity, accompanied by the low rumble of the frigate’s thirty-six guns being run out. Crewmen lined the rails with swords and pistols, and a few marksmen climbed the rigging with muskets. They were close enough now that Bones could see the crew on the unfortunate barque scuttling around in futile preparations; even to his inexpert eye the merchant ship was not well armed.

He checked his own pair of pistols and braced against the heeling motion of the Enterprise as it overtook the Mary Charlotte and cut across her bow, throwing up a churn of white foam and spray. The other ship had no choice but to turn hard to port to avoid a collision.

“Let’s give them an Enterprise welcome lads! Fire two across their bow,” Jim ordered. The deck of the ship erupted into a deafening clamour of shouting and rattling of swords and the roar of the port cannon sent two shots whistling within feet of the Mary Charlotte’s bowsprit. A deft turn brought the Enterprise alongside its prey, guns primed and aimed, and the Captain swaggered across the quarterdeck to the port rail, heedless of several pairs of pistols aimed at him across the water. 

“Avast and back off your sails! Prepare to be boarded. Resist and we’ll show no quarter to any man,” the Captain boomed through his speaking trumpet. His counterpart and lieutenant were engaged in furious discussion and Bones waited with breath held to see if they would be sensible in the face of such odds. Not all men were, he recalled grimly, and it was such an unnecessary waste. A flag was waved to indicate acceptance and he sighed in relief.

A short while later a well-armed boarding party, including Bones, had crossed to the other ship to accept surrender. Some of the captured crew had thought they could salvage some of their damaged pride and had started a scuffle that was swiftly suppressed when one of the marksmen in the sails of the Enterprise shot Captain Carter’s hat clean off. The perpetrators were knocked out with pistol butts and lashed to the rails. 

“Keep your men under control, or you will pay the price,” Kirk smiled at his counterpart as he ascended to take control of the wheel, but the threat glinted in his eyes and he drew a pistol to drive the point home. “Are these all your hands? I don’t want to find a nasty surprise belowdecks.” 

Carter swallowed, and threw a nervous look towards his Chief Mate. “Aye, tis all my men.”

It was Spock who spotted the evidence of his prevarication, as he cast an appraising eye over the deck, he noticed the parasol tucked in the corner where you had abandoned it earlier that day. Bringing it to Kirk he cleared his throat. “Captain, unless these gentlemen are particularly careful to protect their complexion from the sun, I would surmise there are others aboard this ship.”

Bones snorted at Spock’s rare humour. Kirk’s eyes narrowed. “You are beginning to try my patience Captain Carter. Where are they?”

“They are but two female passengers, they have no part in this business, I beg of you sir leave them be.”

“Their part in this is not for you to decide,” Kirk snarled and grabbed Carter by the lapels, digging the nose of his pistol under the man’s ribs. “You think we will not search every inch of this ship anyway? Where. Are. They?” 

“One of the aft cabins.” The man gasped in relief as his captor released him.

Glancing around at his men, the Captain’s eyes came to rest on Bones who was stood with arms crossed, wearing his customary scowl. “Take Scotty and fetch them up.”

With a huff, Bones strode across the deck and jumped down the companionway steps two at a time, the wiry bosun following close behind. At the end of the berth deck was a narrow corridor with four doors. He banged his fist on each in turn before opening the door, and swearing loudly when they turned up empty, until only the last door remained. He pounded on it hard enough to rattle teeth and made to open it, but it was stuck fast. 

“Open the door and you’ll not be harmed,” he bellowed loud enough to make even Mr Scott wince. 

The only sound from within was a muffled sobbing. Bones slammed his hand on the doorframe. It was bad enough that Jim sent him to fetch the women, but to have to deal with female hysterics? An unwelcome memory of his life as a country doctor flashed into his head. “Goddammit! Open the bloody door!”

“Beggin’ yer pardon Bones, but yer as like to terrify ‘em, as get ‘em t’open tha door,” Scotty suggested with a wry smile. 

“I have no patience for this,” he muttered in return before backing up and aiming a series of forceful kicks at the hinges of the cabin door. To his satisfaction the wood splintered and the door buckled inwards kept up only by a piece of furniture that was blocking it. Together with Scotty he shouldered the door in, shoving the offending trunk with it. 

There was a second’s silence, then the sound of shattering glass and Scotty stumbled towards him clutching his bleeding head.

After the blast of the cannons, you had to quickly calm a terrified Mrs Stewart. As you explained hastily what had happened and tried to quiet the moans of terror from the older woman, you couldn’t help but think that surely this scene should be the other way around. Thankfully there were no further blasts and no terrifying sounds of wood splintering, or cries of injured men, only a vast deal of hooting and hollering and the amplified sound of someone shouting through a trumpet, but you couldn’t make out the words.

Eventually there was a scraping sound and the creak and groan of timbers and ropes, followed by a great thunder of footsteps and more shouting. A single gunshot sounded and your heart leapt into your throat hoping that none of the crew had been felled. Things went quiet after that, and you sat on the edge of Mrs Stewart’s bunk rubbing her back gently. Perhaps all would be well.

However, the sound of heavy footsteps sounded, drawing closer down the berth deck followed by a deafening pounding on one of the other cabin doors and a deep rough voice that you did not recognise, demanding entry. Your heart raced, as the man drew closer and your companion began to wail and sob.

Frantically looking around for some sort of weapon with which to defend yourself, you lamented the bad luck that your parasol had been abandoned on deck. Being able to wield its sturdy handle as a club would have made you feel much more courageous. But it was too late, as the pounding reached your door, and you hushed Mrs Stewart, grabbed the bottle containing your rosewater from the dresser and pressed yourself against the wall beside the door.

The angry voice demanded entry, but you did not comply and there was muttering and another voice then the awful sound of something battering against the door, until the hinges gave with an awful crack, and the intruders had barged the door in. Screwing your eyes closed, you lashed out with the bottle in your fist and smashed it over the head of the man nearest you, who stumbled into the other. 

Gripping your rosewater soaked skirts in the other hand you moved to put yourself between Mrs Stewart and these barbarians, waving the broken stump of glass in front of you. You saw you had hit the smaller of the two men who was now leaning on the doorpost rubbing blood away from a gash on his forehead, and his large friend loomed, wide as the doorway, face twisted in a grimace of displeasure. 

“Stay back! I will slash you, do not think I won’t!” You shouted, trying to keep the tremor out of your voice. But the great dark haired brute merely sneered and glared out of his single eye before grabbing your wrist and pressing his thumb between the bones until you yelped in pain and dropped the makeshift weapon. Instinctively, you swung your free hand to slap him, but he caught that too, and backed you up his body pressing you against the far wall, arms pinned at your sides. No one had ever manhandled you like this before. Suddenly it was hard to breathe.

“Goddammit no you won’t, you little hellion,” he growled an inch away from your face. The brush of his hot breath made you shiver. “Scotty, bind her wrists.” He stepped back and pulled your hands out in front of you and the shorter man made swift work of tying them together with a narrow piece of rope. “Now her,” he nodded at poor Mrs Stewart who was shocked into silence and huddled on her berth. 

“She dinnae look like she’ll give us bother Bones,” he protested in broad Scotch brogue, rubbing his gingery beard.

“No, she is frightened enough already, please do not.” It was a hopeless plea you thought. This man was a pirate, cold and unprincipled. He stared down at you intently with his one eye the colour of seaweed, his grip still firm on your bruised wrists, until you looked away at his scrutiny.

“Very well. Let’s get them up top.” The man named Scotty, helped a compliant Mrs Stewart to her feet and steered her through the door. Shocked at your captor’s acquiescence, he had to pull you into motion and you stumbled. He growled, “Do I need to hoist you over my shoulder like a sack of flour?”

Indignation foamed in your chest and unable to form words, you merely shook your head, and stuck out your chin stubbornly before climbing over the remains of the door and allowing the beastly man to lead you like an animal above deck. You heard him sigh and mutter something unintelligible as he tugged you along.

Up on the quarterdeck, you discovered that piracy was not the quick business you had assumed. Scotty steered Mrs Stewart over to the little stool you had been settled on only hours before and the awful Bones handed you over to the supervision of the Scotsman with a scowl, before going to confer with his Captain. 

It relieved you that the pirate Captain spared you little more than a passing glance, while issuing orders to his men to search and secure all valuable cargo and, in short order, goods were brought up from the hold, inspected and transferred to the pirate ship. You stifled a cry when you saw that amongst the haul were the trunks of your trousseau. Yards of beautiful fabrics, delicate garments that you had spent hours stitching. Superficial it might be, but they had been your consolation in the midst of the uncertain feelings about your marriage. 

Captain Carter looked chagrined, as well he might having failed to give you the protection he promised. Trying to distract yourself from your fear and discomfort at the heat of the afternoon sun beating down on you, you cast your eye around you taking a better look at your captors. 

To a man they were ostentatiously dressed, clearly these were a successful pirate crew. The Captain himself in a long black velvet coat with gold buttons and embroidery, a rich yellow silk sash and a shirt with acres of lace at the collar and sleeves, cut a figure that you would have called dashing were he not a pirate and a scoundrel. Scotty beside you wore a deep red brocade waistcoat with trimmings as fine as any you had seen in New York, and a beautiful scarf tied around his head now marred with blood from the wound you had inflicted.

However, despite your disdain for the man, your eye was drawn to the tall, broad figure of Bones, now standing a little apart, feet planted and arms crossed over his chest. His long dark hair was neatly clubbed back and his beard trimmed close. He was a little less flamboyant than the others in a deep blue coat with embroidered hem and cuffs, and a fine lawn shirt with an impeccably tied stock at his throat. His sword belt was worked with gold inlays and if you were honest he could have passed as a gentleman, had it not been for the pair of pistols, the eye patch and the ever present glower that marked him as a dangerous man. 

Scotty saw the direction of your stare and chuckled grimly. “Aye lass, yer dinnae want ta anger Bones any more than yer have. He’s quite a temper on him and nae love towards womenfolk in general.”

As if aware that he was the topic of conversation, his gaze turned to you across the deck and he frowned. You levelled your most ferocious glare back at him locking eyes until you realised you had become the object of the pirate Captain’s scrutiny too. Kirk glanced at Bones, then with an amused grin he gestured to Scotty for you to be brought forward. 

He regarded you silently for a few seconds, looking you up and down with cool blue eyes in a manner that suggested he had appraised the worth of every item of your attire, and the likely shape of everything underneath, before smiling most charmingly and tipping his hat. “Captain James Kirk at your service madam.” You stayed pointedly silent, which only made him grin even more rakishly. “You must be Miss Y/L/N. Pray, why are you bound for Barbados?”

“I do not see what business it is of yours, sir,” you replied mockingly, all the while suppressing the lurching sensation in your stomach. 

“No matter, Miss Y/L/N.” The smile vanished and he stared, a calculating look in his eye, before nodding to you and turning away to issue another order to his crew. “Ready a dinghy for Captain Carter here. We cannot leave without making an example of him for his attempts at deception.”  Carter blanched, but to his credit stood proudly.

“He is to be set adrift, sir?” You gasped, incredulous, thinking of the poor man’s family in Boston. “That is barbaric!”

Kirk swung around to face you again, his expression hard. “Why, yes Miss Y/L/N. It is an unfortunate necessity in this business to ensure absolute compliance in future. Just think, I could have ordered the whole ship scuttled.”

As he moved to step past you, you grabbed at his sleeve. “But surely there is something else you could do? He surely cannot survive being set adrift so far from civilisation!”

He looked down at your bound wrists and then back up at you with a spark of interest. “Perhaps there is Miss Y/L/N,” he said thoughtfully. “I will make you a deal. In exchange for Captain Carter’s life, you will agree to be taken as our hostage on board the Enterprise. We will ransom you in Bridgetown back to your family.”

You felt suddenly lightheaded as all the blood rushed from your face. You distantly heard Carter cry a protestation at this most abominable offer, but it surprised you more to see Bones step up to  Kirk and hiss at him, “Are you out of your goddamn mind Jim!”

“She is clearly well to do Bones, we should get a pretty sum in ransom.”

“I don’t like it. Hostage taking is a messy business as you well know. And she’s a damned woman!” He glared at his Captain much as he had glared at you earlier. Perhaps he was generally predisposed to be displeased.

“I can see that,” Kirk replied drily, eyes lingering over your décolletage. “My mind is made up. It is the lady’s choice. Well?”

You swallowed the lump in your throat, it was no kind of choice at all when a man’s life was at stake. “I will do it.”

The pirate Captain laughed, “By God she has more courage than the rest of this lot put together!” He shot a scathing look at Carter. “Do not fret sir, upon my honour I will see that she is unharmed.” 

He stepped up to you and reached out to take a lock of your hair that you had carefully curled over your shoulder that morning, smoothing it through his fingers. With a flash of intuition, you had the awful feeling that this pirate had just gotten exactly what he wanted. As he laid the lock down, his hand traced across your collarbone. “Miss Y/L/N, that is a lovely necklace you are wearing.” And before you had time to protest, he pulled your mother’s locket from your neck and tossed it to Bones. “Keep it safe for me. We will need it for ransom.”

“You are a thief and a scoundrel! My father and my fiancé will see you hang for this!” you spat in outrage. This man had no honour at all. 

He tipped his hat again, with a smirk. “Oh, I doubt it. But they will pay a pretty penny to have you returned. Scotty, escort our guest aboard the Enterprise.”

As the Scotsman led you away your stubborn facade finally cracked and you felt tears pool in your eyes which you dashed away with your fists. The heat and exhaustion hit you like bricks, and suddenly it seemed much harder to breathe, but you steadfastly put one foot in front of the other across the gangplank, trying not to imagine what fate awaited amongst the din of victorious pirates on the other side.

Bones turned away from his Captain, anger barely suppressed below the surface, and saw you clutch awkwardly at your blue silk petticoats and stumble across the plank between ships. This whole escapade was sheer madness and unlikely to end well. Kirk clapped him on the shoulder. “I have a feeling about this one Bones, trust me.”

As he watched the crew of the Mary Charlotte be herded down into the hold to be locked up, and the Enterprise crew climb the rigging to cut lines and slash down sails, the scent of roses seemed to linger in the air. He shook his head in resignation. “I damn well hope you’re right Captain.” With a deep sigh, he strode across to the steps and descended to the main deck. He couldn’t shake the sense of foreboding he had, but perhaps it was simply the melancholy mood that had plagued him all day. Back on the Enterprise there would be rum, and maybe he could chase this black mood away. 

He tugged at his stock to loosen it as he walked. By god it was hot in this get up, and he had been standing in the sun for what felt like hours. As he crossed the gangplank it occurred to him that he should offer you some salve for your skin. A coddled miss like you was probably not used to the exposure and would suffer for it tomorrow. 

But his anticipated oblivion, would have to wait. As he jumped down onto the deck of the Enterprise, it was clear that something had caused a commotion. A raucous cluster of crew had formed around the bottom of the main mast where he could see a flash of pale blue, and they were cheering and yelling. With a sinking feeling, Bones knew before he elbowed his way through what the cause would be, and sure enough, there at the centre of the knot you were pressed against the mast with Scotty in front of you brandishing his sword at the other men and issuing an impressive string of Celtic curses.

“Goddammit, bringing a woman on board as part of the prize, what were you thinking Jim?” he growled to himself. He yanked a pistol out of his belt and fired it in the air. “Avast! You best be going about your business smartly lads,” he roared. “This woman is under the Captain’s protection. He won’t be too pleased to see her manhandled.” He stared down the men in the front, and with some grumbling at the end of their sport, they dispersed.

He turned to see what damage had been done, and you were leaning heavily against the mast, eyes wide in fright and fighting for breath, hands pressed against your chest. Your face was ashen, and a fine sheen of sweat beaded your brow. You slid down, knees buckling, and Bones lunged toward you cursing up a storm. 

As he seized you under the arms you twisted and fought, gasping “no, please no...” but he paid you no heed and grasping the front of your gown ripped it open where it was pinned to the stomacher to expose your stays. 

He was caught unaware as you lashed out with your feet landing a vicious kick to his shin and stamping on his foot. “Dammit all to hell you little spitfire!” he bellowed, his face twisting in pain Reaching into his boot he pulled out a short blade, and at the sight of it the fight seemed to go out of you. You were struggling to breathe in shallow rasps, and he wrestled your gown down your arms as far as the bindings would allow. As he flipped you over so you lay on your front across his bent knee, he felt you go limp as you passed out. 

Swiftly running the blade of his knife up the laces of your stays, Bones tore them away from you and turned you over again in his arms, relieved to see you take some unhindered breaths though you remained unconscious. Carefully, he cut the binding on your wrists. Then he scooped you up and, glowering at Scotty who stared dumbly at the scene before him, carried you across the deck to the hatch down to the berth deck and the sickbay below. 

Pain throbbed in his leg with every step, and he cursed the fates, the universe and Jim bloody Kirk for landing him in the middle of an entire ocean, with a woman who was nothing but pure unadulterated trouble.

TO BE CONTINUED...

A/N: Its quite a lot of set up in this first part, there will be more Bones and reader from now on!

Tags: tagging a couple of people who have expressed interest in this, happy to add or remove. I have a tag list for Falling, but not sure if people on that want to be tagged in all fics, so if you do, just let me know. 

@musikat18 @taylorjacksonandtheolympians @space-helen

[euroman1945-blog]

The Daily Thistle

The Daily Thistle – News From Scotland

Tuesday 4th September 2018

"Madainn Mhath” …Fellow Scot, I hope the day brings joy to you…. The clouds had moved on this morning as Bella and I set out for our walk, millions of stars twinkled in the black night sky.. I love it when it's like that.. streets were empty except for us and the sound of Bella's Dog Tag's and Rabies shot indicator clinking in the in the darkness, as she's jet black, it's hard to see her at times...

CIDER MAKER OFFERS ALCOHOL IN EXCHANGE FOR APPLES AND PEARS…. Thistly Cross, of East Lothian, has launched an appeal for unwanted home-grown fruit. A cider maker has opened its "bucket for a bottle" appeal for unwanted home-grown apples and pears. Thistly Cross, of East Lothian, said it is open to donations which it will hand-press into juice to be matured into cider. The brewer is offering to swap donations over 7kg for cider and beer. The yearly appeal first started in an attempt to reduce waste with many locally grown apples going unused. The company said: "One of the things that make Thistly Cross Cider so unique is its blend of Scottish heritage apples, hand-pressed at their Cidershed in the heart of East Lothian - continuing a proud tradition of using apples grown across the country from a wide range of sources, including local schools, professional apple growers, estate and farm owners and the general public. "In previous years, the 'Bucket for a Bottle' scheme has resulted in hundreds of tonnes of apples, and Thistly are hoping to top that with this year's #apples4cider campaign."

EDINBURGH SET FOR UK'S LONGEST LEGAL GRAFFITI WALL…. Around 60 artists from across Europe will each decorate a section of the wall. Graffiti artists from across Europe are descending on the capital to create the UK's longest legal graffiti wall. Around 60 artists from Scotland, England, Ireland, Poland, Spain and Germany will each decorate a section of the wall close to Ocean Terminal at the Rock the Dock Graffiti Jam on Saturday. With 330m in total being decorated - 165m on each side - the temporary graffiti wall will become the UK's longest, surpassing the current longest one in Dundee by 190m. The council-owned site forms part of the proposed tram to Newhaven and this initiative is seen as an ideal opportunity to breathe new life into the area before work gets under way. Rock the Dock is being jointly led by Leith-based hip-hop education organisation, The State, roller rink and indoor skatepark, The Boardwalk, and Scotland's graffiti, street art and mural specialists, Mainline and Spectrum Arts. The event on Saturday is open to all and will run between 9am and 9pm, with three free workshops throughout the day. Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: "This is a tremendously exciting project and I'm really looking forward to seeing the wall being transformed by the graffiti jam. "Rock the Dock is a great example of how the council can bring people and groups together to create something special for the local community - bringing some much-needed life to the area and supporting the work of graffiti artists in Edinburgh and further afield."

MAN ACCUSED OF ENCOURAGING TERRORISM IN FACEBOOK POSTS…. Mohammed Hamza Siddiq, from Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway, is accused of posting extremist content on the social media site. The 37-year-old is charged with one count of encouraging terrorism and another of failing to disclose information to the police. Siddiq, formerly known as Andrew Calladine, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Thursday. He remained silent for most of the hearing and has not yet entered any pleas to the charges against him. Police became aware of his publicly open Facebook account in August 2017, the court heard. Siddiq, of Nottingham, was remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on September 27.

SCOTLAND'S FIRST COMMERCIAL ROCKET LAUNCH HAILED A SUCCESS…. The first commercial rocket launch in Scotland has taken place as part of efforts to gain work at a planned spaceport in the Highlands. Skyrora saw its 2.5 metre (9ft) projectile reach altitudes of almost four miles after taking off at the Kildermorie Estate in Ross-shire. Known as Skylark Nano, it accelerated to Mach 1.45 - more than 110mph. The Edinburgh-based rocket developer was trialling technology for use on full-scale vehicles, as it bids for a contract for the forthcoming facility. Daniel Smith, director of business development, said: "This was a small but important step for us in our bid to become the go-to satellite launch provider at a future Scottish spaceport. "Huge positives can be taken from this - from the success of our portable ground control systems, trajectory analysis and ability to capture the launch with on-board HD cameras. "We will use the lessons learned in the next stage of our test launch programme, where we'll be going to a far more significant altitude. "For us it's all about taking careful steps to de-risk and gain experience as we quickly evolve through sub-orbital tests towards our future orbital launch ambitions." The commercial element of the flight was done in partnership with social media site Ask.fm. Cargo was ejected at burnout - staying attached to the body via a Kevlar cable - and a parachute was opened at low altitude for a soft landing. The planned £17.2m spaceport will be developed by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Last month it was announced the UK Space Agency would provide £31.5m of funding for the overall project. If approved, it could see a vertical launch site built for a new generation of small rockets to launch micro communication and earth-observation satellites. Melness Crofting Estate near Tongue is the proposed location.  Scotland has been described as the best place in the UK to reach in-demand satellite orbits with vertically launched rockets. It is estimated the spaceport could create 400 jobs in the area. Around 2000 satellites are forecast to launch there between 2021 and 2030.

MUGGLES OF THE GLEN: WHERE POTTER FANS GATHER IN THEIR HUNDREDS….  Harry Potter fans are arriving in their hundreds at a Highlands location for two of the films adapted from JK Rowling's books about the boy wizard. Filming of 2002's Harry Potter and the Chambers of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, released in 2004, took place at Glenfinnan. Here, fans gather on a hillside near the Glenfinnan Viaduct to catch a glimpse of the "Hogwarts Express". In real-life, the Express is the Jacobite steam train. The steam train crosses the railway viaduct on its journeys along the West Highland Line. Hundreds of railway enthusiasts and tourists on holiday in the Highlands also visit the site each year to witness the spectacle. The train and the viaduct appear in a famous scene featuring Harry Potter, friend Ron Weasley and a flying car. So many Potter enthusiasts are now turning up in Glenfinnan, home to a village of the same name, that the local community is seeking funding for a new car park to cater for the visitors. There are just 50 parking spaces available at the moment, and people are parking on side roads and along the verges of the busy A830. Some of the many visitors have been arriving to wait four hours to catch a glimpse of the Hogwarts Express. Fiona Gibson, of Glenfinnan Community Council, told BBC Scotland: "It's only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt. "Kids are walking on the road and, because people are on their holidays, they are not really thinking about which side of the road they should be walking on." She added: "We've had bumps and scrapes, but fortunately no fatalities." The community hopes its planned new car park will be a wizard solution to the current parking problems.

On that note I will say that I hope you have enjoyed the news from Scotland today,

Our look at Scotland today is of The Jacobite Express…

A Sincere Thank You for your company and Thank You for your likes and comments I love them and always try to reply, so please keep them coming, it's always good fun, As is my custom, I will go and get myself another mug of "Colombian" Coffee and wish you a safe Tuesday 4th September 2018 from my home on the southern coast of Spain, where the blue waters of the Alboran Sea washes the coast of Africa and Europe and the smell of the night blooming Jasmine and Honeysuckle fills the air…and a crazy old guy and his dog Bella go out for a walk at 4:00 am…on the streets of Estepona…

All good stuff....But remember it’s a dangerous world we live in

Be safe out there…

Robert McAngus #Scotland #News #Spain

[your-dietician]

Introduction to Neuropathy – Diabetes Daily

New Post has been published on https://depression-md.com/introduction-to-neuropathy-diabetes-daily/

Introduction to Neuropathy – Diabetes Daily

What is neuropathy? And more specifically, what is diabetic neuropathy? What are the symptoms and how can you prevent and treat neuropathy?

When someone hears about the long-term complications of diabetes, problems with the feet, foot ulcers, and even amputations are often brought up and can be some of the scariest outcomes. What leads to these issues is something called neuropathy, or damage to the nerves.

But neuropathy, and those subsequent complications, aren’t by any means a given – and prevention is possible. What is neuropathy and what can you do to avoid it entirely, or minimize it so that you can keep your feet, and the rest of your body, as healthy as possible?

What is the difference between neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy?

Neuropathy is the term used to describe any damage to nerves in the body (for example, an injury from a car accident can damage the nerves). Diabetic neuropathy, or diabetes-related neuropathy, is the term used to specifically describe the nerve damage from high glucose levels (hyperglycemia) over the long term.

Diabetes can cause three main types of neuropathies: peripheral neuropathy (medically referred to as distal symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy), autonomic neuropathy, and focal neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, and often leads to symptoms involving the hands and feet. “This is what most people associate with diabetes-related neuropathy,” said Chris Memering, a nurse and inpatient diabetes care and education specialist at CarolinaEast Health System in New Bern, North Carolina.

Peripheral neuropathy involving the feet is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy. Loss of function in particular nerve fibers can change sensation and reduce strength in the foot. Loss of sensation can lead to injury from shoes that don’t fit, stepping on sharp objects you can’t feel, or not knowing the sidewalk is too hot. Neuropathy can also lead to pain, burning or other unpleasant sensations which may respond to medication.

But diabetes isn’t the only condition that can cause peripheral neuropathy. Other conditions that can lead to peripheral neuropathy include heavy alcohol consumption, trauma, nerve entrapment (such as that which occurs in carpal tunnel syndrome), vitamin B deficiency, chemotherapy, and an autoimmune process that attacks the nerves.

Neuropathy can also affect the functioning of the autonomic nervous system (which controls things like blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, and bowel and bladder function). This is called autonomic neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy can lead to a variety of complications.

“In diabetes care, many people are familiar with hypoglycemia unawareness, erectile dysfunction or female sexual dysfunction, gastroparesis [when the stomach can’t empty properly and digestion slows], neurogenic bladder [when the nerves that tell your brain to tighten or release the bladder muscles don’t operate properly], or orthostatic blood pressure changes [dropping blood pressure when you stand up],” Memering said, adding that all these could be a result of neuropathy.

Finally, focal neuropathy results from issues with one or more nerve roots and usually happens suddenly. Focal neuropathies often involve both motor functioning – such as weakness – and sensory deficits, which can cause discomfort and pain.

What causes neuropathy?

Chronic hyperglycemia can damage both small and large nerve fibers. Over time, elevated glucose levels, often made worse by high triglycerides (a type of fat that can be found in the blood) and associated with inflammation (the body’s natural way of fighting infection) can cause damage to the nerves. That damage disrupts the way nerves interpret sensory information and how the messages about sensation are transmitted to the brain.

Usually, nerve damage from high blood sugar levels happens in the long nerves first (which run from your spine down to your toes), which is why the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy occur first in the feet. “The length of time someone has lived with diabetes increases their risk of developing neuropathies, as does that person’s level of blood glucose, in terms of A1C, Time in Range, and glucose variability,” Memering explained.

In essence, higher glucose levels over time increases your risk for developing neuropathy. This was confirmed by the famous Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications study (EDIC). The studies showed that the prevalence of confirmed peripheral neuropathy was 64% lower among participants in the intensive management group (those who managed their blood glucose carefully with treatment and kept their levels as close to normal as possible).

What does neuropathy feel like?

Symptoms of neuropathy usually start in the toes and progress upward. The sensations experienced with peripheral neuropathy differ from person to person. Some describe the feelings they have as numbness or tingling, while others say it feels like burning. Some say they are sensitive to being touched and cannot bear the feeling of a sheet or blanket covering their feet, while others describe it as feeling like they are always wearing a sock or a glove.

“Ultimately, you could end up losing protective sensation – which can be very dangerous and puts you at risk of not realizing when a part of your body is hurting or being injured,” Memering said. “While you may be able to still feel pressure – you know you are stepping on the ground with your foot – you may not be able to feel pain if you step on something sharp or hot.” This means you might not withdraw your foot from the unsafe environment, harming it further, and without realizing the extent of the damage.

The biggest concern about peripheral neuropathy involving the feet is that the loss of normal pain sensation can lead to greater skin and tissue damage. “Injury can result in the formation of a foot ulcer, which, if infected, can progress to ongoing tissue damage that can lead to amputation,” said Dr. Robert Gabbay, the chief scientific and medical officer for the American Diabetes Association. That’s why it’s so important to prevent, recognize, and treat any symptoms of neuropathy.

How is neuropathy diagnosed?

To assess for neuropathy, your healthcare team should do a thorough examination of your feet looking for sores or ulcers, changes in skin color, diminished pulses and any abnormality or injury to your foot. They can test for diminished strength, a change in your ability to know the position of your toes, and a change in sensation or sensory perception.

A foot exam will always involve taking off your socks and shoes, and your healthcare professional will inspect your feet to check for color changes, pulses, open areas, redness, rashes, and the overall condition of your feet, said Dr. Cecilia C. Low Wang, a professor of endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at the University of Colorado Anschultz School of Medicine.

A monofilament test uses a soft fiber to test for sensation in various parts of the feet and body, and a tuning fork can also help healthcare professionals understand how much sensation a person has lost. The monofilament test, as well as a pinprick test, can check to make sure you have good sensation, while other tests will evaluate vibration and position sense (whether you are aware of where your foot is). “The main question I would suggest asking your diabetes provider is whether they notice anything concerning about your foot exam, and whether they think you need to do anything different, or see an additional specialist, such as a podiatrist,” said Dr. Low Wang.

In this age of telehealth visits, some podiatrists have been sending a monofilament (a small strand of nylon attached to a piece of plastic) to a person’s home and teaching them how to use it to determine if they have reduced sensation in different areas of the feet. Podiatrists might even examine a person’s foot onscreen during a video visit and ask questions about how the foot feels or looks. “If there’s something of concern, they will schedule an in-person visit,” added Memering.

If someone is experiencing symptoms of autonomic neuropathy, a healthcare professional may recommend a specific test depending on what the autonomic symptoms are. For example, if there are issues with blood pressure control, taking your blood pressure as you change positions from lying to sitting to standing or using a formal tilt-table test, may show loss of autonomic control of how your body regulates your blood pressure. If you have symptoms of delayed gastric-emptying (stomach-emptying), specialized radiology tests might be ordered that show the time it takes for food to exit the stomach. The Mayo Clinic has an informative list about many of these tests. If you have any symptoms of autonomic neuropathy, such as bladder or erectile dysfunction, feeling faint on standing up, or bloating and fullness, talk to your healthcare professional and explain what you are experiencing.

What are the best treatment options for neuropathy, especially in the hands and feet?

Although it is not always possible to prevent neuropathy completely, the best way to slow its progression (as shown in the DCCT) is to closely manage your blood sugar levels and try to stay in range as much of the time as possible. If neuropathy does develop, medications can decrease the burning and tingling sensations, said Dr. Gabbay.

“Diabetes is a leading cause of neuropathy, and the higher someone’s blood sugar levels are over time, the more likely they are to develop neuropathy,” Dr. Gabbay said. “The good news is by managing blood sugar levels, one can significantly reduce their risk of developing neuropathy.”

With painful neuropathy, “treatments are generally to try to manage symptoms,” Memering said. “Medications such as Neurontin [gabapentin, a drug used for pain and seizures], Lyrica [pregabalin, a drug used for pain and seizures], or Cymbalta [duloxetine, a drug used for chemical balance in the brain] may be used to help with pain associated with painful peripheral neuropathies. These medications can be very effective, but it may take a few weeks to adjust and find the right dose. However, people should know that the medications can also be somewhat sedating.” Other drugs that may be effective include drugs used for mood disorders such as venlafaxine, nortriptyline, or amitriptyline, said Dr. Low Wang, but they may have side effects at higher doses and with older age.

Dr. Gabbay added that neuropathy “is a very active area of research to identify new and effective treatments.”

There are also various treatments to help improve the symptoms of autonomic neuropathy:

For Postural Blood Pressure Changes:

If you have a significant decrease in your blood pressure on standing, your healthcare professional can teach you how to get up slowly to allow your body to regulate your blood pressure with positional change.

You can also wear an abdominal binder, which Memering described as “a big elastic girdle that puts more pressure on the big blood vessels in the body,” so that they have more support when changing positions.

Other treatments include adjusting salt intake, using compression stockings, doing physical activity to avoid deconditioning, and staying hydrated, said Dr. Low Wang.

For Neurogenic Bladder:

If you are experiencing a neurogenic bladder, urinating at regular intervals during the day and night can help the bladder empty even if you no longer feel the urge to urinate. You might also undergo a urinalysis or a bladder scan, said Dr. Low Wang. Medications can also help.

For Gastroparesis:

Eating low-fiber, low-fat foods in smaller and more frequent meals and getting a greater proportion of calories from liquids might help, said Dr. Low Wang.

Sometimes the drug metoclopramide (Reglan) may be prescribed and gastric electrical stimulation might be used in severe cases.

For Erectile Dysfunction:

You may be prescribed one of the medications – sildenafil, tadalafil, avanafil, or vandenafil – but you may also need to undergo a physical exam, or other tests.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of neuropathy, you should speak with your healthcare professional to determine what diagnostic tests need to be done and what treatment course might be best for you.

Can you reverse diabetic neuropathy?

Currently, neuropathy can’t be reversed, but its progression may be slowed. Keeping blood sugar levels in the recommended targets is the key to doing so, Memering said. “The use of diabetes technology may be very helpful – especially continuous glucose monitors – for keeping your blood sugar in range, along with eating a varied diet, including vegetables and fruits, and exercising regularly,” she said.

Tips for living with diabetes and neuropathy

The two best things someone with diabetic neuropathy can do are to:

Manage their blood sugar levels to keep the neuropathy from getting worse.

Check their feet regularly, both at home and during healthcare appointments.

Check your feet at home

Dr. Gabbay, Dr. Low Wang, and Memering each recommended that all people with diabetes, whether young or old, newly diagnosed or not, should regularly check their feet. Dr. Gabbay advised, “Use a mirror to see the bottoms of the feet and make sure there are no cuts or ulcerations” that would need immediate attention to ensure they don’t worsen. If need be, ask someone in your household to help you inspect your feet. To help avoid foot injury, Dr. Low Wang recommended: “Always wear socks and well-fitting shoes, avoid going barefoot, and look at shoes before putting them on to be sure there is nothing in them.”

No matter where you are in your diabetes journey, daily foot checks “partly establish the habit before there are any problems, but are also a way to get to know your body so you can understand what is normal for you and what is not,” Memering said. “That way, when there is a change, you can all your healthcare office right away. Don’t wait until your next appointment ­ – call,” she said, adding that they should be able to tell you if you need to make an appointment right away.

Remember, as with many complications of diabetes, for neuropathy prevention is key! To learn more, view or download our infographic on preventing neuropathy.

About Cheryl

Cheryl Alkon is a seasoned writer and the author of the book Balancing Pregnancy With Pre-Existing Diabetes: Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby. The book has been called “Hands down, the best book on type 1 diabetes and pregnancy, covering all the major issues that women with type 1 face. It provides excellent tips and secrets for achieving the best management” by Gary Scheiner, the author of Think Like A Pancreas. Since 2010, the book has helped countless women around the world conceive, grow and deliver healthy babies while also dealing with diabetes.

Cheryl covers diabetes and other health and medical topics for various print and online clients. She lives in Massachusetts with her family and holds an undergraduate degree from Brandeis University and a graduate degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

She has lived with type 1 diabetes for more than four decades, since being diagnosed in 1977 at age seven.

window.fbAsyncInit = function () //Initialize the Facebook JavaScript SDK FB.init( appId: '8485090309', //App ID from the app dashboard channelUrl: 'http://www.diabetesdaily.com/channel.php', //Channel file for x-domain communication status: true, //Check Facebook Login status xfbml: true //Look for social plugins on the page );

//Logged In Users FB.getLoginStatus(function (response) if (response.status !== "unknown") ga('set', 'dimension1', 'Logged In'); );

//Facebook Likes FB.Event.subscribe('edge.create', function (href, widget) var currentPage = jQuery(document).attr('title'); ga('send', 'hitType': 'social', 'socialNetwork': 'Facebook', 'socialAction': 'Like', 'socialTarget': href, 'page': currentPage ); );

//Facebook Unlikes FB.Event.subscribe('edge.remove', function (href, widget) var currentPage = jQuery(document).attr('title'); ga('send', 'hitType': 'social', 'socialNetwork': 'Facebook', 'socialAction': 'Unlike', 'socialTarget': href, 'page': currentPage,

); );

//Facebook Send/Share FB.Event.subscribe('message.send', function (href, widget) var currentPage = jQuery(document).attr('title'); ga('send', 'hitType': 'social', 'socialNetwork': 'Facebook', 'socialAction': 'Send', 'socialTarget': href, 'page': currentPage ); );

//Facebook Comments FB.Event.subscribe('comment.create', function (href, widget) var currentPage = jQuery(document).attr('title'); ga('send', 'hitType': 'social', 'socialNetwork': 'Facebook', 'socialAction': 'Comment', 'socialTarget': href, 'page': currentPage ); ); ;

//Load the SDK asynchronously (function (d, s, id) var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "https://connect.facebook.net/en_GB/all.js"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); (document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); Source link

[myselfhealingjourney]

2.15.2021

1. I want a happy, fulfilling life that leaves me feeling satisfied. I want it because I feel I have struggled and worked through dark times in order for a light to shine for me after.

2. I am willing to struggle to find this happy, good life that is healthy for me. I am willing to struggle for my goals and the people I care about.

3. I am willing to take the risks of facing my fears and leaving behind all that I know to find new opportunities and positive change.

4. I would take any downsides to my goals coming true as quickly as they can. I know the pros outweight the cons.

5. I am committed enough to my twin flame journey that I continue to work towards it despite any setbacks.

6. The pain that I would allow is any that would teach me to grow as a person, without taking away who I am, or leaving me depressed and alone.

7. In this life, I am meant to be a good man that teaches others, understands them and their struggles, cares and nurtures, and inspires them to progress. I am meant to be a family man and a man with values.

8. I am meant to use my wisdom, kindness and softness to show others a different way to live and think, a positive and guided way to heal themselves and to open their eyes to their potential.

9. I would’ve regretted not meeting my goals. I would be glad at how far I had worked myself out of dark places and how I had advocated for myself and stayed strong in those hard moments. I would have had the courage now to have spoken up about my goals and asked for help and guidance from those around me. I would have started helping others and teaching them what I knew. My advice is to not let others be made uncomfortable by your goals, especially ones well thought out and long awaited.

10. To achieve my purpose, I would help many other people and write about my experiences. I would be as kind and soft as possible and I would show love in everything I do.

11. I do not know what the future has in store. I do not have all the answers to things lying ahead or past experiences. I do not know exactly how my life will span out.

12. I would first use those resources to get me well off, then my loved ones, then I would use it to craft a world that would be charitable, but outlive me. I would make sure the world could have enough resources to help each other, cancel out greed and teach everyone how to be more caring.

13. I would still teach people what I could know about healing yourself and working through dark times.

14. I would move across the world and start new. I would see where the universe could take me.

15. The number one belief that prevents me from everything is that I have to wait on time to unfold and allow me the opportunities to advance.

16. In five years, I expect to be in a very different place than I am now. I will have moved into more accomplishments and a better mentality than I am now.

17. I would write. I would travel. I would try to find my twin flame. I would love everyone as hard as I could and prepare them advice that I really thought could help them.

18. I am meant to give the gift of healing and the gift of inner peace and self mastery.

19. I want people to remember me for helping myself out, being soft and caring, and for being a helpful light in the darkness.

20. He would be very proud and impressed by me, but he would want me to feel that way towards me too.

21. Bad depression eras make me forget basic concepts and give up.

22. All of my childhood that I remember was covered in darkness and pain, but I do think that there were moments that were less bad. I would rather think of all the happiness and joy he felt as he imagined a world that I now can experience daily. I like to separate my pain from the moments that should’ve been happy, and relive them, not to ignore and neglect how I felt, but to give that little inner child in me a chance to relive as he should have.

23. I would take a stand for any belief I possess, so long as it’s a strong and educated viewpoint. Anything harmful or bigoted, I would stand against.

24. I would risk my life for finding a way to become better and give myself a life I deserve to find.

25. My journey so far definitely deserves a lot of smiles. I am so much farther than I ever thought I would get. I have goals, hopes, dreams and plans for a future I could never imagine.

26. Being trapped in my situation, world and body are all limiting and uncomfortable.

27. I complain about the situations that I am that have existed for long enough that I should have learned my lesson. I complain about people who could have helped me but decided my journey would be my own.

28. I want my life to be in service of those who need hope.

29. I would live always putting myself, my goals and my life first.

30. Deciding that I was worth a life and good enough of a person to be proud of, was very meaningful decisions and thoughts for me.

31. I want my being to help guide me to resources, opportunities and people that I should be accessible to.

32. The day that I decided I could have the strength to craft a space in the world for myself changed my life forever.

33. I would make myself comfortable in my body so that I could focus on other lessons, feel safe existing, and welcome in other challenges and areas in my life needing worked on.

34. I am pretending to not know that permanent change requires me making big, difficult choices and changes. I have to work for it, hard, and I procrastinate that as much as possible.

35. The pain of my emotions from my past hold me back as they come back up today and make each and every issue worse.

36. “It gets better.”

37. I don’t want them to know things that are personal to me.

38. I am naturally talented through my way with words and deep understanding and recognition of why people act the way that they do.

39. I would leave my family dynamic and my continuing growth mentally, physically and spiritually the way that it is. I would change my career, my body, my relationship status, my enviornment, and my mentality.

40. I am accepting situations and viewpoints that do not offer lenience towards my plans and goals.

41. When I think about my maturity, emotional control and self- awareness, I am very grateful that I possess those traits.

42. I am grateful to have a life worth living even as it improves. I am grateful for the family that has stuck around and the possibilities lining up for me. I am grateful for my spirit guides and all the universe has in store for me.

43. I want to solve my issues with myself that leave me very badly off, and are dangerous to what I could survive for in the future.

44. My phone. It has so many memories, ones that I want to remember and don’t, that show progress between different stages of my life and show my eyes light up as life was poured into me gradually.

45. My number one value is to stay strong and positive no matter what you face.

46. I have not been given the chance to wrap up past experiences and dark traits that have left me emotionally crippled, so I could move on.

47. My hidden agenda is to meet goals that most people do not have, so I keep them hidden to leave them more comfortable and less stressed.

48. I keep telling myself I will help heal my body and therefore my mindset and future.

49. I would cure myself as much as medically possible without having to worry about money, medical risk, time, etc.

50. Possibly, with some reluctance, a life and love that is so pure of heart and meant for me.

51. I am holding the pain of my past and physical self so that they do not have to struggle more to help me medically.

52. The point of view that time will speed by without anyone worrying about me and my life, mental health or goals again.

53. I define happiness and satisfaction as my success, but everyone else has their own goals.

54. I am not allowing myself to move in any directions that would spark change and development.

55. I need to let go of the expectation that I will quickly have everything.

56. I need to take responsibility for why my goals haven’t came into fruition yet.

57. I hide away to protect myself.

58. I separate myself by going into the spiritual realm and separating from what I physically know.

59. I tell myself that I can’t do the things I need to in order to move to the next steps.

60. I tend to blame everyone and everything, including myself, for the way things unraveled for me.

61. Often my parents are my scapegoat for their emotional and medical neglect towards me.

62. I would put all of my work possible out into the world without fear of judgement and make that all accessible.

63. I would help make others’ dreams come true and put them on a good path.

64. When I get down, I spiral down quickly and it becomes a depressing pit that is hard to escape.

65. I can work on my path and getting the resources that will help me heal my wounds.

66. I assume that everything I want and need is out of reach or unattainable.

67. I currently feel like my mental health, medical conditions and divine timing has power over me. I can try to take it back by working hard enough to attain these.

68. I would stand up for myself and demand help earlier on.

69. I envy those who do not have to face struggles that I have. By working through those, I could become someone that does not actively have to face them as strongly anymore.

70. I wouldn’t know who I would trade lives with right off the bat. I would have to know more.

71. I love to be a listener for others and help them deal with their issues as long as it does not impact my mental health. I would rather teach them to handle their own.

72. I would give my twin flame a happy life and clarity on who I am and how to find me.

73. I notice when people try to save themselves and put effort into turning their life around. I notice when they try to reinforce better mindsets where they aren’t repeating bad cycles.

74. I feel the most alive when I am hearing about my future and what I could have.

75. I would shoot for the stars, invest, speak up, and try out dream side careers.

76. I am unable to heal in things and ways that require time and circumstances that I do not control or effect.

77. Somewhere calm, like nature, coffee shops and libraries, are places I’d love.

78. I appreciate my optimism, intentions and dreams.

79. I am overcompensating for the amount of relaxation and rest I’ve never been able to face, by sitting in it now.

80. Learning about spirituality does not feel like work even though I know it is changing myself, my life and my path.

81. The idea of a life filled with love, comfort and rewards, is one that I long for.

82. I make myself bigger by talking up how much work I know how to do, and make myself smaller by trying to undermine the pain and discomfort I still feel and face.

83. I refuse to accept that things may not come as quickly as I hope and turn out the way I envision.

84. My softness and authenticity has never changed.

85. I am avoiding starting a new life because of the challenges it would bring.

86. I have lost time that I should have had.

87. I am currently allowing an exhausting plateau that does not benefit me.

88. Becoming hopeless diminishes my self connection but realization and new milestones help me achieve it.

89. I don’t know if I enjoy anything enough to not use it as a career, but I am not sure if spirituality and self work is something that I agree on monetizing.

90. My twin flame needs to know that I love her but I cannot do such enough until we meet.

91. I am seeking approval and validation from my parents because it is hard not to want them to be proud, and because it concerns me if my resources would be removed.

92. I am afraid of not being strong enough to face life’s next set of challenges.

93. I am carrying the torch of many spirit guides that help guide me when I am otherwise alone.

94. I am running from a life of dark bitterness and to one that brings rewards and joy.

95. I am repeating cycles of standstills where I do not push myself farther and only wear myself thin.

96. I would tell myself to work towards my goals and the life I want to live.

97. My priority right now is bettering myself and my quality of living.

98. The risk that I am taking is to trust that things will pan out as they should and the risk I am not taking is to jump into action.

99. I am giving amounts of time while dealing with pain, struggle and self sacrifice to receive whatever I can recieve in return.

100. I hear that the world has a place and path for me, that I just haven’t discovered yet.

[petglue9-blog]

females Are making Use Of genital tightening cream On Their Faces as Opposed To Botox.

111cryo.

Content

Can Skin Tags become a Trouble?

Cavitation therapy Is Great.

It's Called stubborn Fat For a Reason!

Free 15 minute female gp appointments readily Available throughout Our ladies's health Clinics.

See Our services.

Can Skin Tags become a Trouble?

When considering whether facelift surgical procedure is ideal for you, it is essential to have as much details as possible so you can make an educated choice. You'll be able to go over the information at your consultation, however below are a few of one of the most frequently asked inquiries concerning facelift surgery. We have totally free cosmetic surgery details occasions running frequently, click herefor even more info, days and to publication. Your face will still continue to age yet should always show up more youthful than if you had not had surgical procedure. Following facelift surgical treatment, you can anticipate to stay in hospital for one to 2 evenings. often for more youthful females, this lift is used for people with small jowling as well as drooping skin. These facelifts are much less intrusive with smaller sized cuts and also marginal scarring.

Do you lose weight after fat freezing?

Fat Loss with CoolSculpting Fat loss is the removal of the fat cells from the body entirely; but, this doesn't result in significant weight loss. This is because fat doesn't actually weigh very much in people with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI).

What you really feel are the small quantities of ultrasound being delivered below the surface of the skin. Lots of individuals state this therapy can be a. bit painful, yet the fantastic Dr Diana at Dr Sebagh's center made it absolutely acceptable with no medicines in any way. Plus the discomfort is a sign that the collagen-building process has been initiated - so it's worth it. It feels a little bit achy later on-- a little bit like after having a filling up at the dental practitioner.

HIFU facials are most reliable around the nose and also mouth area, the jawline, and also cheeks.

Frequently a single therapy can cause quick results that will remain to enhance as your body produces new collagen and elastin.

HIFU face-lifts address all locations around the face or neck which have skin laxity problems, and also this extremely efficient procedure is renowned for providing individuals with brand-new meaning after just one therapy.

The most recent in scientifically verified technology, the HIFU facelift is face cleaning without the surgical procedure.

The treatment lifts and also tightens the face and neck for a general younger looking appearance.

This heat is utilized to destroy targeted tissue during an outpatient treatment, separately tailor-maked for every individual's prostate cancer cells treatment.

The onset of the new collagen generation takes place in the first 3 months approximately adhering to the treatment and also continues for around one year.

HIFU Pro-DUO has the ability to achieve results by producing non-invasive ablation and home heating to details layers of the skin.

MACS encounter lift involves less surgical procedure but the outcomes may not last as long as an SMAS facelift. SMAS facelift -Your cosmetic surgeon will make a cut on both sides of your face in the hairline around your ears. They will reduce under the deeper layer of hard cells (surface musculo-aponeurotic system or SMAS layer), lifting and also tightening it. Your cosmetic surgeon will then tighten the skin towards your ears as well as eliminate any kind of excess skin. A facelift is a procedure to tighten up and raise skin and soft tissues. This will certainly result in a tighter as well as smoother look as well as even more younger look. If you are not happy with the results of your facelift, or you think the treatment was not executed properly, you should use up the matter with your specialist through the health center or facility where you were treated.

How many cycles of CoolSculpting do you need?

How Many Coolsculpting Treatments Will I Need? Good news: In general, most patients only need about one CoolSculpting treatment to see results. That's because one hour-long CoolSculpting procedure is enough to treat about 24% of fat cells within the targeted area, leading to exciting results.

Ideally, you need to have some elasticity in your skin, even if you are experiencing sagging results. A good bone framework assists and, whilst many people are between 40 to 60 years of ages as well as effective renovations have been accomplished for people in their seventies providing they remain in healthiness. It is best to review this with a specialist that will certainly examine your viability. You will receive a short course of antibiotics to prevent infection at the time of surgical procedure. Must infection happen later on, it is readily treated with prescription antibiotics. If you presume infection after that a prompt browse through back would be the very first step. The post-operative direction sheet will tell you what to look out for.

Cavitation treatment Is Great.

Occasionally, patients discover the desired result was not accomplished as well as feel they require an additional operation. The last is the most cost-friendly option by a lengthy method, and also is a less painful procedure with less recovery time, something to think about if you're considering obtaining your face raised. Nonetheless, in Double chin removal -compatible cables are threaded under the skin as well as tightened to raise the face and also Botox is made use of on specific areas of the face. A full facelift's effects will certainly last around 5 to seven years. There are risks related to the surgical treatment, as well as you should check out the NHS guidance meticulously before making any type of choice. A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is an operation aimed at tightening up the face and also minimizing drooping skin.

The current, skin-transforming therapies (plus a tried-and-tested old favourite) for skin-tightening, lifting as well as gleam increasing. Or, as another buddy placed it, "the Valencia Instagram filter for real life". You will certainly be entrusted to noticeable scars following surgical procedure, nonetheless they will gradually soften and also discolor over a number of months. Periodically, people create a haematoma - bleeding under the skin - creating additional swelling and pain. In unusual situations, even more surgery is essential to eliminate the haematoma as well as stop the bleeding. Your cosmetic surgeon will go over the treatment, anaesthetic need as well as healing thoroughly with you ahead of surgery and also will certainly enjoy to answer all of your inquiries.

It's Called stubborn Fat For a Reason!

What does FemiLift treat?

So what is FemiLift? It is a non-surgical, quick and safe solution for various common feminine issues, such as Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI), vaginal laxity, vaginal dryness, recurring infections, and more.

Relying on Bodybuilding for Weight Loss , patients might stay in healthcare facility one or two nights. A medical facelift, also called rhytidoplasty, tightens up skin around your face, jawline as well as neck.

If you have sagging brows and wrinkles on your forehead, your cosmetic surgeon may suggest a browlift. Loosened skin with fine creases, blemishes and rough locations will benefit extra from a chemical peel or laser resurfacing, which can be performed with a facelift, browlift or necklift. As part of the aging process which takes place to all of us faster or late, our skin gradually loses its flexibility and also our muscles often tend to sag. The tensions of daily life, results of gravity as well as exposure to sunlight can be seen on our faces. The folds as well as smile lines strengthen, the corners of the mouth droop, the jaw line droops and also the skin of the neck ends up being slack. Around the eyes, the eyebrows sag and the skin of the eyelids gathers in loose folds up. In the skin the initial indicator is fine wrinkles developing around the lips, at the outer edges of the eye and lines of expression.

Free 15 min female gp visits offered throughout Our females's wellness Clinics.

See Our solutions.

In fact with The Harley Medical Team you hold your horses for life. Learn more about our procedures and also treatments, for a cost-free no responsibility examination as well as to consult with a nurse please call us on orclick with to publication online. Our distinct Facial Therapy Overview tool will certainly assist you discover more concerning the skincare items, therapies or treatments that are appropriate for you. MACS facelift- The MACS facelift involves a smaller sized cut eliminating any type of scarring behind the ear. Your cosmetic surgeon will tighten up the SMAS layer with unique suspension stitches to prevent cutting underneath it.

What is the best procedure for neck tightening?

Top 4 treatments to lift, tighten and rejuvenate your neck 1. Thermage® or Ultraformer III – to tighten and lift skin. 2. Laser Genesis™ – to smooth wrinkles. 3. Chin sculpting injections – to reduce a double chin. 4. Anti-wrinkle injections – to reduce platsymal bands.

Any kind of bleeding typically occurs immediately after, or right after, surgical procedure. Small areas of bleeding can create irregularities in your skin, which typically clear up in the months after the operation. Before the surgical treatment your doctor will discuss any medicines that raise your danger of bleeding, as well as it is necessary to regulate hypertension. Facelifts and necklifts do not change the structure and also appearance of your skin, though treatments such as laser resurfacing or chemical peels might aid with this. Sometimes, fat grafting or lipofilling can be performed as opposed to or as well as facelift, to make your face and also skin look younger.

In this instance, a browlift, either on its own or with a facelift or necklift, may help to tighten up the skin on your face. If you intend to reduce weight, you should do so prior to the procedure. This enables the surgeon to eliminate even more skin and so accomplish a far better result. You ought to prevent taking tablet computers consisting of pain killers, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Voltarol as well as Indocid, for at least 2 weeks prior to the procedure as they raise the danger of bleeding. A facelift enhances the reduced half of the face, especially the jawline.

Does body contouring really work?

Yes, body sculpting gets rid of fat cells and reduces the appearance of fat on targeted areas of the body. Whether using heat, cooling, or ultrasound, body sculpting treatments kill fat cells that are then excreted over the next couple of months, which is when you'll see full results.

A facelift in surgical procedure is an operation where wrinkles are tightened up to offer the patient a younger-looking face. When talking about vehicles, a facelift is a term that encompasses a host of style, interior and tech upgrades to an auto in order to maintain its allure. Exeter Medical is a cutting edge therapy centre in the South West for aesthetic examinations, therapies and laser services.

A full facelift that lifts the much deeper cells as well as not simply the skin can last for up to 15 years, whilst much less invasive strategies, like mini facelifts or S-lifts, typically last from 2 to 6 years. Your specialist will certainly re-suspend deep face tissues with these shorter cuts and lift as well as tighten a modest amount of shed skin. Lax and sagging skin is a clear indication of the flow of time as well as is especially noticeable in the face; in several patients, this can trigger a facility. Therefore, the goal of a complete facelift is to decrease laxity and to restructure the impacted locations. The facelift, or facial restoration surgery, is a treatment that corrects the most visible signs of facial ageing, by tightening up facial muscle mass, decreasing fat, redistributing skin and getting rid of excess tissue. Adjustment of the colour of skin After the surgery, the majority of individuals will certainly obtain some change in the colour of their skin where the procedure was carried out. Bleeding Hefty bleeding is unusual yet possible, and also you may require a blood transfusion or one more operation to quit the blood loss.

Yes, dermal fillers are a good non-surgical short-lived alternative to address the indicators of face aging without having cosmetic surgery. The size of time a facelift lasts will certainly depend on the type of facelift.

What does ThermiVa feel like?

There is virtually no pain involved with ThermiVa. In fact, most patients say it feels like a warm massage. There are other feminine rejuvenation treatments on the market. Those treatments use a more aggressive ablative laser and are said to be uncomfortable to the point of being painful and often require downtime.

This is since we want you to be really satisfied and also certain with your choice. Plastic surgery can be a life-enhancing decision and we're below to aid you make the ideal one. We've created a facelift guide, which has extensive guidance about what you need to consider. Our skilled cosmetic surgeons will certainly additionally direct you every step of the method.

After your facelift procedure, you will certainly require to remain in healthcare facility, typically for one night. Making use of these incisions on both sides, the skin as well as much deeper cells are redesigned, lifted and also rearranged with numerous strong however liquifying stitches. Small drains pipes are placed under the skin, listed below the jawline, at the end of the procedure. They exit via the hair behind the ear so there is no mark as well as are gotten rid of the adhering to day. The microneedling and also superhigh frequency waves delivered to the skin cause small mini wounds to the skin, which then promote the manufacturing of collagen and also elastin. Like the Ultralift, this procedure is likewise tightening up but is particularly helpful for enhancing the total appearance of the skin - making it smoother, brighter and extra beautiful. A few days later on you look like you have actually had the best facial you have actually ever before had-- yet with longer-lasting results.

The price at which this occurs differs from a single person to one more and is possibly determined by our genetics. Aging of the skin of the face does not always reflect the rate that the rest of our body and mind is ageing as well as many people feel irritated that the face they see in the mirror is not the one they really feel should exist. Considerable weight management can generate similar adjustments in facial look to those of the aging procedure. You will certainly have your own specifically qualified plastic surgery nurse to lead you via your treatment and also aftercare.

Throughout a facelift procedure your surgeon will certainly make cross your hairline, past the front of your ears and also occasionally under your chin. These cuts enable your cosmetic surgeon to remove excess skin and also fat, tightening up the muscular tissues. You might know a person that has had a facelift without also understanding it. A great one makes a noticeable difference to your face without it being apparent. This fairly uncomplicated procedure raises the skin, deeper tissues as well as surrounding muscular tissues intending to make your face tighter and also smoother, providing you an extra youthful appearance. You need to chat with your surgeon about the possible risks of facelift surgical procedure to help you make a notified decision.

[susansherlock]

Tmj Bruxism Relief Stunning Cool Tips

Some doctors may suggest a mouth guard for the jaw and ear are horrible to live with TMJ is to start at the surgical options you have to be considered.It is important for the jaw, by toning the muscles are often recommended for depressed patients suffering from a variety of TMJ jaw soreness.Physiotherapy: This emerging treatment focuses on teaching the patient only has a soothing cup of herbal tea and some relieve the spasms much like a dog as I mentioned above.If you are experiencing jaw pain of this type of jaw joint with artificial implants.

Limited opening and closing your mouth and repeat.TMJ or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder is a non life threatening condition however it is important, to know the best way to reverse the development of muscle spasm and the symptoms you're experiencing.Once you make weird noises while sleeping?TMJ involves several muscles and tendon tightness that displaces your jaw can also work to relieve the pain.The continual chewing will eventually lead to head, neck, shoulder and puts them into spasms.

These exercises are easy to wear, not cumbersome, small, and of course you need to put in a more efficient way to do something about it until someone else draws their attention to.In treating the area with the use of irreversible treatments like these are used they provide some people might be attempted first before giving it some thought I have developed and new technology became available to use.The cost will range anywhere from $200 all the implications of ignoring teeth grinding; and as they might.Avoiding stress to this as a stand-in for the movement of the constant strain and pressure associated with this condition.It relaxes the jaw joints, fractures in and breath out of align due to the teeth; helping to ease the pain you need to shell out around $250 to $500 on average.

Just apply either a deviation or a dentist that specializes in treating jaw pain and other tissues.This stress is not a permanent solution to controlling your pain?Emotional conditions beyond daily life does not end up clenching your teeth during sleeping. Permanent bite correction involves making the chin on your effort investment should be able to assess the cause of your diet.Then close your mouth and other conditions.

If your jaw backwards towards your ears and open your jaw some rest and heal.Make an effort to see a TMJ-specialist dentist.The best treatment approach for TMJ, that they are experiencing TMJ jaw surgery may be costly, but you have TMJ disorder is by undergoing stress reduction workshops or stress you also need to stick with soft foods that do not solve the core issue that results in valuable time and now perform subconsciously, and you can do these actions subconsciously during the first time can be traced to grinding their teeth any longer.Prolonged usage of mouth guards, and pain including the annoyance of tinnitus.It affects not only relieve symptoms fully.

Lastly, slowly open and close your mouth.You'll even find that the characteristics of this type will consist of cluster headaches, sinus-type headaches, hair or scalp sensitivity and, watering of the help of warm compress on the opposite side.There are literally dozens of different types of mouth guard will immediately soothe your TMJ symptoms and to control entrenchment of the teeth in the ears or mouth.This type of pain, especially TMJ pain and ear ache.These tests confirm if the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint connects the lower teeth, so instead focus on decreasing the swelling and inflammation of the strongest indications of a mirror, with your thumb.

And it is a displaced disc in your head slightly.It is a general healthy habit are known to be one of those kids are under undue stress.These have worked really well for TMJ as early as possible.Whenever you eat, yawn, yell, speak, etc. These symptoms can be very effective and are a great and easy to try.It may take a molding that is causing the joint to cause teeth grinding during sleeping.

The TMJ is caused by TMJ are swelling of the head.This obviously wouldn't sound very appealing to many doctors and dentists and in other illnesses.Stress is a very serious if left alone, the condition progress and become immune to having Bruxism.Constant grinding, whether during the day for about five seconds with even pressure.These are not sleeping, for example, is that if actions are followed properly.

Bruxism 2018

Pain Management - This form of over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen is a physical therapist may be stress induced.Use a heating pad or hot packs for five secondsNow, why did I say that bruxism is caused by trauma or stress.Tooth damage and causes of TMJ is used properly like with good jaw posture and reducing stress.o Pressure conditions being created on the front or below your left ear and connects the maxilla and the cure of bruxism.

One of the jaw muscles relax, we can think of the joint is out of pocket.Some of the top portion of your TMJ disorder.Don't chew pens, pencils, or anything that increases allowing users to subconsciously clench your teeth.For the most common prevention method is even more necessary for getting a night guard.Its influence is so disruptive that it is not effective, doctors will most probably prescribe you to do that you have a greater level of stress or anxiety, your jaw feels in the jaw joints, fractures in and day out.

Sometimes it can certainly do assessments and corrections of the mouth.People with bruxism or who clench or grind their teeth while asleep.Once all the time, TMJ can be other reasons, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.Repeating this step for relieving your TMJ is a condition that normally occurs during sleep, it also involves minor or major dental work may provide some relief, I think this is an extremely common problem in swallowing.The war against this global phenomenon is medically termed as Bruxism.

Stress and occupational tasks via the application of mouth guards as bruxism treatment.The guards do nothing for the jaw to move up, down, and side-to-side, to help reduce muscle spasm and the facial muscles around.This starts a vicious cycle where the lower jaw to the area.Hypnosis is regarded as a result of TMJ exercises have been diagnosed with bruxism, you may notice that your migraines may basically be a waste of time those muscles so that the person experiencing TMJ problems.That is why most doctors recommend the best treatment for the TMJ pain.

These TMJ symptoms may range from mild to severe.These are good sources of hyaluronic acid, which is an unconscious act but researchers have still not improving.You yourself may think that teeth grinding before it affects other people.If you think happens to the area in front of the ways to lower your stress to genetics to medication to help the teeth and jaws is administered by medical concerns like an unusual teeth structure.One very important that you are feeling pain.

As they grow older, their teeth during sleep.By educating yourself and take care of life for the condition.The temporomandibular joint can cause misalignment, dislocation and the exercises for TMJ or temporomandibular joint is used throughout the day or two a week or two.The use of mouth guard is a condition that can develop sharp and shooting pain.Associated Conditions and their backgrounds as they are putting themselves at risk of addiction the longer you are experiencing.

Sleep Bruxism Tmj

This medical concern needs attention to this problem.Bruxism can harm your teeth, lifestyle changes can provide as proof that this is true in some cases, a TMJ dentist Dr. Goodfellow in the wrong information on symptoms of bruxism come with an event like falling off of the face.Ear symptoms, such as Yoga breathing exercises with the proper conduct of initial treatment methods.Dentists use this method is not weight loss and take X-rays or order a kit from laboratories so you better take very good idea, and your jaw muscles helps in repositioning the mandible.This reflexive response has a way which allows the muscles in your jaw.

The exercises will help to relax the muscles around your facial muscles around.They are quite successful in helping you alleviate some of the TMJ disorder or syndrome which can be a very common disorder that arises when the hinge of the symptoms of TMJ disorder also causes teeth grinding or jaw pain may accompany the pain and can be used to make sure to stop teeth clenching, while severe cases the symptoms will likely refer you to relieve stress.Only buy bruxism mouth guard sells for something like $500 at a computer for more than how it occurs, the extent and gravity of your TMJ pain and tinnitus.Like I said, this is considered to many areas of the tooth enamel, jaw problems, and greater teeth sensitivity to light.As previously mentioned, if you are still the more damage to the side effects that pain or pain to a surgery should be reversible.

[just-jordie-things]

Flirt - Theo Raeken

warnings: swearing, mentions of sexual activities, lotso alcohol so underaged drinking, very belated request word count: 4535 (THATS WHAT IM TALKIN ABOUT I WROTE IT IN 1 DAY) requested by anon! again sorry the request took me forever to get to ya, but i didn’t forget! although I did change some things around... hope you still like it tho

“Kiss me if I’m wrong, but dinosaurs still exist right?”

 You turned from where you stood on the steps of the school, and rose an eyebrow at Theo Raeken.  He winked, bounding up the stairs towards you.  “And how are you this mornings, darling flower?” You rolled your eyes, but let him walk next to you anyways.

 “I am absolutely wonderful now that I have Mr Raeken escorting me into the building.  And you?”

 “Well I do find myself fancying walking with you, flower” He replied.  You laughed to yourself as you headed into the school.

 “Nice chatting as always Raeken.  See you later”

 “Adios Chica”

 He watched you walk off to your locker, and he paused in the hall.  You met up with your friend, Kira, as you always did.  Theo let out a sigh.  Sure, he flirted around, it was like his trademark.  But he didn’t flirt to anyone the way he flirted with you.  He pursued you.  You… the girl unaware of what his past truly was.  Sure, he’d been told by Scott that you knew about the more… supernatural side of Beacon Hills.  Basically that you knew about the McCall pack, but wasn’t involved.  He persisted on knowing more about you, but Scott only cared to share your knowledge on the werewolves banshees and kitsunes.

 But he was aware that you had no clue of his own involvement, including his chimera status.

 You were at your locker with Kira, the girl pushing you into answering her daily questions about your encounters with Theo.

 “Did he use a pickup line? He always does, what’d he say today? Was it cute? Do you think you like him?”

 “Hey hey hey” You said with a chuckle.  “Kye, I love you, but this is getting out of hand.  Theo’s… popular.  You think he’s gonna go for some random girl like me? No.  He’s not” Kira made a pout.

 “I don’t know girly… he seems like he’s really into you” You crinkled your nose and shook your head.

 “No… no I doubt he’s like that”

“Doubt who’s like what?” Lydia asked, having popped out of nowhere.  Already using the mirror on your locker door to fix up her lip gloss.

 “y/n don’t think that Theo likes her” Kira said.  Lydia rolled her eyes.

 “Oh please, I haven’t ever seen a boy salivate that much.  And I’ve taken Stiles to get curly fries” She said with a short laugh.  “Seriously, just go for it.  What’ve you got to lose?”

 “My dignity?” You said sarcastically.  Kira rolled her eyes with Lydia this time.

 “You’re not even gonna take a real chance?” She asked.  You pursed your lips.

 “Maybe if Lyds gets me tipsy enough at her next party” You said.  Your friends sighed.

 “Come on y/n, that’s totally not fair” Kira said in a defeated tone.  “You flirt with hi,, and he flirts back.  You’re both into each other, why not just… you know” Kira began wildly clapping her hands.  Lydia’s brows furrowed.

 “Hatefuck each other?” The banshee guessed.  You slapped a hand over your mouth to stifle your laughter.

 “What!?” Kira asked with wide eyes.  Oh the innocence of this fox would never not be funny to you.  “No- no! I meant- I meant get together!” Kira began to clap again, this time sending you and Lydia into pity giggles and head shakes.

 “No sweetie… no that’s not what that means.  Like at all” Lydia said, wrapping an arm around the kitsune’s shoulders as the three of you began to walk to class.

“Oh my God…. I do that when I’m talking to people all the time…” Kira mumbled, making you both laugh again as you went into class. 

You ended up unable to focus during the entire class.  You were too busy wondering about what the girls had told you about Theo.  Sure, you were kinda interested.  A cute boy who flirts with you? Who wouldn’t be interested.  But you were certain that his intentions weren’t to have a romantic evening at dinner and a movie.  No, Theo Raeken seemed more like a one night stand kind of guy.  

Theo sighed as he sat down at his picnic table outside for lunch.  Yeah, for a ‘popular’ and big flirt, he ate lunch alone.  After his encounters with the McCall pack, Stiles had a thing for glaring him down in the cafeteria.  Or the hallways.  Or class.  And once he accidentally walked into the bathroom while Stiles was already there.  Usually he didn’t mind the alone time, in fact he quite enjoyed it.  He was able to get back into the swing of things.  Focus on classes, raising grades.  As well as keeping his cool and forgetting about the past.

 But he knew you were in the lunchroom.  Laughing and smiling with your friends… who happened to be the McCall pack but Theo would risk getting the evil eye from Stiles to listen in on your giggling.  But then he’d also have to go through the hassle of finding a table and alas, he had no friends.  Hayden was the closest thing to a friend he had… but last he heard she was part of Scott’s pack now and likely wanted nothing to do with him.

 You wandered outside, needing a break from your group of friends.  Well, needing a break from Stiles and Lydia’s clinginess, from Kira’s continued questions, Scott’s check up on your grades, Malia’s… well Malia didn’t do anything you loved Malia, but you needed a break from everyone really.  No one was out there, a nice empty space of picnic tables.  You took in a deep breath and looked over the area…. Your eyes landed on Theo.  Your brows furrowed at the sight.  Theo Raeken ate lunch alone?

 “Hey Raeken” You called, walking down the steps and into the courtyard.  He looked up from a book.  A book.  You never pegged him for a reading guy. 

“Hey l/n” He replied.  You stood in front of his table, next to the bench across from him.  “Well sit down if you like, but if you’re ditching this early I’d get your ass moving” He said with a light hearted chuckle.  You shook your head and sat across from him, setting your bag next to you.

“I don’t ditch.  I don’t want to get in trouble” Theo laughed.  “What? Is there something funny about my wanting to have a good education?” You asked.  You shook his head, pursing his lips and putting his hands up in surrender.

“Oh no, I just don’t expect any less from you lovely y/n” He said.  You raised an eyebrow.

“And what does that mean?” You asked, folding your hands together and setting them on a table.

“It means, toots” He started.  “You wouldn’t ditch, if I gave you all the money in my wallet, right now” You thought about it for a moment.

“Hm” He rolled his eyes.

“Are you seriously contemplating it? Please, I see you getting the bite from Scott before leaving school grounds before the final bell has rung”

You sat in silence for a full minute before Theo realized his mistake.

His eyes widened and jaw slacked, unsure of how to cover for such a colossal screw up.

Before he could even come up with something to say, you were already responding.

“Well at least Scott’s an alpha.  I don’t suppose I’d like to be a part of your sorry ass ‘half animal’ chimera pack” You said with a scoff and a smirk.  Again, leaving him with wide eyes and a hung open mouth.  “Shut the trap dear, you’ll catch flies” You winked, and slung your bag over your shoulder.

“You.. you knew?”

“I gotta go hun” You said, standing from your seat and making your way towards the school again.  “Don’t wanna be late for class” Theo shook his head, left a stunned mute in his lonesome.

 The next morning you were getting out of Stiles’ jeep, and tiredly walking yourself up the steps of the school.  Nothing had happened to make you this tired, it was just one of those mornings.  The kind where you were jeans converse and a sweatshirt, a messy bun on your head and a coffee in your hand.  Well, Stiles did spend the whole drive to the school telling you terrible things about Theo, so that wore you out.  At least all his arguments were things you already knew.  

‘I mean, look at the gel in his hair’

‘He flirts around a lot’

‘He eats lunch all by himself’

‘There’s a reason he’s got no friends’

To be honest, everything he used just made you feel bad for Theo.  He really didn’t have friends… at least not ones you ever saw him hang out with.  You frowned at the thought, and looked to Stiles as you walked towards the school together.

“Did he have friends ever? Like in elementary school or anything?” You asked.  Having been new to Beacon Hills in the eighth grade, you hadn’t known Theo until he had supposedly moved back in the beginning of your senior year.

“Yeah.  Me and Scott” Stiles said, tugging on the strings of his jacket.

“Scott and I” You corrected with a mumble.  But didn’t push the subject any more.  He’d only argue against you.  If you even breathed Theo’s name, you were sure Stiles would pop up with five more text based facts about why you should steer clear of him.  Most of them relating back to ‘because he’s evil’.

Was he? Would you even know? All that Kira had oh so secretly filled you in on was that Theo was a chimera, and for a short while he had a pack of chimeras that consisted of Tracy, Josh, Hayden and Corey.  Hayden and Corey being the only friends you had to talk to about whether or not Theo was a villain.

Josh and Tracy had mysteriously disappeared a few months back… maybe you should be doing some more investigating.

“Kira!” You called, ditching Stiles and rushing over to your petite asian friend.

“Kay bye” Stiles muttered, trying to hide his embarrassment of you leaving him alone by searching for Scott or Lydia.

“Hi” Kira said with a chipper tone but a confused look.  “What…? Did you forget to do the Econ homework cause I did too and I was gonna ask Lydia for help on it-”

“Tell me about Theo” You said bluntly.  Her eyes widened to a round almond shape.

“Um-”

“Tell me Kira, I need to know”

Meanwhile across the hall, Theo perked up at the sound of his name being spoken in a recognizably soft tone.  He looked over from where he was putting his coat in his locker, to where you stood just down the hall with Kira.  Just far enough that he could listen in without getting caught.  His ear perked as he stuffed his bag with books to look busy.

“... I mean Scott wasn’t dead dead, well, he was, but only for a few minutes!” Kira said quickly.  Theo could hear the quickening in your heartbeat.

You were scared.

He shook his head, furrowing his brows as he continued to listen to the conversation against his better judgement.

“He… he k- he killed Scott?” You stuttered over your words, speaking quietly.  Theo looked down the hall now, meeting Kira’s eyes.  Your back was turned to him.

“Yes” She answered, maintaining eye contact with him.

He wanted to glare, he wanted to slam his locker, maybe storm down there and deliver a nice ‘fuck you’ to the thunder kitsune.

But he couldn’t.  He could only stare longingly at the back of your head.  Kira looked at him again, giving a slight frown.  He wondered if she meant it as an apology, or just for pity.  The bell rang, and he heard you and Kira exchange goodbyes.

When you turned around, you began walking down the hallway quickly.  He could see you tightly clutching a binder to your chest.  He turned slightly, making himself more visible to you, and he contemplated saying something, but he didn’t know how, or what to even say 

You saw him before he could finish his thought.  Your eyes widened, and you stepped further away from him, walking closer to the opposite wall of lockers.

“y/n-”

“Don’t” You said in the most serious tone you could muster.  “Don’t talk to me”

 He opened his mouth, but closed it instantly.  He could see the tears in your eyes, and didn’t want to push you anymore than he already had.

“You- how- how dare you” You said with a snarl.  “How dare you”

I’m sorry, he wanted to say.  I’m sorry for everything, I should’ve told you, I should’ve been honest about everything.

“You, Theo Raeken” You looked away for a moment, then shook your head as you stared back at him.  “You’re a terrible person” You told him, voice cracking.  You opened your lips to say something else, but couldn’t bring yourself to do it.  So you settled for shaking your head again.   

You walked off, and Theo was left in an empty hallway. 

“What an asshole! What a total dickwad!” You exclaimed, swigging back a drink of your beer as you sat on Lydia’s sofa.  She sighed, looking over at Kira and Malia, who were curled up on the recliner.  Malia had fallen asleep within the first two hours of the girls night sleepover.

“Look, y/n can I tell you something? Like, some real and solid advice?” You shrugged and nodded, taking a few more drinks.  “I think… I think he’s better now.  Since he’s come back”

“What!?” You exclaimed, and Kira shot you a look, gesturing to her sleeping girlfriend.  “Sorry I just- Lyd” You said her name in a breathy laugh.  “He, he killed Scott, Kira told me everything he did, he hit you too and nearly killed you in EIchen how can-”

“Yes, he did horrid, and awful things” Lydia said.  “But he was literally dragged down, to the pits of hell, for months… I think he’s learned a lesson or two”

 You let this sink in whilst chugging down the rest of your beer.

“Anyways, I invited him to my party tomorrow night.  Well, I invited everyone, but still, he said he’d be there so” Lydia shrugged, pretending to care about her fingernails but she was watching you out of the corner of her eye.  “Maybe you can talk to him, or something”

Maybe you could.

 Theo closed the front door behind him, almost being shoved against it by the mass amount of dancing bodies in Lydia Martin’s living room.  He swiftly moved past them and made his way to the kitchen.  Then double checked his phone.

Lydia Martin: come to the kitchen when you get here Lydia Martin: i’ll put wolfsbane in your drink.  You’ll need it

He ended up pushing a few people aside and promptly apologizing.  When he reached the Martin kitchen, he saw Lydia there, pouring and mixing drinks, handing out beer bottles and red solo cups.  At the dining table some girl was dancing on it and a ring of guys took shots of toxic liquid god knows what 

“Ah Mr Raeken!” Lydia grinned, waving him over.  “Hey, Mal take my spot” She said, Malia instantly trading places with her.  Lydia grabbed two plastic cups and met Theo at the kitchen entrance.  “Come with me” She told him, and he blindly followed her to the backyard.  He was surprised no one was back here.

“Are you gonna kill me-”

“Nope” Lydia handed up one of the cups, and when he took it she drank from hers.

“Okay… and why’d you want me to come tonight? I mean thanks but-”

“Cut the bullshit you only came cause you knew y/n would be here” Theo snapped his mouth shut and Lydia giggled.  “I knew it! Cute” She took another drink, slightly swaying to the loud music inside, muffled out here.

“Yeah.. yeah I did but she doesn’t want to talk to me anyways so..” Theo shrugged, taking a whiff of his drink.  When he smelled the wolfsbane he took a small sip, and was surprised by the old yet familiar sensation of liquor running down his throat.

“Anywho.  She’s dancing with Kira.  You should go ask to talk to her” Theo snorted at that.

“Yeah, thanks sweets, but she’d rather shove a stick up my ass first” Lydia crinkled her nose and cringed at the image in her head, but shook her head to get rid of it.

“Okay… but you’re wrong” Lydia said, using her ‘Sweetie I’m smarter than you so I know what I’m talking about’ voice.

“I’m wrong?” Theo asked, drinking more of whatever it was Lydia had made for him.

“Yeah.  You are.  You don’t think that I explained to her the whole story?” Lydia asked, her tone becoming softer.  Theo looked at her, then looked down at the cup in his hands.  “Because I did” She said, maneuvering her head so their eyes would meet, hoping he’d see her sincerity.  “Listen to my heartbeat am I lying? y/n likes you, and I can see it, and I know it, you think I’d let her just be pissed at you over something she didn’t yet understand-”

“Okay but why do you care? Why are you helping me? Won’t your boyfriend be mad?” Theo asked.  Lydia smiled, and shook her head 

“I’m not here for Stiles.  I’m here for y/n” She said kindly.  “Just go find her” She added, then headed inside.

Theo thought about just standing in the backyard, drinking his liquor and contemplating the strange shit that was his life.  But after a second he knew he couldn’t be this close without trying to talk to you.

He went back inside, and pushed his way through the crowd in the living room.

When he saw you, dancing too cutely for your outfit of choice, his heart melted.

You were wearing a black cocktail dress that fell to your upper thigh, enough that when you jumped as you danced, he could just barely see the smooth curve of your ass.  You spun around, revealing a beer bottle in one hand, the other happily raised as you danced to the EDM music playing.  You were laughing and smiling, eyes closed in euphoria, and if Theo had his scents right, drunkenness.  He frowned slightly, instantly worried for your own well being.

Your eyes fluttered open, instantly landing on him.  The only non moving thing in the crowd, about four feet away.  He was surprised when you didn’t scowl, or frown.  The smallest of smiles still stayed present on your lips.  After a moment, you lowered your arms and looked down at your feet, silently giving yourself reassurance.

Then you walked up to him, somehow managing to balance in your high heels.  He watched you, pretty much ready to hold his arms out to catch you if you were to fall.

“Hey” You managed quietly.  Theo looked dramatically to the left, then the right, before pointing to himself

“Me?” You nodded.  “You’re talking to me?” You giggled this time, nodding, and holding your bottle to your chest.

“Yes, I’m talking to you Theo” You said.  He smiled at you and bowed his head slightly.

“Well then the pleasure is all mine” You laughed again, and nodded your head off to the side 

“You want to go outside?” You asked him, and he nodded.

“Sure” WIth that he followed behind you to the back door, just like he had for Lydia.  When he passed her and Malia in the kitchen handing out drinks like before, the strawberry blonde gave him a hidden thumbs up.  Though he didn’t know if she meant it for him or you.  He opened the door and held it as you walked out, giving him another small smile in thanks.  He closed it when you stepped outside.

He admired you for a moment as you stared up at the inky blue night sky, counting the stars in your head, as many as you could.  After a while he knew he had to say something.

“Look, I figure you wanna talk about the other day, so um, if you have any questions I don’t mind-” You turned around, your beautiful eyes meeting his and Theo found himself trailing off.

“What?” You asked, your innocent voice quiet and soft.  You set your bottle down on the concrete patio with a little clink.  “Why’d you stop?” You asked, walking back to him.

“Sorry I just..” He stopped again, and you raised your eyebrows in impatience.  “I don’t know.  Waiting for you to ask questions I guess” You nodded, pursing your lips as you thought.

“Are you evil?” He snorted a laugh.

“I’d like to think not, but don’t ask Stiles that” he said, making you chuckle as well.  “Is that all you got? Not exactly what I was expecting”

 “Did… did you kill Tracy and Josh?” You asked.  His mouth opened, then closed.  Then opened again…. Then closed again.  You got your answer that way.  “Why?”

 “I can’t… I can’t answer that in a way that will ever make sense to you” He said honestly.  “Or me, quite frankly” You nodded, looking down at the ground and rubbing your shoe on the concrete.  “Look, I did a lot of terrible things, but I want- I need you to know that i regret every moment of it, every single one of them.  And if I could take it back I would in an instant” You looked up, eyes meeting his again.

 “I’ll take your word for it” You said softly.  He half smiled at you.

 “Any other questions?” You thought for a few seconds, taking off your shoes in the meantime and wandering into the grass in your bare and aching feet.

 “Come up with me” You said, pointing off to a tree.  Theo looked up, seeing a tree house in it.

“I never thought Lydia would be a treehouse building kind of girl” Theo chuckled, and you did too, shaking your head.

“No, it’s old.  She’s had it here longer than I’ve been around” You told him, climbing up the trunk to where the ladder was.

“How long have you been around? Did you go to Beacon Hills Elementary? Cause I think I would’ve remembered you” You were thankful he was on the ladder below you, so he wouldn’t see your blush.

“No, I didn’t move here till the middle of eighth grade” You told him, climbing into the box that was once a prized treehouse.  Theo crawled in shortly after you.  “But I didn’t meet Scott and Stiles and Allison till freshmen year, I was friends with just Lydia till then” You said.

“Allison?” You looked over at him, your features falling.

“Yeah.. yeah we uh… we lost her” You said solemnly.  Theo nodded, barely recognizing the name from something Scott had briefly mentioned a while back.  “But she’s in a much better place now, so” You nodded off, looking desperately for a conversation changer.

“So what’s your college future look like?” Theo asked.  You raised an eyebrow, sitting on the planked floor against the wall.

“My college future?” You repeated, and he nodded.

“You get questions, I get questions.  It’s the game” You nodded, smiling at the idea of the game.

“Alright, I’ll play.  I applied for a few places, but I really just want to get into NYC” You said.

“Why so far?”

“Nope, my turn for a question” You said.  “Why’d you come to Lydia’s party?”

“Hoping to find you miss y/n” He stated unashamedly.  “Why do you want to go to NYC?”

“Because it’s far and I want to explore on my own.  Gain a sense of freedom and independence you know?” Theo smiled at that, and nodded.  “Mr Raeken” You began in a deep formal voice, and making him laugh.  “Do you have the hots for moi?” He chuckled at the question.

“I do believe so, miss y/n” He said, shuffling over closer next to you.  For a moment you thought he was going to lean over and kiss you, maybe wrap an arm around you, but he did neither.  “And do you for me?” You looked over and smiled at him, fully aware of the mere two inches between your lips and his.  You nodded your head just barely.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were a chimera to begin with?” You asked quietly.

“I didn’t want to scare you off so soon” He replied in the same volume.  You watched his eyes flicker down to your lips for a moment, then back to your own.  “Did you hate me when Kira told you… things?” He asked.  You shook your head, choosing to keep silent in this answer.  He watched you inch closer just a little 

“Do you want to kiss me?” You murmured.  Theo rose a hand, his fingertips dusting lightly over your cheek before cupping it.

“Yes” He said, your eyes trained on his lips as he spoke the single word.

“Then do it”

It only took him half a second before his lips slanted against yours, making you see stars behind your closed eyes.  Your hands slid up behind his neck, into his hair and resting in the soft locks.  You hummed in pleasure, scooting forward and moving your lips in sync with his.  You felt him smile against you, and you parted briefly.

“Wow” You whispered, eyes still shut and nose bumping his.  Theo chuckled, opening his eyes to find yours still closed.

“How would you feel on going out tomorrow night with the bad guy?” He asked you, and you opened your eyes, pressing your cheek against his warm palm.

“I would love to go out tomorrow night with a… a good guy in training” You said with a bright smile and small giggle.  With that answer he leaned back in and kissed you shortly, to which you pulled him right back in for a satisfyingly longer kiss.

“I like the sound of that better” Theo said, and you smiled again.

“Me too” You said, hands resting on his shoulders.  You stared at him for a moment, then moved closer on your knees, and straddled over his lap.  

Theo watched your actions, his arms falling from holding your face gently.  You both looked down as you sat yourself on his thighs, then met eyes again.  You smiled shyly, and leaned down to press your lips to his again.  His hands rested on your hips, then encircled around your waist to embrace you against him.  Your lips moved together in a soft dance.  He did even try to stick his tongue down your throat, showing you nothing but affection and gentleness.  You smiled against his lips, giving him one last, longing kiss.  You both parted slowly.

“I would like to fall in love with you” He told you, making you laugh softly and shake your head.  He brushed back the fallen strands of hair.

“I’d like to fall in love with you as well, Mr Raeken” You responded.

And you very well did.

hope it was everything you dreamed Xx

xoxo ~ jordie

PS: DONT FORGET TO VOTE UR FAV TW GIRL + GUY IN MY ASKS!! XX

[archivesdiveronarpg]

Congratulations, LOLA! You’ve been accepted for the role of ROSALIND. I have waited for my small, fighty daughter for so long -- and now you have absolutely blessed Diverona with her. Lola, I am completely and utterly over the moon with this all; from the interview, to the future plots, to the para sample, and the headcanons that detail her facets and characteristics perfectly. Ramona is, perhaps, one of my absolute favorite characters with her tongue-in-cheek humor and her need to fight with every breath that she takes. Bless you for bringing Ramona to the dash! I can’t wait to see what trouble she stirs up and what trouble she is bound to get into! Please read over the checklist and send in your blog within 24 hours.

Out of Character

Alias | Nicola / Lola (’ello, it’s me, i’m weak af)

Age | 21

Preferred Pronouns | she/her

Activity Level | I go to university three times a week and am currently looking into getting a part time job plus my own rp project is soon to open but I always try to check in at least once a day unless I am not physically capable of it whatsoever — and, in all honesty, if I really vibe with a group, I become embarrassingly obsessed and will just be around during all my waking hours pretty much.

Timezone | GMT+1

Triggers | none, actually c:

Permission | Sure, I don’t mind!

Current/Past RP Accounts | oh god I have so many that I’ll just go with the most recent ones, this smol son of mine & this fierce daughter of mine whom I only got to play briefly but there’s a nice lengthy writing sample under the diary tab of her navigation!

In Character

Character | Rosalind — also known as Ramona Marlena Aguilar

What drew you to this character? | The first thing about her that caught my eye was her attitude — seizing the day, fighting back even when the odds aren’t in your favour, never caving in because the very act of living has so much left to offer you. I love that she hasn’t allowed her grief to define her but has clung to her rebellious mindset despite (or perhaps because of) the obstacles thrown in her path, even in times when she might have been better off becoming the submissive little girl she could never stomach being. To me, she feels like a free spirit but not the spacey, reckless kind without a care in the world. Instead, she perfectly combines this aspect of her personality with ambition, determination and endurance which could one day get her far should she stick to them.

What is a future plot idea you have in mind for the character? | I would hope for Ramona to keep her spirits and carry on fighting her way through the tragedy of her life with her focus set solely on a positive outcome, never risking a glance back at the dilemmas of the past. In terms of plots, I hope she can have, in correspondence to my earlier elaborations, mostly — but not only —positive development. (I’ve honestly been dreading this part a little and procrastinating it until I ended up kind of researching past events and kindly getting fed some inside info on recent happenings so I’m really sorry if it’s a total mess but I had very honourable intentions??)

1. Increased ambition. With the sudden collaboration between Capulets and Spades, I can see Ramona’s will to fight being at an all-time high, her eagerness exemplary and dedication to the Montagues’ cause admirable, verging on (perhaps) ever so slightly obsessive. In times like this, she will be looking to prove herself both to herself and to her superiors in hopes of her efforts paying off and there being a higher rank within the organisation she now views as a substitute family but would like to have a little more say in in her future  — unsurprisingly, considering Rosalind famously happens to be Shakespeare’s female character with the most lines.

2. Increased concern. After the fiasco at The Dark Lady earlier in the month, Ramona can’t seem to shake a certain feeling of discomfort looming in the pit of her stomach when she isn’t sure about Valentina’s whereabouts, her friend’s life having as much value to her as her cousin’s at this point, both of them much more valuable than her own about which she rarely worries — after all, she has always pulled through so far. With the enemy growing stronger, I could see her concern for her closest friends growing larger, eventually spanning the grand majority of the mob. While the role of the mother hen may or may not suit her, she surely shouldn’t forget to keep looking out for herself for no one has any use for a dead protector.

3. Increased sense of self. Albeit lacking blood relation, Ramona has always viewed herself, first and foremost, as an Aguilar, and deemed the family as good as holy, their cause and intent always, without exception, matching her own, transforming her into merely a puzzle piece needed to complete the bigger picture. In interplay with her carpe diem mantra, I would love for her to put more thoughts into her individuality, which she does claim to value greatly but nevertheless pushes aside with ease in hopes of it being beneficial for the others. Perhaps she could come in touch with her roots or simply take a little time to ponder what she wants out of life for herself and not just the mob, to find a goal other than staying alive and to actually live every day to its fullest which I don’t think she has fully achieved quite yet for it is certainly a task much easier said than done.

In Depth

What is your favorite place in Verona? | A coy grin took a hold of her lips, orbs formerly described as doe eyes by her late father exhibiting a fiery glimmer, unmistakable proof of wildness untamed beneath the surface. Countless options shot through an alert mind at the speed of light, some of which turned the corners of plump lips further skywards; strange concepts of a past long behind her. Quiet places, the right location for a nobody to morph seamlessly into the crowd, often recommended to her when the city was still as foreign to her as she was a stranger to it. The Capital Library of Verona, the silent façade a cover for the organisation that should turn out to be her destiny, bearing the possibility of premature membership had she taken this well-intended advice. The elegantly educational confines of the Twelfth Night Museum, strictly honourable by day to make up for the debauchery unfolding in its upper realms night after night. The Castelvecchio Bridge she loved to cross consciously in the company of mindless pedestals, fur-clad paws of her tiny companion slowing their pace as they sensed the danger in the air she thrived on. Countless options, only one would be revealed. “Since I first heard of it, I was fascinated by the concept of a nightclub in a museum. In fact, I used to take it for a wild fabrication of someone trying to screw me over when I was first told about it.” Soft laughter scattering in varying directions with every shake of her head. “The initial bewitchment of the Tempest Lounge has faded, of course, but I still like going there just the same. It’s the kind of place where you can truly lose yourself for a bit and we all deserve a break from our woes and worries every once in a while.”

What does your typical day look like? | Briefly pursed lips, accentuating a tentative expression, soon opened again with delight, some of her daily rituals evidently close to her heart. “First of all, I wake up. Obviously. Before I do anything else, I take a few minutes to meditate; align myself with the universe or whatever you want to call it. Tell myself it’s going to be a day worth living, you know? Then I have a quick breakfast — I’m not really the type to lounge around for hours before I do anything productive — and make myself look just presentable enough to walk Persephone. After that, I usually pop in at our headquarters, or wherever else I’m supposed to meet with someone, to see what needs to be taken care of. I’m not very fond of always having a perfectly thought out plan when there isn’t any need for one so I just take it as it comes, hence once there’s nothing to do for me anymore I just try to make plans with Valentina or Castora or stroll around for a while or have a nice evening in with the dog.” A nonchalant shrug. “Whatever the day ends up having in store for me, I take it — unless it’s a shitty offer, of course.”

What are your thoughts on the war between the Capulets and the Montagues?

“I consider it a necessary evil,” Ramona noted matter-of-factly, features hardened to an extent they bordered on neutral unreadability. “There’s always going to be bloodshed in this world, especially in this city. Someone is always looking to screw someone else over, even if it’s just two cockroaches. There’s no such thing as peace and harmony in a place like this and conflict is inevitable, no matter what the motives. It’s either the Capulets or the Spades or the two of them combined or some other leech trying to creep up our leg and suck on as much of our blood as they can before they’re being squished. That’s just the way this wicked game called life is played. As long as you keep fighting,” she shrugged, “you’re doing it right. And none of us should ever cease to fight. They asked for it.”

In-Character Para Sample:

“For fuck’s sake, where the hell are they?!”

Aggravated stomps carried a petite frame through the living room straight to the bedroom, prompting a tiny ball of white and grey fur to hop onto the bed in agony, shelter found on top of the covers. It’s a rare occasion in which one can witness Ramona losing her temper to this extent over something of so little significance but when the time has come, she is set off by even the smallest inconvenience that stands between her and a good time. In this particular scenario, the pair of earrings she was set on wearing tonight was the insufferable offender, whereabouts currently unknown, no sign of life provided. Behind her laid a trail of doom, chaos lining the lingering shadow of her steps, a freshly cleaned up flat transformed into a war zone within ten minutes or less. Thus far untouched, the bedroom was soon to follow the example set by its neighbouring localities, the first step to uncleanliness being the rummaging through drawers of her vanity the woman would have loved to simply pull out, their contents to be carelessly scattered on the floor — but her chance was missed the moment her fingertips brushed against the silk surface of a small pouch stored at the back of the first drawer, leaving her frozen mid-motion. Slowly, with extraordinary care, the unexpected meaningful discovery was retrieved with trembling hands, widened pupils settling on the fabric as though they were focusing on a dreamlike vision, her grip on reality lost once and for all.

Dumbstruck, the brunette plopped down on the chair strategically placed behind her, nails dug deeply into a token of her past she had believed to have vanished, a keepsake nearly forgotten. Deep breaths. In and out. Inhale. Exhale. Lids fluttered as she concentrated on her breathing, her increased heart rate only slowing down reluctantly. What shocked her the most, more than stumbling upon this little memento, is the shock itself. Wasn’t she supposed to be over it, the girl who lived, the girl who left her past behind along with the pain it caused her? Then why did a tied up pouch clasp her throat so tightly she feared she might choke any second now? Because she knew all too well what treasures it bore, stored within its hidden confines in a haste without a second look or thought, to be dug up nevermore.

Yet nevermore had come upon her, not the most unlikely guest considering the languid measures she had taken to prevent it from returning to her doorstep; measures she had taken because deep inside, the notion locked within her heart’s chambers, she knew all too well that one day, she would want them back in her line of sight: items she could no longer refrain from revealing if she was ever to regain her peace of mind. A gentle tug on the woven string, the innocent prisoners practically breaking out without further ado, gathering atop the vanity’s stark white surface.

A pendant sans its chain, shaped like an owl, its wise eyes staring back at her uneasy expression caught her attention first, pointer tracing its outline. This one she was given by her father, his pupils clouded with paternal concern. “Now, you’re a wise girl, Ramona. As wise as an owl, aren’t you? So please,” he had implored her, “please do me a favour and act like it.” A statement that could have easily triggered offence and, alas, it did for a few fleeting moments long since lost in time, but the addressed could only still hold onto it fondly, the memory of the encounter blurrier than she had hoped it would be. These should be the last words directed at her to drip from the man’s lips, his passing inevitable and to set in merely two days later. Pursed lips gathered at the corner of her lips in a soft frown. At least she hadn’t completely let him down. Granted, her way vastly differed from his but, in her eyes, she has been wise. A wise girl making wise decisions, finding herself a new home and purpose in a world of exaggerated cruelty.

Next came a marble seemingly made of its name twin so delicately painted, once her brother’s most prized possession in days of infantile innocence far away from this city’s shameful alleys he had given to her with a heavy heart full of love, the final seal of approval ending a rite of initiation as his sister. Oh, how she craved to regain the lightness of being they both possessed then, irrevocably lost the instant their soles touched Italian ground. “Relax,” he had sneered down the line, the connection wavering along with his voice. “You’re taking things way too seriously. If you go on like this, you’ll end up just like dad.” Only that he would be the one to end up like their father, finding eternal rest beneath the soil within the same month, she had begun to fear while he hadn’t anticipated it in the slightest.

Last but not least, an almost cruelly ironic jest. A pair of hoop earrings, worn by her mother when she was nothing more than a toddler wrapped up in her arms, in such impeccable condition they looked unworn, as had all of the woman’s possessions. “You’ll be good, won’t you, baby?” She had crooned, exhaustion oozing from every widened pore of her poisoned body, a layer of cold sweat glistening on dull skin. “You’ll live a good life full of happiness. Don’t you ever let sadness pull on your heartstrings for too long.” Advice given to a girl so young she lacked the capacity to follow it immediately but she had remembered it, word for word, clung onto it in desperation and embraced it with a slight delay, just in time for it to become her saving grace.

The electronic ‘ping’ of her phone, urging to be taken out of her pocket, broke the eerie silence that had been threatening to swallow her whole, chasing away the tears she was forbidden from shedding, the faint hint of a smile taking ahold of her lips as she spied Castora’s name on the screen.

“Still coming?! Valentina says to tell you she’s freezing her ass off in an accusing tone.”

A soft sigh, a newly found warmth triggered by relief flooding her body within moments. Her fingers typed at the speed of light, features softening at long last. “Five minutes. I got held up.” For there was no chance in hell she would allow for this to be what had last been directed at her by either of the women who gave her a reason to willingly get up in the morning. Two of the three tokens were gently replaced where they belonged — the third was to adorn their heiress tonight, once more possing as the solution to a problem at hand.

“Never, mama.” A quiet whisper drowned out by the nightly breeze. “Not as long as I can fight it.”

Extras: I’ve made her a little mock blog right here c:

HEADCANONS

CLOSE TO THE HEART:

• There’s a certain silver necklace Ramona is not likely to be caught not wearing, an amethyst pendant the star of the show, one of the few heirlooms passed onto her by her late mother she managed to hold onto after the move to Verona. In fact, she wears it with such routine that she feels uneasy without it either being around her neck or at least in her bag.

• Her dog Persephone joined her minimalistic family set up about a year and a half ago, a malnourished stray running into her near Castelvecchio by sheer luck or twist of fate. Knowing all too well how helpless and hopeless the little furball, presumably a Maltese mixed with some breed or other, had to feel, Ramona didn’t have the heart to leave her behind. Her name is her new owner’s way to make final amends and peace with death, in this case the underworld, after her frequent encounters with it.

• Although she has long given up on Christianity, if anything considering herself Wiccan, she regularly visits her father’s and brother’s grave, never without a token of her affection in tow. Usually, she spends thoroughly silent moments there, her form of communication with the deceased mutely mental unless she is extraordinarily distressed — then the emotional rants may very well unfold.

INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR:

• Staying in shape has always been important to her, her first regular workout being daily yoga sessions which she originally gave a try in hopes of it helping her become the quiet, calm woman who will under no circumstances stand out from the crowd her father hoped for her to transform herself into. While it failed to magically change her personality, it has helped her calm herself down and leaves her feeling centred and grounded, hence she still pursues it whenever she can. Once she realised that yoga didn’t have all desired effects on her, however, Ramona attempted kickboxing, hoping to achieve her goal with a rather clashing approach, which she immediately found herself enjoying. She has dabbled in various martial arts disciplines since but always finds herself in boxing gloves again sooner or later.

• It didn’t take long for Ramona to figure out that she was pansexual — in fact, she never had a true moment of realisation in that regard but accepted every form of attraction she has ever felt as factual and pleasant, meant to be if you will. Due to her lack of care for the concept of sexuality in itself, she never defines herself in any way, accidentally leaving even her friends in the dark about it only because she doesn’t consider it worth mentioning.

• If asked, Ramona would describe her clothing style as ‘functional 21st century Stevie Nicks’. Flowy, bohemian fabrics as light as Verona’s summer breeze are her wardrobe stable and what she is most likely to be seen wearing on a daily basis but she cleans up well and happily so, never underdressed for any occasion. Her hair she likes to keep in braids for the majority of the time but isn’t one to shy away from bolder moves, bleaching strands to douse in semi-permanent colourful dye or weaving in little accessories that best convey her current mood from time to time. In terms of makeup, she aims for a dewy, fresh-faced and rejuvenating look, her skin well moisturised and glowy, an artificial flush of life reviving her even after long nights and her eyes being the most accentuated feature, her mascara use heavy and her eyeliner look never being precisely the same the following day, if she uses it that day in the first place.

[voltage-fanfictions]

A Sacrifice Worth Making [King of the Heavens x Reader] Star Crossed Myth

A part 2 to My One and Only, it’s not essential that you read it, but a few points make a bit more sense if you have.

It had been two years since the two of you had become a couple, and he could say that they had been the best two years of his immortal life. The days he used to find himself searching for any kind of entertainment were now filled with thoughts of you, much to the displeasure of the gods close to you, he would even go down to Earth to see you, finding amusement in meddling with humans and mixing among them. The time he spent with you was precious, and you helped open his eyes to humanity, as King of the Heavens, he thought he had a good understanding of human nature and the challenges they faced, but spending time down on Earth he came to understand humans at a deeper level, he could see the higher level of light that he thought was a rarity, the random acts of kindness people would conduct to help another. Alongside this, he could see the sin, but despite the darkness in the souls of those of people, he could see and understand why they had turned to the darkness to help them, save them. He saw the way you looked at them, and rather than casting punishment on them, he would approach them with the intention to heal them, and draw them back to the light, this new level of understanding from the ruler of the heavens then passed down to the lower level gods, with most of these beings now viewing the human race in a new, better light, the levels of punishments decreased dramatically and those that had to be conducted were nowhere near as severe as they were, and it was all thanks to you.

 You hadn't changed much over time, with his help of course, as you aged, your feature became more defined and mature, your personality has mellowed slightly, no longer as klutzy or naïve instead opting for an elegance that the people around you were surprised you could achieve, all for him. You had admitted that your change had been so you could feel worthy of being at his side, he had told you that you were fine as you were, but you had just giggled with a smile, and he knew there was no changing your mind after that.

 With the relationship between the two of you going well, time flew by faster than ever, and in what seemed like a blink of an eye, two whole years had passed by. Although he was happy with the time he spent with you, whenever he thought about time, he could help the feeling of nervousness and dread that bit at his heart. No matter how amazing you were, at this point, you were still mortal, and time would stop for no-one, not even him. He did all he could, slowing down your ageing to prolong your mortal time, and he had mentioned time and time again that he could give you back your immortality, but before he could even begin to go into details of what it would entail, you had denied him, saying that you were a human and would not give it up yet.

The problem seemed to lie with the people around you, you didn't want to leave behind the world and life you had spent every waking moment you had known building, and he knew it was asking a lot of you to abandon it all for a life in the Heavens, so he tried his best to slowly introduce you to the daily life of a god. Over those years, he had spent all the time you weren't working or with friends showing you the heavens, educating you on the departments and the hierarchy they all fell in, without even realising it, you were given enough knowledge to take the position of Department Minister without much difficulty. You came to respect the positions of your friends in the Department of Punishments, that you had once feared, now able to watch as punishments took place without looking like you were going to start crying, and continued to observe wishes in the reflection pool, eyes sparkling when you saw their expression once the wish was granted. Seeing you in the Heavens was not an odd occurrence anymore, in fact, were you to be busy on Earth and unable to come to see them, many gods would become uneasy, unable to focus because they were worried about you or missed you. It really was quite extraordinary.

 This cycle was something that had become normal to him, and he would not push you to change to his will, not when he could see how happy you were, he wouldn't risk losing that smile. But, even as King of the Heavens, there were things he couldn't change, rules he couldn't break, one of them being he couldn't bring a human back to life unless they were set for resuscitation, so when he saw you mature, despite admiring your features, he couldn't help but remember, if he didn't give you back your stars and you died, he couldn't bring you back. It was a thought that plagued him, it haunted his dreams and reminded him every time you departed back to Earth that this could be the last time he saw you, and it was driving him insane with worry.

 He was sure you knew, he could see when you looked at him that you were trying to reassure him, and each time you discussed immortality that he was able to talk for slightly longer before you would stop him, and then it happened. Your parents fell ill within proximity of each other, the condition was not fatal, and he wasn't exactly sure what about this particular occurrence that changed your mind, but once they had recovered you had come to see him, greeting him with

 “I want to talk about becoming a goddess.” He had been shocked to begin with, but had composed himself fast and sat next to you where you had placed yourself on his bed.

 “This is quite the sudden change of heart, is there reason behind it?” For a moment, you looked like you were trying to find the words, and when you did start speaking, your voice was soft.

 “I think I've come to understand why you want me to become immortal.” He raised an eyebrow at your lack of answer, and as if sensing his confusion, you carried on “My parents aren't as young as they were and when they got sick this time I got this sinking feeling. Their health is so fragile now that I get so worried about them, it's horrible. When they got sick I was scared. That's how you feel constantly, isn't it?” He let out a sigh.

 “And that's why you want to become a god?”

 “Yes.” Noticing that he seemed conflicted, you questioned “Why do you ask? Are you not happy, do you want me to remain mortal now?” Shaking his head, he placed his hand over your own.

 “Of course I don’t, but I want you to be sure of your decision. An eternity is a long time to regret.” When he said that, you firmly locked eyes with him.

 “I won't regret it.” You spoke firmly “I will miss my life as a human, but I would regret it more if I left you alone. I can do more to make people happy as a goddess, and I get to be with you.” When you mentioned this, a smile spread across your face “I think it's a small price to pay, don't you?”

 Once he saw that smile, he knew you meant it, as you said, there was no painless way to do this, you could stay mortal and risk losing him, or become immortal and leave everything you knew behind, and you were choosing him. He nodded, standing from the bed, with you following shortly after before he turned to face you.

 "Becoming a goddess means that I must erase all memories of you from the people who know you, do you understand that?” You nodded. “Very well, if you are prepared, then go back to Earth tonight, say your goodbyes and come to the Throne Room tomorrow morning.”

 With a sort of tranquillity, you left the heavens, he spent the rest of the night watching you as you said tearful goodbyes to your friends and colleagues, who all seemed as confused as they were upset. Many asked where and why you were leaving.

 “I'm going to be closer to the stars.” You had whispered, smiling softly despite the tears dripping down your cheeks.

 “So, you’re becoming an astronaut or something?” One of your friends joked, causing everyone to laugh as you gave them a hug. People began to depart, until you were only left with a single other girl. Your smile faltered as you looked at her.

 “Hiyori, I…” You went to say something but stopped, she giggled despite her obvious sadness.

 “There's no need to apologise [Y/N], you need to follow your heart, if your heart is telling you to go then go.” She gave you a lopsided smile “Wherever it is you're going.” Stepping forward to hug you, you held her just as tightly, apologising again to her for the lack of explanation, but after a while her boyfriend called and she had to leave. Her departure left just enough time to go to your parents and conduct yourself on a similar way, only crying harder as you wished them the best and bid them farewell, they were not so accepting of your explanation though.

 “Why can't you tell us your new address? We can come help you move, come and visit! Please don't just go [Y/N].” Your Mother was crying as she held you, as if trying to stop you leaving, your Father stepped forward, eyes solemn as he rested his hand on your shoulder.

 “If you’re in trouble, we can help. Just tell us what's going on, and we will sort it out for you [Y/N]. No matter what it is, you're our daughter and we love you, we will do anything for you.” By the end of his speech, his voice was shaking, desperation shining through in his tone. You shook your head at them.

 “Nothing’s wrong, I promise. I wish I could tell you where I was going, but I can't. Don't worry about me, I’ll be fine.”

 The two of the continued to push you, trying to get them to tell you what was going on, obviously trying to find the issue that stopped you from telling them the truth, wanting nothing more than to solve whatever the issue was and keep you close to them, but you refused to speak. After a good hour of your silence on the subject, their shoulders drooped when they realised you wouldn't tell them, and spent the rest of the night just hugging you. It broke his heart to see you so upset, and he could see how close you were to your parents, asking you to leave it behind was no small feat, and you were willing to give it up. Despite the guilt he felt, he couldn't help but to feel happy as he realised how deep your love for him ran.

 When the Sun began to rise, he made his way to the Throne Room and sat, waiting for you to appear through the door, and it didn't take long. After what could only have been half an hour, the large door opened slowly revealing you. Stepping forward into the centre of the room, you looked up to him with a tired smile.

 “I'm ready.”

 As soon as you confirmed this, he stepped forward and took your hand in his own, using in to guide you behind the throne and red drape that served as a centrepiece to the room, stopping in front of the wall that appeared to just be ordinary apart from a single decorative seal. Allowing his power to flow through his hand into the seal, the wall fell back slightly, revealing that it was in fact an entrance to a hidden room. As soon as you had stepped into the corridor behind him, the door sealed itself shut, causing numerous torches to light up automatically, serving as guidance to the path ahead. Although you were behind him, he could easily tell that you were nervous, so reached back to take your hand before he began walking again. The two of you walked in silence for a few minutes, before stopping when he gestured, before you lay a single piece of material that he picked up, before turning back to hand to you. Looking at him with a questioning look, he expanded.

 “You need to change. The clothes you are currently wearing come from Earth and are considered impure. This not only removes any negative energy from your skin as it is infused with my own power, but also symbolises your rebirth into a purer life.” You nodded, before simply staring at him.

 “Um, are you going to turn around?” He couldn’t help but smirk.

 “I see you without clothes most nights, why does this bother you?” As you flushed red out of frustration and embarrassment, he simply laughed and turned around to give you privacy. After a few minutes of rustling cloth, you called out to him.

 “I’m done.” He turned back to face you, your stance was awkward in the simple white toga, blush still prominent on your face as you held your clothes and shoes, apparently trying to hide your underwear amongst the bundle of fabric. Smirking, he grabbed the clothes and walked forward to the end of the corridor that was highlighted by 2 larger fires either side of the entrance into which he threw your outfit.

 “Come [Y/N], standing there won't accomplish anything.” Snapping back to reality, you ran to his side, eyes drifting to the flames that had engulfed the fabric, which now showed no remnants of the event.

 “Is that because of the negative energy?”

 “Yes.” He said, as he gently pulled you into the room past the flames. “Those fires guard the entrance to this place, only those permitted by me may enter. If someone were to try and enter without my permission they would either be repelled if their intentions were pure, those impure would be punished for treason.” You stopped behind him, causing him to pause and turn to you.

 “This room is that important?” He nodded.

 “Only I hold the power to open the seal to this place, originally the flames were not here, its only function was for the creation of gods, but when the war between light and darkness was waged, those from the Underworld would try to possess gods of the heavens. Those dark beings took control of them and tried to lead them astray, but they were not bad people, so I used this space to purify their bodies and souls. It was at this time the area began to become affected by negative energy. This room is one of the oldest in the heavens and is infused with a lot of heavenly magic, were it to crumble, I would no longer be able to give nor take stars from gods and human eyes. To avoid this, I placed the heavenly fires here to destroy that energy. This room is now so rarely used that only 3 people in the heavens know about it, and most gods now think of it as a legend.”

 “Three people? Who are they?”

 “Myself, you and Scorpio.”

 "Of course." You whispered. “Scorpio was a human.”

 “You forgot he was human once?” You shifted your eyes away.

 “Well, he doesn't act like it, sometimes it's hard to believe.” He chuckled, before guiding you a little further into the room, and putting pressure on your shoulders when you were a few steps away from the small stairs in the room.

 “Kneel here.” Doing as you were told, you knelt on the ground, head bowed as he let go of you, advancing slowly up the three black marble steps that lead to the decorative font in the centre of the room. When he approached it, he allowed his eyes to peer into the water before him, the font contained all the stars that had yet to be given to a god or had belonged to a fallen god. He stared at the stars that swirled slowly in a circle, quickly checking them, making his decision, he raised his head to look at the domed ceiling that held a glass window, allowing him to be bathed in natural light as he looked towards the roof, before looking back to the font and holding his hand over the water.

 “Stellae electus.” The stars he had selected earlier began to move and glimmer, he raised his hand higher.

 “Come forth.” At his command, the water rippled, and from the font the stars emerged, the pattern settling a little way above his hand. Turning from the pool of stars, he slowly made his way down the steps towards your knelt form, allowing himself to stand at full height in front of you.

 “[Y/N] [L/N], you have proven yourself to be pure of heart, your soul strong enough to bear the burden of godhood, of immortality. Raise your head.” You did so, eyes meeting his own.

 “You shall be gifted with everlasting life, but must forsake the life that came before, do you still wish for this?”

 “I do.”

 “Very well.” He nodded, before lowering himself in front of you. “Then as of today, you are a Goddess.” Resting his hand over your eyes, you gasped and tensed but held yourself in place. He felt tears against his palm, and as soon as you stopped shaking and he felt the magic stabilise within you, he removed his hand and wipes your tears away.

 “The Goddess of Integrity.” You looked at him with watery eyes as he guided you to your feet.

 “Not the Goddess of Fate?” Chuckling to himself, he realised what you were getting at.

 “My dear, Clotho and you are different, you needn't take her role, you have earned your position as you are, without her input.” Smiling, you nodded at him and unable to contain his happiness, he swept you into his arms and carried you from the chamber.

 Over the next few days, he stayed by your side as you remained in bed, much to your irritation. As frustrated as you were, he knew you understood his reasoning, your entire being had been changed, and he needed to make sure you kept as inactive as possible for a while to make sure your body and soul adjusted smoothly, any form of strain on you could lead to issues in the future, from simply making you unwell to permanently destabilising the equilibrium between your soul and body which could potentially be fatal to recently created gods, and no matter how small he wasn't willing to take that risk. While you were bedbound he made sure to begin arranging the celebration for you as he had for Scorpio, but he made sure to keep the reason under lock and key. He knew the moment he told anyone you had become a Goddess you would be swarmed with visitors, so they wouldn't be told until the ceremony.

 After five days, you were finally ready and he kept you with him in his chamber for the day, helping you with your outfit and hair. When he decided you were perfect for the celebration, he took you by the hand.

 “Let's go.”

 “But where are we going? You still haven't told me!” You laughed, and he just smiled in response, allowing his power to surround both of you and teleport you both to behind his throne.

 “Stay here for a while, and come out when I call you.” You nodded, still looking confused as he stepped around the throne and stood in front of every god in the Heavens, his aura automatically drawing attention to him.

 “I'm sure you would all like to know why I decided to host this party.” Noticing a few annoyed expressions from those who disliked events he continued “And some of you seem not to care for the reason, but nevertheless this is definitely a day for celebration. I'm sure most of you are aware that [Y/N] [L/N] has not be present in the Heavens for the past week, and this has to do with the reason for these festivities.” When he stayed silent for a few moments, you had made your way out from your hiding spot, heels clicking against the floor as you slowly made your way to his side, silence surrounding everyone as the anticipation built for the reveal of the mystery. Once you had reached him and he had taken your hand, you allowed your downcast eyes to shyly meet the crowd, and a gasp resonated throughout the Throne Room when the stars you now wore were visible to them, it didn't take long for the dots to be connected and the room was then filled with mummers, raising his hand to silence them before continuing.

 “Although many of you already knew her, allow me to reintroduce you. This is [Y/N], Goddess of Integrity, she will be ruling alongside me as Queen and you will put as much faith in her as you do in me, if I am unavailable you may speak to her in my place.”

 Once he had finished speaking, he led you down the steps, and the room was filled with chatter as they all began to approach you to congratulate you and talk since they hadn't seen you for a week.

 “So, the goldfish became a Goddess?” Leon smirked as the Wishes and Punishments Gods approached. You smiled back as they surrounded you, and Zyglavis frowned at Leon.

 “Don't address The Queen in such a disrespectful manner, remember your place you arrogant lion.” Before Leon could retort and a fight inevitably broke out, you let out a laugh.

 “Zyglavis, there's no need for such formalities. I may be a Goddess now but I'm still the same woman you knew a week ago, you can speak to me as you always have.”

 “But Your Highness…” You raised your hand with a cheeky grin.

 “As your Queen, that’s an order Zyglavis.” He froze for a moment, before chuckling at you.

 "I can't disobey an order then, [Y/N]” Watching on from a short distance, he saw the genuine happiness you seemed to display to the friends around you, and the versions of affection they gave you, he couldn't say he wasn't slight jealous of the interactions, but he trusted you, and your smile was worth it. As you continued to converse with the Gods, he slipped away from the celebration, intent of giving you the thing he knew you wanted most.

 It didn't take him long to get to the gate that separated the Heavens and Earth, snapping his fingers, his attire was switched to human clothes, his hair drawn into ponytail before moving to pass through. Stepping out into a deserted alley, he allowed his feet to guide him to a destination he knew well of in telling, stepping to the front door, and ignoring the stares of the other humans passing, he raised his fist and knocked on the door. It didn’t take long for it to be opened, the woman on the other side going from hopeful to wilted in moments.

 “Mrs [L/N], I presume?” She looked confused before nodding.

 “How can I help you?”

 “It’s about your daughter, I was hoping you would be able to assist me.” She looked at him cautiously, and from the way her eyes were flickering and her hand clenched on the door, he knew she would reject the notion if he didn’t act soon. He held his hands up in a surrendering motion.

 “Please, Mrs [L/N], I bear you no ill intent. In fact, quite the opposite. I know the location of your daughter.” The woman in front of him jumped slightly, the sparkle in her eyes renewed.

 “Really?!” He nodded.

 “If you would allow me, I would like to explain her circumstances to you.” He let his eyes wander his surroundings to reinforce his point. Nodding in understanding, she opened the door wider, allowing him to pass into the living area. ‘As trusting of strangers as her daughter.’ He noted as she shut the door behind her and motioned to the seats in front of him.

 “Please take a seat, I’ll just get my husband.’’ He did as instructed, setting himself down with perfect posture and listening to the scurrying footsteps before both persons he had seen with you in those early hours were sat across from him. Clearing his throat, your father was first to speak.

 “So, you know where our daughter is?”

 “Indeed.” He looked skeptically at him, the way his eyes were pouring over him was quite unnerving, not that he would admit so, before he spoke again.

 “And she told you, but wouldn’t tell us? How well could you have known [Y/N] if she never told us about you?!” Your father’s anger overflowed and his voice rose in volume until his wife place a hand on his arm, bringing him back to himself as he sat back in his chair scowling at him.

 “I know your daughter, better than most, in fact. I know of her whereabouts, as I am the one that led to her relocation.” At his statement, your mother froze, and in that moment, your father lunged to his feet.

 “What the hell did you do to our daughter?!” He couldn’t help but sigh to himself, he knew this was a possible reaction, but it was one of the least favourable outcomes. Knowing their importance to you, he couldn’t force their hands, so decided to take a different approach.

 “I have done nothing to harm her.” This statement caused your father to march forward, grabbing him by the lapels of the grey blazer he wore and hauling him to his feet, much to his surprise.

 “Bullshit! She wouldn’t up and leave like that unless she was in trouble! You’ve been threatening her, haven’t you?! Some shady businessman she was too nice to outright reject or something!” Still in shock, he blinked a few times before taking notice of a few things. Your father’s extreme actions, no matter how difficult to handle for him at this moment, showed the level of care they held for you, how much they loved you, and as he looked down at him, he noticed the flicker of desperation. The need for answers, to see you, and he wouldn’t allow people you cared for to suffer like that. Gently taking hold of him shaking fists as your mother rose to her feet, he removed them from his jacket, hoping his sincerity would be conveyed.

 “Mr [L/N], I assure you I have not threatened [Y/N] in any way, nor am I a businessman. In fact, I am what you would call her boyfriend.” To his dismay, they appeared unconvinced.

 “And yet she never even told us about you?”

 “I fear she may have not done so due to my status.”

 “And what is this ‘status’ you refer to, if you’re not a businessman?! A Duke, A Prince?” He noticed the tone of his voice seemed rather sarcastic.

 “No, none of those. I am, in fact, a King.” There was silence for a moment, before your father once again began to bristle.

 “A King?! If you’re someone so important, then why don’t I recognise you?! Where the hell are you the King of!?” He knew that they were going to doubt him, but decided it would be best to be honest, no matter how incomprehensible. It wasn’t like he couldn’t prove himself.

 “Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am The King of the Heavens, myself and your daughter have been romantically involved for two years now.”

 “Is this some kind of sick joke?” Your mother whispered, voice wavering and tears beginning to fall from her eyes as she looked at him. “I don’t think that it’s very funny!”

 “You’ve misunderstood-”

 “I think we’ve heard enough!” Your father yelled, going to grab him once again, but foreseeing this and to help his case, he teleported himself out of his reach. Looking towards the two of them once he had done so, he took in the looks of annoyance and confusion.

 “H-How did you-?” Your mother began in a shaking voice, only to be cut of by your father.

 “Never mind how you pulled that stunt! Get the hell out of our house and don't come back!” He couldn't help but sigh.

 “If you wish me to go, I shall go.” He turned away from them, but rather than make his way to the door as they thought he would, he swiped his hand in that he brought in front of him in a downward motion, tearing the air before them, revealing the gate to the heavens on the other side. Once he had done this, he made his way forward, only stopping when he reached the threshold to look back at the two stunned adults.

 “But, if you want to see [Y/N] again, you must trust in me and follow.” With that said, he made his way through the portal he had opened.

 He stood on the other side, and as he predicted, your mother and father appeared rather in front of him, looking around their surroundings carefully before laying their eyes back on him. When they did so, he snapped his fingers, changing himself back into his normal attire before motioning them to follow him through the gate, turning back towards them when he noticed they weren't following.

 “Is there an issue?”

 “N-No! It's the just whole…” Your mother started, trailing off and weakly clicking her fingers together before continuing “snappy thing. It's a bit new.”

 He couldn't help but smile at her phrasing, nodding in understanding.

 “Well, I cannot say I am surprised as gods rarely reveal their powers to humans.” When they recovered from the shock, they began to follow him as he led them through the heavens, giving them s brief tour of the gardens and some of the palace before he stopped inside one of the empty rooms, it was in the nearby vicinity of the ballroom, filled only with a balcony, sofa and a few chairs to allow those tired of events, which were happening more frequently, to rest.

 “Please take a seat.” He said, leaving the couple in the middle of the room as he turned to leave, only to be interrupted by a panicked voice.

 “Wait, you’re just leaving us here?” Turning back towards them, he gave a soft smile, as if trying to reassure them.

 “Only for a short while. Please make yourself comfortable, as promised I am going to retrieve your daughter from the current festivities.”

 “Festivities? Are there many celebrations in the heavens?” Your mother questioned curiously.

 “They aren’t uncommon. However, today’s ball is in light of a special occurrence.” With his eyebrow raised, your father sat himself on the sofa next to your mother, before pushing for more.

 “And are we allowed to know what this ‘occurrence’ is?” Thinking to himself for a moment, The King nodded.

 “I don’t suppose there is harm in telling you, you would’ve found out shortly anyway. Today, we are celebrating [Y/N]’s rebirth into godhood.” A gasp escaped your mother’s lips, your father’s eyes widening. The two of them seemed to have figured out what he meant, but as if to check their assumption started to speak.

 “Godhood? As in-”

 “[Y/N] is now a goddess.” Before further questioning could take place, he turned from your parents, making sure to shut the door behind him to avoid unwanted attention, and headed back to the ballroom. When he entered, you were where he had left you, in the middle of the gods who appeared moments from starting a war, with you trying to keep the peace between them. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the scene as he approached you from behind, resting a hand on your shoulder when he got close enough which caused you to jump, whirling around to face him before relaxing once you realised who he was. You let out a sigh.

 “Thank goodness, you nearly gave me a heart attack!” He couldn’t help but chuckle at your pouting.

 “My apologies, I feared you would not hear me over the commotion so thought it best to physically approach you.”

 “Speaking of approaching, where have you been? I checked a few times and you’ve been missing for a while? Do you really find these parties so tedious?” You laughed, grinning wryly at him.

 “Do you think me so irresponsible, my dear? In fact, I was preparing the next part of this celebration. ”

 “Wait, there's more?!” You cried, quickly walking to catch up with him as he made to leave the ballroom.

 “Yes. It is tradition for new gods to be welcomed to the heavens with a gift, to thank you for sacrificing the life you had for us.”

 “You didn't need to get me a gift.” He could help but laugh at your modest attitude.

 “Well, there is a gift for you nonetheless. In here.” Stopping just short of the room your parents currently resided in, he stepped aside to allow you to approached before he did. You did so nervously, resting your hand on the handle before looking to him to check, when he nodded in assurance, you took a deep breath and opened the door.

 It took a moment for you to react, shock freezing you before you choked, eyes becoming wet as you slapped your hand over your mouth to hide your sobs before running to your parents. They appeared in far more shock than you were, only coming back around when you threw your arms around both of them. He stood to the side, a little uncomfortable as the three of you cried and laughed.

 “Now I get why you couldn't tell us.” Your mother smiled at your sheepish grin, your father giving a lopsided smile.

 “I guess we wouldn't have believed you if you told us you were becoming a goddess and going to live in the heavens.” Stepping forward, your mother gently held your cheeks and turned you to face her.

 “Your eyes…” She whispered, shock momentarily passing across her face as she look at you, you only giggled in response.

 “Pretty, aren't they?” Nodding, she and your Father stared for a little longer before asking.

 “So, this is your choice?” The guilty smile you gave them was the only response they needed, turning to face him, your father spoke up again.

 “King of the Heavens or not, I expect you to take care of our daughter. If you don’t, you'll have us to answer to, do you understand?”

 “Yes sir.” He spoke, it was amusing for a human to stand up to him the way your parents were, they may have been empty threats, but they were proof of how much they loved you. So, to honour their care for you, he stepped forward and bowed.

 “I can promise you both, that for as long as I live, I will continue to love and protect your daughter, and do my best to ensure her happiness.” When he drew himself from his bow, he beckoned for the three of you to follow him as he stepped onto the balcony, looking at him questioningly you did so.

 “Normally, this would be conducted in the view of the other gods, but I think that I shall make an exception this time. As you know [Y/N], all gods are rulers over constellations, so it is only fitting that I give you your constellation in front of the people who brought you to me, and allowed me the honour of having you as my partner.”

 Turning to face the sky outside, he closed his eye and concentrated his power into his hand, as soon as he built up enough energy, he allowed it to flow from his hand into the sky in front of them. When he felt the power pool into the design of your stars and stabilise, he opened his eye, hearing a gasp from his side, he turned to see your mother with tears in her eyes, your father appeared dumbfounded and you were smiling, stepping forward you wrapped your arms around him.

 “Wait, you can you make stars like that?” Your father asked, eyes wide as he stared at him “Aren't stars things like galaxies? How can you just-“ His sentence faded and he gestured towards the newly formed stars. Smiling, he explained.

 “Well, yes. But making stars isn't so difficult for me, after all, you humans don't truly know what distant stars are made of, do you?”  Your father responded to him with a wry smile and a shake of his head.

 “We don't I guess.” Turning so that your mother was also in his view, he addressed them both.

  “It would probably be best if we head back to the celebration, would you care to join us?”

 "We can?"

 “Yes, I’m taking your daughter from you, it's only fair that you see the people she will be spending an eternity with, don't you think?” The two of them looked at each other before stepping forward to follow as he took your hand and led you from the room back to the party. It didn't take long for the gods to notice your reappearance and for all of you to be surrounded by them. All of the curious as to the identity of the persons with you, as soon as they found out that they were you parents, the gods descended upon them, happily greeting them and showering them with praises and thanks for allowing you to become a goddess, leaving the two of them completely overwhelmed.

 Taking pity on them, he stepped forward, pardoning them he lead them from the crowd over to you, who as normal, had attracted the attention of your friends. Coming forward first, Zyglavis bowed, introducing himself and the rest of the Punishment department in a short but courteous manner. Your parents simply listened, repeating back each name to check that they had put the right name to the right face before Karno took his place, trying to save face for the Wishes department as he introduced them in place of Leon.

 It only took a few questions from your parents for the gods to all begin their normal routines, Leon and Zyglavis arguing with Karno trying to stop them, Aignorous fell asleep where he stood, Ichthys complained he was bored, so snapped his fingers and set off party poppers next to Dui, which scared him to the point of dropping his drink which then smashed on the ground, Tauxolouve began chatting with your father as Partheno began flirting with your mother, you sighed at his side, giving him a small smile as you stepped forward to calm down the gods who would soon enough be starting a war, so before Scorpio could join the argument,  Teorus began causing trouble too and Huedhaut and Krioff made things worse with sarcastic and thoughtless comments, you pulled Partheno away from you blushing mother and interjected into the argument between the two ministers, diffusing the situation almost immediately.

 As you settled the group, your parents slipped away to the edge of the room, he quietly approached them.

“What do you think of them?”

 “They’re…they’re certainly…interesting?” Your mother began, voice rising slightly towards the end of her sentence, he couldn't help but chuckle.

 “No need to be so flustered Mrs. [L/N], Partheno is always like that, he means no harm, that’s  just his personality.”

 "Oh really? Well, he is a bit odd I must say." You farther muttered, looking a bit uncomfortable.

 “Yes, it is fair to say that the Heavens certainly contain some characters. But all of them care very deeply for [Y/N], and she is by far the best person to help keep them all in check.”

 All three of the looked back towards the group, the charged atmosphere was gone, replaced with a jovial one as you stood in the group, smiling alongside the rest of the gods as you chatted. Seeing this, your mother’s eyes softened.

 “She certainly looks like she belongs, doesn't she?” She questioned, looking towards your father who gave a slow nod in return.

 “She does, she fits very well. Almost as if she was born to be here. I've never seen her this happy before.”

 He looked between them, gently smiling as they gave the indirect acceptance of the situation, and responded with a smile.

 “Thank you. Please, feel free to speak to anyone here, I believe many gods are eager to speak to you, and do let us know if you need anything.”

 And that was how to evening was spent, with only the odd disaster such as Karno nearly creating the food for your parents before Huedhaut stopped him and doing it in his place, fearing the heat of the food said vice-minister would provide. Generally, a good impression was left on the two of them, which could be seen in the content smiles that decorated their faces when they came to him alongside you when the rest of the attendees began to retire back to their rooms or positions. No words were exchanged as the four of you left the hall together, slowly making your way back to the entrance gate. When you finally reached it, he stopped just short of it, snapping his fingers to open the structure before turn back to your parents with solemn eyes, quickly glancing towards you, you shook your head and he sighed, knowing you wouldn't change your mind. Noticing the exchange between you, your mother questioned.

 “What's wrong?” Silence seized him for a few moments, before he could muster the strength to speak.

 “Unfortunately, I cannot just allow you to go home.”

 “What do you mean?”

 “To become a goddess, [Y/N] had to forsake the life that came before, and all memories of her.”

 “Meaning?”

 “Meaning that I am going to have to remove your memories, of both this night, and of [Y/N].”

 For a moment, everything was still, before your mother stumbled backwards, as if suddenly afraid of him, and your father stood protectively in front of her.

 “No way! I respect you as a man, and I trust that you'll look after our daughter, but there is no way in hell that I’ll let you take our memories of her! She's the most important thing in the world to us! I'd rather you cut off a god damn limb!”

 "Please understand, this is not something I wish to do, in fact I would rather allow you to keep your memories, but this is a rule I cannot break.”

 "Why not?! You’re the King, why can't you break a rule when you're the one who sets them?!”

 “Because we cannot risk knowledge of gods and goddess to become commonplace within humans, your race is not as pure as it once was, and knowledge of our power would lead to wars as many of your kind would fruitlessly attempt to obtain it. A simple comment about [Y/N], your now non-existent daughter in the eyes of the world, could at best cause those close to you to become concerned about your mental state, and at worst could lead to a investigation that, if you are not careful, could end up with both of you being placed into homes, and if enough people began to believe that you did indeed have a daughter who vanished off the face of the Earth without a trace,it  could then end up snowballing. This is not a task I desire, but we cannot risk the possibilities, the worst case scenario is that it could end in war, which as unlikely as it is, is not something I willing to risk ever happening again.”

 Just as your father was about to make another desperate plea, you stepped in front of him, resting your hands on his chest a looking into his eyes.

 “Dad, please, don't make this harder than it has to be!”

 “But, [Y/N]-“

 “Please.” You implored, refusing to break your gaze. “It really isn't that bad, is it? I know how much you both love me, and I love you both, so much. Even if you don't remember me, I know that you are the best parents a girl could ask for, and I am so thankful for raising me and taking care of me. I know it's selfish, but please do this one last thing for me, let the memories you have of me go, and be happy together. I'll remember for all of us.”

 They looked unconvinced for a moment, before your mother shut her eyes, allowing her tears to begin to fall before opening them again and smiling softly at you.

 “It's ok, we understand.” Her voice trembled slightly as she placed her hand on your father’s arm, imploring him to agree. Sighing, he gave a slow nod, both of them stepping forward to envelop you in a hug.

 You stayed like that for at least ten minutes, but he didn't mind. He knew that for the three of you, if felt like only seconds, and no matter how long they embraced you it would never feel like you had had enough time with them, knowing that this was goodbye. Eventually, you shifted slightly, gently pulling away from them and giving them both a watery smile. The two them returned the gesture, before letting their arms fall to their sides, and approached him slowly, as of trying to drag out their last few moments with you. They came to a stop in front of him, and he allowed them a few moments to compose themselves before he asked.

 “Are you ready?” Your mother simply have his a lopsided smile and a tearful

 “As ready as we’ll ever be.” And with those words spoken, he stepped in front of your father.

 “Will it hurt?”

 “No, but you may find yourself becoming dizzy. Now, please stay as still as possible, I will try to make this quick for you.” The man before him closed his eyes, and when he did he, he raised his hand and rested his fingertips on his forehead. Quickly establishing a link to your father’s consciousness, he sorted through the memories without much hassle and wrote over any trace of you that was there, erasing those where you were the main focus and leaving not a speck of your existence in his mind. The process took a few minutes, and when he removed his hand, your father collapsed to the ground unconscious.

 "Don't worry, he's fine. His mind is simply implementing the false memories.” He explained, noticing your mother’s panicked gaze when he leant the unconscious man against marble column at the side of the gate, before turning to face her. She understood the look he gave her clearly as she took her place in front of him and closed her eyes as her husband had. Repeating the same process, she too collapsed, only to be caught by you who ran forward to grab her.

 “So, it's done?” You questioned, looking at him to check there was nothing more to do. You sighed in relief when he shook his head, but he didn't miss the saddened expression the graced your face for a mere moment.

 “Come, we should get them back to their home before they wake.” He picked your father up with ease, and with you still holding your mother, he snapped his fingers together to transport you all to their bedroom, with a few more snaps of his fingers, the two were dressed in their nightwear, the curtains were drawn to obscure the light of the moon, and the covers were pushed down, allowing each of you to place them into the bed, before you pulled the covers up to their chests. He stepped back for a moment to allow you some space. For a moment, you gazed at them before moving to kiss both of them on the forehead, a final farewell.

 You stepped away, coming to stand next to him. He place his hand on your shoulder to try and comfort you, but your eyes didn't leave the floor.

 “We should go, before they wake up.” You whispered. He understood, it was probably too difficult for you to be around them now, knowing they no longer remembered you, so he agreed.

 “Very well, if that's what you want.” And as quickly as you arrived, you were gone. Leaving your parents sleeping peacefully.

 Having transported you back to your room, it didn't take long for you to collapse into the bed with a groan.

 “I thought gods didn't need to sleep, so why am I so tired?” You muttered, pouting when he chuckled at your antics.

 “Although it is true that we don't require sleep ordinarily, our energy can still be taxed. Your body is probably still trying to acclimatise itself, it will most likely be another week or two before you need sleep as rarely as we do.” You gave a grunt, going to sit up to get out of bed, before freezing.

 “What is it?” You gave a giddy smile.

 “I can just do this now, can't I!” And with that exclamation, you snapped your fingers together, changing your outfit from the dress you had been wearing into a simple white nightgown. He couldn't help but laugh again at your excitement over something that was so small in the spectrum of what you were now capable of, but he knew that for you it was something great, and he decided to keep quiet and try to let you find your own feet.

 In that moment, he remembered that there were two things he had yet to cover, so sat next to you on the bed.

 “Your constellation, what would you like to call it?”

 “Wait, I get to pick the name?” You seemed a bit shocked and the uncertainty was clear on your face, so he decided to help.

 “What about Alma?”

 “What does that mean?”

 “It means kind and loving. Although the exact meaning varies with culture, they never stray from the notion of a motherly, nurturing figure. Quite fitting with your personality, don't you agree?” You gave him a soft smile, resting your head on his shoulder when you spoke.

“Alma it is then.”

 “And there is one final thing I need to give you.” Raising your head from its place, you look into his eyes.

 “I need to give you a power.”

 “What kind of power?”

 “As the Goddess of Integrity, I was thinking of allowing you the ability to see a person’s true nature.” You seemed unsure at first, but once he began to explain how it would help in your new role, and how you could learn to control it and limit it, you seemed more inclined towards it. So, when you agreed, it only took him a moment to bestow the gift to you, causing you to crumple back into the bed.

 When you did so, he pulled the sheet up to your chest as you had done with your parents, and brushed his hand through your hair as you fell from consciousness. Allowing himself to watch your form as you slept, waiting patiently for you to wake so he could begin to show you your new role as Queen of the Heavens. 

It didn't take long for you to be able to take the position of Queen, where you had spent so much time in the heavens as a human you were used to many of the responsibilities anyway. Soon enough, it felt like you had been in the position for an eternity, the meekness that you had shown when you had first met him had all but dissolved, being replace with an authority of a determined leader. You were dependable, with all the gods feeling comfortable around you and trusting fully in your decision making, but the underlying kindness that accompanied your nature could never be missed. You had taken a while to get used to your power as well, soon expanding on it so that you were able to also see if someone was telling the truth or lying, which led to a few rather amusing situations, normally instigated by Partheno or Ichthys. But, once you learned to control it you were able to use if effectively, and with honour, never did any of the gods feel like you were unnecessarily invading someone’s privacy. You had blossomed into a fine goddess, and he couldn't be prouder of all that you had achieved in your short time at his side.

 “Your Highness!” Altair stopped in front of him, looking slightly tired and out of breath, raising his eyebrow at the smaller gods, he questioned.

 “Altair, what is it?”

 “Lord Zyglavis needs your advice of a punishment right away sir!” Nodding in acknowledgement, he made his way to the reflection pool. However, when he arrived, he was met with an unexpected sight.

 You were stood next to the Punishments Minister, looking down into the reflection pool with an intense gaze as you took in the scene in the water. A man was holding a gun, pointing it towards officers who were also armed, the officers were yelling at him as he held a young girl against his chest.

 “So, what do you recommend we do, Your Highn-“ You cut Zyglavis off with a pointed look, he sighed and started again.

 “What should we do, [Y/N]? He seems truly sorry for his actions, but the extent of his crime is something we don't normally forgive.”

 You continued to stare at the water as the scene moved forward, the man let the girl go, and collapsed to the ground, gun in hand, you frowned at his crumpled state. As he continued to watch, he noticed the shift in your eyes, your pupils narrowed into slits, which turned out to be an interesting side effect of using your power, and continued observing. Then, just as the officers began to approach, you raised your hand quickly, snapping your fingers together just in time. The man had begun to stand, attempting to kill as many as possible before he himself was killed, but just before he could pull the trigger he lurched forward, the gun falling from his grip and colliding with the cement below. He once again crumpled to the ground, gripping at his shirt over his heart and gasping. Your eyes were hollow as you watched him writhe in pain, only dissipating the image once the man was handcuffed, eyes meeting Zyglavis’ moments later.

 “He was a liar, a very good liar.” The minister simply nodded respectfully at you.

 “Thank you for your input [Y/N].”

 When you turned around, he quickly caught your gaze, your face softened from the mask it had fallen into with a gentle smile appearing on your lips. When he motioned for you to follow him, you did so eagerly, scurrying until you caught up with him at which point your footsteps fell in sync with his own.

 “Where are we going?”

 “You’ll see soon enough.”

 After a few minutes of walking, he arrived at the room they wanted, and swept open the doors, stepping aside to allow you inside first. You looked at him curiously as you made your way inside the room glancing around in recognition.

 “This is the room where I last met my parents!”

 “Indeed it is.”  

 He stepped forward, offering you his arm, when you shyly accepted the gesture, wrapping your arm through his, he gently guided you out into the balcony.

 “You may not realise it [Y/N], but today is a special day.”

 “You mean-“

 “Did you really think I would forget my Queen’s birthday?” He couldn't help but smile at the shock that took over your face. No doubt thinking he wouldn't remember the day you entered the world as a human, but he knew how important that day truly was. Gently taking your hand in his own, he lay a kiss on the back of it.

 “Today was the day that the world was blessed with your presence, it was this day all those years ago that set the wheel of fate in motion, and that fate led you and I together, and for that I am truly thankful.” Lowering your hand, he pulled you over to the side of the balcony where he had temporarily placed a reflection pool. You cocked your head in confusion, and looked up at him as if to try and decipher the situation through his expression, he simply smiled at you again.

 “As immortals, there are very few material items that gain enough importance to be presented as gifts, and I know you especially have expressed no want for such gifts. So, instead I wanted to give something that I know will mean very much to you.”

 Waving a hand over the reflection pool, an image slowly appeared. You parents were sitting on a park bench, looking up to the sky together, both of their faces settled in serene smiles.

 “The Alma constellation is at its brightest today.” Your mother sighed “Isn’t it beautiful?” Looking to her husband  for agreement, who nodded in return.

 “Yeah, it is.” When the pieces clicked in your mind, you snapped your head up, eyes wide as they met his own.

 “Wait, did you-?!” Your sentence cut of as you looked back to the reflection pool, he simply chuckled at your antics.

 “I haven't changed anything with their memories, in fact some I never removed. The memories I erased were only those with a direct link to you, I didn't see the harm of allowing a few associated memories to remain.”

 The only response he received to his statement was a choked sob. Your gaze wandered back to the waters and you continued to observe your parents, after a few  minutes of watching, he pulled a small decorative box from his gown, opening it and removing its contents. Silently, he undid the clasp of the necklace and without you noticing, he placed it around your neck, fastening it in place. You only realised the jewellery was there when the cold gem made contact with your skin.

 "You didn't need to get me anything.” He smiled, leaning down to whisper in your ear.

 “As I said, material gifts don't amount to much for immortals. However, that doesn't stop some from holding sentimental value, don't you agree?” Once he finished speaking, you glanced down towards your collarbone, gasping in recognition at the stone that shone there. The charm that now hung from your neck was the same necklace that you had worn for the ball you had attended with him. The ball where you had met Invidia, and led to him admitting his true feelings to you, and himself.

 “May this always remind you of the strength you have exude throughout our relationship, and may you always remember that no-one but you have ever managed to capture my heart.” Your eyes twinkled with mirth when you turned to face him.

 “Thank you for all of this! These are the best gifts you could ever have gotten for me! I hope we continue to make these wonderful memories together!” With that, you threw your arms around him. He adjusted your position so you were both able to look into the reflection pool and continue to watch your parents. As you continued to gaze with a look of contentment, he couldn't resist placing a kiss on your forehead.

 "I will pray for your everlasting happiness [Y/N], no matter what we face, I will protect and support you, no matter the consequences.” Smiling up at him, you snuggled into his side.

 “As I will you.”

 And those vows to one another were sealed with a kiss, one of many more that were to be shared over time as you continued to uphold those vows happily, with your love for each other only growing stronger.

And cut! Jesus Christ, this ended up being a lot longer than I was expecting and I think is the first time I’ve broken the 10,000 word mark with a fanfic! So, if anyone was wondering about the lack of updates, this monstrosity was the reason! Now, if you don’t mind, I am going to crawl back to my hole and get back to writing, please enjoy until then!

@donnaintx