#once again I can't make rent and now I have moving costs

[halliewriteshockey]

FLASH SALE

Okay guys, you may have seen that I’m moving in a week. To that end, I’m going to be putting my Etsy shop on hiatus until we’re settled in a new place. However, for the next week I would love to clear out my backstock of fragrances and bottles, so I’m offering a sale on every fragrance in stock. This does not apply to scents I’d have to special order.

Here’s how it works: I will create a custom fragrance for you based on your tastes. You can select from my list of in stock oils below, or give me an overall profile, like “woodsy/warm” or “spicy/sweet” or “floral/cool”, etc and I will make one for you based on vibes. A one ounce bottle is $15, a two ounce bottle is $20, and I’m offering free shipping in the United States for the length of this deal!

This offer is good through 5/13, as I will be packing and driving on Sunday, 5/14, so grab it while you can! 

Choose your blend from the list, then send your payment via Paypal or Venmo (@greymichaela) with the combination you want, the size of the bottle, and your shipping address.

Under the cut is a list of my current stock of fragrance oils to choose from:

Warm:

Bay rum

Frankincense

Amber

Sandalwood

Tobacco

Vanilla

Clove

Cinnamon

Cardamom

Black Vetiver Cafe (coffee undertones and spicy and woody notes)

Woodsy

Teakwood

Oakmoss/sandalwod (oakmoss and sandalwood, with tonka bean, cedarwood, and lemon)

Palo Santo (notes of Palo Santo wood, warm amber and soft musk. A soothing, creamy and woodsy scent)

Cypress/citron

Mahogany/teakwood (one of my most popular!)

Pine

Cedar

Cypress/redwood

Cypress

Floral

Lotus blossom

Rose

Flower shop (floral blend of roses and greenery)

Sandalwood/rose

Orange blossom

Lavender

Carnation

Peony

Rose/geranium

Gardenia

Sweet pea

Plumeria

Sunflower

Magnolia

Honeysuckle

Lilac and lilies

Fruit

Raspberry sorbet

Strawberry

Pomegranate

Black fig and honey

Assorted

Lemongrass

Lemon sugar

Orange

Bergamot

Black amber/lavender

Patchouli

Espresso

Sweetgrass (smells like fresh cut grass)

Brown sugar

Honey almond

Peppermint

Verbena

Honey vanilla

Butter vanilla

Silken oud

Cinnamon orange clove

Vanilla cardamom

Marshmallow fireside

Fresh linen

Cool water

Salted caramel

Old time barbershop (Bay rum, sandalwood, and earthy patchouli)

[sourpeachsayshi]

hi!! may I send for this: send me a jjk character (male or female) + plus a place where they kiss you & I'll write you something. gojo + kissing you on the ribs!

༺tags༻ reader is geto's sister; roommate au; bribes; alludes to reader having phone sex; infidelity(ish); dub con; pet name: kitten; inappropriate touching; all characters are 21+

"satoru," you whine pathetically, panic rising up your throat. "suguru will be back at any minute..."

your brother's best friend (and roommate) chuckles, crawling over your body like a sly fox. the tufts of his white hair sparkle underneath the moonlight bleeding through your window, his blue eyes a warm flame singeing your skin.

"we've got about twenty minutes until he gets to the convenience store," he coos, quirking his brow flirtatiously as he looks down at you from underneath his snowy lashes. "then another twenty minutes for him to walk back..."

you melt into the mattress when you feel his slender fingers slip under the hem of your tee, your heartbeat at your throat.

"besides," he continues, "I wanna make sure you keep your promise..."

the gentle brush of his finger contacting against your skin sends a shiver to tremble up your spine, your eyes subconsciously squeeze shut when a trigger of embarrassment hits you.

you've been staying temporarily with suguru since you've ended your lease in your old apartment. this was supposed to be a temporary solution until you could find another place where the rent didn't cost you an arm and a leg. suguru had a spare room since shoko moved out, but you didn't realize just how confined everything would feel with satoru around.

you also didn't expect your brother's roommate to barge into your room late one night while you were having an intimate conversation with your boyfriend.

two fingers knuckle deep in your pussy, your other hand squeezing your tit while the phone camera faced you.

and satoru standing with wide eyes and a smug grin.

horrified didn't even cover what you were feeling. afterwards, you begged satoru not to say anything to your overprotective brother. as it is, suguru hated your boyfriend. you didn't need to give him anymore ammunition.

in exchange for keeping your secret, satoru asked for only one thing.

to kiss you.

"I'll let you know when I'll want the payment," he teased after stating his demand, before giving you a cheeky wink and walking away.

but that was weeks ago, you actually thought that he forgot about it or that he was playing some cruel prank on you. and yet, here he is, encroaching on your space once again and caging you with his limbs like you were a cowering bird.

"you wanted to kiss me, right?" you sigh nervously, lifting your head up to bring your face closer to his and turning your cheek. "go-go ahead..."

satoru clicks his tongue, his hot breath fanning your plush skin. "tsk, tsk...now who said you get to decide where I kiss you, kitten?"

with every inhalation you can smell the strong blend of his citrus and spice cologne. his conniving fingers deceitfully push the fabric of your tee further up, exposing your stomach and the underside of your breasts.

you gasp when you feel his thumbs boldly trace the outline, your elbows buckling as you fall back into bed.

"no bra again, huh?" he chastises, stroking the curve once more before piercing his gaze into your own. "you think I don't notice when you walk around the apartment with your tits out?"

"you shouldn't be staring, perv" you scold with a pout, but it only makes satoru chuckle.

you hate how your body ignites from the sound of his voice alone.

he nips at his perfectly pink bottom lip, his eyes falling to your mid-riff.

"can't help it," he admits, his tone shifting darkly. "I like looking at you, anyway..."

"you..." you exhale, "you shouldn't be saying that..."

"yeah, yeah..." he huffs and brings his lips to your ribs, and pecking you softly. a tiny moan leaves your throat when he swipes his wet tongue to taste your skin, but he doesn't move away just yet. he keeps his lip there, puckering them to suck on the tender flesh. your lower back unknowingly arches away from the bed, your hand reaching for his shoulder where your squeeze the strong muscle. he nips at your skin, alternating between biting and sucking until you are shivering with desire.

when he lifts his head up, you can see a tiny red mark in place.

"there," he murmurs, that devilish grin only emphasizing just how handsome he is. his hands slide your shirt back down to cover the sinful evidence. "you can show that off to your boyfriend the next time he calls you"

[llyfrenfys]

Disabled trans author (me) in financial worry zone

Prynhawn da pawb

I'm making this post to keep you all updated with what is happening in my life and where I'm at currently. There's no need for panic just yet, but things are more tenuous than they were before and I hope by explaining what has happened I can keep you all in the loop regarding everything.

So, first things first - I was in A&E last month due to suffering a shock (which I would prefer not to talk about at this time). Suffice to say, this shock was so intense that it caused the knock-on effect of my body entering a state of ketoacidosis caused by involuntary starvation. You can read more about what happened to me in this reblog which I posted earlier.

The ordeal caused me to need to take anti-nausea medication for a while before I ate in order to be able to stomach anything. Thankfully I am able to eat normally again now.

However, I didn't have long to recover from this ordeal before some more bad news came my way. Due to a change in circumstances, I will need to move house at some point this year (ideally as soon as is humanly achievable, which could still be several months) into a smaller flat than the one I'm currently living in. House moves are costly and to make matters worse, more bad news this week.

It looks like I will become unemployed by the end of the month. I'm already looking for some more part-time work, with a few options lined up. But none are guaranteed unless I am successful as a candidate for these jobs.

Which means I'm going to be living on remaining student loan funds in order to pay rent (hence the need to move to a cheaper flat as soon as humanly possible - which could be several months from now. My remaining student loan is *only just* enough to be able to cover this. I'm hopeful I will be able to find part-time employment somewhere - however, the jobs I am applying for don't quite offer enough hours to fully pay for rent as it stands, therefore I'm going to be promoting my patreon for creator support purposes a bit more in order to help me get through this difficult time.

I already can't thank patrons enough for helping me afford a dental mouthguard earlier this year to protect my teeth from my bruxism. If anyone has anything to spare - even in the short term, this will go directly to keeping a roof over my head and food in my fridge. Once I'm able to move house, costs should come right down and hopefully things will be much smoother sailing. But until then, please share this post or donate to my patreon or tip me on tumblr if you are able.

Diolch yn fawr iawn i chi gyd

Luke

Photo of the beach at Aberystwyth I took yesterday for tax:

[wandafiction]

How Much?! - Just Us Chapter 3

Warnings: Suggestive themes

Word Count: 1644

Series List | Chapter 2 | Chapter 4

================================

The elevator ride was calm compared to the car ride, Wanda was lent against me with one arm wrapped around mine and the other holding my bicep of the same arm. Her head was leaning against my arm just below my shoulder, now I could take in how tall I was compared to her, a relaxed smile on her face as we both looked at one another through the reflection in the mirrored walls of the elevator. 

I also don't feel like slamming her up against the wall and making her cum once again. I think she feels the same, as she seems more relaxed than when we were in the club and the car. Maybe I should offer her a drink and chat before anything else. No, I will offer her a drink, and we will do this at her pace. She has never been with a woman before...well now she has...but I want to make sure she is comfortable this whole night. So her pace.

"Penthouse suite?" Wanda's gaze moved from looking at me to the sign in the elevator letting us know we had arrived.

"Uh, yeah this is my floor. Well two floors." I shuffled on my feet a little, I always hated showing off my wealth too much. Nothing screams rich fucker like a 2 story penthouse at the top of an already expensive apartment building practically made for the richer people of New York. 

"Do you mind me asking what job you have to be able to have a two floor penthouse?" Wanda's voice wavered a bit trying to gauge what I would do. 

The elevator bell dinged, the doors opening straight into the entrance hall. And before you think 'oh surely anyone can access the penthouse then'. No. The building has an interface system where you have to have a key card, or if you're like me and sometimes forget your key card, a password as well to be able to access past a certain floor. However, even then the cards and passwords are linked to a particular floor number so you can't access anything but yours. The only way someone could possibly get into my pent house without any of that is with a guest password, and each one of those is different so you know who accessed your place and when.

Pretty neat if you ask me. My friend Tony Stark came up with the idea when building this place, making sure I specifically got the top floor and allowed me to design my penthouse myself. He is a good friend.

Anyway, back to Wanda's question.

"No, it's fine. I am a business woman, CEO of a tech company that works in the medical field and also a partner in my friend's tech business." 

"Wow, so earning the big bucks." I stifle a laugh.

"Yes, something like that. Drink?" I pull her to the kitchen area where I have a large wine fridge and then another fridge with beers and other alcoholic beverages in it.

"Red wine please." Wanda makes herself home on one of the stools at the kitchen's island. 

"Any preferences?" I turn with the best two bottles of wine I have holding them up to her. "Château Ausone 2003 or Château Lafite 2010?"

"I don't know. I've never had either before. Whatever you think is best for tonight." She looks like she wants to ask another question as I open the Ausone.

"You can ask me Wanda." I turn around with a wine glass in hand passing it off to her, as she looks slightly confused about how I knew.

"How much does a bottle of Ausone cost? Because you opened it like it wasn't that much. I mean it sounds posh and expensive. Sorry it doesn't matter." She takes a sip of her drink to stop her rambling. 

"It's okay Wanda I promise. You're allowed to ask these questions, you're just curious I get that." 

"Okay well how much does it cost?" She asks with a cheeky grin on her face. 

"That one is the St Emilion Grand Cru. So roughly $1200 a bottle." I hear Wanda choke slightly at my answer, but she quickly covers her mouth recovering from her momentary choke.

"Sorry, but that's more than my monthly rent. Wow. It definitely tastes like a $1200 bottle of liquid courage." She then takes another sip, now obviously savouring the drink.

"Well you can't blame me for that one. It was a gift, it's been sitting there a while. So why not treat you to it." I raise my glass to my mouth watching her reaction. 

"Oh so this is your saving for a rainy day wine?" She jokes.

"Exactly. I had no one to share it with till now, so I thought fuck it, otherwise it will never get drunk otherwise." She hums in response. "Any other questions for me princess?"

"Why the name princess? Also is it rude if I ask how much you earn a year? I mean I'm just curious, you know, expensive wine in a two story penthouse. You have to be bringing home the bacon right?" Wanda places her empty glass on the counter, and I move to top it up again as I think of an answer. 

"I don't really know. It was the first thing to pop into my head when trying to fluster you, which worked by the way." She blushes slightly as I continue. "I mean I don't call anyone princess, never have. It just seemed fitting. And as for how much I earn, are you sure you really want to know?" 

"Hmm, I mean I don't have a name for you. You're just y/n. Why? Is it a lot?" Wanda tilts her head in question. 

"Y/n is just fine. I don't need to go by anything else. Define a lot. What is a lot of money for you Wanda?" 

"Well I have a 2 bedroom apartment that costs me around $1000 a month. I'm not poor in that sense of the word, I always have spare money and savings and my salary is decent. But a lot would be...I don't know...let's set the benchmark at $500'000." I finished off my glass of wine, liking my lips cleaning them of wine not missing Wanda's eyes darting down to watch the movement.

"Then I earn waaaay more than alot. Like I asked before, are you really sure you want to know?" This time I tilt my head in question.

"Can I guess? And then you say higher or lower?" She shuffles on the stool excitedly at the prospect of the small guessing game.

"Of course go ahead."

"Uhmm a lot more than $500'000 so 1.2 mil?" I point my finger upwards to indicate it's higher. "2 million?" Again I point upwards. "5 million?" 

"Much higher." 

"12 million?" 

"Multiply that by five." It takes no longer than a second to do the Maths.

"60 million! A year? Holy shit!" 

"I make anywhere between 60 to 85 million. However, I put a lot of it back into the company and help start up small businesses and of course give to charity." 

"So what do you indulge in? Because every millionaire has something they spend lots of money on. So spend money on houses, cars or even islands? So what is y/ns favourite thing to spend money on?" 

"I am a car person myself, but I tend to buy rust buckets and fix them up myself. Of course I have luxury cars and that but they are more for formal events just for publicity and all that, my PR team seems to think it helps the company and so on and so forth. But in all honesty I like treating my friends most if all. What would you spend the money on if you had that sort of income?"

"I would love to say the same as you. You know, help others in need, give to smaller businesses and friends and family. However, if I jump from my salary to your salary I am spoiling myself first. Car, house, the whole nine yards." We both laugh at her honesty. "Now though I think I'm done with the small talk." Her voice is low, her pupils dilate as she speaks.

"Yeah and what have you got in mind princess?" I lean closer to her whispering in her ear, a shiver going down her spine.

"I think we should take this to the bedroom." Wanda sighs when I start nibbling at her ear.

"Oh yeah? And what do you want to do once we are there princess?" I move my hands to her thighs slowly moving them up and down.

"You tell me?"

"Well princess. I am going to make this the best night of your life. You're going to be screaming my name so loud you forget your own, your legs squeezing around my head as I bring you so much pleasure you won't be able to feel them in the morning. I'm going to find every little spot that sets you off and leave a beautiful purple bruise on them to remind you of how I made you feel." A small fuck leave her mouth, her legs closing slightly to gain some form of friction as I speak. "So princess, are you ready for me to take full control of you tonight?" 

"Fuck. Yes. Please. Just fuck me already." 

"I have your complete consent?" Just got to double check to make sure it is truly what she wants.

"Yes, now please fuck me y/n." 

"What's the safe word?"

"Red." 

"Good girl." A low groan leaves her lips as I pull her off the stool, her legs wrap around my waist as I start to carry her out of the kitchen. 

Tonight is going to be fun.

================================

[algolstare]

We're finally, finally moving away from our abusive family!!!! 🎊🌞💗

We could never have gotten out of here without the help of others, everyone who supported us and donated to the gfm and encouraged us the whole way through. You all have saved my life.. I could never thank you guys enough, there are no words to express just how much it means to me. I can live, solely because of the kindness of others, I can live and not be hurt anymore!!!

Officially we move in on Feb 1st, but the person we're moving in with has very kindly offered to help us move our stuff so that we don't have to buy all new furniture once there!! I'm only taking what's essential that I couldn't fit into the 2 bags I could carry alone, but I am so so happy to be able to keep the most important things!! Especially the stuff we need to do work.. We'll be doing that in just 4 days!

Transportation costs of going to look at places ate into the initial funds for escape from the gfm, which has left us with just enough to pay the first month's rent & deposit - but not enough to get transportation again, replace our bed (with a way cheaper futon, yippie!!), or pay for the gas needed to move the stuff we're taking with.

In order to make it through this final stretch, we need $433.45. I was hoping we would not have to ask for help again, I know everyone has their own concerns, but I really truly want to make it.

If all goes well, if this goes how I need it to, after we're moved in I'm going to find a regular job, get my driver's license, I can't wait to do all the things that have been off-limits to me til now. I can really start to live, like a real person, and not as a thing.

If you want to help us get over this final hurdle, there are a few ways to do so!!:

🧸🎨 Consider commissioning us for a piece of artwork! 🃏 We offer various options for divinatory readings, as well! If you really really want to help and don't want either of what we could offer in return, there is the gfm which can still be donated to which I have yet to figure out how to update the goal to show further need!! :'D

40/433 as of 1/26!

We have until 1/29, 1/30 if fate is so super niceys!!!

[vex-bittys]

When Life Gives You Skeletons: Chapter 5: Skeletons Do Not [REDACTED]

All of your frustration, anger, and heartache pours out of you in the form of tears. Red starts out with a tentative hug, but eventually his arms settle firmly around you, holding you tightly. You grip his shirt front with both hands as if he's the only thing keeping you from fracturing, as if he's your lifeline. 

You feel like a boat set adrift on a vast ocean, lost and small. Everything you had just yesterday has an “ex” on it now: ex-manager, ex-job, ex-residence, ex-roommate. You moved to Ebbott for a fresh start, but you ended up in the same position as before. No family. No place to live. Granted, you do have a friend in Ebbott, but her career and fiancee leave little time for you. As an added bonus, you also don't have the suitcase of belongings you left your hometown with or the sense of security and safety you should have towards other people.

In short, you have a lot of things to cry about, so it comes as no surprise that it takes quite a while for your sobs and hyperventilation to subside to snot, sniffles, and the occasional hiccup.

Once he sees that you're calmed down, Red helps you back into your seat then heads to the counter to get some food. You try to protest his offer to buy you lunch, but he flatly tells you to either give him your order or you'll end up with a plain bread sandwich with extra mustard. You relent and call out the instructions for your sandwich. Red picks up drinks and chips as well, but when he goes to pay, the worker gives him an unimpressed look.

You can't tell if she dislikes Red because he looks like a living human skeleton or if she dislikes Red because he just reached into his pocket and tossed a bunch of wadded up bills, miscellaneous loose change, buttons, paper clips, lint, and other deep pocket detritus onto the counter with a casual “keep the change” thrown in for good measure. Fortunately, she perks up when she realizes that the “change” Red let her keep amounts to more than the cost of the entire order. 

Red brings the food to your booth and sets your meal in front of you. You appreciate it, you really do, but you're just too anxious and emotional to do much more than pick at your food and sip your drink. Red, on the other hand, demolishes his sandwich and chips with gusto, belches, then speaks.

“so where ya plannin’ on stayin’ t'night?” Apparently, Red is going straight for the million dollar question, so you stuff a huge bite of sandwich into your mouth and go over your options silently while you chew (also silently). Red’s phone buzzes an alert into the silence you've created, and he ignores it.

With no forewarning about last night's events, you'd gone ahead and paid your rent, your portion of the utilities, your phone bill, and your student loan payment in full and on time like a responsible adult, the kind of adult with a bank account running dangerously low on funds. You have a few hundred dollars that you had stashed in a savings account to someday purchase a car, but a chunk of that would be spent today buying replacement clothes and toiletries. Even if you had the money for a security deposit and first month’s rent, who would be willing to lease an apartment to someone with no job?

Nobody.

Even the cheapest motels would be out of your price range after just a few days. This conclusion has tears welling up in your eyes again. You hate crying in front of people; it makes you feel weak and helpless. You swallow your bite of food and your emotions and give Red an honest answer.

“I really don't know.”

“ya ain’t got nobody y’can stay wit’?”

You don't want to explain your family situation or your lack of a social life. Those are stories for another time. The last thing you need right now is to open yourself up to additional emotional turmoil, so you go with a short and simple “No.” Red's phone buzzes again as if to accentuate your answer.

“look, i'd have ta talk t'my cousin, sans cuz it's technically his house, but would ya wanna stay wit’ me n’ my bro n’ cousins?”

You're stunned by the offer, and it takes a moment for you to respond. “I don't want to be a freeloader…” You trail off because honestly there aren't any other options open to you.

“y'could offer t'do some of the cookin’ n’ cleanin’,” suggests Red. “i know my bro is always complainin’ about all th’ shit he has ta do around th’ house.”

It's a fair compromise, and you accept. Red’s phone gives a triumphant buzz, and he ignores the alert a third time in favor of calling his cousin. You suddenly become very interested in the lunch you've barely eaten to avoid eavesdropping, but it's difficult when the conversation is happening right across the small table from you.

Sans must have picked up because you overhear the indistinct mumble of a very deep voice on the other end of the line. Your phone vibrates violently inside your purse, and you welcome the distraction. Digging around to find it, you still can't help hearing Red speak.

“i gotta friend who needs a place ta stay n’ i thought maybe she could take th’ attic room.”

You retrieve your phone and see a new message icon displayed on the screen. 

“nah, she ain't a troublemaker.”

New Message:

The Magnificent Blueberry

(XXX) XXX-XXXX 

The Magnificent Blueberry: ARE YOU ALRIGHT, MAIDEN?

“my bro n’ blue already met ‘er, n’ they liked ‘er just fine.”

Your fingers fly over the phone screen, quickly tapping out a reply to Blue.

You: Yeah, I'm good. Just enjoying some lunch.

“axe didn't bother ‘er las’ night.”

The Magnificent Blueberry: I APOLOGIZE FOR INTERRUPTING YOUR MEAL!

Blue's random check-in is a bit odd, but it's nice to know someone is thinking of you and worrying about your welfare. You close the conversation with Blue only to notice another unread message underneath it on your list of texts. At first, you don't recognize the number.

“axe n’ rusty ain't had an episode in months. look, maybe y'should jus’ talk to ‘er yerself.”

New Message:

(XXX) XXX-XXXX 

(XXX) XXX-XXXX: y’can make it up t’me by joinin’ me f’r lunch sometime to listen t'more of my jokes. i got a skele-TON of ‘em.

You would've known this message is from Red even without your original text nested above it. Unexpected laughter bubbles up inside of you. When it bursts free, it takes some of your gloomy mood with it.

“A skeleton pun, Red? You must know I find them quite-” You pause for dramatic effect. “- humerus!”

You do not realize that Red has put you on speaker phone until you hear a deep, low chuckle coming from the phone. Red groans.

“i take back what i said. she's obviously a troublemaker,” Red says, making Sans laugh harder.

“Just because I like puns,” you huff, indignant. 

“puns're th’ low-hangin’ fruit of th’ joke world, doll.”

“Gasp,” you cry instead of actually gasping. “How could you say that? Puns are the pinnacle of jokes!”

“the cherry on top,” Sans quips, and you giggle.

“what’ve i gotten myself into,” Red laments.

You smile in a very devious manner. “Orange you glad I didn't make that cherry pun?” Red groans again, and you and Sans howl with laughter. Obviously,  Red’s cousin understands that the humor of puns doesn't come from the wordplay itself; it comes from people's reactions to the puns. You think you'll get along with him just fine, and it seems he agrees.

“i'll talk to axe and rusty and ask papyrus to get the attic room ready, but she's your responsibility, red.”

“got it.” With those final words, Red hangs up on his cousin, probably to avoid the possibility of more puns. You save Red’s contact information  as “Clifford” in your phone, and turn your attention to packing up the remains of your lunch. You don't have the appetite to finish it, but you hate wasting food. A partial sandwich and some chips will be a great snack if you get hungry later. For now, you need to focus on finding some inexpensive outfits and toiletries to bring to your new temporary home.

You approach the woman at the counter to ask for a bag to carry your leftovers, and no sooner have you stuffed your future snack into that bag than you hear an unmistakable high-volume rasp shouting for Red. At least you assume “MY INSUFFERABLE LAZYBONES OF A BROTHER” is Red. You return to your booth to find the two skeleton monsters arguing.

“HOW MANY TIMES MUST I REMIND YOU NOT TO IGNORE MY TEXTS!” It’s difficult to be sure since Edge speaks loudly and has extremely pointy features, but you think the tall skeleton might be angry at his brother. Red, though again you're no expert at reading bone facial expressions, appears sheepish.

Your curiosity leads you to interrupt. “How did you know where we were?” Edge levels a glare at you that makes you regret your very existence. 

“MY VEHICLE HAS A GPS TRACKER INSTALLED TO PREVENT THEFT.” OK, so Edge is obviously a stalker, and he has the nerve to sound proud of himself for it. “WHEN MY CONTACT AT THE HUMAN POLICE DEPARTMENT SHOWED ME THE REPORT FROM YOUR RETRIEVAL MISSION-” Retrieval mission? “- I DECIDED TO INTERVENE.” Now Red is on the receiving end of Edge’s glare again. “AND STOP TELLING PEOPLE THAT YOU CHANGED MY DIAPERS! SKELETONS DO NOT POOP!” Edge stomps his foot to punctuate each word of his last statement. 

“then what were ya wearin’ the diapers for?” Red asks oh so innocently. You sputter, trying to hold in your laughter and failing. 

Shifting his focus to you, Edge changes the subject in lieu of answering. “I ASSUME YOU ARE HERE TO REPLACE YOUR POSSESSIONS, AND FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON MY BROTHER HAS TAKEN IT UPON HIMSELF TO ACCOMPANY YOU.” You nod in acknowledgement. “I SUPPOSE I SHALL ESCORT YOU AS WELL TO KEEP AN EYELIGHT ON MY DEGENERATE BROTHER AND MAKE SURE YOUR PATHETIC HUMAN WEAKNESS DOESN'T PUT HIM IN ANY DANGER.”

“didn’ i teach ya any manners growin’ up?” scolds Red.

“NO.”

“true, but if ya keep bein’ rude ta the human, i'll show ‘er pictures of you as a babybones.” 

“YOU'RE BLUFFING!” Edge’s voice lacks its usual cocky confidence. You actually hope that he calls the supposed bluff and you get to see his baby pictures. Even pointy, scowling babies are cute!

“if ya think so, then try me.”

The skeleton brothers continue to bicker, trailing behind you while you backtrack to the store entrance to grab a shopping cart. You gather from conversation that Red raised Edge, but you don't dare to ask about their parents because it might invite questions about your parents. You aren’t ready to talk about that yet, especially when you're in the ladies underwear department trying to select a comfortable, affordable bra. 

Thanks to the abundance of clearance racks at this particular store, you have a pair of bras and a multi-pack of underwear in your cart in no time. You also find some pajama pants in case you need to wander the house at night without your upper thighs exposed. Red stays close to you as you browse a rack of marked down shirts. Edge prowls around the clothing department, eyelights darting back and forth suspiciously. Periodically he checks back, speaking to his brother in a low tone that discourages eavesdropping. You're not the listening-in type anyway, so the secrecy doesn't bother you.

You are, however, significantly bothered when Edge hijacks your cart to pass judgment on your selections.

“THE CRAFTSMANSHIP ON THESE GARMENTS IS ABYSMAL,” he sneers. Clearance rack leftovers at a superstore do tend to lack in the quality department, but you have a tight budget to work with. Before you can even begin to explain this to Edge, he drops a pile of clothing into the cart, scooping out the shirts you had just placed there a moment ago. You can see from the tags that he chose the correct size; unfortunately not a single item is on sale.

“THESE ARE THE BEST THAT THIS ESTABLISHMENT HAS TO OFFER,” Edge informs you, though he doesn't sound particularly impressed.

“I can't afford all of this right now, Edge,” you point out, exasperated. 

“I AM AWARE OF YOUR SITUATION, HUMAN,” he responds, equally exasperated.

Red diffuses the brewing argument by interrupting. “what my bro's tryin’ ta say is: since yer stuff got destroyed because you associated wit’ us, we'll pay ta replace it.”

Oh.

“AND I WILL NOT PROVIDE YOU WITH LOW QUALITY REPLACEMENTS EITHER. I HAVE A REPUTATION TO MAINTAIN.”

The tall skeleton monster can't know that his words mirror the ones his brother said to you yesterday, but they make you smile anyway. Now that clothing has been checked off the shopping list, you move along to the hygiene essentials. Red marvels at all of the human cleaning products (“hair soap n’ face soap n’ body soap n’ pussy soap, n’ it all comes in diff'rent flavors!”), and Edge remains vigilant for possible shampoo aisle ambushes. He also refuses to let you shop for sale items here.

You put cheap deodorant in the cart. Edge hands it back to you and points to a popular (and more expensive) brand. 

You try to pick out budget brand shampoo and conditioner. 

“NO.”

You grab store brand bar soap.

“TRY AGAIN.”

You reach for a value pack containing a toothbrush and toothpaste together for one low price.

“NOT THAT ONE.”

You toss a hair brush into the cart. Edge says nothing. Apparently the brush meets his high standards.

“it's easier t'just let ‘im have his way, doll,” Red whispers loudly to you. You roll your eyes. Calling Edge a control freak would be the understatement of the year.

“HUMAN!” The tall angular skeleton monster demands your attention. You patiently inform him that your name is, in fact, not “Human,” and give him your real name. Edge impatiently informs you that he “ALREADY KNEW THAT” and, in fact, “DOES NOT CARE.” He waves away any protest you might make, or perhaps shoos you towards your next destination. It’s difficult to read his intentions.

“SINCE MONSTER FOOD DOES NOT MEET A HUMAN’S NUTRITION NEEDS, YOU WILL NEED TO PROCURE VITAMINS AND HUMAN FOODS.”

You have seen the Public Service Announcements regarding monster food, of course. Monster food will satisfy hunger and even leave a human feeling rejuvenated just like a good night's sleep, but it lacks some key nutritional components. Humans can't survive on monster food alone, and monsters, who need the magical properties contained in their foods, can't survive on a human diet. You lead Edge and Red to the vitamins and supplements department only to be absolutely blown away by the ridiculous prices.

“I think I'll be fine with just a multivitamin,” you mumble, trying to avoid Edge’s well-meaning wrath. It turns out that Edge’s wrath is inescapable.

“IT WOULD BE STUPUD TO INVITE A HUMAN INTO OUR HOME AND THEN ALLOW IT TO PERISH OF MALNUTRITION. GATHER THE NECESSARY SUPPLIES AND STOP WHINING!”

“blue says she needs iron, b12, d3, n’ calcium citrate,” Red butts in, holding up his phone to show off what must be a text from Blue. Huffing in irritation, Edge swipes a handful of appropriate vitamin bottles off of the shelf and tosses them into the cart. Without another word, he stomps off towards the grocery section of the store. You and Red hurry to catch up, pushing the loaded down shopping cart in front of you. Knowing that skeletons don’t poop (thank you Edge for that strange tidbit of information), you grab some toilet paper on the way. 

Red and Edge return to their routine: Red hovering near you, and Edge patrolling each aisle as if Jay might leap out from behind a display of microwave mac and cheese to finish what he started. You fill the remaining space in the cart with breakfast, lunch, and dinner staples though Red reassures you that he and his cousins will start incorporating human foods into their recipes next time they shop for ingredients. Meanwhile, Edge scouts around the next corner and discovers the magical land of soups, the perfect food for autumn's chilly weather!

Hefting a can of soup in each hand, you weigh the pros and cons of chicken and rice versus chicken noodle, and Edge,  apparently satisfied that this aisle is secure, picks up a can of bone broth to glare at.

“WHY ARE WE BUYING CLOTHES AT THE SOUP STORE?”

You take the can from him and return it to its place on the shelf. “Convenience,” you say and move along to browse the store's selection of snack foods while Edge guards you from the perils of grocery shopping, whatever he thinks they might be.

You're just starting to think that this shopping trip will turn out alright in spite of Edge’s abrasive personality when someone decides to rain on your little three person parade.

“Can you believe that they sell monster food here? Humans can't even eat monster food!” The complaints come from a young woman who speaks in an annoying whine, a dead giveaway that she's probably one of those self-centered types who don't understand that not everything in this world is made specifically for them. There are two skeleton monsters shopping in the store right now just a few feet away from her!

“I know!” You mimic her voice perfectly.  “Can you believe that they sell milk here? I'm lactose intolerant!” The woman's pretty face turns into an ugly sneer once she catches on to your mockery, but you refuse to let her speciesist comment go unchallenged.

“I SINCERELY APOLOGIZE-” You already know Edge well enough to know he would never apologize to this woman, but her smug smirk tells you that she's falling into his verbal trap. “- TO ANYONE WHO HAS THE EXTREME MISFORTUNE OF ENCOUNTERING SOMEONE LIKE YOU.” Insult delivered, Edge places a surprisingly gentle hand on the small of your back to guide you away from the confrontation. 

Red adds his two cents with a double middle phalanx salute which he maintains while walking backwards behind you and his brother. You catch one last glimpse of the woman's stunned face, her mouth hanging open before Edge has you out of the aisle. You quickly dart back to grab a few boxes of Pop-Tarts only to have the delicious pastries scrutinized by a pair of disapproving red eyelights.

“ABSOLUTELY NOT,” Edge declares. “THOSE HAVE NO NUTRITIONAL MERIT!”

“I can pay for these myself,” you offer. You will defend your Pop-Tart habit to the death if you need to. Edge relents in his own way, snatching the treats from your hands and throwing them unceremoniously into your cart. Flanked by two skeleton monsters, you steer the cart towards the checkout lanes feeling a bit like a princess with two bony knights to escort her.

A cashier begins scanning your items, and with each beep your euphoria evaporates a bit more until all that's left is a heavy sense of anxiety. The total continues to climb, and anxiety gives way to panic. You can't ask two skeleton monsters that you've known for less than a day to buy you so much stuff, but the transaction is already out of your price range and the cashier is still working his way through the pile of clothing.

“breathe, doll,” Red whispers, making you jump. You actually forgot about the skeleton monster standing next to you! Now that your focus is broken, you take some calming breaths. The cashier scans the last item, and hits a key to reveal the staggering sum. Unfazed, Edge pays with a credit card. Did he even check the amount?

The cashier requests Edge’s ID, probably due to the large purchase. Edge hands it over. The cashier checks it, then gives Edge a skeptical look.

“Edgelord Edgerton Serif? What kind of name is that?” You think he might be joking, but Edge lets out a low growl of frustration. 

“IT'S THE KIND OF NAME YOUR MOTHER WAS SCREAMING LAST NIGHT. NOW FINISH MY TRANSACTION.” Edge’s dry joke makes you snort, and Red bursts into raucous laughter. 

Thoroughly chastised, the cashier gives Edge his ID and a lengthy receipt. Not bothering with the now-empty shopping cart, Edge picks up each and every bag and carries your purchases outside by himself. You suspect that he is grumpy about having his name questioned, but you have to agree with the cashier's skepticism. Who names a babybones Edgelord?

You aren't one to look a gift horse in the mouth, however… especially if that gift horse is a skeleton with really sharp teeth named Edgelord Edgerton Serif.

In the parking lot, Edge stows your new belongings (and Pop-Tarts) in the back of the SUV and slams the hatch down. Turning to his brother, he holds out a gloved hand, metacarpal palm facing upwards.

“YOU CAN TAKE YOUR CHOPPER HOME, BROTHER. I'LL TRANSPORT THE HUMAN.” 

“sure thing, boss.” With no protest, Red drops the keys to the SUV into Edge’s hand.

“You call your brother ‘Boss’?” The question slips out while Edge retrieves the chopper keys from his pocket. The skeletons repeat their earlier performance of throwing and catching keys, and Red gives you an answer over his shoulder as he saunters up to a sleek black and red motorcycle.

“yeah, everyone used ta think it was cuz i was a sentry in the royal guard n’ he outranked me, but it's really cuz he was such a bossy little babybones.”

Edge stamps his foot and shouts: “STOP TELLING THE HUMAN YOUR COCKAMAMIE STORIES!” Red just starts up his bike and revs the engine to drown his brother out. He then speeds off, leaving you in the care of a tall, irritated skeleton monster.

You and Edge climb into the massive vehicle (Edge figuratively and you literally) and start your journey together. Edge drives attentively and cautiously while still managing to go slightly over the speed limit. At first he doesn't speak to you, but the blissful silence is over all too soon.

“FOR REASONS UNKNOWN, MY BROTHER HAS FORMED AN ATTACHMENT TO YOU.” Edge’s loud voice fills the SUV, surrounding you with the sound of it. “IF ANY HARM COMES TO HIM BECAUSE OF THAT ATTACHMENT, I WILL ENSURE THAT YOUR END IS EXCRUCIATING SLOW AND EXCEEDINGLY PAINFUL.”

“I would never do anything to hurt Red.” Your heated words are immediate and honest. You would never forgive yourself if something bad happened to Red because of you.

Edge says nothing, and an uneasy silence returns to the vehicle. You wonder why Edge feels the need to control every aspect of a situation. Maybe it comes from being a high ranking member of the Royal Guard? You presume Edge’s inner monologue is more along the lines of where to hide your mangled body if you cross him, and an unexpected shiver races up your spine.

Thankfully, you survive the ride to your new home. Edge once again gathers up the purchases and carries them by himself. Red must have somehow beaten you here because he stands at the front door, opening it to let you and his brother inside where you find yet another skeleton monster waiting. 

“WELCOME TO YOUR NEW HOME, HUMAN,” he shouts with contagious cheerfulness. The new skeleton is tall like Edge with softer, rounder features and a casual style of dress. He sweeps you up into a powerful hug, spins you around, and sets you back on your feet,  then he picks up a gift basket from a side table and presents it to you. “PLEASE ACCEPT THIS TOKEN OF HOSPITALITY AND FRIENDSHIP FROM THE GREAT PAPYRUS!”

You stare through the clear cellophane wrapping in shock. The basket contains a luxurious loofah, slippers, bubble bath, candles, and lotion, all items that a person on a tight budget wouldn't bother buying for themself. This family of skeleton monsters barely knows you, but they have already done so much for you. Red protected you, Blueberry checked on your health, Edge provided for you, Sans made you laugh, and Papyrus embraced you as a housemate and friend, sight unseen.

You haven't felt so wanted and cared for since your grandmother passed away.

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[economicsresearch]

page 562 panel a - Of course you are welcome to tell yourself that the machine connects you to more of your life, in the same way having access to wikipedia makes you smarter. It doesn't. You are an empty vessel that sometimes feels filled but moments later you are drained and vacant. You don't remember anything. You just look and move on. You have farmed out the hard work of memory to a tool and you are now slave to it, your abilities of recall atrophied. Plenty obliterates all nuance and subtlety. Unless your goal is to be a shit cyborg whose experience of the world is a shallow one, you are not better for your tools.

The cost of it all only adds to the humiliation. Not just the cost of having emotional profundity erased and overridden by visual overabundance, but there is actual treasure we hand over to be treated in this way. A worse product at a higher price. Remembering for ourselves is free but now there's rent. Maybe only cents on the day but still we tithe a corporation to keep a dead parent alive or remember an ex who we hated at the end. Why are they still here? Monetary cost, emotional cost, such small amounts you barely notice, but real all the same. The ghosts of memory we can't quite see, the ghosts of wealth drained that we never knew we had, they all grow fat and laugh at us.

Memories gained, memories lost. It feels natural, like the moon and the tides, ceaseless and without worry. As the night draws on this moonrise is lost but there will be another tomorrow, it goes. But once we decided to hoard and fortify, make memories permanent now that they're safely stored outside our fallible biology, it all becomes brittle and a loss is catastrophic; there is trauma in preservation now. Our technological aide-memoire (usurper-memoire?) make us think it can all be retained, we just need to use the tools, pay the toll, be conscientious, have some goddamned personal responsibility. But a harddrive melts, a password is lost or a company goes bankrupt and once again there is the same old loss. Only this time it's your fault. If only there had been a third back-up or a fourth, then I wouldn't have so foolishly deleted this piece of my soul. And we are left ill and worried by a buzz inside us as we try to keep it all safe, but we can't. We can't control the corporation that dances and sways in capitalism's breeze or even the micro solder that has some imperfect weakness at an atomic level, We can only pray.

[highfiveheroes]

fic ask!! for passage commentary, this bit from "now I breathe flames every time I talk" chapter one (though the entirety of ch1 lives rent free in my mind at all times):

The thing is, she knows them too well. They all follow her to the bathroom—Oisin is with his great something grandmother tonight and Buddy doesn’t stay on weekends, so it’s Ruben, Ivy, and Mary Ann that stand at the end of the hall, watching to see what nefarious plan she’s got under her sleeve.

She uses her own toothpaste and her own toothbrush, doesn’t touch anyone else’s, and steps out into the hall. Three heads whip behind a corner; she pretends not to notice. There’s four guest rooms; on nights when everyone is staying, either someone pulls an all-nighter or someone ends up napping at their desk. It’s usually Kipperlilly that sacrifices the room. But again, Oisin isn’t here, and they agreed early in sophomore year that they wouldn’t mind letting her borrow his unofficial room when she needed it. It’s been a while, but she thinks the offer still stands. So into his room she goes, and there’s lots of papers regarding bank dealings and Adaine Abernant, but she ignores all of it and shuts the door so she can change.

Shadows pass in front of the door a few times as she gets ready, letting her hair down, avoiding looking in the mirror. When the light goes out, the movement stops, and she can picture them all on the other side. Let them wonder, she thinks. Let them stalk her. They don’t care about her and they never did, so—

She tries to sleep. Honestly, she does. But fifteen minutes later the door creaks open, letting light spill into the room. Kipperlilly doesn’t move. She’s not doing anything wrong, goddamn it, she’s just trying to fucking sleep.

OH I LOVED THIS SECTION <3

no because i'm sort of obsessed with the non rogues of the party trying to tail the actual rogue, especially when she's...not actually doing anything for once? like i wanted it to read like a brooklyn 99 scene for this whole sequence, where ruben&co think they're in the heist of the century trying to figure out what kipperlilly is doing...meanwhile kipperlilly is literally being the most normal she's ever been.

also confession time...i have the line in here about adaine and bank documents which in hindsight is so funny to me that people read it as oisin being the reason adaine is poor, because i actually meant for it to be "oh, oisin has something to do with the KVX bank turning blue, and as a separate fun fact he's been stalking adaine and trying to learn more about her. but i actually prefer the take that he's got something to do with adaine not getting money, because it makes him offering her components and gems and gold so much more sinister in context hahaha

but i also wanted to throw in the oisin and kipperlilly dynamic, because they're so fascinating to me. arguably they're the smartest in the crew—at the very least, they're the two most likely to be involved in the main plot, as shown by the buddy/last stand moment and the scene during rock the vote. (this is also coming into play in ch2 LOL so i'm glad i left the crumbs in ch1)

and then. and then!! kipperlilly just...sweet girl, she wouldn't even recognize if she saw herself in the mirror after the mask has dropped. it's the way she has completely detached herself from any of her actions and who she's become now, and she can't face it, so she just keeps plowing forward instead. like a sunk cost fallacy of "i've come this far, no use in reflecting on how i got here or where i came from or who i used to be" sort of thing. she tries so hard to pretend things are fine, it's just that...they're not. y'know?

thank you!!! for letting me get to analyze this, i fucking love it hehehe

[f1-disaster-bi]

Could you pick the pairing please with song 50?

Take me or Leave Me from Rent

"You can't keep acting like this, Lando"

Lando didn't want to look at the other as he tucked his hands into the pouch of his hoodie. He didn't want to recieve yet another lecture from his boyfriend, the person that was meant to love him unconditionally, about how he needed to change because they were 'grown up's' now.

Every time he got this speech, Lando felt himself shrinking back into his shell that he had worked hard as a teenager to come out of.

"Are you even listening to me?", George sighed, and Lando finally looked up at the other and tried to recognise the man he had fallen in love with under that stern and disappointed gaze, "Are you hungover?"

"No, George, I'm not hungover", Lando replied softly, "I just don't feel like hearing your speech again"

George huffed and moved away from where he had been lurking by the armchair to stand in front of him. His arms where crossed over his chest defensively as he stared at Lando, and Lando hated it. It made him like a specimen being examined. It was like George was looking for faulty parts and trying to figure out the best way to fix them when Lando didn't need to be fixed.

"Would it kill you to take me seriously, to take yourself seriously?", George asked, "How can you ever expect people to take you seriously when you go out partying and come home drunk, or spend time playing games online, all the time? You don't even wear the shirts I bought you. You need to grow up Lando"

Something inside of Lando broke a little at those words, and anger flooded him as he tried desperately to find the man he loved under the corporate robot that was standing before him. He tried to find his George that had once snorted milk out his nose and who yelled at the tv when Lando beat him at Mario Kart, but there was nothing.

Lando was tired of fighting for nothing.

"Fuck you", Lando didn't yell but his words were cold and the surprise on George's face almost made him want to laugh, "I work my ass off at my job five days a week. I am up for promotions, but you never ask about that, do you? You just pick and pick and pick at my personality as if I am a problem to be solved and not the person you fell in love with, and I am a person George. I don't live for my job, I leave it at work. I dress comfortably because it's what makes me feel good, not some stranger in a restaurant that costs half my salary and leaves me hungary when I leave. I play games online because it's time spent with friends who have moved away and it's relaxing. I go out, occasionally, because it's fun. When's the last time you had fun, George?"

"Lando, stop", George tried to argue, stepping back from Lando, "You are being too defensive"

"Because I have to be around you", Lando pointed out, tears burning his eyes, "There hasn't been a week for the last half year where you haven't tried to make me into someone I am not or complained about something I love because it doesn't meet your standards, and I'm tired George. I'm tired of fighting to be with you when I am clearly not enough for you"

"I never said that", George whispered, and he looked like he had seen a ghost as Lando's words sank in.

He probably hadn't realised what he had been doing to Lando but Lando couldn't take it anymore as he shook his head at the other.

"Not in those exact words, but in everything you did and the way you treat me", Lando replied as he ran a hand over his face. His heart was breaking because he knew what he had to do, and he didn't want to, "George, you can take me as I am, or not at all because I won't pretend to be something I am not even if I love you"

George didn't answer. He looked paralysed under the weight of Lando's words, and Lando took that as his answer as he nodded to himself before he swollowed down the tears he felt building.

"I guess that's my answer" Lando whispered, heartbreak numbing him as he began to move, grabbing his phone and turning towards the hallway to go grab some essentials, "I'll leave then. I...I'll come back for my stuff in a few days"

He managed to quickly pack without any interuptions, and it wasn't until he was shoving his feet into his runners that George spoke. His hand gentle on elbow.

"Please, don't leave"

[wack-ashimself]

Since I can not legally say 'in a free country' the words "I want to kill the USA president*" I will say this:

I hope every billionaire dies. And I don't care: I hope it's a drawn out (but not long), excruciating, impossible to cure, they are immobile AND incapable of communicating, death. LET THEM GOD DAMN SUFFER 10000x over what they have done to humanity. Maybe for their next couple lifetimes till the lesson sticks.

I hope every person who took or is taking bribes a billionaire dies. Legal or not (cuz it isn't moral any time). Same way they did.

I hope everyone who supports billionaires dies. Quickly. Idiots don't deserve to suffer.

Because I, myself, and millions of others are probably gonna starve to death due to billionaires. So if I die, I want ALLLLLL THOSE MOTHER FUCKERS TO DIE WITH ME.

So I heard they were requiring work requirements for food stamps. NOW. RIGHT NOW. During one of the largest unemployment times in ALL USA HISTORY, AND during what is now called the 'silent depression' which has been PROVEN WORSE than the great depression!

WHICH IS INSANE.

I have never in my life thought 'we should make the poorest most vulnerable PROVE they are poor, and EARN their FEW benefits.' NEVER ONCE. And I have had some dark, cruel, sick thoughts thru my life. BUT NEVER THAT.

Maybe cuz I grew up poor. Maybe cuz I had poor friends. Or maybe we are born on a shared planet, AND OWE NO ONE FOR THAT. NO ONE. Not a single god damn person owns this planet but we pay rent to them, cuz we were CONNED into believing it.

Anyways, they require EIGHTY HOURS A MONTH. Or you're disqualified**.

And either you have to have a job job (that, btw, YOU CAN NEVER QUIT. Seriously. It says that! You have to have a GREAT reason for leaving. FORCED LABOR. AND you can NEVER volunteer to take less than 30 hours a week if you got more than that. WTF?!)

You can VOLUNTEER for FREE work. So in other words, DO NOT GET PAID, but, get enough money in a month from food stamps for about....3 weeks. I have NEVER ONCE in my life had food stamps last the whole month. Not even when I was in CA 10 years ago. Indentured servitude, anyone?

OR you can do work training programs thru the state, to teach you USELESS SKILLS that fucking high school should have taught you. Again, UNPAID.

So 2 of the ways they want you to work is to work for free, never getting beyond just to QUALIFY getting enough food from food stamps for a couple weeks. GENIUS! <fucking morons>

But 80 hours. Mandatory. Every single month. (Btw, isn't that cutting into the BEST times of the days for me to apply for and interview for jobs? IDIOTS!)

Hey-I don't mind applying for jobs, interviews, and telling you all about them. I got tons of proof I am trying to get into the work force. I am trying to make an effort. I like security, go figure.

But I have been unemployed OVER TWO YEARS. Only THREE INTERVIEWS in those 2 years. NO JOB OFFER YET. Closest I got was a job interview requiring a covid jab, and there's no god damn way in hell you're forcing me to do something to my body in order for a job. FUCK OFF. MY BODY, MY RULES. Other they wanted me to sign an arbitration agreement, which ALWAYS FUCKS THE EMPLOYEE. It is NEVER to your advantage; they were created so LEGALLY you can't sue your employer. THAT IS IT. Seriously; look into it.

I would already be DEAD, not exaggerating, if not for the food stamp program I have right now.

So now I have to apply for ANY job, take ANY job, and have to stay there till I die or I won't get food? Never moving up? Never earning more money (cuz the second I do, I LOSE food stamps, costing me even more money?)

Even if I am mistreated to the point I am suicidal?

I genuinely would rather die than enable this evil abusive system. Sincerely.

But I'm not going to do so without a fight. And maybe taking out a billionaire or so with me. Cuz it doesn't matter how much power, protection, and secrecy they have. With enough time, thought, and planning, one bullet isn't that hard to meet it's target. Ha....and if you're smart enough, it's food poisoning anyways. They're SO fucking arrogant, they forget who makes their food and does all their work for them. <And if they get paranoid enough, they'll just quit eating and starve to death, like me.> ;)

They're pushing me to the edge, and I swear, I don't push back. I bring them down the cliff with me...if only so they can't do it to another.

So let's do this. Let's see who blinks. I have NOTHING to lose; you have EVERYTHING to lose, rich bitches.

*I promise, like they want to make homelessness illegal, and they made that solider who lit himself on fire an 'enemy' cuz he believed in anarchy (which SIMPLY means NO RULERS), they will start arresting anyone anti state. Which is ironic: if I was in jail, I'd be promised more food and shelter security, FOR FREE, paid for by the taxpayers (and costing them SUBSTANTIALLY more), than if I remained in my current situation. Oh, and don't forget, largest for profit prison population used as SLAVES. So they gain 2 ways: state pays them to imprison them THEN they get to use them as cheap labor. THIS IS AN EVIL GOD DAMN SYSTEM.

**Again, if I just went out, and knocked up ANY random woman, and she gave birth, I would be promised food stamps, no work, instantly. Love that catch. Bring a child into the world you can't afford, and we'll feed YOU. But if not, starve to death if you can't find work***. Every single thing is broken.

***This just made me realize...if you were working even...70 hours a month, they would require you to volunteer for another 10 to get food stamps. What if the volunteer work only occurs the same hours you're at your job? Jesus fuck, did NO ONE think this thru in ANY way!? It always fucking gets worse...

<Do you think even a billionaire does 80 hours a month in work? FUCK NO. But we BAIL THEM OUT every god damn time.>

[neko-naruto]

Hold and Release

Summary: Kenny's old enough to move out and live on his own in complete freedom, the only problem is that not only does he not have enough money to rent anything, Karen is still stuck at home- at least he can talk too Kyle.

Warnings: implied child abuse, blood, panic, ambulances, check Ao3 port for full tags

Authors Note: day threes prompts was confinement/freedom, I chose freedom, although it ended up rather depressing at the end, again. So enjoy this story with bonus Karen and Ike being best friends cause I can do that, it only gets angsty after the hair dyeing segment if you want to tap out. I'm not American so I was guessing the cost of how large the price would be. anyways! if ya'll enjoyed maybe consider dropping a reblog or checking out the Ao3 port

Kenny has just turned eighteen and he's fucking free.

But he doesn't really know what to do with that freedom, especially with Karen still stuck at home. Still stuck in their parents grasp, still there to take the shit end of the stick, still being held onto like she's caught in a bear trap.

And Kenny is free to go and she's encouraging him to leave because they both know it's bad. He's free and she isn't and he doesn't know what he's supposed to do to get her out of there when he can't even afford an apartment.

He's still stuck in the same pit as much as she is, the only difference is that he could leave and they can't do anything about it now. He sleeps in the same bed, sits at the same couch, eats the same food- he can just go. Not many places but he can spend the night at a hotel if he has enough money. He doesn't, but he does have enough merit to stay the night at his partners place and let Karen tag along so she can hang out with Ike.

-/-/-/-

"Thanks for letting us stay the night," Kenny said as his partner drew him into a hug.

"Of course Kenny," Kyle said, "The Broflovski household is always open to the McCormicks."

Kenny gave a smile, "Love you."

"Love you too, now! What does everyone want for dinner?" Kyle asked, turning to face Ike and Karen.

"Kraft Dinner," Came Ikes answer, obsidian eyes being used to bait Kyle into giving in.

"Kraft Dinner works for me," Karen answered with.

"Alrighty then," Kyle said, "Me and Kenny are gonna make dinner the then we'll be able to set up a show to watch."

"Wanna play some video games?" Ike asked, attention already fixed on Karen, "I got a really cool one on my computer a while ago."

"Totally!" Karen answered with before following Ike up the stairs.

Kenny followed Kyle into the kitchen patiently, getting a pot while Kyle grabbed two boxes of macaroni. He filled the aforementioned pot with water before putting it on the burner and leaning against the counter.

"You think this is what parenthood is like?" Kyle asked, question coming from nowhere.

"What?" Was all that Kenny could muster in response.

"This, making food while kids go play somewhere else?" Kyle asked once more, gesturing about as he spoke.

"I'm just trying to get real freedom for me and Karen man, I can barely afford food for the both of us to eat and there's still broken glass on the floor, and the roof still leaks- my life is hell," Kenny explained, "I don't even want to think about parenthood when I can't even live on my own."

"Understandable," Kyle said, "You and Karen can live in the attic if you'd like."

"I would but she's not old enough to be on her own, our parents could cause mondo trouble if she did," Kenny answered with, "I don't want that for her."

"So you're gonna keep suffering, for her?" Kyle asked.

Kenny nodded.

Kyle instantly wrapped his arms around him, pressing a kiss to his cheek. He squeezed him a bit, "You're so sweet, and kind, you're too good for me."

"Incorrect, you're too good for me," Kenny countered with as he pressed a kiss to Kyles cheek in response.

Kyle gave a contented hum before letting go and reaching for the boxes of Kraft Dinner. He tore them open before speaking, "So, attic, even if Karen can't stay you're welcome whenever."

"I doubt your parents would be pleased," Kenny answered with as he watched Kyle cook the pasta, the water burbling loudly.

He shrugged, "I don't really care so long as you're outta that house."

"Thanks, for everything," Kenny said, leaning over and pressing his forehead against Kyles.

"Love you too," Kyle said as he pulled down a strainer, "Go get Karen and Ike, foods basically ready."

"Be back in a minute," Kenny said, "I love you."

-/-/-/-

"You know what's really fun?" Kyle asked as he watched Kenny haul boxes across the attic, trying to clear it out enough for a futon to fit.

"What?" Kenny asked as he sat down on a box labeled as 'junk' and leaned forward a bit.

Kyle held up a small bottle of hair dye, "The color green- neon green."

"Kyle I am not dying my hair neon green," Kenny said, "You could."

"How about sky blue then? Or a couple red streaks?" Kyle asked, holding up the aforementioned colors as he spoke.

"How you got so much hair dye is the real question," Kenny said with a bit of a smile as he stood up, "I guess we could put in some red."

Kyle simply grinned as he reached further into the box and pulled out some plastic gloves that looked like they were stained with blood. He pulled out a comb next, "Meet in the bathroom, leave your parka somewhere it won't get ruined," He was already making his way down the ladder as he was spoke.

Kenny shoved aside a couple more boxes before shedding his parka in the small pile of stuff he had started on bringing over. He gently folded the fabric so it wouldn't crease too much in places the fabric was already wearing out, he did not have buying a new parka in his budget. Especially considering he'd been patching and restitching this one since he was in grade ten, he didn't grow as tall as he wanted if he was being honest.

He made his way down the ladder quick after Kyle to find him in the bathroom, one hand holding red jar, the other holding a towel stained in many colors. Kenny sat down on the edge of the bathtub and let Kyle wrap the towel around his neck and shoulders.

"So," Kyle began, "Where do you want it?"

Kenny lifted the hair at the back of his head, tugging on the low ponytail he wore frequently, "Underneath," He pulled out the hair tie and let his hair waterfall around his shoulders.

"Cool, I can do that," Kyle said as he reached for some clips and started pulling the upper layer to the top of Kennys head. He repeated the motions until he had enough to tie into a quick topknot, "Is this a good amount?"

Kenny nodded, "Perfect."

"Alright," Kyle said, popping open the bottle of red and taking a considerable amount in hand.

"This isn't gonna sting, is it?" Kenny asked, tapping cut nails on the enamel.

Kyle shook his head, "Of course not."

He took a section of Kennys hair and worked in the dye. It was lukewarm but still made Kenny shiver as Kyle pressed at his scalp, working it into the roots. He made use of the comb to pull it down to the tips of his hair, slowly doing the same to another section until he had finished the first part. He swiveled around Kenny a couple times, using his 'clean' hand to tilt his boyfriends head to make sure it didn't go to far up.

"Done?" Kenny asked, "It's sort of ticklish."

"Wait until you try bleaching your hair, it gets really stingy," Kyle said as he crouched down and swung open the sink. He pulled out two more bottles, "Now, we have two options."

"Which are?" Kenny asked as Kyle washed off the comb of the deep red hue.

"Well, we could do the tips in a brighter red, or we could also do them dark red," Kyle said, holding up both bottles. He studied Kennys expression, "I'm guessing bright?"

"Yeah, bright," Kenny answered with as he stiffened his posture.

"You're not just saying that?" Kyle asked.

Kenny shook his head, "You know me perfectly."

"Maybe I do," Kenny said, tugging off his gloves and grabbing fresh ones that he instantly doused in crimson.

He stepped around to be resting behind Kenny, using the comb to brush down the dyed bits a little more before slathering one some bright red. He worked in the color with a bit more ease, Kenny tapping his heel against the tub as he Kyle went along. His nerves were on fire whenever Kyle leaned close enough that his breath ghosted on the back of Kennys neck. He still held perfectly still despite that, the tapping of his foot paused whenever it happened.

"Now we let it sit!" Kyle said, clapping his hands.

"How long?" Kenny asked as he stood up and brushed down his pants.

"I usually go for an hour, but it only has to stay for thirty minutes," Kyle explained as he stepped out of the tub and tossed his gloves into the sink.

"Thirty whole minutes?" Kenny asked, almost incredulously.

"Yep! Thirty whole minutes," Kyle said before leading Kenny back out, "We could keep cleaning or we could bake."

"Let's bake," Kenny said, following Kyle over to the kitchen.

"Cookies?" Kyle asked, reaching for a tray to bake on and turning the oven to 350 degrees.

"Cookies," Kenny answered with, grabbing the bucket of flour and sugar, both kinds.

"Chocolate chip?" Kyle asked, reaching for the eggs and placing the carton down on the counter.

Kenny grabbed the bag of chocolate chips, "Obviously, anything else?"

"Butter, baking soda, and some salt," Kenny said, grabbing the baking soda and salt as he spoke.

"On it," Kenny said, popping open the fridge and pulling out the butter, "Softened?"

"Softened," Kyle echoed back, reaching for the measuring items.

"Softening," Kenny said as he placed the cube in and bowl and into the microwave.

Kyle slid over the flour and grabbed a large bowl, "Measure some out for me."

Kenny nodded as he dumped two and a quarter cups of flour into the bowl, followed by salt and baking soda. He slid it over to Kyle who handed him the egg carton, "Could you stir it?"

"Of course angel," Kyle said sweetly, relishing how red Kennys face was at the pet name. He whisked together the items easily, "Beat the eggs?"

"Yep," Came Kennys answer as he beat them into a smooth blend of yolk and whites.

Kyle pushed aside the two bowls as the microwave beeped, he popped it open and pulled down the butter. He dumped it onto a bowl alongside the required sugar before mixing, "Think we actually need an electric mixer?"

"Naw, it'll be fine," Kenny said, "I'm sure of it," He poured the egg into the bowl with the flour before Kyle added into the bowl.

"Just beat until it's dough," Kyle instructed as he laid down a sheet of parchment paper on the tray.

Kenny nodded, "Wait," He dropped his spoon, "Chocolate chips."

Kyle grabbed the bag, "Measurement."

"Measure that shit with your fucking heart Kyle," Kenny said, watching with intent as the chocolate chips hit the bowl, "More."

Kyle shook the bag, "I think we just ran out."

"It'll have to do," Kenny said before folding the chips into the dough until they were spread enough. He tore off a chunk and took a bite, "It's pretty fucking tasty."

"Dude, I love you, but we're baking," Kyle said, balling up some dough and dropping it onto the tray.

Kenny followed suite, "I like eating raw cookie dough sometimes," He rearranged a few balls of dough.

"We all do, but I also like eating fresh cookies sometimes," Kyle said as he pulled open the stove.

Kenny rolled his eyes as he rolled up the final few and handing the tray to Kyle. He closed the stove door after Kyle stepped back, "Ten minutes?"

"Ten minutes," Kyle echoed back. He swiveled around to check Kennys hair, "I think we're done with your hair."

"Let's go rinse it out then," Kenny said, tugging Kyle along to the bathroom.

"You look good with a topknot," Kyle said, "Especially with the colors."

Kenny gave a hum as Kyle flicked on the tub faucet, "Maybe I won't get it cut."

"Would be a waste of dye anyways," Kyle chided as he tugged the towel from Kennys neck and held up the dyed bit, "Just put your head right beside the faucet, I'll help."

Kenny raised a brow.

"Dude, trust me."

The McCormick reluctantly leaned over the edge of the tub, knees resting on a folded towel and head beside the water flow. Kyle stood beside him and ran bits of the dyed chunk through the warm water, Kenny watched as red flooded the porcelain. It was visceral, almost like blood but thinner, he really hated the fact that he could make that comparison.

"It looks pretty fuckin' red, is there any left in hair?" Kenny asked, tapping his pointer fingers on the edge of the tub.

"Yep! Don't worry, red bleeds the most," Kyle explained as he scruffed up Kennys hair, wringing out some water and rubbing off the stray dye on his scalp.

Kenny gave a hum of laughter, "Irony."

Kyle pulled on Kennys shoulders a little bit and he sat up, "It's looking pretty good, need to rinse a bit more. Kenny, rinse it while I search for the hair dryer."

"Got it boss," Kenny said, giving a mock salute before working more extra dye out of his hair.

"You might have to just towel dry it," Kyle said as he flung open the doors and rooted around for a hair dryer.

"My head is under a faucet I can barely hear you!" Kenny spat back before standing up and turning off the water, "What'd you say?"

Kyle dropped back down and plugged in the hair dryer, "Doesn't matter, now, turn around."

Kenny did as told like a dog.

He held as still as he could even when the dryer started to whir loudly, he jumped a bit when the hot air hit his neck. He did enjoy the sensation of blunt nails gently hitting his skin whenever Kyle tugged up a section to dry. He tapped his foot absently on the ground as Kyle dried his hair, it was impossibly calming. He felt like he was turning to mush just a bit with how nice it felt.

The rest of his hair came down atop it and the comb was pulled through after being briefly rinsed and dried. He swung around to look at himself in the mirror, "Damn, I look hot as fuck."

"You always look hot as fuck," Kyle said tacked on helpfully as he ran his hands through Kennys hair from the bottom up, shaking it a bit.

"I know, and you always look adorable as fuck, and perfect as fuck, and just down right amazing," Kenny said, hitting Kyle with a smattering of kisses between each compliment. It drew a bout of giggles from the redhead.

"Stop," Kyle whined, smiling all the while, drawing out the 'o' as he spoke.

-/-/-/-

"I move my pawn to capture your rook," Kyle said as swiped Stans rook off the board.

"Shit," Stan muttered as he hesitantly moved his bishop.

Kyle captured it with his queen, "Checkmate."

"You asshole," Stan said, swiping the chess pieces off the board and packing them up.

A loud banging on the front door, "Kyle!" more loud banging.

"Be back in a second," Kyle said as he stood up. He brushed down his pants before making his way to the front door.

He swung it open and he was absolutely paralyzed at the sight laid out before him.

There stood Kenny, heaving his breaths with a clear cut across his face and his hair mussed. There was a fresh tear on his parka, right on the shoulder, presumably from taking a hit for someone else. Karen lay in his arms, a horrible wound on her face, nose seemingly broken and bloody. She was passed out and fresh bruises lay on her forearms, guard reflex only saving her face for so many hits.

"Kyle, please help her," Kenny pleaded as he tried to take another step forward, his foot aching from kicking the door.

"Stan! Call an ambulance!" Kyle shouted back before Stan rushed over.

"What is it man?" Stan asked, he stopped short a couple steps from the door frame, "I'll call the ambulance, get her on her stomach so she won't choke."

Kenny nodded before taking staggering steps further in, Kyle lending an arm to lean on. He tried to gently placed her down on her front, blood dripped from her nose and Kenny didn't know what to do. Firstly he collapsed, buckling to the carpeted ground and trying not to freak out despite everything happening around him.

His little sister has a broken nose. His mom is dealing with his drunk dad. He's already spiraling out of control despite the hand on his shoulder. Stan is calling an ambulance. He won't be let in because he's too panicked. His sister is hurt, his sister is terribly hurt and he can't do anything about it except file a claim and hope it gets noticed.

"Kyle what do I do?" Kenny got out weakly, words coming out choked. His face was hot and the fact that he was tightening the hood of his parka didn't help.

Kyle reached to tug off the hood, Kenny tightened it more. He just rubbed circles on the McCormicks back, "Breath, it's gonna be alright."

"She's never had anything broken Kyle. I'm supposed to be the one who gets broken. I'm supposed to be the one who gets hurt. I always bounce back, this isn't right," Kenny choked out, drawing his knees to his chest and resting his head between them, "It's not right."

"It really fucking isn't," Kyle said, unsure of what else to say, "She's gonna be okay, the doctors have it covered."

"Kyle I can't pay for a broken nose, that's like, four thousand dollars. I literally do not have the fucking money," Kenny sobbed out as he threw back his head. Everything in his body felt tense and too hot and too cold, he just wanted to pass out or know that everything is going to be fine. That's his sister in trouble, that's his sister passed out on the couch. He doesn't know what he'd do if she was gone, "I'd rather starve than let her die because of a broken nose, Kyle she's not gonna make it because I'm too fucking poor."

"How much do you have?" Kyle asked gently.

"Not enough," Kenny said, grabbing his wallet and pulling out a small wad of bills and a credit card. He let Kyle count out the bills, watching as all of his money was spread out before him.

"That's just over two thousand dollars," Kyle said under his breath, "I can cover the rest of it."

"It's fine, I have a bunch of shit I can sell," Kenny said, raising a hand to wipe off his face.

"Well what happens when I want to help try and pay for my sister in laws medical bills?" Kyle asked.

"Really?" Kenny asked quietly, turning to face Kyle.

"Yeah. Really. I promise I'll foot as much of it as I can manage," Kyle said, he gently placed a hand on top of Kennys, "I love you, and I'm gonna help you through anything."

"Hey guys," Stan interrupted with stiffly as he leaned back and forth on his feet, shifting his weight left and right, "They said the ambulance will be here in ten, and to put ice on it."

"Okay," Kenny said quietly.

"I'll get the ice," Stan said before turning to the kitchen.

"I set up the lights in the attic if you want to come see," Kyle offered, trying to pull the subject away from Karen.

Kenny nodded a bit before standing up, "Sure, let's go check it out," He released a heavy sigh.

"She'll be fine," Kyle said as he stood up. He held onto Kennys hand, "I promise."

"Alright, I don't think they'll me on the ambulance," Kenny said, "Make sure Stan goes with her, she trusts him."

"Of course angel," Kyle said, placing a small kiss to Kennys cheek.

"You're too good for me," Kenny said as he watched Kyle pull down the attic ladder.

Kyle gives a soft smile, "I'm just doing what I'm supposed to do for the people I love."

(Kenny woke up next to Kyle and he tries his very hardest not to start crying. He doesn't deserve someone so perfect)

[nityarawal]

We left messages for Amanda and Debbie in Executive. Do you need their numbers? I prefer Amanda. 

She helped with the airbnb bank fraud last year.

I need refunds on all scams now Paige. You and Amanda settle this tonight. Judges want current bank statement to so they can forgive debts from local scams at court/bank & Sheriff- who got busted on foul play.

Thanks!

Nitya 

Yeah- California is the abortion & rape = baby factory State!

Could you please confirm this is a fake check? Sal has made mistakes before and seems sort of senile about continuum with BBVA since he's so new! Please let Idyllwild Town Crier know to stop Trafficking our peeps on Cons. They shouldn't advertise this and a murderer sex offender in one week right?

Could you send latest statement for my judges so they can forgive my registration fees due to PNC management robberies in covid with Mary Sue Haney.

This was bank fraud there. We don't trust the 22.7m federal employees raping our mothers and stealing. Please fire Sal.

Sent to my boss Sue-

Sal- the manager said it was a fake check and refused to cash it! He's a a**hole! I had to get Jerry Sue Haney fired. Do you want executive number? He's likely a fraud- not your check! Lol 

I will let executive office know. He's also had a senior moment about my last 7 years of banking there. 

Lmk if you can call them & fix it with Wells Fargo? Also- I mentioned I can't launder money in any way on the rental. I am on a state stipend- not enough- but they would've withdrawn my food and pay if they thought there was a way to Capitalism on us again! 

---------- Forwarded message ---------

From: nitya rawal <nityahuntley@gmail.com>

Date: Tue, Oct 17, 2023, 6:24 AM

Subject: Re: Resume For Driver Job

To: Sue Patrick <suepatrick112@att.net>

Aloha! You got all my responses via text? Did you get a place secured here? Are you still coming on 20th? 

I'm moving into a new place & seeing Dr's but will be available. 

Lmk if you need anything and did you send check? I didn't see anything last week! You said you'd send tracking too so maybe didn't get to it? 

I am most often texting. Email isn't as reliable. Maybe I'll open another acct. Tmobile also is spotty in Riverside. 

Country life is simple.

I try to exonomise and only run into towns when need to! (:

Hope packing is going well.

Blessings & Peace,

Nitya 

On Wed, Oct 11, 2023, 11:04 AM Sue Patrick <suepatrick112@att.net> wrote:

Congratulations You have been chosen for the Job you have all I have been searching for as an Experienced Driver I can't wait to meet you in person meanwhile I will be in Idyllwild , CA for the next 4 months. Anyway I am particularly glad you are willing to be my driver. I will want you to know that I will be responsible for the ( Car hire cost and the Gas fee)All I will be needing from you are your driving skills.  I also would like to bring to your notice one more time that I found a car which I will be renting, it's a Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG ( 2017 Model )so I will make arrangements for the car rental and then will let you know ahead of time when it will be delivered to your address.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: My arrival date remains Friday 20th of October All flight details / itinerary will be emailed to you in advance prior to my arrival so as to give you ample time to get yourself prepared and ready.

PAYMENT TERMS: This is my second time, my first was 3 yrs. ago . I would be glad if you can help me check around for luxury apartments close to you, an apartment that is very classy and if possible has got a Jacuzzi, if not I am already working on securing an apartment for myself. Concerning the payment, I will send you a payment in the form of a check which will contain payment for your first week duties and the amount needed for the car rental. Once you receive the check, I want you to have the check deposited at your bank, deduct the sum of $485 as payment for the first week's service and then have the remaining funds on the check as payment for the car rental so they can start processing the delivery of the vehicle to your address as soon as possible.

Furthermore, I will be happy if you could get back to me with the following details of yours so that the payment can be issued out to you right as soon as possible and delivered via postal mail. Also I need you to confirm that your details and address are correct to avoid any mistake during delivery by the postal service company .

To proceed, email me the following:

Full name:

Street Address:

City: State

Postal code:

Cell and Home:

Age:

Alternative Email address:

I will appreciate your quick response if you are completely satisfied with the offer as I am willing to go ahead and issue out the funds by this week for the payment of your first week's service and for the car rental.

I look forward to your quick response.

Best Regards,

Thanks.

On Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 02:08:31 AM GMT+8, nitya rawal <nityahuntley@gmail.com> wrote:

Yes, I am interested in the position. 

On Sat, Oct 7, 2023, 7:20 AM Sue Patrick <suepatrick112@att.net> wrote:

Thanks for the reply it was highly appreciated, I will be staying in the area of Idyllwild, CA for 4 months your services will be needed only for  2 days in a week is a part time Job and flexible I don't think this will disturb your other Jobs,

Please kindly confirm the following questions to proceed:

1. Would you be available to drive me during the weekdays, basically on Mondays?

2. Apart from Monday, Would you be able to drive me on Friday ( evening shift )?

3. Do you have mailing experience via ( UPS or FED-EX )?

PAY: I am offering you $242.5 x 2days = $485 weekly.

A total of 6 hours per week .  

I will appreciate your swift response and get back to me so we can sort out details and proceed further, My Cell phone number is 206-259-5071. You can easily send texts.

Thanks and God bless you,

Dr Patrick.

On Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 03:41:24 AM GMT+8, nitya rawal <nityahuntley@gmail.com> wrote:

I am interested in the position. All sounds good so far!

Thankyou for the opportunity! 

I look forward to reviewing your proposal further.

Blessings,

Nitya 

On Wed, Oct 4, 2023, 10:51 PM Sue Patrick <suepatrick112@att.net> wrote:

Hello,

Thank you for applying. I'm glad to read from you regarding the Personal Driver job. I am looking to hire a Personal Driver Immediately . This is a great opportunity for a dedicated personnel with exceptional driving skills and stellar customer service. This position requires a high level of professionalism, vast knowledge of the surrounding area and traffic rules.  

I'm Dr. Sue Patrick, I'm from Newark, New Jersey. I am 74 years old, educated (Retired Medical Practitioner ),I'm cultural, have got a great sense of humor, good morals, very down to earth and with a noble character. I enjoy meeting people and making new friends, I can say particularly that I do have a very kind heart. Although due to my age I'm hearing impaired so I communicate mostly via text and email. Anything other than that I am fit and healthy .  

I will be coming to your city for the next 4 months for charity work, seminars and a little holiday for myself. As part of my trip, I will be going to leisure spots, cinemas, site seeing, Deaf Culture Seminars etc. I will be spending 16 weeks, so I am going to need a personal driver/chauffeur during my stay, The ideal candidate must be a safe driver with experience and also have some sort of mailing experience via UPS or FedEx as I would be mailing out some charity goods periodically.  

IMPORTANT NOTICE: My arrival date is on the 16th of October so basically I have just over 2 weeks to finalize plans. All flight details / itinerary will be emailed to you in advance prior to our arrival so as to give you ample time to get yourself prepared and ready. On the first day, you will pick me up from the airport and drop me off at the luxury apartment I'm renting. I want you to know that I will be responsible for the ( Car hire cost and the Gas fee ) so all i will be needing you for is your driving skills, that's all. I also would like to bring to your notice that I've found a car which i will be renting for you to drive , it's a Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG ( 2016 Model )so I will make arrangements with the head office of the car hire company and then will let you know ahead of time when it will be delivered to your preferred location/house.

Hope to read back from you Asap.

Best Regards,

Dr. Patrick.

On Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 06:58:02 AM GMT+8, nitya rawal <nityahuntley@gmail.com> wrote:

[munsonthemisfit]

I've moved across country (twice if we count me moving out there and then me coming back home. I left for school for a couple years).

I'm not sure what exactly the Knife Anon needs help with (budgeting, finding the right state/place, deciding on the best mode to get across). If they're comfortable they can DM me!

Easiest thing to do is pick when they want to move and then work backwards on a timeline and budget. Definitely research where you're thinking of for average cost of rent, groceries, and generally health stuff can help you figure out how much to budget on average and then save over that. (I'm personally moving [yes, fucking again] and am saving to save 3 months worth of expenses. But I'm planning to stay within state because my job is remote and I can move with it significantly easier in state. If you can't transfer your job I'd say try and save for ~6 months expenses. This is a honestly probably a low ball answer but we gotta surive in the now and in the future somehow)

State taxes are a bitch--it can be something so little, but very sneaky. Moved from one state where state tax was 6% to a state with damn near 10% and had a HEART attack at how expensive it was.

Apartment application fees are GOING to SUCK. I'd personally only apply to a place that you actually WANT to live. Visit virtually if you can with a tour. Google reviews are wonderful. Obviously, seeing the place is person is the best, but we do what we gotta do. Some places may run a credit check once you apply. That credit check may ding your score. I'm not an credit score expert by no means, but apartments may ask for either a payment stub so they can see how much you make. Most places want you to make 3x the rent. If you get a roommate or a guarantor, that can help you land the place. Guarantors get added as someone who becomes responsible for the cost of the rent if you can't pay. My dad was my guarantor when I left for school, and it freaked me out for a second the first time the place told me I'd have to add him because I didn't make enough. (I NEEDED a place like ASAP so my move was very rushed).

Deciding what you /need/ to bring with you and what is more feasible to get once you move is super important. Dollar stores and thrift stores can be a great place to get necessities once you've moved (utensils, detergent, dining ware) until you get fully settled and then you can go balls to the walls in Target.

How you move will also factor into your budget. Flying vs packing up a van, truck, U-Haul (whatever tickles your fancy and doesn't make your wallet choke).

Using google maps and putting in the general area they're interested in plus things like "grocery store" "pharmacy" "dentist" "doctor" etc can show you how far away things are from each other and get you familiar with the place.

There's a lot....in this message and a lot more I could say. But I think right now it might be better to work backwards. When do you want to be gone and then work on location and cost after you decide that.

-H (and to admin: yep, you can yeet this with my @. It's totally a-okay!)

Thank you so much! I’m gonna post this publicly as you’ve given consent but then I’ll make sure to forward it to knife anon privately so they don’t miss it, I don’t want to tag their username here and expose them without their side of the consent to. Thank you so much for the detailed information, you’re wonderful <3

[lovesthecure]

God, I'm stressed.

The puppy we're trying to get might've been a scam? His mother is the one in touch with them, and she hasn't updated us since last night. They kept piling on more costs, the puppy itself was only supposed to be 600. After promising us he'd be here soon, they keep piling on more...? Feels fishy as shit. I hope it isn't.

My step dad decided to go get laid, and not update me. No "okay, I'm leaving now" or anything. Ghosted me for an entire day, and then told me to somehow cook dinner faster. We had to clear out of the living area by the time he was done showering after he got home. Ignored my messages about needing soap and groceries. Didn't even feed or walk the dog.

I'm having dreams about my egg donor again. They say that when you dream of someone, it means they're thinking about you. I'd rather she didn't.

There's a potential client who just isn't getting back to me. I'm trying to not be pushy, but if I should save a slot for them... I kind of need to know that. Is that 80$ I should budget into things, or not?

I think "the ps5 incident" genuinely left something on top of the Christmas Trauma Pile. I keep sitting here convinced he's going to ignore the list to get something for himself again. My whole childhood I was bad at wanting things, and now that I finally want things: he ignores it for something he wanted. Ignores it for that. Maybe I just have a low opinion of the man, but I don't put it past him to do two years in a row.

His cat allergies didn't react to his crush's longhair cats. I doubt he even has the allergies--he spent a week with my grandparent's shorthairs with no trouble at all. Either way, apparently I can get a kitten now. It just has to be a longhair. He's not that conspiratorial, but I keep wondering if that's somehow a trap. Like he knows the grooming costs would be too high, aside from me grooming the cat myself. He's not that smart though. He just knows he's run out of excuses to say I can't have a cat, and can't be bothered to just say "no."

We can't move out fast enough, it feels. Then it's not his decision.

I have to sit at a table and play DND with him next week. I have to not complain and just keep playing. I'm glad his character is so interested in other characters that aren't mine. It means I can focus elsewhere too.

I hate that I can't complain. I have to sit there, complacent. I'm a doll waiting to have the string pulled, to go "it's fine," and be set back on the shelf. Maybe I'd feel less like that if he even attempted to put time into me. He couldn't even watch episode 1 of a show with me. He doesn't invite me on streams anymore. As much as I wouldn't want to be there anyway, it stings a little. My usefulness has been outlived.

But not really. He can feel like he "provides" for me. My mother-in-law worries all the time that he drinks more out of stress. That maybe he's stressed caring for my husband and I. Maybe if I had the energy I'd tell her how much he actively impedes me making progress as an adult. Either on purpose, accidentally, or sub-consciously. I'm 21. I don't even have an ID to bring to a restaurant to prove it. With no car or stable income of my own... I have to rely on him. What a fucking joke that is.

He's been neglecting me to some level since 16, but hey. At least he doesn't do half the shit my egg donor or grandmother did, huh?

Once the basement is done, my mother-in-law is letting us move in there. It'd be impossible to get a place of our own, even if my husband and I both worked full-time. Manageable rent from her, as she helps us get off our feet. I'm terrified. Almost as scared as I'd been waiting 2 ~ 3 years for my step father to update me on if I was even going to see a doctor or not for numerous health issues plaguing me. Almost.

It's just slightly easier.

At least it means things will go somewhere.

At least there, I will not stagnate the way I've been forced to here.

I feel kind of like a prisoner.

[definitelythatstarkergirl]

Ok.

So, the thing is - I'm very angry.

I work two jobs at the moment. I technically don't HAVE to. My parents still pay for my rent and some of my groceries per month, which is incredibly helpful and kind of them. But I have 4 younger siblings. Each of them should get the same chances as me, which means the option to go to college and move out. Which is why I am working 2 jobs, so I can save up a be as financially independent as possible as soon as possible.

So. I work two jobs. That's more than 50 hours per week, which is technically NOT LEGAL in my country, BECAUSE that it is unhealthy beyond reason. The law literally says so.

But. And now we get to why I am so angry.

This is still not enough for a lot of people!

Living costs have risen astronomically, versus most salarys have not been raised accordingly.

We do have to keep in mind that the 40 hour work week was once a huge achievent of fierce activists. There is a reason we celebrate Labour Day.

My point being: we could do it again. And not only for 35h/week or even 30h/week but also for higher salaries and such. We can fight for any of it.

But of course, that would mean even more work. Emotionally tough work!

And I think that maybe right now.. we just aren't uncomfortable enough - yet.

We'd have to get organized, get in contact with our representative unions and work ON TOP of what we're already working to get things done.

And I'm afraid that we humans are just a tad bit too comfortable within the limits of what we know. Unless we get real uncomfortable, we don't get our asses up so easily.

A few more years of inflation will probably do it. That and the strengthening of right-wing politics and with that the inevitable decline in government social aid programs... THAT will make us really uncomfortable. Many people can barely afford to live with the income from one job as is. Now fast forward to the picture I painted and living costs will have risen tremendously.

When we work 40+ hours a week and THEN ALSO can't live off what we earn from that...

...hopefully then, at last, more people will get organized again.

And the whole thing about what this type of cultivated loneliness will do to humans, the emotional and mental consequences in the absence of socialicing within strong communities. It could be ab unstoppable decay to the pillars of our society.

Our only hope against it.. well, organizing ourselves and showing compassion and solidarity, always. Our numbers are far greater than the their's!

I know I don't shut up about this but frankly not enough people are angry about the 5-day/40 hour workweek (and I am AWARE a lot of people work even more than that). I feel like a lot more people should be absolutely furious that we only really have two days a week and some occasional hours in the evening to socialise, run errands, do chores, or relax.

It's no wonder so many people are profoundly lonely and disconnected from their communities when maintaining a social life in what little free time we have is incredibly difficult. If you have kids, a second job, a very long commute, or other responsibilities, it's nearly impossible.

We literally aren't meant to live like this and I'll never stop being shocked how many people just take it as the natural state of things and don't want to throw a brick through a billionaire's window every time they think of it.

[atypicalstrong]

vent incoming

So two of my friends moved to South Korea and weren't able to take their cats with them immediately, so I agreed to foster them for 6 months until their first vacation so they could come collect them.

Little did I know that 3 years later I would still have these cats, because it turns out that importing pets more than 6 months after you immigrate is incredibly difficult, and the owners didn't do any proper research beforehand, and also didn't save any money to get it done. And STILL aren't saving money to get it done, and are instead begging all their associates for money (by taking commissions they aren't actually doing - a mutual friend has literally 30 works they still haven't received) every step of the way when we have to get health tests and certificates and lab reports done.

And it turns out everything we've done so far has been for nothing because its all been in my name, and they're gonna have to redo all the expensive and time consuming tests in their name. Which means finding a vet that will do all this legal paperwork in someone else's name who isn't in the country to verify anything at all and is just taking my word for it. Which is uhhhhhhh an issue to say the least.

I found all this out today first thing in the morning when my friend was like "the pet relocation company says none of this will work so can you and your vet fix it?" And when I was like "I'll ask but I'm pretty sure we have to start over bc anything else would legally be fraud since technically I own your cats right now" (because its been 3 fucking years) they had the fucking GALL to break down crying and say it hurts so much to hear their pets aren't legally theirs, and I have to make my vet fix it because they've been doing a "trash job" (they haven't, they've actually been very helpful and the only fuck up that happened before this was a lab's fault, not my vet's), and they can't afford to do it all again, and that they "need me to be in their corner right now".

And then they just shut down when I tried to offer any solutions that DON'T involve legal fraud. Like coming back and doing it themselves instead of using a company, which is "just not possible" (no reason given when asked why not, literally just silence), or doing it as a "sale" so it makes sense that its all in my name ("that won't work because the regulations are probably different").

Like, I'm sorry you waited until the last minute to check if we were doing everything correctly! But that's not my fault, or my responsibility! I never wanted it to take this long, and I certainly don't want to keep your fucking cats! They keep destroying all my stuff, which you've offered to replace but noticeably haven't! Even if I wanted to, I CAN'T keep your fucking cats because I'm moving next year!

Nevermind I've got a bunch of my own shit going on that y'all don't seem to care about at all, like fighting for disability benefits, and being sued for medical debt (my court date is LITERALLY tomorrow and they haven't asked about it once since I told them last month), and affording rent and food! They're over in South Korea spending all their money on take out and "retail therapy" (and to be fair some genuine unforseen costs, but that just makes the other stuff more infuriating) not saving anything for the cats, while I'm over here going to food banks and hygiene pantries just to stay afloat!

I don't even want to be friends with them anymore at this point! And that really hurts, because there was a time when they were the best friends I'd ever had. But now? After all this? How can they expect me to trust or rely on them, for anything? After everything I've done for them THIS is the thanks I get?

I don't even know what else to say. If they don't SINCERELY apologize for this, and also accept they fucked up by not doing the research or saving any money, and ALSO come to terms with the fact that we have to start over, I don't know what I'm gonna do. Stop being friends with them and rehome the cats, I guess. I don't WANT to do that but I don't think I'll have any other choice.

I've put up with so much and for what. For fucking what. Ughhhhhhhhhhhhh...