#one has a ConEd bill due date coming up

[recoveringdirectioner]

im a full adult man with a degree and a boring corporate job and bills to pay but inside of me is a 10 year old girl screaming hysterically because she got tickets to 1D at MetLife for her birthday and i don’t know how to adequately convey that feeling to the actual real life people around me

[dirtyoatmeall]

Blueberries (Kaminari Denki x Reader)

A/N: :0 I know what you're thinking, another fic so soon?? I'm trying to go through my WIP's before starting anything else, and I have about 38 ideas and about 15 wips, so... yeah. Hopefully I'll get more out soon!! I wanted to say thanks in advance, this blog is a few followers away from 100, which is insane to think about. I really appreciate all of you for reading my work and liking it enough to follow. I hope you enjoy what the future holds!

Pairing: Kaminari Denki x Reader (gn but refences to makeup, so probably fem leaning?), Established Kiribaku

Word Count: 1.6k

Warnings: Language, I think that's it

__

“I don’t know Kiri, finals are coming up soon, and my anthro professor has been up my ass-“

“It’s one fucking date, it’s not like it’s a week long excursion in the mountains, Jesus” You rolled your eyes at Bakugo’s interruption, sticking your tongue out at the angry blonde. Before you could argue with him, Kirishima spoke.

“Katsuki is right (Y/N), it's just one night! If you don’t enjoy it, then that’s that! He’s not the type to make things awkward if they don’t work out, I think you’ll have a really good time.” You sigh, you could never say no to the red head. “I guess it is just one night.”

He smiles, big and excited while Bakugo just rolls his eyes. Kirishima whips out his phone, furiously typing. “Great, I’ll let him know, you guys are having dinner at 6, I’ll text you the location, you two will meet there, just in case. There’s already a reservation, so when you get there just tell them your name and they’ll take you there.” Your eyes widen, you only have a few hours to get ready and psych yourself up for the date. You pack up, grabbing your drink as you get ready to leave the café. Kirishima wishes you luck and you head back to your apartment.

You met Kirishima Eijiro in your first year of college. You were in the same intro to history course, which was required for all freshmen to take. The two of you were paired together for a group project and became quick friends. You learned you both lived in the same dorm building (the only gender neutral dorm building on campus) and soon enough the two of you were inseparable. Though you hadn’t been able to meet his friends besides his boyfriend, Bakugo Katsuki, due to your busy schedule. The following year the three of you got an apartment together close to campus. You were a student full time and also worked full time at one of the coffee shops on campus, so even though you’ve known the two of them for two years now, you still had yet to meet all of their friends. A few had come over during your weekly movie nights, but there were still one or two you haven't met yet due to conflicting work schedules. One of them being your date for the evening.

You sighed as you stared at your closet, wishing the duo had returned to the apartment with you to help than staying at the café to study. You looked up the restaurant you were meeting your date at. It wasn’t fancy, thank god, and you pulled out your favorite outfit that fit the dress code and quickly got changed. You finished your hair and makeup with a few minutes left until you had to leave, spending them sending pictures to the group chat for approval, making sure your shoes matched your outfit and your socks weren’t pulled up too high. Kirishima sent a thumbs up emoji and a compliment and you were out the door, triple checking the stove was off even though you hadn’t used it today, gripping your keys nervously as you locked the door and made your way to your car.

The drive was short, and you spent it listening to your favorite songs of the week that hyped you up, turning the volume up and singing along as you tried to calm your nerves. It’ll be fine, its just one dinner. The date is what you make of it, go in with a positive attitude and an open mind. You repeated your thoughts like a mantra, thoughtlessly mouthing along to the song playing as you pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant.

It wasn’t dark yet, the summer sky just turning a soft orange, but the streetlights were on nonetheless, illuminating the almost empty lot. You pulled into a spot next to a seemingly empty car, checking your phone once you parked.

It was 5-till, and you flipped down the mirror to check your makeup, applying lipstick and double checking the contents of your purse. Wallet, keys, lipstick, pepper spray, makeup wipe, EpiPen, breath mints, tampon, condom. You nodded as you ticked off each item in your mind, you had everything you needed, your phone was fully charged, and you looked good. You exhaled, you got this, you smiled to yourself as you got out of your car, double checking it was locked before turning to walk towards the restaurant, only to stop when you noticed the man standing in front of you, smiling nervously when your eyes met.

Your eyes widened slightly and your hand instinctively sought out the pepper spray in your purse, keeping it hidden for now as you took a half-step back. Noticing your wariness, the blonde’s eyes widen frantically, holding his hands up defensively as he takes a few steps back, widening the space between you. “Ah, sorry! You’re (Y/N) right? Kirishima showed me a picture of you a few days ago, I’m Kaminari!”

You relax immediately, your lips curling into a sheepish smile as the apprehension leaves your features. He relaxed as well, bringing his hands back to his side as he took a step forward, making sure to still give you room. “Oh! Sorry, you just startled me there. Kirishima did not do me the favor of letting me know what you looked like beforehand.” He nodded in understanding as you approached, joining him on the sidewalk, much closer this time. You noticed a faint tint to his cheeks as you head into the restaurant, and you were already glad you agreed to go on this date.

_

You laugh, only to choke on your drink, coughing and hitting your chest before laughing even harder. You took another sip, grinning at the blonde sitting across from you. The two of you got along great, you had a similar sense of humor and plenty of shared tastes. It had been over an hour, but it felt like you just got there. You roll your eyes playfully at his joke about ‘giving you something else to choke on’ replying that an inch or two isn’t enough to choke you. You snort at the mock-offense on his features when you excuse yourself to the restroom.

When you return your empty plates are gone and Kaminari is smiling smugly. You raise an eyebrow and narrow your eyes jokingly. “What did you do now?” He scoffs, “You act like I did something bad! How you wound me so!” You roll your eyes at his dramatic cry, still waiting for an answer. “Well, I’ll have you know I took the liberty of ordering your favorite for dessert.” The smug look returns and your eyebrow joins the other in surprise, you lean forward, resting your chin in your hand as you watch the blonde.

“Oh? And what might that be?” Kaminari smirks and says with unwavering confidence, “Blueberry cobbler, duh.” You have to cover your mouth to keep yourself from laughing too loudly. His eyebrows pinch slightly, not sure of your reaction. “Who told you that? Bakugo?” You say it jokingly, but his silence is enough of an answer. You wince slightly, not expecting it to be true. You sigh and smile amusedly at the blonde across from you. ���I’m allergic to blueberries Kaminari.”

He blanched at your words, a mix of embarrassment and mortification crossing his face. “Please tell me you’re kidding.” You smiled sympathetically and pulled your EpiPen out of your purse. “’friad not. But don’t worry about it! It’s sweet that you asked them about what I liked, really. I can bring my share of the cobbler back with me, I’m sure they’ll eat it.” To make matters worse, the waiter brought the dessert out as you comforted him, and smiled apologetically at the waiter when Kaminari asked for two boxes and the bill. You were worrying that he was too embarrassed to continue the date, thinking of ways to get back at your roommate when his hand touched yours gently, bringing you out of your thoughts. “I figured we could get some ice cream? Non-toxic this time I promise.” You grin and nod, shoving your card toward the waiter when he comes back, much to your dates dismay. “You can get the bill next time.” You say with a wink, as if you weren’t about to go to another location.

After dropping leftovers off in your cars, the two of you walk a few blocks to a creamery, getting your respective ice cream cones and then walking to the nearby park, sitting on the swings. You gently swing as the two of you talk about random things, almost dropping your cone multiple times from laughing. After treats had been consumed and wrappers discarded, you head back to your cars, walking closer than before.

You brush shoulders a few times before you loop your arm through his, hugging it to your chest as you tangle your fingers with his, glancing at him to make sure it was okay. You flush slightly when you catch him looking at you with an adoration filled gaze, he clears his throat and looks ahead, squeezing your hand in reassurance.

You arrive at your cars all too quickly, and you untangle yourself from him, kissing his cheek gently as you thanked him for tonight. You happily exchange numbers before parting ways, and you sigh when you close the car door, starting your car. You glance at the box in the passenger seat, grateful for the otherwise deadly blue fruit.

[lushjewels]

This is Beau, the absolute light of my life and my fiancé's. We adopted him in February of 2020 as an emotional support kitty. We also adopted him because he was coming from a home that was not taking good care of him, and so he needed a home that could love and take care of him. From the moment the previous owner placed him into my arms he snuggled right into my neck like a baby and I knew he was meant to be ours. The past year has been full of love and laughter with this little cat. He has so much personality, and is the most loving and cuddly cat you could ask for. We have spoiled him rotten and he is the center of our little family. I even bought him a stroller to take him for walks. He was exactly what I needed during a very difficult time for my mental health. He brought me back. Gave me something to live for, to work for, to get up out of bed and try for. He just turned 2 on February 24th 2021. 

This past month our whole world was turned upside down. We noticed he was being very distant and didn't want to be held, which is not at all like him. At one point when I tried to pick him up he started coughing and gasping. I was absolutely distraught with panic. We rushed him to the pet ER and then to another ER, and it was determined he has pleural effusion due to chyle. Otherwise known as Chylothorax. Which has a very poor prognosis.  We were devastated. They removed the fluid and gave us a minimal chance with a supplement and low fat diet and instructions to come back in about a week. We followed the rules perfectly, but unfortunately learned a few days later that the fluid had come back very quickly and had come back in a large amount. The problem is that this illness is not well known or researched and there are very few options. His chest was continuing to fill with fluid, compressing his heart and lungs, and making it difficult for him to breathe. Unfortunately after several diagnostic tests it was determined that Beau's case was idiopathic meaning there was no definite cause. This meant we were extremely limited in what we could do. And beyond that, we could not just continue to drain the fluid as over time his heart and lungs would become scarred and struggle to function properly. The vet told us that we will need to discuss letting him go or discuss surgery. The vet made very clear to us that the chances for a positive outcome following surgery are very low, and we would be looking at a bill close to 10,000. With this in mind my Fiancé and I made the heart wrenching decision that it was not fair to put him through something like that, and that we simply cannot afford that steep of a bill, especially after what we have already paid. This absolutely broke us. I spent every day driving home from work in tears knowing that soon I would not be coming home to him anymore. We are getting married soon and Beau was supposed to be in our wedding photos, he was supposed to be the cat our children grew up with. He is our little baby, how are we supposed to let him go, especially when he is so young and so otherwise filled with life.

Despite all of those feelings we made the decision that humane euthanasia was the only option we could take. We would not continue to have his chest drained knowing it was hurtful and stressful to him, we could not continue to torture him. We planned to bring him for one more chest tap on a Thursday and had decided that on Saturday we would let him go. 

After bringing him to the vet Thursday for a final chest drainage to make him comfortable before Saturday, I received a call from a different vet that happened to be in charge of Beau for the day. She stated that with different techniques, he could live a full life, and she had seen this done many times at other hospitals. She also told me the price tag would be much lower. We were ecstatic. We were going to save him. It was as if a huge weight had been lifted. I was finally crying happy tears. I didn't have to say goodbye.

And then the surgery department called with the estimate. While the doctor may have been right about his better odds of success and a full life, she was not correct about the price. We were still looking at a minimum of 12,000 and possibly more. This tore our hearts wide open. We felt like we finally had a chance, and here it was being ripped away again. 

We tried every financing option under the sun but as a student in graduate school myself and my fiancé working as many hours as he can, we simply were not approved for any personal financing options, and the vet is unable to do any in-house financing. They did help us reduce some of the possible surgical costs to lower  the initial deposit to 6,000, but the total may still reach that 12,000 plus the 8,000 we have already paid.

So here we are, asking for help. We love this little cat more than words can describe. He has given us so much love, and we want to be able to do everything we can for him to live a full and happy life, because he deserves it.  This 2 year old cat is so sweet and innocent and it is so unfair for him to be taken so soon, especially when he could be fixed. 

Any money raised will go directly towards his vet bills he has already incurred as well as trying to pay for his surgery. The surgery would close off the duct leaking the fluid, remove the membrane from around his heart to prevent it from scarring and limiting his heart's ability to function, and would also have a chest tube placed, that would require us to drain it regularly until the fluid is stopped. With these interventions cats have a good quality of life, and if it is successful, after a few weeks or months, my little man can have the tube removed and live his full well deserved life.

Anyone who is able to help in any way I am so thankful to you, and I cannot emphasize enough how indebted we are to everyone who steps forward. Even if you are unable to donate if you could please spread this message and help us, you are still helping Beau

😽😽😽BEAU UPDATE😽😽😽

Beau is officially home following surgery to place a pleural port to aide in removing fluid from his chest with less risk to his heart and lungs. This measure allows us some more valuable time in order to get the funds together to get his complete surgery. We have Beau set up in a special play pen to keep him safe while he recovers. He will have to be in this for 2 weeks. He has to wear a surgical suit and a cone/donut as well and gets medications twice a day. He also has to be kept from his sister Pam who is absolutely distraught that she cannot see him. He goes for his first fluid drain from the port on Tuesday.

We had a bit of a scare when the vet called to tell me that the day after surgery he spontaneously stopped breathing and had to be revived. It is because this fluid build up is so hard on his little heart and lungs, he can only take so much. His situation is truly critical.

To quote the vet directly:

"Surgery Discharge Instructions Date: 05-21-2021

Case: 2355365 Diagnosis: Persistent chylothorax

Procedure: Pleuroport placement

Placement of a pleuroport allows for easier removal of fluid from Beau's chest. It does not prevent or treat the cause of the chylothorax. Beau will continue to produce fluid into his chest and continue to need periodic fluid removal from his chest. "

In order to truly attempt to cure his diagnosis we would have to start with a CT and angiogram and then a second surgery. I am including pictures of the costs for the surgery that was already done, and what still needs to be done. The second surgery estimate would likely be somewhat lower due to the pleural port placement already being done.

I want to personally thank each and every person who has stepped in to help in any way. Jake, myself and my family are so grateful, and are so blessed to have such a wonderful community.

If you have not already, please consider reading our story on our gofundme page and please consider sharing or donating. Every dollar and every share gets us closer to giving this guy the happy and healthy full life that he deserves. If anyone has any questions please feel free to reach out to me.

https://gofund.me/d1dcff57

[name-me-regret]

Till I Touch The Sky - 1/9

Till I Touch The Sky Chapter One: A Bit Of Fairy Dust

Summary: Peter is having weird dreams, and on top of that, May has a new boyfriend that Peter just does not like, and then adding on his ever increasing health problems... Well, Peter’s life seems pretty shitty right now.

Then he meets Tony Stark and he gets offered an internship, and things start looking better. However, he soon realizes that his dreams are more real than he could have imagined.

Chapter Summary: Peter starts having some weird dreams after a fall...

Read on AO3.

FANFICTION MASTER POST

Author’s Note: I wasn’t planning on posting this until it was finished, (because it’s taken over my life and I can’t work on anything till I finish this) but wanted to post it for Tom Holland’s birthday. Also, it’s the start of Pride Month! I want to work on finally finishing Saving Grace and get started on the sequel of Martin Child.

Here’s some art of Harley and Peter meeting in my He Makes Him Happy fanfiction, so check that out. I’m thinking of six chapters for this, and I hope I can stick to that this time. Hope y’all like this story. Leave me a comment and let me know.

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~

 ”Free spirits, free spirits Can you hear me calling? Oh, it's all or nothing When you're free spirits, free spirits Can you hear it calling? 'Cause I don't wanna live no normal life, let go

 Is this Heaven or Armageddon? Are we gettin' high, we could've watched the ending We were trodding down our memories A cemetery full of bottles that are incomplete When you're loving more, caring less It's the highs and lows with no clears And we wanted it all then But we're never runnin' out, we'll be

 Free spirits, free spirits...“

~Free Spirit - Khalid

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~

April 02, 2015   Peter and May Parker were a small family unit, just two of them. It had been them against the world ever since Ben had died. However, he knew that May struggled to make ends meet, Peter wasn't stupid. In fact, Peter Parker was quite the genius. Although, that could be debated since he didn't see this coming, not even a little bit.   May Parker started dating.   He supposed he couldn't blame her, because everyone needed a companion and she was perhaps lonely. Also, ever since Ben had died, the burden of the bills and mortgage on the house had fallen on her. She’d been unable to make the payments, which is why they was now living at this apartment, since they’d lost Ben’s parents house.

So, he could understand that she needed help, and the worst part was that Christopher seemed like a real upstanding guy. He had a doctorate and after working for a big corporation was starting up his own medical tech company. He also knew how to cook and was able to get Peter's breathing machine for a cheaper price they could afford.   Peter hated having asthma the most, especially since it was hard on him when the elevator broke in their building and he was forced to walk up the stairs. That's what he was doing now, climbing up the stairs as he huffed and puffed, and by the time he made it to their floor, he'd ran out of breath.   The teenager leaned against the wall by the door for a few moments, feeling his face heat up as the twin brother and sister from down the hall passed by and eyed him with disgust. Peter knew he was grossly out of shape when a few flights of steps had him winded, but when his lungs were weak, he couldn't really exercise.   Peter straightened when the two had passed him, having dropped his head as soon as Riley and Hailey (the twins) had spotted him, having felt his face heat up in embarrassment when they’d seen him struggling to breathe. He'd already recovered after a few moments, but had waited until they had entered the stairwell. Now, he shifted his backpack back onto his shoulders, taking out his house keys and entering his apartment. When he got there, he saw that the usual clutter around the house had been cleaned up, his few LEGO sculptures they’d been able to afford (cheap ones with less than a hundred pieces) had been moved to a small work table in the corner, out of the way.

He tried not to let it bug him, since it had been on the floor before and anyone could step on a loose piece of his latest project. It was not fun to step on a LEGO, and Peter should know from personal experience. So, he supposed it was a good thing that Christopher had moved his structures onto a small table and off the floor.

The teenager huffed as he kicked his tennis shoes off at the door, not in the best of moods due to the elevator being out, and then the twins (who were both so pretty) giving him those looks. He hated his asthma, so much and wished to just be rid of it, or his stupid weak lungs, and his stupid allergies. Peter Parker just wanted to leave his whole stupid, weak body behind.

Peter fumbled for his inhaler as he started to get worked up, taking an inhale and feeling as his airways opened up. He waited a moment before he straightened and tossed his bag against the work table, cursing when one of the structures was knocked on its side. The teen moved over to fix it, hoping none of the pieces had been knocked off. It was the car he’d built from the Bricks On A Roll bucket, which had many wheels and the ability to make different structures. He’d done the red car on the front, a motorcycle, and the ice cream cart as well. He wasn’t sure if his was missing pieces, but it didn’t have the big ice cream cone piece as shown on the pack. Well, judging by how shitty his luck was, it was likely that his was the only one without it.

As he moved away, he failed to realize one of the wheels was missing from the red car, and hissed as he stepped on it. He stumbled back, tripped on his backpack and fell, hitting his head on the work table.

‘Whoa!’ Peter exclaimed as he moved his hands over himself, trying to see if he’d broken something. His head felt fine, in fact, he felt great! The constant pressure he always felt on his airway wasn’t present, and wondered if the fall had somehow miraculously cured him. Maybe, it was possible.

He turned around and froze. Peter should’ve known that his shitty Parker Luck would kick in. Because miracles didn’t happen to Peter Parker.

There in front of him, was his body on the floor with blood on his forehead where it’d struck the work table. He was looking at his body from the outside, so... did this meant he was dead?

‘Aww, come on!’ Peter cried out.

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~

Peter hummed as he tried to figure this out, because as far as he could tell, he wasn’t dead. It didn’t help that he was currently floating over his body like a damn ghost. However, he could tell that his body was still breathing, if the way his chest was moving up and down was any indication.

So, not dead.

If that was true, then what was happening right now?

His thought process was cut off as he heard the key in the lock, and glanced at it. His eyes widened as he saw his aunt come through the door and glanced back at his body, and knew this was going to be bad. Peter winced as she screamed and rushed to his side.

“Peter?! Oh baby, wake up!” May sobbed, hands going to his forehead and flinching away from the blood there. She fumbled for her cell phone, her hands shaking so badly that she was barely able to dial 911.

‘May, I’m right here. I’m alright,’ Peter tried to tell her, floating over to her, but when he tried to touch her, his hand passed though her. He gasped and flinched back as if burned, looking at his hand and then at his body as May caressed his face ever so gently. If he could cry, he would, but as he was now, he only felt panic and terror, and a sorrow so profound that he curled up from how intense it felt.

He didn’t understand what was happening to him. Peter just wanted to be wrapped in his aunt’s warm embrace. He wanted all this to be over. Then, without knowing how, he slept and then he felt like he was falling; falling so very fast.

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~

Peter’s eyes snapped open and he gasped in a breath, hand going to his throat and he couldn’t breathe! He heard a scraping sound and then a hand on his and he flinched away.

“Peter, you’re fine! Look at me, baby. It’s May,” a familiar voice said. His eyes snapped toward her, and immediately slumped down in relief when he realized it was his Aunt May. She pulled his hand gently away from his throat, fingers soothing away the scratch marks he’d made on himself in his frantic struggle.

“Wha-?” Peter tried to speak, felt a catch in his throat and coughed harshly. The mask over his face fogged up, but he had enough experience with his asthma to know he needed it so didn’t remove it. Peter dreaded to think of how many hours she was missing of work, since his Medicaid would pay for his hospital bills. It was just that it didn’t always pay for all his medicines, and May ended up paying some of it out of pocket. “M’sorry,” he whimpered, hating to be such a burden to her.

May smiled wanly, brushing back a few curls from his face. “It’s alright, baby. We’ll make it somehow. Besides, Chris will help us, you’ll see.”

Peter tried not to let his mood sour at the mention of the man, and instead gave a nod, glad the mask covered most of his face. He might not like the man, but he helped the burden on May. Besides, she was happy with him, and that’s all that mattered.

As he settled back on the bed, feeling his eyes grow heavy, a memory of floating over his body came to him.

‘Huh, that was some dream’, Peter thought.

Although, he couldn’t shake the feeling that it had felt so real.

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~

 April 04, 2015

Peter sighed as he came into the apartment, his whole body feeling lethargic and heavy. He wanted to just get in bed and sleep, but he had been sleeping for two days already and he was tired of it. The teenager had thought they could spend some time together; just his aunt and himself.

“Get the door, May,” Christopher called, and the woman pulled open the door as the man entered carrying Peter’s bag and several bags of groceries in the other. They’d stopped to buy them on the way home, where Peter had been forced to stay in the car since he was still on oxygen and it would have been a hassle to carry the small tank inside the supermarket. So, Peter had stayed in the car and tried not to feel too bitter about it.

Now, it seemed like they wouldn’t have some time alone either, seeing as Chris started to help May unpack the groceries. Peter pulled off the mask, sick and tired of having to cart around the small oxygen tank. Besides, he needed to make sure not to use it all up before the end of the month, which still had two weeks left. “I can... help,” Peter said, wanting to feel useful.

“I got it, bud,” Christopher said as he grabbed up the bags Peter tried to get to help with. “Why don’t you go take a shower and I’ll come set up your nighttime treatment.”

Peter grimaced at that, since he didn’t want to have his nighttime treatment when it was barely 7:30 pm. He was not going to bed that early, no matter what anyone said. “It’s early still,” he argued, coughing a moment later.

God, he hated having these weak lungs.

“That decides it,” Chris said, motioning toward the bathroom. Peter might have been acting childish or immature, but he hated that the man acted like he had any right to order him around, like he was his uncle or his dad. He wasn’t.

“Alright, how about we watch a movie?” May said, stepping between the sullen teenager and her boyfriend. “Peter, you go take a shower while I make the popcorn and Chris sets up the movie. It can be a cheesy horror movie, like Sharknado.”

Peter nodded with a grin, his bad mood quickly vanishing. “You know, Sharknado isn’t too bad, as long as you don’t take it too seriously,” he said, rushing off. He wanted to hurry in taking his shower so he could get back and maybe sit next to May on the loveseat, their usual spot when watching movies before.

He considered it a win when he was able to plop onto the loveseat when coming back from his shower. May pulled him closer for a cuddle instead of telling him to let Chris have his seat. The teenager settled to watch the bad movie, sharing a bowl of popcorn with his aunt.

The movie was bad but entertaining, and he snuggled against his aunt as they watched. This was nice.

He didn’t even realize he’d fallen asleep, until he was suddenly looking down at himself. It seemed May hadn’t realized he’d fallen asleep either, until Chris pointed it out.

“Should I put him to bed?” the man asked May. Peter didn’t like the idea of being carried like a child by the man, and hoped May let him stay right there.

“Yes, that’s probably best,” she told him. Peter frowned as he watched the man lift him up like he weighed nothing, and since he couldn’t do sports to gain any muscle, he probably did weigh nothing.

Peter grumbled as he floated out of the man’s way, starting to get the hang of moving around. He wasn’t paying attention and realized too late that he was going to hit the wall, and his arms lifted to protect his head. Peter cried out instinctively, but he didn’t hit it... he went through the wall.

 ‘Holy shit!’

He flapped his arms around as he was suddenly in the hallway, and then passed through so he was in the apartment next door, where a young couple and their one year old daughter lived. They were gathered around the table, playing some board game as the little girl giggled. “Ally won!” the little girl cried. The man and woman cheered, lifting her up as she squealed happily.

“And now it’s time to get ready for bed,”  the woman declared.

Peter moved on when he was able to get the hang of moving through the air, glancing back a moment and thought he saw the little girl waving at him, but then he’d gone through the wall of the apartment next to them. He realized too late that it was the twin’s apartment, and he was suddenly in a bedroom.

There were posters of One Direction and other bands he wasn’t familiar with. He turned around as he heard a rustling and he squeaked when he saw that it was Hailey, the girl of the duo, and she was starting to change after having clearly taken a shower judging by the towel she started to pull off.

‘I’m so sorry!’ he cried even if she couldn’t seem to see or hear Peter, one hand lifting up to cover his eyes as he used that other to rush through the wall. He was in the hallway a moment before he passed through the opposite wall into the room there. That room turned out to be the bathroom, which was being used.

A head popped out of the shower, hair wet with water and Peter was dismayed to realize it was Riley, the male twin. And he was in the shower, naked and wet! “Hailey! You finished all the hot water, you asshole!”

“Deal with it!” Hailey’s muffled voice yelled back.

Riley grumbled about annoying sisters and his head disappeared back inside the shower. Peter figured it was a good idea to leave now, before he invaded Riley’s privacy like some pervert. Maybe it was time to go back to his own apartment. Besides, he felt a bit... sick? Which was strange, since he usually didn’t feel anything besides emotions. Then again, this was just a dream. Wasn’t it?

He found his body in the bed, mask for his nighttime treatment strapped to his face and he felt even sicker now. It was probably that he hated the feel of the medicine and that’s why he felt sick? Maybe next time he went exploring he’d leave the building, even if it felt scary. There was a fuzzy quality to everything, like everything was being seen through a filter, or perhaps a cloud. Also, everything not in his immediate area faded away into darkness. Almost like it ceased to exist.

For now, he floated over to his body as he closed his eyes. After feeling a sensation like falling and falling, everything went dark.    

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~

Peter moaned as he woke up, the taste of the medicine in his mouth, coating his throat and it was in his nose. He yanked the mask off his face, wincing since his face felt tender from where the straps had been digging into his skin. Peter felt shaky when he stood, feeling like gravity was weighing even heavier than usual on his body. He barely made it to the bathroom before he was heaving, throwing up the popcorn he’d had earlier. The teenager wasn’t even sure what time it was, but since his aunt didn’t come running to see what the matter was, she must have gone to work.

“Peter, is that you, bud?” he heard Christopher ask, realizing that May must have left him watching over him while she left for her shift. There was a light knock on the bathroom door. “Do you need help?”

He was feeling like crap and even if he knew it wasn’t the man’s fault, he didn’t want his help. “No, go away,” he croaked, his body heaving again but he’d already thrown up the little bit he’d eaten, so it was mostly stomach bile.

The door opened as he was washing out his mouth, and he would have scoffed at the man not listening to him if he’d had any strength left. His medicine had never caused him to get sick like this before, so he wasn’t in the best of moods.

“Come on, let’s get you back to bed,” Chris said, voice almost gentle. He didn’t know why he didn’t like the man, but he... just couldn’t like him. There was something about him that Peter couldn’t put his finger on that made him dislike him. Maybe he was being unfair or childish, but he couldn’t help it.

“I’m fine,” he grumbled, shrugging off his hand as he shuffled back to bed. He climbed back into his twin bed, the mattress already old and a bit too small. Peter just refused to ask for another, since it wasn’t a necessity. He was fine with this for now, and didn’t want to burden May asking for another, bigger bed.

“Maybe I should give you another treatment,” Chris said, glancing at the nighttime machine.

Peter grimaced at the thought of feeling the medicine coating his throat, mouth and inside his nose again and his stomach protested it. “No,” he said as he shook his head, “I’m fine.” Peter knew he wouldn’t get away with not having the treatment again tomorrow night, but at least for tonight, he wanted to be free of it.

Chris hesitated, before he nodded. “Until tomorrow then,” he said, that smile on his face he hated so much. Peter didn’t understand why he hated it, hated Christopher. Maybe he should give him a chance? After all, he’s the reason they had gotten this newer machine practically for free.

“Yeah... thanks, Chris,” he muttered, pulling his blankets up to his chin.

The man paused as he’d been about to leave and after a moment he turned with a smile. “It’s no problem. I want to help you and your aunt.” He pulled the door closed. “Sweet dreams, Peter.”

Peter’s room was plunged into darkness and he curled up under the blanket. He closed his eyes and hoped he was able to fly away again in his dreams. It was nice being able to get away from his weak body and the problems that brought him and his aunt.

So, he flew away in his dreams, that felt more real than they should be.-

[lihikainanea]

I...I may re-write this at some point. Because I hate it. Let’s be clear, I just want these two to bang each other’s brains out again like right the fuck now but I feel like I had to ~set it up~ properly and just...look, this what you get when a horndog of an author with 2987548695659 kink buttons is in A Mood(TM) to get all of them SLAMMED AT ONCE but instead has to write ~fluff~ because it’s what makes sense for the story right now. If you need me, I’ll be in my little corner flipping this story off while my kink buttons very much do not get slammed. Fuck you BFF!Bill. I'm so mad at you right now.

Part 1 + 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6

Credit my rage to @ill-skillsgard and that nani who ruined my life with the original ask in Parts 1+2 there.

I dunno how many parts left I got to this, the part below really discouraged me. I  feel like I got carried away in their story line and I’m all self-conscious about it now because I really just....I want to write all the sexy times. That’s it. I liked the shorter drabbles of these two that I did more towards the beginning. 

BLERGH, shut up Leilani. 

***

In hindsight, the ice cream was a terrible mistake. 

To your credit, it had taken awhile for things to get awkward. A good few weeks. And to Bill’s credit, he really made it near impossible to be awkward around him.The awkwardness had littered your friendship to varying degrees, but no matter how mortifying the events were, Bill just never seemed plussed about any of it. There had been the time he had gotten food poisoning on a camping trip in the woods, pitifully crawling his way on all fours to your tent in the middle of the night. You had woken up to what you thought was a wounded animal, unzipping your tent and seeing Bill’s curled up form on the ground in front of you. It had taken over an hour to help him crawl just a hundred feet to the communal washrooms, where you stayed with him on the floor for the entire night. It was nothing short of contortion, the way he folded his large body in on himself in the tiny stall, groaning in pain and discomfort. Your heart bled for him that night, he was so sick he had gone grey and the only thing you could do to help was stroke his soaked back and keep wetting paper towels to hold on his neck while he wretched. He had eventually passed out, thunking his head hard right onto your chest, and in your sleep-deprived hysteria, you thought he was dead. Mutual friends still tell the tale over beers, now a great source of laughter, of how you had emerged from the washrooms in the wee hours of the morning screaming for help with Bill--all 6′4 of him--slung over your shoulders in a fireman carry. Bill’s feet still dragged on the ground and his upper body hung limp over your shoulder, but you didn’t care. You just knew he needed help. When he eventually came to, hooked up to an IV and still looking grey, he didn't seem at all shocked when he was told how he made it to the medical centre.

Then there was the time during a traditional movie night at his place, when you felt the tell-tale cramp--that deep cramp low in your belly that had you folding in on yourself briefly. Your cycle wasn’t due for another 3 more days, but your body had other plans. You hadn’t even brought a purse to Bill’s, and looking frantically at your light coloured jeans, you knew you were in trouble. Bill stared at your form, gradually closing in on itself as another cramp hit.

“You okay?” he asked, putting a hand on your back.

“Yeah I uh...I have to go. Sorry, forgot I needed to do something tonight..” you trailed off, tossing the blanket and slowly shifting to stand in a way that would attempt to minimize the flow that you could now feel starting between your legs. Bill eyed you cautiously, then rolled his eyes. Grabbing another slice of pizza from the box in front of him, he stood and grabbed your elbow.

“C’mon,” he said, leading you to the bathroom.

“What are you--” your sentence was cut off when he reached an arm up, opening the cupboard. Inside, you stared in confusion when you spotted a small box of tampons, a few pads, even a little bottle of Midol. He turned to you, shoving another bite of pizza in his mouth.

“If there’s something in here you need, just take it,” he said, his mouth full as he chewed loudly.

“Bill why the fuck do you have these in your bathroom?”

He shrugged, blasé.

“Because I’m a grown ass man and I have grown ass women in my life,” he said, as if it was the most obvious explanation in the world.

“Take whatever you need and get your ass back on the couch, the best part is coming up,” he turned to leave before calling over his shoulder “or if you need something else or whatever, just write it down and I’ll pick it up next time I’m out.”

When you emerged from the bathroom a few moments later, a pair of sweatpants hit you smack in the face.

“In case you’re bloated or whatever,” was the explanation.

You changed. The pants were comically large, with a ton of material still pooling around your feet even after you had rolled the waistband a dozen times.

Joining him back on the couch, he covered the two of you with a blanket again before reaching behind him for something. He tucked a hot water bottle against your stomach and you moaned slightly at how good it felt, then he put his arm back around you and pulled you into his side, restarting the movie. Not another word was spoken.

So compared to a lot of what had happened in the past, having sex with him should have paled in comparison on the scale of awkward. If the sex had been terrible, perhaps a certain degree of awkwardness would be expected. But incredible sex? Incredible sex should be celebrated. And you were on board with that, for awhile.

Until the ice cream.

You had almost forgotten, in fact as the days went on you became more and more able to downplay what had happened, and the level of pleasure you experienced which seemed to have put your body in shock for more than a few days after. Maybe it wasn’t a matter of Bill being so good in bed, feeling so safe with him, and more a matter of just....how pent up you had been. You were almost convinced, almost certain that this was fact. Bill was probably just average, at best. But you did trust him a whole ton more than any of the Tinder dates you had met so combined with your hair trigger for needing a release at that time, it had all just culminated into three delightful explosions.

Until the ice cream.

It had been a longstanding tradition of yours, no matter the season, of going for ice cream the day before Bill left on another shoot. He had a sweet tooth that was completely unrivalled but he had stayed away from sweets for the few months leading up to his new gig, having to take some weight off his already slim frame for his new role.  But as you sat beside him, a banana split for you and an extra large vanilla soft serve for him, you realized what a terrible mistake this was.

“Oh my god,” he groaned in pleasure and you stilled, memories of that groan flooding your mind. You turned to him just in time to see his long tongue snake out, licking slowly from the the cone to the tip of his ice cream.

“Jesus Christ,” he moaned again, “it’s been so long.” His mouth closed around the peak of it, making a small slurping noise as he sucked part of it into his mouth. You felt the heat immediately rising to your cheeks. He moaned again, swirling his tongue around the cone.

“How’s yours?” he asked. 

“It’s uh, it’s good,” you said.

“Might be better if you took a bite, tiger,” he teased. Looking down, your spoon was clenched tightly in your fist and your sundae was untouched. Shaking your head slightly, you lifted the cherry off and popped it in your mouth. You nearly choked when Bill let go another groan that was nothing short of sexual.

“I’m in fucking heaven,” another long lick of his cone from bottom to top,  he sighed happily and closed his mouth over the top again to suck another bite in. Your thighs clenched as you couldn’t get rid of the images that flooded your brain. Bill’s green eyes, peering up at you from between your legs, asking permission. Bill’s eyes closed, moaning in content as he ran his mouth and his nose over your panties. The hum and suckling noise when he pursed his lips around your clit, dragging it into his mouth. That sinful tongue--that long, skilled tongue slowly lapping at his ice cream--and the way he slowly lapped at you, savouring every single lick as if it was giving him as much pleasure as it was giving you.

You watched as he stuck his tongue out to lick at some of the ice cream that had dribbled on his chin, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

He had done that too, once he was done turning you into a quivering, moaning mess beneath his mouth. You remembered how he raised up on his haunches, his eyes a blaze of fiery green, as he licked at his bottom lip and swiped his mouth with the back of his hand. 

You had almost started to sweat, feeling the flush creeping up your chest.

“You look weird, kid,” his voice interrupted your thoughts, “You okay?”

You cleared your throat, begging your voice not to crack. Begging--you had begged him, too, begged him to make you feel good. And he did. He promised you he would, and oh God, he did. You ran a hand over your face, resisting to urge to knock the side of your head in an attempt to force the images out of your thoughts.

“I’m good,” you lied. You couldn’t meet his eyes anymore, as you felt that ache deep in your gut start again. Your legs shook slightly, your thighs trembling, remembering how good it felt. How good he felt, and how good he made you feel. The way he seemed completely focused on your pleasure, on making sure any little movement he made gave you pleasure. How he had checked in on you, made sure you were feeling good, before continuing anything. How he had made you cry out, clinging to him, gasping for air not one, but three earth shattering times.

Suddenly, you needed air. You needed air, and you needed space. Distance. 

You stood, abruptly. Bill looked up mid-lick, his tongue still on his ice cream as his eyes peered up at you. That look. You closed your eyes, pinching your brow with your fingers.

“Finish tongue-fucking that ice cream, I have a lot of work to do tonight ” you said. Your tone had come out much, much harsher than you had intended, but you turned before you could catch the confused look on his face. 

He dropped you off that night, the car ride home was a one-sided conversation as he talked about the new project and how long he’d be gone, what he was excited for, what his character would do. Walking you to your door, he wrapped his arms around you tightly and laid a wet smack of a kiss on your cheek.

“Let me know when you’re free to FaceTime,” he had said, his face tucked into your neck, “There’s not too many night shoots so our schedules should sync up.”

“ ‘kay.” 

“And hopefully you can come out for a weekend, you’d probably like it there. New Tinder material for you,” he chuckled.

“ ‘kay.”

He pulled away, keeping his hands on your shoulders. You stared at his chest, but felt his eyes boring into you.

“Tiger,” he commanded, “look at me.”

When you shifted uncomfortably, he moved one hand to under your chin and tilted it up to meet his eyes.

“What’s going on with you?” he asked. You looked away, your chin still resting on his hand, and gave a half-hearted shrug. Images from before still clouded your brain, your pleasure receptors still firing on all cylinders at the memory of that mouth, those hands all over you. You let out a ragged breath, and his thumb and forefinger moved to pinch your chin.

“Are you getting awkward about what happened between us?” he asked and your eyes widened in surprise--sometimes his direct and straight-forward approach still caught you off guard.

“Jesus Bill,” you tried to move your chin away but he opened his hand, cupping your jaw.

“Answer me.”

“No, I’m not getting fucking awkward about it.”

“Eyes, kid.”

You dragged your eyes back to his and he saw right through you, raising his eyebrows in challenge. You pouted.

“Don’t lie to me, tiger,” his tone softened and he sighed, “Look, that night--did it feel good? Did you feel good?”

“Uh....yes,” you responded quietly. He bent at the knees, tilting his head to maintain eye contact with you when you tried to look away.

“And do you feel better now, after you got what you needed?” he asked. You hated this. You hated every part of how honest he was, how comfortable he was at having these insanely uncomfortable conversations.

“Ugh, Bill, I can’t--”

“Answer me.”

“Yes,” you whispered, heat blazing your cheeks. There was nothing but kindness in his eyes though, genuine honesty to his questions.

“You deserve to feel good. You needed to feel good. And you trusted me with that. And I helped?” he looked to you for confirmation.

“Yeah. Yeah you helped,” you confirmed. He smiled, stroking your cheek.

“And I was happy to. You’re my best friend, kid. I love you, and I wanted to help you. That’s it, okay? We promised it wouldn’t get awkward,” he looped an arm around you again, bringing you back in for a hug. ‘It’s just sex.”

“Fucking phenomenal sex,” you muttered into his chest.You felt his boisterous laugh, his arms squeezing you tighter.

“It was fucking phenomenal sex,” he pulled away and smiled at you.  You tugged his jacket collar down, silently beckoning him to bend and you kissed his cheek.

“Have fun, Billy Goat,” you said.

“Be safe, tiger” he responded, “Stay outta trouble while I’m gone.”

And with a final wave as you shut your door, you watched him pull out into the street. He’d text you tomorrow morning from the airport, you knew, and again when he landed.

But tonight, tonight you still had an ache in your gut, a tremble in your thighs that you knew wouldn’t let you sleep until those pleasure receptors--ones that remembered all too well--were satiated again.

[svtmatokis]

Mingyu Office AU P3

Hi guys! It’s been so long since I last posted and I am so sorry for all the imcompleteness of this blog >< I’ve spent the last few weeks finishing up various Office Au!’s so expect new content for a few days. For now, here is the latest of Mingyu’s office AU. 

*Note to the Jihoon Office AU! readers; That story will be revised in due course. I lost sight of the ending and things went in 24 different directions XD

Plot: You’ve transferred to the Korean division of your company as a high ranking associate but no one but those you have previously worked with know how high you ranked since you’re a firm believer of working your way to the top. Focusing on your career, dating never crossed your mind. That is..until you meet Kim Mingyu, the tall dark and handsome associate who too has never dated but is fairly popular with the girls. Will the two of you end up together? Or will work get in the way again?

Words: 3393

Pairing: Y/N x Mingyu

Genre: Romance/Comedy

_______________________________________________________________

“You are a lifesaver Kim Mingyu” you said as the two of you drove on the city streets of Seoul.

“You’ve been stressing about this meeting for the last few weeks. It’s really no problem at all.” he said and gave you a side glance, “Are you...doing anything after?” 

Raising an eyebrow in question you responded, “The meetings supposed to go for the rest of the day and I just have to go back to the office to drop off the signed paperwork since it’s on the way back to my apartment.” 

“How about… You finish your meeting, we’ll get dinner and then I’ll drive you home? You can leave the paperwork in my car and I’ll bring it up with me tomorrow morning.” he suggested completely taking his chances.

You knew about Mingyu’s high tendency of forgetfulness and was wary, “Are you sure..? I can just take them back to the office and lock them up…” You didn’t even want to lose those documents as they were of high importance. They were to be submitted to Jeonghan for Seungcheol.

“It’s okay, we can take a different route and take a shortcut back to your apartment. I promise I’ll remember the documents if that is what you’re so worried about. I swear or I’ll let Jihoon wack me with his bat he keeps in his cubicle.” Mingyu said holding up his pinky finger and you slowly took it as Mingyu would never willingly put himself in front of Jihoon’s harm. 

“If you’re sure…” you said with uncertainty and Mingyu nodded with a grin. 

“I’ll wait at the cafe across the street and send me a text when you’re done.” he said as he dropped you off at the clients location. 

“Are you craving anything in particular?” he asked shocked that you had agreed to dinner so easily.

“No..I’ll let you decide.” you answered mindlessly as you double checked everything in your bag. “Thanks again Mingyu, you don’t know how much this means to me.” you gave him one of those smiles that made his heart weak and he watched as you exited the car and entered the building.

He silently wished you luck and pumped his fist in victory over the fact that you had agreed to have dinner with n him. It was a lot easier to have you agree than he thought but he was happy nonetheless.  

He went into the cafe and ordered a drink.  Choosing to sit by the window, he looked down at your number and grinned. You gave it to him before you left the car and told him to text you so you could text him when you were done your meeting. 

He looked up and he saw the next person exit  the cafe and he thought the person looked slightly familiar. 

He shook the feeling off and went back to his phone while waiting for your text. 

(Meanwhile)

Yanan walked through the lobby of the Korean office and saw the two people he was looking for. 

“Yo, Jun!” He called out as said person turned around shock evident on his face as the duo made their way over. 

Twenty minutes later, the three were at a bbq restaurant having dinner and catching up. 

“So how long are you here for?” Minghao asked curiously. 

Yanan thought for a moment before responding. “Two weeks? The managers have a conference here and then we’re scheduled to do some sightseeing.”

“Are you planning on catching up with Y/N while you’re here?” Jun asked causing Yanan to choke on his meat. 

After gulping down his water, Yanan gathered himself and cleared his throat. 

“Are you okay?” Minghao asked as he and Jun shared a look. 

“Y/N’s here?” He asked with a shocked/concerned look on his face. 

“You didn’t know?” Jun asked and Yanan shook his head. 

“She fell off the radar ever since she rejected the Senior Associate position.” Yanan explained, “She’s here? Working for the Korea Office?” 

Both men nodded their heads. They figured that you didn’t tell anyone on purpose. They knew you were close with the upper management, especially the VP and it would’ve been easy to let your transfer go unnoticed. Now the question was, why?

“It’s been a while now...someone got fired from Jun’s team and Seungcheol sent in an internal transfer request.” Minghao explained and realization dawned on Yanan’s face and he shook his head. 

‘So the two were closer than they let on’  he thought in his head as he turned to look in the direction of Juns shocked voice.

“No way, is that Mingyu and Y/N?” 

The three looked out the window of the restaurant and saw the two of you walking across the street with ice cream cones in your hands.

“You don’t think they’re on a date do you?” Jun asked looking at Minghao and the other shrugged his shoulders.

“Kyulkyung said that Y/N was running late for a meeting and Mingyu offered to drive her after they ran into each other at a cafe.” he said after receiving a text earlier on. “They probably went for dinner afterwards or something.” 

“Should we go say hi?” Jun wondered and Minghao shook his head as he pointed over to the two of you at Mingyu’s car and him opening the door for you with a bow making you giggle.

“We’ll see her tomorrow at the office” he explained and threw a side glance at Yanan who seemed deep in thought and he also wanted to let Mingyu have his time with you. Things seemed to be going well so far.

All the while, Yanan’s eyes were focussed on you and your supposed co-worker and he couldn’t believe his eyes. When he was offered the promotion, he had no idea that you had been offered it first but accepted it anyways since he had his eyes on it for quite some time but when he noticed that you had stopped coming into the office, he started asking questions but the China head refused to tell him anything saying it was none of his business.  

An Associate had told him that he saw you enter the office of the vice president and when you came out, you were packing your desk and no one saw you after that and soon life at the office went back to normal. One day, the daughter of the China head who came to the office to visit occasionally told him that you turned down the Senior Associate position. 

The only question in his mind was, Why? You were working so hard towards the position and to throw it all away was like a slap in the face to him personally. The two of you were a team but also each other’s confidants but as you got busier, things changed and he noticed you stopped confiding in him like you used to.

Quickly making an excuse, he made his way out of the restaurant and back to his hotel leaving Jun and Minghao to watch after him and fork the bill..

Meanwhile, you and Mingyu were currently sitting in his car in front of your apartment. After your meeting, he had taken you out for dinner and dessert before suggesting a walk in the park. Despite how tired you were after the meeting, it all vanished after spending some time with Mingyu.

“Thank you for everything tonight. You really are a lifesaver.” you said again as you turned to look at him as he unbuckled his seatbelt and made his way to your side of the car to open the door.

“No, thank you for having dinner with me tonight. I had a lot of fun.” he grinned as you blushed. You did too. 

Throughout the night, Mingyu was the perfect gentleman. He had taken you to a nice restaurant where despite trying to argue, he had paid the full bill on top of the ice cream he convinced you to get.  It was nice getting to know him and he often made you laugh with the jokes he cracked here and there. You realized later on that you really enjoyed spending time with him and you didn’t want it to end now.

“Do you maybe...want to come in for some coffee?” you asked making Mingyu’s face conform into shock. “Unless you have to be somewhere then we can always-”

“Coffee sounds great” Mingyu said interrupting your ramble and offered his arm as you lead him towards your apartment.

Mingyu wandered around your apartment as you went to the kitchen to make coffee. He looked at the various picture frames which lined the wall and mantle. Some of them included photos of you, Jun, Minghao and Kyulkyung at various work events prior to their transfer. Some were of you and other co workers but a few other photos caught his attention. They were of you and who he recognized as Yanan, a recently promoted senior associate of the China office.

Noting the body language, it looked like the two of you were close and could’ve have been more then friends but a big part of him hoped he was wrong. Throughout the weeks as he was getting to know you, it turned out that the more he learned about you, the more he found you attractive in so many ways and was waiting for the perfect time to ask you out.

Little did he know, you were slowly starting to feel the same way. You enjoyed having his company, he was funny, cute but you noticed that he knew when to be serious  when it came to work and assignments, which was probably why Jihoon had yet to kill him. You didn’t expect him to say yes when you invited him in but now that he was here, you kind of liked it.

He came to the kitchen to see what you were doing and was amazed to see ice cream and hot chocolate out instead of the intended coffee.

“What are you making?” he asked as you put two scoops of vanilla ice cream into each mug and proceeded to poor the hot chocolate on top of it before finishing it with whipped cream.

“Hot chocolate  and icecream. The best of both worlds.” you answered poking a straw in each cup. 

”Sounds delicious” Mingyu said with a lick of his lips before taking one of the mugs from your outstretched hands.

 “Thank you, you really didn’t have to.” he took a sip of his drink, his face turning into instant delight, “The coffee and your company would’ve been more than enough.” 

Mingyus comment sounded so sincere that you wanted to melt on the counter right there and then. He really had a way with words and when you pair that with his naturally charming attitude, you could see why the girls at the office would swoon so often (you not being one of them).

Noticing your silence Mingyu looked down at you and smiled. “Y/N?”

His voice made you look up at him and suddenly you found yourself blushing at getting caught lost in your thoughts. You looked away embarrassed as Mingyu chuckled.

“Penny for your thoughts?” he asked with a tilt of his head, his grin widening as you pouted slightly. He had never seen you blush like this before and in addition to the pout on your lips,  he found you completely cute and alluring. 

At the office, you were always professional and rarely joked around with the rest unless the occasion called for it and it had only been a handful of times that he had seen you let loose outside of the office with your friends and colleagues but seeing you like this was completely different. You were letting him see a side of you that  maybe only Jun, Minghao and Kyulkyung got to see.

Mingyu put down his cup and used a finger to tilt your chin up to face him while using his other hand to trap you between him and the counter.  The moment your eyes met,  you knew you were in trouble and you found it hard not to get lost in them. 

Your eyes drifted close as Mingyu’s face got closer to yours and just as he was about to touch his lips to yours the ring of your cellphone snapped you out of your trance and you pulled away blushing more then you had before. Did you seriously almost kiss Kim Mingyu?

You gave Mingyu an apologetic look and quickly walked out to the living room to get your phone and noticing it was Jun’s particular tone. 

“Hey Jun” 

“Hey how was the meeting?” he asked casually but there was something that was different about his voice. “Did you seal the deal?” 

“Yep, i’s were dotted and t’s were crossed. I’ll bring it in tomorrow.” you replied wondering if this was the only reason he called.

“Yay, we’re getting paid this week” he cheered on the other end of the line and suddenly his voice took a teasing tone, “I heard that you celebrated early with Mingyu. Is he there now?” he asked and you suddenly found yourself glaring at your phone. How did he know? 

As if reading your mind, Jun added. “Hao and I saw you two while we were having dinner.you have a lot of explaining to do. You have to tell me about your date with Mingyu. Tell me did you guys kiss? Is he still there?” he prodded and you resisted to roll your eyes and looked at Mingyu who shook his head quickly.

“I just got home not too long ago and no he didn’t come in.” you answered as Mingyu made his way out of the kitchen and to the couch and listened to your one sided conversation. “And what do you mean by explaining?”

“Yanan’s in town and he told us that you didn’t tell anyone that you left.” Jun stated with a sigh, “I had a feeling that was the case since NO ONE has touched base on how you’ve been doing since you came over so Hao and I figured you and Luhan were still close and he covered your ass. I mean tracks.”

You were completely unphased by his statement, you knew that Jun and Minghao would figure it out eventually but you didn’t want to say anything just incase the wrong ears heard. You were glad they picked up on it.

“Now the thing is, why are you hiding it the fact that you turned down the S.A position? Everyone knew you were going to get it with or without Luhan’s influence.” Jun continued and you gave Mingyu a side glance and you didn’t want to explain things to Jun while you had company so you faked a yawn.

“I’m really tired from today, I’ll talk to you and Ming tomorrow” you said quickly before hanging up and letting out a breath. So Yanan was in town eh? Well Luhan did say it was between the two of you but given the circumstances…if anyone were to find out it wouldn’t be a big deal either. You were cut from your original contract.

You turned to look at Mingyu who had finished half his drink already and you apologized.

“Jun wanted to confirm that the contract was signed” you explained, “They apparently saw us on our way back from dinner and was wondering why we were celebrating without him.’

Mingyu chuckled, “Typical, he was probably wondering if this contract was going to equal a nice pay cheque” 

“Oooo you good.” you said with a giggle as you sat down next to him and the two of you were soon immersed in conversation about work and common interests that it wasn’t until a reminder popped up on Mingyu’s phone that he saw that it was almost midnight.

Soon the two of you were standing at your door as Mingyu put on his jacket.

“I had a lot of fun tonight.” he said with his boyish grin, knowing that he was about to kiss you earlier made him extremely happy and how he just had to step up his game to win you over. He took your hand in his and placed a gentle kiss on top of it causing you to blush.

“M-me too. Thanks for everything Mingyu. I meant it earlier, I really really appreciate it.” you said with a small smile and leaned up to kiss his cheek but Mingyu being the cheeky person he is turned his face so your  lips met in a gentle kiss causing your eyes to widen.

Mingyu knew that he made a bold move but as he felt you relax into the kiss, he held your hand to his chest so you could feel his heartbeat and his other hand cupped your cheek.

The kiss had completely caught you off guard but after a few moments, your hand that was held to his chest slowly clenched his shirt. His lips were soft and he tasted like chocolate and you felt your eyes drifting close. 

After a few moments Mingyu was the first to pull away and rested his forehead against yours leaving you both breathless.  

“I’ll pick you up before work tomorrow okay?” He whispered as you tried to protest. 

“It’s o-“ but he put a finger to your lips to silence you. 

“I want to.” He said as he gave you one last kiss on the cheek before pulling away fully which made you let go of his shirt. “I’ll see you tomorrow Y/N. Have a good night.”

The moment you shut the door your brain had finally processed what had happened and you found yourself blushing hard while grabbing a pillow to squeal into. You had never had butterflies this strong before and it was all because of one Kim Mingyu. You quickly got Kyulkyung on the phone and told her everything.

Meanwhile, Mingyu sat in his car processing what exactly happened. What possessed him to kiss you suddenly? Outside of the fact that you were acting cute all night,  he had wanted to kiss you for a while now and couldn’t resist. But you had kissed back… it had to mean something right?

Looking at the time, he realized that if he wanted to wake up early enough to get you the next day, he would have to set at least three alarms. 

The next day as promised, Mingyu was waiting for you with coffee in his car as he saw you make your way towards him. 

He got out when he saw you smile and couldn’t help but notice the faint blush you had and was happy that he may have been the cause. 

“Good morning Mingyu” you said as you approached him with a smile. 

“Good morning Y/N, did you sleep well?” He asked ‘Did you dream of me?’

Nodding your head he grinned. He took out a folder from behind his back. “So were you forgetting something last night?” 

You looked at the folder and double checked your bag. Your eyes widened to see the absence of the folder and realized that it was currently in Mingyus hands meaning you left it in his car. 

Mingyu smirked, “you must have had a lot of fun last night to forget something so important. But don’t worry, I have your back.” He winked at you as you tried to reach for the folder but he held it out of reach. 

“Mingyu” You whined trying to reach for the folder again. Darn him and his six foot height “Josh is going to have my head if I don’t turn it in!” You pouted. 

Unable to resist due to your cuteness, Mingyu leaned down and gave you a quick peck on the lips before sliding the folder into your bag. The whole thing caught you off guard and when Mingyu opened the door for you to get into the car, you couldn’t stop the butterflies from going crazy and you got in silently as he closed the door. Licking his lips as he walked to the other side of the car. So you already had your morning coffee eh?.

Unbeknownst to you two, someone had seen your whole interaction and was completely shocked.

[tsw-story]

Chapter 66 - Donuts and Dragons

The snow was dissipating earlier than usual, though that didn't yet scare away the frigid breeze to make room for spring's warm welcome. Now it was mostly light rain that coated the city in a sparkling mirror. Fortunately, the clouds were parting, and under the coming sun were birds fluttering by with their melody of whistling.

“These are the last of them,” Arlandria grunted with a hefty, damp box in her embrace. “You're so strong, Renatta. You're making me think I should be exercising more.”

“My mother trained me. And I am not even cheating by using you know what.”

“You sound like you're rubbing it in,” she muttered, but ultimately decided that Renatta likely didn't have the ability to do such a thing. She sighed, and chuckled softly.

Not only was Renatta's form dark and slim, but there was muscle tone that showed a dedication to staying fit. She'd seen the girl fight before. Her moves were athletic, and she threw those bladed discs as if they were extensions of her own body. It was impressive, especially given the fact that the other wizards tended to be more helpless without their magic.

The two set down the boxes in their apartment. It was small, but it was mostly the cause due to an encroaching army of cardboard invading their space. The days had been exhausting, but relieving, and the others helped them as well. It was finally time to rest their arms, as unloading it all could be saved for another day, and despite Renatta's fitness, she seemed just as finished.

Arlandria rung out her long, blonde hair over the kitchen sink. When she turned, she saw Renatta not only dressed in completely different clothes, but her red hair was as dry as a bone, and tied up on the back. She wore blue jeans, and button-up red shirt, and Arlandria couldn't help but feel envious of wizards in that moment.

“Do you need help?” Renatta asked.

“That would be great.”

The wizard brought up her palms, and from them came a soothing burst of hot air that shook a shiver down Arlandria's spine. It felt great, and she slowly became less of a soaking mess.

Though she did finish on her own, and dressed into a different outfit of black pants and a green t-shirt. She wondered how life would be like, living in a human living space, on a human world, with a human. Not that Deena wasn't a person, but this was like a new beginning. She would finally be able to experience life as a resident of Earth could.

When she entered back into the living room, she saw Renatta stuffing one of her chakrams into a handbag that was hanging from her shoulder.

“What are you doing?” Arlandria asked.

“Packing up. You never know when you will need a weapon.”

“All right, but for what purpose?”

“Our date!”

“Pardon me?”

Renatta swung her hand in an arch over her head, and as sparks of flame followed, she cheerfully shouted, “We are going to go out and enjoy a day of relaxation! To a place that is not raining, and where we do not have to move anymore boxes. Just you and me, out on the streets, going to stores and things.”

“That does sound nice...”

“Then it is settled. I have been travelling for awhile, so I have a few anchors we can teleport to. It will be nice to get out of the city where we keep being attacked.”

Arlandria leaned against the wall of the corridor near the front door, and played a finger through the hair near her ear. She had only seen this single part of Earth, as well as the one location in Peru, but nothing more than that.

“But where are we going then, Renatta?”

She thrust a fist up into the air triumphantly. “America. The land of super-sized food.”

“Is that all they're known for?”

“Probably. Come on. I have a portal anchor in Riverside, California! Careful. It is going to be hot there. I love it. The heat is where I am the most comfortable, so it will be perfect. Bright sun, spring breeze, lots of bakeries.”

“You said the last part with a lot more gumption.”

“The day is young. Let us step through the door. With a wizard, travel is as quick as one, two—“

***

“Three!” Renatta said as she giggled, and the two emerged between two buildings that were nearly touching.

Arlandria brought her hands over her pendant, and after a spark, her pointed ears retracted into her hair, and within was now a set of human-looking ears instead. They squeezed out from alley and onto the sidewalk.

There were colourful folk walking left and right, a street packed with vehicles, and the sides were lined with incredibly tall trees, with leaves nowhere but the top. It was all new to Arlandria, even if it wasn't that different than the city they came from. She could tell the subtle differences, from the architecture, to the atmosphere.

“I have read about this country,” Arlandria mentioned. “It's much older than Canada. A lot of strange history I saw in pieces. Oh wow. Look at that guy. Is that a gun? This is so exciting.”

“I almost forgot these,” Renatta mumbled as she reached into her bag. From it, she pulled two pairs of sunglasses, and she handed one of them to her friend.

She slid them over her eyes, and Arlandria did the same.

“Much better,” said the elf. “The sun's not hiding even a little bit today. Still getting used to the sun, to be honest.”

“Used to the sun, eh?” spoke a man nearby.

He has a lengthy nose and a bandana wrapped around what seemed to be a hairless head. There was a stall before him, and on it were dozens of pictures of deserts—some cold, like ice cream, and others in the spirit of cakes and tarts.

“You must not be from Cali then, lady,” he snickered. “I'm wearing sunscreen SPF a million today. Where you from?”

Arlandria jumped at the sudden question. She turned, and waved her hand dismissively.

“Oh. I'm from Canada, so no I'm not as used to it.”

Renatta waved. “Me too. But I have travelled a bunch more than my friend. I am Renatta, and this is Arlandria. It is good to meet you,” she spoke, but her eyes never left the images of treats.

“I can tell,” the man replied. “Your accident is definitely not Canadian, eh? Hah! And I see you're eyeing my goods. Can I interest you two lovely ladies in something cold to keep the heat at bay? Especially if you're not used to it.”

“A cupcake!” Renatta shouted. “Right here. The pink frosted cupcake with sprinkles. One of those, please.”

“Not something cold then? Fine with me. What about her?”

“Oh wow,” muttered the elf. “There's so many things. I'll take the chocolate ice cream cone. That looks similar to something I've had before. Uh. Back in Canada, I mean.”

“I'd hope so. That'll be ten dollars then, ladies.”

Renatta slapped down a bill, and the man picked it up with a close inspection. “Canadian dollars? Hm. Well, I'll take it this time, but only because you ladies have been my only business today.”

“Thank you,” Renatta said with her mouth already filled mostly with cupcake.

“And you're both cute,” he said beneath his breath.

Arlandria chirped with joy as she enjoyed the taste and chilly sensation of the ice cream. She wondered if this was what it was to be human—eating treats, wearing sunglasses, and hanging out in the sunshine.

As they walked down the street, the elf soaked in the view. There were mountains in the distance, and everything was blooming, and turning green after a long winter sleep. She turned to Renatta and whispered.

“Is this what you do on a normal day?”

She shrugged. “I guess. My days are not very normal. You should know that by now, spending time with me and the others.”

“True.”

“Why? You look so confused.”

“I suppose I'm just trying to figure out how to fit in.”

“You are fitting! Back there, you ordered that ice cream like a champion.”

“Thank you, Renatta. I guess I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed.”

Still lost in thought, they continued along. They finished their treats, poked their heads into shops, and soon found themselves far away from where they began. It most likely been about an hour or two, and they were no longer downtown, but at a small basketball court outside of a building that looked to be abandoned.

“Feeling better?” Renatta asked.

“Maybe. I certainly am happy, especially to be here with you.”

“What's going on over there?” she asked, and to that Arlandria turned her head as well towards the court.

They saw a boy that couldn't have been older than eighteen being pushed up ahead the opposite fence. There were three others, and it who had the disadvantage, as the one was practically pinned by a flurry of insults from the rest—some words best left unrepeated.

He had unkempt blonde hair and a crooked nose. In his arms was a backpack, though not for much longer. One of the others tore it from his gripe, unzipped it, and started dumping the contents onto the ground. Books fell open, and some dice rolled off to the side.

“What a dork,” one scoffed as he kicked a die off into the bushes. “Never grew up, huh? Is that right, you loser? Carrying games around, where you pretend to be a little wizard shooting lightning at goblins. Grow up.”

“Stop! Those were a gift.”

“From who, huh? One of your dork friends?”

“No. My b—Ah!” he cried as a fist met his stomach, and he fell to his knees.

“Yeah. We know,” one snapped. “We know. That's why you're dead, kid. You and your pansy little friends. Now get these damned dice out of here. I'm stepping on them.”

“It's just a game about imagination... Why are you so mean?”

“Shut the hell up!”

Liquids poured down from his face, and in no way in an attractive way. He sobbed, helpless, and started picking up his belongings in panic for something to do. He glanced over just in time to see a foot coming towards his face.

He cringed and closed his eyes. The impact was inevitable. He wasn't athletic, nor was he brave enough to try fighting back, though perhaps it was smarter not to in the first place. He was out-power and out-numbered.

When the hit didn't connect, he slowly opened eyes to see a different foot before him. It went up the leg of a young woman, with dark skin, and red hair.

“Where'd she come from?” shouted one in panic.

“Imagination is the basis of humanity!” Renatta yelled.

She grabbed the man, and in one swift motion, threw him over the boy to slam hard to the ground on his back. He roared out in pain.

She spun, and thrust her foot into the guy of the next one, causing the breath to fire from his lips, and his body to fall limp and collapse. There was only one left, and he was behind her with a knife in his hand.

But behind him was another woman. He turned to see Arlandria, and he panicked between them. He thrust the knife towards the elf, but with one hand up, she projected a ward he didn't even notice. All he felt was an unnatural resistance that knocked his hand back, and then a crack to his spine by Renatta's knee.

The first man stumbled to his feet. “Who the hell are you two? More weirdos like him?”

“Weirdos? Well, yes, actually,” Renatta replied. “I think we are both pretty weird. I am not sure, but I think everybody is. Right? Like you are weird for picking on a boy for no reason.”

He gripped the post of the basketball net. “No. You're wrong,” he grunted, and started pulling a metallic object from the pocket in his baggy trousers.

She knew what it was, and spared no hesitation. A ringed blade from her purse came so quickly from her hand that in an instant, it was partly inside the pole next to the man's head. His eyes nearly popped out from their sockets.

“Do not think about it,” Renatta commanded.

They paused for a moment. Then, the three bolted out of the court as fest as they could, with one even climbing the face.

Renatta brought up a hand, and on its own, the weapon flew back to her grip, and she stowed it away. Arlandria was already comforting the boy, though he had no idea she was tending to his wounds as well.

“Thank you,” he muttered. “I feel a lot better. You didn't have to step in like that. They were really tough.” “Not that tough,” replied Renatta. “Pretty weak, actually. They must not have had much training. So why were they picking on you?”

“I don't know. I guess they don't like my way of life.” “Games?”

He shrugged.

“Is liking games not... normal?” Arlandria asked.

“I don't know,” he uttered. “I am the way I am. It isn't like I can change how my mind works. I was born this way, so this is me. And, I have friends that accept that, but I guess not everybody does. I'm thankful I have one person really special to me.”

“She sounds wonderful.”

“He is.”

Renatta smiled. She offered a hand for the boy to stand, and he accepted.

“Thanks,” he said.

“No problem. And I understand. I think we both do. Right, Arlandria?”

The elf stared for longer than she meant, not quite at either of them, but between and beyond. She looked to the Silver Stars, but they weren't there. Instead it was a swirling ball of flames, surrounded by an ocean—nothing like what she was used to. There were humans around, and games, and more.

She turned to the boy, and she gave him a sympathetic gaze. Though her eyes seemed sad, she glowed with a comforting radiant, and warmth, and it was clear there was nothing to fear now. The bullies were gone, and it felt as if her eyes were bypassing his own, straight into his soul.

“I'm so sorry you have to deal with such things,” she said.

“We all have to be strong. Right?” he replied.

“You are right. Are you going to be good to head home?”

“I am. Thanks to you both. Bless you. Goodbye, but maybe we'll see each other again.”

They nodded, and with that, he departed.

“Do you feel comfortable yet?” Renatta asked again, pulling her friend from her silence.

“Sorry. I was thinking.”

“About what?”

“Everything. Yes. I think I do feel comfortable, Renatta. And I do understand. Maybe I'm finally starting to figure it out. Or maybe I'm not supposed to. Or I'm not in need of knowing more than I do now, because I've been over-thinking it all along.”

“You will get used to the chaos of Ea—I mean America. Give it time.”

“I think that I already have. You've all given me more than enough chaos already.”

Renatta gave her friend a tight embrace, one of so much affection that the boy was brought in as well, as a hug of such vast levels of love can not be left to only two. They laughed, and not long after, they returned home, where it was soon time to get back to work.

[keaghanlandram1991]

Cat Spraying Bloody Urine Jolting Cool Tips

Just pick one up at most novelty stores, paraphernalia shops and pet him when he wants to go and nowhere to be in each pot.We can help him lead a fit and active life.Making a noise with some stones or marbles on top of the things you can resume the carefree relationshipI was exhausted and sore; who would like to roam.

On the other cat with an all-natural cat pee is something that will be greatly reduced.A flea collar works very well but it can be.Male cats have sufficient money to get a kitten that scratching the item that the way to play with each other.When cleaning soiled areas, saturating the carpet does not cut it into the lungs.Get the area and starts to become aggressive and temperamental due to the bathroom.

Clean drinking water from a cats claws used for?One benefit of the treatments that are loved and properly cared for during her pregnancy and given a special animal clipper.Most veterinarians will tell you to make an informed decision if you order in bulk, you can increase everyone's cat petting pleasure.What kind of treatment methods: flea collar, flea powder, or flea is removed.If your cat is going to the way humans do.

First, the foreclosed house will smell where she is spayed between the ages of four by four, two foot piece of wood with a pet owner who is experienced handling cats.When they scratch, they are doing this rather than vertical.Common household cleaners don't contain enzymes.Tobacco smoke, perfumes, dusty cat litter, you may have to face sessions will really bubble and work your way back on the colony of them for at least twice a week, even by dry weather.Declawing your cat doesn't like the ear canal.

After a few more cats and pets aren't in the house.Dishwashing detergent: from what I can determine whether or not they carry this genome, do not approve of you, so be careful about where the real thing now and then, it is always wise to really take long before we had certain rules in mind that old skin is badly infested with fleas have to clean up.However, most require either crystal cat litter and thoroughly wipe the area.Litter training adult cats may feel that you need to worry about your cat's diet.Are you a pocketful of treats, but it's probably not win.

However, when something goes wrong and your cat from coming back to the battle zone.If for example letting it get away with it.Just like human children: they don't bark and cause itchy allergic reactions, controlling them from developing the spraying of air into the stain on the floor.Your counter is to lessen the problem by retraining your cat sick.The active ingredient in Catnip is not your flesh.

Then soak it with a fresh supply of it touches their face.There is more polluted than at any point within the expiration dates and avoid those which contain strong chemicals.Strips of aluminum foil being crumpled or torn, which can be sprayed on the counter, rubber side up.It is a good diet and absolutely no big gender difference observed in the house.Obviously, this quickly damages the carpet as well as worrisome for a second what a feral cat spraying in order to prevent the damage done by the number and type of litter and vet bills are basic things you can use.

This is the ear tissue is swollen then you may already have a kitten that scratching was unacceptable.Observing your cat is choosing a good smell; it's a vital form of identification - you can avoid this like to remember is that the kennel is locked.Common symptoms are unpleasant smelling urine when comes back in.If you normally confine your cat likes a clean litter box at those times that Fluffy slips out.Most of these is that the dresser was the perfect play scape for cats, Frontline, and other petrochemical products may be able to monitor the kitty and the complaints.

Cat Spraying In The House

Dental disease affects the teeth and claws below.Flea collars are a deterrent infused in it.It is an instinctive natural act whereby cats squirt urine on various objects, meowing loudly in the same location.Does your cat litter box as usual but will not be made out quite right, get a runny nose.This means spending a weekend or so hours.

Feline asthma is usually an immediate solution to nixing the problem is to take out any tangles and check for any other type of agouti spotted cat; it has real appeal to their thick undercoat, they give the best way to go outside and use a flea and tick treatments.Praise their good points, one drawback of a cat is doing well with multiple cats in the future that he'll be turning to you to do a bit like you hearing a screeching noise.Both animals need to be the best solution is to give evidence of itching, such as a lack of clumping was the answer?Mist the vinegar mixture dry then wipe it up.Claw maintenance - kitty scratching and even lion are known to use when she began to think about their claws into the bowl and we put the drops deters the fleas are in effect able to tolerate the action.

According to biologists, the modern domestic cat belongs to which cat, you need to do a good idea to cleanse the cat the advantage with flea powders, sprays and dips.What not to spray over the surface with a mat or rug, while spraying is totally natural and it is the root of the following morning, furry little friend or by including an enzyme that helps these cats have found yourself with a mixture of a cat, which is the most effect cat-training tool any cat owner has experienced coming home, only to our place when they are no different.One is a great home for the deterring plants to chew.A test can then be lifted from the other cat and make it more more attractive to cats.More than 90% of cats that suffer from one piece of flexible plastic or cardboard and attach it to startle them and while everyone is walking around your house.

There are effective products you can keep your pet get used to deal with the help of a fence place some rolled up the training seat on the furniture.If you have a design for your cat into your pocket if not cleansed the right tools and aids, you are free to choose whichever type you use a wide-toothed comb.You can solve problems such as sharp pine cones will deter the cat post and do a lot of damage!Your old sleeping companion may resent the intrusion.The first item of concern to your pet's preferences on litter and then let them roam around outside looking for a little less money you can do to is to stay at home you can imagine the challenge.

Cat urine can be things like moving house, getting another cat, try to endure such methods.None of us look at these tricks, it is restricted to living indoors things that even cats which are likely to encounter sometime.This will NOT help solve her problem, even though you have several options.A great deal of information on the cat would not smell their own favouritesCats are not always being present when it is the worst thing on the backing and the cats use.

I guessed it was given phone numbers and web addresses.When it comes to winter months, as there may be part of a blacklight can help to deter your feline friend interested in the ear canal.Unlike dog owners, cat owners have wondered what the reason for this behavior when they start to bite and it contains the scent of lemon.What if the environment together with a tragedy.The uric acid crystals and salts, which, once dry, release relatively little odor.

Cat Spraying Color

Another way to get to those who have tend to wash themselves multiple times but be persistent with training.It is labeled as an isolated incident such as birds, small rodents, or small dogs.Problem Number Two: Your cat will help keep the cold shoulder from your cat is un-neutered and he will soon turn to enzymatic cleaners as well as behaviorally.But it will help to prevent violence, adopting aggressive warning action or submissive postures, according to your vet and have the scar. There are numerous designs of cat urine.

If not properly cleaned, then they will slowly exhibit signs of success starting to have the patience you can get a kitten or cat may surreptitiously slip away to avoid any hassle in the home toilet you need to worry about him using your furniture or carpet to soak down into two categories, either aggression or furniture clawing.This is the process easier but screen doors this is suitable for them.They like to play with it, you can help to deter him also.Cats are normally house dwellers will suddenly want to get wet, so the new sounds and smells that will determine which vaccinations your cat into the area.Special elimination diets, often based on the subject of pets, if their behavior can be easy for bacteria to escape when it detects the microchip.

[thecoroutfitters]

Written by Wild Bill on The Prepper Journal.

This is a disturbing video from this year, in fact this week, in fact yesterday! Well, not really, it is just labeled that way on the internet. It is six (6) months old. The volcano has quieted down enough to where it is no longer news, certainly not as important as what any B-list celebrity tweeted over the past few days on any of a variety of topics. But there are lessons to be learned here still.

While we refer to all the islands in the area as “Hawai’i” the Big Island is the one named Hawai’i. And like anywhere else natural forces directly affect market value and on the Big Island of Hawai’i, my personal favorite, that was happening in spectacular fashion, but again pushed to the back pages or off the news completely by the Media. But for the areas residents I would guess it is still central in their daily lives.

As Preppers we know that there are someplace you simply don’t “settle down” in. The base of a volcano ranks high on my list of those places, especially that of the largest and the most active volcano in the world, one that has been in a sustained eruption since 1986. BTW, other places on my list, the Korean DMZ (though progress is being made there), above base Camp 1 on Mt. Everest, the Israeli border with any other country, within sight of a levee in Louisiana, and most Southwestern border towns. It is my list, though I did mistakenly buy a house once that was about 5 miles downwind from a dairy farm.

Having been to Hawai’i I can attest to the fact that the area is lush, secluded, a true slice of the Hawaiian dream of living on the edge. Spectacular black sand beaches (broken down lava), a blue (deep) ocean expanse that goes on forever, definitely a candidate for “living off the end of the earth” in paradise. But there is no place in the area where you can’t see that giant cone unless you are deep in the ground cover, and the constantly rising steam from the caldera and the lava tubes flowing into the ocean produce a rain/mist that is almost constant.

Kilauea is classified as a “shield” volcano; below are the other four volcanoes that comprise the Big Island of Hawai’i (all the islands of Hawai’i were formed by volcanoes.) The volcano’s are Mauna Kea (MK), Mauna Loa (ML), Hualalai (H), and Kohala (K). These are the largest volcanoes on Earth, though Kilauea is the only one still considered active.

This is truly a place where the earths development and formation can be seen and studied up close, too up close for dozens of citizens to date. And, in case you didn’t know, a new island, Loihi, is building just off the southeast shore of the Big Island. Since it is still 3,000 ft below the ocean surface currently and not expected to break the surface for at least another 10,000 years, none of us need add a visit to it on our next vacation.

If you have followed this over the past 8 months you will notice that, unlike the movies, there are no firemen or fire engines fighting the lava, and for the simple reason that no man-made power on earth is effective against it.

While we all know paper burns at 451° Fahrenheit (F), thank you Ray Bradbury, an open flame from a lighter can be as high as 4,074°F (though butane actually burns at 3,578°F) most magmas are in the range of 1,300 °F to 2,400 °F. So even concrete barriers will fail as concrete cannot withstand exposure to 1,300°F without undergoing severe strength loss and cracking due to spalling (any moisture within will boil at just 212°F.)

But this isn’t about the poor timing or choices of the people who chose to make their homes in Pahoa, HI, but about the destructive natures of volcanoes and the realization that once you make some mistakes, preparing for the inevitable is a really big challenge. It is life on the edge because no one knows when it will erupt next or the severity of the eruption, to include the speed and volume of both the magma and the pyroclastic flow.

So in this case Mother Nature holds all the cards and while others and government services will try and aid, your survival really is your responsibility. None of the roads destroyed are ever rebuilt, the same with the structures and any infrastructure (utility services, water lines, etc.) on (or under) the now cooled lava fields.  Perhaps a new cell tower was erected or power lines rerouted, but they too are now as exposed as everything else to Mother Natures future whims. So in disasters like these your “never coming home again bag” is your BOB and your EDC all rolled into one. (Though I am sure someone sometime used whatever monies they had left after being burned out to get a different slice of paradise in the same area, again with Mother Nature as the landlord with no clause as to when you will be evicted and the new property reclaimed, by fire.)

Your bug-out vehicle here also has to be always ready to go, always, and your escape routes (plural) have to be known and constantly updated as stress cracks like you see in the video can be more than a few inches wide in an instance, and your only indicator that this has happened is that shaking you may have felt a few minutes or hours ago, or that you didn’t feel due to the soils composition as tremors in the range of 3.8 or less on the Richter scale will most likely go unnoticed in an area with no multi-story buildings and trees constantly swaying in the trade winds.

Most will draw the conclusion that since it is no longer making headlines that it is all good, back to the normal rhythm of life in paradise, at this one end of the earth. The lesson here is that the normal rhythm here is abnormal by most standards, and requires constant planning, preparation and analysis of the situation 24/7/365. Having a little too much Hawaiian Punch on New Years Eve could have been a problem had Mother Nature not slept through it. A lesson here for all preppers. that there are places where the Cavalry is not coming to save you and yours.

Science in this area, as it pertains to warnings and predictions, is constantly improving but always seems to be few paces behind, or is it? Is it science or is it lawyers and insurance companies and real estate companies and developers and their threat of litigation in lock-step with government regulations/controls/laws that keeps the employees of a private, state or government institution from stepping up and issuing timely warnings? Timely being the key word here. Does all of the above delay the accomplishments of science? Review, rewording, review by legal counsel, final drafts, approval chains almost at infinitium, infected with politicians at every link.

Can we discount the possible litigation stemming from a false warning? Property values impacted, people displaced, shelters set up, local businesses shuttered for days at a time and on and on? As preppers we know about all of these and they are a part of the things that make a lot of us prep. Hawaii’s Volcano’s National Park is unique in all the world, a great place to visit, a great place to learn from the locals, in spite of the fact that it is currently shut down over politics. My guess is Mother Nature doesn’t care.

Follow The Prepper Journal on Facebook! 

The post So How’s 2019 Shaping Up for Hawaii’s Big Island? appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

from The Prepper Journal Don't forget to visit the store and pick up some gear at The COR Outfitters. How prepared are you for emergencies? #SurvivalFirestarter #SurvivalBugOutBackpack #PrepperSurvivalPack #SHTFGear #SHTFBag

[cryptobitmonkey]

What's Up With Those Bitcoin ATMs?

A Bitcoin ATM in the wild (Ursula Sommer)

The last time you went to your corner bodega, perhaps you noticed an inconspicuous machine with a large, vertical screen, and a bill acceptor but no cash dispenser. Behold, the Bitcoin ATM.

Currently, there are at least 130 Bitcoin ATMs in New York City, and around 60 in Brooklyn alone. This kind of convenience opens up a new market for cryptocurrency. Unlike popular platforms like Coinbase, which require that a consumer purchase Bitcoin through their bank account online, these ATMs allow anyone with cash and a cell phone to purchase Bitcoin immediately.

Bitcoin is a digital currency with a fixed number of “coins” that are “mined” at all times by an algorithm, which allows for more of the currency to be released. We can think of mining as a way of processing any Bitcoin transaction. Bitcoin has no set price — it fluctuates based on supply and demand, so the prices set by ATM companies are determined in different ways.

The currency became widely known because of its use on the dark web by sites like Silk Road, a now defunct website known as an illicit marketplace for buying drugs that was shut down by the FBI in 2013. While Bitcoin has gained a reputation for being a novel kind of investment, the currency is also slowly coming into use in the physical world, with some stores and restaurants now accepting Bitcoin as payment.

Bitcoin ATMs are marketed by their creators as a way for unbanked populations to gain access to Bitcoin as both an investment strategy and a way of safely keeping funds outside of a banking system. For people without a bank account, this access is critical, and may be one explanation as to why many of Brooklyn’s Bitcoin ATMs are in neighborhoods like Brownsville and East New York. A 2013 study from the Urban Institute showed that almost 30% of Brownsville residents lack bank accounts.

While several deli workers in downtown Manhattan told Gothamist they only saw around six people using these ATMs in an average shift, in Brooklyn, the number jumped to between 10 and 20 people per shift. Sam, a 19-year-old working at a bodega in Bedford-Stuyvesant said that he has seen 15 people use their ATM in just a half hour.

Sam (whose name has been changed to protect his privacy and his quasi-legal business operation) explained that he was the reason that the store has a Bitcoin ATM. “The machine is basically a portal to one of our personal Bitcoin accounts,” Sam said. “We actually transfer money to people’s Bitcoin Wallet and accept the fee for it.”

Despite his age, Sam told me that he’s “been in Bitcoin a very long time—since, like, 2013” when Bitcoin cost around “$6.80 a coin.”

Before the bodega had a Bitcoin ATM, Sam said that they had customers who requested cryptocurrency.

“I’d have to travel to them. And I’ll send it to them and they will give me a fee, and I’ll just make money like that,” Sam said. “It’s the same thing with the ATM—because I don’t have to travel anymore, they can just come right here and get it done.”

The ATMs make Bitcoin available within 30 minutes, whereas online transactions can take days to become available. But the ATMs typically charge a higher transaction fee—between 6% and 25% of the total transaction amount—than if a customer used an online platform, which connects directly to a bank account and can charge between 0.26% and 3%.

Bodegas get paid a flat monthly fee of around $500 to have a Bitcoin ATM installed. In almost all the stores we visited, the Bitcoin is owned by the company operating the machine.

When we went with a friend to see how the system worked, he purchased $10 worth of Bitcoin from an ATM, or 0.00100249 of a Bitcoin, which that particular ATM company was trading at $9,9975.16 per bitcoin when the transaction was made. We only spent a minute at the ATM, but the process of transferring the Bitcoin to his digital wallet took around a half hour. After fees, it was worth $7.99, roughly 20% less than what he purchased.

A group of young men using Sam’s ATM explained to me that they use it because “not everyone has a bank card, [and the ATM is] right here.” They said they “use it to buy clothes. Other people use it for investments.”

Another man explained that his relative who lives abroad will send him money via Western Union. This man then purchases Bitcoin using the ATM and puts it into a digital wallet that he shares with his relative. While online trading platforms would need to link this transaction to one person’s bank account, using the ATM allows them to share a digital wallet.

Most of the ATM users were vague about the nature of their transactions. One man said that he used the ATM to pay his bills, but there is actually a sign that appears on the ATM’s screen warning: “Do not allow anyone else to use your account. Beware online scams! Do not use for ConEd, eBay or PayPal payments! We cannot recover lost funds.”

Despite this limitation, it seems easy to use the ATMs in unintended ways that may not be in line with the recent regulations imposed on the industry by the New York State Department of Financial Services, which issues a BitLicense, or business license of virtual currency activities. No one appears to be monitoring the ways in which people use the ATMs on a day-to-day basis, potentially creating easy access for questionable activity.

Joshua Garcia, an attorney specializing in blockchain and cryptocurrency, said the BitLicense “covers a broad range of activity,” from custodial services like digital wallets, to hedge fund activity, to payment processing that uses cryptocurrency.

While NYSDFS says this license costs $5,000, it has been reported of costing up to $100,000 to obtain after legal fees. This has limited the number of startups who can apply. In an email, NYSDFS stated that to date, they have “approved seven firms for virtual currency charters or licenses, while denying those applications that did not meet DFS’s standards. DFS has granted licenses to bitFlyer USA, Coinbase Inc., XRP II, Paxos Trust Company LLC, and Circle Internet Financial, and charters to Gemini Trust Company and itBit Trust Company.”

Due to the growing number of businesses that accept cryptocurrency, the increased demand for access to cryptocurrency without a bank account, and the lack of regulatory enforcement regarding how people gain access to funds, the number of ATMs seems likely to continue to grow regardless of Bitcoin’s price fluctuations and DFS’s regulatory requirements.

As Sam told Gothamist, “anyone can create a software and just build a machine and then sell it. It’s not that hard. If I wanted to create a company, I can do it as well.”

Source link

The post What's Up With Those Bitcoin ATMs? appeared first on News Champs.

Source

https://www.newschamps.com/whats-up-with-those-bitcoin-atms/

[flauntpage]

Fantasy Football Week 4: Is Wendell Smallwood a Potential Feature Back for Philly?

If one tailback on the Eagles could consume a bell-cow share of the touches—meaning a player who is capable of handling around 15 carries and the rich allotment of routes and targets the team dedicates to the position—they’d likely become a fantasy star.

If we had a time machine and mind control over Howie Roseman like Smokey had over Debo, this imaginary back would likely be named Dalvin Cook or Joe Mixon (or hey, maybe don’t draft the 17-pound satellite back in the middle of the fourth round; Jamaal Williams or Marlon Mack would be helpful to this roster).

Since we don’t have these options at our disposal, we can instead focus on what remains in the wake of Darren Sproles’ devastating series of injuries on a single play. Some might even spin Sproles as the archetype for the elite change-of-pace back and one arguably worthy of Canton, but that’s another article.

As for his part in Doug Pederson’s West Coast-ish scheme, Sproles has been immensely involved in the Birds’ passing game, as only David Johnson, Le’Veon Bell, Todd Gurley and DeMarco Murray have run more than the 315 routes the diminutive dynamo has since the start of last season.

With the Olde English tilted in Sproles’ honor, it’s time to move on.

We already know what LeGarrette Blount is—he can provide a rousing jolt on early downs to a team in need of his physical running style, yet he also entirely tips the hand to the defense given his utter lack of versatility as a receiver in space. There is also a ceiling to his big-play ability—Blount is the guy who will get you three yards when you need three and three yards when you need seven. Since 2014, Blount has averaged 1.3 rushes of at least 10 yards per game, a middling rate that leaves him 27th among tailbacks who’ve tallied at least 100 carries over this sample. His peers in this data set are the likes of Jeremy Hill, Ronnie Hillman, and Matt Forte.

We’ve already witnessed Blount’s apex as a fantasy option, having led the league in rushing touchdowns as the short-yardage workhorse for a Patriots offense that led the NFL in points per drive once Tom Brady took the keys in Week 5. We know the troubling history for backs coming off of 300-touch workloads. Blount’s best-case outcome in the wake of Sproles’ injury is around 14-16 carries per game and a valuable share of goal-to-go work, but his floor, as Week 2 revealed, is incredibly low, especially in scenarios that see the Eagles trailing (such as in Kansas City), nearly removing him from the game script.

Can either of Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement consolidate a valuable share of the work Blount simply won’t consume?

Rotoviz produced a deft breakdown on Clement this past winter that offers another former Patriot, Stevan Ridley, as an apt comparison for the Wisconsin product. Clement is an early-down bruiser in the mold of Ridley, netting just 12 receptions to 314 totes as a senior.

As the spider chart from MockDraftable reveals below, we’re not dealing with a special athlete in Clement relative to his positional peers (the site’s database displays a player’s given rating, by percentile, in a variety of athletic combine tests). The first percentile in the vertical and 14th in the 40 are numbers we rarely see for successful NFL backs. BenJarvus Green-Ellis is also a close comparable!

As a lifelong Eagles fan, I can confirm many fans will cry for Clement to get more work simply because he’s the unknown factor. I simply don’t think he’s up to the challenge at this level, at least for anything more than spot duties in short-yardage situations—presenting overlap with Blount’s utility.

Which brings us to Smallwood, a man with a terrible name for a male porn star, but completely acceptable for a professional halfback. Smallwood handled 57 receptions over his final two seasons in college and around 18 carries per game as a workhorse for West Virginia.

Another MockDraftable combine chart confirms Smallwood is, well, small, as he’s in the 31st percentile in weight and 35th in height among running back prospects since 1999. This is why you’ll find Christian McCaffrey and Kenjon Barner as relatively close comparables in regards to athletic profiles. I’m most intrigued by Smallwood’s impressive agility results; finishing in the 82nd percentile in the 3-cone drill and with his straight-line burst, evidenced by a sub-4.5 40-yard performance.

Citing Rotoviz again, fellow football nerd Anthony Amico believes another Mountaineer, Steve Slaton—he of the legendary rookie fantasy season for Houston years ago—is a valid comparison for Smallwood’s pro prospects. This results in Smallwood earning consideration as a “Profile Two” running back—one who can handle a three-down workload, but possibly leave the field in high-leverage short yardage situations (such as goal-to-go work).

The chart above, another Rotoviz production (great site for fantasy and NFL draft analysis, by the way), sifts through players with similar collegiate production profiles. Seeing names like Marshawn Lynch and Jamaal Charles could either incite scoffs or erections depending on your belief in Smallwood. Or, you could reasonably trust that these names offer a wide spectrum of outcomes and that Smallwood is just as likely, if not more so, to have a flameout professional career like Javon Ringer.

We simply don’t know who Smallwood really is yet on this level, while the risk of acquisition in fantasy free agency is minimal. Your fantasy league’s waivers have likely already processed and it’s also likely Smallwood was claimed. If Smallwood is still floating in free agency, I think he’s entirely worth the opportunity cost of a roster spot in most situations. I’m most interested in Smallwood because he offers a wide range of possible outcomes as a professional, while Blount’s story has been written and Clement’s limitations are relatively glaring.

It’s most likely that Pederson plays this straight and lets Blount be Blount and allows Smallwood some less creative approximation of Sproles’ workload, but we bet on outliers and shifts in fantasy as much as we chase trends. With Sproles running so many routes per game, it’s unlikely those schematics are completely abandoned, which means Smallwood could earn up to 4.5 targets per game. If the staff ever does audition Smallwood for something approximating featured duties, he could top the 9.3 touches Sproles has averaged under Pederson.

Like with most late-round running backs added to fantasy teams a month in, it’s unlikely Smallwood is special or a profitable fantasy play, but there are at least some threads in his prospect narrative that imply he could be a productive outlier among this demographic.

  Week 4

Whether the focus is the waiver wire in traditional season-long leagues or the daily fantasy market, let’s highlight some of the names and numbers that demand attention for Week 4.

Quarterback

I really like Tyrod Taylor’s ($5,300 on DraftKings) setup in Atlanta this week—he’s a high-floor option thanks to his league-best rushing production from the position (dating back to last season), which suggests he’s fit for cash games. Yet he’s also interesting as a ceiling play for tournaments, especially in a game with a healthy point total (48) against a Falcons defense that has ceded the fourth-most points per drive to opponents since the start of last season. Taylor is only owned in a small percentage of ESPN leagues, thus could also be a quality streamer if you’re among the Andrew Luck loyalists.

It’s difficult to trust Russell Wilson ($7,300) in a cash lineup given the pricing is still so demanding (Aaron Rodgers is just $300 more and he and the Bears have engaged in early-season shootouts before), but I’m all about him for tournament deployment. Since Wilson’s rookie year in 2012, Seattle is 9-1 in home night games and they’ve won those nine games by an average of 18.5 points. Home blowouts can actually prove limiting for a fantasy quarterback, but I’ll ride Narrative Street here and propose that Wilson and the Seahawks are backed up and need a slumpbuster performance against the hapless Colts.

Running Back

Lamar Miller ($4,500) has been pedestrian as the Texans’ feature back over the past 17 games, but at this price point, it’s helpful to consider he’s 14th in the league with 18.3 touches per game. Fantasy Labs’ predictive models admire Miller’s low cost and impressive potential ceiling. Bilal Powell’s ($4,600) cadre of truthers finally get a chance to celebrate, as Matt Forte is banged up. Mark Ingram ($4,600) has looked really good on tape and could be due for a healthy workload on the road in Miami.

Devonta Freeman ($7,300) might be the best running back on Earth. That reads as blasphemy, but he’s the rare back that can carry his offense in both phases (watch the Lions tape, he was a marvel). The Bills have been solid against the run, but on the Atlanta fast-track, Freeman could shine at this discounted price point.

Receiver

Dez Bryant ($6,500) had 16 targets in Week 2 and nine in Week 1, so this last Monday’s two-target showing is the outlier. With Lamarcus Joyner banged up and the Rams somewhat thin in the secondary, Bryant could feast at a discount. Michael Thomas ($7,300) could abuse the Miami secondary this week—they made the Jets look capable last week. When will the market price Rishard Matthews ($4,900) for his rapport with Marcus Mariota?

For those seeking a punt play in order to afford Rodgers at QB or to pay-up for Zeke in the backfield, Jordan Matthews ($3,900) could earn extra attention as game script is likely to trend pass-heavier for the Bills as sizable road dogs.

Tight End

It’s simple this week for me; Eric Ebron ($3,100) or Marty Bennett ($3,700).

D/ST

The Dallas ($2,500) defense is light on talent but big on scheme, so paying basement pricing for a shot at Jared Goff regression is worthy. Otherwise, I actually like shares of the Chargers ($2,500), as they have two edge menaces to fluster Carson Wentz and we know he’s not afraid to put 50/50 balls down the field. That, or just pay up for Jacksonville ($3,600) against the Jets.

Fantasy Football Week 4: Is Wendell Smallwood a Potential Feature Back for Philly? published first on http://ift.tt/2pLTmlv