#sell house fast in boston

[venic-bxtch]

SECRETS IN THE SHADOWS: Rings and rooftop dinners

SYNOPSIS: Y/N’s life takes a dramatic turn after she unknowingly falls for a criminal…

Paring: Scalvo x black fem reader

TW: Slight smut(idk if it really is), suggestive.

You were a very successful real estate mogul. After years of spending your time becoming a Pediatrics doctor, you wanted a change of path. So you purchased your first small townhome to renovate and sell.

Fast forward 5 years, you only went up. You purchased a beach house on the Boston coast. You live there with your golden retriever,Gigi, who is always a ray of sunshine.

On top of that ray of sunshine, you have a loving boyfriend of 3 years, Scalvo. When you first met him, which was when you were working at a local cafe, he was cold and rigid. You had a smile on your face when you asked him what he wanted order. He looked at you like you were crazy then laughed, poking fun at you. You side eyed, but still took his order.Weeks kept passing by, and he frequented that cafe. One day he asked when you got off work, asking if he could take you somewhere to eat, you agreed and said it was a date. The more dates you went on together, the more you two fell in love.

The only issue you saw was that you didn’t know very much about him. His family, job, friends, nothing.

Since you really loved him, you didn’t want to push it. Your family and friends were very skeptical of him. But you told them that he was probably sensitive and didn’t want to talk about certain things.

Tonight, he wanted to take you out on a date to a rooftop restaurant. He had rented the place just for you two.

“You look beautiful in that dress.” Scalvo gave you a quick kiss on the lips before pulling your chair out for you.

You smiled,”Thank you. You look good too.”

He settled down in his own chair,”Thank you.”

The waitress brought out a bottle of wine and two glasses,”Welcome to The Lexington. I’m Gia and I’ll be your server for tonight. Can I get you two started with any appetisers?” She got out her pen and notepad.

You browsed through the appetisers section on the menu,”Can we get the Bruschetta?” You looked at Jack for confirmation. He nodded.

Gia smiled,”Ok. I’ll be back with that.” She walked away swaying her hips.

You took a sip of my wine and scoffed,”Ugh.”

Scalvo laughed,”Y/N. What?”

You furrowed my brows,”Smush, she was flirting with you!” You whisper shouted.

He put his hand on your cheek,”I didn’t notice. My focus was on you.”

You smiled,”Good.”

>>>

You and Scalvo had finished eating.

He asked for the bill and Gia came scurrying over. He shirt buttons had been button down to where her cleavage was very visble. She reached over Scalvo’s face to get a plate on the other side of him after passing him the bill.

You coughed, trying to get her to see that you were right there, seeing all that was going down.

Unfortunately for her, Scalvo had looked the other way, paying her no attention. You smiled, thankful that he was being loyal.

Gia had finished getting all the plates and walked away. She said she’d be back out with our receipt.

Scalvo blew out air,”Fuck. That’s was uncomfortable.”

You nodded,”Yep.”

He smiled and got out of his chair,”I’m about to fix that,” getting a box out of his pocket, he got down on one knee,”Y/N Y/M Y/L, you have made me a very happy man these 3 years. You’ve taught me how to be a more likeable person, how to love, and important morals I had missed growing up. I love spending my time with you. Will you make me even happier by marrying me?” He opened the box, revealing a pear-shaped diamond on a silver band.

You covered your mouth, tears running down your face. You managed to get out an answer despite your tears,”Yes! Of course!”

He smiled and slipped the ring on your ring finger,”Perfect.”

You got up to give him a hug and a kiss. You looked over to Gia, who had an annoyed expression plastered on her face. You smiled at her, rubbing it in.

>>>

Scalvo loosened his tie then took it off. He put you against the closet wall, his hands gripping your waist and your noses touching.

He smirked,”We celebrating or what?”

You nodded,”Absolutely.” You gave him a passionate kiss, running your fingers through his curls. He broke the kiss and started kissing your jaw, working down to your neck. He picked you up, bridal style, and tossed you gently on the bed. He stepped back, taking his button up off, his dress pants, and his boxers.

You sat up and removed your dress, leaving your bra and thong on.

He pushed you back on the bed before speaking,”Fuck, you’re so beautiful.”

>>>

You woke up the next morning, sore.

You looked over to Scalvo, who was fast asleep. You gave him a kiss on the forehead and stood up.

Today you decided to do some sleuthing. Yes, you had known this man for years. But you still felt uneasy.

You looked through his suitcase he had brought with him that was sitting in the walk in closet. You slowly unzipped it, trying your best not to make any noise.

Clothes, Clothes, more clothes, watches…an envelope? You opened the envelope to see a folded up piece of paper and a rusted key. You unfolded the paper and read the contents.

•Pay Fitz the 200,275 then ask for another job.

•Ask Y/N to marry me

•Cool her down after

•Tell her that I’m a business manger, to cover up

You gasped.

“Y/N! What the fuck!” Scalvo grabbed you by your shoulders,”Why are you going through my shit?!”

You showed him the letter in the key,”Tell me the truth!”

He clenched his jaw and sighed,”I do jobs to get money.”

You scoffed,”What kind of jobs?”

He looked down,”I…I….I run heists. Low budget though.”

You widened your eyes,”Scalvo! After 3 whole ass years!” I tear rolled down your cheek,”I was defending you to my family and friends! I told them you probably were sensitive and didn’t wanna talk about things! I didn’t expect you to fucking lie!”

He put his hands on your cheeks, wiping away a tear white his thumb,”And I’m sorry about that. I just didn’t want you to know. So you wouldn’t leave me..”

You scoffed,”And possibly go to jail for hiding a criminal!” You calmed down,”You know what, get out.”

He pulled back, furrowing his brows,”What?”

You nodded,”You heard me. Pack your shit and get your sorry ass out of here. You can take this ring too.” Reluctantly, you tossed the ring on the floor,”Don’t show your face here, ever. I can’t have our child growing up with a criminal father…” you wiped your tears with a finger.

He paused before leaving the room,”Our child?” He put a hand on your stomach,”You’re pregnant?”

You nodded,”I was gonna the you as soon as you woke up…since you proposed and all. But now I know and I don’t want it to live in fear.”

He looked at you, pleading with his eyes,”I’ll still get to see him or her..right?”

“Yes..I’m not going to separate y’all two. Now get out, before I call the police.”

He gave you a kiss on the cheek before walking out.

A/N: Managed to get finish before I hit the road. There will be like 6 more parts. I’m thinking I can put first class chp. 3 next weekend then work on the next part of this when I get to the hotel.

-Michelle🌺

[fourohfourlifenotfound]

Can anyone give me an idea of how fast dnp tour tickets sell out? I'm literally moving house the day they're being released and I won't be able to get online until the evening

(Boston venue if that helps-- yeah its gonna be ten times worse for getting tickets I'm sure.)

[testudoaubrei-blog]

Right, this is true.

And the reason that housing is a good investment for corporations is because it is scarce. Because we have underbuilt something like 5 million units in this country. For a variety of reasons - corporate builders and lenders pulling back from building anything not guaranteed to sell quickly since 2007, the fact that all levels of government have mostly stopped building social housing (relying on subsidized housing from public private partnerships) but most of all because very normal suburbanites and the people they have elected have decided that there should be No More Houses. Many cities, like San Fran, DC, LA and Seattle are primarily zoned for nothing denser than a row house, while dense cities like Boston and New York are surrounded by suburbs where it is illegal to build anything that isn't a single family home on a quarter acre lot. This is great for people who already own homes, in some ways, because their home increases in value, which is half the point about government subsidized home ownership in mid 20th century America - subsidizing the wealth creation of (white) households rather than creating a welfare state that would benefit everyone. Also, it aligned the interests of the middle class with that of Capital, at least in some respects, while workers continued to get fucked over in other ways (401ks also do this). But the thing is, if housing goes up in value fast enough, it becomes a good investment for corporations and hedge funds and flippers. Basically if housing prices are rising faster than the stock market, hedge funds are going to buy houses.

The solution is to build enough housing that it becomes a bad investment. This includes abolishing single family zoning, sure, but will also need to include a lot of social housing. It will also mean that the American middle class will no longer have the Ponzi scheme of buying houses of ever increasing value and selling them to the next sucker (which has already broken down, because wages are stagnating and the next sucker can no longer afford the house).

[datascraping001]

OnTheMarket Data Scraping Services

OnTheMarket Data Scraping Services

OnTheMarket Data Scraping Services: Unlock Real Estate Insights with DataScrapingServices.com. In the fast-paced world of real estate, access to accurate and timely information is crucial for staying ahead of the competition. OnTheMarket Data Scraping Services by Datascrapingservices.com provides businesses with powerful tools to extract real estate listings and property information from the popular OnTheMarket platform. Whether you're an agency, investor, or property manager, these services allow you to stay informed about market trends, optimize pricing strategies, and gain valuable insights.

List of Data Fields

1. Property Title 

2. Property Address 

3. Listing Price 

4. Price History 

5. Property Type 

6. Number of Bedrooms 

7. Number of Bathrooms 

8. Property Size 

9. Listing Date 

10. Agent Contact Information 

What Data Can Be Extracted?

With OnTheMarket Data Scraping, you can gather a wide range of data points from real estate listings, including:

- Property Listings: Access complete property information such as type (apartment, house, etc.), location, size, and number of bedrooms.

- Pricing Data: Monitor listing prices, price reductions, and historical data to stay on top of pricing trends in your target areas.

- Property Features: Extract details on amenities such as garden, parking spaces, or proximity to schools, transportation, and other facilities.

- Agent Information: Collect contact details for real estate agents, which can be useful for networking or outreach campaigns.

- Property Photos and Descriptions: Get access to images and property descriptions to better understand the property’s condition and features.

Benefits of OnTheMarket Data Scraping Services

1. Real-Time Data for Competitive Advantage 

One of the major benefits of using OnTheMarket Data Scraping is real-time access to property listings. By having up-to-date information, you can act quickly on new listings, price drops, and other market shifts before your competitors.

2. Data-Driven Decision Making 

With comprehensive and accurate data, you can make better decisions when buying, selling, or investing in properties. Real estate agencies and investors can analyze market trends, adjust pricing strategies, and identify profitable opportunities based on reliable data.

3. Automation for Efficiency 

Manual tracking of property listings can be time-consuming. Our scraping services automate the data extraction process, saving you time and effort. You’ll have access to organized and structured data that can be easily integrated into your CRM or marketing systems.

4. Customizable Data Extraction 

Our service allows you to tailor data scraping to your specific needs. Whether you need detailed property listings or just price trends, we customize the scraping process to match your business requirements.

Best Real Estate Data Scraping Service Provider

Property.com.au Real Estate Data Scraping

Nestoria.co.uk Property Price Scraping

PropertyGuru Property Data Scraping

Gumtree Property Ads Scraping

Scraping RealtyTrac Real Estate Listings

Scraping Compass.com Property Listings

Realestate.com.au Property Listings Scraping

Realtor.com Property Data Extraction

PrimeLocation Property Data Extraction

PropertyValue.com.au Property Listings Scraping

Best OnTheMarket Data Scraping Services - Scrape Data from OnTheMarket Services in USA:

Long Beach, Indianapolis, San Francisco, Austin, Philadelphia, Houston, Mesa, Washington, Virginia Beach, Colorado, Fresno, El Paso, Chicago, Nashville, Orlando, Charlotte, Sacramento, Omaha, Jacksonville, San Francisco, Wichita, Oklahoma City, Fort Worth, Kansas City, Tulsa, Las Vegas, Memphis, San Antonio, Columbus, Milwaukee, Colorado, Albuquerque, Raleigh, Sacramento, Atlanta, Bakersfield, San Diego, Boston, Long Beach, Dallas, Denver, Fresno, New Orleans, Louisville, Seattle, San Jose, Tucson and New York.

Conclusion

OnTheMarket Data Scraping Services by  DataScrapingServices.com offers an invaluable solution for businesses looking to stay ahead in the real estate market. By harnessing the power of real-time data and automation, you can optimize your marketing, streamline operations, and make informed decisions that drive growth.

Contact us today to learn more about how OnTheMarket Data Scraping can benefit your business!

Website: Datascrapingservices.com

Email: info@datascrapingservices.com

[keyprimerealty]

Discover the Charm and Convenience of Townhomes in Burlington MA

Burlington, Massachusetts, a thriving suburban community located just 12 miles northwest of Boston, offers an exceptional blend of Town homes in Burlington MA charm and modern convenience. Among the many housing options available, townhomes in Burlington stand out as an ideal choice for those seeking a comfortable and low-maintenance lifestyle. Whether you are a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to downsize, Burlington’s townhomes offer something for everyone.

Why Choose Burlington, MA?

Burlington is a town that perfectly balances urban accessibility with suburban tranquility. Known for its excellent schools, vibrant shopping centers, and a variety of recreational amenities, Burlington is a sought-after location for families and professionals alike. With easy access to major highways like I-95 and Route 3, as well as proximity to Boston, Burlington is a commuter’s dream. The town’s rich history, friendly community, and well-maintained public spaces make it a welcoming place to call home.

Features of Burlington Townhomes

Townhomes in Burlington, MA, offer a unique combination of space, style, and convenience. Typically ranging from two to four bedrooms, these homes are designed to accommodate modern living with open floor plans, updated kitchens, and multiple bathrooms. Many townhomes feature amenities such as private garages, basements, and outdoor spaces, perfect for entertaining or relaxing after a long day.

The architectural styles of Burlington townhomes vary, with options ranging from traditional New England designs to more contemporary aesthetics. Many townhome communities in Burlington are part of homeowners’ associations (HOAs), which means exterior maintenance, landscaping, and snow removal are often included—giving you more time to enjoy the things you love.

Popular Townhome Communities in Burlington

Several townhome communities in Burlington are particularly popular due to their prime locations and exceptional amenities. Some notable mentions include

Arboretum Estates: Known for its spacious layouts and well-manicured grounds, Arboretum Estates offers residents a serene living environment with easy access to shopping and dining.

Vine Brook: A community that offers modern townhomes with luxury finishes, Vine Brook is perfect for those who value quality and style.

Beacon Village: Ideal for families, Beacon Village features townhomes with ample square footage and proximity to top-rated schools and parks.

Real Estate Market and Investment Potential

The real estate market in Burlington, MA, is competitive, with townhomes being a hot commodity. Due to the town’s desirable location and the limited availability of townhomes, properties often sell quickly. For buyers, this means acting fast when a townhome that fits your needs becomes available.

Investing in a Burlington townhome is also a smart financial decision. The town’s strong property values, coupled with its ongoing development and demand for housing, make Burlington a stable market. Whether you plan to live in your townhome for years to come or eventually sell, the potential for appreciation is significant.

For more info:-

New Construction in Westwood MA

Quincy MA top realtor

[ipscash96]

Sell Your Massachusetts Home Quickly with IPS Cash—No Repairs, No Hassles

When life throws unexpected challenges your way, selling your house quickly can feel overwhelming. IPS Cash offers a simple and efficient solution for homeowners across Massachusetts who need to sell their property fast, regardless of the home's condition or the circumstances you're facing.

Why IPS Cash is the Right Choice

Traditional home sales often involve lengthy processes, repairs, and uncertainty. IPS Cash streamlines everything, making it easier for you to move forward. Here’s how they do it:

No Repairs or Cleaning Required: Whether your house is in disrepair, cluttered, or outdated, IPS Cash will make an offer. They buy homes as-is, so you don’t have to worry about fixing or cleaning anything before selling.

Fast Cash Offers: IPS Cash knows that speed matters. After you reach out, they’ll evaluate your property and present a cash offer within 24 hours. If you accept, they can close the sale in just a few days, giving you the cash you need without delay.

No Fees, No Commissions: Unlike traditional home sales, IPS Cash doesn’t charge any commissions or fees. The cash offer they make is exactly what you’ll receive at closing, allowing you to keep more of your money.

Solutions for Every Situation: Whether you're facing foreclosure, dealing with a divorce, inheriting an unwanted property, or just need to sell quickly, IPS Cash provides customized solutions to meet your needs.

Hassle-Free Process: Selling your home doesn’t have to be a complicated ordeal. IPS Cash handles all the details, from the paperwork to the closing process, ensuring that everything is taken care of smoothly and efficiently.

How IPS Cash Works

Selling your Massachusetts home to IPS Cash is designed to be as straightforward as possible:

Initial Contact: Get in touch with IPS Cash via phone or their website, and provide some basic information about your property.

Receive a Cash Offer: After a quick evaluation, IPS Cash will make you a fair, no-obligation cash offer, typically within 24 hours.

Close on Your Schedule: If you accept the offer, IPS Cash will handle all the necessary paperwork and arrange for a quick closing. You can choose the closing date that works best for you, often in as little as seven days.

Get Paid Quickly: On the day of closing, you’ll receive your cash payment in full, allowing you to move on to your next chapter without any financial delays.

Why Massachusetts Homeowners Trust IPS Cash

Homeowners across Massachusetts—from Boston to Springfield to Worcester—trust IPS Cash for their quick, transparent, and reliable service. With years of experience in the local market, IPS Cash understands the challenges homeowners face and offers a stress-free way to sell your home without the usual complications.

Ready to Sell? Contact IPS Cash Today

If you’re looking to sell your house quickly and easily in Massachusetts, IPS Cash is here to help. Whether your property is in need of repairs, you’re dealing with financial difficulties, or you just want a fast sale, IPS Cash provides a hassle-free solution. Contact them today to get your no-obligation cash offer and start the process of selling your home on your terms.

Selling your house doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. With IPS Cash, you can enjoy a quick, fair, and hassle-free sale, no matter the condition of your home or your situation. Reach out to IPS Cash today and discover how simple it can be to sell your Massachusetts home for cash.

[ipscashcom]

We Buy Houses Massachusetts: Your Fast and Hassle-Free Solution

Selling a house can be a daunting task, especially when you need to do it quickly. Whether you're facing foreclosure, dealing with an inherited property, or simply looking to move on from a burdensome home, We Buy Houses Massachusetts the traditional real estate market can be time-consuming and stressful. Fortunately, there's a better way: We Buy Houses Massachusetts.

Why Choose We Buy Houses Massachusetts?

At IPS Cash, we specialize in purchasing homes quickly and efficiently, no matter the condition. Here are some compelling reasons why Massachusetts homeowners choose us:

1. Quick Sales Process

Unlike traditional home sales that can take months, we offer a streamlined process that can close in as little as seven days. This is ideal for those who need to sell their property fast due to financial constraints or urgent relocation needs.

2. No Repairs Needed

Selling a home usually requires costly repairs and renovations to attract buyers. With us, you don't have to worry about fixing anything. We buy houses in any condition, saving you time, effort, and money.

3. No Commissions or Fees

When you sell your home through a real estate agent, you typically have to pay a commission fee, which can be a significant portion of the sale price. With We Buy Houses Massachusetts, there are no hidden fees or commissions. You get a fair cash offer, and the amount we agree upon is what you receive.

4. Avoid Foreclosure

Facing foreclosure is a stressful experience that can have long-term effects on your credit score. By selling your home to us, you can avoid foreclosure and potentially save your credit, giving you a fresh start.

How It Works

Our process is designed to be simple and straightforward:

Contact Us: Reach out to us through our website or by phone to provide some basic information about your property.

Schedule a Visit: We'll arrange a convenient time to visit your home and assess its condition.

Get a Cash Offer: Based on our evaluation, we'll present you with a fair, no-obligation cash offer.

Close the Deal: If you accept our offer, we can close the deal in as little as seven days. You choose the closing date that works best for you.

Real Stories from Satisfied Homeowners

Don't just take our word for it – here are some testimonials from homeowners who have benefited from our services:

John S. from Boston: "I was struggling with mortgage payments and needed to sell my house fast. IPS Cash made the process easy and stress-free. I couldn't believe how quickly everything was settled!"

Linda M. from Worcester: "Inheriting a property was overwhelming, especially with all the repairs it needed. Selling to IPS Cash was a lifesaver – they took the house as-is, and I got a fair price without any hassle."

Your Trusted Home Buyers in Massachusetts

At IPS Cash, we pride ourselves on our transparency, integrity, and commitment to helping homeowners in Massachusetts. Our goal is to make the home-selling process as smooth and beneficial as possible for you.

Contact Us Today

If you're ready to sell your house fast in Massachusetts, contact IPS Cash today. We Buy Houses Massachusetts Visit our website https://www.ipscash.com/ to learn more about our services and get started on your journey to a quick and easy home sale.

[brentwoodsask]

In 1668, the famed company Hudson's Bay Company began operations thanks to the efforts of two French explorers with backing of English merchants from Boston. While the Governor of New France didn't want to shift focus of the fur trade away from the St. Lawrence River, fur traders Pierre-Esprit Radisson and Médard des Groseilliers learned from the Cree that the best fur trapping could be found north and west of Lake Superior on the shores of a great frozen sea.

With the help of English financiers, these early expeditions would eventually lead to one of two major companies competing for the fur trade in North America; the Hudson's Bay Company and the Northwest Company. But the Hudson's Bay Company had major backing from the government and controlled nearly all of Rupert's Land. By the 1780s, the Northwest Company, based out of Montreal, would seriously cut into the Hudson's Bay Company's profits.

130 years later, an area of British North America called Rupert's Land (present day western Quebec, Northern Ontario, Manitoba and most of Saskatchewan) was fought over by these two companies, no different than the British and French, and later the British and Americans. It was common for a fort to be raised in one location not far from the competing companies fort. This was the situation in 1794, as Reginald Brentwood, a wealthy merchant from England with a dream of exploration, set out from Cumberland House and into the north west.

With a small team of men under his command, they reached the northern shores of Pinehouse Lake, several miles north of an already existing fur trading post named Pinehouse, that was run by the Hudson's Bay Company, but had a competing Northwest Company post not far away. Brentwood didn't want a new location to be a target, and had heard of a local Cree tribe that lived near Sandy Bay Lake.

After constructing the fort, Reginald along with a few of his men set out to speak with the local indigenous peoples. He would eventually reach the Cree settlement of what would become known as the Starchild Cree Nation. Chief Starchild had known that either British or French explorers would eventually reach this far north and had prepared a welcome party.

Brentwood and Starchild got along right away, as Reginald explained his intentions to merely be an outpost for fur traders to buy supplies and sell furs. Starchild was impressed with this man of wealth who seemed to have a very straightforward vision. Reginald revealed he wished to greet his new indigenous neighbours as he would any of his neighbours in England.

A fast friendship was formed, as the two men supported each other, with Starchild's people even teaching the men that had built up Fort Brentwood how best to survive the winter, grow food in the rugged terrain and even hunt the wild game that seemed to outnumber the men of the region.

As with anything, however, not every good thing lasts.

The new settlers brought with them new diseases that the indigenous people never had to deal with. Through a shared knowledge of medicines from two continents, both those of Frot Brentwood and the local Cree managed to stave off the disease, but it took it's toll. Reginald knew that they needed medical assistance at the fort, as well as men and women to help expand this new settlement. He quickly wrote a communique to people he knew back east.

"My dear friends,

It is with a matter of urgency that I write to you. We have found heaven on Earth with this stretch of rugged terrain. The Cree people, especially Chief Starchild, have been more than helpful. It is time that we return the good fortune blessed upon us and give that back to our new found friends.

And so, I beseech you to gather men and women to come out west and join us. Professionals, tradesmen, doctors, educators. We have created a settlement unlike any other in this new land.

I await your reply.

Yours always, Reginald Brentwood"

His inquiry and request for settlers with professional skills fell on deaf ears for the most part. After all, who on God's Earth would want to live in such a barren wasteland. But saviours of a sort would arrive one short year before the Americans declared war on British North America.

In 1811, over one hundred new settlers arrived from Quebec. Men, women and children. Professionals and tradesmen. Somehow, word had circulated about Brentwood. A rugged slice of heaven in the Great White North.

Reginald welcomed them with open arms, but knew right away there might tensions. It had not been that long since the end of the Seven Years War. But these people seemed willing to stay in this English fort with no complaint. Even Brentwood himself decided that French should be encouraged among the people, going so far to brush up on his own.

Thus, these events would be the beginnings of what would become the city of Brentwood, Saskatchewan.

[risetomastery]

Startup Business Loans: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Starting a new business is an exhilarating experience. But one of the first major obstacles for any entrepreneur is figuring out how to fund their innovative startup idea. While some startups can bootstrap their way off the ground, many need access to capital to turn their dreams into reality. A small business loan can provide the influx of cash a budding startup needs to get on its feet. This article will explore tips and options for securing startup financing through business loans. Introduction Craft a Convincing Business Plan Strengthen Your Personal Credit Invest Your Own Capital Get Your Business House in Order Explore SBA Loans Pitch Your Strongest Assets Sell Your Skills and Experience Conclusion

Craft a Convincing Business Plan

The foundation of any startup loan application is a comprehensive and well-researched business plan. This document should include: - An executive summary that briefly describes your company, product or service, target market, competitive advantages, management team, financial projections, and capital requirements. Think of this as your elevator pitch. For example: "ABC Co. aims to disrupt the pizza delivery space by launching an app that facilitates delivery from multiple local pizzerias. Our proprietary algorithm matches orders with the nearest pizzeria to enable fast, streamlined delivery." - A detailed company description expanding on your core business, products/services, intellectual property, and operations model. For example: "ABC Co. has developed a mobile app that receives customer pizza orders and coordinates fulfillment by linking these orders to pizzerias based on proximity. Our app involves proprietary IP including our matching algorithm and integrated payment processing. We will monetize the app through fees charged to pizzerias as a percentage of each transaction." - Market analysis detailing target customers, total addressable market size and growth potential, competitors, and your competitive advantages. For example: "The app targets hungry people aged 18-30 in Boston looking for convenient pizza delivery from a seamless platform. This $500M market has grown 10% annually. Competitors like Pizza Hub lack network scale and smart algorithms. Our focus on strong unit economics will support acquisition and retention." - Financial projections including projected income statement, balance sheet, cash flows, and capital requirements over the next 3-5 years, with assumptions clearly outlined. For example: "We project growing monthly revenue from $10k to $200k by 2025 based on a target of 100 pizzerias and 5,000 users by Year 3. Total capital required is $500k to fund tech development and sales and marketing for user acquisition." The more realistic details and analysis you can provide, the better. Quantify everything and back up assertions with credible third-party data and evidence for best results. ABC Co. Revenue Projection

Strengthen Your Personal Credit

For startups without an established business financial history, the founder’s personal credit score and reports will be closely scrutinized. Before applying for a startup loan, take steps to strengthen your personal credit profile: - Pay down credit card balances and other debts to reduce your credit utilization ratio. High balances close to your limit drag down your score. Pay off cards completely if possible. For example, if you have a $10,000 limit across your cards and $8,000 total balance, get the balance down to at least below $5,000. - Correct any errors on your credit reports by disputing them with the bureaus. Inaccuracies like accounts that aren't yours, incorrect balances, etc. can negatively impact your score. For example, if you notice an account still listed as open that you know you closed years ago, file a dispute. - Become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card to benefit from their good payment history. Make sure they have excellent credit and low utilization. For example, you could ask a parent or spouse with pristine credit to add you as an authorized user on a card they've had for years. - Pay all bills on time going forward to build a consistent track record of on-time payments. Set up autopay on accounts to avoid missed payments. For example, set up autopay on your credit cards, utilities, phone bill, etc. to guarantee on-time payment each month. Taking these steps to boost your credit score and demonstrate responsible financial behavior will help convince lenders you are a worthy borrower for your startup. Good personal credit equals better loan approval odds.

With a higher credit score, you'll be able to qualify for better interest rates on loans and credit cards.

Invest Your Own Capital

Lenders want to see startup founders have their own “skin in the game” by contributing personal capital, usually 10-30% or more of the total loan amount. Investing your own money shows you are financially committed to your business's success. Here are some tips: - Use personal savings to fund startup costs. Having adequate savings set aside specifically for your new business inspires confidence in lenders. For example, if seeking a $100K loan, have at least $10-$30K in a dedicated business savings account. - Investment capital from friends/family can also demonstrate funder confidence. Gifts, loans, or equity investments from your support network should be documented. For example, you may have $15K in gifts from family members to help fund your startup on top of your own savings. - Your personal assets like stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, or real estate equity could potentially be leverageable assets via a loan against their value. For example, you may be able to take a $20K loan against a diversified investment portfolio worth $100K. - Tap home equity via a line of credit or cash-out refinance to access startup capital if you have sufficient equity available. For example, if your home is worth $250K with $100K of equity, you may be able to get a $20K HELOC for your business. - Use personal credit cards responsibly to cover early startup costs and operating expenses. For example, you might use a credit card for $5K of initial product inventory orders. Having detailed records demonstrating you have personally "put your money where your mouth is" will go a long way in convincing lenders to put their money where your idea is too.

Get Your Business House in Order

Before approaching lenders, legally establish your business entity, acquire licenses and permits, trademark your name if applicable, and address other regulatory and compliance needs. This demonstrates you are organized.

Explore SBA Loans

1. Understand the Types of SBA Loans: - 7(a) Loans: These are the most common SBA loans, offering funds for various business purposes, including working capital, equipment purchase, and debt refinancing. Loan amounts can go up to $5 million, with flexible terms ranging from 10 to 25 years. Interest rates are based on the prime rate plus a margin. - 504 Loans: Designed for major fixed assets like real estate or heavy equipment. These loans can also reach up to $5 million, with terms of 10 to 25 years. The unique aspect is the below-market fixed interest rates. - Microloans: Ideal for very small businesses and startups, microloans provide up to $50,000 through non-profit lenders. They have more lenient terms, making them accessible to those who may not qualify for traditional financing. 2. Find an SBA-Approved Lender: - Ensure you choose a lender that is approved by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Most banks, some credit unions, and other financial institutions have this authorization. Check the SBA's official website or contact local banks to identify SBA-approved lenders. 3. Prepare Documentation: - Similar to conventional loans, be ready with comprehensive documentation, including: - A well-structured business plan that outlines your business's purpose, market analysis, financial projections, and management team. - Financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. - Information about collateral assets that may be used to secure the loan. 4. Be Aware of Guarantees: - While the SBA guarantees a portion of the loan, you may still need to provide collateral and/or a personal guarantee for the remaining loan balance. This means your personal assets may be at risk if your business can't repay the loan. 5. Understand Loan Limitations: - SBA loans come with limitations on how you can use the proceeds. Make sure you are aware of these restrictions and that your business plans align with them. Additionally, certain industries may be ineligible for SBA loans, so check if your business falls into any prohibited categories. 6. Assess Credit Requirements: - While SBA loans are generally more flexible than conventional loans, they still have minimum credit score requirements. Ensure that your personal and business credit profiles meet these criteria. SBA loans can be an excellent source of funding for startups due to their favorable terms and lower interest rates compared to traditional bank loans. However, the application process can be rigorous, and approval is not guaranteed. It's crucial to thoroughly research and prepare your business plan and financial documentation to increase your chances of securing an SBA loan that suits your startup's needs. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business https://www.score.org/view-business-stage/plan-start

Pitch Your Strongest Assets

Personal assets like real estate, equipment, inventory, or other property that could potentially secure the loan as collateral can strengthen your business loan application. Some tips on pitching assets: - Detail all business assets you already own or could purchase that could be used as collateral. This includes real estate, warehouses, vehicles, equipment, machinery, inventory etc. For example, if you will use heavy manufacturing equipment for production, that equipment could potentially be used to secure the loan. - List any personal real estate equity in properties like your home, rental properties, commercial buildings, land etc. These may be leverageable through a HELOC or other mechanism. For example, if your home has $100K in equity, highlight how a portion could secure the loan. - Note any business accounts receivable, purchase orders, contracts, or other guaranteed future revenue that provides assets to borrow against. For example, highlight major sales contracts you have in place representing future guaranteed cash flow. - Outline any intangible assets including patents, trademarks, copyrights, licenses, proprietary processes, or unique technologies the business owns. For example, patent-pending technologies you've developed could have significant future value. - Document investment accounts, retirement accounts, cryptocurrencies, and other liquid personal assets that could potentially be tapped as collateral if required. For example, note any stocks/bonds, 401K, or Bitcoin/Ethereum holdings you own. Basically, spotlight every asset and revenue source you can leverage for the strongest collateral position. Assets = reduced lending risk = better loan terms and approvals.

Sell Your Skills and Experience

Selling your skills and experience is a critical aspect of convincing lenders, investors, and partners that you are the right leader for your startup. Here's how to effectively highlight your background: - Entrepreneurial Experience: - If you have prior entrepreneurial experience, whether it's running your own business or being part of a startup team, emphasize it. Discuss your achievements, challenges you've overcome, and how these experiences have prepared you for your current venture. - Relevant Education and Training: - Mention any formal education and training that is directly related to your startup. This could include degrees, certifications, or courses in business management, finance, marketing, or any other field relevant to your industry. - Industry Expertise: - Highlight your deep knowledge and expertise in the industry your startup operates in. Discuss your insights, trends you've observed, and how your industry knowledge positions you as a subject matter expert. - Specialized Skills: - Identify any specialized skills that are crucial for your startup's success. These could include technical skills, such as programming or design, or specific domain knowledge, such as biotechnology or e-commerce. - Leadership Qualities: - Showcase your leadership qualities, such as vision, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. Provide examples of how you've led teams, made tough decisions, and navigated challenges. - Achievements and Awards: - If you've received any awards or recognition for your work or entrepreneurial endeavors, mention them. Awards can serve as external validation of your skills and accomplishments. - Networking and Industry Connections: - Discuss your professional network and industry connections. Highlight any partnerships or collaborations you've formed that demonstrate your ability to build relationships and leverage resources. - Track Record of Success: - Provide concrete examples of your past successes, whether they are in business, academia, or other areas. Metrics and data can add credibility to your claims. - Commitment to Learning: - Express your commitment to continuous learning and improvement. Mention any ongoing courses, workshops, or initiatives you're involved in to enhance your skills and knowledge. - Passion and Dedication: - Convey your passion for your startup and your unwavering dedication to making it succeed. Passionate entrepreneurs often inspire confidence in others. - Team Building Skills: - If you've successfully built and managed teams in the past, highlight your team-building skills. A strong team is a crucial component of startup success. - Problem-Solving Abilities: - Share examples of complex problems you've tackled and solved. Demonstrating your ability to navigate challenges can instill confidence in your leadership. Incorporate these elements into your business plan, pitch deck, or investor presentations to effectively communicate why you are the right person to lead your startup. Confidence in your skills and experience can be a compelling factor in attracting the support and resources your startup needs to thrive.

Conclusion

Through meticulous preparation and exploring all options, startup founders can identify the ideal financing solutions to turn their vision into a reality. Weigh lending choices carefully and emphasize your strengths to convince lenders your startup is a worthy investment. With proper funding, your entrepreneurial aspirations can become successful ventures. Read the full article

[sinceileftyoublog]

GA-20 Interview: Outlier Blues

Photo by Jessica Calvo

BY JORDAN MAINZER

Even though it seems like everything is rehashed versions of something else these days, guitarist Matthew Stubbs thinks GA-20 is unique. Indeed, when the Boston-based trio (Stubbs, vocalist Pat Faherty, and drummer Tim Carman) released their debut album Lonely Soul in 2019 via Colemine/Karma Chief, they seemed like the only contemporary band making music wholly inspired by classic Chicago blues, loud and proud, raw and ear-shattering. In the years that followed, they’d double down, releasing an excellent 2021 record of songs written or performed by Hound Dog Taylor, in conjunction with Alligator Records for their 50th anniversary. Last fall, they released Crackdown, which delved further into the garage-punk side of blues. And now, they’ve revealed Live in Loveland, a pre-pandemic relic that tells the story of the first few years of the band more clearly than ever.

GA-20 had recorded and originally planned to release Crackdown shortly after Lonely Soul, mirroring the fast schedule and prolific recording nature of the legends they grew up listening to. In the early stages of 2020, setting out on a tour, they stopped in Loveland, Ohio, home to Colemine and its associated Plaid Room Records store. Burning through Lonely Soul favorites, Crackdown highlights, and other unreleased covers and originals, the band lit up an after-hours in-store at Plaid Room. They covered Little Walter’s “My Baby’s Sweeter”, rife with a bridge chock full of blistering guitar solos, and brought the crowd down with Lonely Soul’s surfy title track and the heartsick “Dry Run”. They paid tribute to their roots with the Chicago blues of “I Let Someone In” and “My Soul”. Faherty especially shined, with gravel-throated performances on “Lonely Soul” and the unreleased original “Hold It One More Time”. The performance, recorded to tape, edited down, and switched up, makes up Live in Loveland, the band’s first live record.

Shortly after their performance at Plaid Room, COVID hit, and GA-20 delayed the release of Crackdown until last fall. In between was when they collaborated with Alligator for GA-20 Does Hound Dog Taylor: Try It...You Might Like It!; they didn’t play any Hound Dog songs at Plaid Room because, as much as they grew up worshipping the house rocker himself, they didn’t even yet know they would release a tribute record. So if you’re a record completist who cares about canon and lore, know that Crackdown was supposed to be the band’s second as opposed to third LP. Either way, the ever-changing-yet-consistently timeless and, yes, unique band already has finished their next album, an acoustic concept record. And they’re writing their next electric one--you might hear “Hold It One More Time” on it.

Earlier this month, I spoke over the phone with Stubbs from his house in Providence about classic live albums, setting up a setlist, the story of how GA-20 signed to Colemine, and where they fit in music today. Read our conversation below, edited for length and clarity.

Photo by Matthieu Joubert

Since I Left You: GA-20 has released live EPs before. What made you want to do a whole live record?

Matthew Stubbs: First of all, historically, all styles of music, but especially blues and jazz, have put out lots of live records. Growing up, lots of my favorite blues records were live records because in blues and jazz, there’s a lot of improvisation. Every night can be a little bit different or very different. One of my favorite records is BB King’s Live at the Regal. It was one of the first blues albums I really connected with.

This particular record, we were on our way to do a gig. We were starting a tour, and our first stop was Loveland, Ohio, which is where our record label, [Colemine] is based. They also own a store called Plaid Room Records. We were starting to tour and had a day off, so we decided to do a show after hours in the record shop and sell tickets. A couple days before, I had contacted Terry Cole, the owner of the label, who also records. They have a recording studio above the record store. I just threw it out there, “Why don’t we try recording tonight to see what happens?” He had just bought a second TASCAM-388 tape machine. We pulled in the night before the gig, and he was working on the tape machine in the store. It was a spur of the moment idea. We didn’t know we’d get a record out of it. It was fun: great audience, and it was cool being in the hometown of the label. 

SILY: Were you pretty much playing the songs on this record on the tour, from Lonely Soul and Crackdown?

MS: Yeah. Lonely Soul songs and Crackdown songs. This live record has three unreleased songs, one original and two covers. We recorded all night. I went through it and picked what songs had stronger performances, and songs off those two records. It was recorded in January 2020, before we did the Hound Dog record, so there’s no Hound Dog [songs] on this particular record.

SILY: But you had already been working on Crackdown?

MS: Yeah. Crackdown was recorded not long after Lonely Soul. The plan was to release it in 2020, but shortly after recording this [live record], everything shut down, and we couldn’t tour. We decided to hold off on releasing [Crackdown] so we could do proper touring and a proper release behind it. During COVID, we got approached by Alligator Records to do a record for them. They didn’t realize we were already signed to Colemine. So I cooked up the idea of doing a Hound Dog Taylor tribute record. Alligator started its label to release Hound Dog Taylor’s first LP. It was the 50th anniversary of the label and Hound Dog’s first record, and we were all just at home hanging out. So we ended up recording that and releasing it before Crackdown, but it was recorded after Crackdown. It was released under Colemine and Karma Chief in partnership with Alligator. We used their promotion in coordination with our team and got their full stamp of approval.

SILY: In your sets, do you work in Hound Dog songs?

MS: Every night, we do a few Hound Dog songs for sure.

SILY: What was the first time you heard Harold Burrage’s “I Cry For You” and Little Walter’s “My Baby’s Sweeter”, the first two songs on Live in Loveland?

MS: “I Cry For You”, I remember hearing that song at 16. I got a double CD compilation of Cobra Records, and that song was on there. I’d always loved that song and never heard anybody do it. When we started GA-20, it was on the list of cover songs I’d like to do. I presented it to Pat, who sings it very well. “My Baby’s Sweeter”, Pat and I had been doing since we started the band. We didn’t have any originals yet and were doing lots of 1950s Chicago blues, Little Walter and stuff, even though we didn’t have a harmonica player. It’s [been] in our catalog of songs to pull from for a long time. We did a full gig that night, and [it was] one of the slow blues numbers we called on the fly. We didn’t play it planning to release anything. The performance was good.

SILY: What’s the story behind the original song played that night and on here, “Hold It One More Time”? Have you recorded it yet?

MS: I think it’s gonna be on the next electric studio album. We haven't recorded it yet but had written it not long before that gig. I love blues and soul music, but I also love garage rock, so I’m pulling from it on that song.

SILY: I love how when Pat introduced “Dry Run”, he told the story behind it, that it was about a girl who was using him to practice her flirting. Since at so many blues gigs bands are just playing standards as opposed to originals, I feel like I so rarely hear an ounce of the story behind the song, especially the ones about heartbreak.

MS: Pat wrote those lyrics, and I arranged it with him. He tells the story most nights, and people always chuckle.

SILY: How many songs did you play this night?

MS: It was probably a 75-90 minute set, and for the most part, our songs aren’t very long compared to most modern day blues bands. We never have a song that goes over 4 minutes. It’s maybe 2 and a half or 3 and a half [minutes], and then maybe one longer song. So usually, a 75-minute set has about 20 songs. 

SILY: Did you just take out some of the songs for this record, or did you actually rearrange the order?

MS: The order of the record is definitely not the order we played them in. There are a couple songs that go into each other that we kept, but I definitely changed the sequence for the live record to get it to have a smoother flow.

SILY: How would you compare sequencing a setlist versus sequencing a live record?

MS: I’d probably approach it similarly. The only thing that changes is not doing 75 minutes of music on this record. We usually try to come out with a bang, something pretty hard hitting. I like to have peaks and valleys in a set. I want to draw the listener in and have dynamics with quiet moments, loud moments, songs more focused on the lyrics and songs more focused on the energy of guitar playing, or drum solos. I want to keep people engaged. People don’t have super long attention spans, so whatever I can do to keep them with us in the show.

SILY: What’s the story behind the cover art for this record?

MS: Terry’s wife Whitney shot the show, and the effect on there is a crystal she put in front of the lens. The vibe of it was more on Terry. We talked about what we wanted, and we had that photo, and I wanted it to be vibrant and jump out on the shelf of a record store or on the merch table.

SILY: What are some of your favorite cities to play?

MS: I love playing Chicago. A lot of major cities tend to be really good to us. Los Angeles--I used to live out there, so I like coming back through. Austin. Denver.

SILY: Are there any countries overseas that tend to be really receptive?

MS: They’re all pretty good to us. This past year--and we’re going back in June--we went to Finland. I had been there with other bands, but not GA-20. We had maybe 8 gigs, and a bunch of them were sold out. It blew my mind that we rolled into a theater in Helsinki and it was sold out, us having never been there and a fairly new band. Every time we go back to London, it’s growing and growing. Spain is fun. France is great. Europe and the UK are very supportive in general.

SILY: What else is next for you?

MS: We have a couple singles that will come out in a few months. We’re gonna release a 45. We have another album all done that’ll come out in a year or so. It’s more of a concept album, an acoustic album. Right now, we’re writing the next original electric record.

SILY: Do you feel a kinship with other contemporary original American blues bands?

MS: A little bit. There are a few that are into similar things we’re doing. Modern blues in general for me, a lot of the modern day blues rock scene, it’s hard to explain unless you see us live and those bands live, but we definitely rock. We’re pretty loud. I consider us a traditional blues band live, and when we’re making records, I’m trying to make timeless records. There are some modern elements to it, but I like 50s, 60s, 70s records for blues and soul. A lot of the modern day blues releases seem like they’re coming from a different place, with their influences starting with the British blues of the late 60s on, or Southern rock. Their approach is [that] the entrée of the song is the guitar solo. Everything is based on the guitar solo coming, and long collections of notes. That’s not us, man. We have songs that don’t have a guitar solo. Most of them are in the 3-minute range. I’m more interested in producing songs I’m interested in listening to. To my knowledge, there aren’t really any up-and-coming blues bands making those kinds of records. There are bands in other genres making them, especially traditional country and soul music, like [those on] Daptone. Some garage rock bands are doing it. But not a ton of blues bands are making that style of record, getting out on the road and trying to reach a broader audience.

There are a few younger players I dig. Jontavious Willis is a player we’re friends with. Eddy 9 Volt is a good buddy. I like Cedric Burnside. Those are who come to mind. But I feel like we’re slight outliers in general.

SILY: That’s why I noticed GA-20 in the first place. It’s timeless, harking back to an era long before I was alive, but that sound like those old records I’ve heard. It retains that spirit without pretension.

MS: When we recorded Lonely Soul, we didn’t have a record label yet. We recorded 6 out of the 10 songs. I sent the EP/demo to Colemine and Alligator. They both got back to me in the same week. Alligator very quickly rejected it. They didn’t want anything to do with that record. Bruce [Iglauer], the president, said it was too distorted and too retro sounding. He didn’t like the production at all. He thought it was too raw. At the time, I found it interesting because I didn’t know I could be too raw for a label that started for Hound Dog Taylor, one of the most raw electric guitar players of all time. I said, “Why don’t you take the weekend and listen to it just in case?” He turned it down. The same week, Colemine got back to me, and they had no blues acts, loved it, and wanted us to go back in and record a few more to make it a full-length. The non-blues label that put out a lot of cool sounding soul records--and now that they have Karma Chief, it’s not just soul music--that had the common thread of timeless production, [accepted us,] and the blues label wanted nothing to do with the up-and-coming band playing raw blues. Then [Alligator] saw us live, and when COVID hit, they sent an email saying, “We saw you live, and we get it now.” They didn’t understand the production sounding lo-fi and raw, because new blues records don’t sound that way anymore. Eddie 9 Volt releases ones that sounded that way. I also heard a rumor that Alligator wasn’t interested in his first record, but I don’t know that for sure. I’m not saying I’m the greatest thing ever, but I’m pretty proud of [Lonely Soul], and I think we’re outliers.

SILY: Is there anything you’ve been listening to, reading, or watching lately that’s caught your attention?

MS: I really like Sierra Ferrell. I like Ty Segall, King Gizzard. There’s a band out of Australia called Surprise Chef, an instrumental, like an El Michels Affair-type groovy funk 70′s thing. I listen to a lot of instrumental music. I have a side project kind of on hiatus now called [The] Antiguas, which is like psychedelic twang cinematic music.

[shoppingeducation-uae]

Top picks for You to enjoy dining in UAQ Mall

Do you know what makes your shopping at a mall great? Restaurants and cafes that offer yummy food with excellent service and surroundings! If you crave some coffee and baked goods at UAQ Mall, here are a few recommendations where you can enjoy delicious food and quality family time.  

Highlighting the top restaurants to enjoy dining in UAQ Mall  

Want to try some signature dishes, while you dine in UAQ Mall? Find those here:  

Shakespeare & Co.

Fancy a cake in a quintessential Victorian-themed café? Shakespeare & Co., a homegrown business in the UAE, is where you need to go! You will be pleasantly surprised if you are a fan of European and Lebanese delicacies, as the menu here offers both cuisines! So, what can you expect at Shakespeare & Co.? There are crepes, mezze, salads, macarons, and all kinds of cakes and chocolates. Enjoy the English breakfast sets, pizzas, tea, and whatnot with a fantastic ambience. Get reminded of the old-world charm with their food and surroundings!

Dunkin Donuts

Can you believe that Dunkin Donuts satisfies the sweet cravings of more than three million customers daily, and you are one of them? Dunkin Donuts is a haven for all donut enthusiasts, as this coffee and donut chain offers more than 50 varieties of donuts with various flavours, colours, and sizes!Try their strawberry frosted, blueberry cake, Boston Kreme, and jelly donut, and relish these when you are here next time!

KFC

What began as a food joint that sold Southern-style country chicken fry grew into one of the world’s most famous fast-food chains. Kentucky Fried Chicken, popularly known as KFC has loyal patrons making a beeline to get their fill. Like all their branches, the UAQ menu includes burgers, submarines, sandwiches, wraps, French fries, and hot and cold beverages. KFC meals are interesting because you can customise your order to satisfy your taste buds. There are two vegetarian options too, which are finger-licking good. If you want a heavy meal, order one of their iconic cold beverages with regular-loaded fries. You will be spoilt for choice, as you may find exclusive options like food for one person, sharing and a combo called game specials. All these have chicken wings in common; only the siders and beverages differ according to what you want to order! Make your next family outing count with KFC’s legendary chicken.  

Starbucks

From selling coffee beans to having their own coffee houses with sustainability in their mind and actions, Starbucks has come a long way! Many of us might have known Starbucks’ line of cold and hot beverages like coffee, tea, Frappuccino, and other blended drinks. But are you aware of the breakfast menu they offer? Exciting right? It includes bacon, sausage, egg wraps, feta wraps, and all kinds of sandwiches with a delicious avocado spread. Apart from these, Starbucks offers a variety of cookies, Danish delicacies, oatmeal and yogurt with bagels and croissants. While you enjoy every sip of the Starbucks coffee, you can also stay there and continue doing your work as well.

Refuel yourself with fantastic food from these food joints and find the energy to shop a little extra for all your favourites!

[jcniper-backup]

Chapter Two

“You could stay for–” She was gone. Every time Sarah left, it was too soon. Joel knew pushing it would do more harm than good. She was a lot like him that way. He sighed, knowing he couldn’t be too mad. She was busy. Exhausted easily. Over the years she’d been studying her ass off in combat medicine. It was the most impressive thing he’d ever witnessed in his life. She was so much smarter than him. Joel was just glad that she’d come over to visit.

Even if it was just to give him food that he definitely did not need her to share. He’d rather her keep the food. There was a lot of things that he would prefer to reality that he knew were never going to happen. A lot of them were his fault too. Joel poured himself some whiskey and downed it. The walls were always thin in the QZ. The sounds of the street and the fighting always felt like they were amplified.

He ended up curled up in bed. At some point Tess had joined him, tracing soft circles into his back before wrapping her arms around him. He fell asleep pretty fast after that. The morning was warm and hot. None of the lower apartment complexes had working air conditioning, something that was more tolerable considering the fact he used to live in Texas, but still irritating considering the fact that when the sun beat down on the brick mezzanines it almost felt like they were being baked sometimes.

He got up. Tess wasn’t in the bed with him.

He groaned, his head was pounding. “I miss coffee,” He muttered to himself. Right then, Tess came around the corner and pressed a cup into his hand. There was only about half a cup there, but still she had basically given him liquid gold. Joel hadn’t been paying too much attention yet, but as soon as she sat down he noticed the bruises. “What happened?”

“Don’t get too mad,”

“Who–”

“I told you don’t get too mad.” She raised her eyebrow at him. He calmed down a little. Just a little. Tess could handle herself, most of the smugglers around the QZ were more scared of her than they were of him. Still…

He already knew what she was going to say. It was Robert or a firefly and she was okay. She didn’t need him to worry anymore than he already was. “This about the car battery?”

“Yeah. Robert sold it off to the Fireflies,”

“He promised that to us,”

“I know. He knows that. Made the mistake of calling him out on his shit and well–you can predict the rest.”

“Motherfucker,”

“We can get another somewhere else.”

“Yeah, I know that.” Joel took another swig of his coffee. The past few years, he’d been getting a lot of bad breaks. Technically, the last twenty years had been that way. But now that they’d finally gotten to a QZ, making their way up, trying to even get enough ration cards to survive the month was hard to say the least. Joel had been saving up, hopefully to get Sarah a more permanent residence with a safer more stable job and less needs for rations. Tess had gotten in on trying to help him.

“It’s going to be okay.” Tess told him. “We’ll get the car battery back, sell it to those guys that cut the oxy, get the money for the job, do a few more medicine runs and then they’ll move Sarah up on the list for a better apartment.”

“Okay. Okay. You’re right, we’ll get it back.”

“I’m always right,” Tess smirked, “now finish your coffee.” She patted him on the back. “We’ll get started after you’re done.”

*

Sarah had always had this plan in her head when she was growing up of what her life was going to look like when she was an adult. She wanted to be an artist, not a paramedic. She wanted a cute little house and a horse, maybe to marry some guy or girl that was nice and have a kid or two. The apocalypse had screwed that all up. Of course it had, it was the apocalypse.

Because she was good at memorization and compassionate, and because of how she got to Boston with her father and Tess, she’d been expected by FEDRA to be put to use as a combat medic. It had spiralled out of control from there, considering she was one of the only five capable doctors in the area. Sarah hated it here. She hadn’t had a full eight hours of sleep since she was fourteen.

Honestly, she hadn’t felt normal since she was fourteen.

That felt selfish to her. There were people here that needed her here and she was good at her job. There was no reason she should be complaining. When Sarah got home she collapsed into her bed.

The routine would be the same again next morning. Barely eat. Get to work. Go home. Get up again. Check assignments. Barely eat. Get to work. Go home. Crash. Get up again.

She got up the next day, already feeling numb. This was good. It was burning today. The only way to get through that and stay sane was to turn everything else except for autopilot off. She passed Tess in the street and almost didn’t say hi to her, but she stopped and turned around. “Hey, Tess. I missed you last night.”

“I missed you last night too, kid. Glad I caught you actually,”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I wanted to tell you that me and your father might not be reachable for about a day or two…you don’t need to worry though.”

Her stomach twisted up in knots. “You’re uh–” Smuggling again. Tess gave her a sympathetic smile. Something told her the two of them never stopped in the first place. Even though her dad had promised her they would.

“Sorry, kiddo. You know how it is,”

“Yeah.” She sighed. “Well uh, be careful.”

“Course…well, I shouldn’t keep you around any longer. Don’t be a stranger,”

“You too. Tell me when you get back into town and maybe we can set up a time to catch up.”

“Of course,”

Sarah turned and kept going. She had to put it at the back at her mind, which was hard to do. She didn’t want to think about the risks he was taking. She couldn’t handle it right now. The day was a gruesome one. There were a few kids. She didn’t know how her father did this so regularly. By the time she came home and scrubbed the ash off of her skin the one thing she wanted the most was a drink, which she couldn’t have.

Her skin felt raw.

Every time she got done with one of these things and it was silent, her hands started shaking. Those little momentary pauses… she could still hear it. The screaming. Her father trying to help her and Tommy at the same time. It’s your fault.

“You need to sleep,” She told herself. “Get some sleep. You’ll be okay, you’ll be okay.”

Weirdly enough, the tanks and noises of FEDRA shift change brought her out of it. She had something else for her brain to focus on long enough to get to sleep.

*

Joel wasn’t sure what he was expecting. The car battery was no good, he should’ve realized what was going to happen the moment Tess had told him what Robert had done. Still, he’d been hoping for something easier. Tess had told him how Sarah reacted when she’d told her they were going to be off the grid. He knew he was going to be in for an earful from her later.

They were in an abandoned building. It looked like it was close to the Firefly hideouts, so they were both on high alert. Some of it had been destroyed by water damage from the recent rain. Tess pushed a large cabinet out of the way that led them down a corridor and into an adjacent building. That was when they saw the trail of blood.

“You smell that?”

“Yeah… gunpowder.”

Shoot outs between FEDRA and Fireflies happened all the times, but this blood was still fresh. Crimson red, oozing down the walls. Not the usually muddy brown stains everyone saw around the QZ.

“Tess.”

They could hear some indistinct chatter not far off. Tess and Joel turned the corner, guns raised and ready to shoot. “Shit,”

“Oh, God. Just…” It was just Marlene and one other Firefly Joel had never seen before.

Joel was about to lower his gun right as a door right next to him burst open, a girl with a knife ran through it yelling. Joel slapped the knife out of her hand and threw her against the wall. It was basically second nature at this point. He didn’t even register how young she was until she was on the ground, panting. “Fuck.”

He might’ve felt bad if it had been right before the outbreak. Now he was just tired.

“Joel?” He turned back to Marlene.

“Marlene?”

“Ellie,” The girl’s name was Ellie.

There was a lot going on. People were all talking over each other. This was the gist of the conversation Joel got before Ellie tried to reach for her knife. They’d been overcome in a firefight. Robert had screwed them over as well. They were taking Ellie somewhere.

As soon as she tried to grab the knife he stepped on it and pointed his gun at her.

“Asshole,”

“Don’t point the gun at her, point it at me.”

“Give me my knife–”

“You need the car battery to do what exactly?”

“Probably a better reason than you. No offense, but Sarah’s just one woman.”

“W–”

“We make it our job to know things.”

“Right.”

“We were gonna move Ellie out of the zone tonight, but we’re not gonna make it anywhere tonight. At least, not like this. I’m thinkin’ now…you’re gonna do it.”

“What? No,”

“The hell we are,”

“I’m not going with them!” Ellie shouted incredulously.

“We don’t have time for this,” There was gunfire nearby.

“Who is she?”

“To you? She’s cargo,” Marlene said.

“We don’t smuggle people,” It was one of the first rules he’d made when he’d started doing this sort of thing.

“I can do it,” The other firefly said.

“Kim, you don’t have a fuckin’ ear on your head, could you please? There’s a team of fireflies waiting for her at the Old State House.”

“You know I can’t do that, I have a–”

“It’s just the Old State House, she doesn’t have anyone else who can get her there. We’ll compensate you for it. I have someone in Housing that can get your daughter that stable job and place that you want for her.”

Joel glanced over at the kid again and then back to Marlene. “Fine,”

He took his foot off the knife. “We’re gonna hold you to that,” Tess said.

Before either of them could do anything else, Ellie snatched her knife up, practically shoulder checking him on the way past him. He rolled his eyes. “Joel?” He turned back to Marlene for a second. “Don’t fuck this up.”

*

Sarah had been pacing for three hours. Usually by now, her father would get in touch with her and tell her that he was alright. He hadn’t done so yet. Her head was pounding. The silence was almost deafening. After the fourth hour, she turned her radio on.

It was the channel Bill and Frank used to communicate with them, but every once and a while, Joel would send a song over the radio. He only every did it if it was a really bad emergency. The problem was that it was impossible to tell who sent it with such a really antiquated system.

Still, eighties meant trouble.

Sarah would be able to tell if she needed to head to her father’s apartment and track him down or if it were Bill and Frank that were in need of help. The only time the latter had happened was about three years ago when Bill had been shot by raiders and Frank wanted to make sure his gunshot wound didn’t get infected.

She hoped it wasn’t another one of those scenarios.

The fifth hour was when the eighties started playing. She already had a backpack ready to go. She restocked it every month. First aid kit. Gun. Knife. Food. Lighter. Ammo. Duct tape. All of the things she needed for a hairy situation.

Half of those things were things her dad forgot to pack when he went out on smuggling missions. Tess wasn’t much better about taking care of herself.

It wasn’t that hard for her to sneak through the streets of the QZ, most of the FEDRA officers in Boston had gotten inattentive through the years.

She crept through back alleyways after curfew and got to her dad’s apartment no problem. She was already planning to kick down the door when she heard people speaking behind it. She just knocked instead. “What the fuck?” Someone said.

“Calm down, just give me a second.”

“Who is that? Should I–”

Joel opened the door. Sarah raised an eyebrow. “Why didn’t you or Tess call me to ask if you were alright?”

“Sorry, we just got back. Had a few detours–” She pushed past him and walked inside his apartment.

“Dude, who the hell–”

“Relax, she’s my daughter.”

“Oh, cool.” There was a girl standing next to the window. “Has your dad always been this much of an asshole?”

singing to me now (complete)

Summary:

A what if au where Sarah makes it to adulthood after Tommy sacrifices himself the night of the outbreak, focusing on different parts of the found family trope.

Tags + TWs:

Canon Typical violence, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Unstable Family Dynamics, PTSD, David Mention, Death, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Light Substance Abuse

Playlist

Chapter One:

Sarah had been thinking of what she was going to do for her father should be for months. She always stressed about it way more than Joel or her uncle Tommy ever was. She probably didn’t have to put that much effort into it. Her father was the type of person who didn’t really care about that sort of thing. He just liked spending time with her. Sarah had figured out pretty quickly that the best thing to do was something practical. Something he would never do for himself. She had settled on something a few days ago.

She was going to get his watch fixed.

Sarah had been meaning to ask Tommy what he was planning on doing. He had the unfortunate tendency of either not being there or forgetting when Joel’s birthday was entirely. The two of them had been working so much that she hadn’t had a chance to do that.

She’d just have to make up for it in other ways. Her first plan went to shit. No pancake mix.

Her father had forgotten to buy some yesterday. The whole day was just off to a weird start. The usual dry Texas heat she was used to was wet and heavy on the humidity. “This is gonna fuck up my hair in about point two seconds.” She muttered to herself.

“Language,”

“You said fuck like four times this morning.” She rolled her eyes at Tommy. She could see her dad smirking in the edge of the rear view mirror. She couldn’t help but smile. The school day was boring and dry as usual. She noticed that there were a lot of ambulances going by in the streets. Some people were acting twitchy too. She was more relieved than usual to get out of there.

Felt a little lighter.

She high tailed it pretty quickly to the pawn shop Joel had originally bought his watch from with a pocketful of his cash to get it fixed. That was about the highlight of her day. She counted two more ambulances before she had even gone in. A third when she had gotten kicked out. Maybe it was just a weird day around the world.

People were acting off. She hadn’t seen any weird news broadcasts or anything, so she didn’t have any reason to suspect that something bad was going to happen. As the sun started to go down and time passed by, all of the chaos and noise from earlier in the day wound down so fast that the silence was abrupt. Sarah ignored the weird feeling in her stomach, forgoing her neighbors' cookies and just going home. That was the best decision she could’ve ever made in her life.

Her father getting home from work made her forget about all of that anxiety that she’d been feeling. It was just a normal day. All of this was just a weird, off-kilter feeling that everyone got sometimes. “Where’s Tommy?”

“Dunno,” Her dad shrugged, “said he was gonna go to some bar, didn’t pay attention to where though.”

“Ah.”

Just them. Technically it was midnight, so Tommy still had time to show up and redeem himself as far as celebrating Joel’s birthday went. Sarah had decided that she was going to go with Plan B, which consisted of watching one of the weird war movies that he found so entertaining for some weird reason and giving him the watch as well.

Seeing his smile was still one of the best things that she got out of the night. At some point, she must’ve fallen asleep. Sarah had a terrible dream that night. One that she didn’t know she was going to try to forget for the rest of her life. She woke up in a cold sweat in her room, her blankets wrapped all around her.

Joel must’ve carried her to her room when she fell asleep during the movie. She could hear sirens going on somewhere in the city. That wasn’t uncommon in Austin. It seemed like there was more going on than usual though. “Dad?” She called out. Nothing. Sarah got up, padding across the ground. “Dad?” Nothing again.

There were dogs barking outside. She was about to check the landline to see if there were any voice messages on the phone that would give her a hint as to where he was. A loud beep from the TV made her nearly jump out of her skin. An emergency broadcast. She’d only seen one of these one time, and it didn’t look like the one she’d seen before. This one was telling her that she needed to stay inside. The other one was just a news broadcast talking about the Twin Towers.

Of course, Sarah didn’t listen to the emergency broadcast. She probably should have. But she was worried about her father. What else was she supposed to do? There was a dog barking at the front door. The neighbor’s dog. Something was wrong. “Hey, what are you doing out of your yard?” She stepped out onto the front porch. “Come on, let’s go–” She looked out at the city horizon, something was on fire. It was barely visible but there was an orange haze in between the buildings.

The barking got louder. She scanned the streets.

Where the fuck was her dad?

Sarah turned to the neighbor’s house and saw the door suspiciously ajar. “On second thought,” She muttered to the dog, “let’s get o–” Right as she was about to run back inside she heard screaming. Someone came bursting through a window of a different house, blood on his face. Hair crazed. The neighbor’s dog started barking again and then ran.

She instinctively ran into it. Another mistake. She was mentally kicking herself as she got a closer look at what was going on. The man that had jumped out of the window spotted her. His eyes were wide. Crazed. His pupils made his eyes look almost black. Sarah backed up instinctively. She had no weapons. Nothing to defend herself.

He started running at her but before he got anywhere close to her, her father came barelling down the street in his truck with Tommy and hit the guy head on. Sarah screamed. “H-holy–”

“Sarah, get in the truck!”

“Dad? What’s going on? Where were you?”

Just then her other neighbor came out of the house, running and screaming. Tommy shot the woman without a second thought. Sarah went cold. Her ears were ringing. “What’s going on?”

“Sarah, sweetie. I know, I know. You need to get in the car,” She got in the truck. Her heart was beating hard. Her hands were shaking. They took off so fast that she was surprised she didn’t go flying before she put her seatbelt on. Here was what she knew: there was something going around making people get sick and act crazy. Things were on fire. People were dead. The government was freaking out. It might be terrorist activity, it might not be.

There wasn’t much else to go on. Tommy and Joel were arguing about what they were going to do, what the best place was to go. Sarah didn’t say it but she thought that nowhere was the best place to go. Everything was going crazy, going anywhere people sounded like a very bad idea. She figured that her dad would know what to do though. He always knew what to do. The problem was he sounded so scared.

More scared than he had ever been in his life.

She was glad to say she didn’t remember most of that night. She remembered getting bruised up in the car crash. Her dad carrying her. Tommy backing them up in the rear. Joel told her to bury her face in his shirt and that’s what she did. She held on for dear life and didn’t look. It was her only lifeline.

*

Smoke and dirt.

Sarah had grown familiar with the smells over the last twenty years. She woke up to them every day. Outside her small apartment there was some sort of fire going on. Burning pits. Fire fights. Every once and a while some drunk FEDRA officer or Firefly would light something on fire. Bombings.

She couldn’t escape it.

A lot of mornings she struggled to get up in the morning. It was hard to wake up. There was always this dull ache in her stomach, just reminding her that even inside the supposedly safe walls of the QZ it was easy to starve. She glanced at her schedule to see what she had for today. Med duty. Hopefully this time she would get the ration cards she was owed. Tomorrow wasn’t so good. Burning.

She didn’t have the stomach for that. The rations were almost as good as Med Duty though, and she needed that. It had been about four months since she’d talked to her father, but she knew if she asked him he’d probably take it for her and give her the cards. She always contemplated that. Never did it though.

Sarah made her last cup of coffee before she got going.

She’d categorized her life into lists. It was easier that way. They were just tasks to get crossed off and then she would go home and do it all again.

Get checked in for her shift, see who she needed to see, field surgery when needed, break, off shift, collect her ration cards and go home. Then she would do it all over again. Today was a busy day, the Fireflies had recently bombed another block in the QZ and there had been casualties and injuries on both sides. The repetitive nature of things let Sarah just turn her brain off and keep going. She counted thirteen people that she had to fix up.

It wasn’t the most that she’d ever done. It wasn’t the least either. She was just happy when she got to go back to her apartment. She collected her ration cards, got some food and started to walk back home. It was just routine. She’d done it so many times. Every once and a while she would stop in front of her father’s apartment building. She’d get the urge to talk to him and then she just wouldn’t.

It was easy for her to get like that sometimes.

Every part of her was just locked up and there was nothing she could really do except stay by herself. It had started the day of the outbreak. She suspected she’d picked it up from her father, even though she never wanted to admit that. Joel would check up on her all the time. Ask her how she was doing. Despite the fact that he was awful at that.

It was the reason for their latest fight.

She groaned, walking up the steps with her bags knowing that going up there would mean questions. Are you okay? How have things been going? Are you sure you’re okay? Do you need any food? I have food? Do you need anything? We should do something sometime. Me? You don’t have to worry about me. It just all got to be too much a lot of the time. Sarah hoped that he wouldn’t be at his apartment and she could just drop off half of the food and go back to her apartment.

She could feel herself starting to wind down. She was absolutely exhausted.

Joel was there. She knocked on the door and he opened it almost immediately. His mood went from tense to happy in seconds. “Hey, kiddo. Didn’t expect to see you–”

“I bought some food. Figured you might need some extra,”

“Oh, you didn’t have to do that.”

“Dad,” Sarah rolled her eyes. She pushed past him and into the apartment, glad to get out of the hallway because she was pretty sure one of the residents was staring at her weird. “I’m givin’ you some food and gettin’ out of here.”

She started sorting out half of her cans. “You can stay longer,”

“I’d rather get home. Had a long shift, Med Duty.” She wished that it were easier to say what she meant. To tell him that she couldn’t. She wished she knew why it was so hard to talk to him all the time.

Maybe there was something wrong with her.

“Okay,” He nodded. He got really quiet.

“Is Tess comin’ over?”

“Yeah, later. But she’d like to see you too. You know how much she loves you–”

“Another time. Really,” Sarah tried for an apologetic smile. She wasn’t really sure it worked. “I’m sorry,”

“It’s okay, kiddo. Just uh–don’t be a stranger. Please,”

“Yeah, dad.” She hugged him and hugged him hard. It had become a thing, even when the two of them were mad at each other she hugged him like it was the last time she was going to see him. She wasn’t even mad at him now, even though they both had equal reason to be mad at each other. Joel always clung hard to her back. “Love you, kiddo.”

“Love you too,” She left and went home, feeling a little better afterwards.

At least he didn’t hate her.

[sellyourhousefastboston-blog]

[andrewsleftknee]

some more misc Fox headcanons for the soul

----

Nicky was a summer camp kid, so making string bracelets is ingrained into his personality. when the girls graduate, he makes all of the original Foxes, Wymack, and Abby orange and white string bracelets. he made all of the bracelets with different patterns.

Andrew wears a variety of black and silver rings. he alternates them all the time, but he always wears the gold and topaz ring Neil bought him for his birthday on a necklace. "it's your birthstone," he told Andrew. Andrew didn't have it in him to fake being mad at him.

Andrew makes his and Neil’s birthday desserts. he makes himself his favorite chocolate cake recipe with chocolate or peanut butter frosting (whatever he's feeling at the time), and he makes Neil's shortcake and homemade whipped cream. they lay out strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries to add to it.

Neil gets a necklace to put the key to the Columbia House on after Nicky sells the house. he later adds the key that Andrew gives him to his apartment in Boston, and the key to the court when he graduates PSU. he steals the idea from Andrew's necklace with his topaz ring.

Andrew likes the stimulation of opening packages, presents, envelopes, and anything of that nature. Neil always lets Andrew open the packages of things he orders.

Andrew is always very warm. Neil likes to cuddle him in the winter because he always gets so cold.

Andrew tries to quit smoking when he graduates from Palmetto. he buys bags upon bags of dumdums to help with the urge of wanting to smoke. he has a grocery bag full of the butterscotch ones because he hates them.

Nicky helps Neil set up Snapchat because Neil likes seeing all the different filters. he sends his favorite filter pictures to Dan, who always gets a laugh out of them.

the freshmen swear the only way they can tell Andrew and Aaron apart in the winter are by the flavor of monster they’re drinking. Andrew drinks the pink one, and Aaron drinks the white one.

Matt loves giving Neil piggyback rides around campus. he runs as fast as he can with Neil on his back on the sidewalks, Neil laughing in his ear as he desperately tries to hold on. the Foxes have accumulated dozens of videos.

[imaginedreamwrite]

Sugar & Spice: Part 6

“Am I making a mistake by doing this?” You turned your head, eyes locking on the screen as Jake sat on the other side of the screen. His eyes were flitting from the open suitcase you were packing to the ticket that had arrived only a day ago, your name neatly scrawled on the front of the envelope in onyx black ink.

“Do you think you’re making a mistake?” Jake had leaned forward and tucked his chin into his hand, the background noise a typical and usual scene for Jake. He had often put movies on for background noise, for no other reason other than to avoid silence, much like you had done while hosting your study nights. It had mostly been acoustic covers of songs that you loved, something to extend the aesthetic you’d tried to create of a relaxing, soothing set-up as you worked on a few assignments, papers and projects.

“I think I’m going to be in an entirely different country with a man I know but haven’t spent any time with.” You furrowed your brow when your attention had come upon one of many gifts from Ari, a pastel-coloured set of trays on your nightstand where you had held your cellphone charger and your headband headphones. They weren’t horridly expensive nor had they been anything extraordinary in their conception yet you had a real need and purpose for them.

Opposed to the new best set he had gifted you, the winter double-breasted coat that he had said would help stave off the Boston Winter was far more expensive and luxurious. It was one of those gifts that you would never think to get for yourself, and most else had been for your filming room.

“He’s a good man, Y/N. He’s good, he’s smart-“ Jake didn’t have to sell you on Ari, you had already known that he was a good man, that he was kind and brilliant, he had the ability to command a room. You had known from your conversations with Ari that while he had wealth and he was privileged to be able to afford the nicer things in life, he wasn’t exorbitant about what he had.

He hadn’t lived in a mansion with the elite classes in the rich neighbourhood of Boston, he lived in a large house near the beach with access to the water. Ari had described it as his favourite place to be, his favourite place to return after a long trip or a heady set of days working.

From your conversations with Ari you had known that he preferred whiskey over scotch, he used to enjoy the parties his company had thrown but now preferred to show his face and leave, finding comfort in the privacy and quietude of his own home.

Ari was a man who was highly educated yet hadn’t lorded it above others. He liked dark chocolate and preferred sweets over salt, if he had to choose wine it would be red and a little tart. He liked champagne over both red and white wine but had a taste for a good draft beer even more than champagne and wine.

“I got you a taser. I slipped it into your luggage pocket.” Jake had leaned back, stretching his arms behind him as he watched you rifle through the biggest pocket, your eyebrows furrowing when your fingers clasped around a small object.

“Jake…why did you give me a taser?” You pulled the object out of the pocket and turned it over in your hands, the taser disguised as a tube of lipstick with smooth black edges along the top rim and the bottom with fine red lettering belonging to the company etched into the material.

“Ari’s a good guy, but I want you to be safe. You mean a lot to me.” Jake had spoken of the deep connection between you two that was a testament to the fast friendship you had formed, the bond that hadn’t been inherently long, but it was thriving.

“You mean a lot to me, Jake. You’re my best friend, ya know?” You slipped the taser deep into the luggage beneath your clothes, and then you sunk to the mattress, your bottom lip tucked beneath your top and bottom teeth.

“He’s sending a driver. He’ll be here any minute.” You turned your attention back to Jake, your luggage already and settled, the only thing left to do was to pack your new coat and zip it up. “I’ve never travelled internationally before.”

“You’re gonna have fun. And if Ari breaks your heart-“

“You’ll kill him?” You stood once more and turned back to your luggage, your fingertips hovering against the smoothened metal pull for the zipper, hesitating to pull it closed.

“I can make it look like an accident.” Jake had shrugged and you were distracted by your cellphone buzzing on the bed. You had reached for your phone and picked it up from the mattress and turned it over, reading the message that had come through, the contents letting you know that the driver Ari had arranged was here.

“I have to go. I’ll text you when I land.” You yanked the zipper and lifted the suitcase from the bed, letting the wheels hit the ground and then you had faced Jake on screen, knowing that there was no going back from here.

“Trust the process, Y/N. Ari is good.”

The first-class seats were far more private than you had anticipated, and even then Ari had managed to surprise you. It had been enough for you to have received a spontaneous trip to Brussels for the weekend, but Ari had already been going above and beyond before you had even left the tarmac. Aside from him sending you a brand new coat for the Boston cold Ari had sent a car the morning of your departure to drive you from your apartment to the airport, and then he had further surprised you on the plane with expensive champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and a handcrafted flower pressed journal with your name etched into the top corner.

The journal’s pages were thick and well-made, almost as if the pages were made and bound by hand, the rougher edges weren’t seamless as you would have expected, and you had run your thumb across them twice before you had turned your attention to your name on the front.

“You didn’t have to do all this.” Your fingers had brushed your name etched in gold as Ari had leaned into you. His hand was resting upon your knee while his thumb had been brushing back and forth against your leggings while you sip on your champagne. “The trip would have been enough.”

“I wanted to, sweetheart. You need some convincing that this is a good thing for the both of us and I am going to spoil you as you deserve.” Ari’s lips had brushed against the shell of your ear, his voice was husky and deep, eliciting shivers from you as you caved under his attention. He was close and warmth was radiating from him, seeping into your skin through the layers you had worn to make yourself comfortable during the long trip and the short layover you would have.

“Thank you,” you giggled in your glass at the thinly veiled threat Jake had muttered under his breath when you told him, “I am so excited.”

“You’re going to love Brussels, honey.” Ari’s hand had moved further up your leg and you had reacted accordingly, on this kind of high from being so close to someone you had grown to know and have feelings for —although it had all started online.

“I’ve never been on an international flight. I mean I’ve been across the states but this is the first time going out of the country.” Your excitement was bubbling in your chest, your eagerness unbound as you sat beside Ari and glanced out the window of the plane.

“Jake slipped a taser into my bag.” You pressed your fingers against the window and a sound that was crossed between a laugh and a snort had been pulled from you. “I didn’t know he had done it until he told me on the video call before I left.”

“A taser?” Ari slipped his hand further up your leg, settling his hand and fingers on the inside of your thigh as you inhaled sharply, neither bothered to move his hand down or have it leave you entirely.

“Just in case,” after pulling your eyes away from the window you had settled your gaze back upon Ari, studying the massive man who was sweeping you away as if you were a princess in real life.

You had kept your eyes on him, searching his own as you shifted in your seat to bring yourself closer to him, your thighs falling open while he had flexed his fingers against your leggings. His fingertips were stroking your thigh, creeping further toward your damp core, the wetness and heat starting to pool against the cotton barrier that was between your dampening pussy and the soft material of your leggings. You had inhaled sharply when Ari’s fingers had pressed against you, his tender care expressed through his softly spoken words as the two of you carried on a conversation while the flight attendants were doing last-minute checks before the flight had taken off.

“Where else do you want to go?” Ari had grasped your right hand and turned it over to expose your palm, his heated gaze sending another flurry of warmth and desire straight to your cunt, then he had pressed his lips to your hand. “Where else can I take you?”

“Ari,” your voice was hitched and tight as you squirmed against his fingers, the soft strokes and light taps against your leggings were drawing your desire and need, your horniness to a new high as he was emboldened, “Ari…”

“I can stop anytime you want.” He had started to pull his hand away from you, his fingertips departing your covered cunt, when you had reacted instantaneously and pushed his fingers and his hand back toward you.

“Please…it feels good.” Your voice was a whisper, quiet as you were fearful of being caught by the attendants. “Please-“

“Wait until I can feel your velvety lips against my fingers,” Ari had hummed in your ear, brushing the tip of his nose against the side of your head, drawing his attention away from you to focus on the attendant that had come by and stopped near his seat.

“Is there anything else you need, Mr. Levinson?” the flight attendant hadn’t averted her eyes from Ari, only looking at him as if she knew what precarious position you were in, and would not embarrass you. Even if she couldn’t see much past Ari’s arm, passed his body as he had angled himself to shield you from view.

“Few blankets and pillows.” Ari had looked over his shoulder to see if you need anything, and as you hook your head, he had flashed the attendant and smile, sending her on her way.

“You okay, princess?” Ari had tapped his fingers against your core again, another surge of sweet desire coating the inside of your thighs. “You want me to stop?”

“No!” You squeaked and drew your bottom lip into your mouth, biting down on your lip to stave the moans.

“Keep telling me about what you want, sweetheart.” Ari had given you a distraction from the feel of his fingers that were stroking your cunt through your leggings and panties, promising skin-to-skin touch after you had taken off.

“I have a list, a long list.” You turned back to look at him, your eyes captivated by the beautiful mix of blue with flecks of green and grey that had been afflicted by complicated yet hopeful emotions.

“Tell me about it,” Ari drew his lips up the inside of your wrist, again, in a delicate airy flush of affection. “I wanna know everything, princess. Let me take care of you.”

Your breath had caught in your throat, your eyes growing wider with the thrush of desire and want, the deepening draw that he was pulling you into with every soft kiss and stroke of his flesh against your own. You were lost in his eyes, lost in the tenderness of the moment that was fleeting and eternal all the like.

It was just you and Ari.