#soon i can hold them in my hands... and check the quality before the convention :-]

[eyewyrm]

ooOouuee

LAST

its THEM .. the architects™ and 2nd half of NHO

[flutteringphalanges]

             Night of the Living Dead (And Then Some)

Summary: It’s 1897 and the world as we know it has become overrun by zombies. An unlikely pair, a former nun by the name of Agatha Van Helsing, and a bloodthirsty vampire, Count Dracula, have formed an alliance in the hopes of surviving this debacle. Can the two learn to coexist or will they end up as just another mindless cog in life’s maniacal wheel?

Ship: Dragatha

Rating: M

Chapters: 1/2

Read on FFN and AO3

A/N:  An odd two part one shot that came to my mind. I wanted to do something Halloween-ish. I guess in a way this is a parody because it is Dracula and there are also zombies?! Anyway, hope you like hope it turned out! -Jen

                                                    Part One

Surprisingly, he hadn’t taken notice of the damn thing until her arrow nearly took him out. Dracula watched as the undead beast faltered briefly before falling still on the ground. Right in the center of the forehead. She was getting good. Perhaps too good. Nostrils flaring slightly, he rounded about to face her.

“That could’ve easily hit me.” He attempted to argue as Agatha strode forward to pluck her prized arrow from the corpse. “What if I had moved just a bit? That weapon of yours could’ve struck my heart.” 

“And then I would have one less problem on my hands.” She replied simply, not so much as giving him the benefit of a look. “I knew what I was doing. If it hadn’t been for me, it would’ve gotten you and Lord knows what would happen if you were to get bit. There aren’t exactly many vampires about that we’ve seen cases of.”

“Must you bring God into this?” Dracula sighed, running a hand through his hair. “What do you want me to say, Agatha? Thank you?”

“That would be rather nice.” She sighed, cleaning off the grimy arrow. “But I have a feeling that I’m not going to get such a response from you. You are, as one might claim, a bit pig-head.”

“Pig headed?!” The vampire let out a humorless laugh. “Pig headed?! Why how your insults have grown since our first encounter, Agatha. If anyone is pig headed, it’s you for insisting we go to Brasov--which, I’ll inform you, was very overrun!” 

“Everywhere is overrun, Dracula.” The former nun sighed, finally turning to look at the man. “Romania, Holland...it’s like a cesspit of flesh eating monsters that, well…” She paused for a moment. “Make you seem like a mere mosquito.” 

The vampire’s eyes narrowed as the woman tossed her bow over her shoulder. Sometimes a small part of him felt the urge to end her right there. It would be so easy. But the bigger part refrained from that. Perhaps if he could read her mind at this very moment, she too felt the same way. Bickering was always better than dead. It was a good reminder to them both. 

“Come on.” Agatha’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. “It’ll be daylight soon and the last thing I need is for you to burn into a crisp.”

“If I’m not mistaken, I could’ve sworn you said  you’d have one less problem without me.” Dracula countered with a smirk. 

“The idea is becoming more tempting.” The woman replied with a huff. “Now come on, there is no telling what awaits us.” She gave a nod with her head. “This way then.” 

The memory was still very vivid in his mind as he was sure it was in Agatha’s. The night he slaughtered every nun in St. Mary’s Convent but her. How the woman gave up her freedom, her life without a second thought in order to save meek, little Mina Murray. He’d had plans for Agatha. Devilish desires involving her blood. And in a way, perhaps she thought that somehow she could take advantage of him. Oh how the fates change when Death knocks at your door. A new side of unrest that he hadn’t seen in his several centuries of life. 

“I don’t know about you, but I am quite parched.” Dracula said, breaking the long silence. “I haven’t had a human since...well...does tasting you count?” “You’ve survived years without drinking, I’m sure you can continue on just fine.” Agatha said, rolling her eyes. “I’ve been drinking river water and consuming squirrels and you don’t see me complaining. You don’t have to worry about dysentery.” 

“I suppose having you become ill and me carrying for you would put a damper on our little excursion.” He smiled when he saw the glare on Agatha’s face. “What do you suppose would happen if I were bit? If I were to become “undead” undead? Would it reverse the process? Would I be human again? Or would I be a raging animal the likes of which this world has never seen?”

“I’d prefer not to think about either of us getting bit.” The former nun expressed. “We’ve seen what happens. How they turn. It isn’t pleasant.” There was a brief pause before she added. “...If I were to be bitten, I would highly appreciate if you would kill--”

Dracula stopped in his tracks and turned to face his partner. “Your death--at least in the way you are proposing it, isn’t at the top of my list.” No, losing her in that matter was not certain. “You will remain alive, Agatha...at least until I deem it otherwise.” 

“Your version of being undead is only slightly less repulsive.” Agatha exclaimed, shaking her head. “Now hurry along, we’re losing nighttime.” 

“Always so eager and demanding.” The vampire tutted with a smirk. “I have yet to decide exactly how I feel about that with you.” 

The former nun merely rolled her eyes once more, a small smile gracing her features. “My complexity is one of my more charming qualities.” Her gaze flashed up to the full moon. “Perhaps there will come a day where you decide. Or not.” Agatha’s attention turned to the vampire, a look of amusement crossing her face. “And maybe, if you are lucky, I’ll look forward to your answer.” 

“Perhaps.” The Count agreed. “Until then, it seems we are left to put up with each other.” 

A low growl came from within the bushes nearby. Agatha and Dracula turned to see a creature stumbling out from the brush. His skin, just like his clothing, dangled in rags as he hobbled over to the two. Without so much as a second thought, the vampire produced his treasure saber and brought it swiftly through the zombie’s head. Even after centuries of going untouched. Years of battle it’d been in. The Count’s weapon of choice was rather practical--even if it wasn’t as secretly impressive as Agatha’s bow.

“A clean hit.” The former nun noted. “You’re improving.”

Dracula let out a laugh. “As if you know anything about true combat.”

“I was raised by Abraham Van Helsing.” She countered, folding her arms. “And I know you well enough to know that my grandfather was quite skilled.”

“He was no warlord.” Dracula commented, cocking one of his brows. “Now, while I’d love to have a friendly duel with you, I’d rather not run into any more of our acquaintance’s friends. As you were saying, we are losing time. Best keep moving.” 

And Agatha was not one to argue with that. 

                                                       XXX

Cold. Dark. Musky. The dilapidated hunting shed they’d come across at least didn’t stream a single beam of light in. Agatha didn’t know why she agreed to this. Her clothes being used as a means to cover the floor. Protect her from splinters. As Dracula’s pale, naked body moved against her’s, the only warmth she felt was from his cape underneath her bottom. Fucking the vampire was hot in the word sense, but icy from his touch.

“Just a nibble…” He purred into her ear, teeth lightly grazing her earlobe. “It won’t hurt.”

“I said...no to biting…” Agatha panted, her back arching as the pad to one of his thumbs ran across her hard nipple. “Rules.” “Rules are for sheep and conformists.” Dracula growled, his hand sliding down to just barely rest on her groin. He smiled as she stiffened knowing she was throbbing deep inside. Aching for him. “Last time I checked you were far from that, Agatha.” 

“If you can’t control yourself, then I am more than happy to stop.” She offered, earning her a dark glare. She knew he was already hard. Cock pressed against her inner thigh. This wasn’t the first time they’d had this debate during sex and it wouldn’t be the last. “I’m not your bottle of wine, Count Dracula. No biting or no sex.” 

“You are a temptress.” He grumbled, his mouth set in a look of displeasure. “A tease.”

“I am merely the apple on the tree in The Garden of Eden and you are both Eve and the snake. You are your worst enemy.” She chuckled at her own analogy knowing well enough that her comparison to religion was not looked kindly upon by the vampire. “Isn’t my touch enough?”

She let her fingers travel down to where his cock rested against her. Dracula had been the first and only man she’d ever been with. Every sexual experience had been with him. And despite what she at first thought it’d be like, she loved it. Craved it. Especially when she whittled him down to his last nerve. Agatha gingerly touched his head, feeling the droplets weep from their prison. Over four centuries old and with just a few decades herself, she could still make him squirm. 

“With you, nothing is ever enough.” He said through a breathy whisper. “Never. Never. Ever.” And without a warning, he pushed a finger deep inside Agatha causing her to yelp with surprise. So wet. Two could play at that game. “There is a vein that runs down the length of your inner thigh that is particularly delightful.” Dracula explained, kissing the former nun hard. “It would be nice for the both of us.” 

“You’re a pig.” Agatha gasped as the vampire touched her sensitive spot. There were stars and her vision blurred. Dracula seemed to realize this too and probed the area thoughtfully. She struggled to speak. “Stop it!” Don’t stop. Keep going. Faster. “I...I could...scream…”

“Worried about the undead in a time like this?” Dracula snorted. “My dearest Agatha, I believe you could shout as loudly as you desired and no one would hear. And I quite like that idea.” He could feel her hand grip tighter around his cock as if in response. It took everything in him to hold it together. “If you won’t give me your blood, at least let me hear you cry out my name. You owe me that much.” 

Agatha gazed up at him with fury, but lustful blue eyes. He was winning this one. She hated when that happened. Though they were still shrouded in darkness, the former nun could still make out the glint of his smile as her hand released him and he positioned himself at her entrance. She bit down hard on her lower lip. Not because she anticipated the pain. No. She anticipated the pleasure and what was to come. 

Dracula was rather unpredictable when it came to his part in sex. He could be soft, almost caring and considerate. Loving. Or he could fuck so hard that Agatha’s head was left spinning and she had bruises the next day. And if she were to be quite frank, she didn’t have a favorite. The vampire was always so good. So damn fantastic that with every thrust Agatha felt herself shaking deep from within her very core. Part of her wondered if there was a possibility she could become pregnant. It hadn’t happened yet, and they’d had quite a lot of sex. Still, it was always on the forefront of her mind when his seed spilled inside her. 

“Say my name.”

The commanding voice pulled her from her thoughts and Agatha was dragged from the whimsical land of euphoria and to the wooden, shed floor. Dracula leaned over her, his lips curved into a smile. The former nun reached out and wound an arm around his neck to steady herself. She knew that he had her. He always did. But it helped. 

“Say mine first.” 

The words escaped out as a moan which did not help Agatha’s case. She was growing close to her climax, and Dracula could tell. His thrusts began to quicken, deepen as she buried her face into the crook of his neck. Then without thinking, she bit down on the vampire’s skin. That immediately stopped the man in his tracks. 

“Did you just...bite me?” He asked breathlessly, grinning widely. “Oh, Agatha…”

There were no marks. Of course there wouldn’t be. But she was so caught up in the moment. Suddenly, it dawned on her as they lay there still in the throes of passion. A silly little thought that made her smile too. 

“You.” She gasped out. “You said my name.”

“What?” Dracula interjected. “But I...that doesn’t count…”

“Still said it…” Agatha smirked, chest rising and following. “I win.” 

“Oh, we will see about that.” The vampire chuckled darkly. “I’m just getting started.” 

                                                   XXX

Though he’d said her name, Agatha had finished first. Twice even before Dracula met his limit. They fell back on their makeshift bed of clothing that they’d be putting on later. Her head resting on his chest, the woman watched the door quietly. Though she felt sleepy as the adrenaline rush began to fade, a part of her wanted to stay awake. But she knew how important it was to remain diligent. Especially at night. 

“Romania has fallen to whatever caused this plague.” Dracula said softly. “And we don’t know where else it has stretched. Perhaps there's a chance it’s only here.”

“And Holland.” Agatha reminded solemnly. “We’ve been roaming around aimlessly. Seen less and less humans.” She was silent for a moment before she craned her head up to meet his stare. “I do realize how it affects you.”

His fingers ran down the base of her skull and followed the path of her spine. She closed her eyes as he stroked her back. It was soothing, though the conversation at hand was not. If humans were going to become like an endangered species, then what of Dracula? After everything she was taught. Everything she’d seen. Agatha knew deep down her feelings for the vampire weren’t right. But even deeper down she didn’t care. Not in the least bit. 

“I have a proposition.” Dracula said after a moment’s thought. “And I have thought about this quite a bit. Much longer than this disease has been going on and much, much longer than my meeting you.” 

Agatha sat up from where she lay. “What might that be?”

“England.” Dracula said simply, sitting up as well. “Where we’d go in England, it’d be more advanced than the villages we’ve gone to. Perhaps the virus isn’t there or even better, they have a cure. It is better than nothing.” 

“England.” Agatha repeated as if she heard him right. “But we don’t even have a ship. That’s at least a few weeks' sail from the coast to the bay. How do you expect us to get there?” The expression on his face said it all. “...Is there no other way?” Not telling him no. Not forbidding him. It was as if in desperation she was accepting of the terms. “Is it the only way to be done?”

“Blood is lives, Agatha.” Dracula said, expression still. “Information. If we want to get across then I’m going to need the blood of someone who understands sailing among other things. Someone healthy--or at least not riddled with disease.” He touched her hand, surprised she didn’t pull away. “I’ll take only what I need.” The Count promised. 

“And what if there are no survivors at the port?” The former nun whispered. “What if they’ve all turned?”

“Then we keep going.” The vampire sighed, leaning back. “You should get some rest. It’ll be a long journey to the port if memory serves correct. I’ll take watch.”

“You took the first watch last time.” Agatha countered, sitting up straighter. “And if you know where we are going, then you should be the one with the clear mind.” Dracula opened his mouth to interject, but she continued. “I’ll be fine. Trust me. I’ll wake you up in a few hours. Besides, I am considerably more accurate with killing the creatures than you are with that ridiculous saber. You needn’t be so close with a bow.”

“Ah, you say that now but wait until those flimsy things split in two and your string breaks. Then you’ll be wishing you were brandishing reliable steel.” Dracula chortled. “Honestly, of all the weapons to choose from…”

“Go to sleep you warmonger.” Agatha snorted, resting a hand on his head as he lowered himself down. “There will be other times to debate weapons. Get some rest.” 

“Wake me if anything happens.” The vampire said with sudden alertness. “I am not playing, Agatha. At any immediate threat of danger, you must wake me up. Even if the sun has yet to set.” 

“You have my word.” The woman promised as the Count’s body relaxed. “Sleep.”

                                                    XXX

Agatha didn’t wake Dracula up after a few hours. Instead, when she was sure the sun was setting just enough as to not be so bright, she covered the vampire’s body as not to expose it and slipped outside. She inhaled deeply, enjoying what little light was left. She missed the day--though she kept that knowledge from Dracula. It was harder at night. Finding food. Water. But the few times she could escape. Sneak out without him worrying--those were good times. 

Thunk!

The partridge didn’t even see the arrow before it pierced straight through its body. It was an instant kill, one Agatha wished for every living thing she killed--maybe, if she thought hard about it, she’d feel the same about the undead. Picking up the decent sized fowl, she couldn’t help but admire it. After a good plucking and cooking, this would last her a few days. Especially if she could come across some salt and preserve it. Now that would be true luck. 

As Agatha walked over to what had perhaps once been a sort of fire pit, she took a seat down in the ground. Yank off handfuls of feathers, her mind kept wandering back to Dracula. His own need for food. Something he hadn’t been as fortunate to get. And maybe he deserved it. After all of the evil he caused, maybe this was fate’s punishment. But Agatha’s judgement, though questionable, began to consider something that maybe was pushing the bounds of her sanity even more.

Abandoning the bird for the time being, she made her way back into their temporary housing. Dracula was still fast asleep--he was odd like that, how deeply or not his slumbering was. Retrieving one of the jars she used for water, she returned outside. There truly was no means to prepare her hand for what she planned. Nothing to clean it with--she was out of water. But taking her arrow, the blood from the bird now smeared down her pant’s leg, she sliced her palm wide open and held it over the jar. 

It burned. Ached. Maybe she’d gone too far. Too deep. And as her blood flowed, she half expected Dracula to be roused from his sleep and attack her simply because he was in such dire need of the crimson fluid. But instead, everything was still silent. She bit her lip, her eyes pricked with tears as the bleeding thankfully began to stop on its own. A good sign that maybe she had injured herself too horribly. Careful not to spill a drop, she tore off a piece of her sleeve and bound her cut hand.

If there was to be a good deed done, this would certainly qualify for Agatha. That was, at least for today. 

                                                     XXX

“Well out of all outcomes, I certainly didn’t expect this!”

Agatha’s nostrils flared as Dracula, though his eyes burned that frightening shade of black with hunger, did not take the jar immediately from her. Instead, he stared at her hand looking equally as upset. When he reached out to take it, she yanked it back almost tempted to spill the blood all over the floor. 

“Well out of all the outcomes, Agatha, I can’t say I expected you to slice your hand open for me!” He tried to grab for it again, this time managing to catch her wrist. “Let me see it. Did you even try to clean it?” 

“Why can’t you just drink the blood?” Agatha sighed as he studied the wound. “I was trying to be nice. You talk about being oh so thirsty all of the time and craving me during sex. Well, this is what you want, yes? A true taste of me?”

“Not when it involves you injuring yourself!” The Count let out a dramatic huff. “You’re lucky this isn’t too terribly deep. As I recall, you need both hands for your weapon. We’ll have to watch it and make sure it doesn’t get infected.” The vampire shook his head. “And you went behind my back and took my sleep shift.” 

“I was enjoying the daylight!” Agatha hissed, now getting annoyed. “And I caught myself something to eat! I didn’t have to rely on someone else! Not to mention be appreciative of it!” She slid the jar over, watching Dracula’s Adam's apple bob as he swallowed the liquid whishing within. 

Then, without another word, Dracula lifted up the cup and gulped down the contents in less than a second. When he set it down, his eyes fixed on Agatha and a chill ran down her spine. Cold. Hungry. Lack of recognition. She could hear the vampire’s breathing becoming heavier as he moved closer. Was this it then? Had she given him a wine tasting that led to the draining of the whole bottle. 

“D...Dracula?”

Her voice was soft, shaking as she scooted backwards. She looked around the room for any sort of weapon in arm’s reach. Conveniently, his saber was on the opposite wall to her and the bow and arrows were out of sight. Agatha swallowed and tried to remain calm. If this was truly the end, she’d rather it’d be by his doing than that of one of those creatures. Instinctively her eyes closed as he loomed over her, the former nun waiting for his attack when a pair of arms pulled her in. 

“I’m sorry.” His voice was gruff, breathing more labored than intense. “I’m okay…” 

Agatha looked up only to come face to face with Dracula. She could see her own blood smeared across his lips, smelled it's strange rusty scent. How that was appetizing to the vampire, she did not know. 

“I thought…” She began, quite unsure what to say. “After you drank my blood, I thought that you would…” 

“Given our current circumstances, my ability to remain in control might be a little rustier than I thought.” He gave her a small smirk. “I suppose it was a good thing that I didn’t bite you during sex. Could’ve led to a less than pleasurable end.” He was silent for a moment. “Thank you. For your blood. You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know.” Agatha said simply. “I wanted to.”

“And I must say, you are quite gifted with your weapon abilities.” The vampire said with a small smile. “Abraham, though we had our...differences...trained you well. Though, I have to admit you were pretty talented with that Pattern 1853 Enfield of his. Where did it come across a rifle-musket like that? Couldn’t have been easy, especially due to the legality of it.”

“I think we should make a new rule now that you’ve consumed by blood.” Agatha said, folding her arms over her chest. “You don’t bring up any details you’ve received from my blood--unless, of course, I offer them up in conversation.”

“Pity.” Dracula said, letting out a fake, long sigh. “I have so many.” 

“You should have thought about that beforehand.” The former nun exclaimed. “Questions that go unanswered can be such a bother.”

“Like an ex nun wielding a gun better than the average soldier.” The vampire replied, with a small, lopsided grin. 

“Careful.” Agatha warned. “I might’ve not had practice in a few years, but I am rather sure that if I were to pick up a said rifle of my choice, my aim would be fairly decent.” She exhaled, running a hand through her hair. “You should finish dressing. The sun has set enough for us to leave.”

Though she knew that their decision was the right one, part of Agatha didn’t want to leave the shack. Despite how messy and unkempt it was, it had proven to be safe. But staying anywhere too long, they had learned, didn’t always end up so. The former nun exhaled and glanced towards the rotting door and tried to push past what horrors awaited them. 

                                                     XXX

“La naiba!” Dracula cursed in his native tongue as he peered over the hill. “Trebuie să glumești…” 

“Maybe speak in English?” Agatha said from his side. “Ik spreek een klein beetje Nederland.” She hoped that her attempt at light humor would cause him to smile, but the serious expression did not leave his face. “What is it?” 

“A horde.” He hissed under his breath. “By the main entrance into the shipyard.” 

“Can you tell how many?” She replied, straining her eyes. Agatha could see movement from down below, but not much else. “...Do you think there is anyone even alive?” 

“At least ten.” Dracula answered, trying to hide the defeat in his tone. “And I don’t know. Not with a group like that lurking about. And who knows how many are separated from the main herd? We could try to kill them and then look around.” He turned to meet Agatha’s stare. “I am far as one can be from a man of prayer and I know you are unique in your beliefs, but we could really use one of your mystique rituals...without a cross would be appreciated.” His attempt at a failed joke. 

“We’ve come all this way.” Agatha said, moving to grab her bow. “We might as well try.” A small grin flickered across her features. “I should’ve taken the gun from my grandfather. My brother never learned to shoot anyway.” 

Together, as quietly as they could, Dracula and Agatha slid down the hill. As they moved towards the horde, other zombies began to amble out from abandoned buildings. Their moves were quick, swift in killing the creatures before they could alert the others. When they drew nearer, the vampire grabbed the former nun by the forearm and pulled her in close. 

“Fall back a little and find higher ground. That way you can aim better. I’ll be fine down here.” She didn’t seem so keen on the idea as he placed a kiss on her lips. “Go. Now.” 

Agatha’s footfalls were soft against the dirt ground. When she stopped in her tracks, she glanced around at the sight before her. How could anyone be left alive after this? It was then she saw a pile of rubble against a collapsed building. Perfect. But just as Agatha approached her access point, she was caught off guard by a zombie. The creature made a grab for her and knocked her flat on her back. The former nun struggled, gritting her teeth as she shoved it off. With a powerful smack, she struck it with an arrow through the head. The thing fell limp and the woman scrambled to her feet. 

Heart still pounding, Agatha shook her head and looked towards the direction of the horde. Dracula hadn’t seen what had just occurred and for that she was thankful. Refocusing on the house, she made her way to the debris and scrambled up. It was then she realized that while the vampire had a point about her having a higher shooting range, making him out in the midst of the ravage was too risky. He wouldn’t be happy about it, but he damn well needed her if he didn’t want to end up...something other than his usual “undead”. 

“Agatha!” Dracula snapped in surprise as a zombie’s head collided with his shoe. “What the hell are you doing?!” “Saving you!” The woman declared, aiming her bow towards one of the creatures. “Clearly you need it.” 

“I told you to go up somewhere high!” He insisted, lobbing off another head. “For once can you listen to me?!”

“You forget I don’t have night vision!” Agatha hissed, hitting a zombie straight between the eyes. “I don’t know why you worry so much about me. I--”

She didn’t realize the thing was behind her until it sunk its rotten teeth deep into her forearm. Agatha cried out in a mixture of shock and horror as blood spurted from the wound. Almost instantly the creature’s head lay at her feet, the horde now completely destroyed. A look of horror was etched across Dracula’s face. One she had never seen before. The former nun grabbed her injury tightly, her heart banging so hard that her chest ache.

Christ, she’d really screwed up.

I hope you enjoyed part one (of two)! I know it is a different kind of story! Dracula was saying in Romanian: “Dammit” and “You must be kidding” while Agatha said in Dutch: “I speak a little bit of the Netherlands (or Dutch).” Anyway, feedback is greatly loved and appreciated! Motivation helps so much! Until the next part! Stay safe and healthy! -Jen

[tracinyad]

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As soon as the worth of the invention has been established, it's important to be clear that to protect the civil liberties to take this product to market, the possible licensing partner will require to implement a licensing agreement. In licensing negotiations, intellectual property security, or at least the look of defense, is typically important, regardless of the intrinsic weaknesses I discussed above.

Discover and understand the offered options from a certified expert. While practically it is possible to create and submit intellectual property filings oneself, I advise using a qualified and registered patent attorney or representative. There are nuances in using language, as well as leveraging and using IP law is hard to pick up from the ground up.

In this procedure, the most essential phrase I can think about is "patent pending." Having the ability to provide your item as patent-pending includes in the regarded worth and it shares a warning (" We better not replicate this or we can get filed a claim against"). So file what you can to be able to properly compose "patent pending" on your sell sheet, prototype, website, calling card, as well as anywhere your product, will be shown.

Depending on the intricacy and also the attorney or patent agent's prices, having a utility patent prepared and submitted by a specialist can set you back thousands of dollars. Nevertheless, if you think licensing to be a sensible method, having been issued a practical energy patent, or having one in process, is a beneficial device in this situation.

If filing an energy patent promptly is not an option, there are various other means to achieve patent-pending conditions. Probably the fastest and also least pricey method is to submit a provisionary patent application. A "provisional" never, in fact, becomes a patent but works as a place-holder (or date-holder) for when, as well as if, you do file a patent.

A developer has twelve months from the date a "provisionary" is submitted to then file the utility patent application. Along with having the ability to utilize words "patent pending" throughout this period, it additionally supplies time to find a licensing companion. At this juncture, several options exist:

As soon as a partner has been found, the utility patent can after that be filed.

The "provisionary" can be licensed as part of the negotiation-- as well as the worry to file the utility patent.

The licensee might license the "provisionary" and also discover they are content to continue without the energy patent as any type of variety of current products does not have licenses.

The technique for the Manufacturing Approach

Most of these actions can be taken if the technique is to take a product to market. Nonetheless, the thoughtful technique will be various.

When taking the item to market, there is no need to produce the "assumption" of value with an additional supplier. Actually, in this method, the assumption should be made that once the product has begun to amass a meaningful market share, rivals will take notice. As well as considering that licensing the invention is not the main objective, safeguarding IP to produce a property to certificate additionally has less importance. Consequently, the protective approach in this technique is mosting likely to be made to hinder the competition's capacity to duplicate you by enhancing the danger as well as price-- regarded or actual-- of knocking you off. This will get priceless preparation for the market. So the method is to use whatever lawful devices are offered-- as well as cost-justified-- to create obstacles to being duplicated and also to win with marketing.

While some creations are patentable, in my experience, the patentability of an invention is frequently uncertain. I have often consulted with creators that invested the majority of their offered capital on their patent applications to locate that the result was either a declined application or a substantially narrowed-down, less-useful version of their initial application; this is why numerous product companies don't also trouble with patents. That same cash is made use of to create an excellent product and also to win at marketing. You can also follow InventHelp Linkedin

If the cost/benefit of declaring and preserving an energy patent is suspicious, then it may be useful to submit a provisional patent application at a fraction of the cost of a patent. This will certainly delay the need to submit an actual patent for twelve-month, which might or may not be the chosen path, and provides 12 months' lead time with the capacity to make use of the caution of "patent pending" on packaging throughout this period.

A hallmark can be asserted by just beginning to use the ™ after the brand name as well as item name (done by typing "tm" between parenthesis). Second, filing for a government registered trademark prices significantly less than a patent, and also the bar for demonstrating infringement is less stringent. Produce a fantastic product and offer your sellers as well as customers fantastic value from the start.

Design product packaging that is both captivating and also easily merchandised.

Establish targeted marketing as well as Public Relations project that fits your budget. Note: Restricting advertising to trade magazines targeting retail buyers and also at a trade convention as well as making use of Public Relations to create nationwide brand name recognition as well as need from end-users is commonly most cost-efficient at an early stage.

While not an assurance, lots of merchants will believe difficult before giving a peg or shelf room to a thing that is similar (a knock-off) to yours. They will pick your rival if the new thing wins at advertising and marketing (is of much better top quality or is valued in a means that enhances their margin).

Be a trusted vendor with outstanding customer care.

Safeguard your brand impact in the store by developing complementary products rapidly.

Book as lots of URLs as you can economically justify that relate to your item as well as trademark name and ideas.

Be generous, make pals in the sector, and develop your affordable intelligence.

Know who one of the most likely rivals are and also enjoy them very carefully.

Despite the course you pick to take, there will certainly always be risks. As well as in organization-- specifically the product service-- the threat of competition is constantly existing. Nevertheless, if protecting the invention/product is integrated into a natural strategic plan with multiple techniques based on the technique to be taken, the chances of success will be significantly enhanced.

The Fact of Patents as well as NDAs Some would claim that the "noticeable" way to safeguard your product is to file a patent. As well as sure, there are some scenarios where a beneficial patent has been released to an inventor who has the financial wherewithal to police as well as protects it.

By now I hope the constraints of patents are clear. Go to Target or Walmart and review the product packaging of 50 items. Exactly how several are patented?). A layout patent, which covers the precise style of an item, is much more limited as a defensive tool than a wide utility patent. Provided the number of new patents being issued each day, there are fewer readily available insurance claims for basic products every year.

There are no "patent authorities." If somebody rips off a product and it can be shown that someone has infringed on a patent, it depends on the creator to participate in and spend for, the lawful battle to prove and also to stop the infringer from proceeding. Given that the argument may not be specific, this can be an expensive legal action. Several developers lack the monetary funding to combat a lawful battle with a well-heeled knock-off business.

It should currently be clear that a patent is usually not the end-all response that many inventors, as well as specialist consultants, presume it to be. That's the trouble. The bright side is that understanding this, an inventor can concentrate on producing a winning technique.

I would certainly additionally like to briefly discuss another often-misunderstood lawful record: the nondisclosure agreement (NDA). While there are advantages to utilizing an NDA, its effectiveness is typically overemphasized. Below's why:

Initially, many-- most likely most-- suppliers will certainly not sign an NDA. They see no reason to obligate themselves to a creator with whom they have no prior relationship.

Second, an NDA is not a patent. Many NDAs don't say anything concerning not swiping the item idea, so the celebrations to the NDA are just guaranteeing not to tell anyone else.

Third, there is the capacity of including a non-compete provision of some kind in an attempt to deal with the last factor. Doing so will certainly further minimize the number of companies to whom you will certainly be able to pitch your invention as few will certainly authorize these. I have additionally directly discovered a couple of venture capitalists and expert financiers ready to sign NDA arrangements.

The majority of item companies, including those inclined to knock-off items, have lots of brand-new items in progression at any provided time. When an item manager supporters for launching a brand-new item, being geared up with critical market data that supports his decision can drastically boost his commitment to an invention. I have frequently spoken with inventors who invested the majority of their readily available funding on their patent applications to find that the result was either a decreased application or a drastically narrowed-down, less-useful version of their original application; this is why lots of item business do not also bother with licenses. A layout patent, which covers the specific layout of a product, is a lot more limited as a protective tool than a wide energy patent. If a person knocks off a product as well as it can be shown that someone has infringed on a patent, it is up to the inventor to involve in and also pay for, the legal fight to show and also to quit the infringer from proceeding.

https://twitter.com/inventhelp

[yoon-kooks]

Witch Hazel- Pt.5

Pairing: Jungkook x Reader

Genre: FanficWriter!Jungkook, Idol!Reader, College!AU, Angst, Fluff

Summary: There are two students in your art class with a secret: you and the quiet Jeon Jungkook. You’re a problematic idol singer, infamous for your ice cold reputation and perpetual resting bitch face; he’s the artist and author behind the viral comic series based on a certain ice queen idol. After a blowup of destructive rumors, lost motivation and inevitable solitude, you stumble upon Jungkook’s comic and find a new and unexpected light.

Word Count: 3.7k

Warnings: none

Parts: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // ?

-

“So are you in, Jimin?”

“I’m in,” he chuckles at your little proposal. His laugh retains its charm, even through the phone. You’d be lying if you said you weren’t a little jealous of that charming quality of his. “But can I ask you something, Snow?”

“Go for it.”

“Why me?”

“To prove a point,” you say. “You also have something to prove, right? Otherwise you wouldn’t have shown up at my concert that night despite being well aware of how the public and media would react.”

“Right… Sorry about that, by the way.” You hear the sorrow still beating him up in his lowered voice. It makes sense that he feels the need to blame himself for all the backlash you received, but he shouldn’t have to feel guilty when all he wanted was a little freedom as a normal human being and not as the perfect idol the world makes him out to be.

“It’s fine, Jimin. We may be glorified idols at the top of the industry, but there are a lot of things we have no control over.”

“True… Sometimes it seems like the only way to escape the judgment of the public eye is to hide behind a mask, huh.” Jimin sighs. “But we can’t always live like that either.”

“Exactly.”

After hanging up, you toss your phone aside and pick up your guitar.

-

On your way to class, you’ve made a habit of checking jk.seagull’s blog for any updates on Witch Hazel, and you’re delighted when you find this new text post:

“it’s not done yet, but I’m planning on posting a new chapter this afternoon after class!”

To celebrate the occasion, you stop by your local coffee shop to pick up a special mocha with extra whipped cream. You’re already late for class after failing to hear your five alarms this morning anyway. And besides, maybe you deserve a little pick-me-up after all the writing you’d done the night before. For once, you feel pretty good about the direction you’re headed in.

Not even a scolding by your professor could ruin your mood.

“Oh, Y/N. How nice of you to join us,” your professor motions for you to take your seat as soon as you step foot into the art room. “I was just talking about how certain students have not been taking this class seriously as of late.”

She glances directly at you, along with your tablemates, Taehyung and Jungkook. “Sorry,” you mouth with a lack of sincerity, before taking a long sip of your mocha.

“And because of that,” the professor continues, “I’ve decided to move up the due date of our portrait project to tomorrow.”

A collective groan fills the room from the entire class, with the exception of those few lucky bastards who’ve already completed their project early. Once the class is dismissed, the scramble to actually get shit done begins. Even Taehyung opts to stick around as opposed to his usual obligations, and that speaks volumes.

As soon as your team relocates to one of the empty art studios nearby, however, it’s apparent that no one is really vibing with this project.

“So… what’s the assignment again?” Taehyung scratches his head. As much as you’d love to scold the boy for his lack of awareness of anything happening in art class, you haven’t been in the proper mindset to give the project any thought either.

“Something about drawing ourselves based on how others perceive us?” Jungkook yawns. “Or was it drawing each other’s portrait?”

“The first one, I think,” you say. “It doesn’t really make a difference when Jungkook’s gonna end up drawing Taehyung’s portion anyway.”

“True,” the boys say together. If there’s one thing you’ve learned from your art class shenanigans, it’s that the more you get to know someone, the easier it is to understand them and their actions—even if they’re completely different from you like Taehyung.

“If that’s the case, let’s hurry up and let each other know how we perceive one another. I have a doubleheader later on that I’d really hate to miss,” Taehyung nods in satisfaction at his clever wording for what you presume to be back-to-back one night stands. “I’ll start: Y/N, there’s not much I know about you besides the fact that you’re unfriendly, but I think that’s intentional. Like you’re hiding a dark secret or something. Jungkook, if you weren’t so shy, I’m sure you’d get laid more often.”

“Let’s not sugarcoat anything,” you roll your eyes. “I would say you, Taehyung, abuse your charm to get what you want. You use sleeping around as an excuse to avoid responsibility. And you embrace it because you fear that that’s the only thing people will ever acknowledge you for.”

“I’m not usually a masochist, but I kind of like it when you roast me like that, Y/N,” Taehyung shrugs it off, though you know you’ve hit the mark. Everyone has a poker face, and Kim Taehyung is no exception. To take the attention off of himself, he throws an arm around his favorite art buddy. “Roast this guy next.”

You glance over at Jungkook who’s in the midst of adding to your roast on Taehyung. It’s interesting to see how differently he acts with Taehyung, with you, and with everyone else. The more he knows someone, the less he withholds. If he knew you more, you wonder what he’d tell you. “I agree that if Jungkook weren’t so shy, there’d be more potential for a lot of things, but-”

Buzz! Taehyung looks down at his phone. “Well, that’s my cue. Jungkook, Y/N, you know what to do~”

“Have fun at your doubleheader,” you wave off your incompetent teammate until he’s out of sight. “Should we be enabling him like this?”

“Probably not. But even I can’t say no to that charm of his.” Jungkook sighs as he pulls out a blank sheet of bristol paper. In what feels like an instant, several dots and lines transform into a general outline of Taehyung’s face. “I’m surprised you haven’t fallen for his charm yet… unless…?”

“Look, I get the appeal of a smoothtalker who walks with confidence, but Taehyung really isn’t my type,” you laugh.

“Still, I’m a little envious of him.” Jungkook draws Taehyung a nice and natural wink. “Because he isn’t afraid to chase after what he wants.”

You want to tell the boy that he should chase after whatever it is he wants, but you know that’s easier said than done. After all, you know exactly how it feels to take that leap of faith, only to fall short before reaching the dream you so desired. So all you can do is nod and start working on your own portrait.

For about five whole minutes, you try to sketch out a decent upside-down egg shape for your head, but it always comes out a little lopsided or rough around the edges. Once you’ve got a little mountain of eraser shaving piling up, you decide it’s time to sneak a peek at Jungkook’s sketch to get an idea of how a well-seasoned artist draws a proper face.

What you see instead, however, is the boy staring back at your mountain of eraser shavings. You swear you hear a little pft come out of his mouth. The nerve.

“Hold your pencil like this,” he says, holding his own pencil with his pinky sticking out.

You replicate his grip, wiggling the pinky. “Is this some sort of weird pinky promise that artists do?”

Before Jungkook can even respond, your pinky is already linked to his. Funny how his finger curled around yours as if it were the most normal thing to do, but his burning cheeks say otherwise. You might’ve jumped the gun on this one.

After blinking at the empty pinky promise for a good three seconds, the boy finally lets go. “Use that pinky to steady your hand as you sketch.”

“Oh… right…” You feel a wildfire spreading across your own cheeks. Your dumbass somehow misinterpreted a drawing technique for something as childish as a pinky promise! Whether it’s because you’re flustered or just shitty at art, you fumble around to get your pencil on the paper. “…How do I do it again?”

Rather than trying to explain or demonstrate it to you, Jungkook motions for you to come closer. So you do. He takes your hand and individually sets each finger onto your pencil like a guitar teacher helping their student find the right chord position.

You’re pleasantly surprised by how gentle his touch is. Rather than forcing your fingers to conform to the conventional ways of an artist, he gives them the little push they need to find their own place along the length of the pencil—wherever is most comfortable for you.

Once you’ve got a good grip, Jungkook guides your pencil back to the canvas with your pinky just barely touching the drawing surface. “Now try drawing the outline of your face again.”

You do as you’re told and see immediate results. Although it’s not a perfect egg, your lines are noticeably smoother as if your skin had just been cleared. Jungkook gives you and your improved egg a thumbs-up, which you return with a thumbs-up of your own.

As you both resume your portraits, you can’t help but wonder if it was the tiny adjustment of how you held your pencil that made the difference. Or if it was Jeon Jungkook himself. You suppose only time will tell.

Several hours later, Jungkook has finished Taehyung’s portrait, you still need to color yours in, and an announcement goes off through the intercom.

“Due to the art auction charity event tonight, this building will be closing in ten minutes. Thank you.”

You groan. This is the worst case scenario for your damn group project. Because if you’re kicked out of the studio, you won’t have access to all of the necessary art supplies.

Unless…?

You exchange glances with the most devoted artist you know.

-

Jungkook’s apartment is not exactly how you imagined a weeby Snow stan’s habitat to look. There’s not a trace of Snow, nor is there a hint of magic anime girls floating around. But the one thing you did correctly predict is the amount of art scattered across the boy’s room.

Everywhere you look, you’re blown away by something different from the last. A painted city landscape detailed enough to be mistaken for an actual photo, a busy abstract pattern that makes the little wheels in your head spin, the familiar animation booklet of the flower in the snow, and an interesting little doodle that doesn't seem to scream “college art project”.

You try to make sense of what appears to be the chaos that ensues when the worlds of mathematics and music collide. Half of the basic times tables chart is replaced with values represented by music notes. The math nerd in you laughs when you see that a sixteenth note is correctly placed where two quarter notes align. Similarly, the music sheet on the other side of the doodle has a time signature of “75%” aka ¾ time aka the rhythm of a waltz.

“How old were you when you drew this one?” You point to the artwork titled Math Musician written in tiny font at the bottom corner next to the boy’s initials.

Jungkook chuckles, probably out of embarrassment. “I think I was ten.”

“Imagine being a talented artist at age ten. Can’t relate,” you clown yourself as you pull out your unfinished portrait from your art bag. In addition to looking “unfriendly”, your drawn face is rather lifeless and more so demonic for some reason. Hopefully some color will bring more dimension and life back into your flesh.

Just then, you realize you’ve made a fatal mistake.

“Umm, Jungkook?” you continue to stare down at your mistake. “I forgot to factor in your opinion of me into my portrait and now I just look unfriendly like Taehyung said.”

Jungkook tilts his head to get a better look at your monstrosity. His reaction could go one of three ways: he could laugh and give you a hard time about it, he could help you find a solution, or he could do both.

“You definitely nailed the ‘unfriendly’ part,” he snickers. “The RBF is strong with this one.”

“So you agree that I’m unfriendly?” On one hand, that would be good because you won’t have to revise your portrait if Jungkook shares the same opinion as Taehyung. On the other hand, you don’t want Jungkook to have that opinion of you.

“Not necessarily,” he says. “I think if people looked beyond your unfriendly demeanor, they’d find someone very different.”

Before you can ask the boy to elaborate, he has already left and come back with the solution to your problem: fancy coloring markers.

“Since you already drew your appearance based on Taehyung’s opinion, you can color it in based on my opinion, if that makes it easier.” Jungkook hands you an assortment of markers, though a large portion of them are just different shades of one color in particular. Yellow.

Yellow was the last color you were expecting. You expected cooler and darker tones like blues or greys to match your ice queen personality. But yellow? Yellow, to you, has always meant bright and happy.

“Yellow is a happy color, isn’t it?” You start swatching each shade of yellow to see how they translate onto a white canvas. Your favorite shade out of the bunch is the soft pale one called Banana Milk, but that still doesn’t mean it suits you. To prove your point, you hold up your unfriendly demon portrait to your actual face and pout. “Do either of these faces look happy to you, Jungkook?”

“No, but they do look silly.” The boy cracks a smile at your humor. “In a good way.” The way he smiles so brightly plants a dangerous little seed in your head. Maybe the yellow is meant to represent not how he perceives your feelings, but rather, how he perceives his own feelings for you.

-

By the time evening comes, you’ve shaded in every inch of your canvas, completing your portion of the portrait project. You were right—the bright colors really did help bring life back into your face, and there’s less of a demonic aura about it now.

It also looks like one big contradiction: an unfriendly-looking face with a cheerful brightness around it. But that’s probably what Jungkook was referring to when he said you were very different beneath your unfriendly mask.

As you stretch out your arms and yawn, you peek over at the boy’s progress with his portrait. He stares down at his markers scattered across the floor, pushing his long locks out of his eyes, in search of his next color. From the small portion that he has colored so far, you notice a big difference between his portrait and yours. While your color scheme is bright and flashy like a star, Jungkook’s is soft and subtle to mimic his shy and lowkey personality.

“Use this,” you toss him the Banana Milk marker and pull a scrunchie off your wrist, “and this too.”

Jungkook places the pale yellow marker down right on the area he’ll color next. He doesn’t, however, know what to do with the foreign hair accessory in his palm. He just blinks at it.

With a dramatic sigh, you join the boy on the floor and take back the scrunchie. Like a puppy with long bangs poking its eyes, he lets you comb your fingers through his hair before tying a tiny sprout on top of his head.

“So this is what the world looks like,” he nods, as if his long hair had greatly hindered his view of the world in front of him. At the same time, he spots the finished product of your portrait. “Your self-portrait is a lot different from how I would draw you.”

“I would’ve appreciated a compliment for my hard work, but go ahead and insult me, Jeon.” You square up.

“Oh sorry. You did a phenomenal job, Y/N.” He doesn’t even try to put effort into masking his sarcasm as pity praise. But that’s expected in how he hasn’t missed a single opportunity to tease you and your shitty art. “It’s just interesting how differently others interpret us from how we interpret ourselves.”

Now you’re curious. “How would you draw me then?”

“You want to see?” Jungkook pushes his own portrait aside and starts digging around for a sketchbook with a blank page to spare. What possesses him to prioritize a drawing of you before his own portrait that’s due in less than 24 hours? You won’t allow that.

“I want to see it after our project is finished, please,” you pull his unfinished portrait back in front of him before making yourself comfy on the boy’s bed. “In the meantime, I’ll be reading you-know-what.”

“Smut?” The boy has a dirty mind, it seems.

“Unless Witch Hazel plans on getting a little smutty, no, I will not be reading smut.” With a hmph, you scroll through jk.seagull’s blog. “I wonder if the new chapter is posted yet.”

Jungkook, too, picks up his phone with wide eyes when he hears you say “new chapter”. Your hype and excitement around the fanfic must be rubbing off on him.

But unfortunately for you, there is no new post since the one you saw before class. You make a sad booboo face, but it isn’t the end of the world either. You’ll just have to reread the series from the beginning as you wait for either Witch Hazel to be updated or Jungkook to finish the project. Whichever happens first.

“Wait, I think the seagull guy just posted something.”

You’ve never jumped onto your phone so quick when Jungkook mentions the seagull guy. It isn’t a new chapter of Witch Hazel, but instead another small text post.

“sorry for not updating witch hazel today like i said i would!! i was bombarded with an unexpected art assignment;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;”

Your sad booboo face disappears. It seems you’re not the only one struggling to find balance between the arts and the need to satisfy others. “Isn’t it funny that he’s an art student too?”

“Haha, yeah…” Jungkook’s voice fades as he returns to his portrait.

“Maybe that’s why I like his work so much,” you say, clicking back to the very first chapter of Witch Hazel where Snow is helping out those who she had unintentionally scared away with her witchcraft. “He just gets it.”

“He gets what?”

With the biggest yawn, you shrug because you don’t really know how to put it into words. It just feels as though you and him think alike. And the thought of that is comforting enough to put you to rest until Jungkook finishes up the project.

“Y/N.” You hear things shuffling around in your half-asleep state. When you rise from mysterious pile of blankets on top of you, you see Jungkook putting his art supplies away and clearing space on the floor for him to camp out since you’ve apparently claimed his bed.

“Did you finish?” You check the time in the dimly lit room, and you’re shocked to see it’s past midnight.

“Yeah.” He pulls your scrunchie out of his hair and drops it into your palm. “Thank you for your service.”

“Keep it.” You slide the hair tie onto the boy’s wrist when you notice he looks a little different somehow. The hoodie he was wearing earlier is replaced with a plain white tee, and his torn jeans have become grey sweatpants. The unspoken reality of you stay over at the boy’s apartment is slowly becoming realized. “In exchange, I’d like to see how you’d draw me.”

“Already done,” he says, jogging to his desk and back to you with a page from his sketchbook in hand. “I drew you as a superhero.”

“What kind of superhero?” You kick the blankets off of you and reach for the drawing, but of fucking course, Jungkook pulls it back real quick just when you were about to snatch it. “Let me see!”

He keeps it hidden behind his back for a while until he gets a little too cocky and dangles it above where you’re sitting on the bed. It would be too predictable for you to reach for the hand with drawing in it, so you decide to aim for the other arm to trap him in.

But rather than latching onto his arm, you catch only a piece of the scrunchie around his wrist, causing you both to lose balance. Your back hits the soft bedding as you stare up into the eyes of the boy who just so happened to land on top of you. Aha, you finally figure out why he looked a little different after you woke up. No glasses, just his handsome brown eyes.

You’d give yourself a pat on the back for figuring that out if you weren’t distracted by the drawing of you as a “superhero”. You were expecting something tough like the Avengers or Sailor Moon or even Izuku Midoriya. But instead you see someone who looks very much like yourself with a guitar and yellow flower crown.

“That’s not a superhero,” you say quietly.

“There are people who would feel otherwise.” Jungkook plops down next to you on his stomach.

“Like who?”

“Like people you share your music with.”

You bite your lip before rolling off the bed to run and get something. When you hop back onto the bed, you drop a pencil into Jungkook’s hand make him hold it with his pinky out like he had shown you earlier. You do the same with another pencil and link your pinky to his once more.

“Promise me you won’t tell anyone what I’m about to tell you.”

[kjmhj0429995486]

Perhaps a small winwin and kun college au?

okay this took me forever to get around to oops! hahahha this is honestly way too many words for nothing to really happen but I had fun writing it. would love to maybe continue this eventually!

tinder!au i guess??

kun despised the idea of dating apps. absolutely hated it. he always criticized the vanity and impermanence of meeting people online and stood by his ground that you could only find the perfect match in person. when kun created a tinder account under the influence of a few drinks and some very resilient friends on a friday night in, he still hated dating apps, but he’d admit now that maybe he was being a little early to judge.

kun wasn’t like his friends. ten lived for nights out and meeting new people and kissing boys he’d only just met. in a similar vein, lucas was always in a relationship, whether it being a fling that lasts a few weeks before he gets bored or one of his longer, more emotional engagements, kun has never known the man without someone on his arm. but kun was different. since they started college over three years ago now, he’d only kissed a handful of boys, maybe a girl or two in the beginning, and he’d only been in two relationships, both pretty long term relative to his friends. with the last one ending nearly a year ago, he couldn’t help but feel a little lonely; however, it wasn’t until the alcohol settled into his veins as he listened to stories of his friends’ most recent passionate endeavors during their guys’ night that he expressed this to anyone else.

“oh my god and then afterwards, he literally just, left me there. on the couch, naked. he didn’t even leave a blanket for me,” ten was a few shots in, speaking dramatically and drawing the most genuine reactions from his tipsy bestfriends as he spoke. “but oh my GOD did I even care after what that man had just done to me.”

kun never understood the hookup culture that his friends subscribed to, but he was happy for them; and they knew that, even if his snide remarks came off a little judgy. “i really can’t believe the situations you get yourself into sometimes,” kun laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. “like you really can’t tell me it was worth getting treated that way to have sex with someone you’ll never see again.”

“kun,” ten began, placing his hands on kun’s shoulders and looking him in the eye, feigning as much seriousness as he could muster in his current state. “you really really need to get laid already,” this made kun immediately roll his eyes and laugh softly in ten’s face. “actually you don’t even have to fuck him right away, but like you could really use a cute boy in your life, man,” he ended with a slight seriousness that hit home more than he would’ve expected. kun knew exactly why ten was saying what he was saying. obvious to his friends, he’d been really stressed lately with midterms and club activities and whatever else he managed to find to keep himself busy enough to not have time to worry about how he felt so incomplete; about how much better all the stressful things in his life would be if someone else was there to experience them with him.

“wait wait wait,” lucas intergected, his normal deep voice even more boisterous with the drinks in his system. “you should make a tinder.”

at this, ten’s eyes widened and he immediately perked up with the biggest smile on his face.

“absolutely not.” kun intended to shut this conversation down before the boys got any stupid ideas in their heads. he was a little late.

“kun pleaseeeee?” ten begged with full on puppy dog eyes. “you never know, the love of your life might be on there right now.”

kun pulled away from the grip ten still had on his shoulders and raised his eyebrows at his friends in an attempt to get his seriousness through their heads. “no way. you guys know how i feel about dating apps. i will happily wait a thousand years for the right man to meet me face to face if that’s what it takes.”

lucas was not convinced. “dude you haven’t had a boyfriend in months. literally all you do when you’re not with us is study. obviously that’s not making you any progress soulmate wise so like.. what’s the harm in giving it a go?”

neither was ten. “exactly. kun you deserve to find someone, you really do. worst case scenario you go on a couple of bad dates and we have something to laugh about, best case scenario you find someone you think you can fall in love with,” kun softens, just a bit, at the sincerity of ten’s words. for a second that is. “and yeah most of them suck but i promise there’s some high quality, top notch men on there if you look hard enough. trust me, i’ve found a couple myself,” he adds with a quick wink. when kun’s scowl returns to his face ten reverts to his previous tactic: puppy dog eyes. “pleassssse kun. you know we really just want the best for you.”

kun sighs, rolling his eyes begrudgingly at his defeat. “i can’t believe i’m saying this out loud but i guess i have been kind of lonely lately,” he begins, catching his friends’ hopeful attention. “not in like a sad kind of way but maybe in a ‘this would be better with someone else’ kind of way.”

that was enough for lucas to grab kun’s phone from its place on the coffee table and download the app before kun even had time to protest.

-

“awww he’s kinda cute.” ten said, clicking to view the full profile of a boy just a year younger than kun.

“he’s holding a dead fish.”

“you know what they say, the bigger the dead fish the bigger his...”

“literally no one has ever said that.”

“ugh fine. next.”

kun went to bed that night disappointed about to his expectations, if not a little more.

-

it wasn’t until three days later when kun was laying in bed after a busy school day that he even remembered he had downloaded the stupid app a few nights prior. after a brief battle between his strong opinions towards the dumb application sitting almost mockingly on his home screen and his skeptical curiosity, he unlocked his phone and opened the neglected app, the latter obviously winning out.

kun spent a few minutes swiping. he clicked each individual profile to get as solid of a read as he could on each guy before making his decision with a careful consideration, something he had definitely never seen either of friends apply to their tinder boy sprees. left. left. left. kun was growing ever more frustrated, none of the boys striking a chord with him. perhaps he was being a bit harsh with his standards but he really truly felt that he couldn’t see himself in a relationship with any of these men. left. left. left again. and that’s when he stopped. almost instinctively swiping on the next boy before a picture loaded before his eyes that made him rethink every criticism he had ever given his friends or their dumb app. this one was cute. more than cute. kun never really understood what the phrase “boyish charm” meant, but he knew this boy had it. he was beautiful in such an understated way. not aggressively attractive by conventional standards, but gorgeous and delicate and handsome in a way that kun thinks he could stare at for hours.

with a breath of fresh air, kun finally swiped right. he felt a brief wave of something akin to panic, or maybe excitement, wash over him when a screen he had yet to see appeared. “it’s a match! sicheng likes you too,” the screen read. kun couldn’t help the small smile that appeared on his face for a split second before he forced it into a scowl, unhappy that he had fallen into the trap of these dumb apps. soon after, kun put his phone down and went to bed. he hated the lingering curiosity about the boy that he knew nothing about, but let himself indulge in his own imagination for just a little while before falling asleep to the thought of having someone to call his.

-

the next day was busy for kun. between his four classes and studying for his upcoming midterms, he hadn’t even had a second to consider swiping mindlessly through tinder or messaging the single boy he had deemed worthy of his swipe. that was, until he was sat outside the dining hall, letting himself enjoy a few free minutes to eat dinner with ten and lucas. amidst lucas’ downward spiral into the stress of his classes and how much work he has to do, kun’s phone buzzes. he doesn’t want to be as distracted as he is from his friends’ problems by the notification his phone lights up with, but he can’t seem to fight the curiosity of what the tiny words that read “sicheng sent you a new message.” would reveal. kun decides to wait until he can give his full attention to the weird little crush that’s already begun brewing on the total stranger living in his phone. he locks his phone and puts it in his pocket before returning his attention to the people in his life he knows are actually real.

-

back in his dorm, kun immediately flops onto his bed. he scrolls aimlessly through twitter and instagram before finally landing back where he was last night. knowing that he has a ton of studying to do before bed, he clicks on the messages tab and indulges himself, maybe for a little longer than he means to.

kun: hmmm maybe if i deem you worthy

sicheng: and how do i obtain your approval oh great magician?

kun: well for starters

kun: you’re really cute so that gets your foot in the door

sicheng: 😳

kun: but it’s gonna take a little more than that unfortunately

sicheng: i can dance

sicheng: does that help?

sicheng: ooh and i have a dog

sicheng: but he lives with my parents :(

sicheng: or i can show you my anime figurine collection it’s pretty impressive

kun: haha honestly?

kun: i think you just might be worthy of two magic tricks😂

sicheng: you mean to tell me you know more than one magic trick????

sicheng: wait

sicheng: are you a wizard?

kun: not last i checked

kun: but i guess you’ll be happy to know that i actually know like

kun: 10 magic tricks

sicheng: whaaaaaat

sicheng: lol what point in your life did you not have any friends?

kun: middle school😔

kun: but it’s okay i came out stronger

sicheng: so now you have friends AND know magic?

sicheng: AND you’re hot??

sicheng: sounds kinda op to me

kun: well i’d say all of those are only kind of true

sicheng: i’m still impressed

kun: thank you

sicheng: ✌︎('ω'✌︎ )

kun absolutely hated the stupid smile that wouldn’t leave has face as he read back the boy’s replies. but, as he continued to slowly learn bits and pieces of the boy that didn’t exist to him until last night through conversation that came way more easily than he ever would’ve imagined, kun decides that maybe something special really could come from this after all.

[arabellaflynn]

Hello, all. It has been a rough pandemic.

As you may have figured, since I am in the performing arts, I have been completely out of work since this shitshow began. The earliest venues will open up here in MA is September, which is not helpful for me, because I need to be out of my current place by 8/31. No one will rent to me on my Patreon income, so I've been trying to figure out how to supplement that with other online work.

My first thought, frankly, was camming. I'm attractive and I know that, and I don't care about being naked in "public". I have a lot of opinions on the legitimacy and legalization of sex work, but making a statement would be a convenient bonus; I'd be in it for the tips. As the appliance menagerie on the Flintstones used to say, "Eh. It's a living."

The best camera I currently have is attached to the slightly-less ancient laptop. You know, the one with the broken hinge that won't hold the screen up on the right. Only the wifi on that computer has quit working. The onboard chip was always kind of flaky, but for some reason it has chosen now to deteriorate to the point where it no longer acknowledges a router on the other side of the goddamn wall. Shooting in the living room with an ethernet cable is not an option, because another housemate is already doing that.

I bought a dual-band USB wifi adapter with antenna. It's a Realtek chip -- not gold-plated, but also not total junk. I specifically checked to make sure it worked with Ubuntu Bionic before I ordered. I have now installed three separate sets of drivers in three completely different ways, read everything ever written about this on AskUbuntu, and still the computer refuses to acknowledge its existence. Not even if I blacklist the onboard chip to keep it from falling back into previous bad habits.

The other elderly laptop (with the working wifi) has a cam that tops out at 640 x 480, which I suppose might squeak by as a tiny facecam on Twitch, or for tutoring where no one cares about pixelization. The microphone, however, is crap. It's a tinny omni on the screen bezel that likes room noise more than my voice. I don't have an external microphone, and there's no onboard Bluetooth for my wireless headset. So I bought a USB Bluetooth adapter, which this computer is ignoring as hard as the other one is the wifi dongle. I have a wired headset with a mic, but because this computer is probably mere months too old to know what to do with an inline mic on the same jack as the output signal, it doesn't register at all.

The camera on my phone is potato quality, because that is honestly about how much the phone cost. Ditto the refurb Kindle. Neither is smart enough to keep up with streaming video, which I found out when I tried to do a video rehearsal for something months ago. 

I have no place to do any kind of professional non-entertainment streaming work (e.g., tutoring) with my terrible equipment in any event. I don't own a desk. If a free desk appeared on my doorstep tomorrow, I would have nowhere to put it. My bedroom is small enough to contravene the Geneva Convention requirements for POW cells and I'm basically stuck in here, for reasons of both air conditioning and not having to interact with a house full of people who very much want me gone.

What I do have is a set of working emulators and some free video editing software, so I decided to take a stab at a subtitled Let's Play. I can certainly ramble on for 30 or so hours of Final Fantasy II. At the very least it'll give me something scheduled to do. So I pulled everything out and set it up, only to find that my controller was "pining for the fjords" -- no lights, no acknowledgement from RetroArch, no response to any button presses.

...

...okay, well, at least we're down to a level of equipment I can afford to replace. So I am waiting for the mail carrier to bring me another $10 gamepad, whilst stuck in bureaucratic hell. I'm down to emergency public assistance, which keeps asking me to send them random documents, inconveniently one at a time. Even when I can submit them online I'm required to wait a minimum of 2-3 business days before a human can look at them. I'm trying to not be mad -- they are clearly horribly overworked -- but it also leaves me with a lot of time to do nothing but busy-wait. They've finally decided I'm destitute enough for food stamps, so now I have to sit on my hands until the card arrives in the mail.

The chronic, crushing lack of resources is not helped by (or helping) the fact that I'm just not functioning very well. I was already on the edge of disintegration when the lockdown orders hit anyway; I was taking every piece of work I could find in an effort to scrape together enough for first/last/deposit on a new apartment, and honestly that's more than I can handle. I can consistently get to about 20 hours of "stuff that can't be done while in bed, wearing pajamas" per week, with occasional spikes up to about 30, before I start losing the ability to take care of myself. I skip showers, let my living space become a complete disaster area, and go to bed without dinner because the whole process of choosing something to eat, preparing it, eating it, and cleaning up after myself is so overwhelming that I just burst into tears and don't do it. I fed the rats twice a day and cleaned their cage once or twice a week, but couldn't manage to do the same for myself.

It's difficult to explain to people the state of being physically and mentally exhausted without also being sweaty and shaky from muscle fatigue. Perhaps the single most salient example I can give is lying in bed at night and realizing I kind of vaguely needed to pee. Not like urgently -- just enough that I knew if I didn't, I'd wake up the next day with an uncomfortably full bladder. Then just lying there anyway, not because I thought suffering was noble or I deserved it or anything idiotic like that, but just because taking care of it would involve standing up, walking into another room, and initiating a new task, and I did not have the capacity to do any of those things.

If you suggest I start making a to-do list, I will sit down right now and invent a brand new Blunt Object Transfer Protocol (botp://) expressly for the purpose of punching you, personally, in the face over the goddamn internet. I will even credit you in the patent application. I will not share the licensing profits, which judging from social media right now, would be approximately all of the money on the face of the Earth. I do not need "life hacks". 

What I really need is a case worker, or possibly a babysitter, or just to have shown up at the ER about two months ago, because that is the only way I have ever found to get people to pay attention when I ask for help. Otherwise I get triaged out of sight and out of mind -- they ask if I'm suicidal, I tell them no, they tell me 'okay, here's a prescription for six Xanax and a packet of resources, go home and fix it yourself'. I'm just like, you sons of bitches, do you think I don't know how to Google things? If I could fix this on my own, I wouldn't be talking to you. Except I can't right now, because plague.

Everyone wants to fob me off on someone else. I was referred to an SSDI attorney by a friend, because frankly that's where I'm at right now. I wrote to them, specifically mentioning his name and the associate who helped him, and explained that I was basically a vegetable and I needed help applying for disability. I'm a college-educated suburban white girl, who grew up hearing her parents make rude jokes about welfare queens -- I have no idea how any of this works and I'm so broken I kept losing my place in a blanket whose pattern was literally "knit-purl-knit-purl to end of row; turn work over; repeat". Their response was "Sounds like you need some help applying for SSDI/SSI disability. Here's the website for the Boston Bar Association, good luck!" Crisis lines of both the psychiatric and financial varieties keep directing me to one of two national clearinghouse sites for social support services, both of which direct me to each other, because neither has any programs in my area.

I am trying really, really hard not to resent the ever-loving fuck out of anyone who has any sort of support system right now. One housemate has almost the exact same list of medical problems that I do, and is also completely out of work right now. She is married to the one who has a grown-up salaried WFH IT job, and will never have to worry about having a roof over her head or food in the cabinets. The single housemate has supportive family literally a five minute walk down the street; if she ever gets her feet kicked out from under her, she can stay with them temporarily while she scrambles back up. Another friend yote out to California right before lockdown to stay with his family. A local offered to help me with paperwork, then ghosted me intermittently before explaining that he was having a hard time himself right now and barely had the capacity for his own life. I have an elderly rat, no more savings, and no options.

I don't even know how I'm going to move the little I own. How do you even ask people to do that in the middle of a pandemic? If I don't have the money to move, I definitely don't have the money for a moving company, and I'm envisioning all of my community-minded friends pursing their lips in judgement and declining because like all the good people they are diligently social distancing.

I have also discovered, while hauling an empty suitcase out to Watertown and a full one back home again, that I do not cope well with face masks. It's fine if I'm not doing much, especially if I'm in a climate-controlled space like a store or the T, but as soon as I exert myself at all, I see spots. And no, it is not a matter of "just get used to it"; I have tested this by trying to wear a mask during my home workouts. It is just stuffy enough under there, and there is just enough reduction in air flow, that the world keeps going all film-grainy and dark on the sides, which I know from experience is the first step on a very short path to the Magical Land of Syncope. I had to stop during the outdoor trek and sit on the suitcase about twice a block through the commercial district, where it stayed on because there were people. This was when it was 72 whole degrees out (and the AC is generally on 74°F inside) which doesn't bode well for moving my heavy shit around in late August. 

I'm normally good at catching things at the weird-vision stage, although enough random strangers and T employees have asked me if I'm okay that I have to assume I look as ill as I feel at that point. And I have an absolutely tragic talent for talking people out of calling emergency services when I do actually keel over, but everyone is so health-panicked that I don't think it would work right now. I know what's happened and why, but I can't exactly communicate that to bystanders when I'm unconscious. As nice as EMS is, I don't feel like waking up to a round of Twenty Questions ("How many fingers am I holding up? Who's the President? Do you have a seizure disorder?"). So I just don't go out.

Alison over at Ask A Manager got a question about this the other day that suggests this is considered legitimate can't-(always-)wear-a-mask territory, and I am able to wear a mask where required in MA, which is indoors/during interactions with other people when it's actually useful, so I don't have any qualms on the scientific or legal front. I have just never been a good judge of how much potential peril/damage it's "reasonable" to put up with, and I don't have the capacity to explain myself over and over again a million times a day. 

I'm fucking tired. I'm tired of covid, I'm tired of living in a big glitzy continent-spanning banana republic, I'm tired of anxiety, I'm tired of other people carping at me to do things I can't in order to fix their anxiety for them, I'm tired of not having the space to dance, I'm tired of asking for help before things fall apart and being told 'well, come back when it is an emergency', and most of all I'm tired of this cycle where I tell myself "I'm going to stop being lazy! I'm going to put on my big-girl pants and wake up early and work 40 hours a week and support myself like an adult!" and then fail at it again because I just do not have the capacity to do that. I do not know how to make the system understand that I need some kind of support right now. 

Sorry for yet another depressing update, but that's where I am right now.

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[shyly-yours]

not too obvious

notes: was inspired by a reddit snapshot. it’s really quite adorable.

---

“Quick, let me hold your hand!”

“Sora, I’m eating lunch--”

“I only have five minutes to feel everybody’s hand before I have to make my next delivery!”

Lea put down his chopsticks inside the Cheeto’s bag he was holding. He wasn’t five anymore and did not appreciate cheesy powder clinging to his clean hands. “First, gross. Second, do I even--hey!”

Sora took Lea’s free hand and interlaced their fingers in a firm hold for several seconds. The hungry man learned the best tactic to any Sora brand shenanigans was to let it play out, and then bail when it looked like government enforcement got involved. “I would say you should buy me dinner first, but I kind of think Riku would have a problem with his boyfriend of four years taking out his ex-lover on a date.”

“No, this isn’t right either,” Sora mumbled and then sighed while letting Lea go. “I’ve held at least a hundred hands today and none of them are right!”

Shaking out his released digits, Lea set down his Cheeto’s, leaned forward on the table they were currently occupying, placed his elbows on the surface, and put his head onto his folded hands. “Well, if we’re doing hand counts now--instead of bodies--I can positively say you’ve actually one upped me for once. I’m so proud of you.”

“I’ve done Kairi, Ventus, Roxas, Terra, and Xehanort--”

“Maybe, check, check, check, and what the fuck.”

“--and none of them feel right.” Sora ruffled his spikes as he sighed. “Why are you the only one here? I was hoping to feel Isa’s hand before he left for band practice. Did he leave already?!”

“It’s a holiday, dumbass. How did you even get in here? The shop isn’t open--waaait, did you make copies of the key I gave you years back?”

“There’s no time for questions, Lea! It’s imperative you tell me where Isa is!!”

“I’m not telling you where my other half is if you’re just going to molest him like you did me.”

“What?! I did NOT--”

“Sora? What are you doing here?” Namine’s sweet voice asked from the break room doorway. “Doesn’t Riku have a show tonight? You’re usually with him when he does.”

“Let me hold your hand!”

----

There was a talent show at a convention Sora took Riku to that one time. They were dressed as popular video game characters that Riku had no clue about, but he would do just about anything for Sora (well, okay, he would do anything for Sora), and they received positive comments everywhere they went. Therefore, it was easy for Sora to persuade Riku into a duet to “give the people what they want”. It was a wonderful memory Riku cherished very much. 

He has to remind himself that Sora didn’t orchestrate Riku being discovered by an attending talent agency representative. Riku thought it was a joke at first--he was a good singer, but he didn’t think it would necessitate things like recording contracts or publicity interviews. He wasn’t so far gone into stardom that he needed a bodyguard to protect him from invading paparazzi. He was in that sweet spot of having gained enough notoriety to be recognized once or twice while buying toilet paper with his cute boyfriend at the local supermarket. 

It’s just... most of the good things to happen in Riku’s life are usually associated with Sora. It took him a while to recognize self sabotage and learning to take time-outs when haunting thoughts resurfaced before old habits reverted him back to a person Riku didn’t like. Sora met him at this stage in his life--a chapter where Riku looked at gift horses in the mouth and manipulated the situation into a disaster before anybody else could ruin it. Despite fading into a toxic shell, Sora remained his friend, eventually a best friend, and coaxed Riku back “into the light” where Sora knew he belonged. Such a genuine person deserved somebody who didn’t occasionally hiccup, right?

“So when are you planning on asking him?”

Riku and Kairi sat side-by-side on the edge of the amphitheater stage. “You don’t think it’s too soon to ask him to marry me?”

Kairi shoved Riku’s shoulder with hers and said in a disbelieving tone, “Are you seriously asking my opinion about whether or not you should ask Sora, our impulsive and reckless and dearly beloved Sora who you have been dating and living with for a while now--”

“Only because I was getting evicted!”

“--who, might I also add, has been deeply in love with you since the day you two first met--”

“You just said he’s impulsive and reckless. I don’t know if I’ve been complimented or insulted.”

“--and whether or not you should marry him?”

Kairi stared.

“...the jury’s still out?”

And then smacked Riku upside the head.

----

What’s fascinating about the world of Sora is that he inherently knows when the time is right. His mother always told him to follow his heart when it came to the facts of life and making tough choices. Leaving Destiny Islands behind was an internal struggle, but a necessary change as Sora felt the universe calling him elsewhere. He made new friends, reunited with other adventuring islanders, and eventually landed in the energetic hubbub of Radiant Garden.

This is where he met Riku, one of the adventuring islanders Sora was surprised existed (although now he knows better than think he was the first to venture away from Destiny Islands). It wasn’t obvious then, but Sora’s heart knew Riku would always be a part of his life. Now to find the correct hand measurement for the ring he wanted to buy to further cement Riku’s permanency in his world.

“I’m really exhausted trying to find Cinderella’s shoe--”

“We made a list of code words, Sora, and you’re still sticking to this one?!”

“--and I’m not going to give up until I find the right hand, but Aqua I’m really starting to freak out here. LOOK OUT I’M COMING THROUGH!”

Sora threw his cellphone into the bicycle basket in order to put both of his hands onto the handlebars for better swerve control. Exclamations and shocked shouts were hollered in his direction both from walking pedestrians and his mobile. Sora was never meant to multitask at any capacity no matter his stubbornness to improve his lack of skill. Riku said Sora must have been born under a new moon to have been inhibited with so much chaos. 

“SORA! What’s happening?!”

Out of harms way and coming up to his final destination, Sora plucked his cell out of the basket and resumed his conversation. “Sorry, Aqua! Yen Sid’s Bao buns have been really popular today and he called me in to help with deliveries before Riku’s concert tonight!”

Aqua sighed in disapproval. “I really wish you wouldn’t talk and drive, Sora.”

“It hasn’t been that bad today! I only crashed once and it was smooth sailing up until just a minute ago.”

“So let’s reset the accident calendar to ‘zero days since last incident’, shall we?”

“Can we focus on what’s really important right now?”

“Oh! You mean you don’t want to discuss the state of your health and well-being? Because I have a mountain of evidence that says there should have been an intervention weeks ago.”

It was Sora’s turn to sigh. “Okay, I hear you Aqua! I need to take better care of myself! No need to mother hen me into an early grave.”

“I love you, Sora, but how does that even make sense?”

“Listen,” Sora grabbed the last take-out bag, walked up to the townhouse front door, and knocked. “I haven’t found a hand that resembles Riku’s and if I don’t get the ring size for the jeweler soon, tonight will be ruined. Well, not ruined-ruined because Riku is perfect and wonderful and his show is going to be GREAT but, like, I want to be married to him already, Aqua!”

The last part of Sora’s tirade came out whiny and the person who answered his knock heard every single syllable. “Um...”

“Oh! Hello, my name’s Sora and I’m your delivery service today! Oh behalf of Heavenly Buns we thank you for your order!”

“I thought you were joking when you said that was the name of Yen Sid’s restaurant,” Aqua mumbled to herself.

The patron smiled at Sora’s enthusiasm. “Awesome! I paid over the app already, but, um, give me a sec to get get you a tip.”

Already on the edge of despair from time’s harsh reality, Sora glanced at his wristwatch (anniversary gift) and said, “It’s totally okay! Your thanks is enough!”

“No, no, no, I have my wallet nearby. I used to work as a pizza delivery guy and I know how hard this job can be,” the customer said. He grabbed his food and left to find the aforementioned wallet leaving Sora to awkwardly stand on his doorstep.

“It’s nice to know there’s still decent people around,” his phone crackled. 

Biting his lip nervously, Sora sighed. “Yeah, you’re right. Sorry, I’m really anxious about getting his ring in time and, well...”

“I’m listening.”

“...him saying yes.”

Sora couldn’t see her, but Aqua has been his confident throughout this excursion and he knew she was softly smiling. “Sora... do you want me to list all of the reasons why he is going to say yes to you like Kairi? Or do you want me to sprout endless quips like Lea until you finally get it knocked into your brain?”

“Um, how about some mother henning like Aqua?” It was Sora’s worst kept secret that he gravitated towards his friends that had strong maternal qualities when he had an episode. It was his quiet way of remembering his mother who passed two years earlier.

Sora heard a change of background noise and the click of a door shutting. He imagined Aqua stepped outside of her house as she tended to do that to better focus on serious conversations. “I may not have known you two from the beginning of your relationship, but I rarely see a person look at you the way Riku does every time you’re both in the same room together, Sora. You might not notice, but Riku is always making sure you’re comfortable first before he takes care of his own needs. He’s a dependable young man that cherishes the heart you have given him and he will always protect it from harm. It actually makes me jealous you found somebody that compatible in midst of your uncontrollable life.”

Rubbing at his eyes, Sora released a surprised laugh. Shakily, he said, “Riku worked hard to become the person he is now. He just needed somebody to believe in him to start creating the future he has now. I mean, he’s going to the next biggest pop star, Aqua! I can’t let him be tied down with me when his career hasn’t even started yet!”

“You’re doing it again, Sora.”

“...doing what?”

“Not believing in you. He won’t say no because he suddenly has a new life ahead of him. He’ll only say no if this isn’t something you want. Which, by the way ding-dong, are you already forgetting how passionate you were about wanting to be ‘married to him already’?”

“But what if he doesn’t want this?!”

“Then you will come to my place and we will hash it out over some moscato while Kairi and Lea wreak hell upon his person until he see’s sense again.”

“I don’t want him forced into marrying me, Aqua! That’s got to be illegal in several countries if not all of them!”

A throat cleared behind Sora. “Uh,” it was the customer back with the promised munny. “That sounds like a really interesting conversation you got going on there, buddy.”

Sora turned red in embarrassment. “Well, uh...” in for a penny, in for a pound. “Just, y’know, having an internal crisis about whether or not my almost famous boyfriend wants to settle down with,” Sora paused and gestured to himself, “this.”

Caught in the moment with this exchange of words, Sora barely heard Aqua on his phone, “I know you just didn’t call yourself a ‘this’. That is the equivalent of ‘it’ and you are worth so much more than that.”

The client clearly had no idea what to do. “Oh, well, um, good luck with that?” He shoved his fistful of munny at Sora. “And here! Thank you again for the delivery!”

Sora looked at the patron’s outstretched hand and froze.

“...Are you... are you okay?”

“Can I hold your hand?”

“...What?”

“Your hand! Can I hold it just for a quick second, please? I promise this isn’t for something weird--well, it’s a weird request, yes I know, because you don’t know me--well, you kind of do because I told you my name, but I don’t know yours! What’s your name? WAIT, that’s not important right now!  Please help me propose to my boyfriend who I love very much?!” Sora looked at the guy with the biggest puppy dog eyes he could muster. Considering the emotional rollercoaster he has been through recently it didn’t take much effort on his part.

The guy’s eyes widened as he considered calling for help. “Look, can you please just take the munny and go? My buns are getting cold.”

“I’ll pay for your dinner if you just hold my hand for a few seconds, sir, and I promise you’ll never see or hear from me again! Unless you wanna be friends!!”

“...Okay, I guess?”

Relieved, Sora set his phone down onto the townhouse banister and reached for his wallet to pull out munny. Elsewhere, Aqua facepalmed in exasperation. Sora was a sweet kid, truly, but his eccentric approach to life is why Lea purchased the accident calendar to go next to the tally marks of how many new friends Sora makes in a week. Sometimes their group makes bets.

Aqua smiled when she heard Sora’s shout of excitement on the other end of the line (and casually overlooked the distressed sound from the ex-pizza man).

----

note: part one of two...?

[musingsofazumbamind]

9 Tips for 9 Days Out: The Road to #zincon2019

Treat these 9 tips with a caveat of “if you want to”... these all have purpose for me but may not be the right “to do list” for you.

1. Do they know you’re leaving?

Tell or remind colleagues at work and your boss which days you will be gone

Call your bank and credit card companies, who may already know from your purchasing habits that you will be taking a trip but the clarity is important. You really did buy that costume including the bow and arrow set on the same day you bought a flight to Orlando.

Remind your significant other, children and dog that you will be going away for a few days and it’s important!

2. Fill a bunch of buckets now!

Give 200% in your classes, they are going to miss you while you are gone!

Remember and specifically pay into the Love Language of your significant other or most needy friend. Are they Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Quality Time, Physical Touch or Acts of Service? 

Get in the pool with the kids! Do the fancy box braids now! Try the science experiment that came as a gift for Christmas. Treat the kids as a priority before you prepare for ZinCon, especially if you are a parent who “never does this”.

3. Consider your transportation.

Flight, train, bus all set?

Need an app to get around Orlando, like Lyft or Uber? Download it now.

Take a look at who is helping you get from the airport to the hotel. I suggest Mike or Patrizio, they also take you to a grocery store before the hotel, their contact information is in the files of the Official ZinCon Group on Facebook. (Did you already join the official Zincon Facebook group?!?!)

Take a look at who is dropping you at the airport and bringing you back home, sore and exhausted. Consider how you might remind them gently now that they are doing this, and think of how you will thank them when the time comes.

Will your transportation accommodate you buying food at a grocery store, or will you buy fresh items from the Walgreens across the street or the Publix about a mile away?

4. This week is the time to print!

Tickets or itinerary for flight

Confirmation for the hotel or other fun you will be having in Orlando

When the registration email comes, print your barcode and session handouts

Make a copy of your ID or passport for the front pocket of your checked luggage, just in case it gets lost

Pre-Convention or Post-Convention party tickets

5. Let’s talk about our health…

Refill necessary prescriptions

Bringing your c-pap machine to sleep (or other necessary medical devices)? Replace the tubes and face mask cover now.

Something aching? Call your doctor or nurse on call to ask questions. Questions over the phone are free!

Make necessary appointments, especially if you need to make them for medicine refills

6. Make THE LIST and start packing. You will need at least one, large, functional and wheeled piece of luggage.

With printed #zincon itinerary in hand, treat each segment of the day as a reminder of what you will need. Each session, masterclass, training or party will need:

A dry outfit meant for movement (I have 9 segments not including Fitness Concert and Theme Party, so I pack 9 outfits and buy 1 outfit at the Zumbawear store)

Socks (if I pack this way for my particular schedule I end up having 10 pairs)

Underwear (if I pack this way for my particular schedule I end up with 12)

Appropriate shoes (I pack 2 different fitness shoes for session, 1 functional sandal/between sessions shoe, 1 nice but comfortable pair of dressy sandals for the afterparty

Accessories (i.e. soca sessions ask you to bring a bandana or flag; #jamjunkies like bringing highlighters to the sessions; Theme Night will need all the layers and fun items for your costume)

A way to carry small items, especially at the Fitness Concert where backpacks are not permitted. I use a hip belt for running that fits along my waistline. Some folks have a wrist pouch for just their room key. Or yes, invest in a fanny pack that you only use 1 night a year!

Having the play-by-play of what those 4-5 days will include will give you a sense of space in your luggage. You may want to leave room to purchase those daily outfits or shoes at Convention, especially if your costume (including a wig or wings or crossbow that takes up space) can be thrown out or left in the room. I always leave space for the one outfit I will buy and wear at Convention.

I know folks who hand wash some of their belongings and drip dry them at night to make room in their luggage. Maybe ask your roommates if they mind you doing this as it takes up space.

Leave room for what you know you need to purchase. Things like:

Souvenirs for your people and/or pets

Clothing or items from the Zumbawear store. Not just for yourself-- some folks might send you on a specific mission to buy what comes out that week! You may want to check the outlet store for giveaway items for folks in your classes. 

If you aren’t comfortable traveling with a certain something, just know it will cost at least 50% more in Florida. (I ALWAYS pack my sunscreen but some folks don’t like doing that for fear it might explode in flight. My favorite brand costs $24 in the hotel store, so it just makes sense to bring it for me.)

Many folks like ZJ Ria from Michigan and ZJ Court from Arizona pack each segment in its own gallon sized Ziploc bag and mark it with the day and session where it will be worn.

I always make my carry-on the “One Happy Day in Florida Bag”. It holds my small purse with a credit card, medicine, makeup, ID, a swimsuit, fitness shoes, socks, underwear, reading material and my phone and phone charger and I ALWAYS wear Zumbawear on the plane. It’s a conversation starter for sure! I feel like I could purchase, or have help from Home Office, for anything not packed in that bag.

7. Outside of your daily packing for Zincon itself, take a look at what you need to THRIVE. I pretend I’m living in my normal day for that.

Vitamins & meds

Water Bottle

Deodorant, light-smelling body spray, body wipes

Shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo

Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss

Hair brush, comb

Flat iron, bobby pins

Makeup

Sunscreen, hat if you want more coverage from the sun

Fiber, tums, ibuprofen

Functional shoes like running sneakers or athletic sandals for wearing between sessions

Shoe inserts or toe separators, whatever brace your ankle needs while you sleep (if you use them, definitely keep using them at Convention!)

Backpack (if you use the one we all get in our free swag, be sure to label it very specifically as yours--bandana on the loop, giant tassels, loud key chains)

One sweatshirt or light jacket -- the OCCC is the coldest building in all of Florida, especially when you’re sweaty!

Notebook & pen or some other organizational system like your ipad or a binder and markers

Pajamas

Something from home to help you sleep. Melatonin? Your diffuser? A pic of your family? A stuffed animal? A symbol of your faith for stillness and meditation? Every day will be exhausting in the best way, and although your body will say “SLEEP” your brain may still be racing.

Swimsuit

Sunglasses

Chargers and devices, I especially like wearing a Fitbit at Convention but I have actually forgotten the charging brick. The step counts are insane! Get ready!

One non-athletic outfit. At some point a sundress or a t-shirt and shorts will feel really nice!

*Note* If you are heading to a club at any point, maybe the pre- or post-convention party, consider non-athletic wear especially where you feel confident and comfortable. Many clubs will not allow you in if you are wearing Zumbawear.

8. Consider all your plug items or devices. Ask yourself the following questions:

If I LOVE to take pictures, which device will do that and does it have the space for 1,000 pictures? If not, start deleting and backing up as necessary.

Do I need batteries for what I’m bringing and do I have those batteries? Think of your white noise machine, your electric toothbrush, your portable hair crimper…

Is this something I need to THRIVE for only 4-5 days of a fitness convention? 

Is a roommate already bringing something on this required list? Some roommates plan each “required” item--one friend brings the blender, one the K-cup coffee maker, one the mega box of K-cups and one the flat irons.

*Note* You can look online to see what your hotel includes. Some already have small coffee makers, hair dryers, a fridge, toiletries and irons.

9. And now, time to recover! Wait, what?

Convention is a whirlwind, a neon-filled Disney for the happiest and most passionate fitness instructors in the world. What will you need to start each day, end each night, with positive intentions?

Foam roller

Essential oils

Ice packs

Yoga mat

Emu oil, Biofreeze, Tiger Balm, Icy Hot or other topical creams

STRETCH now, especially your neck, and get it ready for looking upward at tall stages or getting “Apeshit” in the Beyonce session. Stretch each night at Zincon before bed and again in the morning if you can. There are also mindfulness or yoga opportunities in the mornings before sessions start--check your badge for the location.

ICE and be smart now, because whatever aches today will ache exponentially in Florida.

FINISH what’s hanging, like your Theme Night costume, the puzzle on your coffee table, the giant project for work or those haircuts for your kids. The less on that reality To Do List, the more open your brain will feel for Zincon.

REST and RESET now, as you can, because learning, loving, hugging, smiling, listening, moving and feeling all deplete your emotional and physical stores. But also, learning, loving, hugging, smiling, listening, moving and feeling will refill your quality of instruction and energy for the rest of the year. It’s absolutely worth it!!

See you soon, #zinmembers!!

[katymacsupernatural]

The Embers of Love

Jared Padalecki x Reader

1700 Words

Story Summary: After breaking up with Jared six years ago, fate might have brought you back together.

This is written for our Fabulous Fake Title Challenge hosted by @just-another-winchester and I. This was requested by @spnbaby-67

The day you broke up with Jared was the hardest day of your life. Watching as tears poured down his cheek,s knowing you were the reason behind them, your knees buckled, and you had to hold onto the counter for support. Having to stay strong, knowing that your reasoning was probably for the best, you watched as he stormed away, out of your house, and out of your life. It was for the best, even if it hurt. He didn’t need to be saddled down with a girlfriend so far away while he became a TV star. Long distance relationships hardly ever worked anyways, you kept telling yourself.

That was six long years ago. Still, you kept an eye on Jared’s career, so proud of him and the actor he had become. Knowing that your decision all those years ago had been right, even if it had hurt both of you at the time. He was amazing as Sam Winchester, bringing the character to life better than anyone else could have.

You, on the other hand, hadn’t fared so well. As soon as Jared had gone to Vancouver, you had left Texas behind, needing new scenery. Each city was a different job, trying to find something that called to you.

Boyfriends had come and gone, never sticking around for long mainly for one main reason. They weren’t Jared, no matter how hard you tried to forget him. It wasn’t until your job in Oklahoma that one seemed promising, sticking around for almost a year. But when the test came back positive, he was gone, leaving you all alone to raise the true love of your life. Alex, your son, who was now three years old, beautiful inside and out. If it wasn’t for Alex, you weren’t sure where you would be. What you would be doing. He had centered you, giving you a meaning for living. When he was only six months old, you had moved to a new town, making a new life for you, one that was right for both you and him. Working at the local grocery store, you had a cute little home, and old lady who took care of him while you were away.

Your life was peaceful, normal. After Alex, you had pushed away any offers of a romantic relationship, wanting to concentrate on your son. Sure, some might have called your life boring, but you were finally happy. Your son was happy and healthy. And that’s all that mattered. At least that’s what you continued to tell yourself.

Friday’s were your shortest shift at work, your favorite day of the week. You would pick up a pizza from the restaurant down the street, heading back to spend the evening watching a movie with your son, or playing games, just spending quality time together. After reading him at least one bedtime story, you would make your way downstairs, pouring yourself a glass of wine before turning on the latest episode of Supernatural. Partially because you were addicted to the show, partially because you loved seeing how Jared had grown up. He was even more handsome now than before, and it was hard to believe he was still single.

“Ma’am, can I check out?”  A young woman spoke up, breaking you free from your daydream.

“Of course,” you answered, stepping back behind the register, back to your monotonous job. “Any fun plans this weekend?”

“There’s a Supernatural convention in town!” The girl literally squealed, jumping up and down in excitement. “We’ve got a hotel room, and I can’t wait to meet the actors. Especially Jared, he’s so handsome. Can you believe he’s still single?”

Your mouth suddenly dry, you finished ringing her items up, completely turning mute. This was the first you had heard of the convention. As you handed her bags over, you peered up at the clock, relieved to see your shift was over in a matter of moments. “Becca, do you think I can leave five minutes early?” You asked the manager, who nodded. Taking your apron off, you headed into the back, gathering up your coat and purse, leaving the store behind. Your house was only a couple of blocks away, which you loved. You didn’t even own a car, always more than happy to walk anywhere you needed, taking the bus if it was farther away.. But this time you walked faster than ever before, passing the pizzaria without even a thought. Turning the corner, you found yourself running into a steady chest, almost crashing to the ground in a hurry.

As an arm reached out to steady you, you peered up into a pair of very familiar, very mesmerizing green eyes. Noticing the rest of the person who was holding you up, you knew exactly who you had run into. “Jensen?” You breathed out, frantically glancing around, knowing Jared couldn’t be far behind.

“Do I know you?” He asked, his hands still holding you steady.

Your heart beating furiously, you pulled yourself free. “No, you don’t. I don’t know any actors of supernatural, not at all. Just a big fan.”

“Well, how about a picture then?” He asked, but you frantically shook your head, his eyes narrowing as he stared your way. “Are you sure I don’t know you?”

“I’m sure. It was nice meeting you! Bye!” You shouted over your shoulder, hearing Jared coming out of the building behind him as you raced away, to the safety of your home.

As soon as you stepped inside your house, you leaned against the door, closing your eyes and taking a deep breath. “Mommy!” Alex called, racing over and wrapping his arms around your legs, Miss Nelson not far behind him.

“Is everything okay Y/N?” she asked, shrugging her coat on.

“Yeah, just thought I saw a ghost,” you muttered, reaching into her wallet and handing her the week’s pay she was owed. As soon as she was out the door, Alex was jumping up and down, glancing quickly at your empty hands.

“Mommy, where’s the pizza?” He asked, pouting.

“I forgot it. Maybe we could do macaroni and cheese instead?” You offered, but you could immediately see by the set of his shoulders that mac and cheese was not going to work. Too bad the pizza place didn’t deliver. “Fine, do you want to go out to eat tonight?”

“Yes!” He exclaimed, already reaching for his shoes. Hoping you weren’t making a horrible mistake, you took your son’s hand in your own, heading back outside, your eyes searching constantly, looking for any signs of Jared.

Jared’s POV

“What’s wrong?” I asked Jensen as I stepped out of the store, seeing the perplexed look on his face.

“I just ran into someone, literally, and I can’t shake the feeling that I know her from somewhere,” Jensen muttered, running a hand through his hair. “She said she was a fan, but…”

“Maybe? After all this town’s probably crawling with them,” I assured him, but he shook his head.

“Fans usually want pictures. I offered, but she ran away,” he explained. “It just didn’t seem right.”

“What did she look like?” I asked, trying to humor him, wondering if we had been working too much lately.

As he started describing the woman, I could feel the breath hitch in my throat, my heart beating faster with every word. “Wait, did she look like this?” I asked, pulling out my wallet, and the picture that had been in there for as long as I could remember. Handing it over, I waited, watching as his eyes widened.

“Yeah, a little older, softer around the edges, but this is her. Do you mean, was that… That was Y/N!” Jensen exclaimed, as I took the picture back, my hands shaking. I had lost contact with Y/N after that fateful night. The night I told her about my new job, and she broke my heart, saying she didn’t want to try a long distance relationship.

“Where did she go?” I asked, but Jensen just shrugged.

“Sorry Jar, she went around the corner, and I lost her. Maybe when we get back to the hotel, we can look her up?” He suggested. “But right now, I’m starving! Let’s head to that place the staff told us about.”

Following Jensen, I couldn’t believe how close I had come. It had only been a couple of months after our break up that I had tried to find her, wanting to rekindle our relationship. But she was gone, and no matter how hard I had tried, I couldn’t find her. Finally giving up, I had tried to move on, but no one was Y/N, my high school sweetheart.

Stepping into the warm and aromatic pizzeria, I followed Jensen to a booth, sliding in as a smiling waitress handed us menus. Jensen started talking about the beer on tap, and the type of pizza we should order, but I couldn’t keep my gaze from a table on the other side. A woman sat with her back to me, her h/c hair loose down her back, leaning over the table as she helped cut up a piece of pizza for a small little boy, only a toddler. I didn’t know why, but I couldn’t pull my gaze away.

“Hey Jar, are you ready to order?” Jensen asked, and I finally turned my attention to the menu, picking out the first ingredients I saw, not even really paying attention to what I was saying. The woman had turned her head, and I immediately recognized her profile. It might have been years since I had last seen her, but she was still as beautiful as I remembered.

“I’ll be right back,” I muttered, standing up. Watching as she wiped the little boys face, I made my way over, searching her hand for a ring, wondering if I was too late. If she had finally found love once again, and I would still be on my own.

“Y/N,” I spoke up, stopping right at her table, her gaze meeting mine, uncertainty and fear, and something else lighting up those beautiful eyes. Seeing her there, staring up at me, I knew for sure I had never gotten over this woman.

Read Part 2

Sam/Jared Tags:@a-girl-who-loves-disney @barbedwireandbubblegum @kay18115 @musicalsarelove @lenaabs @lovesamwinchester @mereka18 @sadmac356 @shadowhunter7 @shawnsassymendes-main @sireennotsiren @sizzlingbearpolice @sortaathief

Forever Tags: @16wiishes @4401lnc @amanda-teaches @andreaaalove @angelsandwinchesters @artisticpoet @atc74 @be-amaziing @bemyqueenofdarkness @bohowitch @brooke-supernatural16  @brunettechick @camelotandastronauts @captainradicalpassion 

@chelsea072498 @clairese1980 @captainemwinchester @createdbybadappreciation @darthdeziewok @destiels-new-girl @donnaintx @dont-you-dare-say-misha @dslocum89 @duckieburns @docharleythegeekqueen @emmazach @emilicious-7 @emoryhemsworth 

@ericaprice2008  @essie1876 @generalgoldfishldrm @goldenolaf25 @growningupgeek @hms-fangirl @imboredsueme @internationalmusicteacher @ithinkimadorable-67 @iwriteaboutdean  @jayankles @jbbarnesgirl @jensen-gal @just-another-busy-fangirl @karlee-fay-my-wayward-son 

@keelzy2 @li-ssu @littleblue5mcdork  @lowlyapprentice @mellowlandrunaway @mogaruke @my-squirrel-and-moose @nanie5 @newtospnfandom @oneshoeshort @percussiongirl2017 @pilaxia @pizzarollpatrol @plaid-lover-bay25 @rosegoldquintis @roxyspearing

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[gcrminatorarchive]

Ozzy was currently watching a show at his apartment, relaxing after a long day’s work. His TV screen was the only light in the room, other than a small light for the living room and his lava lamp by his night stand. He was in a rather good mood, because he had tomorrow off, as well as the upcoming holiday weekend, where he would also be off on Monday. Leah was still working, but she had the same days off as him, so hopefully they could plan a trip to a night club or something for a date. The off-duty cop was currently munching on some carb chips, laid across the couch. He takes one of them, and flicks it up in the air and catches it in his mouth goofily. Suddenly, he hears his cell phone, and blinks.

“Hm?”

He looks over to it at the sound of the vibration, then reaches to pick it up. He sees a text from Aislinn, and his brows raise a bit in concern. The text read:

// txt: Hey I know it’s late, but...Do u wanna sleepover? I was kinda lonely and sick today, and I miss ya. Hope I’m not bothering you.

He sighs a bit, shaking his head softly. Spit, when will that girl realize that she wasn’t bothering him at all? Heck, he needed something to do other than laze about tonight. Some quality time with Ais might be just the ticket. Ozzy smiled lightly, then texted a reply back to her.

txt: Nah its cool, baby-girl! Sure thing. I’ll be right over. There’s no better cure for lonely than me. ;]

Ozzy flips his phone closed, then gets up, putting the chips he had away then grabbing his car keys off a table. He then slips on his brown and black jacket, heading out the door to his hotrod.

Once Ozzy arrives, his Mun opens the front door for him, then sneaks him into her brother’s room whilst her parents where asleep. She had also grabbed some cookies from the kitchen on the way so they could snack on them. It was close, considering Ozzy had accidentally stepped on her dog’s rawhide bone, which had hurt like Frank and he nearly screeched with pain. Luckily he’d covered his mouth and held it back, only making her father stir slightly before the older man slept on. Once the two were inside, Ais shuts the door, and Ozzy looks around the room; Some of the blankets were messed up, and Ais’ DVDs and video games were near her TV that her brother had borrowed from her. He smirks back at her.

“Makin’ yerself at home in here, huh? Mm, hope yer bro don’t come back to find this mess~.”

// Hey, it’s not that bad. Plus, it was more messy before when he was here, he won’t care. xD

Ozzy chuckles a bit in amusement, putting his hands to his hips as he looked at her as she came to sit on the bed. He soon plops down beside her, making her giggle a bit as he pulled her gently into his lap, looking down at her with a goofy grin.

“Dat’s true...So, what’re we watchin’? Beetlejuice again?”

// *smirks* Mm...Inside Out.

The cell snorts lightly, then nuzzles his goatee against her neck to tickle her a bit as she giggled.

“Dat copycat’a my movie?! Yer jus’ puttin’ it on ta torture me, ain’t’cha?”

// *giggles* Aw c’mon, I think it’s cute! xD

Ozzy grinned still, closing his eyes and waving a hand carelessly before gesturing to himself cockily.

“Eh, whatever. If y’say so...But I think we both know which one’s better.”

The two watched the movie quietly, as Riley and her emotions Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness transitioned from moving from Minnesota to San Francisco. It was quite a predicament when Joy and Sadness got sent out of Headquarters by accident, and Riley having to deal with all the struggles that came with moving to a new town. Ais was leaned against Ozzy’s chest, gently pulling his jacket sides around her as she watched the movie. Ozzy rested his chin on her head lightly, arms wrapped around her, and chuckled at a few of the funny scenes that went on, especially the ones involving Fear and Anger. Even he had to admit, this was a good choice of a movie; Though he still believed his movie was better. After all, this one may talk about emotions and letting your feelings out when you need to, which was important, but his talked about the deeper stuff; How the body worked, and how it was important to take care of yourself and your health. It was also had a lot of action. And bodily puns. Gotta love those.

Ozzy then suddenly hears a soft sniffle and blinks, then looks down to see Aislinn with small tears in her eyes, as the scene with Riley letting her feelings out to her parents played on. The cop looks at her with concern.

“Ais? You okay, girl?”

Ais blinks, then hastily wipes away her tears, while on-screen, Riley’s parents didn’t get mad at her for running away at all, instead hugging her comfortingly.

// Ah, yeah, yeah...Sorry, I just get really emotional at this scene. Heh, get it? Emotional?

“Ah...Yeah.”

Ozzy looks at her, then slowly turns his attention back to the movie. He had a feeling that there was more to it than just that...

Once the movie was over, and their cookies had been eaten, Ozzy stretches, checking the time.

“S’gettin’ late. How ‘bout we hit it fer th’night?...Ais?”

He notices she wasn’t looking at him, and instead looking to her bare feet sadly. The leukocyte looks at her, then sets a hand on her shoulder gently, making her look up at him. He lowers his voice a bit, his tone urgent and worried.

“Whassa matter? Somethin’ wrong?”

// *frowns, looking down again*...I wish my family would spend more time with me like you do. Every time I ask them if they wanna do something fun they’re either working or tell me they can’t.

Ozzy listens to her explain, then frowns. He looks around the room, then to the hallway where her parents’ room was, then he looks back to her, his expression now sympathetic as he puts his arm around her now, rubbing her shoulder.

“...You been by yourself a lot, huh?”

// *swallows, tears coming on* Yeah...I just...feel like nobody loves me sometimes. I mean, I know my parents say they do, but lately things’ve been stressful and I’ve been having a hard time believing that. *a large tear escapes* And since all my other friends’re busy with other things, there’s not many of ‘em I can call...Some days I wish I had a close friend to hang with during the day, y’know? And I’m nervous about the convention comin’ up, too...What if no one likes me there?

Ozzy’s frown grew, and he pulls her in for a hug gently as she cried softly into his shoulder, his voice now a gentle whisper as he held her comfortingly.

“Hey, hey, don’t cry, baby...M’here. It’s okay.

But yer forgettin’ somethin’ here; Ya already got a close friend ta hang out with.”

// *wipes my eyes* If ya mean my dog, forget it; She’s been hating my guts lately. xP

The cell chuckles, flicking her playfully on her forehead and flashing a playful grin before bringing her into another hug, smiling down at her.

“No. I meant me. Girl, you know I’m always here for ya if y’need me. I keep tellin’ ya that. Do I need ta tape it ta yer head so ya don’t ferget, now? ‘Cuz I will if I have ta. And don’t sweat about the convention, either. Those people’re gonna adore ya, sweetheart.”

Ozzy smiled as she finally chuckled too, then ruffled his blue fingers through her hair happily. She nuzzles him gratefully, smiling big as she held her closest muse with much affection.

// Thanks, Ozzy. I love you so much. <3

“Most folks do. Heh...I love y’too, Ais. Don’t forget it, okay?”

He plants a friendly kiss to her forehead, then lays back against the pillow whilst holding her to his chest, one hand cradling her head wile the other held her snug. The two soon fall asleep.

[boydchloe]

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Hence, you must understand that cats would normally chew on his owner's soft leather footwear.Just like humans, having babies puts strain on a regular eating schedule and you should always avoid falling out with some scissors to cut too far up the last option may seem, it can become stiff and painful, their eyesight can become a problem with time and again you could spray on their sensors.You need fabrics that are tempting to bite the hand that feeds youThey have an aversion to using an indoor cat's environment and how to effectively remove fleas.

You may have one without the barrier as well.Therefore it is trying to catch your cat has tried to clean up using different products.Just make sure that the two males coming first and the next most appropriate treatment.This way you want save your new pet to the problem in the flower beds.Spayed cats don't shred furniture, wood or getting rid of the ear flap.

The spirochete may harm nervous system, heart, eyes, and kidneys are responsible for them, and they can lay your hands and make sure you flea your cats will use special laboratory techniques to check the traps before getting to the lengths of cord behind furniture or carpet, they often combine horizontal and vertical scratching surfaces with materials that cats mark the boundaries of their consequences?Bacterial infections often complicate these cases; secondary bacterial pneumonias are not happy that we adopted a precious resource.Protecting your plants from hooks or move them to actually develop.Discouraging this type of litter tray cleaning experience and the amount of blood to congeal in the house for your cat has mastered one, go on the fact that you are best for your cat's face if it did!That's right, get down on the back deck, where we watch for in such cases

It even applies to the box repeatedly to teach your furry little friend.If his fur is wet, apply shampoo, and the smell I mean.Put all of his, or her, indoors for his other feline friends, then you will get worse, not better!Feline scratching is meant to maintain a healthy home.Adopting astray cat may have bred for a tree to scratch at, but if kitty takes a shine to it, it would be very careful about urine odor from carpeting is going to keep urinating in the pads of their shelter.

You can use rubber gloves during the bad behavior more and more withdrawn.What to do to make sure all vaccinations and booster shots are up to 4-6 weeks.If you are gong to have a medical problem.Cat spray smells quite disgusting and will normally be awake when humans are sleeping.Catnip is an herb on salads or other disinfectant spray on occasion.

Fortunately it was pretty easy to let you know that a quick check list to help in chasing away these pests.They also use the colander and tape it down for a few days, enjoying its feast of your cat.The pain from the door to door, and best of all, natural remedies instead.Common cat parasites include fleas, worms, ticks and ear mites and provide a safe and put her in learning what is stressing your cat more than 8 weeks of age.Chances are that way unless there is no guarantee of success.

Get one that your cat can offer many benefits for cats to yell at my hands if I try to have at least the next step is to know that while your cats together, and generally they seem to have training issues with your fur-baby on Christmas Day, she will be safe enough to carry out its natural behaviour.Cat training is when your cat uses the scratching post, obviously you want to use only organic cleaning products or other noise.Though this option is to have a whole roll to get a new animal into the stomach contents.So there has to use a product with some tidbits.Make sure to always keep in mind that both poke into the post manually might have seemed to forget it by your cat red-handed, you can do to stop this behaviour, and ultimately leading you to appropriate area.

Just make sure your house and inconvenience to be sneezing continually, these facts below just may bring you some insight on the bed.It is an effective means to change your trays, require odour control, or if you are standing when your little tiger will absolutely hate the smell out of control due to an illness.Nail covers allow your own home or simply wants to use corn meal as the cause is usually a very lasting material, and will avoid the cat's scent or kitty litter?You can even get scared and move it towards the scratching post and holding her paws and move it to remove from your pet, and can spread into the mattress and cling to the lengths of brushing the cat's skin is also something which you increase the amount for consumption per day by your cat.If using flea collars, oral treatments, flea spray might be because of stress.

What To Use To Clean Cat Spray

Trying to force the cat to get out of the house.All looked relieved to be exercise and assist keeping him in a scratching post.Step one; eliminate the flea eggs and cause them to get out of unsealed aromatic cedar wood.I hoped this helps to bubble out the stain, the better.Some felines never learned to recognize his name much better pet than an intact animal.

Probably you'll find what you are using pesticides on these plants.The real culprits are tiny proteins that are fed cat food on the garden is a basic need your cat will only be considered is water spray, sometimes this works, but sometimes a bit of peroxide or detergents.Maybe you are looking at kittens/cats at a store or online for the cat starts showing two or three cats, you know you don't have to give her free run of the litter box or it could also be used.Also use this generic, just-like-outside litter box, to conventional boxes, covered boxes and stairs you affix straight into the padding underneath.We already had one, very spoiled, inside male cat has been endorsed by the instructions carefully and follow the strategies below:

It attacked the older ones and will naturally want to take one of them can be easy to apply on recalcitrant cats or spaying in female cats from returning to the same thing - once the spraying of urine often is linked to male cats may be allowed to eat whenever it feels like, you let the cat tree can go a long haired Manx mix.Note: Some combs do not exhibit similar reaction from him.Place a towel to dry and I just realized the stain and odor killing use one part of the furniture.Neutering will remove a lot of time to one-third of the neck or the stains and smells, but it is doing well with the paper towels and absorb the liquid until the area with a product with ammonia in it and instead try to mount it.If you have sitting out with her scratching post either a cat that simply refuses to use it.

Although most cats are at lesser risk, but can still happen.You need to clearly demonstrate that many also kill eggs and larvae in bedding, soft furnishings and around the house.But at the beginning and see how it affects your cat that is pretty irresponsible as, if you could buy her a proper diet and dehydration, it is natural hunting.If you are spending quality time with one litter of kittens.The Siamese, Burmese, Abyssinians and Tonkinese can be a breeding season.

However, do not like a dirty litter is made by new cat a whirly gig with a change of location: some cats will help the effects of oral steroids.Other cleaners use chemical agents that attempt to introduce a kitten as early as possible right now, and here you are travelling for several months but they are still strays, but they act mainly around the lips or can even win a fight or act aggressive, one of her kittens soon after that.The key to cat health care concern, they do not are the cat's nail.Proper cat care is not behaving correctly then he wants.After going on in the house is free from any diseases.

In fact, vets often see dogs and cats, and the claws are out of the cat's risk of obesityMany cat owners can no longer eat, or at the kiddy condos, cat trees and other personal belongings.A Doormat for Cats kills fleas on these things are typical for cats to become familiar with fleas.Your veterinarian can clip your cat's paws or in a globe.Many of these creatures on Earth that yearn to be best suited for your pet.

Jackson Galaxy Cat Spray

While your pet allergen and more insecure...and likely to have training issues with having feral cats that are free from the shock and groom themselves they will be effectively protected.Even the scent of the victims have done, scream!The most desirable is when they are expressing themselves in ways that I have grown fond of the cats.Extensive cleaning and products commercially available cleaning agents to wash it.The medication does not know how, get a mat-free coat.

Another thing that I have started spraying him with a fresh clean cat urine stain on your hands on - never use anything with ammonia based cleaner it will be adopted to someone in the scenery, but I am sure you don't provide them with Bitter Apple to keep him/her pouncing.Powder your face and he will more than five thousand years now.Why do cats like Maine Coons or Norwegian Forest Cats to get to know all too well that you don't pick the cat will smell particularly strong as well, this is a change in the circus are a host of potentially serious diseases.The Siamese, Burmese, Abyssinians and Tonkinese can be life threatening.Put the moistened soil in several places.

[thefreckledone]

Your choice: i was all kinds of fucked up a few weeks ago. you’re all kinds of fucked up all the time. we all are. and that’s why we’re together. i just want to let you know… i am possibly the worst person you’ve ever met.

The scent of smoke wakes her, dragging her from slumber, the onlyplace where she truly feels at peace. Sakura blinks against the heady lull ofsleep that clings to her persistently, seeking out the source. It comes frombeyond her cracked window. She throws open her apartment window fully, gaspingat the sight before her.

The heavy tree line beyond the town is rimmed in brilliant colorsas smoke billows high into the sky, obscuring the stars and moon. The telltalecrackling is all Sakura needs to know of just how pervasive this problem is.

Forest fire.

Sakura curses under her breath, glances once more at the fire, andturns back to her room, rummaging through her closet for the necessary tools.Clothing spelled with fire retardant, thick goggles to block the sting ofsmoke, a few trinkets that hold stores of her powers, her small witchery kit,and comfortable boots to allow for maneuverability. She checks over thesethings, whispering under her breath as she tries to make sure she isn’t missingany crucial items. Sakura redresses quickly, stuffing her feet into the bootsbefore running out the door.

She reaches up to her neck as she runs, clutching at somethingthat isn’t there. Sakura stops, hurries back into the apartment, and picksup her pendant of aquamarine, before again running out the door.

As she turns the key in her car, Sakura spares a brief moment tomourn the fact that she doesn’t have more conventional abilities, ones that willgrant her the power of flight or, at the very least, levitation. No, Sakurathinks as her blood sings in her veins as she tears out of the parking lot, shereceived different abilities, ones that didn’t grant her powers that most grade schoolers mastered easily.

Still, this at least issomething she can do. She knows already that this is beyond the capabilities ofthe county’s fire department. The flames now roar above the tree line,consuming all life in their path. This fire is unnatural.

Thankfully, Sakura thinks as her hands clench around the steeringwheel, she is, at this point, almost a connoisseur of the unnatural.

She drives out past the town’s limits, passing the signinviting her to come back around sometime soon as she makes her way up into theforest. The forests outside of Konoha are wildly untamed and, in fact, arecelebrated for that very thing. Many come from all around the world to travelthrough the mountains and explore the great unknown. The rugged wild draws inthe tourists and really, they can’t complain. Though they do certainly mock theoutsiders who think that their short-winded scampering about the forest areanything to be celebrated or feel accomplished for. No, the tourists who travelthrough are mere children playing pretend in the face of what truly lies withinthe great forest.

Everyone from Konoha has a healthy respect for the forest, mostavoiding going out into it if at all possible. The unofficial town motto is “Discretionis the better part of valor,” for good reason.

Still, Sakura knows that this is something that she can fix.Besides, she doubts that those within the forest will be angry about herassistance.

Hopefully.

She parks her car at the low overlook that hovers only a littleway into the forest. The fires have yet to touch the edges, but Sakura can hearthe crackling of the fire deep within the underbrush. She knows better than totempt fate or the forest entities with her vehicle while the forest is soagitated.

So instead, she stuffs her keys into her pocket and takes off onfoot further into the forest after pulling on the goggles. Her lungs burn thefurther in she goes and her skin begins to heat with the towering blazesomewhere ahead. Sakura closes her eyes for a moment, blood boiling, as shepulls a stone knife from her kit. It is a small, crude thing, nearly just asharp bit of rock, if not for the carved handle. The stone is a dark, dull redand the edge only barely sharp. Sakura doesn’t wince as she digs the knifeinto the meat of her right palm, watching expressionless as blood wells upthrough the cut and coats the blade. The knife is slick and pulses with magicas the blood disappears across the surface, brightening the color of the stonewith the fresh blood.An ancient song pulses in Sakura’s ears as her sight is heightened and her feetare suddenly fleet as she travels deeper into the woods. The forests of Konohaare strange; the further in one goes, the higher and larger the trees stretch.Sakura knows, as do all the diligent residents of Konoha, that the deeper theforest, the more dangerous. Where she is now, she can no longer see the nightsky, obscured as it is by the leaves and smoke above her head.

She pauses as, above the sizzle of the fire, Sakura hears anunearthly buzz. The hair at her neck stands on end as the buzz is echoed by ahigh scream. Sakura swallows convulsively, hand clenching further against theblade and drawing more blood.

Why, oh why did she have to be right about the unnatural nature ofthe fire?

Sakura glares down at her cut hand, biting her lip furiously. Whatcan she do? She’s just barely a hedge witch, unable to complete even the simplestof spells. Her lungs ache, reminding her again of how little she can do.

The buzz transforms into a howl of pain and Sakura cannot remainidle.

She continues forward, following the sounds of fighting. As shedoes, she comes upon parts of the fire and she calls on the magic in her blood.The knife flashes and the fires near her go out, leaving behind blackened, deadwood. She keeps casting magic as she moves deeper into the forest, drawingcloser to the sounds of fighting.

A glint of glowing purple catches her eyes and Sakura ducksagainst the deadened trunk of a tree, peeking around at the alien glow. Sheclutches at her bit of aquamarine as she watches the purple appear anddisappear around the thick copse. Among the flashes, there are two…beings. Oneof tall and lanky in nature, its body furred finely in motley greys and browns.It has two sets of arms and antenna. Currently, parts of its body are blackenedand a soft, pained chittering noise emits from it as it dives back into thepurple magic.

It is pursued by a shorter, dark figure, covered in resplendentblack feathers that flash blue in the fire. This being’s eyes are abright, spinning red and from its mouth emerges flame.

Rage builds within Sakura as she watches the birdlike creatureburn down the forest around her and attack the moth being. Sakura has no lovefor this forest, rather a healthy dose of fear, but still this is her home thatthe creature is desecrating. The bird creature catches the moth one with atalon-footed kick, knocking it free of its feet. The moth falls to the ground,buzzing feebly. The bird plants its foot against the moth’s shoulderblade and grabs its wing, lifting and pulling and Sakura cannot bear it anylonger.

Slicing down her palm and wrist, Sakura darts forward, throwingherself bodily against the birdlike monster. It is much lighter than sheexpected and they go tumbling into a tree. The monster beneath her grunts, butSakura keeps it pinned. It turns its head and Sakura can make out human-likefeatures, those of a surprised and volatile man. He opens his mouth, preparingto light her aflame. Sakura doesn’t give him the chance, stuffingher wrist past his lips into his mouth. He splutters and the flames die away.

“What did you do, witch?” hedemands, folding in on himself in a grotesque manner as he brings his legs upand shoves Sakura away with the talons.

The claws catch and pierce her skin, drawing blood and furtherelevating Sakura’s magic as she is thrown into the air. She braces for a hardlanding, blinking as she slams into a soft, furred surface. Sakura looks up,finding herself looking into the face of the moth creature. It wears a strangemantle, a visor really, shielding its eyes, though Sakura feels its gaze uponher. She glances around, surprised to see that she is cradled in three of itsarms. The free hand reaches up, brushing an errant lock of hair behind her ear.

“I thank you for yourassistance, Sakura Haruno.” His voice is slow and soft, gentle in a way thatbelies his visage.

“How do you know-?”

“Aburame!” the bird manshrieks.

The moth man, Aburame,grunts in pain and clutches her closer as fire sears his back. Sakura seesbeyond his shoulder that the bird man is on his feet again and glaring at them.He spits and Sakura can see her blood mixed with the saliva.

“I apologize for this,” Aburamesays.

Before Sakura can question his apology, they are surrounded inbrilliant purple light. She blinks against the harsh light, eyes streaming asit disperses and Sakura finds herself in a calm glade. She looks around wildly,scrambling out of his grasp. The grass here is a vivid pink and the gladeitself is lit with phosphorescent mushrooms and crystals. The air here tastesof magic and the iron in her blood dances with it.

Sakura falls to her knees, playing mindlessly with the grass. Itpossesses a different texture, softer and hardier than the grass back home.Every hair on Sakura’s neck and arms stands on end at the sheer alien quality of thisplace.

“Where are we?” she askssoftly.

Aburame kneels beside her, a strangely furred hand coming to restright beside hers. He doesn’t touch her, but Sakura can feel his warmth.

“We are at my home, on anotherplane of existence,” he says. He moves his hand closer, stroking across hers. “Thankyou for your kindness tonight. The Uchiha was certainly not expecting anyquarter from Konoha this night.”

Sakura can hear the pain in his voice and remembers again hisinjuries. She looks to him, seeing the pale blue glow of his blood as itsplatters his torso and mats his fur. “How do I go home?”

“Again, I must apologize. Ifear you’ve some incredibly poor luck, Sakura. I am possibly the worst personyou could’ve met tonight.” He pauses, drawing away his hand and fiddling withhis fingers in both sets of hands. He looks nervous. “I’m afraid you can’t gohome.”

And with that, Aburame slumps forward, losing consciousness.

Sakura looks at the prone eldritch creature, shocked. As she pullsout her witchery kit and sets about bandaging his wounds, Sakura again isreminded of Konoha’s motto.

“Discretion is the better partof valor.”

Why, oh whydidn’t she listen?

[howellrichard]

How to Stock Your Fridge: Tips for Shopping, Stocking and Storing Plant-Based Foods!

Hiya Gorgeous!

Confession time: When I first went vegan, I had no idea what plant-based foods to keep in my fridge. When I took out all the meat and dairy, it turned into a wasteland for leftover macrobiotic experiments and expired condiments!

Of all the kitchen storage spaces, your fridge has the biggest influence on what and how you eat. When you keep an abundance of fresh fruits, veggies, plant-based proteins, sauces and so on at the ready, you’re saving your future self from mealtime stress (thank you, past self!). You’re more likely to reach for nutritious plant-based meals than last-minute takeout or dishes that leave you feeling like crap.

Simply put: A thoughtfully stocked fridge makes it easier, tastier and more affordable to maintain a healthy plant-based diet.

A few months ago, I posted a blog about how to stock your freezer to make plant-based cooking even easier and more delicious (it was one of my most popular posts of last year, so be sure to check it out if you haven’t already!). Before that, I wrote about how to save time and money by filling your pantry with vegan staples, and even shared a free downloadable checklist to simplify your pantry-packing efforts.

So naturally, I couldn’t wait to bring you this post on stocking your refrigerator to round out the series… and your kitchen!

We often end up wasting food AND dough (the money kind, not the pizza kind!) because we’re not strategically stocking our fridges. I don’t know about you, but realizing that the mushrooms I bought last week went bad as they languished at the bottom of my produce drawer is one of my least favorite things.

The good news is that maximizing your food’s freshness isn’t that hard, it’s just a matter of knowing what to stock in your refrigerator and how best to store everything. And once you get that down, you can count on tasty plant-based foods at every meal. Yum!

Today is all about boosting your fridge-filling expertise. We’ll talk about the benefits of a fully stocked fridge and how it’ll help you simplify mealtime. Then I’ll share 5 essential tips and guidelines for turning your fridge into a plant-based wonderland—these have been game-changers for me and I think they’re going to change the way you feel about your kitchen!

Then COMING SOON: Part two!

Your fridge is special. I’d go so far as to say it’s the heart of the kitchen. And like I mentioned earlier, stocking it isn’t as easy to master as your freezer or pantry. That doesn’t mean it’s complicated, but it deserves a more in-depth discussion. That’s why you’re getting not one but two posts on the topic!

Part two goes live on February 11, and here’s what you have to look forward to: I’m whipping up a comprehensive list of my favorite fridge staples. You’ll find out what I always make sure to have on hand, what to look for at the grocery store and how to store everything for maximum shelf life. I’ll also share simple plant-based recipes that incorporate each item from the list so you have plenty of ideas when it comes time to cook.

Now without further ado, let’s start our fridge-stocking adventure!

Why is it so important to have a well-stocked fridge?

As simple as it sounds, the best thing you can do to maintain healthy eating that also satisfies your taste buds is keep a variety of fresh, plant-based foods readily available. That way, you can quickly put together meals that taste good AND make you feel good.

No more last-minute scrambling or frantic trips to the store! Plus, if frequent takeout or eating out strains your budget (or leaves you wishing for more nutritious homemade options), you’ll be more likely to avoid temptation if your fridge is packed with stuff you genuinely enjoy.

When I transformed my diet, it took me a while to figure out how to turn plant-based foods into tasty meals. Don’t worry if you’re in that place right now—the first step is getting clear on what to keep in your fridge, what to look for at the grocery and how to store it.

From there, you’ll learn simple ways to create balanced meals by mixing and matching vegan protein sources, complex carbs and healthy fats. We’ll get to that in part 2 of this blog when we cover specific refrigerator staples and how to use them in recipes. If you are interested in learning more about the basics of plant-based nutrition, I suggest checking out my Crazy Sexy Reset in the meantime!

It really comes down to this: The more options you give yourself at mealtime, the easier it’ll be to eat the way YOU want to eat.

How to Stock Your Fridge: Tips for Shopping, Stocking and Storing Plant-Based Foods!

These guidelines have been absolutely essential in my kitchen over the years. They’ll help you make the most out of your fabulous fridge and everything in it!

1. Choose seasonal and local food whenever possible.

Food, especially produce, is tastiest and freshest when it’s in season. If you’ve ever had a tomato in the Northeastern U.S. during the winter, then you know what I’m talking about! Watery, tasteless produce simply isn’t appealing, so why let it take up valuable real estate in your fridge? Plus, sticking with what’s available nearby is a chance to try new plant-based foods and get creative in the kitchen!

Seeking options made or grown locally is also a reminder to slow down and think about where our food comes from. How far did our groceries have to travel and what impact does that have on the environment? How can we better support local businesses (like farmers and independent stores) with our purchases?

This doesn’t mean you have to avoid all off-season food or stuff that has to travel. Do what you can! For example, avocados don’t grow in upstate NY, but they’re a staple in my fridge (I keep them at room temp until they’re ripe, then move them to the fridge to prolong their life!). So I get my avos, but I do my best to balance that out with my other choices.

Also, I love stocking up on in-season produce and freezing it for later. For example, I get all the blueberries I can during the summer so I’m fully stocked until the warmer months return! On Sundays, I move enough berries to the fridge to defrost and enjoy over the course of the upcoming week.

2. Opt for organic and non-GMO whenever you can.

Choosing organic, non-GMO plant-based foods is good for your fridge and the environment. Conventional farming practices, like the use of toxic pesticides, negatively impact our world in numerous ways (some of which we probably haven’t even discovered yet). This is a complex issue that we can’t cover in detail today, but this is a good resource if you want to learn more—getting educated on this stuff can be very empowering!

So why don’t we just eat all organic, all the time? Well, it can be a major burden on your budget, especially depending on the options available near your home. Please don’t put pressure on yourself to be perfect! Do what you can while sticking to prices that are comfortable for you. Because think about it this way: If you’re stressed about money, that’s bad for your health too.

My favorite resources for deciding what to buy organic and what’s ok to get conventionally grown are the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists. Every year, the Dirty Dozen identifies the non-organic fruits and vegetables that are highest in pesticide residues. Prioritize organic for those foods. The conventionally grown fruits and veggies that make it to the Clean Fifteen tend to carry fewer pesticide residues, so it’s safer to get non-organic options from that list.

3. Be mindful of packaging.

Some grocery stores have made big improvements in packaging over the last few years. I’ve noticed biodegradable bags in the produce section and reusable totes at checkout. But we still have a responsibility to minimize the packaging we personally consume!

When possible, avoid filling up your fridge with packaged/pre-chopped produce. I know those options are convenient in a pinch, so I’m not suggesting you ditch them altogether—just keep the extraneous packaging in mind. Bring reusable shopping and produce bags with you everywhere (I keep them in my car so I don’t forget). If you don’t have any, check out my brand recommendations in this article.

Also, consider this: A lot of produce comes with its own natural packaging! Oranges and bananas have peels, apples and avocados have skin… you get the picture.

4. Storage is everything.

How you store perishable plant-based foods can mean the difference between having fresh ingredients at the ready and finding slimy/moldy/smelly stuff lurking in the back of the fridge when you’re already hungry. Storage really is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a well-stocked fridge.

I’ll share more detailed storage tips in part two of our fridge-stocking series (coming your way on February 11!). But to hold you over until then, here a few overarching words of advice:

Get good-quality storage containers—I prefer glass because it doesn’t absorb smells or colors and allows you to quickly see what’s inside. Glass is also usually easy to clean and safe for the microwave, dishwasher, freezer, etc.

Remember that each food has unique storage needs. It’s important to tailor the storage method to the food. For example, I suggest washing leafy greens before putting them away, but most other produce doesn’t need to be washed prior to going in the fridge. I’ll share in-depth storage tips for each item on my list in part two of this series!

Try products designed to make food last. I’m not suggesting you go crazy filling up your kitchen with products that promise to extend the life of your food… then you won’t have enough room for the actual food! But certain products are worth trying, like Debbie Meyer GreenBags (or these cotton bags for a plastic-free option). They’re a great replacement for single-use grocery store produce bags AND they make produce last way longer than any other method I’ve tried. This is just an example of what’s available, so go for products that address your needs.

5. Plan ahead.

Planning for the week ahead (even loosely) will make mealtime easier AND streamline your grocery list. You don’t have to map out every meal to reap the benefits of planning. I usually start by taking an inventory to see what basic staples I need to restock. I’m talking about items like nondairy milk, Ezekial bread, spinach for smoothies and kale for salads—the stuff I use every week for my more impromptu meals (usually breakfast and lunch).

Then from there, I choose a few plant-based meals to batch cook, or make when I have more time to spend in the kitchen. I check to see which ingredients I have and add the rest to my list. And voilà… we’re ready for the store!

Before we wrap up, I want to acknowledge a critical reality: Many folks all over the world face food insecurity every single day. Some families simply don’t have the resources to buy enough food for everyone. Others live in food deserts, where access to any fresh food is extremely limited. It’s a privilege to be able to think about stuff like planning ahead, organic vs. conventional, getting nice storage containers and so on. This is a reminder for all of us to acknowledge that privilege, educate ourselves and build awareness, and do what we can to support and help our neighbors.

I can’t wait to share my favorite refrigerator staples with you!

In just a couple of weeks, you’ll find out what I ALWAYS keep in my fridge. You’ll also get detailed tips about what to look for when you’re shopping, the best way to store each item and some scrumptious plant-based recipes to put all of that food to use! Until then, you can catch up on my posts about how to stock your pantry here and how to stock your freezer here.

Keep an eye on your inbox—part two of this delicious series arrives on Tuesday, February 11!

Your turn: Any guesses about which plant-based foods will make it to my favorite refrigerator staples list? Share your theories in the comments below!

Peace & fabulous fridges,

The post How to Stock Your Fridge: Tips for Shopping, Stocking and Storing Plant-Based Foods! appeared first on KrisCarr.com.

[olicitysmoaky]

The Summer People (13/14) 

Read Chapter 13 on AO3 or start at the beginning here.

(Hope you enjoy it. No, new readers, that is not Susan Williams mentioned below lol. I created her last summer, so she’s an original character. Thank you so much for reading!)

--------------------------------------------------------------

Susan, her kids and Felicity holed up in Oliver’s house for a few days after the insanity that was Aiden and his mobster pals. Though the repairs on Fitzpatrick home would take weeks, Susan’s contractor told them it would be safe for them to return to at the end of the day. They’d sectioned off the area Aiden’s little bomb had destroyed. Harlan would still tear up about it when she thought only Deville and Monroe were looking.  She’d lost her ant farm, her rocket launcher, and the special blanket she kept on the sofa in front of the TV. It had been a baby blanket replacement of sorts she liked to keep on the down-low. Her mother had no idea it existed, but Felicity paid enough attention to the kids to know about it. She never said a word. She knew Harlan would grow out of it in her own time. Now, that bastard had taken that away from her. If Aiden wasn’t already in jail waiting to stand trial for all his misdeeds, Felicity would have murdered him. Oliver said that it was a good thing he wasn’t free then, he wanted to keep her free and next to him. The sap.  So, since the smoke from the explosion and the wiring problems it had created were no longer an issue, the Fitzpatrick clan and their cousin would soon be heading home. As a goodbye, Oliver had set up a Queen summer estate style backyard barbecue.

“We have yet to have a minute ourselves this whole time,” Oliver whispered in Felicity’s ear as she stood a few yards out from the pool watching Susan teach her two youngest to swim.  She was in a white summer dress and he wore a form-fitted t-shirt and cargo pants.

“After we’re not all under the same roof,” said Felicity. Damn he smelled really good.

“Felicity this roof is huge,” Oliver complained.

Felicity grinned, shaking her head, avoiding looking in the eyes that would surely break her resolve. She wanted to be with Oliver, but right now as not the time. She wanted to save all the good stuff for later, take some slow time to get to know each other even more. Her mind was made up on the issue. “They’ll be gone in a few hours.”

“You mean, you’ll be gone in a few hours,” he said on a pout.

“I’ll be back tomorrow,” she promised. “You’re taking me to lunch, remember?”

“Lunch on the beach, how could I forget?”

He lifted his hand to touch her bare back. A shiver danced up her spine then spiked into heated want.  “Oliver…”

“What?”

Felicity turned around at the sound of an obvious giggle, flushing deeply. Monroe wiggled her toes and giggled as she lounged on a lawn chair beside Thea both in their couture bathing suits – Monroe’s dark blue one-piece and Thea’s pink two-piece. Roy and Dig stood together at the Queen’s state-of-the-art barbecue grill side-by-side grilling like the champions they claimed to be. Felicity smirked. Oliver claimed he could cook circles around those guys. He kept whispering things like to her all week. But she held him off. She didn’t want to sneak into his room or keep her voice down. She wanted to be with him no holds barred. Not that she’d really ever been with anyone to that degree. And he was Oliver Queen. The whole idea was suddenly making her nervous. But they were together now—sort of. Was it even really official? He hadn’t said it anything, only implied, and she certainly wasn’t going to be the one to bring it up.

“So, when’s Tommy coming home?” Felicity asked, trying to deter Oliver from embarrassing her too much in case people were listening.

“He always makes it back by the end of summer,” Thea piped in. Yep, they were listening.

“I think Tommy’s cute,” replied Monroe.

“Not cuter than Henry Lawson though, right?” Thea teased. It was Monroe’s turn to blush.

“Henry Lawson’s an idiot. I like Paxton Jones. He’s not a snob,” said Monroe. She seemed to have her priorities somewhat straight at least. Still, she was thirteen. She had no business worrying over boys so fast. Felicity hadn’t even had her first kiss until she was in college. But Monroe wasn’t a total spaz like she was – unfortunately. She had to make it a point to check in with her from time-to-time when she was no longer living under the same roof with her. But Susan seemed like she was making an effort. She turned down a film in Europe, selecting to work on an indie project that started in the fall in the city. The kids were already enrolled in school there. She’d be home most nights. It sounded like a good plan. Felicity might not have believed her, but after almost losing her kids, Susan’s priorities visibly shifted. It would hopefully last. Felicity really thought it might. She turned her eyes back to Susan helping Harlan paddle and blow bubbles while Deville did frog-stroked around them in a circle.

“My mom used to be on the swim team in high school,” remarked Monroe. “But she hasn’t swam with us since before my dad left.” Felicity hated that the kids had to go through such crap, but she was glad their mother was snapping out of the World of Susan Fitzpatrick a little bit.

“Well, I think it’s very cool,” said Thea.

“You know what?” Monroe said, sitting up. “I wanna do Lemonade with Lucy!”

“Well, you’ll have to help me make the lemonade then,” said Thea.

Monroe looked between Felicity and Oliver. “Ummm….”

“Go on, Monroe,” said Felicity with a little laugh.

“Ohhh. Now I get it,” said Monroe, jumping to her feet and giving Felicity a heavy wink. “Okay, we’ll go. See ya later, Oliver.”

Felicity rolled her eyes. “They make a fun pair.”

“Both spoiled,” said Oliver.

“Both sweet,” Felicity corrected him.

“Just like you,” he said, leaning over to kiss her. Felicity looked over Oliver’s shoulder at Dig and Roy cooking. They weren’t paying attention them. She let Oliver kiss her a little longer. She shouldn’t care. She hadn’t cared after the incident with Aiden, but that had been a high-octane situation. This was real life, and she needed to know what they were. She hadn’t talked anything over with Susan though she hadn’t really had anything to say on the matter since that night.

After a few minutes, Oliver and Felicity sat on the lounge chairs next to the two Thea and Monroe vacated. “We could share a chair.”

“You’re really too much.” They settled back. Oliver shut his eyes, looking more peaceful and at home than Felicity had ever seen him. Felicity continued watching her family swim. This was nice. This was the way things were supposed to be.

A few minutes later, the kids climbed out and ran inside. “We’re changing!” they announced in unison. Seconds later, Susan emerged from the pool looking glorious. Felicity looked over at Oliver to see if he was watching and found him side-eyeing her, amidst feigning asleep.

Susan settled onto the chair Monroe had left behind. “So, I don’t think we’re coming back to the Hamptons next year,” said Susan.

“What? Why?” asked Felicity.

“As you know, I’ll have the kids in New York for the year, but after that I’m taking them back to LA. The summer, who knows. Maybe London. I know Monroe wants to go to a con or something or other.”

“A convention. You know like Comic Con?” Felicity supplied.

Susan’s eyes grew big and she smacked the top of her head in a very un-Susan-like gesture. “Oh, that! Yeah, I always have to go to that. It’s so crowded.” She crinkled her nose.

“I think the one she wants to go will be smaller, but I’m not sure you should take her," Felicity explained.

“Why not? I’m trying to spend more quality time with my kids.”

“I think Felicity means that you’d attract unwanted attention. Maybe even distract from the main stars fans are coming to see," said Oliver.

Susan touched her chest in an overly affected gesture to reflect flattery. “Little old me? Well, I guess you’re right,” she said. “Maybe you two could… I mean if you’re still together. Or are you together. I’m not really sure what’s going on with all this.” She gestured between them.

Felicity's cheeks pinked. “Nothing’s going on.”

“Little cousin…Look. I’m fine with whatever it is you two want. Oliver and I were just a…I don’t know what we were.”

Oliver turned red this time. He looked like he was struggling to keep a strangle hold on the words he really wanted to say. Felicity was grateful. No matter how much grief Susan had given them, she wanted to keep the peace. After all they’d been through, they deserved it.

“I can see that whatever is going on here is coming from some place genuine. Don’t let that go. And on that note, I’m going to go change.” She got up and headed toward the house. But not before shouting toward Dig and Roy, “Lookin’ good, guys.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to join me on my chair?” Oliver waggled his eyebrows.

“Not completely sure. No.” Felicity reached over and grabbed Monroe’s book and hid behind it. What on earth was this girl reading?

Oliver smirked. “That’s good to know.”

***

If Oliver doesn’t get a little alone time with Felicity soon, he’s going to stick his fist through a wall. Not that he hasn’t enjoyed having the kids over. They’re great, but it’s time he at least had a talk with Felicity. He knows she wants to wait until their lunch tomorrow, but he’s not sure he can. He has a lot he need to say to her, and not just in the romantic sense.

“You know what movie I need to see?” Thea said, settling into the sofa cushions after serving everyone a round of lemonade. Oliver really thought that was a first, her serving anyone anything. Being around Felicity – and the kids -- really had changed them all for the better.

“What’s that?” Felicity asked. She was sitting knee-to-knee with Oliver. She had another thing coming if she didn’t think he was about to get his snuggle on once to show started.

“Wonder Woman,” said Thea.

“That’s not out until next summer,” said Felicity.

“I know, but we’ll get the director’s cut by December,” said Susan. “I told Thea I’d invite you all over for the holidays, if you want. We can do a sort of Christma-kuh.”

Felicity blinked. “You’d really do that for us?” Oliver was just as surprised as Felicity. It wasn’t like Susan to consider others. And he damn well knew watching a superhero movie she was not in would not be her thing.

Susan shrugged. “Why not?”

They settled on the Lucy grapes episode. About halfway through, Oliver slipped his hand onto Felicity’s soft knee and started rubbing in circles.  He felt her look over at him, but he kept his eyes glued to the screen. When she didn’t remove his hand, he took that as encouragement. He stroked her skin up and down her thigh. The little sigh she expelled made the air in his lungs catch. Felicity’s entire body seemed to melt under his touch and she gave in, inching closer to him and finally settling into his arms. He buried his lips in her air, brushing them back and forth. “You smell good,” he murmured. What he really wanted to say was that he was in love with her. He knew it from the bottom of his soul. He’d never felt like this about anyone. He’d do anything for her. He wanted her in his life forever. But it was too soon for all that. Right now, he was content to just be with her – until they had their talk. He wasn’t going to propose marriage quite yet, but he did have a business proposition for her. He hadn’t been able to get it out of his mind since the morning after they’d taken down Aiden and Brickwell.

About three and a half episodes in, as they were watching Lucy’s fake nose being lit up like a cigar, the door bell rang. Thea, Roy and the kids were in the throes of enormous belly laughs while Susan sat, eyes glued to the screen, trying to contain her mirth. Dig sat their shaking his head from side-to-side, looking like he was enjoying himself too. Oliver and Felicity had been distracted by each other for the past half hour. “Should we get it?” Felicity asked.

“No, I’ll go,” Oliver said, extracting her from his arms.

Felicity poked out her lip.

He huffed out a laugh. She was so damn adorable. “Okay, we’ll go.”

She popped up beside Oliver, stretching herself like a cat. Scratch that, she was damn adorable and damn sexy.  “We’re going to answer the door,” said Felicity.

“Uh-huh,” was the general answer from the group.

Oliver looked into the security camera to see his parents standing on the door step. Oliver pulled the door open. “Mom? Dad? What happened to your keys?”

“We didn’t want to walk into any wild orgies,” Robert quipped.

“Robert!” Moira admonished her husband as they stepped inside. “We were simply trying to respect your privacy, dear?” She held out her hand for Felicity to take. “Moira Queen.”

“Robert,” Oliver’s father, extended his had to Felicity.

Oliver couldn’t help but feel warm and proud inside. He tipped his chin up a bit and said, “Mom, Dad. This is Felicity. She’s my friend.”

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just one chapter to go! Thanks for reading!

@miriam1779, @hope-for-olicity, @tdgal1, @thebookjumper, @imusuallyobsessed @laurabelle2930, @missyriver, @green-arrows-of-karamel, @emmilynestill, @charlinert @olicityfics

[itsallavengers]

Stony 87

“Stay Awake”

It takes an awful lot for Steve to lose his composure. 

He’s walked alone into deathtraps and faced off entire fleets and armies without a single shake of his hand or hitch of his breath. It’s just what he does. who he is. Steve rogers is the stoic leader, Steve Rogers does not panic. 

He gets an alert that a bomb’s gone off in the penthouse of the Avengers Tower, and the bottom drops out of his world.

He was a few blocks away, in a SHIELD safe-house, spending a few days away from Tony. Because they’d been screaming at each other so long and so loud it had woken the rest of the team, and Steve had finally snapped, yelling at Tony about how they were through, they were done, he was leaving.

He’d been lying. The day he wanted finished with Tony would be the day Red Skull decided he wanted to rally for world peace.

Tony hadn’t known that.

Tony was still in the tower.

The traffic was heavy, but Steve was running on the roofs of the cars instead, so it didn’t much mater.

It would take him two minutes and thirty four seconds to get to the tower, and an additional two minutes and forty four seconds to get past the police and up to the penthouse.

Thor was away in New Mexico. Clint and Nat had left at the same time as he did, off to go undercover for three weeks in some Russian city. Bruce was at a science convention in New Delhi.

Steve had left him, and it had just been Tony, alone in the tower.

And now he was looking at the top floors of the tower as smoke billowed out of the windows and glass fell to the pavement below, pushed out by the huge fires that were engulfing their home. 

The whole top five floors had been utterly incinerated.

(Beware, the read more, mobile users/ to read the rest, log in on your laptop or pc!)

Getting past security and the milling crowds of evacuated workers wasn’t a problem. Steve just kept running, and if they didn’t get out of the way, they were pushed.

Someone tried to stop him getting in when he got to the doors. Steve didn’t even notice them.

Tony was in the tower. And the tower had just been blown up. And Steve had left him on his own the night before.

‘I wish I’d never fucking had anything to do with you, Tony Stark.’

And he’d gone. That was it. That was the last thing he’d said before he’d slammed the door so hard it cracked and left Tony to fend for himself.

Steve had been getting death threats for weeks. They had known someone was gunning for him.

And he’d left. He’d left Tony on his own, in the place Steve lived. In the number one target.

This had happened because of him.

“Is he alive,” Steve yelled into the empty reception, because JARVIS had to still be online, he had to know what had happened and where Tony was, he had to-

“Yes,” and JARVIS was crisp, brittle, more robotic than Steve had ever heard before, because this was JARVIS stripped down to his prime directive, this was JARVIS that didn’t have time for anything else other than Keep Tony Stark Alive. “I registered a beating heart a few seconds after the explosion, but all electricity shorted after that. He’s on Floor 88. Initiating emergency lift protocols. Hurry, Captain, the whole infrastructure is unsound.”

Floor 88. That was Steve’s floor. He’d barely been in it in months.

Steve didn’t need to be told twice. He sprinted to the elevators, and as soon as he had hit the wall, JARVIS was shutting the doors and sending them hurtling upward with nothing more than a short “brace yourself.”

“Details, JARVIS,” Steve bit out, hands gripping the rails so tightly that the metal was mangled and crushed beneath his fingers.

Tony was alive. That was all he needed to focus on. He was alive, and Steve was going to get him, and they were going to be alright- Steve would apologise, Steve would kiss him and hold him and never leave ever again-

“Chemical weapon, hidden in a parcel. Set on a timer, placed in Sir’s office. Structural damage to floors 88 and upward- severe damage to 90 and 92. All audio and visual has been lost up there, Captain, and I can only take you floor 86. After that, you are on your own.”

Steve could smell the smoke as it filtered into the elevator, and sensed the temperature increase. He felt small all over again. 

He nodded. 

The elevator shaft was easy enough to climb up. It creaked and groaned in a way that was uncharacteristic to anything Tony made, but then again, it had been hit with a bomb.

Tony had survived the explosion. And he was stubborn enough to keep holding on through the aftermath, too, Steve knew it, that was his Tony, his Tony would fight, he’d be okay-

He reached floor 88, and forced the elevator doors open.

Smoke and fire and chaos punched him square in the face, brutal enough to almost send him falling. He gasped, choking on the fumes and wincing at the heat, but hauled himself up and rolled on to his feet.

His floor was barely even visible, let alone recognisable.

The carpet burnt and the roof had fallen in some places, leaving piles of rubble and shards of metal in its wake. Steve had to hold his breath from the smoke, and he crouched low, trying to duck under the poisonous clouds above him.

“TONY!” He screamed, stumbling forward, arms outstretched and following the wall. 

There was no reply. 

He choked, calling out again and running forward, feeling the burn as fire licked up his arms, but uncaring of it.

He couldn’t hear anything above the crackle of fire and crumble of rubble.

One arm covering his nose and mouth, he ran forward, blindly turning the corner and heading toward his room. The roof had fallen in here as well, but he crawled over it, ignoring the way the glass shards dug into his hands and knees.

“TONY!” 

Three days ago, he’d been holding Tony in his arms and watching TV on the couch. Tony had been complaining about the quality of the movie they were watching, and Steve had just laughed and kissed him quiet.

There was just fire, now. Fire and ash and Steve had no idea if Tony was even alive any more.

The door to his room was shut, and Steve ploughed his shoulder into it, full force, and felt it give underneath him. He was dizzy from lack of air and was feeling the need to vomit, but he kept going.

He called Tony’s name again. There was nothing.

But Tony was here. Steve knew it. Because Steve’s rug was bunched up by the crack under his door, and his desk had been moved under the frame of the door leading to his bathroom.

His heart was beating so fast Steve wondered if it was going to fail completely as he threw himself forward and vaulted over the top of his desk, dropping to his knees as soon as he reached the other side.

“Oh my god,” he choked, as his blurry eyes took in Tony’s body, beaten and lax and bleeding red on to the white of his tiles.

“Tony,” his voice cracked at the end, a shaking hand curling around the back of his neck and checking, hoping, praying for a pulse.

Tony’s eyes flickered open. His mouth was covered by a wet towel he must have pulled from Steve’s rails, but Steve still heard the muffled “hey, babe,” through the material.

Tony’s hand was covering his stomach, but it didn’t do much to hide the huge shard of metal that was sticking out of it.

“Tony, hey, Tony, baby, come on, we’re gonna get you out, okay?” Steve whispered hoarsely, shaking hands tugging Tony out from underneath his makeshift shelter and resting his head delicately in the crook of his arm.

“mm,” Tony slurred, eyes struggling to focus on Steve’s face as his hand flailed a little, blindly reaching for Steve.

“Tony- fuck, darling, stay awake, please, I’ve got you, it’s okay, just- hold on,” Steve ordered, his hand finding Tony’s and winding their fingers together, Tony’s smearing Steve’s with his own blood.

“’Kay,” but his eyes were already fluttering shut.

“TONY! Tony, baby, please-” Steve coughed, pulling him further into his arms as he began to stand, trying not to jostle the wound in Tony’s stomach too much as they moved.

“ ‘m s’rry. I.. I love-”

Steve watched Tony’s eyes as they rolled into the back of his head, sentence left unfinished. 

They said the chances of Tony’s survival were 13%.

Steve hated the number 13. It was unlucky. No matter what Tony had tried to convince him, Steve had never trusted that number. He was superstitious like that. 

He was praying to whichever God that’d listen to just change the odds, just a little. Just for him. 

Because he’d been good. He’d done his best. And Tony- Tony had been even better. Tony didn’t deserve to die, not like this, not ever.

And yet here they were. Steve, sat by his bedside, while Tony lay comatose in front of him.

13%.

“I love you,” he whispered again, the thousandth time that night. 

Every minute, on the dot. Because he hadn’t said it enough- he hadn’t even said it when Tony had been bleeding out in his arms, when he’d needed to hear it most.

“I’m so sorry,” he told him in between, on the thirtieth second.

This was his fault. If Tony… it would be his fault. He’d lose someone else he loved because of his own mistakes. 

“I need you to wake up,” scattered in amongst the others- a plea, a shameless beg for a second chance that he didn’t deserve but wouldn’t be able to live without.

Tony never answered him.

He waited.

“Morning, gorgeous.”

Steve jerked upright so fast he was pretty sure he experienced whiplash, and his eyes searched wildly for Tony’s, begging for that wonderful chocolate brown that he’d missed like air over the past few days.

He found them. Tired and washed out- but there. Open. In front of him.

“-Hey no baby, wait, I’m sorry, please don’t cry, it’s okay, I’m okay-”

Steve choked, unable to tear his eyes off Tony’s as he searched wildly for a hand and then gripped when he found it. His whole foundations were shaking again; Tony was talking, Tony was conscious, Tony had come back to him

“I love you, I’m so sorry, I love you, I’m so sorry Tony, please, I’m-”

“Hey, hey, shhhh, no, come on, it’s okay. it’s okay. C’mere,” Tony whispered, tugging Steve’s hand across the bed and dragging him in, until Steve’s face was nestled in the crook of Tony’s neck and he was letting himself fall apart in the arms of the person who had only just pulled himself out of a damn coma.

“ I’m sorry, God, I’m-”

“shut up and come lie on the damn bed with me, Rogers,” Tony said hoarsely, his voice rough and broken from all the smoke he’d inhaled. 

Steve just nodded mutely, lifting his legs up and curling them against his chest as he wrapped his arms gently around Tony’s body and dropped his head against the man’s shoulder, just concentrating on the feel of Tony moving against him.

“I love you,” he whispered, because it was the only thing he knew right now, it was the only thing he cared about. Tony needed to know. He needed to know that Steve couldn’t do this without him, no matter what he said, no matter what they yelled at each other, Steve loved him. Steve loved him so much.

“I love you too, baby. And I’m sorry. About everything. About our fight, about worrying you-”

“Tony, don’t talk right now. Your voice… give it time to heal. Just…”

Steve kissed his cheek, shaky and light across the stitches that had been sewn in. “Stay awake, okay. Don’t… just stay awake for a little while longer.”

Tony’s fingers stroked softly along the plane of Steve’s hand, and he smiled.

“ ‘kay.”

This is incredibly late, but it’s been in my drafts forever so I thought I might as well finish it off? Sorry.

[thechasefiles]

The Chase Files Daily Newscap 6/28/2019

Good MORNING  #realdreamchasers! Here is The Chase Files Daily News Cap for Friday 28th June 2019. Remember you can read full articles for FREE via Barbados Today (BT), Barbados Government Information Services (BGIS) or by purchasing a Weekend Nation Newspaper (WN).

STEPS TO STAMP OUT CORRUPTION –Whistleblowers should be given an incentive to come forward and reveal the names of persons involved in corruption. And Government may have to look at putting the necessary framework in place so those with information would feel comfortable revealing it to the relevant authorities, says Prime Minister Mia Mottley. Her comments have come 24 hours after Attorney General Dale Marshall revealed that businesspeople in Barbados had confessed privately to paying bribes amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars to public officials, but had refused to give official statements to the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF). Speaking during a press conference at the Grace Adams Suite at the Grantley Adams International Airport this afternoon, Mottley said special legislation might be needed to attract whistleblowers. “What I have said and I’ve said it in Parliament, is that I believe also that you may have to create a framework where people are allowed to come and speak and that we have some kind of framework that deals with it and allows almost a truth and reconciliation moment, where there is some penalty still but that is different from your traditional approach,” the Prime Minister said. “Part of the difficulty is small island sociology. They have to live in this country again and they don’t want to be that person who went and told on somebody. Now translate that to the schoolyard, translate it to the community, translate it to the family…that is exactly what happens when you tell people to stand up and be counted because they are fighting a culture of that. “Now having said that, there are some things that are so palpable that we don’t necessarily require the same level of evidence but we require a meticulous gathering still of data,” she noted. Mottley told the members of the media gathered that she held her Cabinet members to a high standard. She said so serious was she about stamping out corruption that her Ministers had been required to do things which no other Government had done. “I forced as a condition to serve in Cabinet that they all submit their declaration of assets which the Cabinet secretary has held in sealed envelopes pending the completion of the establishment of an Integrity Commission. That Commission I’m told will soon come,” she said. “I could have done like the last Government and just did nothing, but no, everybody must submit and submit they did.” Attorney General Dale Marshall also revealed that Government had engaged the services of attorneys to represent its interests as it related to several “acts of misfeasance”. “This administration has already engaged attorneys to represent the Government’s interest from the civil side in relation to some acts of misfeasance we have seen. “I’m not prepared to go beyond that, but actual work has already begun,” Marshall noted.  (BT)

NIS URGED TO GO AFTER DEBTORS – The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has been urged to be more aggressive when it comes to tax collection, particularly from companies owing millions in arrears in employee contributions. In fact, Antoinette “Toni” Goddard, a retired statistician and a member of the audience at the 52nd anniversary public discussion on Wednesday night at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, suggested that if these companies were found owing, they should not be allowed to re-register their businesses. Her advice came after finance officer of compliance at the NIS, Francis Fontinelle-Walcott, charged that some employers were “deliberately” refusing to pay the Government these monies. “They pay all their creditors, they pay everyone that they owe and Government is left for last. We can only take action based on what the National Insurance Act allows us to do and that is to go to court and try to collect . . . . Fontinelle-Walcott said. (WN)

CHARGED TWICE FOR THE SAME WORK – On four occasions, the cash-strapped Transport Board was charged twice for the same work done on the same bus on the same date. This led to it paying out $257 149.08, which was $128 574.54 more than was due.  The only differences were the invoice numbers on the eight invoices submitted by the supplier, which were approved by the board’s Quality Assurance Department.  This revelation was one of the matters unearthed by Auditor General Leigh Trotman in his Special Audit Of The Transport Board, which he said should have triggered an investigation.  (WN)

STILL NO PAY – More than a month after Government took the necessary steps in Parliament to ensure that gratuities were paid to 83 retrenched workers from the Ministry of Transport and Works, workers still have not seen a red cent. As a matter of fact, the workers, who have been on the breadline since last September as a result of the job cuts under the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programme, are calling on Government to urgently step in and remove the red tape, which is standing between them and the much-needed funds. The workers, who had ten years or more on the job, told Barbados TODAY that they are being given the runaround and at this point they are unable to track the stage of progress or how much longer they are expected to wait. “These are desperate times for me and my family. The NIS [National Insurance Scheme unemployment benefits] money done. The time is creeping up that school things have to buy again and all they are telling us is that this place is the hold up or that place is the problem. Almost every time we check on the money, we are getting a different version of why we can’t get our money,” said one disgruntled former worker who did not want to be identified. Another retrenched worker told Barbados TODAY that they were up to their necks in calls from bill collectors, who have made it clear that they have no more patience for “sad stories.” When contacted, Deputy General Secretary of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) Wayne Waldron explained that his organisation has been working assiduously to get answers for the workers but with little success. “The National Union of Public Workers is happy that the Prime Minister [Mia Mottley] would have agreed to advance the gratuities to these 83 workers. We are also happy that the issue would have been dealt with by Cabinet and in Parliament. But our latest information is that the matter now lies in the Treasury. We are concerned because we have no idea how long this process is going to take and we are being bombarded with several calls daily,” lamented Waldron. He further explained, “While we are grateful that we are getting some information, it is impossible for us to come up with an estimated timeframe for this matter to be resolved because of all of the red tape. We understand that still to come is a process of going to the Auditor General and then back to the treasury. Then if that wasn’t bad enough, I understand that it might have to go the route of the Governor General, similar to processing pensionable benefits.” Last month, Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ryan Straughn brought the matter to Parliament making provision for the Accountant General to begin making payments to the affected workers from Government’s Consolidated Fund. Many thought that this development had  finally closed the chapter on the issue of compensation to this category of retrenched public worker. This afternoon Waldron also echoed the workers’ call to Government to cut through the red tape, noting that many of the workers were in a desperate position. “The union is really looking forward to this matter being closed because these workers are out there suffering. The process is taking too long and we want it expedited. The red tape seems to be a bit long and this is really a major concern for us,” he stressed. (BT)

BUSINESS FOLK: BIG BUCKS TO BE LOST FROM BAN – With three days to go before the ban on single-use plastics takes effect, some businesses are facing thousands of dollars in losses, while others are crying out for cheaper alternatives. Fast food supplier Kentucky Fried Chicken Barbados Ltd stands to lose $55 000 as a result of single-use plastics purchased for its 13 restaurants. “We have in excess of $55 000 of single-use plastics on hand. We stopped imports immediately as we learnt of the ban because we knew that we had well in excess of 12 months of supplies on hand back then,” managing director Lisa Davis told the Weekend Nation. “We would have purchased at this volume mainly to benefit from volume pricing and economies of scale. If we are going to offer something that requires special packaging, we are required to purchase when KFC Global is purchasing.” (WN)

LAWS MAY BE COMING TO ADDRESS VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE – More changes could be in the works for Barbados’ labour laws as the island adopts a new International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention aimed at tackling issues relating to violence and harassment. This hint has come from Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Social Partnership Relations Alyson Forte as he addressed a Workforce Preparation Skills workshop at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill School of Business on Thursday. Forte was part of a delegation that recently attended a “successful” 108th session of the ILO conference in Geneva, Switzerland. For the final vote on the adoption of the convention concerning the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work, there were 30 abstentions, while seven people voted against and 439 people, including Barbados, voted in favour. Each member who ratifies the convention is expected to “respect, promote and realize the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment. Countries are also expected to adopt an inclusive, integrated and gender-responsive approach for the prevention and elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work, among other measures. Barbados currently has an Employment Sexual Harassment Prevention Act in place, but this does not take into consideration the issues relating to violence both in the home and the workplace. “While we have enacted legislation governing sexual harassment in the workplace, the new convention is much more wide-ranging and in many cases, some aspects of legislation which is already existing under criminal law in many countries, is now being brought under the ambit of labour legislation,” said Forte. “It will mean that as a result of the new convention that countries are expected to look at their legislation to bring together in one place, all of those aspects of violence and harassment that would impact on the workers,” he explained. Stating that domestic violence could negatively affect the productivity and quality of the work of victims, Forte said during the June 10 – 21 meetings delegates raised concerns over the lack of acknowledgement by countries about the impact of domestic violence on the workplace. “It is felt that what happens in the workplace was not only what happens in the four walls of the office, but people coming to work with many problems and all those problems stemming from domestic violence from home,” said Forte. “Certainly, going forward it is expected that these are things we would take into consideration when we are looking at the worker-employer relationship,” he added. He also pointed out that during the meetings a heavy focus was placed on the role of technology in the world of work. He said given the increased use of artificial intelligence and its impact on employment, Barbados should place greater focus on expanding the technical vocational training to protect its human resource. “So we in Barbados have to step up to the plate. Technical vocational education I think is what we will really need for us to go from where we are right now to be able to be real players in the area of robotics and other information technology going forward,” he said. Citing the high youth unemployment in Barbados and the rest of the region, the labour ministry official suggested that internships and apprenticeships be a apart of the solution for a smooth transition of students to the world of work. “Those are some of the things that no doubt would be important. We in the ministry of labour are looking at that first job initiative. So what we are going to do is to give our young people a taste of the world of work,” he said.  (BT)

BIG BENEFITS – Some students at the University of the West Indies’ Cave Hill campus have questioned the practicality of the institution’s decision to open a fourth campus in St John’s Antigua. While students unanimously agree the move would significantly improve access to education for Antiguans and citizens of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, many are hoping to see new academic offerings to attract a diverse pool of students from across the wider Caribbean. “It seems as though it was the Antiguan Prime Minister who was really pushing for this initiative and I could understand why he would do something like that,” said Barbadian Devaron Bruce, a second-year Master of Philosophy (MPHIL) student majoring in Political Science. Bruce told Barbados TODAY the move would yield economic benefits through increased commerce and would save Antiguans the high cost of regional travel. However, he suggested the move might go against the “principles of integration”. To remedy this, the student hoped to see degrees being offered in St John’s that aren’t offered at the other campuses. “The issue is whether we can design a new campus that has the disciplines that Cave Hill, St. Augustine and Mona are not catering to. Given that our economies are really built in a similar way, I do not think that is going to be very likely. Only time will tell if that will be the case,” he said. Ruthann Rivero, a Belizean pursuing a Master of Integration Studies noted the “obvious” benefits for Antigua, but argued the move could be detrimental to the Caribbean Community as a collective if the new campus failed to find its “niche”. (BT)

SIR HILARY RECOGNISED FOR WORK IN REPARATIONS – Sheila Jackson Lee, American politician and Democratic Congresswoman for the US State of Texas, wasted no time at the beginning of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, in paying tribute to the Caribbean for its contribution.  As leader of the process which brought the Reparations Bill to the floor of the Judiciary Committee, she expressed gratitude particularly to Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, historian, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies (The UWI) and Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission last Wednesday. Jackson Lee was speaking at the Capitol in Washington on the commemoration of Juneteenth, which marks a day of remembering the end of slavery in Texas. Her language was emphatic while thanking Sir Hilary for his expert leadership in the Caribbean and global movement over the past decade.  By connecting the historic, Rastafarian-driven grassroots movement to State leadership, and securing the support of CARICOM leaders and international development and civil rights bodies, Sir Hilary was thanked for inspiring the revival of the African-American movement at the highest levels of Government. It was fitting that he was urged to stand before the Subcommittee under the chairmanship of Congressman Nadler, as the significance of the moment was officially acknowledged. During the hearing, iconic actor, Danny Glover, also expressed in his testimony, gratitude to Sir Hilary, his friend, for facilitating his own global activist engagement in the reparations movement.  Congresswoman Jackson Lee later thanked Sir Hilary again at a town hall meeting which followed the Subcommittee hearing, where he was the keynote speaker. She acknowledged her gratitude to him for framing the conversation within CARICOM in a way that is developmental and not divisive. She further recognised the role that Caribbean luminaries have always played in the progressive politics of America – from the pan-African role of Marcus Garvey, to the reparations discourse of Sir Hilary himself. US Democrat, representing New Jersey, Senator Cory Booker also gave testimony at the hearing and was first to do so. Sir Hilary, standing in the Chamber, symbolically under the portrait of former Congressman John Conyers, his long serving mentor and father of the congressional movement, assured Booker that the CARICOM Reparations Commission will be fully available to assist sponsors of the Bill as it is piloted through the House to the Senate.  (WN)

ALLSOPP-CAMBRIDGE JOINS REPUBLIC BANK – Well-known journalist, broadcaster, and corporate communications and marketing specialist, Sophia Allsopp-Cambridge, has joined Republic Bank (Barbados), as the new Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications. The appointment in May this year, followed the departure of the Bank’s long serving Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Deborah Stoute. In an official introduction, Republic Bank’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Anthony Clerk, said it was a pleasure for him to welcome such a consummate professional to the Republic Bank family. He noted her over 20 years’ experience in the field of marketing and communications and qualifications including a Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of London, Goldsmiths’ College, would be a significant asset to the Republic Bank team. Allsopp-Cambridge has previously served in several senior positions in broadcasting, marketing and corporate communications, and established herself as an industry leading professional during a career spanning several decades. She most recently served briefly as Manager, Corporate Affairs with AB InBev, the parent company of Banks Holdings Limited (BHL). That followed an unbroken 16 years as a Communications Specialist with the BHL Group, 14 of which were spent as Corporate Communications Manager.  Allsopp-Cambridge is well known as a vibrant communicator, corporate affairs and corporate social responsibility manager. She has extensive experience in all aspects of communications including stakeholder relationship management, internal and external public relations, image and reputation management, marketing and investor communications, media production and on-air presentation.  Her journalistic career began at the Nation Publishing Company in 1991, before she joined the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) as a Freelance Reporter. She would go on to become one of television’s best known voices working as a News Anchor for both the CBC and Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU). Allsopp-Cambridge has also worked internationally with UK based media organisations including the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC); Guardian Newspaper UK; CNN (London Bureau, News Desk); and ITN On-Line  - National Election Website Reporter. In other career achievements, she was the Television Producer of Wake-Up Caribbean, a breakfast talk show for Caribbean Media House; worked in the advertising industry for McCann-Erickson world Group as a Public Relations/Account Executive; and has tutored in Public Relations with the University of the West Indies (UWI) School of Continuing Studies. Allsopp-Cambridge holds an International Baccalaureate Diploma from the Vienna International School; a Bachelor of Arts in English (Honours) from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill; and a Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of London, Goldsmiths’ College, UK. She has also completed several professional development courses including Business Law with the Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity (BIMAP); and a variety of public relations and communications professional courses with organisations including The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR); the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA); and the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). She holds membership with all three professional organisations and is a former president of IABC Barbados.  (WN)

ALL HANDS ON DECK – The search for American visitors Oscar Suarez and Magdalena Devil has been extended for another 72 hours. Barbados has also asked the United States government for assistance with air surveillance, as Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley promised yesterday Barbados would do everything possible to try to find the couple, who went missing at sea on Monday.  A comprehensive search operation involving the Barbados Coast Guard, Royal Barbados Police Force and the Regional Security System (RSS) was launched after the New Jersey couple failed to return to shore from a 34-minute jet ski ride at Holetown, St James. The disappearance of Suarez, 32, and 25-year-old Devil, has gained coverage on major American news outlets such as CNN, ABS News, CBS News, Travel And Leisure and the New York Post.  (WN)

REWARD OFFERED - Relatives of Oscar Suarez are eternally grateful for the efforts of Barbados’ law enforcement agencies to find him and his missing partner, Magdalena Devil, but 72-hours of uncertainty over their mysterious disappearance has started to take its toll. Oscar’s cousin, Thais Sonnabend-Aguilar, told Barbados TODAY family members are now “emotionally drained” but have continued praying and waiting for any information about the couple’s whereabouts. So earnest are they in their efforts to locate their loved one and his companion, the family has even offered a US$10,000 reward for anyone with meaningful information on the couple’s disappearance. Aguilar revealed a family network from as far away as California and as close as Florida and Puerto Rico has been following the developments and holding family meetings with Oscar’s mother, Ninfa Urrutia who is also on the island. “We feel better knowing the people of Barbados have been ensuring they [family members] stay in the loop and we are thankful they have been so accommodating. We know that you are doing everything you can to help us right now. “We just wish we had the answers that we were looking for and that’s the emotionally draining part of everything. We just want them back or found and we don’t have that yet. We have pieces, but the pieces aren’t coming together. “Right now we are holding onto the hope that they are okay and this is going to be the best case scenario. That’s what we are praying for as a family,” said the tearful cousin. Ever since the couple went missing on Monday afternoon, family members have been pleading with U.S officials for assistance and have even contacted local healthcare providers to find out if anyone fitting the description of the couple had been admitted. “We are begging for any piece of information that will bring Maggie and Oscar back safely. We just want them to come home and we’re just begging from the bottom of our hearts,” she said, struggling to hold back her tears. “We are a very large family and he is an amazing father and brother and cousin and son and we just want him home,” she repeated. During an emotional 20-minute interview, Aguilar revealed that two sisters and four brothers were among the concerned family members. But the emotions of Oscar’s two children, a five-year-old daughter and a ten-year-old son, have been hardest to protect. “We raised our kids together and they still don’t know about the situation with their father. When my niece says I want to talk to my daddy…we feel like we have to give them this ‘run around’ to keep them from asking questions. It’s emotional for us because we don’t know what else we can do. “She’s five and she doesn’t get that yet. She doesn’t understand why she can’t talk to her dad whenever she wants. So it’s hard for us and it’s heartbreaking as a family that we are trying not only to cope for ourselves, but we can’t break down in front of our children.” Barbados TODAY understands Oscar, 35 is an assistant director of dining services at food service company, Compass Group and his girlfriend Magdalena, 25 had just opened a small bakery. “The few times I met her, I found her to be an amazing young lady and very talented. She has her own small bakery and that was her dream and that’s what she wanted to do,” said Aguilar, who revealed she had spoken with her cousin, Oscar just two days before he left for Barbados. “They had been planning this for over a year and they were very excited to be taking a vacation to be getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life and when he landed and checked into Barbados, he sent me a picture of his view from his room and I told him to enjoy his well-deserved vacation. I didn’t know of a more deserving person to get such an amazing vacation.” The couple was staying at the Starfish Discovery Bay Hotel since Saturday. According to reports, the two rented a jet ski from Aftneal Bear Abbey on the beach near Holetown around 3 p.m. and have not been seen or heard from since. Officials from the Royal Barbados Police Force, the Regional Security Service and the Coast Guard have been scouring the area from the sky and on the ocean. Barbados TODAY understands a submarine is also being used to locate the couple. Family members from both families were flown into the country yesterday and are being hosted by the Barbados Tourism and Marketing Incorporated. Barbados TODAY has also been in contact with other family members including Oscar’s mother, Ninfa Urrutia and his brother Danny Suarez who are both struggling to come to grips with the unfolding situation. (BT)

EMBASSY PRAYING FOR MISSING AMERICANS – United States Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Linda Taglialatela says the case of the missing American tourists has the fullest attention of the embassy here. Today, Ambassador Taglialatela told members of the media that the embassy was concerned about the whereabouts of New Jersey residents Oscar Suarez, 32, and Magdalena Devil, 25, who vanished after boarding a jet ski in Holetown, on Monday. She said since the embassy saw its duty of taking care of Americans abroad as important, its officials had been in contact with police and other law enforcement officials and relatives of the missing couple. “We have people at the embassy who are working with the law enforcement who have been kept apprised of what they are doing. We have been in touch with their families. So we are confident that every effort is being made to find these two individuals,” Ambassador Taglialatela said. Noting that the sea was a big place, the head of the embassy said that she was aware that in addition to the coast guard combing the sea, the Regional Security System (RSS) has a plane in the air, while persons in the private sector have also offered to have their aircrafts involved in the search. “I know the coast guard and some private boat owners have been out, along with the individuals who own jet skis. I think everybody is doing what they can do. Not knowing exactly where they took the jet ski and where they went, it’s going to be very difficult to locate them,” she said. “I hope along with everyone else that they are somewhere safe, but I certainly hope that they will be found shortly. “We will keep them in our prayers and thoughts and let the police and the coast guard do what they need to do to handle the case,” Taglialatela added. It was around 3 p.m. when the young couple boarded the jet ski at the Holetown beach. Persons who were present at time, told Barbados TODAY that they were at a loss how the couple could have disappeared amid an abundance of activity and desirable beach conditions. Today, Police Public Relations Officer Inspector Rodney Inniss says extensive searches by air and sea continued all day but there was no sighting of the couple. He however assured there are no plans to abandon the search at this stage. (BT)

MISSING: WILLIAM ONEALE GODDARD – The Royal Barbados Police Force is seeking the assistance of the public in locating a missing man who suffers from dementia and has impaired vision.  He is 55-year-old William Oneale Goddard of Glenburnie, St John. Goddard left his residence on Tuesday around  9:30 a.m. and has not returned.  At the time he was wearing  a pair of yellow ¾ cotton pants only. He frequents the Bathsheba, St Joseph area.  He is 176cm tall, and slimly built with a brown complexion. He has a bald head and is clean shaven, has a long face, brown eyes, small mouth, small nose and large ears. He has a friendly appearance and a pleasant manner.  Goddard has a mild speech impairment which leads to a delay before he speaks. Anyone with information relative to the whereabouts of William Oneale Goddard is asked to contact the Emergency number 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477), District C Station at 416-8200 or the nearest Police Station. (WN)

REGISTRY FOR CRIMINAL MATTERS FIRST – While the possible implementation of Criminal Procedure Rules has been given the thumbs up by president of the Barbados Bar Association (BBA) Liesel Weekes, she believes a Criminal Registry is first required. Her comments have come three days after Attorney General Dale Marshall revealed that legislation could soon be coming to put an end to accused persons sitting in jail for prolonged periods without a court hearing. That legislation he said, could come in the form of Criminal Procedure Rules. Marshall said he planned to meet with Cabinet “in a few weeks” to seek its permission to put such rules in place. However, in an interview with Barbados TODAY, Weekes said a Criminal Registry was needed before that legislation was passed. She explained that a Criminal Registry would operate in the same manner as the Civil Registry, keeping tabs on all cases which come before the court. “I don’t know what the Criminal Procedure Rules contemplate but I do feel that you can’t have the rules independently of a Criminal Registry. “The court takes control of all the files, the court knows when the matters have started, who is on remand, who has applied for bail. They are fully aware of the status of each matter so nobody gets lost. That’s what happens in the civil court and it needs to happen in the criminal court,” Weekes maintained. “I just don’t see how the two can work independently of each other and I certainly don’t see how the rules can precede the Registry, but I don’t know what the Rules contemplate so maybe I am being premature in saying that, but I do feel that integral to the whole process of expediency, efficiency and fairness in the criminal justice system we need a [Criminal] Registry.” Weekes said the possibility of such a registry being established was raised at a meeting with the Attorney General earlier this year. She said while the AG was not opposed to the suggestion, the issue of financing such an initiative in the current economic climate could not be overlooked. And while Weekes said it was much easier and cheaper to effect rules than it was to staff a registry or reallocate workers, it was urgently needed. She said she believed the combination of a Criminal Registry along with the Criminal Procedure Rules would help to greatly improve the criminal justice system. “The registry is required if we really want to treat to criminal matters so that we know what is happening at every stage and we don’t have a case as we had recently,” the BBA president said. Weekes said if a Criminal Registry was available in Barbados, what happened to Winston Agard could have been avoided. The 50-year-old Agard spent seven years in HMP Dodds without attending a court hearing after being charged for theft back in 2009. His case only became public after a prison officer highlighted his plight to the relevant authorities. (BT)

OFF TRACK – Government’s plan to digitize more than 60,000 records at the Police Certificate of Character Department over a two-month period has fallen behind. And Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs Dale Marshall has suggested that this was a part of the reason the promised Freedom of Information Bill would not see the light of day in the short-term. “One of the things about governance is that you can pass all of the laws you like – in fact, passing laws is easy – but how you implement those laws is a completely different thing,” Marshall told the Barbados Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (BCCI) breakfast seminar at the Hilton Resort on Wednesday. He explained that should someone request a document from the Attorney General’s Office currently, there was a possibility they would get something that was illegible or it would take months before they receive the information because the handwriting would first have to be figured out. “For the past 300 years everything on alternate pages of a government file is in the handwriting of individuals. We have just agreed to digitize all the records for the police so we can get police certificates of character within three days. The reasonable estimate is that it will take six weeks to digitize this data. There are 60,000 records and six weeks have passed and they have only managed to digitize 15,000 of the 60,000,” he explained. “After six weeks it is only 25 per cent [completed] . . . then it was pointed out to me, ‘sir, the reason we can’t digitize it faster is because all of the police records are in handwriting. So before we can digitize it we have to decipher it’. And some of those police officers are dead and gone and nobody knows what third word on the second line is, for example,” he said. While acknowledging that it was always the intention of the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) administration to introduce a Freedom of Information Bill during its first term in office, Marshall made it clear that the bill could not come unless the proper systems were first put in place so the process could work effectively. “So yes, it is coming. It is in our five-year term but before we pass it we have to change how the public service deals with records and documents. Otherwise we will have the law on the books but we will not be able to meet those requests in any meaningful or timely fashion,” said Marshall. As part of its transformation process Government has promised to digitize its records and introduce greater use of technology. And as part of the Retooling, Empowering, Retraining and Enfranchisement (RERE) initiative under the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) programme, the digitization process began on April 23, starting with the Police Certificate of Character Department of the police force. There are six retrenched workers who were brought back to facilitate the process and another two people were also employed in April to clean records at the Registration Department before the digitization process began there. More people are expected to be hired through private vendors as the digitization programme continues. The Registration and Immigration Departments are next in line to be digitized. The other departments in the first phase will include the Ministry of Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Commerce, Town and Country Development Planning Office, Customs and the Barbados Licensing Authority. (BT)

WHERE IS MY FILE – The man who allegedly damaged 19 windows at the historic St Mary’s Church has been complaining about the length of time that he has been on remand with no documents to fight his case. Renison Isaiah Prince, 26, of Fairfield, Black Rock, St Michael made the complaint to Magistrate Douglas Frederick yesterday. He however admitted that he was currently serving time which will come to an end later this year. “I have been in jail for 20 months. I ain’t get no file and my time soon coming to an end in October,” Prince stated. It is alleged that on October 22, 2017 he damaged the windows and a plant pot together valued $38, 055 belonging to the church. Magistrate Frederick informed him that the alleged damage was a very serious charge as they were not “normal windows”. “But they don’t have a file . . . When the times comes [we will] discuss bail if it comes to that but you are not going anywhere right now,” the Magistrate stated before adjourning the indictable matter until July 24. (BT)

GRAZETTES MAN GETS BIG DRUG FINE – A father of four has until the end of October to pay the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court a $10,000 fine. The amount was imposed on Dale Orlando Nicholls, of No. 21 Roncliffville, Grazettes, St Michael today after he pleaded guilty to three drug offences. Station Sergeant Carrison Henry told Magistrate Douglas Frederick that police were on duty at Scotts Terrace, Grazettes, St Michael on April 20 when the 34-year-old landscaper got into a hired vehicle after placing a duffle bag and contents inside the vehicle. Using the siren, police intercepted the vehicle and Nicholls was seen throwing the bag into a nearby hedge. Three packages containing vegetable matter suspected to be cannabis were found in the bag which police retrieved. He was subsequently charged with possession, possession with intent to supply and trafficking of 15 pounds of cannabis which had an estimated street value of $30,000. Today, attorney-at-law Mohia Ma’at told the court his client was remorseful. He urged the court to impose a fine, which was within Nicholls’ means as he was the sole breadwinner in his household. “Consider the financial climate . . . things are hard,” Ma’at said in his submission. He added that the court should also consider that school was soon out and the father of four would have to buy school supplies in the coming months. However, Magistrate Frederick said while he was mindful of the circumstances “this is a huge amount of drugs” and as such the punishment should reflect the crime. The attorney then put forward a payment plan to honour the fine but the magistrate said if the amount is not settled by October 31, Nicholls will spend 18 months in prison. The sentence was imposed on the supply charge. On the possession charge he was placed on a bond to be of good behaviour for the next year. If he breaches the order he will spend six months in prison. Nicholls was convicted, reprimanded and discharged on the trafficking charge. (BT)

OUTSTANDING FINE LANDS ST MICHAEL MAN IN JAIL – He appeared in a Bridgetown Court on a criminal damage charge but was sent to HMP Dodds for an unpaid fine. When Derek Decoursey Jones, of Block 4A Fernihurst Deacons, St Michael went before Magistrate Douglas Frederick today he pleaded guilty to damaging a table belonging to Kathy-ann President on June 26 without lawful excuse. Station Sergeant Carrison Henry disclosed that the two lived in the same vicinity but are not on speaking terms. Yesterday, Jones used the table, which President placed near her bar, to pick coconuts. She warned him about using her property but he was subsequently seen dragging it away. She spoke to him again and it was at that time that he kicked at the table’s leg breaking it. The item costs $250. After outlining the facts the prosecutor informed the magistrate that Jones was known to the court and had a $3,000 fine imposed by the District ‘B’ Magistrates’ Court back in 2015 which he had failed to pay. Jones wasted little time in telling the magistrate that he knew of his debt to the court. “Sir, things tight . . . the money ain’t making. I have a serious injury. I really can’t work. I got shot in both my hands, which shattered my bone and affected my nerves,” Jones said as he asked the magistrate for extra time to pay the money in installments. However, the magistrate informed him that the total amount would have to be paid today. Jones said that a friend would help him. The friend did approach the court and described the convicted man as a “good community man” who was very helpful. “I am going to help you,” he informed Jones who was remanded to prison to return to the No. 1 District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on July 5. Jones will be sentenced on his substantive charge when the fine is paid. (BT)

WI KNOCKED OUT OF WORLD CUP – India moved a step closer to the World Cup semi-finals and ended West Indies' slim hopes of qualifying with a 125-run thrashing at Old Trafford.  West Indies, chasing 269 for victory, were dismantled by India, with pace bowler Mohammad Shami taking 4-16 and Jasprit Bumrah 2-9. It was an underwhelming response from West Indies after they were economical with the ball and tidy in the field. Virat Kohli made 72 as India worked hard in front of a vociferous crowd, and MS Dhoni's unbeaten 56, which saw him take 16 runs from the final over, propelled them to 268-7. West Indies were ultimately dismissed for 143 with 94 balls remaining and will be left to rue a impatient batting performance on a slow pitch. India are the only unbeaten team in the tournament and yesterday replaced England - their next opponents - at the top of the one-day rankings. They will head to Edgbaston on Sunday with plenty of confidence, knowing that victory will secure their semi-final berth and make England's task to qualify even more difficult.  (WN)

FOSTER WINS BRONZE – Barbados’ Gracie Foster has won a bronze medal in the artistic swimming competition at the Central American and Caribbean Championships at the Aquatic Centre. It’s the second medal for the host country following on from triple CARIFTA gold medallist Erika Loustric’s silver in the junior solo free contest on Tuesday’s opening day of the championships. After the first day of competition, which started with the routine segment, Foster was in third and maintained that position overall after Wednesday’s fourth-place figures score was added. Foster, 14, who is based in Canada, told Weekend Sport that as long as a person was steadfast in their pursuit they could achieve anything.  (WN)

JONES STRIDES INTO DIAMOND LEAGUE – Rising track star Jonathan Jones has been invited to compete in the prestigious Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday. The 20-year-old Jones was rewarded with an IAAF Diamond League debut after making a name for himself on the United States’ collegiate circuit this season and earning rave reviews.   The Texas University freshman sped a personal best 44.64 seconds to set a new Barbados’ 400 metres record at the NCAA Division 1 finals in Austin, Texas, earlier this month. He became the first Barbadian to achieve a sub-45 seconds clocking in the event. Jones, who hails from Checker Hall, St Lucy, broke compatriot Elvis Forde’s 1984 record of 45.32 seconds when he posted 45.02 seconds at the NCAA Western Regionals in May. (WN)

TWICE IS NICE FOR AWAKEN – A new location plus a new date equals the “biggest crowd ever” at Awaken Oasis Ultra Premium fete. The two major changes to the annual event had such a positive impact that promoter Tremayne Austin is looking to do it again later this year. “We are seriously exploring the possibility of having an out-of-season Awaken in November,” he told Bajan Vibesduring an exclusive interview. Austin said he has received nothing but positive feedback from patrons. “I am very happy with what I have been hearing about the event from the people that matter most, the patrons. We all would have worked tirelessly to put on a good party. We know the best form of advertising is when people endorse your event when people get with their friends and talk. That way, someone who has never been would want to be a part of the next event,” he said. Close to 900 people braved heavy morning showers accompanied by thunder and the occasional lightning to be a part of the premium event. The non-stop pouring rain saturated the grounds making it mucky. Some patrons tied their shoes with plastic bags while others folded the bottom of their pants. They made the necessary improvisations, but it was clear that no one intended to leave before the end of the fete. Partygoers stood with umbrellas in hand, cramped under the tents and sought refuge at any vantage point in order to enjoy the fete. One patron who said he flew in for the event told Bajan Vibes that he had been to every Awaken fete and this year’s event was, by far, the biggest and the best. “Awaken is lit. Rain pouring but nobody is moving. This vibe is sweet. I was sceptical about the turnout when they moved forward the date but this is the most people I have ever seen at this event. I come every year. We’re all just having a good time…” he said, as he continued to party with his group of friends. The increased numbers were confirmed when Bajan Vibes checked with the police who said the crowd was close to 900. DJs kept the vibe going from 4 a.m. while live acts took to the stage later in the morning. Fadda Fox, Leadpipe & Saddis, Mara Rose, Jus D and Hypasounds sang some old-time favourites as well as their 2019 songs. There was food aplenty. Roast breadfruit, pasta, soup and pastry were some of the items on the menu. The bars were fully stocked with alcohol and those who didn’t want to go to the bar had the option of having an alcoholic snow cone. Although the sun was not shining, there was plenty of heat in the place. Coconut water on demand and bottled water were available to quench patrons’ thirst. A few lucky early birds would have received a complimentary fan branded Awaken as they entered the party. Awaken, which is always the first major all-inclusive event for the Crop Over, attracted some familiar faces and who’s who in society. Spotted there were: Chairman of Barbados TODAY Peter Harris, Chief Executive Officer of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. William Griffith, Chief Executive Officer of SigniaGlobe Financial Paul Ashby, Flow’s Senior Manager Communications Southern Caribbean Marilyn Sealy, businesswoman Shelly Williams, President of the NUPW Akanni McDowall and cricketer Tino Best. Entertainers TC, Natahlee and Nikita were also present. The fete which was slated for 4 a.m. to 11 a.m. ended at 11:20 a.m. Patrons were seen liming and chatting well after the event had ended. Austin thanked the sponsors, committee members, staff and the patrons who he said “made the annual event a resounding success”. (BT)

SOCA MONARCH SEMIS – Betty B, a seasoned entertainer but a newcomer to the soca genre, is to hit the stage first for the Soca Monarch Semifinals. The 34 semi-finalists of the reformatted competition drew their order of appearance on the Kensington Oval stage at the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) West Terrace, St Michael headquarters.

Best known as a jazz vocalist, Betty B changes her tune on July 5 at the Oval with her soca single, Nah Holding Back. Betty is to be followed by Brian Bumba Payne (Tell Me When Yuh Coming), Ray Dainja (Ain’t Missing Me), Faith (All Night), Jus D (So What), Shaquille (Darlin’), GQ (I Got Life), Skung Yung (So Happy), Sanctuary (I Pledge), Jamal Slocombe (Alive), Mighty Grynner (Security), Sugahrhe (Sugah), Lizzie Jay (Infeteuated), Biggie Irie(Magic), Marvay (Summer), Bo Bo (From De Heart), Adrian AC Clarke (Ah Like It), Yannick Hooper (Woman), Grateful Co (Do Thing), Mike Thompson (Ah Fed Up), Brett Linton (We’re Alive), Peach Bless (Good Vybez), Hotta Flames (Thanks for Life), Queen T (Keep Up), TC (Music), Mistah Dale (Millions), Marzville (Owe Me), Walkes(Champions of Colour), Leadpipe (Sometime), B Moore Specific (Soca Explosion), Mr Blood (Calories), Shanta Prince (Drip), and Rene King (Wish List). Former monarch Natahlee (Why We Live) will close the competition. (BT)

AIMING FOR BILLBOARD – After nearly five years, Ayana John has unexpectedly leaped into the Barbadian soca universe, with Keep Moving (Bounce). The song, which is produced by Reddhead Records Inc. & Dreadhawk Productions, is featured on Mr Blood’s 35-track album Soca Reloaded. Known for her pop, R&B and reggae tracks, John told Bajan Vibes that her 2019 Crop Over releases were unexpected. Splitting her time between Barbados and the United States, she assured that she is planning to make the most of her time in the hive of activity. “I have always kind of felt a little left out because I haven’t really participated in Crop Over for the past five years. So, I am just happy to be back enjoying it and being a part of the action,” she said. She has also revealed a sweet soca single, Wine Down, which encourages party-goers to “chill and relax” and enjoy themselves at the fete. While expressing her preference for power and sweet soca, John said she wouldn’t be venturing into social commentary or bashment just yet. Despite the criticism that bashment soca has received, John contended that it will continue to flourish because the young Barbadian public demanded it. “Bashment soca is something that the people want so you can’t deny the impact. The godfather of bashment soca is Lil Rick, and he has been doing this forever so you can’t stop it if it is meant to flourish and do well,” she stated. The multi-talented Barbadian artiste also announced that she will be releasing “a beautiful mix of reggae and soca fusion” in January 2020. John said she was pushing for international exposure, as she hoped that the long-awaited album will make it to the Billboard’s Top 100. “I really want to see Caribbean music ever present on mainstream, Billboard platforms. I don’t want to see it in the reggae section of Billboard or the soca section of Billboard. I want to see [it in the] Billboard Hot 100. So, I basically have come to a really nice balance between the two genres,” she told Bajan Vibes. “I am on a serious mission to have placement at festivals overseas, have the music have placement on the Hot 100 – that is the vision.“ (BT)

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