#me in my quote: since this is urgent we will make a start immediately unless you tell us not to within the next hour

[kibibarel]

clients love not reading the emails you send them, it's their favorite hobby

[fruchtfliege]

👰🏻‍♀️☀️📱!!!!!!! please🙏🏻

👰 - undercover petopher (pretend dating)

Mel So how’s married life?  Did you kill him yet? 

Chris I’m saddened to report that he’s still very much alive. 

Mel 6 days to go

Chris If that's your idea of a pep talk, it's awful.

Mel No I'm saying you still have 6 days to kill him and hide the body

He smiles.

Mel Any news on Monroe?

He updates her quickly on what they did today but that they're also no further than when they came here. She reminds him that it's a good thing. 

Chris Not if I had to endure all of this for it to give us nothing. 

Mel Peace of mind is not nothing 

Chris Exactly and I'd like to get mine back.

Mel Hahahahaha good luck with that

As if on cue, Peter is suddenly at his side, making Chris jump slightly. “Who are you texting? Are you trying to make me jealous?” Leaning down to be at Chris’ height on the bed, Peter is obviously trying to check his phone. 

The hunter immediately hides it against his chest. “I thought you weren’t jealous, just protective,” Chris reminds him with scorn before he looks up and curses. He brings his eyes right down and yet still manages to roll them. Peter is only wearing boxers.

“Exactly and how can I be sure this person you're texting doesn't have malicious intent.” 

Chris blinks at him. “Unlike you?”

Peter flashes a smile. “Precisely.”

“If you were looking for my best interest, you'd put on a shirt.”

“Well, you know what they say, put on your oxygen mask first. And I love to see you so flustered.” Peter gives him a huge grin. “Two years of marriage and you're still so titillated by this beautiful view.”

“We're sharing a room, Peter, can you at least put some clothes on?”

Peter frowns. “I did.” He looks down at his boxers. 

“Shirt. Now.” 

☀️ - sunshine (Theo can't warm up ever since he came back from hell... unless he's close to Liam)

As soon as the pack meeting ends, Theo is on his feet, barely standing upright under the fatigue and makes his way to the door. Looking back and silently asking Liam if he wants to join him, Theo pauses, hand an inch from the doorknob. Just as Liam is about to walk his way, Mason is by his side, asking to talk to him. So, Liam smiles at Theo and wordlessly tells him to leave without him. Barely two seconds later, the door closes behind him. 

Looking outside to make sure Theo can put one foot in front of the other, Liam is pleased when he sees the chimera shake himself awake before getting in his truck. The car smoothly leaving, Liam can finally place his attention somewhere else. “What's up?” 

“Oh, yeah, it’s not urgent or anything, just… how's the undying crush?”

His blood turns cold, his heart stops beating and he thinks he might be having an aneurysm. Purely to test that theory, Liam smiles before he screams in his most hushed voice, “Oh my god! Could you say it any fucking louder?” He quickly drags Mason outside, almost making his best friend trip in the process. “Bye Scott, see you next week!”

Rushing outside, Liam speed walks like his life depends on it with Mason in tow. Thankfully, they’re heading the same way. They live on the same street, as all childhood best friends do.

“Are we far enough from the only group of people who are probably already aware of it for you to start talking about it?” Mason pants.

“You don't think that, right?” Liam yelps, panicked.

He thought he was being subtle about it but… well, let's just say his mind gets really dumb when he likes someone, so maybe he isn't.

“Liam. You growled at Alec when he tried to take your place on the sofa.”

“Yeah but… it's my place, you know? Not my fault if it's next to Theo's.” 

“Um!!!” Mason stops him. “Yes, it is!! First pack meeting when Theo joined, you said – and I quote – 'there's a free space here'.”

“Yeah but-”

“That was my place, Liam! It was not free, it was mine.” 

“Yeah, but now you're closer to Corey.” 

“On the floor.”

Liam laughs but shrugs, feeling a bit bad about it. Not really angry, Mason lets it go with a sigh and a little grin.

📱- 1-800-bored-dad

Chris has never liked the police station. It's cramped and noisy and, above all, it looks messy. This isn't where he likes to spend his Thursday nights.

Tapping his foot so hard against the floor he feels a cramp coming, Chris looks at his watch for the tenth time in two minutes and sighs. He should just leave. Let Noah get his shit together on his own! It's just because the sheriff’s car has been out of commission ever since it collided with a not-so-pleased minotaur that Chris accepted to give him a lift. And because they're going to the exact same place: Melissa's house. She scheduled a “grown-up dinner” out of the blue for them… He's still not sure what a “grown-up dinner” means. To be honest, it sounds dreadful – what are they gonna talk about? – but no one can say no to Melissa, especially not Chris or Noah.

Anyway, at this rate, they’ll both miss the dinner.

“C’mon!” Chris gets up, knocking at the door of the sheriff's office yet again. “She’ll be mad if the food ends up being cold!”

“2 minutes!”

“The same 2 minutes you mentioned 20 minutes ago?”

“Some of us have a job, Argent!” Noah screams angrily through the door, not fully mean, simply overwhelmed.

“Yeah and some of us don’t have cars, Stilinski!”

The sheriff grumbles as he tries to put some order in the mountains of papers on his desk.

Chris sighs, letting himself fall back on the uncomfortable chair once again. He takes out his phone.

Chris How’s the weather in France these days?

...from this post...

[thepancakeboi]

112. “Quit looking at me with that stupid expression. You’re pissing me off.”

“I’m going to kill you for this, Ren.”

“Will you really?” Ren, my overly smug boyfriend, asks as cheekily as possible.

I scowl up at him, knowing that I won’t. Even if the situation I find myself in is not one of my choosing.

I had woken up this morning to the sound of my phone’s notification sound at around nine. To my surprise, it was Ren texting me. He’s not the type to wake up early when it’s not a school day. It read: “Come to Leblanc quick it’s urgent”.

A little concerned, I replied: “I am on my way”. I wondered why it was so imperative that I go to Leblanc. Hopefully, nothing serious happened. I quickly prepared for the day and changed into my typical uniform before leaving my apartment in Kichijoji.

When I arrived about forty minutes later, I was shocked to see the sign was still flipped to “closed”. That was odd. Leblanc was usually open by now. Tentatively, I opened the door and peeked in. Sojiro Sakura was nowhere to be seen, and Ren wasn’t there either. “Ren?” I called out, looking around the empty cafe.

“Up here,” Ren’s voice replied from up in the attic. I climbed the stairs, wondering what he wanted that required me to come here.

Nothing had me prepared for this.

Ren was sitting on his bed dressed in what could best be described as a policewoman’s outfit. He went so far as to wear a black wig and pantyhose...and he even had handcuffs hanging from his waist. Where he got any of this, I had no idea, nor was I going to ask. I raised an eyebrow at Ren’s getup. “What the hell is this?”

“What’s what?” he asked, dark red lips twisted in a teasing smirk at my startled expression. Yes, he was wearing lipstick. Of course. “Your...outfit.”

“Oh, this?” He stood up and walked over to me, slinking an arm around my waist. I instantly noticed he was taller than me. Of course, that was only because of the heels on his knee-high boots. He just had to be taller. “I’m arresting you because you’re criminally gorgeous.”

My face flushed, only made worse as his free hand fiddled absentmindedly with the handcuffs. “Aren’t you worried Sakura-san will be back soon? Does he even know about...this?”

“No. He took Futaba out to Akihabara for the day. They won’t be back until tonight.” He grinned. “It’s just the two of us...anything could happen.”

“What did you want?” I asked while backing away, wanting to change the discussion before I became too flustered by Ren’s incessant flirting. “You said it was, and I quote, ‘urgent’. I hope it wasn’t just to show me this.”

“I need you to do something for me.”

“What is it?”

“It’s important.”

I crossed my arms. “I’m not doing anything unless you tell me what it is.”

“Okay. I need you to crossdress for me.” “Wh-What!?” I sputtered, flabbergasted. Surely I misheard him, right?

“Akeppi, darling, love of my life, I need you to crossdress for me,” he repeated as he pulled me close to him once again.

“Why would I agree to such an inane suggestion?”

“Cuz you love me.”

“No. I’m not crossdressing. Anything but that.”

He gasped as if seeing a perfect opportunity. “Does that mean you’ll finally admit to being a bottom?”

“Absolutely not,” I growled. “Especially when it’s completely untrue.”

“Mmm...keep telling yourself that. I totally believe you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Exactly what you think.”

That was it. I had enough of this nonsense, especially when it wasn’t as urgent as Ren made me believe. “I’ll be leaving now.”

“Wait, at least let me explain-”

“No,” I interrupted, trying to push away from him. However, he refused to let go. “Get off!” Of course, he didn’t listen. I squirmed, trying to get free. The struggle itself was a blur, but it ended with us on the floor, Ren straddling me and my arms pinned down by his hands holding my wrists.

Given the current situation, I think my false threat to kill Ren is justified.

I’m not going to kill him, though. I know it. He knows it. Hell, I’m sure just about everyone knows by now. “Ren, please get off of me. If you do, then we can discuss this.”

“You’re lying.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You’ll run as soon as I do.”

“You bastard,” I snap. He’s correct, of course. I would have bolted as soon as my arms were free. He sees right through me and my lies so easily. I hate it. My scowl deepens as he gives that self-satisfied little menace smile of his. “Quit looking at me with that stupid expression. You’re pissing me off.”

“But I’m enjoying seeing you like this. And I think you’re enjoying it, too,” he adds in a low whisper.

“Bullshit. I’m not.”

“You’re wrong,” Ren says in the smuggest tone imaginable. “If you weren’t, wouldn’t you have kept fighting?”

I simply glare up at him, refusing to answer that question. Instead, I say, “Go ahead. Explain. That’s what you wanted, isn’t it?”

“Ryuji lost a bet to Ann, and he asked Yusuke and me to join in. I thought it would be fun.”

“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: you have a twisted concept of fun.”

I pay for that comment when he playfully ruffles my hair. He remembers that day as vividly as I do. For a split second, I have the opportunity to try and escape again. It’s at that moment when Ryuji walks in, looking absolutely ridiculous in what is clearly an attempt to imitate Ann. “Speak of the devil,” I hiss, shoving Ren off of me while he’s distracted by Ryuji. “I refuse to have any part in your shenanigans.”

“Wait, you told him!?” Ryuji asks.

Ren nods happily. “Yup!”

“What the hell, man!? Why’d you do that?”

“I wanted Akeppi to join us. I was trying to convince him.”

“For real!?” The grin that crosses Ryuji’s face is nothing short of terrifying. “Sounds good to me.”

“Absolutely not,” I interject, finally pushing myself to my feet. “I will not be joining you three in this escapade.”

“No way, man. If I have to do this, then so do you!”

“I’m not the one who lost a bet. You can forget me being a part of this.”

“Renren, help me out here,” Ryuji says, turning to Ren.

A look passes between them, one full of silent schemes and unspoken commands. I need to move...now. I make a mad dash for the stairs just as the duo lunge at me. Ryuji manages to grab me just as I pass by him, pulling my arms behind my back. I thrash and squirm as erratically as possible, trying to throw Ryuji off. He’s stronger than I give him credit for. All I’m managing to do is tire myself out.

I fight fiercely against Ryuji’s hold for a solid minute, cursing all the while. Ren, meanwhile, just watches in mild amusement. Fucking traitor. “Want me to use these?” Ren asks as my struggles start to grow weaker, gesturing to the handcuffs. I don’t miss the mischievous smirk hiding behind that mask of neutrality.

“Dude, no. I got this!” Ryuji replies. His grip tightens as he pulls me back. My endeavors cease. This is getting me nowhere. “Just do your thing.”

Ren immediately grins, knowing it’s his time to shine. All I can do is give him a glare full of malice. He remains unfazed. “Come on, Akeppi. Please?” Ren whispers softly and seductively in my ear.

I avert my gaze as I respond, “No.”

“Please?” He’s still using that damn sexy tone of voice, only now he’s running a hand through my hair. It’s distracting. A deadly combination that is...completely...utterly...distracting-

“Fine, fine,” I say before it becomes any worse. Ren nods, signaling Ryuji to release me. I stalk off to a different corner of the room, looking pointedly at Ren as I add, “But no pictures. Got it?”

“Aww.” Ren pouts, but he’s not going to persuade me that easily.

“I’m gonna wait for Kitakita,” Ryuji says, heading downstairs. “He’s prolly still doin’ his makeup.”

Satisfied that it’s just the two of us, I unbutton and shrug off my jacket, placing it gently on Ren’s bed. I freeze as Ren comes up behind me and loosens my tie. He tosses it unceremoniously next to the jacket, coming around to be in front of me. He starts to undo the top few buttons of my dress shirt only to stop partway through. What is he even planning? With a smirk, he starts to run a hand along the now-exposed skin, sending my nerves haywire. “Wh-What are you doing?”

“Just admiring my prisoner,” he hums, continuing to feel up my body. With a roll of my eyes, I undo the rest of the buttons since clearly he’s no longer helping.

After nearly an hour of Ren getting me dressed, doing my hair, and doing my makeup, the deed is done. I glare at the proffered mirror, snatching it with a lace-gloved hand. There are so many layers in this pastel blue dress that fits surprisingly well, and that’s not even including the gray petticoat peeking out from underneath. Ren had added in hair extensions to make my hair look like twin drills. The hair color matches perfectly. It’s almost unnerving. I give Ren a cold look as I hand the mirror back. “Was the black lipstick truly necessary?”

“Yes. You look absolutely adorable!”

“Shut up,” I snap, looking away from him.

“Aww, look at my little tsundere pancake~”

“Your what!?”

“You heard me. You’re my little tsundere pancake.”

I’m about to argue against that, but I hear footsteps coming up the stairs. This time, Ryuji is accompanied by Yusuke. Besides the taller boy’s ninja-inspired outfit, I notice the two of them are holding hands. I’ll have to ask Ren about this later. “I’m sorry I’m late,” Yusuke apologizes. “I got off a stop early to try and save money.”

“Yusuke, just let me give you money,” Ren whines. “You know I have plenty from our time in the Metaverse.”

“You know I could not accept such a generous offer.”

“You complete, utter fool,” I mutter.

Ryuji gives me the evil eye as he yells, “Shuddup, Akechi! You’ve no right to say anything!”

“Excuse me!?”

“Hey. Be nice,” Ren says before we can escalate this argument further.

“Sorry, man,” Ryuji says. I just stew in silence. I’m not wrong. Yusuke should just accept Ren’s offer rather than continue to reject the aid. “Hey, shouldn’t we call Ann?”

“I’ll do it,” Ren replies. He pulls out his phone and walks downstairs, leaving me with his two crossdressing accomplices.

“So, what did Renren get you into?” Ryuji asks with a sick smirk.

“I have no idea, nor do I care,” I snap.

He shrugs before turning to Yusuke. “Kitakita, you know what it is?”

“Ah, yes, the Hime Lolita style! Its elegance suits him quite remarkably.”

“The what style?”

“Hime...it means ‘princess’,” I hiss through gritted teeth.

“Ooh!” Ryuji laughs as he adds, “Detective Prince? More like Detective Princess!”

“Shut it, Sakamoto,” I reply, still irritable from earlier.

“Nah, this is fun!”

“Your concept of fun is almost as bad as Ren’s.”

“Hey, at least my boyfriend’s okay with it.”

“Indeed, I am,” Yusuke responds. I guess I don’t have to ask Ren later about the two of them holding hands.

Ren comes back upstairs a few seconds later. “Ann will be here in a few minutes. She doesn’t know about Goro, though.”

“You didn’t tell her?” Yusuke questions.

“No. I wanted it to be a surprise. We should probably go downstairs,” Ren adds, holding out a hand to help me out. I smack his hand away. There is no way I am accepting his help. I push myself to my feet, a little unsteady due to the heels on these stupid shoes. They still don’t make me taller than Ren in his boots, though. Of fucking course.

“Are you both really wearin’ heels?” Ryuji asks skeptically.

I shake my head, looking at Ryuji as I reply, “Remember that this wasn’t my choice.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know.”

We all head downstairs. This time, I do reluctantly accept his help with wobbling over to the stairs. I’m not Ren. I didn’t run around fighting Shadows in the Metaverse in heels. As soon as we reach them, Ren grins and picks me up bridal style, walking downstairs in heels with unnatural ease. For once, I’m not complaining. The less I have to walk in these heels, the better. I do give him an unamused look when he refuses to put me down, but I don’t say a word.

Ann arrives a couple of minutes later. “Hi!” she says in greeting. “Oh my god, that’s great, Ryuji!”

“What about those guys? Kitakita and Renren were more eager about it than me,” Ryuji grumbles.

“I couldn’t believe it when you told me they were doing it, too! You two are looking good as ever, and-” At that point, two and two seem to click in Ann’s brain. The genuine shock on her face is priceless. She stammers, “W-Wait, Akechi? Is that you?”

“Hey,” I sigh.

“Wow, you look amazing! Did Ren help?”

“Help?” I scoff. “He’s the only reason I did this.”

“I can be quite persuasive,” Ren adds, nuzzling me. “Doesn’t he look cute?”

“He does!” Ann agrees.

“I do not,” I shoot back. I scowl, but I’m sure I probably look like a pouting child.

“Adorable,” Ren repeats, beaming.

I sigh in annoyance, crossing my arms as I look pointedly away from them. Despite my outward irritation, I can’t help but feel...happy. Yes, I’m happy that he finds me cute and adorable. His loving remarks hold some power over me, a power that I know Ren won’t abuse. He’s not Shido. Ren actually means each and every compliment he gives. “Ren, give Ann your phone. I’ll let you have one picture.”

The grin on Ren’s face could make even the most despondent of individuals smile. Maybe I could live with this.

Prompt list

[saiilorstars]

The Girl in the Forest

Chapter 28: It's You and I

// Story Masterlist //

Pairings: Klaus Mikaelson x OFC

Pronunciation of OC’s name: Ma-leh-nee

Requested tag: @queenmj10​ @ocfairygodmother @anotherunreadblog @maaaaarveeeeel @stareyedplanet @perfectlystiles

Chapter Summary: Dahlia plays her final card to win over Klaus who will then bring in a reluctant Maleny. But hey, at least she's back in her original body, hopefully this time it'll stick.

~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~ 0 ~

In her apartment, Amarrah passed the pages of Abigail Rowan's spell book silently, still searching for a spell to help Maleny. She was sat on the couch chair beside the longer couch...where Cami laid unconscious from Elijah's earlier attack. With the help of Alton and Yamilet, they had carried the blonde vampire, along with the coffin holding Maleny's body, to Amarrah's apartment. It had been several hours since the daggering of Klaus, and frankly there was a large question of what to do next.

"You don't have drinks," Yamilet walked out from the kitchen with Alton moments after, "You're French - why don't you have drinks?"

Amarrah raised her look from the spell book, unamused by the woman's antics so far, "Because all I've done since I've gotten to this Quarter is perform spells for vampires. Forgive me if my grocery shopping is a bit lacking."

Yamilet rolled her eyes and plopped down on the smaller couch across her. Just then, Cami began to stir and slowly woke up. Her eyes scanned the immediate area and when it appeared she was confused, the others gently spoke to her.

"Hey," Alton helped her sit up straight, "Do you remember what happened?"

For a moment, it seemed she was going to say 'no' but when her eyes narrowed into a deep glare Amarrah knew she was remembering it all. "It's okay, Cami," Amarrah leaned forwards, "Let it out, it can't be easy to-"

"Screw him!" Cami erupted into loud, angry shouts as she jumped to her feet, "He actually snapped my neck! I can't believe it!"

Yamilet looked upon the blonde in mere amusement, although she did have some sympathy for the woman. "Honey, I learned the hard way that family only uses people." She was completely outraged with the Mikaelsons, or specifically the eldest of the siblings and the mother. To work for them nonstop, going against even your own boyfriend, only to be snatched and used for a wicked revenge plan was an understatement for a "stabbed in the back" statement. It angered her more that the two responsible for losing her body were already dead and not by her hands. "Unless you're one of them, you're dispensable."

"This wasn't any normal back-stab," Cami stopped pacing to take a deep breath, needing to calm down. She straightened and looked around for something.

"It's okay, we brought Mal's body with us," Amarrah assumed that was the blonde's concern. She assumed after what happened last night, Cami would not want to go anywhere near the compound. Alton and Yamilet were then called upon to help move the body out of there at once. Neither of the three remaining Mikaelsons had a word to say about, all feeling terrible for the consequences of their actions...yet not enough to undo it.

"Okay," Cami took another breather, her hands running in her hair while she thought, "Mals' body is here, you've got the spell book…"

"If we could get the spell we need we could have Mal back," Amarrah lightly smiled.

"Yeah, and then she'll wake up to see the giant betrayal her so-called family committed against her boyfriend," Yamilet scoffed and slumped back against the couch.

Amarrah playfully glared at the woman, "You know, I liked you better when you weren't in control of the body."

Yamilet rolled her eyes, "It's only the truth and you all know it. Think about it, do you really want to bring back this Maleny right when her family is quite literally at the brink of war?"

"Yes," Cami firmly replied not even a second afterwards, "Because no matter what they would never hurt her. No, she needs to be here so she can set things straight. And besides, if we don't bring her back who will?"

"What do you mean?" Alton frowned at that.

Cami sighed and stepped back from the couch, once again picking up a slow pace, "Well, the way the Mikaelsons work is they prioritize. Klaus and his paranoia was the biggest problem right now...so they took him out," she shook her head, "Dahlia's deadline is the next thing, meaning," she looked at the trio sadly, "Mal's the last of the priorities right now."

"You think they would forget about her like that?" Amarrah quietly asked, almost appalled at the idea.

"Answer me this," Cami turned to them again, her hands behind her back, "Have they even mentioned bringing their brother Kol back yet?"

The reality hit Amarrah and Alton fast and both sighed. If they didn't work to get Maleny back, then she really wouldn't be back until the whole Dahlia fiasco was completely finished.

They couldn't wait that long, and they wouldn't.

~ 0 ~

Dahlia resided in an unknown crypt of the Quarter's cemetery, preparing for a spell no doubt as she mixed several ingredients inside a cauldron. She dipped her hands into the cauldron full of blood and slowly mixed in the ingredients. The red pendant necklace in which she'd trapped Maleny's soul was now tied around her neck, glowing.

"We define ourselves by our family. From birth, we share their names, entrust them to protect that which we hold most dear. We value them above all others, and yet we are inevitably forced apart. Promises are made and left unkept. Children, in particular, turn their backs on those who raised them, seeking lives of their own. The bond of family is not a bond forged on choice. In fact, some would see family as a terrible burden," she smiled wickedly ahead, expecting some sort of response.

"And you tell me this as a lesson of some sort?" came the bitter, sassy response of Maleny. She stood several feet away from Dahlia, though visible only to the witch. "A lesson where I'm supposed to repent for ever sticking by the Mikaelsons?'"

Dahlia slowly got up and turned to the blonde, "Because of them you are now in my hands," she reminded, gesturing to Maleny, "With one word of mine I can destroy your soul and finally put your dusty old life to sleep for eternity," Maleny gulped, momentarily quiet against the threat. Dahlia went on, "You're only here by my gracious hand, don't forget."

"...and you clearly want something from me," Maleny spoke up again, her voice bearing a hint of more visible fear, "Or else you wouldn't have interfered with my spell."

Dahlia mockingly laughed and turned back to the altar, "Oh I saved you before you really harmed yourself. The spell would not have worked."

"It too would have," Maleny declared sternly, but Dahlia just laughed again, "We had everything we needed. The spell was handed to us by your sister, Esther, before she died."

"And she clearly had to have written the large amount of energy it required, no?"

"Of course, but my friends were more than capable-"

"Your two weaklings of friends?" Dahlia rolled her eyes, "The girl can barely handle herself and the other does not have the skill needed. You would have doomed yourself, Maleny. I saved you."

"Don't pull that crap on me," Maleny crossed her arms, "Get to the point instead. What do you want from me? And fair warning, if it involves harming my family, you might as well kill me."

Dahlia evilly smiled before glancing over her shoulder, "Oh, I should probably mention that your 'family'," she created air-quotes, "has already begun crumbling down with betrayal. You may not be so inclined to defend them when you know."

"Know what?" Maleny stepped towards the woman curiously, detecting a hint of satisfaction from the woman and that, honestly, made her stomach churn.

"Niklaus has been daggered by his family with a dagger made by your very own witch friend," Dahlia turned around to the wide eyed, gaping blonde.

Slowly, Maleny began shaking her head, "No, n-n-n-no...you're lying. You're-"

"I'm not, and you'll see that after I talk to him," Dahlia promised with a pointed finger at Maleny, another arm gestured to the altar, "You see, the spell I'm creating is to speak to him and make an ally of him."

"You're out of your deranged mind if you think he'll accept," Maleny declared, though she was a little nervous of what tricks Dahlia could be trying to pull on Klaus. If he was daggered by his family, then he would wake in terrible fury...fury that would drive him to make awful decisions.

"And, I'm sorry," Dahlia's voice brought Maleny back to the present. She was once again facing the alter, now on her knees and her fingers bloody from the cauldron.

"Sorry for what?" Maleny dreaded to ask, knowing nothing good would be coming out of the woman's mouth.

"You won't be a part of this conversation," Dahlia mumbled a couple of spell words, and though Maleny missed it, her eyes rolled back as the spell began to take effect.

"Stop!" Maleny exclaimed and rushed towards the witch, but it was too late. The witch dropped to her side on the ground, unconscious. "Dahlia!?" Maleny tried shaking the woman awake but her hands made no contact. She couldn't feel anything.

With a defeated sigh, Maleny dropped to the floor herself, leaning against the altar. She pulled her knees to her chest and tilted her head back. She would have to wait...wait and see what her fate, along with the Mikaelsons' would be after Dahlia's 'talk' with Klaus.

~ 0 ~

Rebekah impatiently waited in the St. James Infirmary, where no magic would be able to hurt her, for Marcel. She didn't like being the weakling in her family, but until she managed to de-link herself from the kids Eva Sinclair used for her plan she couldn't jump bodies. So, when she saw Marcel dragging Vincent into the place she was more than urgent to get things started.

"Woah!" Vincent grumbled as Marcel pushed him forwards, "You could have just sent me a text, you know."

Rebekah tilted her head, lightly smiling, "Well, then you wouldn't have answered and only hid from us. And seeing we're a bit short on helpful witches, we couldn't take that risk. I need you to de-link me."

In any other case, they would have asked Amarrah for help, but seeing she was against them at the moment, and Davina having no knowledge of such spells, they wered forced to get Vincent.

"Get on it," Marcel ordered Vincent.

"This kind of dark magic?" Vincent gawked, scratching his head, "It's tricky. Alright? I can reverse-engineer Eva's work, but it's gonna take some time," he glanced at Rebekah, "And you're gonna have to do your own magic!"

Marcel rolled his eyes, "She's not exactly a pro."

"Well, she is exactly in the host body of the witch that's at the center of the link. Besides, I've done my last bit of magic. Now, I wanna help the kids, but after that? I'm done. No more witch business."

"Fine! Get it done," Marcel repeated before addressing Rebekah, "I'll touch base later."

But Marcel only made it a couple of feet when Vincent shouted, "And when we're done? We're all done! I'm not your witch for hire!"

~ 0 ~

"Yeah, Amarrah, I'm on my way back," Cami assured the French woman through the phone, simultaneously sifting through a couple of her family's dark objects in her home.

They had agreed she would go and collect the ones that would possibly help bring Maleny's soul into another inanimate vessel much like Dahlia was using to keep her in. While she looked through objects, Amarrah would try a locator spell on Dahlia. The woman was now in the Quarter and thus much easier to find, considering her deadline was coming up rather fast.

Cami had managed to locate a box that could possibly help them. However, she was interrupted by a knock on her front door.

"Call you back, Ams," the blonde hung up and stuffed her phone back into her jeans pocket before going to answer. The person on the other side was the least person she wanted to see in the world. "And just what the hell do you want, Elijah?" she tilted her head, feigning thoughts of his intentions.

Elijah was equally as uncomfotable as she was, but the problems at hand demanded he forget his own issues and went straight for the solutions. "You don't have to speak with me-"

"Good," Cami grinned and moved to shut the door when Elijah put a foot in between it and the doorhinge.

"-but you do have to help," he finished with a small sigh.

Cami had a good laugh, "Right. I have a lot of things to do, actually, so if you could just go…"

"It's serious, Camille," his sharp, almost scolding tone, angered Cami.

"I assure you what I'm doing is just as serious," she snapped, stepping forwards, "I'm trying to bring my cousin back from the clutches of Dahlia. You do remember her, right? Busts her ass to help you and your family all the time?"

Elijah sighed again, "Of course we mean to help Maleny. But right now, she would agree Hope is the priority."

"And I agree with her, we all do," Cami assured, "So you go do that and leave me the hell alone so that I, along with Amarrah, can help Maleny."

"We need your help as well!"

Cami rolled her eyes, "About what, Elijah? Cos it turns out I don't know much about this Dahlia plan as I thought I did before getting my neck snapped."

"I'm truly sorry about that," Elijah meant to touch her but she stepped away, warning him with the door should he try it again, "I know you must be angry about it-"

Cami's light scoff made him stop, "I was in the beginning, but if you think that's what I'm angry and upset about then it just shows you still don't know me. Just tell me what you want so you can leave."

"It seems that Niklaus' distrust of Freya wasn't entirely misplaced. Freya wants to use Hope to lure Dahlia into a trap," after hearing that from Elijah, Cami was speechless with horror.

"That's...that's horrible!"

"I have another idea," Elijah began again, "Perhaps we can use something else to ensnare Dahlia. I was hoping your dark objects would generate power to create a decoy for Dahlia."

"Okay…" Cami stepped back and turned to the many boxes she had piled around, "...yeah, I can see that working. Dahlia is using Hope as the new beacon for her salvation, but I think I may have some things that could help," she walked towards the needed boxes.

"Thank you," Elijah honestly said as he watched her pick up a box.

"I'm only doing this for the little girl, Elijah," she warned and returned holding the box, "I've learned to love that girl as much as you all have. But that's it. You can take that to Davina who will also probably help if you tell her it's for Hope," she pushed the box to him for him to take, "And also, I should mention that Klaus didn't kill Aiden."

Momentarily confused, Elijah narrowed his eyes at her, "What are you talking about?"

"Before you and your family rudely came in to dagger him, he confessed to Amarrah and I that he didn't kill Aiden. He just took the blame because of some insane dictator-edict about making people fear him."

Although horrified to know they had wrongly accused Klaus, Elijah shook his head, "Nevertheless, had I left Niklaus standing, the very army protecting Hope would have revolted."

"I should be more surprised that this is what you've decided, but I'm not," Cami swallowed hard, "But I should warn you of the wrath he will unleash because of this," and although she was still heavily angry with Elijah, she was still scared of what Klaus could do to him when he was undaggered.

"I am more than aware, believe me," Elijah assured, "But until Hope is safe I cannot undagger him."

"That's on you, then," Cami crossed her arms, "Now can you please leave? I have many things to do."

Elijah nodded, resigned to her anger as he knew he had it very well deserved. "Thank you, and...I'm sorry."

"So am I," Cami whispered and stepped back inside her house, shutting the door and locking it. She breathed in a shaky breath, intending on calming down. She couldn't get emotional, not when, as she had said, there was plenty of important things to do.

~ 0 ~

Klaus didn't know what was worse, still being daggered or being forced to witness Dahlia's memories. Dahlia led him through the solitary woods, no doubt about to show him another memory of his young mother, Esther, betraying Dahlia.

"Very cliché," Klaus remarked about the entire show he was witnessing, "Tell me, did you inspire the witches of Grimm lore? Enslaving young children in a hut on the edge of a dark forest? I suppose you plan for this to be Hope's fate. And yet you foolishly think you can make an alliance with me?"

Dahlia seemed to take offense as she snapped back, "I did not enslave Freya or Nicolas, I kept them from those who abuse our craft, demonized us... and, most importantly, I shielded them from themselves."

The scenery before them changed so that there was a wooden table covered in different herbs and plants. Beside it was a small fire, and around it all were trees with hanging dolls. However, the scene was not part of Klaus' attention - it was the young, teen-looking boy standing in front of the table. While the teen's back was to him, Klaus easily identified him as Nicolas, his son. Without thinking, he stepped towards the scene, almost forgetting it was just a memory and that he wouldn't even be able to touch nor talk to his son.

"Nicolas!? Nicolas!?" he then heard Freya's distinct voice calling. Out came the blonde witch rushing towards Nicolas, "What are you doing out here?"

Nicolas had been holding his hands together in front of him, eyes shut, as he whispered words of a spell. Even when Freya came to him, he didn't stop.

"Nick, stop it," Freya watched the wind pick up around them, "You're gonna hurt yourself…"

"I don't care!" Nicolas suddenly shouted, startling Freya. "I want to find my mum!"

Dahlia sighed at the same time Freya did, making Klaus look at her, "For the entire time I had that boy with me, he only ever uttered two sentences to me: 'I hate you' and 'I'm going to find my mother'."

And although Klaus had several, probably many insults to give to the old witch, he returned his attention to Nicolas. He was studying the teen's features, down to the very last strand of dirty blonde hair on his head. Freya was right, as had been Maleny, Nicolas did look very similar to him.

"Nick, stop this!" Freya was still ordering her nephew. The small fire Nicolas had beside the table grew larger, a dangerous size that even Dahlia had come out to see.

"Nicolas!" she came running towards the teen and violently shook him to snap him out of the sell. She snatched from him the herbs he held between his hands, "Where did you get the yarrow flower?"

Nicolas didn't say anything, only maintained a deep glare on the woman. Dahlia then glanced at Freya for the explanation.

"I did not…" she shook her head.

Dahlia groaned and threw the petals to the side, "You cannot go past the stream, it is too dangerous!"

"I don't care!" Nicolas erupted into yells, "I don't care about your idiotic boundaries! I don't care what punishments you create for me! I simply do not care! And frankly, I don't care for you! Have you ever thought I may want to encounter another person besides you and my aunt? Perhaps my mother? My-"

Dahlia forcibly grabbed his hands, "People are frightened of that which they do not understand."

"I would rather take my chances with them than spend another minute here!"

As the scene progressed, Klaus watched with a hint of a smirk at the corner of his lips. It was more proof that Nicolas was truly his son, and Maleny's. The snaps were of hers, and the booming shouts were his. A perfect blend. A perfect blend that he and Maleny didn't get to see because of Dahlia.

Klaus was brought out of his thoughts at the harsh sound of screams. They belonged to Nicolas who was still furious as ever against Dahlia. There was a strong wind that suddenly picked up around them, clearly due to Nicolas.

"Dahlia…" Freya breathed in evident fear, even taking steps away.

"Freya, leave," the older witch urgently ushered the blonde to leave, "Nicolas, control it. Control yourself!"

Nicolas clasped his hands over his head, the overwhelming power hurting him. As the blonde grew stronger, blood ran down Nicolas' nose. Soon enough, he began coughing up blood as well.

"Focus!" Dahlia ordered repeatedly but things only got worse. Dead starlings along with crows dropped from the sky as if it were pouring rain.

Nicolas dropped to his knees and screamed at the top of his lungs as the pain literally felt like bricks pounding down on his head. Dahlia did the same and took him into a hug, still mumbling to him the orders to focus on his control. Slowly, the wind began dying but Nicolas was still shaken up and trembling as his power settled down.

"Sing with me. Calm your heart," Dahlia grabbed him by the head, beginning the familiar tune and soon joined in by Nicolas himself.

Dahlia glanced at Klaus to see he was completely horrified by all that he saw. "Your son had no control over his power. And with his ridiculous temper it was worse."

Although shaken, Klaus didn't fail to throw the blame on her, "You rapidly aged him in a year, after you'd stripped him from his mother."

"A mother who hadn't been there for a over a year," Dahlia calmly reminded him, "And it was not due to my age spell. First-born witches in this bloodline possess devastating power. But do you see…?" she walked towards her younger self and Nicolas, gesturing to their tight embrace, "Freya has painted me to be a thief who enslaved her and Nicolas. But the truth is I helped Nicolas - I saved him," Klaus scoffed, rolling his eyes. Dahlia persisted in her declaration, "If it hadn't been for me arriving to take him your son would have been thrown into the same cycle his mother was forced into. Or worse, he would have been sacrificed completely and died. You may not admit it, but I am the reason Nicolas lives to see the day. Because of me, you will get to see him again."

Although he would never openly admit it to her, Klaus accepted the truth. With Maleny gone, and he unaware of his existence, Nicolas could have easily been killed or cursed. Still, that would not change the fact Dahlia was the enemy hell bent on stealing his other child for revenge. She was the enemy...and she needed to die.

~ 0 ~

Cami wandered through the cemetery searching for Davina in order to get more help for Maleny's cause. However, she stumbled across something far more different instead.

Maleny was still sitting on the ground, against the altar, when she spotted Cami hurrying in from the entrance. "Oh my God," Maleny quickly got up just as Cami came to a stop beside Dahlia on the ground.

"Oh my God," Cami breathed in shock at the sight of the old witch. She was clearly under the influence of a spell.

"You can't hear me...nor see me," Maleny realized sadly, "But I'm right here…"

Cami's eyes were drawn to the red pendant necklace on Dahlia's neck. She gasped, "Mal…" she bent down and with a shaky hand reached for the pendant.

"Cami, don't…" Maleny watched the entire thing in terror. She didn't know when Dahlia would wake up but she certain didn't want to find out when Cami was right there.

But Cami ripped the pendant from Dahlia's neck and cheered, "Oh you're coming with me, Mal!" she stood up and looked around, suddenly seeing the altar, "Ew…we should go, before Dahlia wakes up. I'm sure she won't mind me taking you, Mal."

Maleny scoffed, "No, I mean, she clearly went through the trouble of intercepting the spell for you take me away."

Cami quickly sped out of the crypt, forcing Maleny to disappear and consequently follow.

~ 0 ~

Freya was up in her bell tower performing a locator spell that would find the whereabouts of Hayley in the bayou. She was startled by the presence of Amarrah.

"I'm not here by choice," Amarrah laid the truth, "I'm here because I need information on the pendant you wear," she pointed to the blue pendant necklace wrapped around Freya's neck, "For Maleny."

Freya shifted and pushed some hair behind her ear, "I promised Maleny I would return her to her body, and I do intend on keeping my word-"

"Yes, before or after you kill your loony aunt?" Amarrah strode into the room, half irritated, "Must I remind you Dahlia controls the soul? You don't know if we might need her-"

"You won't," assured Freya, but it wasn't enough for Amarrah.

"Thing is, I no longer trust you or your family. Actually," Amarrah bitterly laughed, "Right now, I would trust Klaus a hundred times more than all of you put together."

Freya sighed, "I'm sorry you got caught in the crossfires, but it was necessary to dagger Niklaus, he would have gotten us killed for sure."

Amarrah rolled her eyes, "Look, I don't care anymore. I only came for information."

Freya looked past the French woman to Elijah who'd appeared at the doorway. Immediately she forgot Amarrah's request and warned Elijah, "I have located Hayley, and I strongly advise you not attempt to stand in my way."

Amarrah glanced back at the suited Original, "Great, two more Mikaelsons' than I needed."

Elijah addressed far nicer than received, "Tell Camille her objects did help us. We'll be using a golem for a decoy," his eyes then darted above her to Freya, "Niklaus' paintings contain Mikael's ashes and the soil. Go to the compound."

"You cannot stop me from getting that baby," Freya warned him again. She didn't want to actually hurt Hope, they only needed to use her as bait against Dahlia.

Elijah disregarded her warning and informed her, "You begin the spell. Prepare the battlefield. I'll bring Hope to you."

Amarrah was horrified to hear such a plan between the family. As Elijah left, she turned back to Freya, "You people are awful - and I thought that way before any of this happened."

Freya sighed, "We won't let Dahlia anywhere near Hope. We only mean to use her as bait to lure Dahlia into a boundary that would render her mortal."

"Clever," Amarrah remarked, mildly impressed, "but that doesn't change the fact you're all evil betrayers."

Freya turned around to the table behind her and gathered up small books, "These are the ones that could help you with Maleny."

"Thank you," Amarrah took the books, displaying a light surprise in her face.

"We may be indeed evil betrayers, but I do genuinely love Maleny and only want her to be safe and back in her body," Freya softly said, "I hope you find what you're looking. And, when this is all over, I will help you sincerely."

"Well, I hope you make it out alive to do so," Amarrah responded with and turned to head out.

~ 0 ~

"So," Klaus took several steps around the now empty woods as Nicolas and the younger Dahlia had made way for their cottage, "Do you intend on receiving a 'thank you' from me because of what you did to my son?"

Dahlia stood across him, watching him carefully, "I would be lying if I said 'no' but I also know that's not how you work so I'll just cut straight to the point."

"Please do," Klaus sarcastically smiled, motioning her to do so.

"I propose a deal in which both sides would win," Dahlia stepped forwards, "I need to rid myself of this slumber spell and at the moment Hope is the only witch with the power to do so. You," she gestured to him, "want to find your eldest child and bring him home. I can make that happen, so long as you allow me to link myself to Hope in order to break the spell."

"And so you would have open range on Hope's power," Klaus scoffed at the terrible idea, "Guess again."

"No, no, I only mean to link myself to Hope for a short period. She's not the first of her generation, Nicolas is," Dahlia smiled wickedly, "And like it or not his power owed to me. He needs me, and when he gets back I will only channel what is necessary from him...while also continuing to train him."

"My, my, that does sound tempting," Klaus said, although whether it was true other yet more sarcasm Dahlia wasn't sure.

"Think about it," Dahlia gestured, "Although, your time is short and really, there is nothing to think about," she waved a hand towards him and suddenly the memories were over.

Klaus awake with a deep gasp inside the coffin his siblings had placed him in. He chucked the golden dagger to the side and scrambled out of the coffin, though his legs weren't quite to the challenge just yet. He was still weak and in desperate need of blood to replenish himself. Still, he needed to leave and figure out what had happened in his absence.

~ 0 ~

"And you just found it!?" Amarrah held up Dahlia's red pendant necklace, still gaping at how Cami had been able to find it so easily.

"Dahlia had it around her neck so I just took it," Cami sighed, once again pacing back and forth.

"And you didn't think to kill the bitch?" Yamilet walked in from the kitchen holding a glass of wine. She flashed a smirk to Amarrah, "Good news, I bought wine now."

Amarrah rolled her eyes, "Of course you did."

Cami stopped pacing to answer Yamilet, "I couldn't have. Dahlia's protected by that immortal slumber spell. If I did anything she would've killed me the moment she woke up. I had to leave her there."

"But that's okay because you took the most important thing," Amarrah gently placed the necklace on the table side of the couch, "Now at least we have a chance at helping Mal."

"We have the body, we managed to get the spell books and the pendant," Cami smiled proudly, "Let's get to work, ladies."

~ 0 ~

Elijah and Rebekah gathered in a lounge room to hear a rather devastating voicemail from Hayley. Unbeknownst to them, Klaus was also listening in from outside.

"Elijah... I'm calling to say goodbye. Hope and I... we can't be part of your family anymore. All Hope's life, her family has tried to destroy her. That can't be my little girl's story. Family is supposed to love you. Even if you take down Dahlia, Hope would still be Klaus' daughter. She'd inherit a thousand years of enemies, all his anger and rage... I don't want Hope to be a Mikaelson, all the pain that comes with that name... She doesn't deserve that. Goodbye."

Klaus was beyond reason to hear his daughter was being taken from him. This was why Elijah had daggered him!? That would not be how the story ended. He would not lose his second child, not if he had anything to say about that.

~ 0 ~

Dahlia was in a near similar rage as Klaus was, but hers was directed towards the thief who'd taken her pendant off her neck. While she left a new spell working on the altar, she performed another one to see who had entered the crypt beside her. After a moment though, she heard someone else coming.

She smiled upon seeing Klaus stumbles his way inside, "I knew you were the smartest of your siblings. There's no brute Viking blood in those veins. I'm glad to see you made the right decision."

"You're gonna have to do one more thing for me to truly accept," Klaus warned her, masking the anger he held inside, "Maleny, you took her - I want her back, and I want her now."

If he had come in earlier Dahlia would've felt a little nervous, but now that she had an idea of where the soul of the lost woman was, she merely smiled, "Lucky for you I have a pretty good guess where is right now. But you will have to acquire strength for you to retrieve her. Shall we?"

"You need to hurry, Hayley is attempting to flee with my child," Klaus made way to sit down across her.

Dahlia scoffed as she mixed her fingers in the cauldron of blood, "They won't get far," she assured.

Her spell caused a rather violent crack of thunder above in the sky, specifically the bayou. There was no way Hayley would be able to escape anytime soon.

~ 0 ~

Dahlia watched Klaus place Maleny's empty body over a sacrificial table inside the crypt, mildly surprised at the upmost gentlest way Klaus dealt with the blonde woman. After having him feed all morning on various tourists for strength, the change was by far drastic.

"Did you bring it?" she inquired soon after the body was put down.

Without looking away from Maleny, Klaus pulled out the red pendant necklace of Dahlia and held it out. However, when Dahlia reached for it he jerked it back. He have her a sideways glare, "If you do anything to prevent her from returning to her body I will tear you to pieces myself."

Dahlia took the threat with a mere nod and finally took her necklace. She turned for the altar that was now altered to fit Maleny's spell. "Such measures you go for that woman," she remarked casually.

Klaus passed a hand down Maleny's hair, "She's the only one that ever stood by me, in all her lifetimes."

Dahlia dipped the pendant into the cauldron, glancing over her shoulder, "And are you so sure she would continue to do so even after she learns of your alliance with me?"

"Yes. She wants Nicolas just as much as I do, and she wants Hope to be safe as well," Klaus spared her a momentary glance, "She'll do it."

"If you're so sure," Dahlia mumbled before speaking at normal volume, "Step back, I'm about to begin."

Klaus hesitated a minute, knowing the complete risk he was taking. But time was running out and Amarrah, although powerful in her own way, compared nothing to Dahlia's skills. Taking a breath, he took steps away from the body and allowed Dahlia to take over.

Dahlia held the pendant over Maleny's body, circling as she chanted her spell. The pendant glowed a crimson red, growing stronger the more Dahlia chanted. Like a horror movie, Maleny gasped awake at the same time thunder rumbled. She sat upright with a terrible yelp, as if being attacked. It didn't get better when she saw Dahlia right in front of her.

"Dahlia!"

Klaus sped up to her, at the same time pushing the old witch away, "Mal! Mal! It's okay! Look, it's me!" he grabbed her head, forcing her scanning eyes to land on him, "It's me, you're gonna be fine now, I promise you."

As everything settled inside her mind, she released a breath, "Klaus? What happened? One moment I'm at Cami's, and the next moment you come in and steal the necklace and my body…" her eyes moved past him to Dahlia, her tone turning distasteful, "...for her?"

"You saw?" Klaus asked, glancing back at Dahlia for an explanation.

"The soul was able to portray itself outside the necklace," she shrugged, "Only visible to me of course."

"Lucky me," Maleny threw her a glare, "I would have rather been completely trapped inside a two inch necklace thank see you all the time."

Dahlia looked at Klaus instead of responding to the blonde, "She's a lovely one, there. We have work to do," she seemed to be turning back for the altar when she feigned a surprised gasp and faced the pair, "And if you were thinking about double crossing me, Niklaus, you may want to hold off for now."

Klaus saw the devilish smile the woman had specifically for Maleny and frowned, "What did you do?" he didn't think twice before speeding the woman against a wall.

Dahlia remained at ease and simply reached for a nearby herb with thorns. She pushed Klaus away from her and gestured to the root and her palm then gently pricked her skin.

"Ow!" they heard Maleny yelp from her spot on the table. Klaus turned around to find the blonde staring at her palm that now had a small blood circle...just like Dahlia did.

"You linked yourself to her!?" he angrily turned back to Dahlia, "I warned you-"

"It's a one-sided link. Anything that happens to me will happen to her. It's simply an insurance for me that you won't try to pull one over me," Dahlia crossed her arms, "She'll be fine, and once I can link myself to Hope's power Maleny will be free."

"What did she just say about Hope!?" Maleny had completely disregarded about her linking and focused on the delirious idea of Dahlia linking to Hope, "You're gonna what!? Klaus, is there something you want to tell me!?"

Dahlia smiled calmly, "I should let you two have word, I'd rather none of this couplish stuff come out at the wrong time and cost us the child."

Maleny watched the woman head into a small side room in horror, "Cost you the what!?" she hopped off the table, ready to go after Dahlia.

"Maleny!" Klaus grabbed her from behind, yanking her away, "We have to talk…"

Maleny pushed him away, getting riled up with him as well, "What are you doing? What am I doing here!? What is going on!?"

"Shh, shh," Klaus tried to calm her but she swatted away his hands.

"Don't shh me!" she exclaimed, now warning him with a finger, "Do not ever 'shh' me!" she stepped closer to him, "I don't care if you're a legendary hybrid I will make you regret that."

"MALENY!" Klaus finally lost his patience and shouted, startling the blonde quiet for a minute, "You have to do as I say for this to work…"

"I'm honestly afraid to listen," Maleny crossed her arms, "I know you're angry for what your siblings did to you, so I imagine your next actions will be painful and pretty gruesome."

"Mal," Klaus rested his hands on her arms, "I have a plan that can save Hope and bring back our son, I promise."

"But with her?" Maleny whispered, fearing Dahlia could be overhearing.

"For the time being, yes," Klaus nodded, moving his hands to cup her face, "But you have to do exactly as I say. And I'm sorry, but there's already one complication."

Maleny searched his eyes for any glint of deceitful hints, but once again for her they were truthful. She walked away from him, trying to think for a moment. "You're not an idiot-" behind her, Klaus playfully rolled his eyes, "-so there has to be something to this." She turned sideways, her face displaying the weariness that was slowly filling her up from the inside. "Will it really bring back our son? And keep Hope safe?"

Klaus walked up to her again, confidently nodding. He laid a hand on her cheek and looked her directly in the eyes. "I promise you it will. And we will put this curse of yours to an end for good."

"Prioritize me last please," she whispered, "I want my son. And I want Hope. I want them both in our home, getting to know each other and living peacefully like they deserve."

"All of it will happen, Maleny, but do you promise to listen to me?"

"I do...but you should know by now I am probably your weakest link in this plan-" she truthfully tried to warn him but Klaus chuckled. "You should get your family and-"

"You are my family," Klaus had lost his playfulness and spoke with the utmost honesty. He cupped her face and gave her that crooked smile she came to love so long ago. "Out of everyone you are always standing beside me, never giving me a reason to doubt you. You are my strongest link. You're my motivation."

Maleny felt she was blushing like a teenage would after hearing all that. "Pretty words, Mr. Mikaelson...I think I may just accept..."

Klaus' lips stretched to smile wider. "My love, we have a lot of work to do."

[diyunho]

The Joker x Reader - “John Wick” Part 2

Y/N left The Organization 3 years ago for the one reason strong enough to make her settle down: love. But after tragedy crushed her to pieces, she decided to leave The Joker and seek refuge with an old friend and mentor - John Wick. Needless to say The King of Gotham can’t accept his wife running away without a word, especially since he didn’t have a chance to tell her things she might want to hear.

Part 1   Part 3

2 Days Later

You walk down on Cherry Lane Street when you lastly get to your destination: the homeless guy begging for change in front of the fence surrounding Yellow Star bus station. You take out your empty vial and a gold coin from your pocket, dropping them in his cup; might as well take advantage of your numerous resources while visiting the area.

“God bless, miss!” the man rattles the container and you whisper:

“I need a refill for this medication from Dr. Wong.”

“Give us one hour,” he replies in a low tone, then louder. “Thank you, miss! God bless!”

So many people around and nobody notices the courier on a bike swiftly retrieving the ampule from the bum’s fingers.

You start walking away, willing to kill some time until your order is ready: it’s a nice morning and it would be better to wait than drive back to John’s house. In the matter of fact, one of your favorite coffee shops in town is just three blocks further and you have to admit you’ve missed the place. Maybe your gracious host wants something too; better call and find out.

“Hello?” he picks up immediately.

“Hi, I’m going to Kavarna. Should I bring you a drink?”

“Oh, absolutely. Large espresso, quadruple shot.”

“You mean heart attack?”

Jonathan laughs, confirming his strong refreshment.

“Yes, I think that’s the other name for it.”

“Suit yourself,” you lift your shoulders up. “I will become a legend by effortlessly killing Baba Yaga. You don’t have a bounty on your head, do you? I can collect the money also.”

“Nope, no bounty,” he informs, amused at your statement.

“Damn… I’m disappointed Mister Wick, but I will still deliver your coffee because we’re friends,” you decide to be lenient.

“I appreciate your effort,” John smirks and Y/N huffs at his cheekiness.

“It will cost you 3 gold coins!”

“Three?! That’s a rip off,” the complaint follows.

“I had to eat your chicken Alfredo so you owe me,” the reminder makes him snicker.

“Fair enough,” he stretches on the couch and rolls his eyes when the doorbell suddenly rings. “Later,” Jonathan cuts it short, wondering who the heck is bothering him this early in the day.

“Byeeee,” you hang up, continuing your promenade towards 87th Avenue.

“Coming!!!!” he yells since the doorbell is obnoxiously pressed over and over again. “I said I’m coming!” John hurries and yanks at the nob, surprised to see your husband as soon as the door is opened. “Mister J,” he sort of greets the uninvited guest.

“Wick,” The Joker sucks on his teeth, barging in the next second. “Is my wife here?” he eyeballs the living room, completely worn out after the recent sleepless nights.

“No,” the simple response is ignored.

“This is my fifth stop in two days,” J emphasizes his unfruitful quest. “I’m a man of many tricks, yet it’s not easy to find her. Do you mind if I take a look around?” your spouse pretends to be polite while stomping up the stairs, not that he got an OK from the owner of the house.

“Yes, I do mind!” John frowns, closely pursuing The King of Gotham.

“That’s too bad, Wick! Call the cops then!” The Joker barks, glancing throughout the 4 bedrooms upstairs. There’s no trace of Y/N and he descends the staircase, remembering there are 3 more bedrooms on the ground level. “She didn’t contact you at all?” he inquires and freezes when the first inspected room reveals a familiar sight adorning the nightstand: a small shrine containing Kase’s framed picture, a folded blue onesie and the tiniest pair of socks.

J approaches the cherished tokens, annoyed at your friend’s stunt.

“She’s not here, hm?!” his clenched jaw makes it difficult to articulate the words.

“She’s not!” John insinuates the obvious, apparently unconcerned by The Joker’s escalating temper. But that’s only on the surface because he knows what your husband is capable of: in his case it never takes more than a push for a total mood switch.

“Don’t play games with me, Wick!! She’s hiding right here!”

“She’s not hiding! If she was, you’d never find her. You were expected to show up: like I said, Y/N is not hiding! You ask if she’s here and she’s not home. Frankly, Mister J, I don’t remember ever trespassing on your property!”

The Clown Prince of Crime stands in the middle of the room with his mouth opened, appalled he’s being lectured.

“You have some nerve, Wick!” he shrieks, struggling not to snap at Jonathan’s honest remarks. “I’m prepared to overlook the outburst with one condition: don’t text her I arrived. I presume you have her new number?...“

***************

After one hour and a half

“Jonathan, I got your coffee!” you enter the empty kitchen, yet there’s no trace of him. “John?” you set the cup on the counter and turn around at the husky intonation:

“He’s in the courtyard.”

You glare at The Joker with mixed feelings; the only ones he can actually read are hate and disgust.

“What do you want?” Y/N sneers.

He’s more than displeased at your bitterness after tracking you down for days: it would be really nice for you to show some gratitude. Unfortunately, that’s not how things work.

“Is that how you address your partner?!”

“Ex-partner!” you persist and J has to say it:

“I wasn’t aware we divorced!”

“I thought my message was clear,” you interrupt his nonsense before it spirals out of control.

“You left without giving me instructions on what to do with the baby stuff,” your estranged spouse grumbles.

“I told you to do whatever you want with the items I left behind!”

“Meaning?!” he shouts, exasperated.

“Donate them, burn them, put them in the garbage. I don’t care! If you’re confused, request help from your girlfriend! I’m certain she’ll be more than happy to oblige!”

The Joker would normally lose it at this point, however there’s something distracting him from going entirely bonkers.

“My what?!...”

“Your mistress, J ! The woman you’ve been dating! Or are you going to play stupid and deny it? I saw you, ok? So don’t even try your sneaky ways! I’m not five years old!! And definitely not an idiot!” you lash out since you have plenty to mention on the subject. “Is that why you didn’t…” and your voice breaks, “… drive Kase to the Penthouse? Because you had a meeting with her?...”

The King of Gotham has no idea what to do with all the accusations thrown at him; it’s obvious no matter what he utters it’s going to fail.

“I don’t have a mistress, alright?!” his index finger goes straight up in the air.

“Then what were you doing at that woman’s house? Was she polishing your gun?!”

To his own amazement, J has to recollect from your criticism the best way he knows how:

“Nobody’s been polishing my gun!”

Your ears are ringing from the outrage building up in your heart, that’s why you barely discern what he’s pronouncing.

“Murderer…” you mumble and that’s enough to stop his defensive rampage: a plain word that’s been used to describe him a million times, yet it never came from Y/N and not with such a heavy connotation. “You…you were supposed to bring my son home in a car… instead he was brought to me in a coffin… O-only three weeks old…”

The Joker would love to retaliate but you’re crying so hard the only sentence coming out is very far from his intended resentment:

“I know I should’ve driven the car… I didn’t… and I can’t take it back. I also know you tried to kill me; I was pretending to be asleep. If you detest me so much, why didn’t you pull the trigger? It was impossible to miss two inches away from my face.”

The lack of an explanation gives J a nudge in the appropriate direction:

“Do you know why I didn’t react at all? I trusted you wouldn’t do it.”

You keep on wiping your tears and John slides the patio door, apologizing in his own residence.

“Umm…Sorry to intrude: someone just tossed this over the fence,” he shows the couple a piece of paper. “Everything good?” he scans the premises since the tense atmosphere worries him, especially Y/N struggling to regain her composure.

“What’s with that paper?” The Joker growls, dismissing the question.

“It’s a message from The Bowery King, requesting a meeting at your and I quote: earliest convenience for urgent business.”

“Urgent business?...” you repeat, sniffling. “Regarding?...”

“It doesn’t specify,” Jonathan hands you the missive and you’re intrigued.

“He never summons anybody unless it’s important… I’m going,” you decide on the spot, jiggling the keys from your car.

“I’m coming too,” J offers to accompany his distressed wife.

“I’m going alone!” you circle around him and the obnoxious comment annoys an already upset Y/N.

“Fine, but I’m coming with you.”

*************

“Please, take a seat,” the man extends his left arm towards the two chairs located in front of his desk. “I was hoping Mister Joker would join us,” he intertwines his fingers while maintaining a calm smile.

“Can you please tell me why I’m here?” you finally speak after not making a sound the whole trip; you found it useless to launch a conversation: the confinement of a car was overwhelming when your undesired escort couldn’t probably wait for a second chance to fight.

“Of course,” the grin widens. “Though I’m afraid I must open a can of worms; I urge you to acknowledge it’s necessary in order to enlighten the mystery of this gathering. No objections? Awesome,” he wiggles in his beat up recliner, delighted to initiate his debriefing. “Mister Joker, is it true that in the past 6 months you’ve been frequenting a certain establishment belonging to a Miss Evelyn Black?”

“Excuse me?” J leans over the desk and you close your eyes, sickened at the already bad vibe given from the strange situation.

“Sir, please keep in mind I am not a judge and I mean no disrespect,” The Bowery King lifts his arms in surrender. “I am merely trying to aid and I swear it with all make sense in the end. So, Mister Joker, did you or did you not?”

Your husband puckers his lips, muttering mostly to himself.

“Yeah.”

“And are you aware Miss Black accommodates a lot of gentlemen with her busy schedule?”

“Is that her name?” you finally growl, numbness taking over. “Six months?” you don’t give J an opportunity to reply to your first inquiry. “You started seeing that woman six months ago?! When I was pregnant with our son?!” the angered wife is slowly transforming into the person she was before leaving the organization and The Bowery King is relying on it. “Did the sight of me carrying our baby gross you out??!!”

“What?!” The Joker snaps. “What are you talking about?! You didn’t gross me out! How dare you meddling in my private affairs?!” J counterattacks the man’s statement, feeling cornered from both sides. “Who do you think you are, hm?!”

“I didn’t blame you for anything Mister Joker,” the devious individual affirms. “Like I said, I’m no judge.”

“Then what’s the point of this charade?” your spouse yells and it’s a great relief humiliation can’t be measured because you probably surpassed the threshold.

“Did you know that Magnus Stonnenberg is one of her passionate admirers?” The King’s revelation drops the hint and your body instantly stiffens.

“No! Why the hell should I care?!” J yells, unable to control his disposition after what he perceives to be a despicable insult.

“Magnus… Magnus was just declared ex-communicado two days ago,” you disclose, puzzled. “I was at the Continental when it happened: he killed Anuscka Volovdya on hotel’s ground.”

“He sure did,” the man agrees. “Do you know why?”

“If you don’t quit this show, I’m gonna blow your brains out! I don’t care I’m on your territory!” The Joker’s psychotic gaze underlines the threat he’s ready to fulfill; the Soup Kitchen owner takes a deep breath, rushing towards the conclusion.

“Magnus Stonnenberg is a very jealous man, Mister Joker. Maybe he didn’t like the fact you were spending so much time with the lady he adores; he might have even thought you’re her new favorite. There were…” and The Bowery King pauses,”…reported instances when he allegedly attacked, wounded or even killed men that got too close to Miss Black.”

“And how the fuck is this relevant to me?!” your husband is preparing to jump over the desk and squeeze the life out of your insolent host.

“If I may be brutally blunt, sir,” The Bowery King accentuates each term, “you’re a man nobody likes to mess with. So maybe instead of a face to face confrontation, Stonnenberg might have chosen a different approach: if you took something he loved from him, maybe he took something you loved from you?”

“What are you saying?” you ask, perplexed. “He was involved in the car crash that killed my baby?!”

The Joker momentarily forgot his indignation since he can’t believe the sentences pouring out of the man comfortably resting in the recliner.

“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying,” The Bowery King smirks. “There’s only one important detail though: your son was removed from the car before it was smashed to pieces.”

J gasps and you cover your mouth with shaky fingers, sobbing at the unexpected revelation.

“My… my son’s alive??!!”

“This is what I managed to find out from my sources: Magnus plotted for a while, waiting for the perfect occasion to strike. The opportunity arose when your child was send home in the vehicle with just one driver at the stop light on Montgomery Avenue; as you know the area is pretty much abandoned. The driver might have thought it was safe to take a deserted route, yet it was Stonnenberg’s chance to strike. It’s not hard to kill one chauffeur, remove a three weeks old from his car seat and replace him with God knows what. It’s not hard if you have accomplices also.”

You’re becoming increasingly agitated and The Joker’s intimidating silence prompts last bits of information.

“It seems Anuscka Volovdya was one of Magnus’s main conspirators. When he didn’t pay her the promised price, she menaced to jeopardize the entire operation. Two days ago at the Continental, Anuscka found out you were there and she planned to confess. Magnus couldn’t have that happen so he executed her even if that resulted in him being declared ex-communicado. I assume it’s better to have your revenge no matter the consequences, if the final result is the same: you’ll never know your son didn’t die in the car accident.”

“Are you sure Kase is still alive? Where is he?” Y/N whispers in disbelief.

“Not sure, but I’m working on finding out as we speak,” The Bowery King reassures and you abruptly stand up from your chair, deciding it’s time to bail.

“Thank you very much! Spare no expense in finding out what really happened to my baby! I will be back with compensation,” you storm out of the room and The Joker follows, fuming at the shocking news.

“Slow down, would you?” J grabs your hand and it’s enough to make you burst. You aggressively push him away, hissing:

“This is all your fault! You couldn’t keep it in your pants and now I have no idea where our baby is! I don’t know if anybody feeds him, changes him or holds him!! Or maybe he was abandoned in a ditch to die anyway!!”

“I didn’t sleep with that woman, do you understand?! What the hell is wrong with everybody?!”

Y/N has no more tears to cry and no more endurance for lies; she has a purpose again and it doesn’t include the man she considers her ex.

You rush on the convoluted hallways, ignoring his justifications and almost bite one of The King men’s head off that is brave enough to verbalize what the rest of the crew is curious about:

“Hey Y/N, are you back?”

“YES, I AM BACK!!” the ferocious attitude makes him shrivel up while placing his rags in the locker:

“Jesus, I was just asking…” he quietly protests, glad to see you are exiting the building without further retribution.

You are the first one to get in the car and immediately lock it before J gets in.

“Hey, open up!” he knocks on the window and has to step aside when you race out of the parking lot in a frenzy.

“Are you serious?” he flares his arms around when John steadily drives up to him; your friend was patiently waiting outside since he didn’t want to intrude on the meeting.  

“Need a ride?” Jonathan suggests and The Clown gets in the SUV, simmering with vexation. “What happened?” the question instigates a candid reaction:

“I fucked up.”

Also read: MASTERLIST

You can follow me on Ao3 and Wattapad under the same blog name: DiYunho.

[unfortunately-lovestruck]

So concerning Antonio’s update, this is a long-ass analysis/ramble. If you don’t want copious amounts of literary analysis, ignore this. If you want my review or thoughts, it’s all under the cut.

So to start off, I think we all knew this was inevitable. And by “this” I’m of course referring to the MC’s deterioration into cruelty and hunger for power. In terms of plot, this update mainly consisted of MC’s emotional and mental instability after seeing Frankenstein, who unsurprisingly reactivates trauma within her. So this is mainly build-up and the finale next week will be the climax. But, in terms of symbolism, allusions, and character insight, this update was surprisingly deep.

1) We got a large amount of mental insight from both Antonio and the MC, but especially a lot from the former compared the usual. We learn how lonely Antonio felt after breaking out of the castle and splitting up from her. We learn the urgent and borderline hysterical fear he felt when he learned Eva was alive through the MC feeling the exact same thing in regards to Frankenstein. He explains just how and why the MC changed him, that she made him look at himself and actually confront his problems instead of running away. In one of the options when the MC asks “What scares you?” he answers with “Too many things to list”. MC feels down the bond that he’s experiencing loss, like he’s losing her. He admits he’s not sure stopping her in her fit of rage against Victor was the correct choice. They’re little glances, but when you add them up like this, it becomes a lot. Because the focal point of this update is the MC’s mental stability (or decline of it) we have to see his mental state as well because they’re linked. This leads me to the next point.

2)

The bond literally just snapped. The way it’s described in the second screenshot almost makes it sound like a piece of wood, but what I envisioned was a rubber band. MC experiences so much emotional strain after seeing Frankenstein, which transfers over to Antonio. The copious insight we get from him mirrors how much we see of MC’s emotions, and it all builds and grows. The stress is like pulling on the elastic of the band, until eventually the tension rises so much, it just breaks.

3) We get another reminder from MC just how similar she and Antonio are. Albeit brief, it’s definitely relevant to one of the entire route’s themes. Is man so different from monster if that monster was once a man? (I.E. moral grayness.) MC and Antonio both grew up poor, both lost important immediate family, and both have a little sister they would do anything for. They both crave power as well, and in the end, they both get it. After being born into poverty, Antonio builds status in both the human and vampire world. He’s the billionaire CEO to mortals, and an elder vampire with high ranking to immortals. After having a similar background, MC becomes the prophesied Lady of Blood, and is able to make even Dracula bend to her will and fear her, a feat not even Antonio could accomplish in 5 centuries. They are both so similar it’s astounding. How does this connect to moral grayness? Well, MC eventually ends up calling Frankenstein a “pathetic human”, and is surprised at her apathy considering how recently she was turned. Vanessa asks her what she’ll become when it’s only her and bloodlust with no bloodbags in sight. Though a good portion of this struggle is tied to her being losing control of her power and just being a vampire in general, MC ends up pondering her morals before this slip of her mental state even begins. In the beginning of Antonio’s route, she sees him as a monster. His whole role in the series is the “dark” vampire. Yet after 6 seasons, MC is powerful like him. She drinks blood like him. No matter how morally questionable she initially found him, she is like him. And the transformation, apart from the Lady of Blood bit, only amplified that.

4) Returning to the theme of power, it arises yet again, and is another reminder of the early stages of the route. From the start, there’s a power imbalance between Antonio and MC. Rich vs poor, old vs. young, vampire vs. human. So they both figure turning her into a vampire will even the playing field. But now there’s still an imbalance. MC has control over every vampire in the world except for him. And though Antonio doesn’t want to use it, he has control over her after turning her. Both harbor too much power, and it didn’t cancel anything out as intended, but instead seems more like it squared itself. 

5) I mentioned the symbolism and character insight, but I’ve yet to address allusions. In Antonio’s route, we get a combination of Dracula, Frankenstein/Igor, and Elizabeth Bathory/the Blood Cult. Dracula, so far, hasn’t been too imposing. He nearly bit the MC in the masquerade, and Necahual did try to bite her too, but other than that, they ended up being more minor inconveniences. Frankenstein, however, manages to cause so much damage with so little effort. It takes only a single sight of him to tip MC over the edge of stability. His true motives remain unknown, since just reviving Eva clearly wasn’t the end of it. Now, I haven’t read the novel by Mary Shelley, but after a quick Google search about his motivations in the book, it’s obvious that Frankenstein has a God complex and wants to create a being so powerful it defies nature and science. And the master of the Blood Cult just so happens to have wanted to turn MC himself so he could have control over her, and therefore control of every other vampire. I don’t know how this would take form exactly, but from what I’m seeing, it looks like MC is Frankenstein’s next monster, whether metaphorically or literally. And after this quote,

I just feel like her heart has to play some role in all this. Igor almost cut it out with a knife at an alter. Antonio considered giving her heart to Eva so it would continue to pump the blood she needed to survive. MC calls Victor’s heart cold and dark to do what he did. This scene might look like a cheesy, romantic exchange between two lovers, but I’m 95% sure this is foreshadowing somehow.

So what’s going to happen now? Well, the way it looks is that MC is going to push Antonio away and shut him out completely, and unless he stops her, she’ll force the cult to go find Frankenstein and murder him. My bet is the season finale will be him finally using his control over her and stopping her, and the MC will feel betrayed. We might seriously even just lose a coherent point of view from her because she’ll straight up have a different mentality, and even personality all together. In other words, she’ll become the Lady of Blood, fully and maybe even irreversibly.

But hey, that’s just my theory. Feel free to discuss!

[theonewiththeory]

Spring

My entry for @jonsadreamofspring

Day 1 (Monday 17th)  seasons / songs / quotes

Spring was always beautiful in Winterfell. The snow laid in Goodswood, covering everything in delicate quilt, but it wasn’t as frosty as half a year ago and air didn’t bring the smell of death anymore. Better days were coming, or the prophecies told them so, but grew out of tales like this a long time ago. Despite that, warmth carried a strange spell, her furs were lighter this day, and so was her duty. She was at the only place no one would dare to disturb her, and that’s precisely why she should leave this place soon. Just a little while longer.

Quiet footsteps destroyed the delicate patterns snow created on the ground.

“Your Grace?”

“Yes?”

“Your cousin has arrived.”

She sighed, standing up. Calm and delicate things never last anyway.

***

He waited in her solar. With the warmth, the fear of lack of wood and food was dissipating fast and the fireplace was lit, fire crinkling merrily, illuminating his face. He was standing before her desk, facing the doors, hands behind his back. Waiting. He looked different than before; she couldn’t pinpoint the reason though. Surely, the years behind the wall changed him. But she immediately recognised the gruff of his voice, the soft way of speaking seemingly reserved just for her. The intimate little smile, almost as he couldn’t help himself.

“You called on me, Your Majesty.”

Sansa scowled at the sound of her title but reigned in her emotions quickly. This fight, she wouldn’t win like that. She learned it the last time he was here.

“Cousin” she walked closer to him, slowly, taking of her gloves and standing just before him. “You rode faster than I anticipated.”

Now he seemed to be at loose of words. Good.

“Yes, well... I was sure you needed me. Urgently.” And she knew he was telling the truth. The letter she sent was vague, though she didn’t mean to scare him.

“Nothing frightening has happened, if that’s what you’re asking. But I do need you” She stood up a little straighter. “From now on, you are pardoned from every crime you committed and are free to walk the North as you please.” He was visibly shocked, taking a step back and shooking his head.

“Sansa, no. I...”

“I governed the North during the Long Night” She interrupted him. “I did everything I could for my people to survive. But I’m tired and I can’t do it alone anymore. So, I ask for your help, Jon Targaryen.”

He didn’t respond, just stared at her unbelievingly. Then, as if he made his decision, he nodded sharply and made a move to exit the room. Once again, Sansa stopped him, raising her hand and almost touching his chest.

“We have a lot more to discuss, if you agree” She tried to make him look at her, make him understand. She didn’t want to command him. She was giving him a choice.

Jon inhaled sharply and finally looked up, his eyes searching. She let her hand fall but didn’t back down. Their breaths mingled. Sansa felt tension tingling in her body but made no move, willing herself to calm down, her heart to stop pounding so rapidly. Just as she started to grow restless, she saw Jon’s eyes softening and his posture relaxing.  

“Aye, my Queen. I will do everything what I can to help you” Sansa let out a breath she didn’t know she was holding and felt her lips lifting in a relieved smile.  

“I will send for supper. A long night awaits us” Jon returned the smile, catching her midstep, taking her captive, just with his eyes. Her mind went blank, only one thought appearing beside the tangle of emotions she couldn’t hold at bay anymore.

Oh, how sweet it was to see him again.  

***

He didn’t stay for long. She should’ve expected that, after all. Summer was upon them, the snow no longer stayed on the ground, when she had to say her goodbyes again. She held him tightly, when the time came, and she couldn’t resist thinking, that he too didn’t want to let her go.  Her fingers were clinging to his new fur, the one she made during many nights in her solar, when both he and Ghost kept her company. But the lightness in her chest and fire that burned in her veins slowly faded, as he took a small step back, keeping his eyes just above her head. The cold was creeping back in, as she watched him from the walls, riding back north. In the evening, when she closed the doors of her room and started to undress, she felt completely frozen.

***

The day wasn’t different than the others, not really. Lately, all her life faded into unrecognizable blur of requests, letters, talks and numbers. She rarely slept anymore, but it wasn’t as bad, because dreams didn’t let her rest anyway. The day turned into the night and she barely noticed, slouched behind the desk. Just one more parchment, letter, report... Small flame of the candle flickered as she reached for the next paper. Her hand trembled before she touched it with the quill. Impulsively, she wrote just two words.

Come home.

***

The summer was ending and turning into the autumn when she felt his arms around her again. The inner turmoil she felt since she sent that letter silenced immediately when she saw him riding through the gate. His embrace was warm and firm; Jon was wearing furs that she made him, but they were battered and ripped off in a few places. But it didn’t matter, she will make him new ones, better suited for the weather behind the wall. After a moment, Jon dropped his hands and stepped back. Then, to her surprise, he kneeled.

“My Queen” he rasped, a smile evident in his voice. Sansa had to bite her lip to stop herself from smirking.

“Jon” she said coming closer and touching his shoulders lightly to make him rise. “I thought your kind doesn’t kneel before anyone?” she asked, quirking her brow.

“Only for you, Your Grace.”

***

Jon was different. Not a trace of a boy was left in him. He was strong, confident, he emanated grace, the years behind the wall made him sure of himself, of his role and his ability to lead. Sansa watched him from above, as he walked through the courtyard, speaking with men, as she asked him to do. People were respectfully bowing before him, even as he constantly tried to correct them. It would be more efficient to just let them be, but he was relentless.  

Sansa smiled. There were also different features that caught her attention. Longer hair, maybe it would be better if she cut them; little limp when he walked, has he been injured? She will have to ask him about it. Changed manner of speaking, surely Tormund and his men rubbed off on him. His upper body was leaner, but still strong. Again, even his presence was waking the feelings she fought to temper down, to lock in the box to be forgotten.  

Jon turned around, possibly sensing her stare and raised his hand. There was warm feeling spreading in her chest, her lungs suddenly too little to breath freely. She managed to smile in response.

“Your Grace?” a little dazed, Sansa looked at her maester. Oh yes. She had to keep going. There will be plenty of time tonight. For now, she left her place and her daydreams to brave the real world.

***

She knew there were whispers. She took the majority blame on herself, her people surely noticed she behaved different around Jon. More freely. Like she had something to live for. Sansa was sometimes wondering, lying in her bed, if he also had noticed. Jon wasn’t a fool, as he sometimes described himself, but he could be quite oblivious. But others weren’t. She never heard anything, but she saw the looks they gave her when they were together. They already treated Jon as a king, maybe this was a natural progression?  

She wanted it to be. Gods, how much she wanted.

But she noticed he was getting restless again. And she had nothing to offer him. Nothing besides herself. But he didn’t want her.

Sudden knocking tore her from unsettling thoughts. She frowned. Who could it be in this hour? Lately, the North was calm, there was no trouble that couldn’t wait until she got a few hours of sleep. Unless...

She got out of bed. And behind the doors was the last person she expected. Though maybe she should have known.

“Jon?”

For a moment he didn’t say anything, he just looked, and for the first time since they reunited, she couldn’t read him. Sansa squirmed under his gaze, nervous all the sudden. She wringed her hands but didn’t say anything.

Good wives didn’t question their husbands.

But he wasn’t her husband, he wasn’t her King, he wasn’t...

“Sorry” his voice tore through her thoughts. Sansa looked at him again. He was hunched over, almost making himself smaller than her and shifted form foot to foot, like he was lost.

But it didn’t make sense. It was Winterfell. It was their home.

“I just... I think I will leave soon” he said abruptly and send her thoughts spiralling again, deep into the darkest part of her. The demons she tried to lock up and throw away the key came back just as easily this time, when she watched Jon smiling sadly and slowly turning away from her.

Everyone always leaves. Everyone leaves her, and she will always be alone, she is never enough, not for anyone, not for him...

Her hand catched his wrist before she can even think about it, as if her instinct knew better what she needed. Jon stopped and turned back, eyeing her hand, still tightly holding his.

“Sansa?”

“Stay” she whispered, uninvited tears welling in her eyes. The air was thick with tension and she had problem with swallowing against gulp in her throat.

Maybe there will never be the right time. Maybe he didn’t want her. But she was tired, oh so tired of holding back around him.

“Stay with me.”

She knew he didn’t understand what she meant.  She loosened her grip and drew small circles on his wrist. The silence was interrupted with loud hitch in his breath. He slowly raised his hand, touching her cheek, looking for any reaction, any sign of discomfort. Sansa leaned into his careful touch and smiled, just a little, as she let herself get lost in this moment. When she looked up and met his eyes, she could only see love and adoration. Had she really been so blind?  

She didn’t know how long they stayed that way. But when she asked again, he accepted eagerly. And the next spring the North welcomed new Stark, a beautiful girl, Lyanna, along with their Queen and King.

[queeenpersephone]

Hey, could you please write an Ironwidow fic with this prompt? Prompt: Natasha has always been the best at everything since her days at the red room, only... feelings are not her thing. So when she starts to notice that she's developing feelings for Tony she tries to show him in ways that make everyone in the tower think that she's acting really weird and confuses Tony about her constant presence and increased closeness and physical contact.

Omggg anon so I love this prompt sorry it’s taken me so long! I’m graduating university in a month and so I’ve been losing my mind haha.

-

“Sir, Agent Romanoff is here to see you.”

Tony jerks awake, immediately trying to catch all the various wretches and bolts that his arms had knocked off the table. The lab is dark, and he knows he must’ve fallen asleep against his will, not for the first time and certainly not for the last.

“Should I allow her entrance?”

Tony waves a hand at the ceiling, rubbing his eyes and stretching. “Yeah, J, why not?” The door slides open. “It’s not like she’d leave me alone if I said no,” he says loudly, laying his head back on the table.

Very characteristically, he doesn’t hear Natasha until she is right next to him. After a long two minutes of her not saying anything, he raises his head, trying to focus on her with bleary eyes.

When he does, he stands so quickly that his stool falls over. “What is it?” He asks urgently. Because Natasha, in all honesty, looks extremely freaked out.

Oh, it’s not that it’s obvious. Her expression is stoic, her eyebrows raised, and her posture relaxed. But Tony has been living with this woman upwards of seven months now, and he can tell by the look in her eye that something has her very off-balance. It’s not a feeling or understanding that he can explain without admitting to himself that he watches her. A lot. More than is appropriate.

Natasha stares back at him, obviously warring with herself on what to say. When she does speak, there is nothing of the usual Natasha in it - smooth and careful, with a soft smirk that makes them all uncertain that she’s saying what she means.

“You’re out of shape.”

The words are abrupt, delivered with little to no emotion.

“Meet me in the training room tomorrow,” she adds, her arms crossed tightly across her chest.

Tony just gapes at her. “I-“ he tries, but Natasha has already turned to leave.

Just as her hair flashes to disappear around the corner, she lobs something at him. He catches it against his chest as a reflex.

“Don’t order pizza tonight,” she calls, and he hears the elevator doors close behind her.

Tony holds out the item she threw in front of him. It is a brown paper bag, and inside is a neatly prepared salad.

What the actual fuck?

-

2 months later

“Cap, you gotta help me.”

Steve looks up from his book on the Vietnam War, uncrossing his legs and sitting up. “What can I do for you, Tony?”

Tony paces back and forth in front of Steve, who is patiently waiting for him to speak in a wholesome way only Captain America can. He doesn’t particularly want to break Natasha’s confidence, and he’s honestly enjoying spending more time with her. But she’s been killing him in the gym, leaving him healthy snacks and downloading wellness apps into JARVIS’ system, and refusing any attempt from him to reciprocate her gifts. He doesn’t think he’s ever been so confused in his life.

“Okay, I’m just gonna get straight to it,” Tony replies, ignoring Steve’s raised eyebrow clearly saying ‘when do you not?’. “Nat’s really freaking me out.”

Steve looks up at him, bemused. “Sit down, Tony,” he says, waiting for Tony to settle himself on the couch. He is still twitching, unable to sit still. “Now, explain.”

Tony does, detailing early morning workouts and careful pats of encouragement on the shoulder, salads and almonds randomly appearing in his lab, the lights shutting out at 1am - obviously Natasha and JARVIS conspiring.

When he finishes, Steve waits for a long moment before responding. “Yeah, we’ve noticed that Nat’s been working with you - and before now, I honestly wouldn’t have thought it bothered you. What else is up?”

Tony furrows his brow. “Okay, hold up Cap, you’re observant and everything but-“ then, he winces, looking up at the vents. “Okay, Legolas, game’s up,” he says, not even raising his voice a little, and Clint drops from the ceiling with a shrug.

Steve, on the other hand, looks sheepish. “Look, I was… concerned about you and Romanoff. After HYDRA and the Mandarin - I wanted to make sure it wasn’t some-“

Tony cuts him off. “Wasn’t some what? We’re just friends! Not even that some days - she’s just making sure I don’t die or, y’know, disappoint the team with my slow reactions.”

Clint snorts. “Yeah? Then why did you buy her front row seats to the opera?”

Tony turns red. “I - she’s been working with me, even if she hates it- and I just really wanted to do something for her. I mean, we were talking during training and she’s been through a lot.”

Clint is unfazed. “Yeah, okay, makes sense. Friends do that. Now, why did you buy her a house upstate?”

Steve whips his head to look at Tony so quickly that he nearly falls off the couch. “You bought her a what?”

Tony puts his hands up, refusing to meet their eyes. “Look, she needs a safe place! This is my house, and the rest of her places are for covers. I just- I wanted her to have a place that belonged just to her.” Steve just gapes at him, but Clint can’t help the smile forming across his face. “It doesn’t matter anyways,” he admits, leaning back against the couch. “She told me she didn’t want it.” He rubs his eyes, leaving his hand there to block whatever their expressions have become. “She’s giving me a lot, y’know? She’s helped me with nightmares and I feel stronger - and I shouldn’t even tell you guys this but… I like her, okay? I really like her. And she’s just being a good teammate.”

He takes his hand off his eyes and immediately registers the looks of horror on both their faces. “Oh Jesus,” he groans, “why are you guys upset? Is this an age-thing? She’s only ten years younger than me! And it’s never gonna happen, it’s not feas-“

A soft voice interrupts him from the door. “Tony,” it says, surprised and maybe - nervous?

Steve and Clint shoot to their feet, and Tony realizes they hadn’t been horrified at his feelings, but at him accidentally revealing them while Natasha stood silently behind him.

Oh god, just kill him now.

“We’re gonna go,” Clint says, grabbing Steve by the arm and almost dragging him out of the room. Natasha and Tony watch them go, making sure the door is shut before she turns back to him.

“Any chance we can just - forget I said any of that and go back to normal?” Tony tries.

“I like normal,” Natasha says slowly. “But I’m not sure I can forget,” she admits.

Tony puts his head in his hands, leaning over. He feels like he’s going to be sick. “You can go, Romanoff. I know you want to.” Everyone does, he doesn’t add; it’s not fair to her.

He hears a sigh, then he feels her crouch down in front of him, laying a hand on his knee. “In the Red Room,” she begins, hesitant. “We weren’t allowed to show emotions. We didn’t know what love was.” He takes a hand from his head to squeeze hers, unwilling to leave her without comfort yet still unwilling to look at her. “I know how to seduce men,” she admits, and he flinches. “I don’t say that to hurt you,” she adds quickly. “I just mean - making sure you stay alive and healthy, I can do that. I knew how to do that.”

Tony isn’t stupid, and her words cause hope to unfurl in his chest. “My gifts…”

Natasha is quick to respond. “I didn’t want you to think I was doing it for favors. That’s all it’s ever been for me, and I wanted this to be different.”

“But you actually do-“

“Yeah,” Natasha interrupts. “I do. Tony, could you look at me?”

He gathers his courage and meets her eyes, surprised and thrilled to see them shining. “You know,” he drawls. “You could’ve just held my hand instead of kicking my ass every morning.”

She nods to their joined hands. “The ass kicking isn’t going to stop, no matter what,” she warns him, and he laughs, sliding a hand around her waist and the other in her hair, pulling her up to press their foreheads together.

“I’m not going to another ass-kicking session unless I get a kiss,” he teases, freezing when he feels her tense in his arms. “Oh, I mean, unless I’ve read this completely wrong in which case, feel free to kick my ass Nat, I’m sorry-“

Natasha unfreezes at his rambling, smiling so wide that he nearly doesn’t recognize her. “I’m not,” she says blithely, pulling herself up to straddle his lap and pressing her lips to his.

-

Clint and Steve sit in the kitchen, waiting to find out whether they need to break out the champagne or the ice cream. When neither Tony nor Natasha come out of the lounge, they relax; everything must be going well.

Clint laughs. “You know, Nat’s not well versed in relationships, but I thought she’d be able to woo Tony better than this.”

Steve smirks at him. “I might’ve told her that Tony appreciates someone taking care of him… and likes a woman who can overpower him physically.”

Clint gapes at Steve. “Dude, I underestimated you.” He pauses for a long minute. “Although I think it backfired if your intent was to fuck with them.”

Steve shrugs. “Who says that was my intent? Tony wasn’t doing too well after the Mandarin, and he’s always liked Nat more than he admits. Nat needs someone to call home, and Tony’s exactly her type. I think they needed each other.”

Clint’s eyes widen even further. “Damn, Cap, you’re like a mastermind.”

Steve winks at him. “Well, I am the leader of the Avengers.”

“Captain Rogers, as per usual, Mr. Stark would like me to remind you that you are correct, but without him, and I quote ‘none of you would look cool’.” JARVIS pauses. “Actually, Captain, Mr. Stark wishes for me to tell you, for a full 24 hours, you may be the leader of the Avengers unconditionally. He reminds you to enjoy it.”

Steve laughs. “I got you together - I can break you apart!” He shouts to the lounge.

Natasha steps out, pulling Tony by the hand to the elevator. She throw a wink to the boys as Tony rushes to catch her, slinging an arm around her waist. “Get your own smoking hot assassin, Cap. This one’s mine.”

[reading-hub]

Dandy And The Jet 🚀 [2] Bar Fights, Baby!

- Space Dandy x reader -

[part 1] [part 3]

- - - - - - -

After transported from Dr. Gel's ship, I finally reached the targets next location. Looking around my surroundings, apparently, this Dandy guy was on his way to some sleazy alien bar.

Walking straight to the front door, the locals surrounding the place here were as shady as they come. Cheeky con aliens looking for their next sucker, prostitutes out in the open without a care in the world, muscular alien bikers that were almost seven feet tall who meant business and I mean really mean it!

The inside of the bar was warm but almost lack oxygen with so many creatures inside because of the insane amount huddled together like sardines, a human-like me wouldn't be noticed right off the bat. Unless I tried to engage in conversation with anyone. The floor was sticky - I swore some large blue alien got knocked over and couldn't get his face off the tile when he landed face first.

Luckily, a few seats in front of the bar itself weren't taken. I sat down. Once I did, a tall slim pink alien woman with three tentacles came to my seat. She was friendly but frightening to look at first glance. She brightly smiled at me with multiple small sharp rows of dark yellow teeth.

I ask for a simple Flaming Indigo, it was this purple colored alcoholic beverage that I kinda enjoyed to pass the time. It tasted of grape soda and coke and a hint of strong cinnamon from the fire that lit up before you drank it.

The barista served my drink in a matter of seconds. I stared down at the purple fizzles inside the cup and gulped it down. I asked to keep them coming while waiting for this Space Dandy.

What felt like hours, I told the alien barista to cut it with the drinks for a bit. A couple of people left the bar, so it was down to a fair few, no more crowds bumping into.

I heard the door sway open, I saw what it appeared to be him. Large slicked back pompadour, sideburns, varsity jacket, metal soles that clink. Just like Dr. Gel described.

The others were I'm guessing his group, a Betelgeusian and a small two-wheeled robot.

I tried to lay low, not seem like I'm staring at them so closely. Instead, I tried to stare down at my half-empty glass. I heard footsteps approach next to me unexpectedly, it was him and his crew. Dandy sat next to me, unaware I was next to him.

"I can't believe that the alien we caught was just some shape-shifter!" hearing the alien cat groan in stress. Dandy shook off his complaint. "Eh, it happens. Hey waitress! How about a drink for my pet over here!" Dandy cried out. "Hey! I'm not your pet!" I heard right after.

Dandy laughed it off and stopped suddenly. "Hey, do you by any chance have a locator with ya, mine kinda broke." I almost choked on my drink.

"Are you talking to me?" I asked, puzzled."Yeah, sorry for scaring you like that, hun." Did he just call me hun? Oh well, just play along.

"Than yeah, I have one."

"Oh sweet! See Meow, our luck is turning after all!" He moved his excitement to his cat friend. His friend named Meow just rolled his eyes in response.

"Any drinks your interested in this afternoon, sir?" The waitress from early asked. "Uhh, yeah.." Dandy was looking around until he spotted my drink.

"I'll have what she's having!" He pointed at me. I looked at him as though he was crazy. He saw my reaction, "You don't mind, right?"

Keeping my cool all I can say was, "Not at all." Showing a warm smile. "Cool." He said simply right after.

Before the waitress passed his drink, I felt a large figure approaching us. Stomps were vibrating the ground and our drinks. I was hesitating on fighting whoever was asking for it...

The stomps stopped right behind Dandy. My eyes cornered seeing a large red-orange alien, their hair was in a Mohawk, cliche I know but true. And judging by the black leather coat, he was one of the fearsome, tough bikers from outside.

"Excuse me, but your sitting in my seat.."

I heard Dandy's crew were freaking out in the sidelines, praying for Dandy not to die. I'm guessing they were thinking of either running away to the ship or stay and watch their leader get beaten to a pulp. Either way, something bad was about to unfold.

Dandy didn't even look back at the guy, he just sipped his drink without care! He probably thought he was some alien, but I think the logic would judge by the raspy voice that this large guy had was no one to fuck with. I'm gonna take a short wild guess that Dandy isn't exactly the smartest in the crew.

Crap.

"Sorry, but I took this seat first." Dandy, not sure if this is the time to act high and mighty. If he saw who he was talking to, he probably would've given up his seat in a matter of seconds.

The biker alien grabbed Dandy by the shoulders, hoisted him up like it was nothing. Turn his small form around to see a close up of his face. And being the few people who got a front-row seat, that was a face only a mother could love...

I couldn’t let Dandy die. I had to bring him to Dr. Gel or Admiral Perry alive. But that would mean I would have to break my nice, human attitude loose now if I really wanted him alive at the end of this task. Oh, fuck this.

I looked at my drink and saw it was empty now. Right on time.

I stood from my seat, smashed the rim of the glass on the hard bar counter. I took the now open sharp glass and used it to stab the alien biker on its thick skull. A bit over the top and extreme but punches wouldn’t get this guy to loosen Dandy.

It winced in pain and let go of Dandy, dropping him on the floor. As the large alien was crying in pain and trying to yank off the glass cup off his skull, I kicked as hard as I could on his side and made him fall onto the three tables that were next to him. Making it hard to get back up, and giving me some time to drag Dandy and his crew to safety.

"Come on you idiot!" He looked at me shocked, so did his friends but I didn't care. Getting impatient, I just grabbed both his hands to get him up faster. Pulling him away from the bar, his crew followed along by his cat friend holding that small robot from earlier and running behind me.

I quickly turn to Dandy as we were running. "Where’s your ship!" I urgently asked him. He was studdering at first but quickly regained his composure. "It's over there!" He pointed a few feet away which looked like a lot when running away from a huge biker alien that was capable of whatever the fuck, which I did not plan on finding out!

It was the large yellow canoe ship of some sort. I immediately pushed all three inside the ship and went straight to the now-closed front window, seeing the alien running toward us with that a glass shard still in his skull. How the hell is he still able to walk after that?!

I immediately turned my head to Dandy, seeing him still lounging on the floor. "We gotta move!" He and his crew looked at me in question. I jumped onto the main seat, good thing I at least knew the basics of piloting a ship, like when to go fast as you can as a huge alien is chasing us down as we speak!!

"Listen, lady, I--!" Before Dandy could finish his sentence, the front of the ship was forcibly grabbed suddenly. I saw that the biker from earlier was holding a grudge and wouldn't give up on it.

"Oh geez! He caught us like we're fish or something!" The alien cat cried out. “EEEE!!" The tiny robot cried after in autotune.

"Relax, I got this!" I immediately tried engaging the boosters as much as I can so this guy can let go as we rocket the fuck outta here. I concentrated until it was the right the time to let go and having all the booster bars full. Hearing Dandy and his crew telling me to hurry up because the alien was trying to break the glass frame.

Two bars, Meow was crying out and holding the robot.

Three bars, Dandy was crying out and tried to force me to start the ship now.

Four

Five, I blasted the ship right into the billboard sign, where that alien got impacted onto in seconds. We finally made it through. I heard silence now, guess it was lecture time. I put the ship on autopilot and faced Huey, Dewey, and Louie.

"What?" I asked them. Dandy seemed more offended than the other two. "What'ya mean what? No stranger is allowed to use the ship unless it's QT our robot here."

"You do remember that I saved you, right? You know, thanks for saving me from a seven feet tall alien that could've beaten me in juices." I defended myself.

"See Meow, this is exactly why I rarely take women in my crew unless I'm doing them in the behind." Meow and QT were looking back and forth to each other, back to Dandy.

"I don't know man, I mean she did save you, we saw it," Meow said simply. "Adding on, she has sharp and quick combat skills that none of us have in this group." QT agreed.

Dandy looked at them as though they were entirely different people. "Crew meeting now!"

Meow, QT and Dandy went to a different room. You were still standing in the pilot room, looking where the ship will take next.

"What exactly are you two saying by 'group' and 'adding'?" Dandy asked, directly at QT who he quoted said line. QT responded. “I'm saying she would be a great addition to the crew, no offense Dandy, but when was the last time you shot anything with that ray gun of yours?" Dandy felt offended. How can QT bring up his poor marksmanship like that, especially since he would assume that she would be better at shooting than he would!

But, that robot is right. She would be a good use for the team for a little while... Dandy thought.

"Yeah, I like her!" Meow jumped in. "She seems cool and did you see how badass she was when she saved you from that guy! We thought you were gonna die this time."

It's so nice to know that my crew did not think I would live today.

"Alright, alright, cool it!" Dandy said to pipe them down. They looked at Dandy, waiting for what he was gonna say next.

Maybe it was time to finally have a female member in the group. Meow and QT seemed esthetic about her being here already, Other than Dandy kind of. Dandy just looked back in the small window seeing her.

She was good at starting Aloha Ole with no hesitation, and she saved my ass back there, and hot while doing it.

Although now that I'm looking at her backside a bit, she does have a body that she's comfortable with having. I'd give her booty a 7/10 at most. Something that I wouldn't mind looking at when bored but also wouldn't get too distracted by in a serious and tough situation.

What felt like painstaking minutes for Dandy to respond, he finally spoke.

“She...she can stay."

All three of them finally left the other room and went to where she was. Hands in Dandy’s pocket, sucking up with what he had to say but needed to!

"I'm sorry." Her eyebrows rose a little but not too much. "Miss, would you like to be apart of the Space Dandy crew?" Meow and QT were silently pleading in the sidelines.

Her face lit up a little bit. She mentally check-marked the first step of the mission. She never thought she’d get this far already, she mainly expected to stealthily east drop places to see them. But hey, crazy luck. Realizing they were waiting for a response, she spoke. "Alright, I always did wanted to be part of a crew." She shrugged.

Both Meow and QT wanted to celebrate that a new member was finally accepted.

Meow and QT cheered on and quickly had the idea of celebrating a new member for a 'celebration snack'?

They left soon after, meanwhile, she was left with Dandy alone, standing a few feet away from each other. Let awkward silence ensue.

"I'm sorry for saying that your a stranger and taking you from... behind." Dandy looked down, a little bit ashamed for what he said earlier. Not expecting Meow and QT to leave that fast.

"It's fine, I mean, I technically am a stranger to you guys and that last part is none of my business and I shouldn't judge you for that as a person." Someone that understands his pervy tendencies and is hot! Dandy actually doesn’t regret letting her stay now...

Before they can end this awkward back and forth conversation and calling it a night. Dandy forgot the crucial part of getting to know someone.

“By the way, I didn't catch your name?"

[ciaran-nyc]

BOOK REVIEW: How to Do Nothing

1. My favorite quote from the book was the Wendell Berry quote paired with conclusion chapter, “I have thrown away my lantern, and I can see the dark.” This quote was meaningful for me because it touched on perception in terms of active observation versus acceptance. I interpreted this quote as emphasizing that not everything can be or needs to be altered and in something’s raw state there is value. I feel as if our reliance on technology has driven us to be solution oriented and always seek to improve situations based on our best judgment; in this context, the lantern is human interference and the dark is the natural world. Rather than imposing our own will to make something easier, we can accept what is already there.

2. With people having so much idle time as a result of Covid shutdowns and quarantine, we have been forced to restructure how we spend our days. As an essential tool for work/school, as well as social interactions, technology use has skyrocketed. An entire day spent staring at a screen is physically and mentally taxing, so with tech use spiking, burnout has also increased exponentially. This book forces the reader to consider their own habits and question the way they value and use time. Additionally, Jenny Odell writes in a very inviting manner that is equally engaging and informative. For me, this book felt both academic in terms of having content to learn about and similar to a self help book, with subtle prompts to foster self reflection.

3. It capitalizes our attention, literally transforming minutes spent staring at a screen into revenue through ad dollars or sellable data. Regardless of how we are using the platform, our social media activity normalizes and strengthens the power of the attention economy. By choosing to participate, we give social media sites a glimpse into our preferences that they can leverage to deepen our dependency on the platform.

4. This book relates to the topic of celebrity by honing in on productivity as a means of boosting our digital presence. With celebrities influence greatly existing online, it is now easier than ever to become a self made celebrity. The prospect of becoming rich and famous by amassing followers and gaining status propels regular people to obsessively maintain their online personas in hopes of transitioning into an influencer. In this book, Odell tracks the various ways in which people are manipulated on social media platforms to continue their use and strive to became an idealized version of theirselves that actually only exist online.  

5. On holidays I never touch my phone because I know I won’t be expected to answer and my absence is excused. I don’t have any social media, so in general it’s pretty easy for me not to use my phone; I only feel attached to it as a means of staying connected with friends and family. I’ve done more deliberate digital detoxes in the past, but those only lasted for a weekend or so because by Monday I’d always have school or work I’d need to keep up with. When I detox, I just turn off my phone and put it in my backpack with my computer and try to do as many outdoor activities as possible. Living in NYC, this has been a lot harder with quarantine as many outdoor activities are severely limited, but I have gone on detoxes since the pandemic started and have filled my day with reading, painting, cooking/baking, and other hobbies.

6. My phone is the last thing I use before I go to bed and the first thing I check as soon as I wake up because I’m so reliant on my alarm to regulate my sleep cycle. At night, I check to make sure the alarm is set and in the morning I have to turn it off.  In the past, I’ve been very bad at answering text messages so I try every night to answer any messages I hadn’t in the day. Then in the morning I look through my notifications to see if there is anything that needs my immediate attention, but I won’t open it unless there is something urgent/time sensitive. I try to eat breakfast and wash my face before opening my phone or engage with any tech. I definitely think my phone’s proximity induces anxiety and stress but it feels necessary to be available to those that need to be in touch.

7. Nature allows Odell to escape the attention economy and contextualize her existence against the natural world that exists and thrives outside of human interference. She idealizes nature because it forces a certain presence and awareness that people often seek to negate when using social media. Additionally, in nature there is a wealth of information, similar to the internet, that one can spend their whole life obsessively studying but there will always be room to learn more. Odell found that in bird watching she could observe social dynamics and engage with nature in a direct way by doing nothing and simply watching. The idea of implanting ones self into nature without interfering allows for deeper contemplation about what one is witnessing and how one fits into the world.

8. I often deliberately leave my phone at home when I go on walks and it’s always a much nicer experience, allowing me to really be in the moment. The one thing I noticed I did miss was music because I normally always have music when I’m walking around, but the absence of it made me more aware of my surroundings. Something that really stuck out to me was how quiet my neighborhood was at night and I couldn’t hear any cars or people, just trees rustling in the wind and rats scurrying in trash bags.

9. Odell means acting with more intent by being conscious of how we use our time. She heavily stresses the idea of doing nothing as observing and learning, so when we do take action it can have purpose. It depends on one’s definition of doing nothing but I don’t think we are capable of truly doing nothing in the typical sense because in order to survive we are always at least accomplishing a series of base functions both physical and mental. Odell’s definition, however, is a far more realistic expectation and leaves much room for interpretation based on one’s experiences and circumstances.

[derencetieng]

The Social Media Dilemma?

As someone born in 1999, I was able to witness the rise of technology and social media. I remember the time when Facebook was newly established, and I used that platform to play games. As time passed, Facebook continuously grew wherein certain features were added such as chat, post, and like functions where people could interact with each other. If someone asked me regarding the role that technology and social media play in my life, I would say that it plays a huge role in every aspect. Social media today is used by people to communicate with their friends and family wherever they are. It is somewhat useful, especially to those people who live in other places like my sister. I do not have to spend much load to communicate with her since I can contact her through Facebook. Moreover, I also use social media to talk with my group mates in school since, through these platforms, we can utilize them and communicate with each other at the comfort of our homes, which removes the hassle of going out and meeting at a place.

Aside from social media, technology also played a huge role in my life since it made things more convenient. Over the years, technology has revolutionized our daily lives since it could put information and create tools at our fingertips. An example of this would be researching. With technology, we can easily find relevant research papers in just one click. When I am too lazy to buy food or buy groceries, I can open my phone and easily place an order since there are online applications and e-commerce stores established already. Here, we can see how technology was able to simplify our lives. Speaking of which, technology and social media have been a staple in my life where I cannot live without those two. I usually use my gadgets for around 8 hours a day, especially during this quarantine because it is boring since we are at our homes only doing nothing and not even allowed to go out. After watching the film“The Social Dilemma”, I was able to identify myself with one of the young people especially with Ben when using social media in the documentary because I always check my social media feed every 5 minutes, and not using my phone for an hour feels like a day already. I know this is a bad habit, but I am trying to correct it right now wherein I usually do not look at my phone unless it is an urgent matter.

 A. SWOT ANALYSIS AND PEST ANALYSIS

By analyzing both the SWOT and PEST analysis that I have created for myself, I would say that both elements can impact me positively and negatively. An example of this would be the level of innovation. If the world we are living in right now keeps on innovating so fast that one gets left behind, he/she will be at a disadvantage especially at work since these companies are fast-paced where they also adjust to the trend. Moreover, Political factors such as corruption can affect the Economic Factor so that it can serve as a hindrance to the growth of our economy since funds were not utilized properly. If you ask me to what extent P-E-S factors influence my life, I would say that it can bring a huge impact to me since any negative happenings in those three factors can affect me. A good example to explain my point would be economic growth. If our country's economy keeps on declining, we will be affected in a way that interest rates will go up, prices of goods will increase, and the inflation rate. While for Political Factor, assuming that the government used the country’s funds for their interest instead, it can also affect me since I am a citizen of the country and maybe the funds used was supposed to be to build a bridge or infrastructure that can ease the lives of people. 

While for the Technological Factor, it can both influence the P-E-S factors and the O-T (Opportunities and Threats) in my life because whether we admit it or not, everything revolves around technology today. Technology can affect every aspect of our life wherein I will not be shocked when the day comes that learning much language to interact with people, which is one of my opportunities, would not impossible since there may be a tendency that a person can invent a device which can let other people speak different languages easily without learning them. This is how crazy I find technology is since they can almost do everything that a person can do. I find the documentary very unique and interesting because it gave us a glimpse of how technology affects our lives positively and negatively. I do not usually watch documentaries because I find them boring. However, watching this documentary made me interested in technology, especially how social media platforms use our data to update our news feed. I believe that how the documentary explains the influence of technology on our lives is the same as my assessment because there is something with social media that makes us sacrifice sleep and spend more time with the screen than with our loved ones. Technology also increased the rates of suicide among teenagers because nowadays, your reputation or your image depends on your social media profile. If you have a lot of likes and followers on Instagram, it means that you are famous. People also tend to post every move that they make, which may negatively affect other people since they would tend to get jealous of them and hate them, which shows how technology negatively impacted others' lives. 

Within the past 2 decades, the tech world has evolved in different ways that one could not imagine during the 90s. Everyone has a computer on the tip of their fingers. The tech world has become so powerful that people are starting to believe that everything is possible with technology. It is impossible to know the limitations of technology as our modern world is constantly evolving; however, I believe businesses and politicians will always use technology the way they are using it now. Although different platforms and different forms of technology, businesses and politicians can always find loopholes in each technology. Either they wish to release honest information being hidden by the government, or they wish to release fake news to break or make a politician’s name, fake news and manipulation will always be present. 

As Louisa May Alcott says, “It takes two flints to make a fire.” Fire does not spread alone. Citizens can help prevent manipulation and fake news by verifying the news first before spreading the word online and to their friends. Gossip is known to spread like wildfire, and this mindset makes people more interested in “chismis” rather than trying to find out the truth. Filipinos must be ahead of the governments’ or businesses’ aim to brainwash and fool our citizens. With unity and the Filipinos’ drive to stop fake news, we would extract and identify only truthful information.

One of the quotes that struck me the most while watching the film was “If you’re not paying for the product, then you’re the product.” because this is really what is happening today. Companies like Facebook and Instagram are using your data and sell them to other companies wherein they can easily place an ad in your feed. This is why whenever we open Facebook, we can immediately see an ad by Shopee with the product that we last searched. After watching the documentary, it opened my eyes. It made me realize why many people are trying to avoid using social media applications because they give our data out to companies, making us feel unsafe. Overall, I enjoyed the movie since it gave us a glimpse of our reality these days and the underlying effects of what social media has given us. There is no denying that the future of technology will continue to revolutionize our lives. In a few years, I will not be surprised if driverless cars may be the norm for everyone, and robots will replace people in factories.

[mysterykidscasefiles]

Mystery Kids and the Case of the Whispering Rock

Summary: Norman, Neil, Coraline, Wybie, Raz and Lili arrive at Grunkle Stan’s Summer Camp with the hope of having a summer of fun, or in the case of the two Psychonauts, with the intent of investigating a psychic disturbance. When they meet two twins that seem to be experts on the secrets of Gravity Falls, they find themselves reluctantly teaming up. But how much can they actually trust each other? There are secrets in this town, but more surprising are the secrets being kept from each other.

Table of Contents

Chapter 18: Arts and Crafts

The next morning, Norman was still sleeping. Neil was a little worried because Norman never slept in this late, but Norman had been exhausted from the possession, so Neil thought it was best to just let his friend sleep.

Mr. Pines made everyone pancakes and all the kids were all gathered in the living room floor eating in front of the television. Mr. Pines sat on his recliner with his own stack of pancakes.

“So let me get this straight…” Mr. Pines said slowly. “You actually went to see that little cretin?”

Dipper shook his head and waved his fork in front of his face. “Not on purpose! We had to talk with some people who went to see his show. Unfortunately, Gideon popularity hasn’t taken a hit since he was able to convince everyone that those cameras were planted on him.”

“Hey, hey! We don’t use that name in this house!” Mr. Pines reprimanded loudly.

“Yeah! Call him Creepy McLiar-Pants-On-Fire like we agreed!” Mabel shouted with a mouth full of pancakes.

Mr. Pines leaned back in his chair. “There could be video of that kid throwing poison in the town water supply and he could get away with it. Meanwhile, all it takes is a few counterfeit dollar bills and we end up in county jail!”

“I told you that was a bad idea,” Dipper grumbled.

“Eh, we would have been fine if Mabel hadn’t ‘improvised’ on Benjamin Franklin,” Mr. Pines said while shooting a glare at his great niece.

“My artistic creativity was being stifled!” Mabel defended. “I needed to express myself!”

At this point, Neil was staring wide-eyed at the arguing family, and he wasn’t alone. All the other kids were staring worlessly at the strange and very incriminating argument. Neil caught Wybie’s eye and they exchanged incredulous looks.

“What kind of family is this?” Coraline said under her breath, her expression a mixture of disturbed fascination and amazement.

“It’s a good thing none of us are secretly government agents,” Raz joked and was immediately elbowed in the ribs by Lili.

At that moment, Neil heard the faraway sound of the door to the gift shop opening. He heard two voices talking before the ‘employees only’ door opened and a large man with a question mark on his green t-shirt and a teenage girl in flannel walked into the living room.

“Hey dudes!” the man greeted with a friendly smile.

“’Sup guys,” the teenage girl said with a nod.

“Hey Soos! Oh, h-hey Wendy!” Dipper greeted the girl a bit too eagerly.

Mr. Pines raised his eyebrow. “Wendy? What are you doing here...” He checked his watch. “On time?”

Wendy shrugged. “What can I say? I wanted to meet the ‘campers.’” She made quotes with her fingers. She looked at all the kids sitting on the floor. “I’m surprised you guys are still here.”

“Well,” Coraline began, “Between being blackmailed by our camp counselor and not having the absolute worst time… we decided to stay.”

“So, in other words, you’re home is even more boring than staying at the Shack,” the teenager clarified.

“Super boring,” Coraline agreed.

“Well, I’m Wendy and this is Soos.” She stuck her thumb out to indicate the man. “We work at the Shack.”

“Nice to meet you dudes,” Soos greeted.

“‘Come on Soos,” Wendy said, waving her arm. “I smell pancakes. I figured you would be making a lot of food today for the campers. You don’t mind if we have some, right Mr. Pines? Thanks!” Wendy didn’t even wait for Mr. Pines to speak before she headed towards the kitchen.

“That’s why you’re really here early,” Mr. Pines grumbled. “You freeloader!” he shouted after her.

“So, what are we going to do today?” Wybie asked.

“I’m glad you asked, kid,” Mr. Pines said, rubbing his hands together. “I have a… camp project for all of you!”

“I have a bad feeling about this,” Neil said. He couldn’t imagine what a man who thought it was a good idea to get twelve-year-olds to attempt to counterfeit money would think up for a projet.

“The Shack needs some new attractions and we haven’t had a big gig in a while,” Mr. Pines said. “So I was thinking, what would draw in a crowd more than a mummy’s curse? Since you need a mummy to have a mummy's curse, and I don’t have one on hand, I figure you kids could whip something up. I’ll take care of the curse part. I’ll make up some rumor about the mummy walking around town at night.” He gestured vaguely. “That’s spooky, right?”

“Is he serious?” Wybie asked, glancing around at the other kids.

Neil had no idea how they were going to pull that off. They had to make a mummy? That sounded impossible.

Mabel, on the other hand, was grinning wider than Neil thought should be physically possible.

“Okay, Grunkle Stan,” Mabel said slowly, “but we are going to need a couple of things first.”

Mr. Pines’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Okay, I’ll bite. What are they?”

“First off, the basics. Glue, scissors, lots of newspaper, flour, large plastic bags, lot’s of white bandages, and black tea.”

Mr. Pines nodded slowly. “I’ll see what I can do about those. I’m guessing you’re not done?”

Mabel shook her head. “Just a few more… necessities,” she assured him with a crafty glint in her eyes. “One, you have to wear that sweater I made you out to dinner tonight. Two, you have to take us all out for dinner tonight! Let’s see… three…”

Dipper leaned forward and whispered in his sister’s ear, and Mabel nodded.

“Three, all of us don’t have to work at the Shack for the rest of the week! And four is…” She thought for a moment. “You owe us one big favor that you can’t say no to!”

Mr. Pines sighed and rubbed his face. “I’ll wear the sweater, but I pick where we eat. You get the rest of the day off today once you’ve finished the project, not a week, and you can forget about that favor. Deal?”

Mabel crossed her arms. “No favor no mummy. Unless you think you can make it without my arts and crafts genius?”

Mr. Pines frowned unhappily. “You make a realistic mummy, and then we’ll talk about that favor,” he said at last. “Ask Soos for the supplies and he’ll get them for you, I need to get ready to open the Shack.”

Their camp counselor stood from his seat and left through the door to the gift shop.

Raz turned to Mabel. “Do you really know how to make a realistic looking mummy?”

“Pshh,” she scoffed with a wave of her hand. “Don’t worry, it will be easy. We just need a volunteer.”

“A volunteer for what?” Wybie asked. He did not like the look on Mabel’s face.

“Why me?” Wybie asked. His torso, arms and legs were wrapped up in plastic bags and the bags were currently being covered with glue and newspaper.

“Because you have terrible luck, Lovat,” Coraline said with shrug. “Now keep your arms at your sides or the body cast will dry weird”

“Here you go, a bucket of black tea,” Soos said as he set the bucket next to Dipper. “I had no idea you dudes were so thirsty.”

“It’s not for us to drink,” Dipper explained. “Mabel had the idea that we can soak the bandages in the tea and the stain will make them look old. I’m going to make sure they come out the same color as four-thousand-year-old bandages would be.”

“Huh, interesting. So, uh, are you going to be stuck in that mummy suit for the entire exhibit?” Soos asked Wybie.

“He sure is!” Coraline said before the boy could answer. “Don’t worry Wybie, we’ll poke air holes in the nose so you can breathe.”

“Not funny, Coraline,” Wybie grumbled.

“Nah, they can get him out,” Raz explained. “The plastic bag keeps the glue from sticking to him so all they have to do is cut him out once the cast dries. Then we’ll stuff the cast with paper so it doesn’t cave in and we can cover it with a layer of paper mache.”

“And you guys are working on the head?” Soos asked Raz and Lili.

Raz nodded. “Yeah, we’re using a mask from an old halloween costume as the base.”

“Sweet! Let me know if you dudes need anything else.”

Neil smiled. What they were doing was pretty cool and it was nice that everyone was working together and not arguing. They actually worked surprisingly well together when they all had the same goal...

A half hour later, Wybie was completely covered with newspaper and glue from the neck down.

“Okay, now cut me out of this thing!” Wybie requested urgently. “I really, really need to pee.”

“I told you to go before we got started,” Coraline chastised.

Wybie rolled his eyes. “You sound like my grandmother.”

Coraline grabbed a pair of scissors. “Okay, Wyborn, you’re going to have to hold still.”

“Umm…” There was a noise in the doorway and everyone looked up to see Norman, finally awake, and staring at the mess in the living room. “What... are you guys doing?”

“Norman!” Neil shouted happily, jumping up from his spot on the floor to hug his best friend. It was nearly afternoon and Norman had finally woken up. “You’re okay! We were just…” Neil looked back at Wybie covered in a cast of dried glue and newspapers. “Umm… actually it’s kind of hard to explain…”

“How are you feeling?” Coraline asked as she stood up and made her way over to him. She inspected him closely and Norman squirmed under her scrutinizing gaze.

“I feel fine,” Norman answered awkwardly. “I was really tired yesterday, but now I’m okay.”

“Just okay?” Dipper asked from the floor. “No strange feelings, no weird memories that aren’t your own, no side effects at all?”

“You sound a little disappointed,” Raz commented.

Dipper frowned. “I’m not dissapointed, I just want to make sure we don’t miss anything. He might feel fine now, but we have no idea what kind of effects getting possessed for that long could have.”

“No weird side effects that I can tell,”  Norman said as he allowed Coraline to pull him towards the group and onto the floor. “I feel fine.”

“How do you feel about staying in this town?” Coraline asked after Norman got settled.

“Huh?”

“Well, I’ve been thinking,” Coraline said slowly. “Even though this isn’t a real camp, it might be worth it to stick around for a little bit longer. It’s pretty boring back home for me and Wybes, so we don’t have anything better to do. But I know you probably didn’t have the best experience yesterday, so if you really want to go home we can still call my dad and he can come pick us up. It’s up to you.”

Norman looked around at the group of kids watching him curiously.  “Well, if everyone wants to stay I don’t mind staying eigher. Neil and I didn’t really have any plans back home, did we?”

“Not a one!” Neil agreed. Neil also felt like Norman might have a ghost-related reason for staying, namely making sure that Luis was okay if he was still around, and Neil wanted to back him up on that.

“Great, I’m glad we are all okay with staying,” Wybie said. “Now can you guys please... GET ME OUT OF THIS THING!”

A more lighthearted chapter this time! Hope you guys liked it!

Table of Contents   <Previous   Next>

[furiousconnoisseurcomputer-blog]

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I am 16, I've been driving 4 months. I have USAA car insurance, and I went to a driving school. I'm a supertard and today I rear-ended someone.... the cops were called and an accident report was filed, they said that my insurance company and the person's will contact eachother. I'm just curious to how much you think it should raise? There was alot of damage to my front end, but the person's who I hit hardly had a few scratches on the back bumper. I'm already paying $80 a month. Thanks so much for your estimates!! (p.s. i live in TX if that makes a difference.)""

Car insurance denied claim because they cannot contact its insured.?

Hi. On April first, my neighbor hit my dad's car in our neighborhood. Our garages are facing each other, and my dad was going backwards to get out of our garage. He was already in the street and he was ready to go in his way. Suddenly, our neighbor back out from her garage very fast and hit the driver door of my car. She didn't stay in that position, she moved and my dad did the same. The white bumper of her van had no visible damages, but my door needs to be replaced. Also, there is white paint in car in the place she hit it. We asked for her insurance, but she didn't have it in that moment. We wrote the plate number and took some quick pictures. I called my insurance to report the accident. In the night, when she returned home, we asked for her insurance, but she refused. We called the police and she agreed to give us her insurance information. In fact, she wrote the information herself. I called her insurance(Geico) the next day, and she had already made a claim, and she only said she didn't hit my car; she didn't give more details. My dad gave his version of the accident with a lot of details, but she didn't do it. Her Insurance tried to contact her, but there is no answer from her. I see her everyday, so I am sure is not responding on purpose. Now, her insurance called me and told me that because she is not responding, there is no way to confirm she was involved in the accident. therefore, they denied liability. I was shocked because they took that decision only because they cannot contact her. They didn't came to take pictures of the place or the cars. So, I tell them I was going to send the pictures I took. I did send the pictures but now, the adjuster is not in his office, and he will be back next week on Thursday. Right now, I don't know what to do, I could pay for the reparation of my car, but I don't believe that's fair. Please, if someone can guide me with this case. What can I do?""

Car insurance prices?

i've just turned 17and i am wondering how much roughly will, lessons theory test and driving test all come too and insurance and also im a girl :)""

Can I Switch my Auto Insurance to Full Coverage Just To Get It Fixed????????????????

Currently I have liability auto insurance and i hit a deer. I have a really nice car but can't afford to get it repaired at the moment.(THE DAMAGES COSTS SOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!) Is there anyway that i can switch my car insurance to FULL COVERAGE JUST to get it fixed????? I heard that some people get full coverage and are able to fool the insurance company into paying for there damages, BUT HOW. IS THAT REALLY POSSIBLE WITHOUT GETTING CAUGHT. IF SO , PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME HOW. I REALLY LOVE MY CAR, BUT CAN AFFORD TO GET IT FIXED. I REALLY NEED SOME HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!""

Car Insurance Company Refuses to Insure my Brother!?

So, my brother got into a car accident about 3 years ago. He was driving his car and a motorcyclist ran into him doing around 90 mph, causing the bike to flip and the guy on the bike to dismount and skid across the freeway. The motorcyclist was lucky he didn't get run over or killed. It was deemed by both the insurance companies that it was the motorcyclists fault and when the motorcyclist tried to sue our insurance company, we got a letter from our attorney that the case had been dismissed and no further action was needed. Today, we got a call out of the blue from Mercury saying my brother couldn't be on the insurance anymore because they had settled with the motorcyclist for $100,000 and basically, if we didn't get him off the insurance, my whole family would be removed. We didn't receive any notification that Mercury was planning on paying this guy out or that our rates would be altered. We called the attorney's office but he wasn't in and we explained the situation and the receptionist said they might of just settled anyway without letting us know even though this whole thing wasn't even my brother's fault. My question is, if the accident was the fault of the motorcyclist and when the motorcyclist initially sued and was denied a settlement (there was no mention of a settlement on the attorney's letter; it just said that it was dismissed), how and why would Mercury give this jacka$$ $100,000 and deny my brother coverage? It's all very confusing and any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!""

What is the best photographer's insurance in the USA ?

What is the most complete insurance for photographers? (experienced pros only please)? MUST INCLUDE: 1.Injury of photo assistant (eg hired help getting hurt on the job carrying something heavy) 2.Camera/equipment theft and damage I'm not sure if the stuff the PPA sells is really fully complete or just cheap insurance Category Arts & Humanities > Visual Arts > Photography

What is the cheapest car insurance for young driver?

I'm 19 and had my NY license for 1 year now. I am a male and um I'm not looking for an expensive car. just a cheap one under 10g

Insurance for a Porsche Panamera 2011?

Im planning on buying a porsche about 3-4 years from now. Im getting my license this month and wanted to know will it really cost 2-3k a month for insurance on a porsche? Are their any cheap insurances you suggest?

Anyone claimed their Car a Wreak through their insurance before? what happens exactly?

Ok, so my car has Hail damage ALL over it from a recent storm. I am covered for insurance but i wanna know what to do?! i can't call them at this stage cos they call centre is down :( SO, if my car is worth $30,000 & the damage is worth about $5,000 - $7,000 how do they work out if it's considered a wreak or not? My premium is about $1000 (cos i'm under the age of 25) so what happens if they declare it a wreak? Do i just get a cheque and then they take the car? or what? If anyone has had their car considered a wreak through insurance before, please enlighten me :) Thanks x""

How do I obtain Auto Insurance Declaration Page(s)?

My insurance company is asking about Auto Insurance Declaration Page(s). I don't know what it is or how to obtain it. I have never had auto insurance before this is my first time. Where can I obtain an Auto Insurance Declaration Page(s)? Thanks

Cheep car insurance companies in London?

I am a new driver, Can someone advice me how can I get cheep car insurance and with who? Thanks.""

What company has the cheapest basic auto insurance for Atlanta Georgia drivers?

Shopping for auto insurance for Atlanta Georgia. I'm looking for the lowest rate for basic coverage.

Difference between policy holder and insured?

In Royal Sun Alliance my husband has two letters, one mentioned policy holder and the other insured. Whats the difference between them?""

Which car insurance company is cheap and good?

I have All State but its too expensive I am single so i have to pay $845 for 6 months

Insurance.?

Does anyone Own a Mustang GT Bullitt and by any chance happen to know how much the insurance usually is?

How much (approx) would insurance be for a 1.1 saxo?

The exact car is '2000 CITROEN SAXO 1.1I DESIRE BLACK VTR REPLICA' a few modifications (cd player with bluetooth, black front lights, smoked rear lights, front fogs, full colour coded vtr body kit, DTM mirrors, vtr alloy wheels, lowered on 40mm G-max springs) i'm not even 17 yet but i was wondering what would the cheapest possible *(legal) insurance be on this car thanks :) !!""

cheap classic cars to insure for 17 year olds

cheap classic cars to insure for 17 year olds

Does anyone know about whether or not you are required to have car insurance in California?

or does the DMV get to know and suspend your car if you do not?

I need a cheap insuance plan?

I am 18 and am needing a liability insurance plan. I live in Houston TX, the cheapest I have found is with Geico for 3 somthing a month, and I think that is INSANE!!!""

Insurance on a ford fiesta 1.25 GHIA?

im 17 and will be having my full license at the very latest January the 1st just wondering the average price for cheapest cover, 5 door 1.25""

""I am going to study in Ontario but I am a US citizen, how much is it to register my car and get car insurance?""

I live in Texas and i'm an 18 yr old female. I will be studying in Canada but I need to take my car to get from place to place. Does anyone know how much it costs to register the car, get car insurance, plates, License and whatever else needed? Thank you (:""

What is average cost of insuance?

what is the average cost of insurance for a 16 year old male with a Toyota Corolla.

What to do when rental car got damaged and I dont have insurance?

I rented a car from Enterprise and declined their insurance. I had credit card insurance. However I made a blunder of not initiating the rental in that credit card. While driving the rental car the tire blew out and the car hit the median and there is some extensive damage to the car. I am in deep trouble now as my credit car insurance will not work as I didnt initiate the car rental in that card. Is there any way that I can salvage this situation? Please help!!

How can I get cheaper car insurance?

I live in Toronto, but my address on my liscence is in a smaller town about an hour out of the city. The car that I have is registered on my husbands Toronto lisence. I want to buy insurance using my out of the city address so it will be cheaper. Would I be able to do this even though I technically live in Toronto?""

Car Insurance - No claims question?

If you have been banned for a year, and are now back and allowed legally to drive, can you continue to use/put down your no claims bonus. For example, if you had 9 years, then were banned for a year, can you put the 9 down this year? Or does the ban wipe that out? As the ban wasn't a claim on the insurance, can it still be used? Does anyone know, or any ideas where I could check this out? Looking for quotes online and Im not sure which number to put in.""

Where can i find cheap car insurance for a 17 year old male?

Its really starting to get on my nervse that i can not find any cheap insurance anywhere! Why do insurance companies in the UK want to make life so hard for young drivers? Yeah stasticaly the majority of us crash our cars. But why should the small majority of young drivers like my self have to pay the price and live with this stereotype by paying RIDICULOUS amounts of money?

Best insurance companies for 16 year old passed my test?

ok ive pased my test and i gettin a car this week and i need some insurance on the car obviiously lol, well basically whats the cheapest car insurance""

Is it illegal to not have insurance?

I was looking online and saw something in my state for someone getting arrested for not having insurance. My car is insured, but the insurance is not in my name and is under someone else's name and they pay for it. Is it illegal for there not to be an insurance in my name as well?""

Will my car insurance premium go up?

I just recently hit a deer and the only car damaged was mine. I am covered under my policy b/cause I had comprehensive. Here's my question: Will my insurance premuims go up if I use the dealership's auto body shop and not the insurance company's auto body shop? This is the first claim I have had with this company and I have been with them for over 7 years.

Best way to insure my boots are kept in good condition.?

I just bought some nike hypervenoms and received them today. I just started breaking them in today by just walking around my house but I really want to make sure I take good care of them. I usually take really good care of my boots, but I just want some good tip and maybe some good product as well to use. I know my mom won't be happy buying me new boots after buying these ones, so I want to insure the longest life I can out of these.""

Why should anyone purchase insurance under Obamacare when there is no fine?

If everyone bonds together and refuses to purchase insurance under govt. intimidation this would be too large for the govt. to control and destroy Obamacare. Fine or not I will never ...show more

Baby not covered on partner's insurance policy?

Alright, here's my situation. I am on my partner's insurance through her job. Well, we are getting ready to start a family and our insurance will cover everything up until right after delivery. Since I am considered a dependent, and I am the one giving birth, the baby will not be covered. So, what I want to know is has anyone else been in this situation and how did you handle it? What is the best way to find individual, affordable, insurance for the baby? And in your experience, what is the average cost you pay? Any suggestions/help is greatly appreciated.""

Cheap car insurance places in michigan?

i am currently relocating and i need to find a very cheap insurance for my husband asap. he is 21 clean record and doesn't have much of a credit started. does anyone know what car insurance places that would be cheap less than 150 a month i know it varies for different people but I'm stuck and need a few ideas.

Motorcycles and insurance?

right now i have a bull blast and i want to upgrade to a faster bike that is better above 60 mph and riding 2 up. the problem for me is that i am 19 and insurance for me with the little buell is 200/yr. i want to get a gsxr 600 or a 600 ss but they are over 600/yr and thats too much. the only bikes that are still in the lower insurance bracket is a ninja 500 and 650 or an sv650. are there any other bikes that are cheap on insurance? or what are your opinions on these bikes?

How to get cheaper car insurance?

I haven't yet passed my test, or even got a car, but was just researching to see if i could afford it. and the cheapest I could find was 3,000 a year which is impossible for me seeing as I'm at college. I was just wondering does anyone know of cheap places? or ways to cut it down by a bit? I have no one else in my house who drives, or even owns a car. thank you""

What type of car would have the cheapest insurance? Over 25 but 2 dui's... I know... stupid...?

I just got my release for my license back and am looking for a new used car. I'm also trying to keep the insurance price down (I'm sure like everyone). Any suggestions on a type of car or insurance company that would be good to use please let me know. thnx

Do I really need Car Insurance?

I live in Kentucky. My car is not drivable at the moment and has not been for months. Since I can't even drive the piece of ****, do I even need Insurance? I'm paying to much for it anyway and I don't think I should be paying for something I'm not driving!""

When is the right time to buy life insurance?

My son is due on Valentine's Day. Should I already have life insurance, or should I wait until after I get married, which is happening on the 17th?""

Good deals on car insurance?

Ok so me and my wife have been insured by American Family Insurance and pay about $400 a year. My 17 year old son recently got his license and we want to add him to our policy. He barely drives (we only have one car), but we want to add his name just in case. When I asked Amer. Fam. Ins., they gave a quote for almost $1000 a year, which is more than double the amount I'm currently paying!! And that's with the Good Student Discount as well!! I was wondering if any of you guys know a reliable company that could provide a cheaper rate.""

Cheap car insurance?????????

Hi I'm a 22 year old male I passed my test 7 1/2 months ago I got my first car it's a ford escort 1.6 yr 1999 does any one know where I can get really cheap car insurance as it will only be used to take my two kids to school thank a lot.................

Give me a genral idea of how much car insurance would cost me?

Well cost my parents. I'll be sixteen this April but I won't be getting my license until July. I want to get a Mustang GT 2005 or 2006 but I think it somewhat falls into a category of a sports car so it raises the insurance right? What would be the difference between me driving that or a 2003 BMW? Oh and is there a difference between driving insurance and car insurance? Thank you so much! (And for the record I'm not some spoiled kid, I've been saving for this car for a very long time with money from my lifegaurding job)""

Is car insurance cheaper for older vehicles?

Well i have a 2007 Nissan Altima and i pay $116.67/month, and i was wanting to by an older camper van to live in. Would my insurance be cheaper on the van?""

cheap classic cars to insure for 17 year olds

cheap classic cars to insure for 17 year olds

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