#also those who need a period tracker please use clue

[chuutoro]

the onion going hard in its landing page layout again...

i felt this in my soul:

[kalijhomentethi]

Headcanons: Cyberpunk AU

Kinkou Corp. Balance in all things.

Background: Former heir to Kinkou Corp, Akali now works as a Techie in the day and an anonymous assassin at night. Using her knowledge from her time working under her mother, she expertly handles and fixes any and all types of technology, including electronic gadgets, vehicles, robots, and weapons. She refuses to do any implant work lest she appears on her mother's radar, although she has a sneaking suspicion that some of her lackies already have her trail. She also never enjoyed the prospect of becoming a well-known ripperdoc. She prefers to tinker and do what she pleases without the risk of being the cause of someone's death because they bled out in the middle of an operation. Messy.

Personality: Akali is among the people who despise Corpos, but she knows full well that she won’t find any camaraderie with them. She hides her family background as it would only mean exposing herself to multiple attempts of “friendship” and manipulation.

Technology: She has already stopped upgrading herself with the newest cyberware. The only mark left on her when she was still part of the Corp is the Kinkou Ocular System installed on her. The built-in system has long since been modified by Akali in order to remove any trackers and add new-and-improved specs. With it, she can easily access her customers' (and targets') records, as well as hack into security systems. The center of this cyberware has a subtle mechanism in the center (in place of where the iris of her eye is) that adjusts depending on the zoom level. There are also thin rim lights around this mechanism that change color depending on what Akali is doing. By default, the color is bright white. It changes to gold when she scans someone, and red when she switches to combat (or bypass) mode. A verification function she has added is for the color to change to green upon setting her eyes on someone she has added as a personal and trusted contact. The color turns back to white after a short period of time. Strangers don’t bother to figure out the meaning behind the flickering color of Akali’s eye; if you want to survive in Night City, never look someone in the eye.

Relationships: When she was disowned, she was shortly taken under the wing of Lee Sin, one of the monks in Night City who refuse to get implants for themselves. They treated her as their own daughter and taught her to get a better hold on her anger. Due to both of them not wanting anything to do with cyberware, their relationship has also never once been strained at any point. Akali is more than happy to stay with them.

Other monks and civilians who know Lee Sin sometimes approach Akali for errands or trouble they need help with.

Life as an Assassin: Akali began roaming the streets as an anonymous assassin with the weapons she has created. The reason for this is partly to go against her mother’s empire and forge her own path without extreme dependence on implants, and partly to chase after people who once crossed her. Every once in a while though, she catches people trying to get her anonymous persona’s attention, whether on the Net, the Dark Web, or just talk in the street. She makes sure to only entertain those with sound reasons. Money always comes after the target dies a mysterious death. Why go to a fixer when she can make money on her own?

While her fighting style is flashy and dangerous, she is careful not to leave any clues that would lead to her and her connection to Kinkou Corp. Blackmail is not going to make her look good.

[anika-ann]

Nothing but the Truth - Pt.6

The Worst Pre-honeymoon Ever

Pairing: Steve Rogers x reader        Word count: 4950

Summary: A fake dating AU. “Lying is a delightful thing, for it leads to truth…”  (F.Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment)

Warnings: a lot of swearing, implied stalking, creepiness and sick beliefs, violence, torture

A/N: The longest one so far and also the most important one; the very birth of this fic. There you go. Read the warnings, please, even if you usually skip them

Story Masterlist

Considering how messed up you were and what circumstances you found yourself in, it suddenly took you a ridiculously little amount of time to realize what at least one of those machines was.

It was a polygraph.

A lie detector.

What was the questioning going to about you could only guess, because ‘I brought you here to ensure your future commitment to each other can be proper” was as much of a fucked-up clue as it was a useless one.

Your mind was about to kick into an overdrive with morbid fantasies, when a groan caught your attention. Your head instantly snapped to Steve, the source of the pained noise.

He squeezed his eyes tightly, shifting his head back and forth, the motion slow, but with a purpose, as if he was trying to avoid annoying sunrays in the morning.

For a brief moment, you wondered if either of you were about to see the morning sun ever again and the thought made you choke up.

Steve’s eyelids fluttered open drowsily, barely focused eyes searching the room until his gaze fell on you and his eyes widened. His lips whispered your name and despite the tears gathering in your eyes, you gave him a watery smile.

“Hey, Steve,” you creaked and his gaze trailed over your body, pupils dilating so much that they nearly hid all of the cerulean of his irises.

He straightened in his chair; or attempted too, his body probably feeling as heavy as yours when you had woken up; possibly heavier even, with that sicko drugging him with a mixture of sedatives that could have stop his breathing.

“Whatta-“ he rasped, his fingers twitching, more forcefully than you grew accustomed to while being here and his glare found the body part in question with utter confusion – and horror.

“Captain, good to see you awake at last.”

Steve tried to stand up to face the voice, the supposed enemy, but he barely moved at all; the tips of his shoes rose a fraction, his thumbs flexing, his palms rising just an inch before falling back to the armrest helplessly.

His eyes found the man at least, his chin coming to rest on his shoulder to keep it from falling on his chest as the muscles in his neck weren’t able to do their job.

Seeing Steve Rogers in a significantly weakened state was a new and an entirely terrifying thing that shook you to a core. Steve Rogers, Captain America, always strong and ready to swing in to save everyone…. You had seen him bruised before, a fading black-eye maybe, a healing scar on his cheek, but nothing that came even close to this; witnessing his battle to keep his head up, that-- that was fucking scary.

You had never ever been met with a sight of him drained enough not to hold his body straight.

However, determination and anger were written all over his face as his eyes narrowed and it was the only thing which felt familiar about him.

It was the sole thing helping you to maintain a piece of sanity, his attitude shining a ray of hope into the darkness and horror of this godforsaken place when a psycho who hooked up Steve to some machine to deliver periodical electric pulses.

Jesus. Christ.

One simple word, mumbled with difficulty, yet carrying a menace; it broke the silence suddenly and startlingly.

“You,” Steve muttered, glaring at your masked captor.

You blinked simultaneously with Steve; while he was apparently attempting to shake off his drowsiness, you were simply confused.

He… had he had an idea who this psycho was?

Your captor ignored him though and went to seat himself to a chair by the polygraph and one more device, causing your face drain of all colour in a terrifying premonition.

“Now that we are all set-“

“You’re the vendor,” Steve stated, still fighting the effect of sedatives, forcing his muscles to move according to his commands.

The fact that he couldn’t was heart-breaking, but what he called the man behind the mask was downright mind-blowing.

The… the vendor? As if-

The man sighed, a breathless chuckle escaping his lips as he reached for the edge of the mask, pealing it off.

To your undiluted shock, he truly revealed a face of a man who had sold you the ring.

What the actual-- you had found him creepy okay, but not I’m-going-to-kidnap-you-and-torture-you creepy! How—how did he even get to you, how did he overpower a freaking supersoldier, how he moved him anywhere, Steve was a mass of muscle, heavy and this guy was just-

“Nothing escapes your attention, I see,” the unmasked man remarked. “I should have known. There is no point in hiding then. Let’s begin-“

“How did you find us?” Steve demanded and for the first time since you had been back to consciousness, it dawned to you that… this was, in fact, what you had wanted. You wanted the man behind the kidnappings to find you.

You most definitely hadn’t wanted it to come to this¸ but-

Despite feeling like absolute shit, cold and terrified in your very core, you… you forced yourself to stop freaking out that much at least. Your mission was on. This was the plan.

Kinda.

“The tracker in the ring, naturally,” the madman answered almost kindly, one corner of his lips rising.

Your heart nearly gave out; he put a tracker in the ring?! What the fuck?!

And then it hit you; a tracker.

You had two trackers on you now; one in the ring from this psycho, one in the necklace from Tony freaking Stark.

The Avengers must have been on their way already Your eyes fluttered close, relief flooding your veins from the centre of your chest to your fingertips. It would be over soon.

Right?

“Unfortunately, I have to inform you I needed to deactivate the tracking devices in your necklace and belt.”

Your eyes snapped open in horror, finding Steve’s alarmed ones.

What? WHAT?!

Fuck.

No, don’t freak out (again) just yet! Surely Tony freaking Stark had counted on that option, right? Because he was a genius, he-

The pure horror in Steve’s face told you otherwise. No, he hadn’t. At least not that Steve knew of.

Fuck, fuck, FUCK-!!

Steve slowly shook his head, grimacing; he wasn’t one to give up. And spotting the terror on your face, he most definitely was not the one to submit, no, he would be the one to keep your head above water before you could drown in panic.

“Was smart,” Steve muttered, apparently still with difficulty, but more clearly now. You would be delighted that his state improving, except your mind was too busy trying to figure out why the heck did it sound as if he just praised your kidnapper. “So is your profession. You can get the information on new couples first-hand.”

The vendor seemed thoughtful as he nodded, but then a scowl twisted his expression.

“Wouldn’t be my first choice.”

And it finally, finally dawned to your slow brain what was Steve doing. He was stalling. To what end you weren’t sure, but you hoped it meant that the Ironman himself would be able to find you anyway… somehow.

“What… what would be your first choice?” you whispered softly, too scared of setting something in him off by speaking louder.

“Doesn’t matter. I found my purpose now,” he replied, leaning to the machines and you gulped when a spark flied from it.

“And what is the purpose again?”

The man turned to Steve at the question. “I am a servant of love. Of true love. One of faith, trust and honesty,” he declared proudly and you wanted to puke. He sounded fucking insane.

A servant of love? Tell that to the missing couples!

“How do you serve this love?” Steve queried, somehow managing to sound genuinely interested and when the other man hesitated, you held your breath.

“Mm. I protect people from entering a marriage based on lies.”

BY KIDNAPPING THEM AND KILLING THEM?!

Because that was the assumption, wasn’t it? If the couples had disappeared and never reappeared, then they were very likely dead.

Just like you might be in a couple of minutes.

You breathed through the hysteria crawling up your throat, rather holding onto the fact Steve was still trying to do something here. The stalling seemed to be working well.

But for how long? And was the time bought with this enough for the Avengers finding you despite this man’s plots?

“You’re protecting them from the same fate you suffered,” Steve deduced and you winced.

“Yes. I know the pain lies can cause to a man. Love must be pure. When you promise dedication to another person, you must be truly committed to them,” he stated seriously and your head… spun as you slowly pierced together a story of a man with a broken heart and… a broken mind, turning absolutely fucking mad from the betrayal.

Ill, he was ill, mentally, but that didn’t justify his actions in the slightest.

“You were married and your partner has been unfaithful,” Steve guessed, but sounded as if he knew for sure, coming to the same conclusion as you.

“How do you-“ the vendor chuckled then, a watery sound as his own memories must have been brought to life, reopening the wound and rubbing salt in it. “Of course you would figure it out…. She sat in this very chair, you know? With her new fiancé. And she didn’t even love him. She was only after his money. And he didn’t love her either, just enjoying the adventure. Such a shame…”

Your blood crystalized in your veins, icy cold, and not for the first time, your stomach turned all over, its contents threatening to spill from your mouth.

He… had he—he-

“Where is she now?” you quipped, unable to keep the question from spilling from your lips, needing to know the answer and dreading it at the same time.

His smile was blinding as he looked at you. “In eternity.”

A violent tremble shook your body and your eyes closed at their own account, tears welling up and instantly rolling down your cheeks.

“I’m sure I’ll meet her one day and we will be reunited, her soul reaching absolution, her love for me finally purified.”

Well, I hope she reached absolution and you’ll rot in hell, you sadistic psycho. You murdered your ex-wife!

“You had enough answers. I’m gonna ask now. Don’t you dare to lie; lies only bring pain to our loved ones,” he warned you, his voice carrying the echo of his own heartbreak.

To deliver his point, your captor pressed a button on what looked like a primitive remote.

A sharp tingle ran through your body and you jerked in your seat, a startled yelp escaping you.

Steve hissed, apparently receiving the same treatment, but being less bothered by it; or at least aiming to appear like that for your benefit.

It was scarily easy to comprehend what was about to happen. You were about to get a shock treatment for every lie leaving your lips.

Steve’s eyes locked on you, pleading. The message written in them was clear; don’t lie at any circumstances.

You didn’t need to be told twice; you did not want to be punished by fucking electricity, thank you very much.

“Let’s start with low intensity and simple questions…” the man informed you casually, rising from his seat, and walked to Steve right after he set something on the machine. It started humming and his words echoed in your skull, bouncing dully in the space with terrible realization. He was about to turn up the intensity at some point. Jesus fuck. “Do you care for this woman, Captain?”

Steve fought to raise his chin in defiance, looking the man dead in the eye.

“Yes.”

Your captor turned to you, smiling. “Told you I’d start with the easy ones. Isn’t it nice to know the truth? Look at that. No significant changes to the lines.”

You followed his line of gaze, noticing for the first time the outcome of the… testing. The polygraph monitoring yours and Steve’s whatever was writing down lines of low amplitudes.  He was right.

And you didn’t give a shit.

You just wanted to-- to be free again and not under the threat of being possibly electrocuted.

He went to switch something on the machine before asking you the same question. “Now… do you care for this man?”

This question indeed was easy; yet, the intense eyes of the man who had your destiny in his hands made it hard for you to breathe and answer.

“Y-yes.”

The scribbling on the paper of the polygraph got madder and your heart honest to God stopped.

What the fuck, you were telling the truth!

Your examiner frowned at the paper. “You’re a nervous one, aren’t you? Don’t worry about that.”

No fucking kidding, you have me connected to a-

“Let’s proceed. Have you ever kissed someone else since you started this relationship?”

“Have you had an intercourse with someone else since you started this relationship?”

These were easy to pass; especially considering that you had started fake-dating Steve only two – three? – days ago.

Was it really so shortly? It felt like eternity.

Then again, you felt like you had been in this creepy-as-fuck dungeon, your heart beating so fast that it might fail any second, for hours. And the period seemingly grew more immense as he turned up the potential punishment with each question.

Where the fuck was Tony Stark when you needed him?! Being fashionably late was not an option right now!

“You’re doing very well so far,” the man praised you both with a satisfied smile and moved to Steve once more; not before he modified the volts again.

You shivered at both his expression and actions. You prayed to Lord that you didn’t come across as lying, the memory of the short but intense warning at the beginning of the questioning still vivid in your mind. And that had been just a taste, the levels were much higher now.

A violent shudder shook your body.

“Have you always been honest about your feelings for her?”

For a brief moment, your brain just… froze.

There was one thing you hadn’t considered about this whole ordeal and that Steve finding out how you felt about him.

The moment you’d be asked that question… you’d either had to lie and get… some shock treatment or you’d have to tell the truth.

There was a saying about a rock and a hard place and you felt like it very much applied right now. Also… what would the man do if you told the truth and said no? He was all about honesty and if you hadn’t been honest with Steve, then there was clearly something wrong; at least according to his messed-up code or some shit.

Fuck rocks and hard places.

“I…” Steve whispered, finding your gaze. One look into his eyes and you realized that he was… torn.

Why was he torn? Did he hate you and never told you or something? That was ridiculous, right? You would have noticed that.

“Yes, Captain?” the man encouraged him.

Steve gulped, locking glares with the man. “Yes.”

The sudden beep nearly made you jump out of your skin and the man sighed, his whole demeanour changing. He eyed you and you couldn’t but frown.

Steve lied. You tried hard not to think about why, but thought about the fact that he did and… and that he was-- he was about to get-

“You don’t— you don’t need to hurt him, he’s-“ you quickly blurted out, panicking more when Steve shook his head behind the psycho with the remote, mouthing ‘don’t’. “-I’m sure it’s only some… misunderstanding.”

Yeah, you could see why Steve discouraged you from speaking.

You sounded utterly stupid and pathetic.

“See, that’s what I thought at first about my late wife. This can’t be happening in an honest relationship. I’m truly sorry about this,” he hummed regretfully, stepping away from Steve.

Your heart was squeezed by a cold fist when you saw the supersoldier – momentarily incapacitated – brace for the pain and your hands balled into fists, nails digging into your palms.

“Wait-“ you called out once more, but the man pushed the button anyway.

Your body was set on fire.

An agonized scream erupted from your chest, but you might have imagined it, because you didn’t have control over anything.

Someone struck a match and threw it on your body drenched in gasoline, igniting every cell, every nerve ending; acid flew through your veins, burning, everywhere, inside, outside, pain, pain, pain- and screams, a voice full of rage and desperation, God, is this hell, searing hot, cries of agony, black and crimson, blinding white of the burning heat, fire, fire and no end in sight, only more gasoline poured in--

You gasped as if you were pulled out from under water and earned a second above surface, greedily swallowing oxygen through your burning windpipe, stinging pressure expanding in your lungs, more, more, Jesus, you needed more-

Your fingertips tingled painfully, the muscles in your forearms spasming, the aftertaste of the unbearable heat it had been through stabbing tiny needles in every cell in your body. You were collapsed in the armchair, limp, unable to control the furious fight for oxygen your body led.

Your vision was blurry, dark spots dancing on its edges, pulsing visibly with each frantic beat of your heart.

The male voice – Steve’s, you realized – was still yelling, menacing and deadly.

“STOP! WHY did you do that to her?!” he demanded heatedly, the cerulean of his eyes swallowed by the darkest fury— and glazed by wetness of welled-up tears. “I’m sorry, oh god, I’m so sorry-“

“I told you,” your captor stated coldly and as you tried to focus on him, your mind buzzing loudly with the aftermath of his punishment, you found your own cheeks damp, vision blurred by tears. “Lies hurt the people we love. People we care for.”

“She didn’t do ANYTHING WRONG!” Steve yelled, sitting surprisingly upward for few seconds before he no doubt received his periodic discharge to keep his strength in check and he melted back into the chair with a frustrated grimace, trying to get up the very next second.

“No, she didn’t. You did. Now you know how this works.”

Between your raged breaths and your mind slowly clearing, you swore in your head. Answering this guy’s questions just got hella lot harder. You had not thought you’d enjoy going through that agony ever again, but the thought of putting someone else through it, Steve of all people, that was downright unthinkable.

And fucked up on an entirely new level.

“Now, dear, have you always-“

Staring at Steve’s face, white as the very sheet of paper where the records of his life functions were being written down, screaming thousands of apologies-- something in you snapped and you glared daggers at the sicko of a man who kidnapped you only to do-- this.

“Hey! No, I wasn’t. He was my friend first, have you thought of that? Do you think we just confessed our love to each other the first time we realized it? The first time we realized that we fell for our friend’s friend? No, the answer is one big NO. You bet your fucking ass that I wasn’t honest!” you sputtered at him, leaning forward only the two inches you could.

You hadn’t thought it was possible, but Steve’s face turned even paler as he shot the insane man a look, dreading his reaction.

Okay, maybe you should have considered that Steve might get shocked for your boldness, shit-

But the man in charge only frowned at you, seemingly deep in thought for endless seconds and then he broke into a manic smile.

“I’ll give you this one. You have a point. Very well…”

You sighed in relief; it appeared you wouldn’t find out the consequences of him not liking the truth just yet. Relaxing in your chair, you winced when your forearm spasmed again without your intent.

It wasn’t as painful anymore; but it was incredibly annoying not to be able to control your movements.

The involuntary twitch of muscle didn’t escape Steve’s attention and the deep wrinkle on his forehead which had been the first thing you noticed after— eh, the end of the shock, deepened. His brows were furrowed in concern, the corners of his mouth twisted downward and he just… you had been in agony, alright, it still fucking hurt, but you desperately wanted to give Steve a hug just to erase that troubled expression from his face.

“Moving to another question then. Is there anything you would change about her?”

The look on Steve’s face rivalled one of puppy now – a kicked one. “No.”

“Would you change anything about him?”

“No,” you answered simply, managing a reassuring smile. ‘I’m okay,’ you mouthed and he shook his head, glancing away, his eyes glassy.

You captor nodded for himself. “Back on the right track. One last question then, the most important one…”

You shifted in your seat uncomfortably. It sounded ominous and that was saying something coming from you, considering everything that had happened today.

The machine hummed loudly as the man set the volts to maximum before turning Steve’s direction.

“Do you love her?”

Your heart gave out.

Well, fuck.

It was to be expected, really. It was a perfectly logical question; the man who had your lives in his hands was a self-proclaimed protector of love, claiming to have the duty of ensuring people who were about to get married loved each other unconditionally and with no lie driving a wedge between them.

Yet, hearing the question fall from the madman’s lips paralysed you and filled you with emptiness, numbness settling deep inside your chest.

‘Do you love her?’

Four simple words sealing your fate.

Because no answer Steve could give was the right one, no answer would satisfy the murderer.

And judging by Steve’s expression, he realized that as well.

For several moments, you granted yourself the luxury of your eyelids falling shut, setting your jaw tight to keep your teeth from clattering in fear. You rocked back and forth in the chair, as much as your restraints allowed you to. Tears warmed your cheeks, salty paths of selfish grief, crying for you own life rushing towards its end.

Perhaps Steve could still escape?

You focused on the numbness in your ribcage, letting it engulf you, letting spread it through your mind until all you could think was a blank space.

Only then, you opened your eyes again, meeting Steve’s utterly desperate gaze and you knew, knew that there was no way out of this; no loophole. He had no doubt come to the same conclusion.

The inner turmoil he must have been feeling reflected in his eyes – torn and hurt, dreading what would happen if he told the truth; you both knew what was coming if he lied, you had been through that, but what if he admitted that he didn’t love you? What would this maniac do?

Steve’s jaw was clenched tight, a muscle twitching in what could be irritation. In the terribly silent space, the scribbling of the polygraph grew maddeningly loud, a noise of unbearable volume.

More tears escaped the wells of your eyes, your body trembling violently. You cursed the moment you had said yes to this insanity; you had been so stupid and naïve. Hiding behind doing the right thing, while wishing to be closer to Steve with no consequences to your friendship. How idiotic was that?

And where had that brought you?

To an empty cold room, seconds from being electrocuted.

Because that was what was about to happen, wasn’t it? If Steve said yes, the volts momentarily being set would kill you, no doubt. Lies hurt the people we love. If Steve said no… you were doomed as well, because this psycho was obsessed with the idea of love, it was the very reason why he was doing this. You were not stuck between a rock and a hard place; you were trapped between a death sentence and a death sentence.

Your eyelids slid shut for another moment and you tried your best to shush the sob crawling up your throat.

You were about to die.

Fuck, you didn’t want to die!

“Please, please don’t do this,” a voice whispered into the staccato of the machines, cracking at the plea and your brain barely registered it was your own voice. The shock of the realization caused you to open your eyes again and your gaze fixated on your captor. “Please.”

He shook his head, making his way to Steve, imploring eyes shining with madness and excitement.

“Do you truly love this woman?”

You shook your head helplessly as Steve’s pained gaze found yours, his mouth twisted in a desperate grimace, the cerulean of his eyes speaking thousands of words. Thousands of apologies.

Your quivering lips formed a smile for the briefest moment, one of bravery, to encourage him to speak, to tell him that you didn’t blame him for this mess.

“It’s okay, Steve,” you reassured him softly, choking on a sob, which completely ruined your pretence of actually being strong. But what did it matter? You were a dead woman anyway.

Tears glistened in Steve’s eyes and he shook his head, pressing his lips together. The guilt of pulling you into this – a misplaced guilt – was evident, clearly eating him alive. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed dryly. He lowered his gaze to the floor, ignoring the man who had basically climbed into his personal space.

“Do you love her?“

You saw Steve’s chest expanding vehemently with an inhale and you knew that the moment was here.

“Yes,” slipped past his lips.

In the half-second that followed, your only thought was that Steve wanted you to leave this world thinking he cared about you enough for wanting it to be quick – just one word to end this and deliver the shock rather than telling the truth and waiting for the madman’s response to the revelation.

You squeezed your eyes shut, tears springing out, your body bracing for the unbearable pain and then, hopefully, nothing.

In death, there should be peace, right? No pain? Not for the dead anyway – no, pain was the privilege of survivors; years of friendship with Sam taught you that.

Five seconds passed and your brain was fried.

Not because of electricity coursing through your body, setting aflame everything in its path, no; it was because of the revelation that the only thing burning was your muscles as you had them all flexed to their limit in anticipation of agony.

Agony, which was for some reason still not coming. The discharge was never delivered and with your heart beating with nearly enough force to break your ribcage, your eyes fluttered open with a gasp, swimming in tears.

You tried to focus your blurry vision on the machine that must have circuited somehow, you saw the shadow of the man moving… but when your vision cleared, you saw that everything was still on. The lights didn’t even flicker. The needle of the polygraph continued its steady path.

But—but- how-

Blinking some more, you barely heard your kidnapper praise the result.

Steve- he-- how did he--- he couldn’t possibly- how had he lied to the machine?

Your eyes found his face, his brows furrowed in concern and… guilt? What-

He was fast to avoid your gaze, resignation settling in his features, muscles no longer tensed; as much as he could control them anyway. Only his jaw twitched again, but he refused to look up at you.

Realization hit you like a ton of bricks.

An incredible, unbelievable revelation.

Could he… could he have been telling the truth? Was it-- was it even possible that he might… love you? But-

An incredulous delighted chuckle nearly escaped your lips, but was quickly dissolved when your captor appeared in front of you, smiling brightly, finger on the remote.

“And you… do you love this man? Truly?”

You faced the ceiling as you blinked your tears away, your whole body hurting and yet basking in relief, pleasant sensation seeping into your bones through your skin like the first warm sunrays in the spring.

You’d surely make it out now, alive. The torment would haunt you, yes, but the result… if Steve accepted your answer, this might in fact be a start of something beautiful.

“Steve?” you whispered breathlessly, searching to meet his gaze, because he deserved as much, such a brave, brave man, heart on his sleeve, always doing the right thing.

He risked your rejection – as long as it meant you would live. It might seem like a natural and logical choice, but you had met people who would have most likely chosen the other option. Your ex was one, for god’s sake.

Of course, Steve wouldn’t.

“Steve, look at me, please.”

He stubbornly kept staring at the floor, his hand curling up in a loose fist. You sighed. The machine’s reassurance would have to suffice then; still, your heart sang.

Just as you parted your lips to give your answer, a deafening bang on your right forced you to duck as much as possible while strapped to the chair.

A shock wave of an explosion knocked your chair over, and you were falling-- the pain you had awaited ever since Steve said yes finally coming when your head hit the floor and everything went black.

Part 7

Tags:

@mermaidxatxheart​ @bobertswagert​ @kakakatey​ @ccolz88-blog​ @joeyrumlow​@lovemeterwrites​ @jessyballet​ @bellaireland1981​

Thoughts, anyone?

I could have had the ‘reader’ confess instead of Steve, but I find this much more fun to write ;) I wanted to try a different dynamic… admit it, you thought it was going to be the other way around :P or did you? Talk to me, please, if you’re willing :-*

[gaysparklepires]

30. First Round

Read on OA3 - Links up Top!

How was I going to find time alone to hunt down J. Jenks, and why did Alice want me to know about him?

If Alice’s clue didn’t prove to be helpful, what could I do to save those I loved?

How were Edward and I going to explain things to Taras and his family in the morning? What if they reacted like Ivan? What if it turned into a fight?

I didn’t know how to fight. How was I going to learn in just a month? Was there any chance at all that I could be taught fast enough that I might be a danger to any one member of the Volturi? Or was I doomed to be totally useless? Just another easily dispatched problem?

So many answers I needed, but I did not get the chance to ask my questions.

Wanting some shred of normality, I’d insisted on staying in the cottage that night. Jacob was more comfortable in his wolf form at the moment; the stress was easier dealt with when he felt ready for a fight. I wished that I could feel the same, could feel ready. He ran in the woods, on guard again.

Once we were back at the cottage, I tried to unobtrusively search to see if there was a chance Alice had left something—anything else that could help me. When my search proved in vain, I returned to the front room of the cottage to ask my questions of Edward. The ones I was able to ask, at any rate; one of the most difficult problems was the idea of trying to hide anything from him, even with the advantage of my silent thoughts.

He stood with his back to me, staring into the fire.

“Edward, I—”

He spun and was across the room in what seemed like no time at all, not even the smallest part of a second. I only had time to register the ferocious expression on his face before his lips were crushing against mine and his arms were locked around me like steel girders.

I didn’t think of my questions again for the rest of that night. It didn’t take long for me to grasp the reason for his mood, and even less time to feel exactly the same way.

I’d been planning on needing years just to somewhat organize the overwhelming passion I felt for him physically. And then centuries after that to enjoy it. If we had only a month left together... Well, I didn’t see how I could stand to have this end. For the moment I couldn’t help but be selfish. All I wanted was to love him as much as possible in the limited time given to me.

It was hard to pull myself away from him when the sun came up, but we had our job to do, a job that might be more difficult than all the rest of our family’s searches put together. As soon as I let myself think of what was coming, I was all tension; it felt like my nerves were being stretched on a rack, thinner and thinner.

“I wish there was a way to get the information we need from Elena before we tell them about everything,” Edward muttered as we hurriedly dressed in the huge closet that was more reminder of Alice than I wanted at the moment. “Just in case.”

“But she wouldn’t understand the question to answer it,” I agreed. “Do you think they’ll let us explain?”

“I don’t know.”

I couldn’t waste one second of time today. There were answers I needed and I wasn’t sure how much time Edward and I would have alone today. If all went well with Taras’s family, hopefully we would have company for an extended period.

“Edward, will you teach me how to fight?” I asked him, tensed for his reaction, as he held the door for me.

It was what I expected. He froze, and then his eyes swept over me with a deep significance, like he was looking at me for the first or last time.

“If it comes to a fight, there won’t be much any of us can do,” he hedged.

I kept my voice even. “Would you leave me unable to defend myself?”

He swallowed convulsively, and the door shuddered, hinges protesting, as his hand tightened. Then he nodded. “When you put it that way... I suppose we should get to work as soon as we can.”

I nodded, too, and we started toward the big house. We didn’t hurry.

I wondered what I could do that would have any hope of making a difference. I was unique, to be sure, and I was a tiny bit special, in my own way—if  having a supernaturally thick skull could really be considered special. Was there any use that I could put that toward?

“What would you say their biggest advantage is? Do they even have a weakness?”

Edward didn’t have to ask to know I meant the Volturi.

“Alec and Jane are their greatest offense,” he said emotionlessly, like we were talking of a basketball team. “Their defensive players rarely see any real action.”

“Because Jane can burn you where you stand—mentally at least. What does Alec do? Didn’t you once say he was even more dangerous than Jane?”

“Yes. In a way, he is the antidote to Jane. She makes you feel the worst pain imaginable. Alec, on the other hand, makes you feel nothing. Absolutely nothing. Sometimes, when the Volturi are feeling kind, they have Alec anesthetize someone before he is executed. If he has surrendered or pleased them in some other way.”

“Anesthetic? But how is that more dangerous than Jane?”

“Because he cuts off your senses altogether. No pain, but also no sight or sound or smell. Total sensory deprivation. You are utterly alone in the blackness. You don’t even feel it when they burn you.”

I shivered. Was this the best we could hope for? To not see or feel death when it came?

“That would make him only equally as dangerous as Jane,” Edward went on in the same detached voice, “in that they both can incapacitate you, make you into a helpless target. The difference between them is like the difference between Aro and me. Aro hears the mind of only one person at a time. Jane can only hurt the one object of her focus. I can hear everyone at the same time.”

I felt cold as I saw where he was going. “And Alec can incapacitate us all at the same time?” I whispered.

“Yes,” he said. “If he uses his gift against us, we will all stand blind and deaf until they get around to killing us—maybe they’ll simply burn us without bothering to tear us apart first. Oh, we could try to fight, but we’ll be more likely to hurt one another than we would be to hurt one of them.”

We walked in silence for a few seconds.

An idea was shaping itself in my head. Not very promising, but better than nothing.

“Do you think Alec is a very good fighter?” I asked. “Aside from what he can do, I mean. If he had to fight without his gift. I wonder if he’s ever even tried...”

Edward glanced at me sharply. “What are you thinking?”

I looked straight ahead. “Well, he probably can’t do that to me, can he? If what he does is like Aro and Jane and you. Maybe... if he’s never really had to defend himself... and I learned a few tricks—”

“He’s been with the Volturi for centuries,” Edward cut me off, his voice abruptly panicked. He was probably seeing the same image in his head that I was: the Cullens standing helpless, senseless pillars on the killing field—all but me. I’d be the only one who could fight. “Yes, you’re surely immune to his power, but you are still new in this life, Beau. I can’t make you that strong a fighter in a few weeks. I’m sure he’s had training.”

“Maybe, maybe not. It’s the one thing I can do that no one else can. Even if I can just distract him for a while—” Could I last long enough to give the others a chance?

“Please, Beau,” Edward said through his teeth. “Let’s not talk about this.”

“Be reasonable.”

“I will try to teach you what I can, but please don’t make me think about you sacrificing yourself as a diversion—” He choked and didn’t finish.

I nodded. I would keep my plans to myself, then. First Alec and then, if I was miraculously lucky enough to win, Jane. If I could only even things out—remove the Volturi’s overwhelming offensive advantage. Maybe then there was a chance... My mind raced ahead. What if I wasable to distract or even take them out? Honestly, why would either Jane or Alec ever have needed to learn battle skills? I couldn’t imagine petulant little Jane surrendering her advantage, even to learn.

If I was able to kill them, what a difference that would make.

“I have to learn everything. As much as you can possibly cram into my head in the next month,” I murmured.

He acted as if I hadn’t spoken.

Who next, then? I might as well have my plans in order so that, if I did live past attacking Alec, there would be no hesitation in my strike. I tried to think of another situation where my thick skull would give me an advantage. I didn’t know enough about what the others did. Obviously, fighters like the huge Felix were beyond me. I could only try to give Emmett his fair fight there. I didn’t know much about the rest of the Volturi guard, besides Demetri…

My face was perfectly smooth as I considered Demetri. Without a doubt, he would be a fighter. There was no other way he could have survived so long, always at the spear point of any attack. And he must always lead, because he was their tracker—the best tracker in the world, no doubt. If there had been one better, the Volturi would have traded up. Aro didn’t surround himself with second best.

If Demetri didn’t exist, then we could run. Whoever was left of us, in any case.

And... if Demetri didn’t exist, then Alice and Jasper could be safe forever. Is that what Alice had seen? That part of our family could continue? The two of them, at the very least.

Could I begrudge her that?

“Demetri...,” I said.

“Demetri is mine,” Edward said in a hard, tight voice. I looked at him quickly and saw that his expression had turned violent.

“Why?” I whispered.

He didn’t answer at first. We were to the river when he finally murmured, “For Alice. It’s the only thanks I can give her now for the last fifty years.”

So his thoughts were in line with mine.

I heard Jacob’s heavy paws thudding against the frozen ground. In seconds, he was pacing beside me, his dark eyes focused on mine.

I nodded to him once, then returned to my questions. There was so little time.

“Edward, why do you think Alice told us to ask Elena about the Volturi? Has she been in Italy recently or something? What could she know?”

“Elena knows everything when it comes to the Volturi. I forgot you didn’t know. She used to be one of them.”

Jacob growled beside me.

“What?” I demanded, in my head picturing the beautiful dark-haired woman at our wedding wrapped in a long, ashy cloak.

Edward’s face was softer now—he smiled a little. “Elena is a very gentle person. She wasn’t entirely happy with the Volturi, but she respected the law and its need to be upheld. She felt she was working toward the greater good. She doesn’t regret her time with them. But when she found Carmen, she found her place in this world. They are very similar people, both very compassionate for vampires.” He smiled again. “They met Taras and his family, and they never looked back. They are well suited to this lifestyle. If they’d never found Taras, I imagine they would have eventually discovered a way to live without human blood on their own.”

The pictures in my head were jarring. I couldn’t make them match up. A compassionate Volturi soldier?

Edward glanced at Jacob and answered a silent question. “No, she wasn’t one of their warriors, so to speak. She had a gift they found convenient.”

Jacob must have asked the obvious follow-up question.

“Elena has an instinctive feel for the gifts of others—the extra abilities that some vampires have,” Edward told him. “She could give Aro a general idea of what any given vampire was capable of just by being in proximity with him or her. This was helpful when the Volturi went into battle. Elena could warn them if someone in the opposing coven had a skill that might give them some trouble. That was rare; it takes quite a skill to even inconvenience the Volturi for a moment. More often, the warning would give Aro the chance to save someone who might be useful to him. Elena’s gift works even with humans, to an extent. She has to really concentrate with humans, though, because the latent ability is so nebulous. Aro would have her test the people who wanted to join, to see if they had any potential. Aro was sorry to see Elena go.”

“They let her go?” I asked. “Just like that?”

His smile was darker now, a little twisted. “The Volturi aren’t supposed to be the villains, the way they seem to you. They are the foundation of our peace and civilization. Each member of the guard chooses to serve them. It’s quite prestigious; they all are proud to be there, not forced to be there.”

I frowned, troubled by this.

“They’re only alleged to be heinous and evil by the criminals, Beau.”

“We’re not criminals.”

Jacob huffed in agreement.

“They don’t know that.”

“Do you really think we can make them stop and listen?”

Edward hesitated just the tiniest moment and then shrugged. “If we find enough friends to stand beside us. Maybe.”

If. I suddenly felt the urgency of what we had before us today. Edward and I both started to move faster, breaking into a run. Jacob caught up quickly.

“Taras shouldn’t be too much longer,” Edward said. “We need to be ready.”

How to be ready, though? We arranged and rearranged, thought and rethought. Have me in full view? Or hidden at first? Jacob in the room? Or outside? He’d told his pack to stay close but invisible. Should he do the same?

In the end, Jacob—in his human form again—and I waited around the corner from the front door in the dining room, sitting at the big polished table. Jacob sat a few chairs from me; he wanted space in case he had to phase quickly.

Though I was glad to have Jacob nearby, it made me feel useless. It reminded me that in a fight with mature vampires, I was no more than an easy target; I didn’t know how to protect myself.

I tried to remember Taras, Kate, Carmen, and Elena from the wedding. Their faces were murky in my ill-lit memories. I only knew they were beautiful, two blondes and two brunettes. I couldn’t remember if there was any kindness in their eyes.

Edward leaned motionlessly against the back-window wall, staring toward the front door. It didn’t look like he was seeing the room in front of him.

We listened to the cars zooming past out on the freeway, none of them slowing.

“I really made everything as difficult as I possibly could, didn’t I?” I murmured, mostly to myself.

“What do you mean, Beau?” Jacob asked, though he was looking towards the front room. Edward’s eyes locked on to me.

“If I had just let Edward and Carlisle change me as soon as I got sick…”

“Beau, love, you can’t know how that would have changed things.” Edward argued.

“But I’d be a full vampire, the Volturi wouldn’t be confused about what I was.” I countered.

“Maybe, but I wouldn’t have stuck around.” Jacob frowned. “I wouldn’t be here with you.”

“But you’d be safe!” I insisted. “They wouldn’t be coming after you or the rest of the pack.”

“Unless Sam changed his mind and attacked the Cullens for breaking the treaty—or if I had gone ballistic.” He frowned, watching me carefully.

“Jake, I can’t see how this is anything but my fault.”

“No,” Jacob and Edward said at the same time, but before they could argue further, we heard the sound we’d been waiting for: the slowing of an engine on the freeway, the tires moving from pavement to soft dirt.

Edward darted around the corner to stand waiting by the door. Jacob and I stared at each other across the table, desperation on our faces.

The car moved quickly through the woods, faster than Charlie or Sue drove. We heard it pull into the meadow and stop by the front porch. Four doors opened and closed. They didn’t speak as they approached the door. Edward opened it before they could knock.

“Edward!” a male voice enthused.

“Hello, Taras. Kate, Elena, Carmen.” Three murmured hellos.

“Carlisle said he needed to talk to us right away,” the first voice said, Taras. I could hear that they all were still outside. I imagined Edward in the doorway, blocking their entrance. “What’s the problem? Trouble with the werewolves?”

Jacob rolled his eyes.

“No,” Edward said. “Not precisely at least. Our truce with the werewolves is stronger than ever.”

A woman chuckled.

“Aren’t you going to invite us in?” Taras asked. And then he continued without waiting for an answer. “Where’s Carlisle?”

“Carlisle had to leave.”

There was a short silence.

“What’s going on, Edward?” Taras demanded.

“If you could give me the benefit of the doubt for just a few minutes,” he answered. “I have something difficult to explain, and I’ll need you to be open-minded until you understand.”

“Is Carlisle all right?” a female voice asked anxiously. Elena.

“None of us is all right, Elena,” Edward said, and then he patted something, maybe Elena’s shoulder. “But physically, Carlisle is fine.”

“Physically?” Taras asked sharply. “What do you mean?”

“I mean that my entire family is in very grave danger. But before I explain, I ask for your promise. Listen to everything I say before you react. I am begging you to hear me out.”

A longer silence greeted his request. Through the strained hush, Jacob and I stared wordlessly at each other. His russet lips paled.

“We’re listening,” Taras finally said. “We will hear it all before we judge.”

“Thank you, Taras,” Edward said fervently. “We wouldn’t involve you in this if we had any other choice.”

Edward moved. We heard four sets of footsteps walk through the doorway. Someone sniffed. “I knew those werewolves were involved,” Taras muttered.

“Yes, and they’re on our side. Again.”

The reminder silenced Taras.

“Where’s your Beau?” one of the other female voices asked. “How is he?”

“He’ll join us shortly. He’s well, thank you.” Edward hesitated, minutely. “He’s taken to immortality with amazing finesse.”

“Tell us about the danger, Edward,” Taras said quietly. “We’ll listen, and we’ll be on your side, where we belong.”

Edward took a deep breath. “I’d like you to witness for yourselves first. Listen—in the other room. What do you hear?”

It was quiet, and then there was movement.

“Just listen first, please,” Edward said.

“A werewolf, I assume. I can hear his heart,” Taras said.

“What else?” Edward asked.

There was a pause.

“What is that other beat?” Kate or Carmen asked. “It’s so slow…”

“Yes, and remember how distinct it is—how different. Now, what do you smell? Besides the werewolf.”

“Is there a human here?” Elena whispered.

“No,” Taras disagreed. “It’s not human… but… closer to human than the rest of the scents here. What is that, Edward? It’s… almost familiar. Like I’ve smelled it before.”

“You have, Taras. But what else can you discern from that scent?”

A pause.

“It’s more human than we are…” Taras said slowly, “but it isstill like us in some ways.”

“Now, please, Taras, pleaseremember to listen. Throw away your preconceived notions.”

“I promised you I would listen, Edward.”

“All right, then. Beau? Please come here.”

My legs felt strangely numb, but I knew that feeling was all in my head. I forced myself not to hold back, not to move sluggishly, as I got to my feet and walked the few short feet to the corner. The heat from Jacob’s body flamed close behind me as he shadowed my steps.

I took one step into the bigger room and then froze, unable to force myself farther forward. I took a deep breath.

I thought I’d prepared myself for their reaction. For accusations, for shouting, for the motionlessness of deep stress.

Taras staggered back a few steps as he looked me over, confusion overwhelming his expression. Kate narrowed her eyes. Elena moved slightly in front of Carmen, holding her arms out protectively.

“Congrats, you freaked out the vampires,” I heard Jacob tease under his breath.

Edward put his arm around me. “Now before you jump to conclusions—” he began.

“What’s going on here, Edward?” Taras exclaimed. “Are you trying to test the Volturi? Carlisle told us you needed to change him!”

“What’s… wrongwith him?” Kate’s narrowed eyes were focused like lasers on me.

“Edward this isn’t wise.” Elena sighed.

“Wait,” Edward said, his voice harder now. “Remember what you hear, what you smell. Now look at what you can see.”

“I see a human!” Taras snapped back.

“Taras,” Edward said sharply, “Listen to how slow his heartbeat is! Think about his scent! And look at him!”

“His heart…” Carmen whispered, peering around Elena’s shoulder.

“He’s not a full vampire, no,” Edward said, answering an unspoken thought and directing his attention toward Carmen’s more open expression. “But he’s half-vampire.”

The four vampires stared at him like he was speaking a language none of them knew.

“Hear me.” Edward’s voice shifted into a smooth velvet tone of persuasion. “Beau was very sick—he was dying. Carlisle didn’t not believe he would survive the transformation. When we finally did attempt to change him…” Edward paused, only for a briefest second, “Something happened. Beau awoke as you see him now. Half-vampire and half-human.”

Taras’s mouth was hanging open, he didn’t seem aware of it.

“Edward, I don’t understand.” Elena was shaking her head.

“You hear his heart, don’t you? It’s too slow for a human. His scent, it’s human and vampire.” Edward said as calmly as he could manage.

“I’ve never heard of such a thing,” Elena said. Her shoulders were still stiff, her expression cold.

“Come now, Elena. Open your mind.”

It was Carmen who responded to Edward’s words. She stepped around Elena, ignoring her half-articulated protest, and walked carefully to stand right in front of me. She examined me carefully, taking in every detail.

“Your eyes have always been beautiful,” she said in a low, calm voice, “but now they almost glow with an inner light, don’t they?” And then, as if she could not help herself, she smiled.

“Thank you,” I breathed.

They all glanced at each other at the sound of my voice.

“May I?” Carmen held out a hand toward my face.

I nodded once.

She gently placed a hand on my cheek, her head tilted slightly to the side. “You are warm, but… too cold for a human.” She leaned in closer and sniffed. “Your heart beats, but I smell no blood in you—not blood I would desire, at least.”

“What?” Taras demanded, coming closer. “How?”

Elena approached now. Reaching out her hand, “Please?” she glanced down at my own hand, her expression still cold.

I put my hand in hers, she felt my skin, examined my face. “Ah,” she nodded. “How very strange. But I see now. You are not human, not strictly speaking.”

“How did this happen?” Kate asked, coming closer now.

“When I was dying,” I answered, “I needed a blood transfusion.”

“We had few options,” Edward continued, “So we took a chance on a theory.” His eyes darted over to Jacob.

“You used the werewolf’s blood?” Taras’s voice was shocked.

“Hey.” Jacob grumbled.

“Jacob and his people possess advanced healing, we hoped that this would help Beau—and it did. It made him stronger. But the werewolves’ blood is not compatible with our venom. The end result…” Edward tightened his arm around me.

“A half-vampire.” Elena whispered.

“Will the Volturi accept this?” Taras asked Elena.

“He is no longer a mortal,” Elena replied. “If anything, he would be better adept at hiding the secret of the immortals than any of us.”

“They’d be confused.” Kate added. “But they’d understand, I’m sure.”

“So what is this grave danger you warned us of?” Taras asked. “Surely, you’re concerned about how they will react. The Volturi would be cautious but why—”

“The Volturi have been told that Beau is still human, and they’ve been informed of our friendship with the werewolves.” Edward answered, darkly.

The four vampires looked panicked now.

“The Volturi will not honor a truce with werewolves, Edward.” Elena’s voice was grave. “Believe me, I know.”

“We had intended to send Beau alone to meet with the Volturi. His thoughts are protected from Aro and so Beau could hide the wolves’ involvement.”

“But who would do this to you?” Taras was angry now. “Why?”

“When Ivan saw Beau that day in the mountains,” Edward explained. “Beau hadn’t hunted for several weeks. He appears more human when he doesn’t hunt, and he had Jacob with him.”

Kate hissed, her eyes narrowing to slits. “Ivan did this? To you? To Carlisle? Ivan?”

“No,” Taras whispered. “Someone else…”

“Alice saw him go to them,” Edward said. I wondered if the others noticed the way he winced just slightly when he spoke Alice’s name.

“How could he do this thing?” Elena asked of no one.

“Imagine if you had seen Beau, looking even more human than he does now. Imagine if you knew the Volturi demanded he be changed.” Edward said.

“When Ivan saw me, I was telling Jacob how happy I was that everything worked out—that I could stay in Forks, still be around my human family and friends.”

Taras and Kate’s eyes widened slightly as understanding began to dawn on them. The memory of their mother who refused to let go of her human life bringing pain into their expressions.

“Jacob changed into his wolf form when he sensed Ivan and Ivan didn’t wait for our explanation.” Edward continued.

Taras’s eyes tightened. “No matter what he thought—what he might have felt… You are our family.”

“There’s nothing we can do about Ivan’s choice now. It’s too late. Alice gave us a month.”

Both Taras’s and Elena’s heads cocked to one side. Kate’s brow furrowed.

“So long?” Elena asked.

“They are all coming. That must take some preparation.”

Elena gasped. “The entire guard?”

“Not just the guard,” Edward said, his jaw straining tight. “Aro, Caius, Marcus. Even the wives.”

Shock glazed over all their eyes.

“Impossible,” Elena said blankly.

“I would have said the same two days ago,” Edward said.

Elena scowled, and when she spoke it was nearly a growl. “But that doesn’t make any sense. Why would they put themselves and the wives in danger?”

“It doesn’t make sense from that angle. Alice said there was more to this than just punishment for what they think we’ve done. She thought you could help us.”

“More than punishment? But what else is there?” Elena started pacing, stalking toward the door and back again as if she were alone, her eyebrows furrowed as she stared at the floor.

“Where are the others, Edward? Carlisle and Alice and the rest?” Taras asked.

Edward’s hesitation was almost unnoticeable. He answered only part of her question. “Looking for friends who might help us.”

Taras leaned toward him, holding his hands out in front of him. “Edward, no matter how many friends you gather, we can’t help youwin. We can only die with you. You must know that. Of course, perhaps the four of us deserve that after what Ivan has done now, after how we’ve failed you in the past—for his sake that time as well.”

Edward shook his head quickly. “We’re not asking you to fight and die with us, Taras. You know Carlisle would never ask for that.”

“Then what, Edward?”

“We’re just looking for witnesses. If we can make them pause, just for a moment. If they would let us explain…” He touched my cheek. “Prove that Beau has been changed, or at least that we did our best to change him. Explain that the wolves present no immediate danger to them. Champion the Volturi to show us some mercy.”

Taras nodded slowly. “Do you think they will listen?”

“I don’t know. If Ivan had only given us a chance to explain before going to the Volturi we may have been able to avoid this entirely.”

“Beau still would have had to convince the Volturi his change was… satisfactory.” Kate raised an eyebrow.

“Beau,” Elena said quietly, still pacing, “is a rare creature. Aro would not risk destroying anything so unique without pause.”

“We can witness to the quality of our family.” Carmen finally said in a decided tone. “We can add our voices to yours. The Volturi are strict, but they are not without mercy.”

“Without mercy…” Elena repeated, still distant.

“Yes, we can witness for you,” Taras said. “Certainly that much. We will consider what more we might do.”

“Taras,” Edward protested, hearing more in his thoughts than there was in his words, “we don’t expect you to fight with us.”

“If the Volturi won’t pause to listen to our witness, if they will not show mercy, we cannot simply stand by,” Taras insisted. “Of course, I should only speak for myself.”

Kate snorted. “Do you really doubt me so much, brother?”

Taras smiled widely at her. “It is a suicide mission, after all.”

Kate flashed a grin back and then shrugged nonchalantly. “I’m in.”

“I, too, will do what I can do protect you all,” Carmen agreed. “Do not be so troubled, Beau.” She leaned forward and kissed my cheek.

“Thank you, all of you.” I said quietly.

For a moment I thought that maybe what we were attempting might be possible. Maybe we would be shown mercy by our enemies.

And then I remembered that Alice had left us, and my hope vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

[studytist]

Hey, everyone! I’ve been planning this post for a while since I’m an app addict and wanted to share mine with you guys! I divided things in two: the first part of each section is the overall info on the app and then my personal review of it. Without further ado, here are my favorite apps. Hope you enjoy it~

FORTUNE CITY (Free with in-app purchases) Expense Tracker Available for iOS/Android Fortune City is my absolute favorite expense tracker. It’s from the same developer as Plant Nanny! In the app you’re the mayor of your very own city, each expense you insert create a specific type of building depending on what kind it is (shopping, food, transport, medical etc.). You can level up buildings by merging them and also merge parks (that are built automatically from time to time). It has the option to track card expenses differently and also a balance. By upgrading (monthly $3,99 subscription) you also have a few more options such as setting a budget etc. Besides being extremely useful and fun to play, Fortune City is beautifully designed, bonus points!

VANTAGE (Free with in-app purchases) Calendar and to-do list Available for iOS Here’s something you need to know about me: in order for me to like and actually use an app, I need to like how it looks. I’ve been searching for a nice free calendar/to-do list app for the longest time, but either it was too simple or too crowded or simply not for me (a.k.a “ugly”). Or at least until I found Vantage. Vantage is gorgeously designed and brings a totally innovative way to look at your calendar. In it’s free version, you can add events and use your calendar in general, with the upgraded version (a one-time $9.99 purchase) you can use the to-do list section which is divided by notebooks (reminds me of Paper 53), add tags, change the background, use schedules and much more. What I love the most about Vantage is how its super customizable and minimalistic yet equipped with a variety of options that’ll surely support all tastes, besides all that, it’s very nice to see an app with a one-time purchase (totally worth the price btw) instead of monthly memberships (yikes).

ANY.DO (Free with in-app purchases) Calendar and to-do list Available for iOS/Android/Web Any do is a great, simpler option for calendar/to-do apps that also has a web version so you can keep track of your day anywhere! Any.do is very user-friendly and has a very minimalistic interface that focuses more on to-dos. There are many subscription plans with different options (not that worth it in my personal opinion). I used it for a long time and it suited me just fine, the option sync it with other calendars is also very useful. A great option for those who want an easy application to get them through the day.

YOUPER (Free) Mood tracker and anxiety reliever Available for iOS/Android I have anxiety and depression so tracking my mood is kind of a big deal for me. Youper changes the whole experience tho, instead of a simple chart with moods or anything like that, Youper is an AI that is designed to help you track your mood more efficiently and, in case you’re feeling down, it helps you relax with breathing techniques and other little activities. It also has an anxiety/depression tracker you take every 15 days to help you get an overall idea of your progress! It also has various articles and videos on different mental illnesses to help you understand them better! It’s definitely one of my favorite apps for mental illness and has helped me keep track of myself without making it seem like a burden. !!NOTE!! No mood tracker or app designed for the mentally ill replace the help of professional medical assistance. If you’re feeling unusually down or showing signs of any mental illness, please reach out for a psychologist and never medicate yourself before that. It’ll be okay.

WYSA (Free) Mood tracker and anxiety reliever Available for iOS/Android Wysa is very similar to Youper, but it’s a bit more talkative and friendly, it also has a variety of activities depending on your mood (anxious, sad etc.) that’ll help you get focused, relaxed, create to-do lists and etc. Wysa also has the option to contact a professional coach for $29.99, I have never tried it tho. It’s surely a great application full of cute gifs and a very relaxing interface. !!NOTE!! No mood tracker or app designed for the mentally ill replace the help of professional medical assistance. If you’re feeling unusually down or showing signs of any mental illness, please reach out for a psychologist and never medicate yourself before that. It’ll be okay.

COGNI (Free with in-app purchases) Mood tracker Available for iOS/Android Cogni was an app indicated by my personal psychologist and also my psychiatrist, both of them said the report chart used in this mood tracker is very similar to the one used, for example, to recognize bipolar disorders and you’re able to share your chart with your therapist. It’s very simple and easy to use. Personally not my favorite since it bugs in my phone and always log out and it’s not that aesthetically pleasing either, although it’s full of options such as thoughts and what situation triggered your mood. It has a free version and a few other subscription plans with some other options such as a full chart of all the moods and some sharing options for your therapist as well. !!NOTE!! No mood tracker or app designed for the mentally ill replace the help of professional medical assistance. If you’re feeling unusually down or showing signs of any mental illness, please reach out for a psychologist and never medicate yourself before that. It’ll be okay.

TAYASUI SKETCHES PRO ($5.99 with in-app purchases) Drawing Available for iOS/Android Tayasui is an app very similar to Paper by 53, but with more customizable tools and options. I personally like to use it for my comic journal. The textures from the brushes are very realistic and nice and the option to creates notebooks is very great. A simple yet complete app.

QUIP (Free) Documents Available for iOS/Android/Web Quip is my favorite writing and document storage app. You can create folders and many different types of documents. It has a very clean design and user-friendly interface as well as many business tools such as synching between different accounts and layouts to choose from that’ll surely be helpful. It also syncs automatically between mobile/web and has an in-built chat. Definitely recommend it.

TIDE (Free with in-app purchases) Focus & sleep Available for iOS/Android Tide is a Pomodoro app with many included ambiance sounds (rain, library, cafe etc.), it also has the option to track your sleep or quick naps. It’s very beautifully designed and easy to use. Its free version is pretty complete but you can also purchase subscriptions and more sounds. A cool bonus thing is that it also has a daily quote (and they’re usually very nice and inspiring).

MERRIAM WEBSTER (Free with in-app purchases) Dictionary Available for iOS/Android/Web I doubt anyone doesn’t know about Merriam Webster but I decided to include it anyways. Merriam Webster is one of the most complete English dictionaries out there and now it also has some games and quizzes. You can purchase the 1-year ads-free version for $1.99. 

PAPAGO (Free) Translator Available for iOS/Android/Web (extension) I’m crazy about learning languages and the last one I’ve been trying to learn is Korean and because of that, I was looking for a good translator. Google Translate kinda sucks, we all know it by now, Papago, on the other hand, seems to be one of the best Asian languages (and a few others) translators I’ve ever seen. It can translate up to 11 languages (English, French, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Thai, Traditional Chinese and Vietnamese) and it’s very user-friendly. Its speech recognition is also pretty good and it has a built-in phrasebook for Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese! There’s also a kids version for young learners out there. 

CLUE (Free with in-app purchases) Period tracker Available for iOS/Android Clue is, in my opinion, the best period tracker out there. I love that you can input other data besides the flow of your period, such as pain (cramps, headaches, tender breasts etc.) or your energy (energized, exhausted etc.) and many other things as well as create your own tags! It also gives you a prevision of when your next period is going to be and, for me at least, it’s pretty accurate. It also gives you plenty of info on the period overall and specific aspects. The free version is pretty complete but you can purchase some subscription plans if you want some more tools. 

MEDISAFE (Free with in-app purchases) Med reminder Available for iOS/Android Another thing you need to know about me: I forget absolutely everything all the time. Hence, if I have no one (or anything) reminding me of taking my meds, you bet I’ll forget about it. I went on the search for some med reminder apps and MediSafe was the best find in my opinion. It’s super complete and fairly easy to use, it also has many customization settings and you can even set a reminder to refill your meds! You can add reminders for medicine you need to take periodically or just meds in general, just input a dose whenever you take it. Depending on the medication, it also gives you some info (and sometimes even a video of a doctor) explaining a little bit of it. You can also add a friend or doctor so, in case you forget to take your meds, it sends them a notification. Its free version works wonders on its own, but you can also purchase subscription plans to change the design of your pillbox or even have Obama’s voice remind you to take your meds among other things! Amazing, right?

GOOGLE PHOTOS (Free) Photo/video storage Available for iOS/Android/Web If you’re anything like me and have trouble deleting your pics (a.k.a memes) because “I might need this sometime!”, Google Photos will be your holy grail. You can store an unlimited amount of photos and videos in the app and delete them from your phone. They’ll be safe and sound and you can see them again anytime you log in anywhere! Pretty neat right? It also organizes the photos based off who’s in it, date etc. You can also create a shared folder, send them to anyone and even search for specific places and dates. A must-have for any photo junkie out there.

So those were some of the apps I use the most! Hope you could find something useful in this list. Feel free to add other apps you use and think people should know about or your own reviews on these. Sharing is caring!

[paranoidsbible]

Home Security and You

Home Security and You Non-profit and free for redistribution Written on November 3rd | 2015 Published on November 4th | 2015 For entertainment and research purposes only

=============================================== DISCLAIMER: The Paranoid's Bible and its writers hold no responsibility for the acts of others. The Paranoid’s Bible is for research and entertainment purposes only. Please visit our blog for more PDFs and information: https://www.paranoidsbible.tumblr.com/ =============================================== Contents DISCLAIMER:    2 PREFACE    4 Home Security and You    5 Assess the situation    6 The Criminal Element    7 How a Mark is Chosen    8 Securing points of entry    10 Your Property, Your Rights    15 Your Home, Your Rules    17 Afterword    19 =============================================== PREFACE The who: People that have decided to combine their resources to create a repository of information. The what: Home security and loss prevention. The where: Your property. The why: To give people the knowledge to keep themselves and their property safe. =============================================== Home Security and You Home security isn’t just about locking your doors and advertising that you may have an alarm system. No. It’s far more than that, however locking your doors and advertising an alarm system is a good start. The thing is that criminal behavior isn’t exactly as you see it on TV or the movies, nor is it quite dead considering the lower and lower crime rates around the West, especially the US. Nowadays with neighborhood associations and the ever looming potential for a ‘Shit Hit The Fan’ (SHTF) scenario, you need to take not only the state and city laws into consideration but also the fascist-like behavior of a neighborhood association and strike a balance amongst privacy, security and aesthetic appeal. Aesthetics may be the latest societal contagion amongst millennials (due to the belief that looks somehow equates betterment or performance) but it does serve its purpose with making it look like you’re not worth robbing or murdering for some baubles and knick-knacks. The entire purpose of this testament is to help you not only secure your home and maintain privacy, but also strike a balance between overall curb appeal and home security. You may not think curb appeal matters, but if you ever need to sell your home or stay within your current abode for a prolonged period of time… it pays to have something nice looking to wait out the SHTF situation or simply having to live amongst those you dislike. =============================================== Assess the situation Before you can even begin to think about how to secure your home you’ll need to ask yourself a series of questions to better understand not only your needs but also what requirements your city, state, country and possibly even the home or neighbor association wants met. The Questions: • What is the demographic in my area? • Are the people lower, middle or higher income? • What permits must I get? • Am I allowed to defend myself and\or my property when threatened? • What are the gun laws in my area? • Are certain breeds of dogs prohibited? • Is there an association that controls certain aspects of the area I live in? • Do I know anyone who does drugs? • Do I know anyone that has ever committed a crime? • Do I know someone whose friends or relatives to someone who has done drugs or committed a crime? • Am I a friend or relative to someone who has done drugs or committed a crime? The reason we ask you to ask yourself these questions is due to the simple fact that not everything you can do would be considered legal or at least within reason. Some associations or laws will limit your use of force or how high one can build a fence or even if one can own a specific breed of dog or not. Some people, depending on the current situation with race relations and/or the political playing field, may not take too kindly to you fixing up and improving your home. Some may simply dislike the fact that you’re a new face in the area and distrust you. Certain areas and classes tend to be safer than others, while simply being in a suburb may put you on the list of houses to get robbed. Even having partaken in drugs, a crime, or knowing someone who has done so can increase your risk at being robbed, or worse. No matter what, you need to know your laws, know your rights, and know what specifically you can do to your property in order to protect yourself. =============================================== The Criminal Element Most of your ‘Professional’ criminals strike during the day and not at night. The criminal element that operates at night usually consist of amateurs, gangs, drug addicts, people looking for thrills, or minors—your true blue criminal who knows a thing or two will strike during the day, usually around 9AM when people are at work or school. Real professionals don’t want to hurt you, your family or your animals, and they’re usually more afraid of you then you are of them. These true criminals will spend weeks to months scouting out an area. They’ll operate in middle class to upper class areas. They’ll look the part of a sale representative or someone simply visiting. They look for clues and tells of whether you’re home or not, like for instance if your car is parked outside your garage and what type of car you drive. They’ll monitor Facebook feeds, use Google Maps (among others), tap into your phone lines or simply try to pick up the same frequency as your handheld phone, your child’s walkie-talkie or a baby monitor. They appear friendly, don’t look criminal, and even will talk to your kids and the people around your neighborhood. They can even be working for a legitimate business like construction, lawn care, or simply appear to be selling magazines or some sort of service. The entire point is they don’t look like a part of the criminal element and they know what to do, how to do it, and appear not to be doing anything out of the ordinary at all. They know you, your family and your schedule and can use today’s technology, besides social networking, to help themselves to your belongings. They want to be in, out and not draw attention to themselves. So that means you need to take the proper precautions, have your security in layers, and learn how to minimize your losses as you can’t fully prevent loss. =============================================== How a Mark is Chosen Some crimes and robberies may be random, yet that shouldn’t make you think it isn’t any less important to be quite prejudice with those you associate with. We’re not talking outright bigotry or racism, mind you, however we do mean learning that location not only matters but also how you, yourself act and how you care for your property. A lot of criminals, professional or not, look for several key factors before they mark a house to be hit. The below is only but a few of the items they possibly look for before choosing if a house is worth the risk or not. Some questions that they may ask themselves are below: Familiarity with the target(s) and their property: • Is it occupied? > If so, what is the number of occupants? > Do they have pets? • If not, are they moving in or out? > Is the house completely empty? > Is it being remodeled? > Are people there working or picking up belongings? • Have I ever been within the house? • Do I know these people? • Have I conversed with them before? • Do their pets know me? • Can I gain entry again through previous interactions? • Do they have weapons that can be used against me? • What are their personal attributes (sex, gender, sexuality, religious and political beliefs…etc) • Is the house vacant for extended periods • Is the house routinely empty during the day • Are the occupants new? • Are the occupants young or old? • Is it a house with college kids or not? How convenient is the location: • Is the house in a high crime area? • Are there already potential offenders nearby? • Is the house near a major thoroughfare? • Is the house near an artery street/road? • Is the house on the outskirt of the area? • Has the house been burglarized before? • Have other houses within the area been burglarized before? How good is the house’s Visibility: • Can I be seen from afar? • Can the neighbors see me? • Can I see the house from afar? • Can I see the house on Google maps? • If I survey the house, will people see and question me? Accessibility: • Are the house’s plans online? • How many windows and doors do they have? • Do they lock the garage? • Is the garage attached? • Are there decks or trees I can use to gain access? • Is there a basement? • Are the basement windows secured? • Do they have a security system? • What kind of cover exists around the house? • Is it secluded? • How good is the lighting around the house (A lot of people will avoid robbing a house with light on)? • Is the house on a corner lot? • Is the house designed with concealing architecture? • Is it next to the alley? • Is the house old? • Are entry points (windows and doors) showing sign of decay or disrepair? • Are the occupants careless about security procedure? • Does the house have any security devices that I can see? • Houses displaying signs of wealth (expensive items, decorations, boxes and packaging of high-end items) • Do they have a security system? Potential rewards: • Are they wealthy? • Do they live a comfortable lifestyle? • Do they have items I can gain without going too far into the house? • Do they have a safe? • Do they encrypt and password protect their electronics? • Would they use trackers on any of their property? • Is the risk worth it? • How quick can I sell off the loot? As you can see, just from guesswork alone, if someone were to rob a house and ask themselves these questions… they’d cut their risk, a lot, while increasing yours. It’ll be easier to break in and rob an elderly couple or someone new in the area than a young couple or some college house that has been in the area for awhile. It’d also be easier to take advantage of and possibly worse of a woman than a man. =============================================== Securing points of entry This chapter is dedicated to explaining what you can possibly do to your doors, windows and garage. These three areas are the most common and should be the only real possible points of entry to your home. Everything here should be taken into consideration before being applied to anything. Laws and neighborhood associations aside, having a fortress of freedom in the middle of suburbia may increase yours odd to be investigated or robbed than lessen them. Always think and assess before doing any of the suggestions below. Not all doors or windows will need the same level of security as the others, whereas some will need something much more drastic. Bars in the middle of a suburb will look out of place and give people a reason to question you and your motives. This doesn’t mean you can’t outfit some frames and pre-installed brackets and sockets, just in case. Be aware you’ll run into some suggestions for windows, doors or the garage already suggested on another list within this chapter. The door: The door will always be the main point of entry, if possible, for any criminal element. Especially if the door is out of sight or is the least visible point of entry. They would rather go through a door than try to force a window and draw possible attention to themselves or cause more noise than necessary. • The money is worth the initial investment • All tips should be applied to any and all doors on your property • ADT or some other security sticker on all doors and garage doors (ensure the company is real and does business in your area) • Ensuring all doors are locked when away or not in use • Never post or place NRA stickers on your doors (the stickers are magnets for gangs that are on the lookout for houses to steal guns from) • Never post or place political stickers on your doors (this, too, acts like a magnet for some troublesome people) • Place an emergency sticker on your doors that alerts emergency respondents that you’ve animals on the property (this also acts as a warning to would be thieves you’ve animals that’ll probably make noise) • Installing and using a deadbolt (either with a removable handle or a double cylinder) • If using a deadbolt look into installing a secondary deadbolt at head height or higher • Ensure the key is never left within the lock of deadbolt. • If you need to keep the deadbolt key or handle near the door, hang it above the door and out of reach or against a wall away from the door • Ensure the key can’t be grabbed by smashing through the door’s window • Invest in buying a ‘Lock Jaw’ (http://www.amazon.com/Lock-Jaw-Security-1001-Polished/dp/B000RZQAPM) for each and every deadbolt you own if you can’t remove the handle • When purchasing locks, look for bump-key protected locks • Always invest in buying a solid steel door and door frame • Don’t buy pre-hung • Always use piano hinges that go the length of the door, never use exterior hinges • When installing the door and/or door frame, ensure you use galvanized screws that are quite long and guaranteed not to bend or snap • Look into reinforcing the door jamb with steel plates (http://www.amazon.com/Safe-Homes-International-55724-Reinforcer/dp/B003P5KJJO) that run the length of the door, and, again, use galvanized screws that are long and guaranteed not to bend or snap • If you can’t reinforce the door jamb, at least reinforce the strike plate (http://www.amazon.com/MINTCRAFT-HSH-004BN-Security-Strike-Brushed/dp/B000UVR4BC/) • Look into installing individual alarms (http://www.amazon.com/Window-Door-Alarm-Kit-Pack/dp/B007RUGANC) on each door within your house and garage • Invest in buying a ‘Club’ (http://www.amazon.com/Door-Stopper-Resists-Force-Protect/dp/B00007E7LN) for each and every door within your house, including service doors and doors that enter an attached garage or similar building • Don’t buy and invest money in a door cane/bar (http://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-265DCCSEN-Dual-Function-Security/dp/B0002YUX8I/) (goes under the handle). Most are easily bent and pushed through, but if you want to buy one make sure it’s very solid and is paired with the above • To go the extra mile, you can get two brackets and install them on either side of the door (again, galvanized screws that are both long and guaranteed to not bend or snap). Then lay a heavy and thick piece of wood or metal pipe across said brackets. This creates another layer that should help prevent kicked in or forced open doors. This can be painted and decorated to look more natural and match the home’s décor; however it’s advised for doors out of sight or rarely used, like side doors. • Always ensure to lock and properly secure all sliding doors, try using a cable or lock (http://www.amazon.com/Window-Door-Restrictor-Cable-Multiple/dp/B00UYDY3XS/) • Security lights (motion activated) should be installed above each door that leads to the outside • A security camera should be installed, be it fake or real, above each door that leads outside • The trim around the door should be covered, be it with siding or another form of covering • Bells or some other noise-making object hung where the door will hit or placed on the door itself • Place a “Do Not Disturb” sign on door and/or a “No Solicitor” sign on all doors or next to it • Even if not religious, have a religious item, statue or picture in sight if someone looks through the doors or their windows (can scare or cause guilt in some) • Keep all keys, documents and valuables away from doors • You’ll always have one unsecured door when you leave the house and no one’s home. Ensure the door you leave from is one in plain sight of the street and neighbors • Ensure all other doors are secured properly before leaving The windows: If a potential thief can’t use any door on your property, their next point of entry will most likely be the window if they haven’t decided to give up. Some will give up as the window will most likely cause more noise than going through the door whereas some others have prepared for just this case. • The money is worth the initial investment • All tips should be applied to any and all windows on your property • ADT or some other security sticker on all windows (ensure the company is real and does business in your area) • Ensuring all windows are closed and  locked when away or not in use • Ensure the child protection safety latches are enabled • Never post or place NRA stickers on your windows (the stickers are magnets for gangs that are on the lookout for houses to steal guns from) • Never post or place political stickers on your windows (this, too, acts like a magnet for some troublesome people) • Place an emergency sticker on your windows that alerts emergency respondents that you’ve animals on the property (this also acts as a warning to would be thieves you’ve animals that’ll probably make noise) • Install security film (http://www.amazon.com/Security-Window-Film-Wide-Roll/dp/B004LDBPY2/) on all windows possible (look into tinted too) • Install or put up blackout curtains, especially ones that offer noise cancelation (prevents people from peeping in and/or listen in) • Look into a window bar or simply use a piece of PVC | WOOD | METAL | PIPE above all windows • Look into installing a window lock (http://www.amazon.com/Cardinal-Gates-Window-Warden-White/dp/B007PLZUUC/), if possible • Place bars on all basement windows • Look into installing individual alarms (http://www.amazon.com/Window-Door-Alarm-Kit-Pack/dp/B007RUGANC) on each window within your house and garage • Ensure all frames are thoroughly sealed and caulked, double check for possible flaws • Even if not religious, have a religious item, statue or picture in sight if someone looks through the windows (can scare or cause guilt in some) • Keep all keys, documents and valuables away from windows • Place ‘security hedges’ (thorny bushes) under windows or close to them, make sure they’re dense enough that someone can’t hide in them or by them • Basement windows should have a cap placed over them (those plastic domes) • If windows are older, replace them with double or triple pane • Windows that are never in use or pose a bigger threat, even with the above done, should be screwed shut (not nailed)   The garage: Doors and windows aren’t the only point of entries. Many people, especially in higher class neighborhoods, tend to leave their garages completely unsecured. No one really pays much mind to the garage until it’s broken into. This is why you should be pro-active and secure your garage to further minimize your loss, especially if you’ve a garage attached to your house. • The money is worth the initial investment • All tips should be applied to any and all garages on your property • ADT or some other security sticker on all windows and doors (ensure the company is real and does business in your area) • Get a solid garage door, not a thin aluminum one. A solid steel or wooden garage door can help deter would be thieves • Ensure your garage door doesn’t have windows, if it does, secure or board over them • Limit the access points into your garage, board up windows if you don’t want or need them. • Ensure you’ve installed individual alarms (http://www.amazon.com/Window-Door-Alarm-Kit-Pack/dp/B007RUGANC) on all doors and windows, like suggested above • Ensure all service entrances have deadbolts, secondary deadbolts and bump-key proof locks • Ensure you always keep your garage clean and organized, this helps you see if anything is stolen or has been moved • Always park your vehicles in your garage. A car left out can suggest you’ve more than one car or are hardly home enough to use your garage • Zip-tie the emergency garage door release. Thieves and intruders can use a variety of means to release it and open your garage • Always close your garage door, even if you’re in there. An open garage door allows people to enter and scout around, possibly even allow access to your house. • Always invest in buying a solid steel  service door and door frame • Don’t buy pre-hung • Always use piano hinges that go the length of the door, never use exterior hinges • When installing the door and\or door frame, ensure you use galvanized screws that are quite long and guaranteed not to bend or snap • Look into reinforcing the door jamb (http://www.amazon.com/Safe-Homes-International-55724-Reinforcer/dp/B003P5KJJO) with steel plates that run the length of the door, and, again, use galvanized screws that are long and guaranteed not to bend or snap • If you can’t reinforce the door jamb, at least reinforce the strike plate (http://www.amazon.com/MINTCRAFT-HSH-004BN-Security-Strike-Brushed/dp/B000UVR4BC/) • Always ensure the service door leading to the house can be locked only from the house and not the garage • Ensure all windows are closed and locked when away or not in use • Ensure the child protection safety latches are enabled • Install security film (http://www.amazon.com/Security-Window-Film-Wide-Roll/dp/B004LDBPY2/) on all windows possible (look into tinted too) • Install or put up blackout curtains, especially ones that offer noise cancelation • Look into a window bar or simply use a piece of PVC | WOOD | METAL | PIPE above all windows • Look into installing a window lock (http://www.amazon.com/Cardinal-Gates-Window-Warden-White/dp/B007PLZUUC/), if possible • Invest in locked cabinets, lockers and toolboxes to keep thieves out of your tools and belongings. This also prevents you from supplying them the tools to break in • Ensure all explosives, flammables and similar items are put away, locked and out of site. These items can be used to gain entrance in your home • Look into investing into a good bike lock or two, non-combination. Use these to secure tools and larger items to your walls or to weights of sorts to prevent theft or use against you • Ensure you’ve installed private drive, private property…etc signs around your garage • Security lights and cameras (real or fake) can also help deter would be thieves and intruders • Check your garage door’s tracks. If they allow it, you can secure your garage door further by placing a lock-bar or a simple steel coat hanger through the tracks to prevent the door from being forced Before we continue into the next chapter, we’d like to remind you that the above is simply a series of suggestions. Your needs may be quite different, and doing all the above would be pointless if you only need to do one to two of the options only. Always assess your security and privacy needs before starting any of the projects or suggestions above. Remember to also go the cost effective route and not the cheapest or most expensive – you don’t usually need titanium screws that are a foot long to secure your hardware. =============================================== Your Property, Your Rights We’re granted a lot of rights as to do what we wish with our property, but due to some laws and varying home or neighborhood associations (that could give Soviet Russia or Nazi Germany a run for their money) there exist some limitations. This is why we stated in a previous chapter on asking yourself several questions ad also investigating your local and state laws. It’s quite crucial you do this as legally as possible without voiding anything and bringing hell down upon your head. This will result in less security and privacy if you do so, which also will increase possible danger to you and yours. You also must realize that if all other possible points of entry are secured and locked tight, they’ll look for other possible points by gaining even more access to your property through your backyard or the side of your house to look and test for possible weaknesses. This is why you also need to doubly check your laws and such, for if you want to prevent them from stealing some prized plants (meth heads steal the strangest things) or decorations and ornaments... you must be on guard even with the law. Now, similar to OPSec, you’ll want to compartmentalize your property with the proper fencing. Everyone loves a wide, open yard until raccoons or neighbors begin inviting themselves to your expensive Jacuzzi. And, if you do build a fence, remember to always go to the legally allowed maximum height. You want to go with the legal material, too. Some places aren’t too keen on h iron fences topped with razor-wire and broken glasses. To make it simpler for you, we’re going to list the things you need to know about building a fence. Things to know for safety and legal purposes: • When picking the material, and if it’s wood, let it dry a day or two before construction • Let the wood dry, especially after construction, before applying any finished or varnishes on • Always buy your posts a little longer, as you always want to set and sink said posts quite deep to prevent sagging, movement and easily lifted posts • Ensure the hinges are sized correctly, no matter what • Ensure you “Step” the fence up or down, changing elevation, when dealing with slants and hills • Spaces and gaps from “stepping” can be covered with chicken wire or a lattice • The “nice side” faces toward the outside of your property (toward the neighbors) and not you • Always check your codes, some places will want your posts sunk deeper than two feet • Always have someone professionally check for lines and such before digging Things to do for privacy and security • Always build your fence the maximum, legal height and width • Check for clauses and codes that may prevent or allow you to put up a lattice on your fence (deters would be thieves, also can break and generate even more noise. Possibly leave DNA behind) • Always ensure the fence has at least two good locks • If legal in your area, and the fence is high enough, look into “anti-vandal” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-climb_paint) paint • If not violating anything, ensure to have visible signs that range from “no solicitors” to “Private property” and even those advertising the use of “Anti-climb paint” and that you have “Cameras in use” • If you own a dog, don’t use an “Attack dog” or “Guard dog” on property sign. Use a “Dog on property” sign to avoid potential lawsuits (two advertise a violent dog while the other simply states you own a dog) • Install bells or chimes on the fence and ensure it makes noise if jiggled or being opened • Ensure to have lights around or on top of your fence to help illuminate the area Your fence is all but one part of securing your property. You also need to ensure your yard is seen as clean. You can’t leave toys, belongings and miscellaneous items lying around. These will not only entice people to investigate your property, but also advertises what you may own or have on your property. You also need to keep your yard in shape, which isn’t to say you need a perfectly manicured lawn. Just keep it mowed, the hedges trimmed and weeds pull make people see that someone is there and keeping up on the property. Not much can be done outside of common sense; however you need to ensure you don’t advertise your political beliefs and party to the whole neighborhood and world. People are notoriously fickle individuals who’ll vandalize and steal property (http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/inside-politics/2012/oct/9/romney-signs-defaced-excrement-virginia/) belonging to another simply because they don’t vote the same way or believe in the same things. And, on the upside, you also lessen hazards presented on your property or items that can be used to break into your house. Talking about hazards, people are quite curious; ensure you keep your yard smelling crisp and clean. If you have pets or kids, just keeping up on the lawn and putting your property away won’t matter much if something smells out of places. Hose down your sidewalks and pickup after Fluffy ASAP! It takes one concerned, elderly neighbor to have SWAT descend upon your house like flies toward Fluffy’s processed dinner. Take the 10 minutes and cleanup after your pets and kids. Better to be safe than sorry. And, to handle things more humanely, also looking into planting attractive plants and flowers on your property instead of putting up enticing ornaments and such than attract people like birds to a shine object. And, besides, decorating your property isn’t too bad of a thing. Shingled patios and pea-stone pebbled drives or walks generate noise and can spook would-be thieves due to the added noise. Also, a reminder: Always keep your part of the alley clean, too. It takes one pet carcass or some spilt red paint for the police to question you about the state of your garbage cans. It doesn’t hurt to bleach them out twice a month to prevent mold, mildew, bugs and whatever else might cause someone to question your garbage and recycling receptacles. =============================================== Your Home, Your Rules Not many people think that outside of doing the above that they’ve anything really left to do, however these people are wrong and probably will end up with their property broken into and items stolen. You’ve a bit more to do before you can feel as if your home is properly secured, and this chapter’s the fun on in our opinion. You see, as we stated, a criminal isn’t going strike during the night, but during the day when most people are at work. And, like we’ve stated before, the ones coming at night are amateurs, gang members and druggies (Meth heads will cause havoc). Those coming in at night will wreck your property; possibly even drive a car through your wall to get inside. These people aren’t going to hit a high end neighborhood with a few security guards or an active populace, though, and rarely will attempt it in desperation unless they have family or friends within the area—like vampires, they usually have to be invited into the area beforehand (possibly by a drug deal?). Your professional criminal or at least semi-intelligent one will strike when you’re at work. They’ll have spent several days learning your schedule and the schedules of your family, among other people in your area. They’ll look for weaknesses and easily overpowered individuals (remember the questions). They want to get in, out, and do so quietly. This is why the previous chapters recommended so much and basically suggested bells and chimes on your doors. You could also even use a motion detector in and around your property; however once they’re inside or feel confident enough it won’t matter. This is where it’s time to be a diabolical little devil. If you can afford it, do get an alarm system besides doing the above. They do work, although they shouldn’t be relied upon due to the fact that some companies do have criminals amongst their ranks. There’s also the fact that no alarm is foolproof. A cat or small dog could destroy censors, or bugs can cover them up or even get inside the sensors or cameras and wreck them. So, yes, get an alarm but never rely on them. And, just as an FYI, always sleep with your alarm set. You want them to go off instantly once the door or window has been opened, breached or broken. The noise will spook most would-be thieves into evacuating the scene instead of being taken in by the police. You also want to get not one but two dogs as most people think they can take on a big, mean looking dog. A good pairing is getting a small dog, as they’re usually prone to bark, and one nice sized big dog that look as if they could tear a person’s face. The reasoning behind the two dogs is quite simple: Companionship for you and each other, but also because one won’t likely shut up while the other begins to cave a would-be thief’s butt in while trying to flee the scene. Now, if you want to ruin someone’s night or day and really cause some undue stress and take a few years off someone’s life—get child safety locks. We’re not joking here. Seriously get yourself some child safety locks on everything you can. From Velcro “Safety bands” on your fridge to cabinet and drawer locks. Each and every possible container and appliance that may contain something of value or something a person could take should be locked by a child safety device, even the toilet. People, when breaking in, no matter how many times as we state it, want to get in and out. They want to basically get in and out. Noise, lights and visibility scare them away, so imagine what happens if they get in and can’t even open up a drawer without the trademark “KLLLLLCCHHHH” sound from Velcro or having to struggle with applying just the right amount of pressure to open up a drawer. Go the full nine yards and even do this to the garage, too, along with every outlet on your property having a child protection cap. You might as well put a protective case around your thermostat, too. Imagine the surprise when a thief has to traverse these potential time wasters alongside worrying about noise and lights. You also want not one but several safes and cabinets that lock. The reasoning behind this is that it causes one of those “too many choices” moments, yet also causes another time waster. They can’t just smash a safe as that, too, causes noise and picking the lock is going take awhile. Guns, jewelry, small and portable electronics, documents and what have you should always have a place and be within that place before you leave. A good, solid filing cabinet with locks is another good idea. Keeping your house clean is also very important as this hinders would-be thieves and any potential tools they can use to break into things. This also makes it look like that you either just stepped out or have a maid service to clean your property. Some people will leave simply due to the fact that you could be home any second and just possibly stepped out for a smoke or some more cleaners. This is also why it’s important to keep your house and not just your property smelling nice. If someone smells something off or as stale, they might see that you’ve been gone for awhile or get curious enough as to call the authorities on you for an off smell. Another good point is keeping something on, when away, to simulate conversation or noise like a radio or a TV. Some of your newer TVs do allow people to set timers to turn the TV on when a specific show is on or time is met. Getting a clapper for lamps is also a good way to help keep people off guard when they’re unsure someone’s home or not. You also want to buy timers for your radio, as when the TV goes off, having your radio go on simulates that someone may be in the house. Basically, we’re simply stating that nothing is 100% safe and will prevent thieves and criminals from breaking into your home, hence the constant layering of protection and safety. You need to ensure your house’s and property’s entry points aren’t only secured, visible and monitored by a camera and lit up whenever someone comes near, you also want the same with your fence. You also need to ensure your home and your belongings are secured and safe and locked up nicely; too, to ensure people just can’t smash into your house and run out with its goodies. And, before we close this chapter, we’d just like to remind people that they need to ensure expensive items that can’t be stored in a safe, like a TV or stereo, are properly secured to a wall or their stand--a pain for you, but doubly so for others wanting your stuff. =============================================== Afterword As mentioned in the above, it’s really just layering and being on guard. You can lock everything up and ensure you’ve the proper insurance (home owners…etc), however if someone wants it they’ll try to get into your house and property and take it. You need to be aware of everything around you and realize the biggest threat to your stuff is you. Remember OPSec and compartmentalization for your family and home: • Don’t advertise your guns or belongings • Always lock everything up and turn off what isn’t needed • Keep a light on and something that makes noise • Set your washer or dryer to turn on a few minutes after you leave (to simulate activity) • Never leave your house without say “goodbye” to someone (simulates activity and occupancy) • Befriend trustworthy neighbors (they’ll keep an eye on you and your property) • Never announce when leaving or going on vacation (especially not on social media) • Replace your mailbox with a locking one • Asking to have the post office hold your mail while away • Having friends or family (that you trust) to watch your home and property while you’re gone (or at least to stop by, walk around and check things once a day) • Always keep your property and house clean and smelling nice • Keep your property and home organized • Put your belongings away • Lockup and store things away when not in use • Always password protect everything you can • Etch your name, phone number and address into electronics and attach labels inside of items that may get taken • Take pictures and catalogue everything of  value and worth, even if sentimental, and keep a physical album with up-to-date descriptions and serial numbers in your safe or a safety deposit box • Be aware of who you're friends with • Remove your house and property from online maps (Check the Paranoid’s Bible PDF for more information) • Anchor TVs, monitors, and other similar items to furniture or floors • Don't flaunt expensive things, valuables...etc • Don't gloat about items of value or rarity • Don't advertise your recent purchases (always destroy, break down...etc packaging and throw a bit at a time) • Always use a cell to call police, thieves can and have tapped landlines or gotten access to your phone before or during break-ins • Don't throw away receipts or important documents (shred or burn) • Tell kids never to open doors and/or talk to strangers • Invest in bike locks, cable locks and other similar items to secure tools and work benches (even if locked before) to cement or other similar weights • Remind kids to never tell if you're not there or asleep • Don't leave drills, ladders...etc laying around (helps break into your house) • If ordering a taxi, get it on the corner of your block • If being dropped off by a taxi, get dropped off at the corner or a nearby shop/business • Keep your vehicles empty and in the garage • Don’t advertise political parties or beliefs on your car • Don’t use “Family stickers” as these can be used to gather info on you • Just don’t place anything on your car outside of permits and security items • Keep drapes closed, but if opened keep expensive items out of sight • Wasp/bear or mace will ruin a person's night if sprayed in the face • Make copies of all your important documents, including copies of all your credit cards (store in safe or safety deposit box) • And remember: You can do everything correctly and to the letter of the law, yet people will still try to find fault with your actions. Again, as we stated numerous times: You can’t prevent all break-ins, only lessen your loss. We hope this helps you and your family stay safe and keep your home and property safe.

[kawaiifunhologram-blog]

How much money do you have to make an hour to be able to support yourself.?

"How much money do you have to make an hour to be able to support yourself.?

It's a simple question, don't make it a complacated one.

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at Healthcare.gov they will be doing quotes on October 1 so is the Government selling there own version of Insurance

Opinions on insurance plans please?

I would appreciate any opinions on health insurance. Blue Cross /Blue shield as compared to an HMO plan for example. The positive and negative of each. Thanks!!!

How much money do you have to make an hour to be able to support yourself.?

It's a simple question, don't make it a complacated one.

Is an Acura TSX or an Acura TL good for a teenager?

my dad is looking for cars to get me and i was looking online and i found a 2007 tsx and a tl.. i like how they look.. the brand new ones, to me, are really ugly and plus the brand new ones are more expensive... im pretty sure my parents are okay with the prices of these but i was just wondering what u thought.. and im 16 by the way""

Cheapest car insurance?

Cheapest car insurance?

International health insurance question. ????

I'm planning on moving to Finland this March-October and have been looking online for health insurance while I am away from the US. Can anyone recommend some companies which offer good coverage, but is also affordable?""

How auto insurance works in california?

i backed up into a car today and there is no damage to my car but a dent in the others hood, and i said lets call the police and they said lets just exchange information, i said no i'd rather have them come...they said they called when i was getting something in my car and said the police said they would take a while so we decided to exchange info...i got her license but they said they didnt have the insurance info with them....but in the mean time i gave them my info...now i have a feeling that maybe they didnt have insurance and there is no police report so what can happen now?""

""If you're arrested at 17, does your car insurance go up?""

If you're arrested at 17, does your car insurance go up?""

2008 Toyota Camry Insurance?

I much am I looking to pay for insurance on a 2008 Toyota Camry. I am 18 years old with a clean driving history.

How much would Car insurance cost per month for a new teen driver driving a sport car?

I might get a Honda Prelude or a Honda Civic and a prelude is more sportish than a civic. But how much would it cost for car insurance per month for either cars ?

How can i get cheaper car insurance?

How can i get cheaper car insurance?

Buying insurance to drive someone elses car?

My dad says if I want to drive his car, I need to pay for my own insurance on it incase I get into a car accident. How much would you think it would cost per month with the cheapest and best insurance company? - state farm and ect.""

Are you going to purchase health insurance as required by law ?

Now that the public option is off the table ? http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091209/ap_on_bi_ge/us_health_care_overhaul Where's the guarantee that it will become affordable ?

What would be YOUR solution to affordable health care in America?

I work and most of my salary goes to insurance, so what would be an affordable alternative? I don't think it should be given to us by the government, but I think there should be some controls on the cost, so more people could afford it.""

Car accident and no licence or insurance?

So i got into a car accident this morning on the way to school, and the lady driving the other car was pulling out of her drive way and i hit her while she was pulled out on to the road, reason being she lived on a corner kinda tucked away and as i turned i didnt see her and i hit her car.. the police took both our statements and lets us both go even thou i dont have insurance or a license What will my fine and punishments be?""

Modified car insurance?

2000 mustang gt. Added cold air intake, exhaust kit, engine headers, aftermarket gps and backup cam, and aftermarket rims. Would an insurance company cover these?""

Effect of credit score on car insurance.?

What effect does bad credit have on your car insurance price, if any?""

Should I really get insurance for my car?

I am thinking about getting a cheaper and older car just for going to and from work. Should I really get insurance for it?

Do I have to pay 30 in advance on my car insurance?

I live in Florida and my car insurance says I have to pay 30 days in advance. Is this true? Does anyone know the statute?

I need help car insurance?

Im looking to buy a 2010 fusion se right now through Lee auto. For me to do it myself I'd have to pay almost 400 dollars a month for insurance and 360 for The car. Is there any way I can lower my insurance? This is rediculius all I have is 2 speeding tickets and that's it on my driving record. I have no loans no payments or nothing.

I'm getting my licence next week and I was wondering how much insurance cost for teens.?

I'm getting my licence next week and I was wondering how much insurance cost for teens.?

Dental insurance? I need to get 3 wisdom teeth taken out but i cant afford it.?

whats the best and most affordable dental insurance that would cover this in so cal?

Which is best health insurance?

I was wondering whats the best insurance for me im 18 live with my parents dropped out dont go to college plan to get my ged soon. But i have to get some blood work done for my doc out of state and the place i called said its 832$ i can pay for it but im thinking i should jus get insurance since im going to go on TRT soon prehaps.. so what Health insurance can cover my blood work and hopefully everything in future also im not a citizen but i am a green card holder does it make a difference? thanks i didnt reread this so sorry for any errors

Car insurances?

18yrs old just been quoted 1,300 for a 1100cc car K reg.Offered 300.00 plus 1.000.00 returnable deposit if he dont have any accidents, broker did not want to know but said on top of all that he has got to pay the first 350.00 if involved in a accident. How dear is that?ps past tests.""

Can I get cheaper insurance while my vehicle is in storage?

I'm going to be out of the country for a while, and am putting my car in an auto storage place. But since I'm keeping it registered and leaving the plates on it, I have to maintain insurance. Do any insurance companies offer cheaper insurance or a special type of insurance that I can put on there, since I wont be driving the vehicle? This is because I'm deploying to Iraq, btw.""

Second Owner of a Car = Insurance? (FL)?

This is for the state of Florida. Yes, I could have looked it up, but there are too many answers to get a straight one. Scenario: Say a parent owns a car. They pay insurance. There's an 18-year-old who still has their permit but wants to get a license. They should become a second owner of their parent's car. However, there's word going around that there would be a second insurance? 1) How will the second insurance work? 2) Do you LEGALLY HAVE to have insurance? I'm not sure what else to ask, but, if someone could shed some light on how this has to be done, just let me know. Thanks.""

What is the cheapest Auto insurance I can get?

I'm 23, just got my license, i have a Honda civic 2002. Thanks!""

Getting Car Inspected Late - will insurance go up?

If you let your car inspection sticker in Massachusetts expire before and then you go to get the car inspected late, will the Massachusetts RMV find out that you let it lapse and then hit you with points on your license and/or increased car insurance rates? Would if your car doesn't pass inspection, will that raise your car insurance also?""

How much money do you have to make an hour to be able to support yourself.?

It's a simple question, don't make it a complacated one.

I'm under 18 do i need insurance after i get my license?

I live in FL But i don't have a car. am i insured under my parents or do they need to pay for me when i get it.

""Any opinions on AUTO INSURANCE in Providence, RI? cheap prices?

cheap prices

How hard is it for police to verify that you REALLY do have car insurance?

With all the different companies that offer insurance, how would a police officer know if if the insurance card is a fake or not or if the policy number is real during a traffic stop?""

What insurances do I need as a home-owner?

And any advices on insurance providers? Good service and price?

How much is insurance for under ground pools?

How much is insurance for under ground pools?

Insurance coverage question?

I was involved in a three car accident, the car that started it came in to main street and got hit by one car, consequently he lost control of his car went across the next lane and hit me. His insurance already told me they are taking liability and will pay both drivers' damages, but he said that California minimum liability is only $5000, so they are planning to divide the $5000 to cover both drivers. However the damage in my car and the other guy's car exceeds $5000. I thought the limit if indeed is $5000 it should be $5000 for each driver and not for both. What do you think? Maybe they're just giving my the short end of the stick or twisting things for their convenience. Anybody knows for sure how it should work?""

Why do i pay more car insurance than my cars worth?

it just seems pointless to me having a car that cost me about 500 and paying nearly 3x the cost in insurance. (3rd party fire and theft - 3 years no claims (Citroen Saxo 1.6vts))

Which car insurance companies do not use credit history to determine their rates?

Most insurance companies use credit information to determine the rate they give you. Therefore having bad credit can cause you to pay a higher premium. Which companies do not use credit information to determine your rate?

""Would Obama's plan mean free (or affordable) comprehensive health insurance for everyone, no matter what?""

Is this what we can hope for? Affordable or even free health care for all Americans, rich and poor?""

Mass insurance?

why is it that in massachustts that if you have a deductable of $500 on your car insurance policy and put in a claim for $900 dollars you are charged a surcharge of $360 for 6 years why do we have insurance and pay a high premium to start with. they should pay the claim for the $400 difference without a surcharge. i have 3 cars insured and it seems that i pay for the insurance but have no benefit from it.

How can I lower my insurance rate?

I got a speeding ticket back in july of '04. My insurace went up recently. I am past the traffic school time. I live in CA. Is there anything I can do to lower my rate increase

Can anyone recommend me high school football insurance?

Last year I signed up for insurance called Myers-Stevens, and they covered me only $500 out of $15000 for out-patient surgical equipment fees for my ACL Reconstruction. What the f*** man, do they use arthroscope once and throw it away or something? however, they are the worst school insurance you could get. Can someone recommend me a good High School Tackle Football Insurance Program that actually covers the accidents and injuries? So I have no fear of playing football in fear of getting injured and its high-cost medical bills I have to pay? I live in Southern-California, Los Angeles""

Do you feel sorry for insurance companies?

Insurance companies that helped develop Obamacare?

How will my insurance handle a guy that hit someones head in my car?

a guy hit someones head into my car and says he wants to go through insurance to pay for it. I had nothing to do with it, I just happened to be there, but theres a good sized dent. Is this going to make my rates go up? i took it to get an estimate and was around $450""

""GPS worth $600 got stolen, should I report to insurance company?""

My GPS worth $600 got stolen from my car 2 days ago, as it was parked in front of my house. Should I report the insurance company and if I do will my insurance rate be affected? My GPS carried also the name of the insurance company, I purchased it from them.""

""If you are a teenager with your own car, how much do you pay for car insurance???????""

i was just wondering because i want to get a car eventualy and i know that it will be very high......... also for example if your 16 and you get a car from 1991, how much would you think you would play a month for insurance?""

Quad insurance abd bike insurance ?

Jw if I get a 125 or 250 quad if the insurance will be similar to a bike or car same with tax Cheers

How much would it cost for insurance for a 2004 Yamaha Blaster?

im considering buying a quad im wondering how much it would cost.

""What is the cheapest car insurance in los angeles, ca?""

What is the cheapest car insurance in los angeles, ca?""

When you buy a new car ... does it come with insurance?

someone told me that after you buy a new car .. the dealership gives you insurance for a month until you get your own. is that true or do I have to get insurance before I buy the car?

How much would insurance be on a 99;-00' mustang gt for a 17 year old?

I'm buying my first car and i'm determined to get a mustang...i'm truly working my butt off to buy it. and i was just wondering how much insurance would be on it. the car would be added to my parents policy under one of there name's, but i would be driving it. so i was just wondering how much a month i'd be looking at paying. Additional details: -eagle scout -A B student - no wrecks, tickets, anything thanks for the help!""

How can I get heath insurance?

Im 21 college student and just got layed off I havent had health insurance for like 3 years and I need to go to a doctor like a gyno anywayz im going to the social services office to see if I can get like a low cost health insurance from the state or something I live in ct... but if they don't help me how much health insurance is a month? I can't afford more then 50 dollars a month I just got layeoff and I don't like getting help from the state but I really need to see a doctor

Insurance for moving to USA?

Myself and my partner are moving to the USA. We will need travel insurance and some health cover, and although we will both have health insurance with our new jobs, we will need cover for the first month and I am looking to see if I can find a travel insurance policy that provide the cover. Trouble is, the standard travel insurance I have seen so far assume that we will still live in the UK and that we just want cover for a months 'holiday'. One way travel insurance seems to stop 24 hours after we land in the USA Does anyone know of a one way travel insurance that will cover us for the journey and the first months stay""

Where is the best online insurance in california without broker and billing fees?

i was wondering where i could find auto insurance online that i dont have to pay broker fees and billing fees in california, my insurance was $197.00 , but ended up paying $298.00 with the billing fees""

""NYC Car insurance for 18 year old dude, please help.?""

Ok so heres the deal, I am 18, a guy, living in nyc and looking to buy my first car. Now my parents dont drive so Im on my own for insurance. Now Ive been shopping around to every large company and even small, and the lowest I could get a monthly payment down to was around $371 a month. That is the state minimum coverage with no collision coverage. Its gonna be used whatever I get so I dont need the collision. Now the help I need is if anyone knows any possible way to get anything cheaper, I can deal with something like $200-$250 a month. If anyone has a success story or knows any agents or brokers personally and could help, Id love to know. Now dont tell me I should go on a family member or something, thats not an option. Ive done all the research and been doing quotes 24/7. Now Im a student just trying to get to school and work safely and efficiently. I have a clean license nothing on it. Please and thank you for any help.""

How much money do you have to make an hour to be able to support yourself.?

It's a simple question, don't make it a complacated one.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/insurance-company-does-want-pay-my-car-damages-what-should-green/"