#and Ran was born with an extra toe that needed to be removed

[kuroko99]

Its after dark sooo... feet headcanons for your fave characters? Who has oddly-shaped toes? Who has distinct calluses? Who wears socks to bed (for sleep and Other Activities)?

obsessed with feet only coming out after dark

[thescarletwitchsapprentice]

A Pure Soul: Nearly Taken (Yandere!Wanda Maximoff x ADD!autistic!reader)

*Not my GIF.

Summary: The day (y/n) comes back to the compound after being told all those nasty things takes a toll on their mental health and self-esteem. Unfortunately it gets to a point that Wanda hoped it would NEVER reach.

Request?: Still none.

Word Count: 3,456

Warnings: Ableism, eugenics mention, r-word slur, attempted suicide, attempted overdose, hurt and comfort.

Notes: This is a sort of “in-between scene” from “A Pure Soul.” The rate of suicide is 3 times higher in autistic people because of the world’s lack of understanding and willingness to accommodate us. Plus being told the world would be better off without you, along with people looking for ways to make sure we’re not born....that’s gonna take a toll. So it makes sense for these feelings to emerge.

=============================================

You know that the world isn’t very kind to the disabled.

You know that the world wishes people like you wouldn’t exist.

But that doesn’t make what happened hurt any less.

You were out shopping when you ran into your best friend from high school. Except....this friend wasn’t the same as you knew them. No, instead they showed you their true colors.

“Oh hey, (y/n),” they said.

Tone has never been your specialty.

“Hey!” you exclaimed happily as you were looking through the books at your local bookstore. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen you! How are you?”

“Better. How’s the treatment coming along?”

This confused you.

“Treatment?”

They nodded.

“For that disease you call autism.”

This struck a chord, and it struck HARD. How could they say something like that?!

“D-disease?!”

They smirked.

“I mean, it just makes us humans lives harder to be around your kind.”

What?!

“What the hell’s gotten into you?!” you exclaimed. “I thought you were my best friend!”

“Oh?”

They pretended to wrack their brain.

“Oh! Yeah, I was such a great actor in that part. I should get an Oscar. Here’s the tea; I lost a bet and had to be your best friend for those four hellish years. I can’t believe they wanted me to suffer that much.”

Your heart began to crack. It was all....an act?

“You took my high school years away from me, made me miserable. I could’ve won prom royalty, but no one voted for me because I associated myself with your species. I’m glad you’re out of my life now. You’re nothing but a burden and the world would be so much better off without you. Why not do us that favor?”

Your heart shattered. You were so plagued with shock that you didn’t notice them push you to the ground and spit on you before walking away with a satisfied chuckle. For the next few minutes, you couldn’t say or do anything. You were just frozen to the spot, their words bouncing around your head.

Finally you were able to feel both the physical and emotional pain. Pursing your lips, you got up, kept your head down, and quickly left the bookstore, trying not to let the tears fall.

===============================================

In the elevator, heading up to your floor, you can barely form a new thought. All you can think of is that hurtful interaction. 

Burden, your kind, your species, disease....

It all hurt. 

And the worst part is that you can’t help but think that they’re right.

But your thoughts are jolted by the elevator bell. As usual you find the Avengers hanging out in the lounge. Nat and Clint are chatting with Wanda. Tony and Peter are working on homework. You can barely see what the others are doing. 

Almost instantly, Wanda’s eye falls on you. She has a smile on her face, but it falls when she sees you, as she instantly knows that something is wrong. 

“(Y/N)!” she whispers worried.

She rushes over and gives you a gentle hug, but you practically squeeze the life out of her. The other Avengers also come to your aid. 

“What happened?” Wanda asks you.

You gulp as she and Nat lead you to the couch.

“I....” you begin as you sit down. “I was out shopping....and I ran into my best friend from high school....”

You tell them the entire interaction. Shocked looks are nearly all around by the end.

“That’s seriously messed up,” Nat says in a mix of disgust and anger.

The others nod in agreement, except for Wanda. Instead she begins to tear up. 

“My sweet angel,” she weeps softly as she hugs you closer and pets your head. “Oh, my sweet, sweet angel. None of what they said is true, not one bit of it. You’re an absolute joy to have around and you’re one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met. You bring so much to the Avengers and to our lives. Autism is not a disease. It’s a part of who you are, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

“Wanda’s right,” Peter nods. “You’re wonderful, (y/n). You’re one of the best friends I could ever ask for.”

“And you bring a lot of new perspectives,” Nat adds. “You came into our lives when we needed you the most, especially Wanda.”

They all take turns giving you words of comfort and encouragement as well as letting you cry. Wanda stays the closest to you, to no one’s surprise, hugging you tightly. Her embrace is exactly what you need right now; so warm and loving. 

Tony, though not the most emotional person, does feel sympathetic and even angered at the person who said that to you; even though you’re on the opposite side of the Accords, he decides to get your favorite food for dinner. It’s not the greatest gesture of sympathy, but it’s definitely something. After that, you take a nice, warm shower and get into some fresh, soft pajamas. Wanda’s waiting for you in your bedroom, and surprises you with some soft socks that match your pajamas.

“I removed the fabric tags too,” she tells you.

Your heart melts a bit more for her. How someone as kind, attentive, and loving as her could ever be considered a terrible person is beyond you. You let her put them on your feet and they feel amazing. You wriggle your toes in them, smiling. 

“You like them?” she asks you.

“I love them,” you giggle before turning to Wanda. “And I love you.”

She smiles and gives you a kiss on the forehead.

“I love you too, my angel.”

The two of you spend the rest of the night together, cuddling up close with one another, watching sitcoms, singing quietly. You doze off in her arms.....

But that doesn’t mean it’s over.....

==============================================

You’re not someone who easily forgets how things make you feel, and what that person said still makes you feel like shit. Now whenever you go out, you’re worried that you’re going to run into them. You keep your guard up and walk as quickly as you can. Every outing feels like a fight for survival, but you try to stay strong so that you don’t bother the others. You try to keep a smile on your face. You need to be strong.....

.....But even the strong reach their limits.

It’s a little after you found out they became catatonic. You’re at a coffee shop, nearly empty, when someone else walks in. It’s a friend of that person. You keep your head low as they place their order; four cups of black coffee, extra hot. Your anxiety is increasing, but you don’t want this person to think you’re weak. You keep your back to them, hearing the door open again. 

The other person is called for their order. Maybe you can finally get out of here.

The next thing you know, you feel something steaming hot being poured down the back of your shirt, on your head, thrown in your face, (which you luckily cover most of with your arms) and splattered on your arms and legs. Standing up, you cry out in pain as you whirl around to see 4 people from high school, among them the friend of your former best friend.

“It’s your fault my best friend can’t function, you retard!” the friend snaps as they push you around roughly.

“No one wants you on this planet,” spits another.

“You’re nothing but a parasite!”

“You just weigh people down!”

“You’re an embarrassment to society!”

“Why don’t you just end this?”

“It’ll be better that way!”

“Your birth was a mistake!”

By this time, you’re hardly a thread’s width away from a meltdown and you look at the cashier for help, but nothing. You try to take out your phone to call for help, but you end up slipping on the coffee, falling to the ground hard and in an odd position, hearing a crack. Pain surges through your body as you look at your arms; burn marks are beginning to form.

After they kick at you for a bit and spit on you, they leave. You look up at the cashier. 

“Why....didn’t you help?” you whimper with a whistle in your voice.

No answer. 

They don’t help you up either. Crawling to the door, you use a nearby booth to bring yourself back up to your feet. Suddenly you feel an intense surge of pain in your left leg, and not just from the burns. You look to see that it’s swollen and turning reddish-purple. You reach into your coat and get out your phone only to discover that it’s dead. Wanda’s going to be worried sick....you hate making her worry, and she’s been worried sick these last few weeks to the point where it’s taking a toll on her; so on the way back, you decide to take one worry out of her life for good.

======================

It’s dark when you get back to the compound. And lucky for you, the elevator is closed for repairs. You limp up the stairs, finally reaching the compound. As quiet as a dust mite, you open the door, biting down on your lips to keep yourself from crying out in pain; unfortunately, your lips took some burn damage as well. Limping to the bathroom, you shut and lock the door. You search the medicine cabinet and find some pills.

“This should do the trick,” you whisper.

You try to quietly position yourself on the floor so that you won’t hit your head. You want to be able to pass as peacefully as possible. But something gives in your left leg and you fall, letting out a loud cry of agony. Realizing your mistake, you quickly fiddle with the lid of the bottle as you hear footsteps rush in. You finally get the lid open and begin to pour out the whole bottle into your hand, hoping to get it in in time--

Click!

The lock turns scarlet, clicks, and the door swings opens. 

“(Y/N)!”

A terrified Wanda immediately snatches the pills and bottle from you with her powers. She makes them disappear before heading to your side, tears already flowing from her eyes.

“My sweet angel.....” she squeaks as she kneels in front of you gently taking ahold of your hands. “I didn’t realize you were feeling this terrible. I’m so sorry things have reached this point.”

You look away guiltily. 

“No, I’m sorry....it’s my fault. I never said....anything. You....you’ve been so stressed these past few weeks....all of you. I didn’t want to make it worse on you, so....I just kept quiet.”

Wanda shakes her head.

“You have nothing to apologize for, (y/n). It can be scary, but there’s no shame in reaching out. We all need help sometimes.”

Other footsteps rush in.

“What happened?” Nat asks. “Did (y/n)---?”

“Almost,” Wanda gulps. “We need to get them to the emergency room.”

“I’m fine,” you lie.

“Are you fine?” Wanda asks.

You realize that it’s pointless to lie, and you shake your head.

“No, I’m not....”

“Then we need to take you to the emergency room.....”

That’s when she sees the burns and leg.

“Especially to treat these.....what happened?”

As they carry you to the car, you tell them about the run-in at the coffee shop, them pouring the hot coffee on you, how they were telling you all of these things, how the cashier did nothing to help, how you heard that crack. Both of them are disgusted and horrified at those monsters.

“I don’t care what they say,” Nat tells you as they get you inside. “I’m glad that you’re here.”

“I am too,” Wanda agrees as she gets in the front seat. “We’re here for you.”

“But.....my autism.....”

Wanda gently takes ahold of your fingers, careful to avoid the burns.

“My angel.....I can only imagine how isolating it feels to be in a world that’s not made for you, but your autism is part of who you are. It’s what makes you unique. If the world refuses to accommodate for people like you on their own, we’ll help them to see that they need to, and we’ll help advocate with you.”

Nat nods as she starts the car up and the three of you head for the ER.

“I....I feel selfish worrying you like this and even attempting....I just thought....you’ve been so stressed and I thought it’d be better to take one worry out of your life.”

“You have nothing to feel selfish about,” Wanda assures you. “What you did wasn’t selfish. You’re in pain, and wanting to do something to stop that pain isn’t selfish. But there are better ways to deal with the pain, and I want to help you with those. (Y/N), I can say with 100% certainty that I’m glad to have you in my life, through the good and the bad.”

Tears flow down your face as the three of you silently drive to the ER.

=============================================

It takes several hours for you to be treated, along with a few more hours of consultation for your mental health. Some of the burns are treated through surgery, so you have to stay for a little over a week to make sure you recover and stabilize. Your leg is put in a cast, and Wanda comes to visit you everyday. You feel much better with her and Nat.

A psychologist comes in to discuss a safety plan with you. You decided to ask Wanda if she’d come and discuss it with them. She said yes and Nat also decided to help. You all work out what works in terms of coping mechanisms, people you can talk to, calming techniques, etc,. The psychologist also recommends regular counseling. Wanda asks if there are any remote options for counseling, as it’s going to be difficult for you to get there with your leg, (Also, she’s a little worried that the therapist might try to take you away from her, but she does show concern for your leg) and to her relief, there is. 

You’re discharged after about a week, but you’re not to be left alone for a few days to another week or two, just to be sure. Well, it’s more of Wanda’s recommendation than psychologist’s orders, but the psychologist also thinks that that could be a good idea. You’re not really complaining; it’s more time to spend with Wanda. And she’s certainly not complaining either.

For that time, especially, she makes sure you know that you’re loved, wanted, valued. She practically dotes on you; as if she hadn’t been doting on you before, she’s especially pampering you now. The other Avengers also get the 411, and decide to help. If you need pain or sleep medications, one of them brings the proper dose to you. They take turns spending time with you and getting to know you more. If they need to go out on a mission, Wanda volunteers to stay with you, but if she’s absolutely needed there, she entrusts your care to Vision, a robot who’s exceptionally caring. You and Wanda regularly discuss possibly adding him to the relationship, but you’re not sure if she’s being serious or not. 

On one night, Wanda’s caring for you. After applying the prescribed cream on your burns, she helps you find an oversized t-shirt to wear as PJs. 

“This one’s softer than the others,” you note.

“I went looking for a shirt with a softer material than normal,” she tells you as she prepares a small dose of melatonin for you, one that you’ve been taking to combat the nightmares of those events in the hospital. “I know how much it tends to make you feel discomforted if there is one. I also made sure it was a tagless shirt.”

You smile and sigh.

“I don’t know what I did to deserve an angel like you, Wanda,” you tell her.

Hearing this she smiles and blushes.

“If anyone’s the angel, it’s you,” she says as she gives you the melatonin. “You’ve been there for me even when I’m at my absolute worst.”

“So have you.”

You take the melatonin before Wanda brings you your toothbrush and toothpaste. You brush thoroughly before spitting it into a cup that Wanda disposes of. 

“You know, I could go to the bathroom and do this myself,” you tell her kindly.

“I know,” she sighs. “I’m just worried, my angel.”

“What if I wash my face tonight with the door open?” you suggest.

Wanda gives this a little thought and nods. 

“I can work with that.”

Using your crutches, you walk to the bathroom where you sit on a stool in front of the sink. You wash and dry your face before heading to the bed with Wanda helping you get tucked in.

“You’re seriously an angel,” you tell her. “I don’t think I’ve ever met someone outside of my family that’s been as concerned about my well-being as you.”

“And you’re too sweet,” she smiles again as she finishes getting ready for bed herself. “If anyone’s the undeserving, I don’t deserve you.”

“No, it’s the other way around,” you say.

“No, I’m certain I’m right.”

You giggle.

“Wanda, if we try to prove one right over the other, we’ll be going at this all night.”

She smiles as she goes over to the other side of the bed. 

“Well, I know you’re an angel,” she tells you as she gets under the covers. “You came to me in a dark time, and you shone a beam of sunlight through the shadow.”

The two of you look at each other as the fairy lights hang above you. Of course you’re looking at the bridge of her nose, but you can’t help but glance up at her eyes a few times; one time they catch you, and they are stunning. They’re like emeralds to you; vivid, entrancing, mystical. Just a single glance, and you know there’s so much to know about, so much to discover, and you become lost in them. 

“I’m so proud of you, (y/n).”

Wanda’s gentle voice echoes against your eardrums and dances around your mind, soothing you into drifting even more. But then she boops you on the nose, making it twitch like a bunny’s and snapping you out of your trance.

“Huh?” you ask, looking lost.

Wanda giggles.

“You are too cute,” she tells you. “I was saying that I’m so proud of you for pushing through all of this. It’s not the easiest thing to do, and.....well.....I’m glad you’re still alive, my sweet little sunbeam.”

You blush upon hearing this and turn away, but Wanda gently redirects your face forward.

“There’s no need to hide, my angel. I want to see your lovely face.”

At that moment, you begin to feel drowsy and bring yourself closer to her.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank you enough, Wanda,” you sigh.

She brings you in closer and you melt into her embrace.

“Being with you, and you being safe and happy and alive.....that’s the only thank you I need.”

Leaning in, she kisses you gently on your forehead and you shyly return one on her cheek. 

“Goodnight, my angel,” she tells you as she brushes a strand of hair out of your way.

“Wait,” you say as she turns to switch the lights off. “Will....will you sing me those lullabies again? Please?”

“Of course,” she smiles. 

Turning the lights off, she returns to embrace you and softly sings the Sokovian lullabies her parents used to sing to her. As you drift off to sleep, you don’t know what’s going on in her mind. What’s going on with her mind? Her master plan, of course. Tonight’s the night she will finish what she started. Those monsters at the coffee shop messed with the wrong person. For the past few nights, she’s been paying them visits, doing the same things she did with your former best friend, and sending subconscious suggestions for them to gather in one place, thinking they’d be safer together. And now they have.

Tonight she’s going to make sure their minds are gone for good, but not before making them feel the pain and agony she imagines you felt. Her anger with them is in full throttle, so it’s going to be even worse for them. Telekinesis, fear projection, hypnosis, inducing extreme fear, she’ll do whatever she has to. Wanda will not leave until they’re nothing more than hollow husks, shadows of their former selves. With how they’d been acting on those nights, and how much Wanda has done so far, it won’t take too long. 

Because no one-and she means no one-gets away with hurting her precious angel.......ever.

[charlettebffxiv]

Prompt #17 Destruct

“So, what happens when you can’t keep one?” Maxim stood with his hands on the handle of his rake, the pile of leaves they had been collecting having grown almost as tall as him. Autumn was arriving, and with it the leaves had started to tumble. Willow’s Heart, like most Gridanian-esque villages, was lined with trees all throughout the winding roads and flanking forest. Which meant, plenty of mulch to be found for the Greenhouse, and other projects, and lots and lots of leaves, seeds and nuts to trip, slip and fall into. Charlette had just finished raking a fine mess of them up to the second mountain they had built so far, looking up at Maxim as she wrestled it along. “What? You mean an aberration? Depends on what kind, really. They come in different forms. Enchanted items, crystals, magitek devices, aberrant creatures, ‘afflicted’ or ‘affected’ people.” One of Maxim’s white-blond eyebrows lifted, you could barely see it was there against his pale skin. “What’s the difference between ‘afflicted’ and ‘affected?” turning her rake over, and using it to scoop up the leaves, Charlette dumped them atop the pile, watching plenty scatter back down anyway. “It is simple, really. One is always a victim, the other’s condition was intentional.” Maxim walked around their autumn monument, cleaning up the edges, every leaf swept into it. Neat, orderly, Charlette approved of his technique. “So, like, if someone experimented on me and gave me, say, webbed feet and fingers against my will? That’s afflicted?” Charlette nodded “And if you intentionally experimented with forbidden magics to give yourself webbed fingers and toes, you would be affected. Not the words I would have chosen, but I didn’t write the manuals.”

“Alright, well then, what happens with all of those, if you can’t keep it? Say it’s just too dangerous, like it explodes if you sneeze too close to it.” Bobocufu’s Apprentice Botanist Dylan had pulled his chocobo cart round to their side, and the both of them were hauling their collection into the back of it as they spoke. Pitch forks swung back and forth, their rhythm quite in-sync. Their words were a little wheezy from the effort. “Well, enhanced items can sometimes be destroyed on sight. That is a common one when the item is too big, or too dangerous to transport. They teach a few useful techniques for it, depending on your team composition and specialty. Guardians, like me, learn how to neutralize aether in small areas, but with time and chance, we can completely neutralize an object. Revert it back to being just a bowl or knife or whatever it is. Same with crystals.'' Their work was finished quickly, Charlette and Maxim waving to Dylan as he nudged the chocobo into action and took away a twelvemoon’s supply of mulch. “And if you don’t have a Guardian? What then?” Charlette was not sure if she should be telling Maxim this, then again he is a Willow’s Heart native. Born and bred here. His family must know nearly everything by now, might as well help him along. “If you are an Arcanist of the Order, you may know a similar technique as Guardians, but more concentrated. Usually disposal falls to the Arcanists, so they are the most prepared for it. If this fails though, there is always option number two: destroy it.” Now Maxim was focused, the man having a somewhat worrying delight towards explosives and anything else capable of creating fire. “Arcanists can manage magic strong enough to melt metal, turn entire houses into ashes, burn trees to the ground, freeze constructs and shatter them to pieces. There is a wealth of options for them. If you are a trained Agent of the Order, you generally will know how to make some explosives. A large bomb is an effective ‘neutralizing’ method as well.” Maxim nodded, like he was agreeing with Charlette. She supposed this was a subject that at least he could be about as correct as she would. “What about creatures and people?” It was here that Charlette went quiet, just packing away their tools into their own cart. Hauling herself up into the driver’s seat, Maxim sitting next to her and taking the reins and getting the bo moving. Seems he was patient this sun. The cart trundled down the road, leaves shivering about in the back. Maxim finally turned to Charlette, nudging her with his elbow “Well? That’s long enough. Give up the gory details, do you have giant mouse traps for oversized, aberrant rodents?” That thought was a little horrifying “No, though that would be funny, and horrible. Can you imagine the clean-up for such a thing? Ugh.” She gave a short shiver. Maxim having evoked some all too similar memories of missions passed “With creatures it can sometimes be much the same, though if you use any kind of neutralizing techniques that involve stopping or removing their aether, they generally die. And it is not a pleasant thing to witness or inflict on anything living. It is slow, and they panic, slowly get more and more tired and weaker, they stop trying to run after a little while. Then they just lay down, and die.” Maxim’s brows had furrowed, and his mouth was in a comically deep frown, creasing his cheeks and chin. “That’s grim Charlette, you’ve ruined my good mood.” She rolled her eyes. “Well, then you should not have asked. I find I prefer a bomb, or pyrotechnics that do not waste time and get it over with immediately, but it is not always an option. Aberrations can be incredibly resistant, by design or by adaptation. Sometimes taking the aether is the only way you can harm them. The hardest part is simply that it is not their fault. Never, not when it is a beastkin, or vilekin, or any kin that is not, well us.” Her driving companion needed a little moment to think that through. The differences between their experiences showing a little in his moment of thought. His life in the village and surrounding forest was not devoid of violence, but certainly lacked in the kind Charlette had seen, and had to be a part of. Cruel pragmatism in the face of Conservationist Optimism. It was a strange pairing. “I suppose I can get it. Nature is cruel like that too, sometimes. There’s usually a sense to it though, a reason but without a selfish designer, you know? No insane Arcanist, or deranged Thaumaturge behind it all. No corrupt Conjurer or tempered Mage. Just The Shroud, the forest, keeping itself as it is.” Charlette’s shoulder bumped into his, but not from the sway of the cart. “You sound morose Maxim. Let’s talk about something else.” He looked at her and shook his head “Nah, I’m fine. Just one more thing to go anyway, what happens with the people?” She was hoping to avoid this one. Their arrival at the Greenhouse gave her a precious moment of distraction as they prepared to unload. Leaves hauled into the compost, Chocobo released from the cart and walked back to the stables and their tools set in the shed. Both of them pulled off their overalls and scrubbed the dirt from their arms and faces at the water trough. “People are the hardest part.” Maxim was tying back his long, now slightly damp hair into the tail he usually wore it in, Charlette’s words catching him with a little surprise “What? Oh, yeah. I mean, I thought they would be. Stuff is just stuff, and I guess we’ve all seen animals getting the short end of the stick at some point. What makes it so hard?” Charlette knelt over the trough, running her arm under the tap as water poured out, scrubbing from wrist to shoulder. “That it is never obvious what you need to do. If they are too dangerous to allow to be free, but can be contained, they are. Usually by local authorities if they are capable of doing so, or by us if it is an extreme case. No, I’m not telling you where or how.” That was an actual secret, and she also didn’t think he was ready to know about the stasis process. Few people are, she wasn't when she learned how to do it. “But if they are too dangerous to be contained, or allowed free again, and if they do not self-destruct in the encounter. Well, we kill them. In much the same way as the creatures.” Maxim was moving a little slower now, his thoughts taking precedence on his focus “That’s rather harsh, don’t you think? Afflicted and affected alike?” Charlette nodded, finally more or less clean, and pulled her shirt over her head. “There’s generally no choice when it comes down to that, they often force our hand, whether they meant to or not. It just needs to be done, despite it being a desperately unfortunate situation, it needs to happen. So we do it.” She turned around, her top needing a few laces tied at the back, which Maxim attends to easily. He’s quite nimble with his long fingers. “I’m sorry you have to.” “I am not. It’s a good purpose to have.” “So is Botany, you know. Making life, and you still get to end some if that’s all you’re after.” Once finished he pats her on the shoulder, both of them looking a sight better than before. She does need to wipe a soil stain from Maxim’s nose though, which she does so with spit and a hard rub of her thumb, to his annoyance. “I know. It is partly why I am not rushing them about the hearing. I have… rather enjoyed helping things live, instead of destroying them, for a change.” He was still wiping at his nose with a sleeve, making it look extra red against his pallor. “Yeah, well, you’re welcome to hang around as long as you want. I’m gonna miss you when you’re back to murdering for the good of us all.” “Please don’t call it that.” “Sorry. Fixing things? Sounds a bit better. Like you’re an engineer.” he winked, Charlette gave him what he wanted and rolled her eyes again, with a big sigh, then started walking back home. Maxim ran to catch-up with her. She liked that though, being a ‘fixer’. She had never thought of it that way, and you know what? It helped, with that sadness that hangs around it all.

[poison--ivory]

Get Back Up Chapter 2

Warning: Injuries 

Fast moving blurs of greenery past by the window, leaving Anthony to be at peace nearly this whole train ride. He's only been on here for a day and so far it's been fine, but now he had another six hours, which felt even longer than the whole day trip. He knew he should have brought something to entertain himself, he did grab his phone before leaving, but he wanted to save his battery life and he was pretty sure Val could track his calls. Well, before he removed the implanted tracking chip every stripper had installed when hired. He had his gal pal help remove the chip, which she did with no questions asked. To be honest he was still terrified that Valentino could find him even without the tracker. He couldn't back down now, he needed to stay strong. That's why you ran away in the first place and why you borrowed some cash from ya gal pal. You made it this far, no backing down.

  Snapped out of his stupor, a sharp yell caught his ears. Piercing his eardrums, startling him for a second before finding the source of the ear damage causer.

       A mother across from him was tending to a baby who seemed to be having a screeching match with them self was the source that interrupted his train of thought. He didn't mind considering he heard worse when he was in his family's business. The scream of final breath is terrifying compared to this lullaby of wails. Tears stream down her reddened cheeks, tiny fist balled up and her legs kicked out. Anthony chalked it up to her being hungry or needing a diaper change, but he already saw her leaving the bathroom to change her, and still more cries and whimpers came forth. He really didn't mind the screaming, but that did not mean others didn't loath the noise. He witness two men and a teen girl try to argue with the mom, not making the situation any better with all the goddamn yelling. Fuckers even wanted to get her kicked off the train at the next station.

       Right before he even could stand up to defend her, a middle aged man sitting in front of him stood up. He had sleek black hair with strands of grey and he sported an aftershave. The bags underneath his eyes proved he needed sleep and bad, mainly those bloodshot eyes needed rest. With a gruff voice grunted out a response, "Can you people shut the hell up, your making this trip effing longer with all your babbling. Crying more louder than the actual baby." The two men had a glaring match with the guy before returning to their seats. The girl still wanted to argue, but was snatched by her embarrassed friend sitting next to her. The man sat back down with a huff complaining under his breath that he needed a drink and smoke. This guy sounds like fun and I will emit, he's a little handsome. Although it is tempting to flirt with that sweet piece of ass, he still needs to stay on the down low. Just in case any of Val's friends were anywhere near him.

      Everything settled down soon enough, everyone minding their own business now and our quiet journey to Louisiana back on track.

         Anthony decided that sleeping was the best time consumer, chiefly with his sore body that was taking its sweet time healing. He felt like vomiting, and the motion of the train didn't really help with the nausea. Paired with the flame that rose in his chest felt unbearable. Groaning he gazed out the window into the orange and blue sky. The purple mixing in beautifully complementing the blue tone and splashing in with the orange, so nicely. This was enough to keep his mind away from the pain spreading throughout his body.

    With his mind at ease, he fell in the darkness of his subconscious thought.

_____________________

       Jostled awake by the sudden force of the train skidding to a stop, startled him enough that his heart was still rushing with adrenaline. People were already single filing out the doors, with the exception of the mother and that black hair man. He's helping the lady out with her bags, while she carried her baby carrier. Before he knew it he was the only one in the car booth, rushing to gather his suitcase and tripping on the way out he managed to make it safely outside without any trouble. Well besides the bruises and the fractured pinkie he noticed when getting out that cab a day ago. He set it right and splintered it without any difficulty. His chest felt like it's on fire and his leg flared up again when he moved it. C'mon now , Toni you made it this far. You can bear through the pain a little bit more. (y/n) will take care of ya, you just need to bear the pain. You got this. He mustered up the strength to carry on and passed the passengers.

    The trip to her house is fucking far, and to add on to that she does live in bum fuck nowhere. A loud rumble came from the dark sky and he felt a prickle on his face. Fucking rain. I could hail a taxi, still have a thousand left I grabbed from the apartment. Full on buckets of water hit the ground, covering his body under a minute.

        limping off the platform and into traffic of bodies of people hustling into different shops and corner stores. Lights illuminated the night like lightning bugs. The smell of seafood and the scent of breads made his mouth water.

      The city bustling with energy that kind of made Anthony feel contempt with his life in a long time. The cars cruising down the street reminded him some southerners still had old cars fashioned back in the 1940's. Not all, but he saw the occasional cruiser and nearly yelled when he saw a yellow cab and by that he yelled out loud. Shocked when the cab did see him, but didn't question and shot himself in the taxi.

"Take me to this address, will ya?" He handed the scrap paper to the guy, who nodded and placed the address in.

    A string of coughing fits caused his throat to get scratchy and sore. Cursing to himself that he better not have caught a cold. Clutching his sides to ease some pain he felt by compressing his waist. The cabbie asked if he was alright, and he answered he's just dandy.

      It didn't take long to navigate through traffic and into more urban areas. While the cab driver was in his own world listening to the radio, Anthony couldn't stop thinking about how he was going to just walk up to her house and convince her to let him stay. He started to rehearse his lines in his head without sounding, so desperate. If he was being completely honest with himself he never called her and ignored some texts she sent. He was not a great friend when it came to (y/n), with all the kindness she gave in return he gave back sarcasm and annoyed looks. But, she never hated him,I hope, you had to have done something awful for her to hate you. Not saying she doesn't dislike certain people that rub her the wrong way.

      Groaning and clasping his hands around his leg. It went completely stiff, he couldn't feel his entire right leg give out. Fucking perfect. Blowing air through his clenched teeth, tried to bare through the itchy, tingly feeling running through his calf and thigh. Should have gone to the hospital before coming here, just didn't want to take risks.

       I'm coming, (y/n).

_________________________

       Humming to yourself you tended to the dirty laundry that the kids wore the other day. They thought it was a great idea to play in the muddy brook, out in the woods. They both came through the back door soaked head to toe with brown water and thick mud. Scarlett and Sage had to take three baths for the dirt to scrub off. Leaving the corner tub a muddy and crusty disaster. Al at the time had the day off, which he spent with our son, Liam. He's a quiet kid, and I mean the most silent four year old you could ever meet. Which is ironic considering you married the loudest man on earth. You could be in the basement and still hear Alastor speaking to some of his friends. He hates it when you bring his voice in question or he twists it around to point out your too soft spoken way of talking.

       Loading the last batch of clothes in the dryer, you slightly sped walk down the hallway and turned into the kitchen. On instinct headed straight for the coffee machine. Grasping the coffee grounds and filters to place them in their rightful order, before filling up the water tank. Pressing the on switch and strutting away to the fridge to gather eggs, bacon and bread from the top cupboard. Which you nearly died trying to reach for.

    Peering out the window, the morning sky is still dark from the oncoming rainstorm. The backyard nearly flooded with puddles on puddles of water, The kids aren't stepping foot outside today. Sighing you knew if they stayed inside your gonna have to clean extra hard, those two are very animated. They'll never run out of energy, you could fuel a city with all that kinetic energy.

     A soft thump came from the ceiling above and you guess that Liam fell out of bed. . . again. He's been doing that for a week now. Nothing a doctor visit told us that he was just having really physical dreams. The disorder called REM Behavior Disorder, causes people to rapidly move in their sleep, ranging from person to person. In our case Liam hallucinates, sleepwalks and talks out loud distinctly clear. Dr. Romero  prescribed him small amounts of melatonin and if the medication wasn't working he could up it. You really hope it wouldn't come to giving you four year old too much medication. A long creaky noise filled the silence followed by small thumps of feet hitting hard wood. You hear your child sliding down the carpet padded stairway and dragging his feet through the living room and into the kitchen. Your little Liam blankly stared up at you, rubbing the sand out his eye. "Mommy, can't sleep.", trailing over to you and draping his arms around your knee.

"Come here, baby." Picking him up was easy, regarding that he was born pretty early, six months to be exact. " Do you wanna sleep on the couch?" He nodded slowly gazing over at the sofa.

"Can I have milk, please?"

"Of course you can, warm or cold?" He answered warm in a small voice. Then slowly sauntered across the hall into the living room, leaving your field of vision soon after.

   Setting the pot down on the stove top and pouring the milk in carefully. Turning the heat up to medium before walking off to prep for breakfast.

   Al usually likes his breakfast salty with bitter, black coffee. When you first started going out you noticed his taste very quickly. He hated sweets and anything that didn't meet his standards in culinary. Which he spent most of his time in the kitchen teaching you his method. This was passed down to your twins. They hated anything remotely sweet, you learned to drive around the troubling situation by making less sweet cakes with whipped cream and fruit. They love that sour taste of blueberries the most.

  Liam's more like you who like sweets, but not over the top with the sugar. He loves eggs, but has a thing where he trades his bacon for sausage. He told you that he likes the texture of soft meat better than tough and breakable meat. You were quite surprised with his change of vocabulary, since he's just four and you still hear him talk with a certain baby tone.

  Shaking your head, you glanced out the window again while the bacon sizzled on a low flame. A yellow cab pulled up to the house and dropped off a tall, lanky hooded figure, who walked, well staggered their way up to the path to the door. Who could that be? Husk was supposed to come by tomorrow, maybe  he arrived in Louisiana earlier than expected.

    But he would have texted right?

      Pulled from your thoughts a few sharp hits to wood knocked you in functioning mode. Hesitantly stepping across the kitchen, and peering down the hall. You stared anxiously toward the thick wooden door that protected you and your family from the outside intrusions. Approaching the door with caution, you played out events in your mind of outcomes that could happen. Standing in front of the door, another round of sharp knocks frightened you and given rise to a series of fluttering heartbeats.

   Taking in a quick breath and slowly released it. Grasping the door knob, unlocking the all four locks before leisurely swinging it open to face a tall man.

     The drenched frame of a tall, lean man propped up outside the entry way of your house, placed an eerie sensation down the curve of your back. He seemed to be clutching his sides in such a constricting grasp, harsh coughs drew up small amounts of blood splattered on his chest. Groaning the guy began to saunter forward, losing his footing he suddenly, started to fall onward towards you. Barely catching the heavy set male's body weight you endeavor the pressure and drove your tiny body under the male.

Petite fingers latched onto the thin male and crept him over to rest upon the cushioning coach. Gazing down at the poor man face you gasped in bewilderment. Even with his face bloody and bruised you could still make out the who was laying on your couch.

"Anthony! What the hell happened to you?"

 Another coughing fit hit him hard before sputtering out a response, "Got m-myself into some real serious s-shit." He tried to manage a smile, but ended up coughing up more small splatters of blood. His gaze wandered over to the other side of the couch. "Where'd ya g-get the kid from."

"We should worry more about the guy coughing up blood, than me having kids." Fun fact about your life you've experienced so many illnesses and deaths in your family that you felt like you could diagnose his illness. "Are you having any chest or throat pain?"

Gagging Anthony responded, "B-been having both f-or awhile n-now with muscle p-pain and n-nausea. F-fucking. . . headaches too." Your father had the same symptoms when you still lived in his house.

"I think you have pneumonia, Anthony. I-t's treatable if we take you to a hospital tight n-"

"No! no, to anything that c-could lead that j-jackass finding me."

"What did you get yourself into, Tony?" Pinching the bridge of your nose and slightly furrowed your brow. If he didn't want medical treatment, then I guess I'll mend him back to health. He is my friend, that did kind of ghost you. But, that doesn't matter right now, I need to save a life today. "Let's move you into the guest room. Not that far of a walk, just down the hall, c'mon now."

   Heaving his dead weight up you persevered to the kitchen hall and took a left down the well decorated hall. Pictures of Al and the kids with wild game and the occasional picture of you here or there. Two of the photos consist of you holding newborns. You never did take the time to situate yourself in the photos or you just forgot  while in the moment.

The floorboards creaked with each steady step you take. Some splats of blood dribbled down his chin and landed on the floor. You made a mental note to scrub the floors with bleach later on today. Leaning Anthony on the wall for a quick second to open the guest room door. Pulling him back into an embrace and hauled him into the room setting him down on the bed to rest. You left the room to gather clean bandages, ointment, tylenol and hot pot of tea. By the time you left to retrieve the tea Anthony wrapped his body in so many blankets he could get his fingers on.

"Are you that cold?" Considering turning up the heat in the house you were about to leave, but a hand snatched your wrist back.

"Wait, don't leave." You could see the isolated look in his eyes. Veering around you gazed down at the pale man.

"What is it, Tony?" A quizzical look on your face. "You can talk to me you know that, right?"

  He shrugged, "Can we just talk, like about your life." He waved his hand off to the side. "Like the kid in the other room."

"Oh, my son Liam. He just turned four."

"Yeah, but who got ya knocked up." You handed him the tea cup and he carefully grabbed it.

"My husband and I have three children and we've been married for ten years." Smirking at his agape facial expression.

"M-married and not one, but three kids. Wait when did you get married!"

"I did invite you through text and letter. Did your address change?"

    He opened his mouth to come up with any excuse, but sighed running his fingers through his hair. "Don't be pissed, but I did. . . well. . . ghosted you." Hearing that did make you feel beyond ignored, but keeping in touch with friends is hard and you tried your best to shove down deep in your jar of insecurity. "And I don't really check my mail anymore to be honest."

 Taking a deep breath and letting it out you really tried not to get mad at him, but didn't trust your voice in this particular moment.

  Anthony opened his mouth, but was cut off, by an amused tone in voice.

   "Was I not invited to this magnificent show, darling~."

[mikkomacko]

Sweet As Honey 10

Harry's never felt hollow. He's always had something stirring in his gut, something telling him that he's still breathing. Now, as he climbs the steps of his front porch, hands in his pocket and tears in his waterline, he feels empty. He can hear his feet dragging as he crosses the living room, falling onto the couch. He can hear Gemma retreat to her room, digging around in her dresser. He hears his mom disappear into the bathroom, the lock clicking in the otherwise silent house.

His suit jacket and slacks feel itchy on his clammy skin, and he shifts uncomfortably on the couch. His eyes fall on the lounging chair across the room, cushions and fabric worn down and soft. It's as if the chair, which has always been reserved for Desmond, is waiting for him to come and put his feet up.

Harry's vision blurs but he can't feel the sting of his eyes or the tears that follow the dips of his cheeks and nose. He doesn't wipe them away when he climbs to his feet, walking on numb legs to the kitchen to grab a beer out of the fridge. He lets them fall onto his hands as he removes the cap with a bottle opener, lip trembling as he takes the beer back to living room. He sets it on the table next to his dad's chair, returning to his spot on the couch. If he doesn't think about it too much, he can pretend his dad is still here.

~

He can hear them talking around him, hear the way Anne's voice is lined in panic. He wishes it wasn't, her panic fuels his panic. Gemma's not as worried, at least she doesn't sound like she is as she tries to shush Anne. Later he'll be grateful for it, because her voice is distracting him from y/n's, and he needs to hear her, to feel her.

Gemma must get Anne quiet because the only voice Harry can make out in his meddled brain is his wife's. It's as if she can read his mind, responding to the hurtful thought pounding in his brain.

They're abandoning you again.

"We're here, we love you Harry."

You should've known they'd do this.

"You did nothing wrong bub, nothing at all."

You're not loved.

"Love you so much Harry, come back to me please baby. Need you."

You're hurt, and you're scared, and you're broken.

"I've got you, you're ok. I've got you forever."

Y/n is carding her fingers through his hair, massaging his scalp despite the fact that he's heavily sweating. She lets him squeeze her arm, fingers white from the strong grip he has on her. Somehow he's managed to bury his nose in her neck, inhaling her scent through rushed inhales and choppy exhales.

She holds him tight, just like he asked her to all those years ago when she'd begged him to let her help. He thinks of them then. Back when she opened him up, when she took his fragile heart and built it to be strong. When she took his heart and put it with hers, making them each other's safe space. He thinks of the nights when she'd drive to stay with him when he was so lonely he was scared of himself. All the days she'd stayed under the covers with him because he was so exhausted from a nightmare that had kept him up the night before. And he thinks of her holding him when he fell apart, letting him know she'll always put him back together. He starts to come back, reminding himself he's still in her arms, she's still putting him back together.

She must feel him relax because she presses a strong kiss to his temple, murmuring softly,"are you back love? You here with me?"

He nods, peeling his teary eyes open to meet hers. Like always, she shows no hint of fear or anxiety. She's strong, lips in a tiny but comforting smile and eyes looking him over fondly. He releases his hold on her arms, wiping at his eyes messily before cupping her face, stroking her cheek with his thumb. She nods, knowing what he's trying to say. It's their thing after he's had an attack because he often doesn't know how voice his gratefulness. A simple "thank you" doesn't feel enough and she gets mad when he apologizes. So he just uses his eyes and hands.

Gemma and Anne watch them hesitantly when he turns back to face them, urging y/n to keep holding him with a hand on her wrist. She doesn't say a word but she keeps her arms around his chest, butt sat on the back of the couch behind him. Harry notices Anne crying and he really hopes that she's crying because she's realized just how much her abandonment changed him.

"We-we don't have to do this now-"

"Yes we do." Harry interrupts Gemma, adjusting his jittery limbs. "I'm tired of being fragile and anxious and putting this off. We've been tip toeing around each other for too long."

Y/n squeezes her arms around him in encouragement. Gemma looks at her questioningly, not believing that Harry can be up for talking after having a panic attack. "He's ok Gemma. Wasn't one of his bad ones, and I think we'll all feel better after this."

She nods, still hesitant, but it seems y/n put her a little more at ease. She must have the same affect on Gemma as she has on Harry.

"We're not moving back to that town." Anne speaks up, voice more firm than Harry's ever heard it before. She meets his gaze, eyes steady and stronger than he ever remembers seeing them. "When we said leave, we met leave your home. Not you."

Harry's throat has gone dry, heart thumping loudly. He's hasn't seen Anne like this since his dad was still around. He finds refreshing albeit a bit unnerving. After all that's happened, he's not exactly the most trusting person in the world.

"We've found an apartment not far from here," Gemma explains, voice extra soft like she's afraid of hurting Harry. "we just thought that this might help us find each other again. You'd get back to your routine and we'd have our own while still being here."

"For you!" Anne quickly adds. "We'll be here for you."

He can't stop his next words, not that he really wants to. "What makes you think I need you here?" He can feel y/n tense behind him, squeezing his chest warningly.

Both Anne and Gemma gape, clearly caught off guard by his question. They don't seem to have answer but he wants one. "I needed you when I was living on my mates couch, homeless and lost. I needed you when I was trying to finish school without killing myself from how fucking lonely I was. I needed you when I was scheduling fights everyday because it felt good to hurt on the outside like I did on the inside. I needed you when I met the love of my life and was terrified of losing her. I needed you when I was marrying her. And I needed you when my son was being born. But I don't need you now."

"Harry-" y/n whispers harshly.

"No!" He interrupts, staring blankly at Anne and Gemma's heart broken looks. "I got through it all. I got through the hurt and the fear and the anxiety. I found my home. And it's perfect. It's so fucking perfect I wouldn't change it for anything. And I did it all without you two."

"You did," Anne croaks quietly.

"I built a home with my soulmate. A home you could never make Anne."

"Harry-"

"She deserves to hear it." Harry says, urging y/n to just let him say everything he needs to. "I spent years staying quiet, taking beatings, picking her back up and she couldn't return the favor. I gave up half of my paycheck every week for years just to make sure they had everything they needed. And I couldn't even get a fucking text back when my son was being born-"

"You sent money?"

Harry falters at their confused appearances. How could they not know? He sent it to the house he grew up in, with Anne's name at the bottom. He saw the money taken out of his account. They cashed his checks.

"Every week," Harry nods. "At least $500 every week for years until they started get sent back."

"Harry," Gemma says. "we never got any checks from you. We never got anything from you. We thought you'd moved on from us."

His head swims in confusion. "You never got anything?"

Anne shakes her head.

"Then who..."

Y/n leans over his shoulder. "Harry," she murmurs sadly. "I think I know who was cashing your checks."

He turns his head to meet her gaze, chest filling with anger as he too realizes what's happened. "Jack," he snarls. "was fucking Jack."

Anne and Gemma deflate at his words, both of them realizing that what he's said is in fact true. With the way Jack ran that house he should've known that they'd never get that money from him.

"How much did you send Harry?" Anne asks hesitantly.

"I sent money, and letters, and invitations. I sent our fucking wedding invitation," Harry seethes. "and that prick never gave it to you."

Gemma shakes her head, eyes blazing in the way Harry's do when he's angry. "If we had known, we'd have been here Harry. I swear-"

"I know," he interrupts because he recognizes this Gemma and Anne. He knows that the two women across from him would've come back for him sooner if they'd have known. "It sucks, but it's ok."

They seem put off by his words, but he doesn't care. He's tired of being mad, and scared, and exhausted. They have so much more to say to each other, but they're willing to move here to stay with him. They have all the time in the world right now.

"You're here now," y/n speaks up, rubbing her hand up and down his arm. "and that's what matters."

Harry nods, glad that she always knows what to say. "I think we should head to bed. We can finish this another time, yeah?"

Gemma and Anne nod in agreement. Y/n unwinds herself from Harry, allowing him to stand up from the couch. He grabs her hand, helping her balance as she climbs off the couch.

"Wait," Anne interrupts, jumping to her feet. Harry looks at her, a little shocked at her outburst. She's never been one to speak her mind. "I'm sorry Harry. I'm sorry I missed so much of your life and your son's life. I promise I'll fix everything."

His chest aches as he looks over her for the first time in years. She looks small and frail, eyes anxious and frightened. He notices that she keeps tapping her fingers on her thigh, a habit she picked up after Jack started hitting her. And it fucking hurts him because that's still his mother and he still loves her. No matter what she did, he should've stayed there and fought for her and Gemma. His father left him as the man of the house, and when things got tough, he let her push him out.

He's failed. He failed at taking care of her and protecting her and making sure she was safe. He was stupid to think a couple checks a month would keep her steady, because he left her with the worst excuse of a human being to ever live.

"We'll all fix it," Harry assures, knowing he's royally fucked up too. "together."

~

Squeezing her wet hair with a towel, Gemma returns to her borrowed bedroom, eyes burning with exhaustion. Today was the best Thanksgiving she's had in years. A real Thanksgiving with a real family. Not only that, but she'd spoken with Harry. Sure, he'd said awful things but she can't blame him. He was right when he said they deserve it. He put up with so much rejection and hurt from them, and still opened his home to them. Even though his words made her want to throw up, she can't help but be pleased. They're getting somewhere, they're healing.

She hangs her towel on the knob of the dresser to dry, a yawn stretching her lips as she retreats to the bed by the window. She freezes, recalling that she'd left the bed a mess of sheets when she'd gotten in the shower but now the blankets are pulled up and the pillows fluffed. And a CD sits on the pillow closest to the door. Curious, she picks up the CD. Scribbled on the front of it is nothing but a date. June 15th 2018. She doesn't know the significance of the date or what's on the disk but she'd know that sloppy scribble anywhere. Harry left the CD there for her.

Too intrigued to sleep, Gemma pops the disk in the DVD player and turns on the tv. It takes a second to load, a light pink screen bordered in flowers coming into focus. Written in cursive across the screen are the words "Mr. and Mrs. Harry Styles" and underneath in a smaller font is "forever and ever." Gemma immediately realizes what this is, pausing the disk and scrambling across the hall to her mother's room.

Anne's already in bed, reaching over for the lamp on the bedside table when Gemma bursts in and she jumps, practically knocking the lamp over. "What's the matter?"

"Come watch what Harry left in my room!" Gemma exclaims, grabbing Anne by the wrist and tugging her back into her bedroom. They settle on the bed, Gemma taking the remote.

"Gemma, is this..."

"Yeah," Gemma whispers, hitting play. The words turn in a blurry mess of pink until it refocuses on a group of girls in pink dresses, Gemma recognizing one as Marie and another as Chloe. They're gathered in a little room, waiting eagerly in front of a door.

~

"Would you come out already!" Kate shouts through the bathroom door, voice lined with amusement despite the fact that she's been asking for about 20 minutes. Biting her bottom lip, y/n smoothes her hands down her dress. The silk fabric is soft on her palms, helping her to relax.

"I'm scared!" Y/n calls back, chuckling as she says it because she knows it's insane. Still giggling, she pulls open the bathroom door and steps into her dressing room.

"Why are you laughing?" Kate asks but she's giggling too, reaching out to smooth down the flowy sleeves of the dress.

"Because it's Harry and he's not scary." Y/n admits, blushing at the thought of him. She wonders if he's dressed yet, if he's got someone to fix his tie after he messes it up. "He's a sweetheart."

"He is a sweetheart," Kate agrees, smiling proudly at her best friend. "and he loves you so much it's insane."

"He does, doesn't he?"

"He's going to give you the best life ever, you lucky bitch."

Y/n snorts at Kate's words, pulling her into a bone crushing hug. "You know, if you ever needed it, he'd take care of you too."

Kate rolls her eyes but nods. Everyone knows Harry would do anything for the people y/n loves. If it's a love if hers, it's a love of his. Inhaling deeply, Kate squeezes y/n's shoulders.

"You ready to marry Prince Charming?"

Her face splits into a beaming smile, eyes watering at the thought of Harry now being her husband. She loves him so much she thinks she could float away. "I've been ready."

"Let's go get 'em babe."

~

The video fades to Harry, back to them as he adjusts the pink bowtie on his neck. The mirror in front of him reflects his face back to the camera, Anne audibly gasping.

"He's so handsome." She whisperes tearily.

Gemma nods, heart aching when video Harry turns to the camera as he walks to the couch in the corner, plopping down onto the leather. He digs some cards out of his pocket, smiling softly as he looks over them.

~

Harry's heart thumps in his chest, teeth biting the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling too big. He can't help it, he's just so fucking happy. He's re-reading his vows when a soft knock sounds throughout the room. Knowing it's not Nick (Nick would never knock), Harry calls for them to come in.

The door opens, just enough for Marie to slip through. Harry smiles at her, placing the cards back in his pocket and rising to his feet.

"Oh," she breathes, cupping her mouth. "aren't you a dream! You look so handsome!"

Harry blushes, chucking bashfully. "Thank you." Unable to stop himself, he adds, "How's she look?"

"Beautiful. She looks like a real life angel."

Harry smiles proudly, shaking head in disbelief. He can't believe y/n is going to marry him. He'll get to spend the rest of his life with her by his side.

"How are we feeling? Are we nervous?" Marie asks him, motioning for him to step closer. He does, ducking down a bit to allow her to smooth back a strand of his hair.

Harry nods, chuckling nervously. He really has no reason to be nervous. He knows y/n, he knows she'll always love him and protect him. He still voices his worries to Marie, knowing she'll know what to say. "I'm really nervous. M'afraid she'll see me at the alter and change her mind."

Marie gasps. "She would never. She loves you too much. I just listened to her go on and on about how perfect you are."

Harry's ears burn, cheeks becoming flustered. "Really?"

"She just can't get enough of you."

"What if one day she decides she's got enough?"

"Impossible," Marie cups his jaw, looking over him with that motherly gaze. "I've not gotten sick of Steve and you two are more of a match made in heaven than we are."

Harry chuckles, knowing she's just trying to hype him up. "I really love her."

"I know you do. She loves you so much too. She wouldn't learn how to give stitches just for anyone, you know?" Marie gives him a pointed look, obviously knowing about the injury Harry had gotten in a match last week that y/n had to stitch up for him.

"I'll take care of her." He swears. "I know she's your baby, she's mine too. So I'll make sure she's got a good life."

Marie tears up, patting his cheek affectionately. "I know you will." She pecks a kiss to his cheek and Harry returns it, thankful that he's becoming part of the greatest family he's ever seen.

~

The bridesmaids and groomsmen are shown walking down the aisle before the video cuts between Harry walking down the aisle, Marie on his arm, and y/n walking down the aisle with Steve. Steve kisses y/n on the cheek, nodding to Harry as he hands y/n over to him. Gemma chuckles when Harry immediately wraps his arms around her waist, pulling y/n into his chest. The small group of guests all laugh, y/n whispering something in Harry's ear as he pulls away, taking her hands in his.

~

"Friends, family, loved ones," the ordainer announces. "we gather here today to witness the marriage of y/n Tomlinson and Harry Styles. Seeing as the groom can barely keep his hands to himself," Harry blushes, shrugging as y/n giggles. "let's begin the vows. Harry?"

Practically vibrating, Harry releases one of her hands to dig out his vows. Y/n squeezes his hand as he clears his throat, smiling softly at him.

"Darling, there's so much I could say today to prove how much I love you and how important you are to me. When I had nothing, you gave me everything. You gave me someone to call my home, you gave me a family, you gave me happiness, but most importantly you gave me your heart. I promise to protect it, love it, and care for it for the rest of our lives. Forever and ever."

Harry chuckles breathlessly when he meets her gaze, the image of her blurred by tears but still beautiful. So fucking beautiful.

"Y/n?"

Y/n doesn't reach for notecards. Instead, she grabs the hand that had been holding his vows, linking their fingers together. "I remember the day I realized I was going to marry you. It was the 18th boxing match of yours I had been to and I'm sorry baby, but it was awful. I knew you were the man I was going to marry when I took you home after the fight and you could barely walk. I wouldn't carry just anyone for 5 blocks, nor would I ice bruises and bandage cuts for just anyone.

"But you're not anyone. You're my soulmate, my best friend, and the greatest man I've ever met. I realized that night, that I want to spend the rest of my life caring and loving you, and I promise I will. Forever and ever."

The rings are handed forward, Harry eager to slip y/n's on. Knowing that Harry's busting with excitement, the ordainer quickly asks, "y/n, do you take Harry to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do." She says firmly, biting her lip as Harry slides the band on her finger.

"Harry, do you take y/n to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do." Y/n slips his band on, giving his hand a brief squeeze before she's wrapping both of her arms around his neck. Harry slips his around her waist, pulling her flush against his front.

"By the power invested in me, I now pronounce thee husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

The words are barely off his lips before Harry's slotting his mouth againsts y/n's. She melts into him, lips perfectly molded with his. Harry can't believe he gets to kiss her forever and ever.

~

The video flashes through pictures of Harry and y/n after the ceremony, posing outside the church with the wedding party and her parents. Silly photos of Harry biting into her cheek or wearing her veil. Sweet photos of them sharing a kiss or Harry holding her from behind with big love-sick smiles on their faces.

It then fades into the reception, Harry and y/n swirling around the dance floor and sharing flutes of champagne. They hang on each other as if attached by a bungee cord, sharing kisses and unintelligible whispers that the camera can't pick up.

Gemma laughs when the cake scene comes up, Harry giggling as he shoves cake into y/n's face. Y/n pouts, discretely getting her own handful of cake. Harry leans in to kiss her, getting cut off by a face full of cake.

It's a version of y/n and Harry that she's never seen before. A careless, bubbly Harry that is so enamored with his wife he can't remove his hands from her for a second. Y/n is shy and giggly, melting into Harry's chest in a flurry of red cheeks and smiles every time he loves on her.

She can't help but hope that she'll get to see this Harry and y/n once they've fixed their relationship.

~

The door squeaks just the tiniest bit as she enters, her shadow being casted on the wall in front of him as she steps in front of the night light. Harry doesn't move, silent and still as she approaches the crib. Her fingers tickle the small of his back, running up his spine as she leans against his strong frame. His fingers tighten on the edge of the crib, wet eyes staying locked on his sleeping baby. He rests his cheek on top of her head, letting her know he appreciates her being there.

"Should get to bed love," y/n suggests in a whisper. "it's late."

Harry hums, but doesn't move a muscle. He can't believe that even after he left that house Jack was still fucking with me. He knew Harry wanted his family to celebrate his graduation with him and Jack kept the invite from them. He knew of Harry's wedding and said nothing to Anne and Gemma. He knew of Arlo and never told Anne she was going to be a grandma.

"I should've known," Harry croaks quietly. "I should've known that he'd never let me contact them. If I had just gone that day-"

"Don't do this Harry," Y/n begs, slipping herself between him and the crib. Her arms tighten around his thin waist, eyes desperately to meet his. "don't blame yourself again. What Jack did, to you and Anne and Gemma, it's not on you."

"I could've tried harder,"

"You did all that you could. What would have happened if you'd gone back that day and found out what was doing?"

Harry tears his gaze away from Arlo. "I would've killed him," he admits. "for taking my family from me, for hurting them. I would've hurt him."

She presses a kiss to his clenched jaw. "That wouldn't have fixed anything Harry. That wouldn't have brought Gemma and Anne the time they needed to move on from what happened and come find you. That wouldn't have made you feel better."

Harry drops an arm around her waist, melting into her as she dots kisses into the crease of his neck and under his ear. "No it wouldn't but he deserves it."

"I think he got what he deserves," she says, and Harry's brow furrows in confusion. He deserves much more than the one ass kicking Harry gave him. "he has nothing anymore Harry. He had the chance to be part of a great family, a chance to love you and he didn't."

"He's really missing out." Harry says sarcastically.

Y/n pulls her face from his neck, tip toeing to match his height. Her eyes seem to shine in the dark room and Harry wonders what thought in her head has her glowing like that. "You won Harry. He tried to take your family from you, force you to be alone. But look at everything you've got. Mum and dad. Louis and Chloe. Charlie and Lacy. You got Anne and Gemma back. And you have me and our babies."

Harry melts, realizing that she's right. Jack took a lot from him, but in the end he's got the most important thing back; his family. His ever growing family. Jack could never take them from him. The worst he could do is hurt Harry but as long as he's got y/n and their babies to come home to, he knows he'll be just fine.

"I love you so fucking much." Harry admits tearily, cupping her cheek. "I thank God everyday for all the shit that happened in the past because it gave me you. And you're so fucking worth it."

"Forever and ever?" She smiles.

"Forever and ever." Harry agrees, sealing the promise with a kiss.

~

"We've been here forever!" Y/n cries, breaking Harry's heart with her big teary eyes. He pouts, pushing her hair away from her sweaty forehead and wiping her cheeks. She blubbers more, prompting Harry to pull her into his chest as best he can without having to climb into the hospital bed with her.

"I know baby, I know," he shushes. "don't worry, he'll be here soon."

"I want him here now!" She whimpers, and as if her words were magic, Harry feels her tense under him. He immediately reaches for her hands, chest pressing to her back as she sits up and squeezes his hands. He presses a kiss to her temple, doing his best to not wince from how hard she's squeezing his hand. She's sure as hell hurting a lot more than he is.

Her contraction doesn't last too long, fading out until she's relaxing against him. Once again, he brushes her hair from her face, dotting a dozen kisses to the side of her cheek. "See, he's just as ready to be here. So excited to meet us, huh?"

Y/n looks at her swollen stomach with a pout, bottom lip trembling. "It's been hours Harry and all that's going on here is pain and sweat and tears and I'm not even sad! Why can't I stop crying?"

Trying not to laugh from how devastatingly cute she is, Harry wipes at her cheeks again. "You're just tired darling. Between me and him, ya didn't get much sleep last night and then I kept bothering ya for a shag this morning. S'all my fault baby."

"B-but I wanted a shag!"

Harry does laugh at that. He always laughs when she steals slang from him. "I know ya did but look at this, we're getting something better. We're getting our baby today."

"Rather be shagging."

He chuckles warmly, murmuring cheekily "good thing they go hand in hand then."

Her retort is cut off by another contraction, Harry's reflexes kicking in so he's holding her hands and keeping her grounded as her body prepares for their son.

She's starting to slump back into his chest when the door to their hospital room opens, Marie returning with ice chips and their doctor. Y/n eagerly takes the cup from her mother, scooping ice into her mouth. She falls back against Harry with a satisfied him, blinking blearily at the doctor.

"How are we doing in here?" The doctor asks, pulling on a pair of latex gloves.

"We're great." Y/n hums, smiling softly.

"We're a bit delusional." Harry jokes, petting at the side of her head. "We're getting tired and a lil grumpy. Ready for the little one to come out."

Y/n nods in agreement, crunching away at her ice chips as the doctor checks under her gown to see how dilated she is. Harry's heart jumps when the doctor breaks into a happy smile, removing herself from between y/n's legs and peeling off her gloves.

"Glad to hear we're ready because so is your son. Let's get you to the delivery room." Y/n freezes at her words, looking up at Harry with wide eyes. He's not sure if she's more scared or relieved.

He gives her an encouraging smile, ignoring the fact that his brain is feeling a little fuzzy and fingers numb, because she needs him to be calm and collected. And if there's anything he's sure of, it's that they're going to be the best fucking parents ever.

Harry's in a bit of an adrenaline fueled trance as he's instructed to change into scrubs (just in case they have to perform a C-section). Marie gives him a big hug, telling him to keep an eye on her daughter and in return she'll keep an eye out for any visitors. He knows she's talking about Anne and Gemma.

Before he knows it, he's wrapped around y/n, hands crushed in hers as she grunts and cries her way through the delivery of their son. He hates how happy he feels, knowing she's hurting and by the width of her eyes he knows she's scared.

"Why is there so much blood? Is he ok?" She pants between contractions, eyes rapidly flickering from in between her thighs to the doctor.

"He's just fine. The blood's normal, sweetheart."

She bites her lip, nodding and Harry knows she doesn't believe the doctor but she won't question it. She's just worried, that is their child after all.

"We're ok darling," Harry mururms, trying to distract her from the blood staining the doctor and the paper sheet over her legs. She turns to him, nodding as tears flood down her cheeks. "do we know what we're crying for?" He chuckles, edging closer to the bed so she can rest the side of her head on his chest. "Or are we just crying?"

"I think our son got your giant head."

Harry (and the doctor and nurses) laugh, Harry stroking her side to keep her calm. "Why are ya crying over that? Ya loved my big head yesterday."

"I still love it," she winces, sitting herself up as another contraction hits. "but not when it's coming out of me."

Harry doesn't respond because she's pushing now, desperately reaching for his hands. He holds her, offering little comments of how amazing she is to keep her from getting too exhausted.

The little gaps between contractions stop, and Harry's constantly murmuring into her about how much he loves her, and her cries soon turn into the cries of a newborn.

A newborn that's placed on y/n's chest, naked and red and gooey but oh so beautiful. A newborn with ten toes and ten fingers. A newborn with a nose curved just like his daddy's and lips shaped just like his mumma's. A newborn with the loudest pair of lungs Harry's ever heard. A newborn with the name Arlo Edward Styles.

~

Somehow, y/n coaxes Harry out of the nursery and into their bedroom, guiding him as he refuses to take his eyes off of her. Harry sits placid at the bottom of the bed as y/n strips him of his clothes, leaving him in a pair of boxers and his socks. He lets her tuck him into bed, heartwarming happily at the feeling of being babied. He likes when she takes care of him like this. He likes being comfortable enough to let her take care of him.

His eyes are heavy and blurry, close to falling asleep when he realizes she's left the room. He pouts, sitting up in the bed a bit to look for her. Not even seconds later, she's entering the room, arms cradled around their stirring son. Harry grins, eyes and lips dopey with exhaustion.

"S'tha' ma baby?" He slurs. "Ma beautiful bub with ma beautiful girl?"

Y/n giggles quietly, kneeing her way into the bed until she's balanced next to Harry. He falls back into the pillows, blinking sluggishly as she pulls the cover down enough to expose his naked chest. Harry watches her fondly as she lays Arlo on his tummy on Harry's chest, pulling the covers back up over them. Arlo wiggles, squirming around until his nose is tucked into the column of Harry's throat, Harry placing a hand on his baby's back to settle him. Y/n tucks herself into the bed, switching off the lamp by her bedside and plunging them in darkness. Harry feels her scoot closer to him, her arm wrapping around his stomach and her nose nudging his bicep. His lifts his arm, bringing her even closer to his chest and letting her use his arm as a pillow, even if it makes him lose feeling in his fingers. He doesn't mind.

"Darling?"

Y/n hums, stroking her thumb back and forth over his hip.

"I think I want to go back. To my old house."

She doesn't miss a beat. She never does. "When?"

"When they go back to get their things. I want to show you, and I want to say goodbye."

Harry feels her lips kiss over his heart. "M'kay. Just let me know when to take off work."

He hums an affirmation, kissing the top of her head as his eyes fall shut and the weight of his family on his chest pulls him into sleep.

[simplysoriya]

The Eternal Serpent

{Prologue, 1, 2, 3, interlude, 4, 5} 

Chapter 6: The Temple

In deep ocean, currents were powerful and always in motion just above the surface. Vast and endless bodies of water pushed themselves, unchanging, in the direction that they always had. There was something ancient and unyielding about the way nature operated. Changed by nothing but itself. Songs were written about the sea in ways men speak of lovers, both soothing enough that every sailor kept it close to their heart and all fiercely respected it borne of fear. 

Sailors wrote songs about the sea as if they were lovers. The gentle embrace and feeling of freedom that came with the life of wind in their hair and the sun on the horizon. But they also spun tales of the harsh and unforgiving ocean and the fury of storms that had swallowed up so many of their kind, instilling both fear and respect. 

Such was the duality of the ocean. 

But below? There was calm and serene in the gentle embrace of salt water that wrapped all that dare to plunge in. Leaving them surrounded from head to toe aimlessly floating amongst the endless miles of nothing but sea.

Each paddle taken downward was colder than the last. The vibrant sun with both light and warmth strangled by the ever encroaching sea. Leaving the seafloor blotched with stretches of white sands and underwater flora right along with spanning pits of empty black trenches where the light dare not tread.

It was far from the sunny beaches of Stranglethorn or the temperate shorelines of Tanaris…

Pressure began to wrack at her muscles producing involuntary contractions and tension as she braved the large trench that seemed to taper off into oblivion. Her lungs began begging for air needily with each second spent below the waves. But still she persisted deeper down the underwater cliff face with nothing but stubborn determination and a sense of hope.

After all, the alternative was a boat full of pirates still waiting for her up above. Undoubtedly already preparing to pursue her.

Running parallel to the jagged rock wall that led to the dark depths below light became scarce. Soriya remembered the reading light she had snagged from the goblin Quartermaster before. Fishing into her pocket to pull the small enchanted stone free, holding it in her palm with a gentle squeeze before a soft yellow light leaked from between her fingers. 

It wasn’t much but it was enough to light her way as she explored down into the deeps further and further still.

Scrolling over the expanses of rocks was a daunting task with a limited window. Without diving gear or an extra tank of oxygen only gave her so much time to find the temple she sought. But it was all she had as others threatened to use the legend to their own ends and snatch the find from right under her. She couldn’t just accept defeat after coming so far, after doing so much, after investing so much of her life into finding it…

It was now or never.

It wasn’t until that dull light scanned over a smoother stone then the rest that hope was reignited fervently. A smooth banner rested far too perfect for it to be made from the ocean itself. Swimming down she investigated further only to find an old and broken down statue, full of pores and beaten by the passage of time spent underwater. But there was no mistaking the markings of a Pandarian cloud serpent.

She had finally found it; The Temple of the Eternal Serpent.

The crawling swim through the Temples rocky, dilapidated, and dark entrance seemed to go on forever. She thought her lungs would explode in her chest as anxiety began to wrack at her mind. It hadn’t even crossed her mind, despite its oceanic grave, that the whole temple may be underwater. A severe misstep in her plan that only darkened her thoughts as she desperately continued, knowing full well that she wouldn’t make it to the surface in time to replenish her air supply.

In the darkness, however, there was a glimmer of hope as the tunnel narrowed and led upward. Leaving a shimmering ripple of light against the surface of the water. Swiftly Soriya swam toward salvation as her lungs bucked and bubbles of the last of her air escaped her mouth making her chest heave and spasm.

A deep and needful gasp for breath immediately followed as the young monk resurfaced in the Temples entrance with a splash. Relenting to lay on the stone plateau sprawled out as half of her body remained beneath the water. Coughing and sputtering as she wheezed in air enough to fill her chest. It was like the whole world went black for just a moment as she desperately tried to normalize her breathing.

Eventually, once she felt well enough, Soriya squared her arms with her shoulders and lifted herself out from the pool that almost was her end. Soon scrambling to the first available surface to rest her back on as she continued to recover. 

Fending off the excitement over the find proved to be a downhill battle. Here she was, standing where legend was born. The setting of a story she had heard so long ago. A place so many others had sought out only to fail. But here she was. History was within her grasp, if only her lungs would get on the same page as her mind. 

Still weary she pushed on, even as her body rebelled against the very thought. She was too close now, she had gone through too much to take a break.

Stubbornly she pressed on down the dark hallway made of ancient stone. She recognized the familiarity of it as large blocks lay on top of one another in a near perfect pattern, held up by smooth and rounded pillars that the Pandarian often use in their infrastructure. Nothing but her stolen reading light in hand to lend to the dim light that radiated from scriptures on the wall.

Her mind raced as it filled with what awaited her deeper within. The legend had spoke of three trials she would face once within these walls. One of strengths, one of will, and a third that was shrouded in mystery. Each having a unique challenge that was never expanded on in any text she had read.

Arriving at the first room in the temple Soriya was greeted with a wondrous, large and grand antechamber. Six pillars stood flanking the room arranged in a circle with a single plaque situated in the center of them. On the other side of the room, at first glance, was simply an imposing door sealed off with a large stone slab.

As she stepped into the chamber Soriya’s eyes lit with awe as she spun in stride to take in all the room had to offer. Murals of the Jade Serpent sprawled out over the smooth faces of the walls behind the pillars depicting Fe’lon, The Eternal Serpent, finding his home in the mountains and settling down. Presumably to this very spot.

Drifting closer to the murals, a stark reminder that she wasn’t alone in her pursuits hung heavy. As much as she wanted to soak in every aspect of the fabled temple there was hardly time with the threat of treasure seekers looming in the back of her mind.

A dejected sigh rumbled as she lowered her head toward the ground. Making her way to the center chamber, those teal eyes of hers longingly drifted toward the piece of pandarian culture that had been swallowed up by the sea and lost by time, whimsically staring as if she was saying goodbye to an old friend.

With a brush of her hand to clear the modest amount of dust that covered the plaque, Soriya scanned over their words for a clue that would lead her further into the temple. It was written in old pandarian, but she could still make out the words after a little study. Quietly she read aloud to herself,

“Steel yourself for these trials will test your very soul.”

“The first will challenge your resolve. Remove the obstacle from the doorway to proceed to the next trial.”

It wasn’t the most informative slab of stone in the world, that much was certain, but it did serve to add context to the chamber itself. The doorway she had spotted early came under increased scrutiny of those teal eyes. Leaving little doubt it was the way forward… it just came to dealing with the massive stone wall, easily twice her size, that blocked the way. Off to the side was a thick rope that was tethered to the ground in two spots. It ran up and into the ceiling right next to the wall she sought to move. Another clue that hid obscured behind pillars on her initial gaze.

Drawing nearer to the challenge Soriya studied the obstruction with knitted brows and a quizzical face. There was no way she could lift that on her own, not without help. It was clear the rope tied into things as well. The fact that these trials were meant to be faced by one person alone only deepend the mystery. 

Regardless of the case she had to try something...

Both hands came to take a firm grasp of the rope off to the side. Straining herself as she tugged hard against the cord, and as fate would have it, the stone slab rose an inch for her efforts. A happy surprise that brought a smile to her face as she continued to heave away, lifting the door up inch by inch against the strain of her efforts.

Though the smooth sailing far too quick, for as soon as she let go of the rope the stone fell before crashing into the floor with a boom so loud it shook the chamber. Of course it wouldn’t be that easy.

Soriya tried again, taking the rope within her hands and tugging fistful by fistful with her weight against the rope. Desperately she looked for something to tether the rope to, another clamp on the floor. But she found no such luck. She took the rope as far into the room as she could. But the pillars remained too far for her to tie it to. 

Frustration came in waves as the young monk let the door crash onto the floor once more. And once more it threatened to collapse the ancient structure down around her head.

There was one more idea she had left to try, though it was the most dangerous of the attempts thus far. With the swim down already offering up a hazard to her life, Soriya saw little choice if she wanted to progress further into the temple.

For the third time, she wrapped her hands around the thick rope with a vice like grip. Pulling to leverage the door open bit by bit as each handful drew her closer to the juncture. She got as close as she could while the slack of the rope piled up behind her, up until she could see the winding hallway leading to the next trial.

With a deep and clearing breath she tugged as hard as she could toward the door only to abandon the rope mid way through. Throwing herself into a roll right under the now falling slab of stone that would crush her in a heartbeat. Speed was of the essence as the young monk braced herself in a kneel, her head tucked down to run parallel with her shoulders, and her hands right above them, only to catch the stone and stop its momentum. Her hands enveloped in ivory energies of chi helped her keep the stone in place, but such an exponential explosion of her energy? So quickly? She couldn’t keep it up long as the stone continually reminded her with its weight, bearing down until she began to buckle under the pressure.

Inch by inch Soriya waddled her way toward her goal, so within reach now that all she had to do was fight against the burden that had already pushed her hands to meet her shoulders. It wasn’t until she was a step away that she scurried, sliding her bottom half out first as her hands pushed against the falling door, only serving to speed up her exit from under it.

SLAM!! 

The door crashed down behind her in tandem with the relieved exhale that escaped her after she had cleared the obstacle.

“One trial down…” She muttered to herself as she continued deeper into the ancient temple.

[shiftyskip]

Walter Scott “Smokey” Gordon

The Real Smokey Gordon:

(His twin sister Cleta is standing next to him)

Walter Scott Gordon Jr. was born April 15, 1920 in Jackson, Mississippi to Cleta and Walter Gordon. He had a twin sister, named Cleta. His parents had married later in life, in the 30s, which was unusual for their time. His father, Walter Sr. was called either BeeBoy or Bee. Cleta Sr. had not gotten her name until she was three years old and had another sibling. BeeBoy was a spec builder and a real estate developer. His mother was a fiery teacher in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She was once fired for getting caught not sitting side saddle “like a lady”. When news about her firing got to the students and parents, they threatened to fire the school board. Cleta was given her job back and inspired so many students that several named their kids after her. BeeBoy and Cleta were very popular in Jackson, Mississippi. This changed during the Great Depression, where they lost nearly everything.

His parents were not prepared to be parents, more or less parents of twins. After the birth of Smokey and his twin, Beeboy would sometimes drive up to his house after working, hear the twins crying from his car, reverse his car, and come back when his children had stopped and were asleep.

Smokey was bright, quick, and could remember details of almost anything he’d read. He even studied Latin. But for all his knowledge and skill, Smokey did poorly in school. He was smart, but he was witty and liked to joke around which didn’t go over very well with his teachers. They did not like his attitude in class.

Smokey’s family was not religious, but Smokey took it upon himself to become Episcopalian, a lay leader, and an altar boy. He memorized the Bible and could recite it from memory, This changed when Cleta Jr. died from breast cancer when she was in her early 30s, causing Smokey to lose all his faith. After that, Smokey would say, “Any god that could take away the most beautiful creation to walk this earth, I want nothing to do with.” But even after this, Smokey enjoyed religious discussions and could still quote the Bible down to the chapter and verse, saying that “Don’t you know the Bible is the greatest book ever written?”

Smokey graduated from Central High School and attended Millsaps College for many semesters. This didn’t work out for him in the end, since he focused on other things. Finally, he decided to enlist in the military.

The first time did not go as planned and Smokey was denied because he was colorblind and had flat feet. Dejected, he turned to BeeBoy for guidance. BeeBoy told him that the Army tried to distance you from your home, so your homesickness wouldn’t cause you to run the first chance you got. BeeBoy told him that if he enlisted up north, they’d send him down south and vice versa. With this in mind, Smokey hopped a train to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to try again.

Still colorblind, Smokey memorized the men reading the letters in front of him and passed. He heard about the paratroopers and decided to enlist, liking the idea of the extra pay. He didn’t exactly think that he was getting more pay because he was jumping out of an airplane and into enemy fire.

Smokey was not originally a Toccoa boy. He started his training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and got transferred to Camp Toccoa, Georgia. BeeBoy was right with that perspective at least.  Smokey was in the 3rd Platoon of Easy Company.

Smokey got his nickname during the war. He had a chewing tobacco habit and it earned him the nickname, he also liked to smoke pipes and cigars. He would never drink, stating that anything he drank he would drink it with voracity so he stayed away from alcohol. He preferred water. And he drank a lot of water. I’m not kidding, he drank more than the average man. He drank so much water he would try and find ways to get other’s water during training. He started carrying candy bars around to get an extra few sips of water. He’d carry around Hershey’s Bars to exchange for water (don’t ask me why all of the Easy Company boys like Hershey’s, I really cannot explain it.)  Smokey was also sort of a smart ass. One day, he gave his last cigarette to Tab, then said the payment was a dime for a match to light it. 

In England, Lipton and Smokey would prefer to go tour museums and art galleries than go out drinking. They’d go together or sometimes even alone. Smokey did not give up his mischievous personality and one day, he took a trip to Bath, England with another guy. They went on a museum tour and when lunchtime came, the museum closed briefly, but Gordon and the other man hid inside until it was safe. Then they stripped and swam and played around in the Ancient Roman baths. Before the museum opened, they got dressed and rejoined the tour.

Winters, in his memoir, writes that Smokey and his friend Paul Rogers, enjoyed passing their time by picking a victim to dedicate a poem to. Their victim had received company punishment and therefore needed a poem about them told in front of the company when they were assembled. The victim would be throughly embarrassed and angry. If the victim of their teasing blew up on them, they got more joy out of their teasing. The more embarrassed their victim became, the happier Smokey and his friend were. Their easy target was Floyd Talbert. Tab, one Christmas Eve, had a bit of a temper tantrum when his silverware was removed and stormed out. Smokey met him afterwards, telling Tab he had skipped possibly his last Christmas dinner on Earth. 

Smokey jumped into Normandy on D-Day. He landed on a farm, near an apple tree,with half his machine gun.The first person Smokey saw in Normandy was John Eubanks. Eubanks was supposed to be carrying the tripod for machine guns, but when he didn’t see a purpose for carrying it without a gun or a gunner around him, he got rid of it. Smokey found a way around it, and set his gun on low stone walls to fire it. 

Guth joined them shortly afterwards as they wandered around Normandy. At one point, a voice called out the code word “FLASH”. Before anyone could do anything, Eubanks called out “Lightning!” WRONG CODE WORD, the right one is thunder. They ducked, knowing what happened when they said the wrong code word, and a grenade was thrown at them by the other man, who promptly ran away. The men found Talbert a short time later. Together they joined a group of 502nd men that took out a bunker, near a bar in Ravenoville, with Smokey’s orders.

Smokey was injured in Normandy in his calf, by a piece of shrapnel that went in his leg and out the other. When he was evacuated to England, he had a long cast up his leg. It ran from his hip to his toe. In this hospital period, Smokey met with groups of military upper brass as they went through. These groups spoke with the wounded men and gave them Purple Hearts if they qualified. This award was supposed to stay pinned to their pillows, but every time a group was gone, Smokey would take his off and put it under his pillow. He slowly collected a small amount of these by the end of the 8 weeks he was there.

Tab was also injured near Carentan. This was the night of Stab-A-Tab, where Talbert was stabbed by another Easy man by mistake. Smokey, with his tradition of making poems out of people’s misery, made one for Tab. The Night of The Bayonet was Smokey’s tribute to Tab when they returned to Aldbourne, England. He also gave Talbert one of his Purple Hearts as well. According to Smokey, whenever the night was brought back up, Tab claimed he could’ve shot the kid six times, but didn’t think they could spare to lose a man.

Smokey was also promoted to the NCO ranks during their time at Aldbourne. He would eventually end the war as a corporal. It’s also said that Lipton and Smokey went to tour Scotland after recovering. 

Surviving all of Holland, we end his military chapter in Bastogne. I can’t tell you what he did in Holland, but I will let you know if I can find anything. (I do feel super bad about this but I can’t find anything right now.) 

In Bastogne, Winters remembered walking past Gordon one day, as Gordon sat at the edge of his foxhole, staring out at the forest, without recognizing him at first, and then thinking, “Damn! Gordon’s matured! He’s a man!”

Smokey was shot on Christmas Eve morning. His partner was newer, and had no experience with foxholes. Their foxhole was not deep enough for the tall 6′1″ paratrooper, and Smokey was shot in the shoulder as he was drinking coffee. The hot drink poured into his lap as his body slid down. The bullet entered his left shoulder, traveled through him, and left through his right shoulder. It touched his spinal cord and he was paralyzed from the neck down. 

He was dragged out of his foxhole by his close friend Paul Rogers and Jim Alley. They took him into the woods to see Doc Roe. There Doc attended to him with morphine and plasma. Lipton ran over to see how he could help Smokey. He was leaning over Smokey, trying to get a response out of the wounded man. Another man pointed out that Lipton was actually standing on Smokey’s hand and that Smokey could not feel it. He had lost his sensations in most of his body. This is when they realized just how serious Smokey was hurt. 

Smokey was evacuated to an aid station, to England, to a hospital in Wales, He was put into a cast that left his head to his waist covered, only his face was left exposed. This caused a problem due to the fact his wounds from the bullet couldn’t be treated. They drilled holes into his head to install Crutchfield Tongs, to stop any movement. He was forced immobile, laying on his back, for six weeks. 

One day, a doctor looked at Smokey and told someone to watch out for Smokey because he was goldbricking. Goldbricking is an excuse to escape a task, Smokey was so mad that he yelled at the doctor, “Damn it! If I could get out of this bed and I’d show you what goldbricking is.” The doctor left, successful with his attempt to rile up Smokey to keep his fight going. Smokey would keep in touch with this doctor, even after the war, for the remainder of his life. 

Smokey gained control of his pinky finger during his time of recovery He was labeled walking wounded a short bit later. But he was still not free from the hospital. He was shipped off to Atlanta, where he’d stay in a hospital until the war was over in 1945. He was able to go home by that time, but continued to remain in the Army. In his letters home, he was never able to give an answer to that question of when he’d return. 

Even though he was now well enough to go home, they were going to send him to Fort Benning for restricted or limited duty. BeeBoy, who Smokey called to tell the news, started yelling and threatening the Army that he’d take Walter to the US Senate, strip Smokey, and let them determine if he was going to be sent home or not. I’m not sure if that message to the driving force with the doctor, but Smokey was soon discharged with 90% disability. 

The rest of his life, he suffered with chronic back pain and shoulder pain. His back would hurt if it was touched, even if it was a pat on the back. He took an Army aptitude test to see what his career should be, and got bulldozer operator. But Smokey didn’t like this idea and decided to put his strength more in knowledge than what the Army had expressed. 

Under the GI Bill, Smokey went back to school. He attended Cumberland  Law School in Tennessee. 6 months into this school, he returned to Mississippi, took the state bar exam and passed. He went back to school to officially achieve his degree, but he was already a licensed attorney. Even before graduating. 

But he never practiced law. He became an oil broker instead. He had no car but was given work fairly early after the war. He wrote to Henry Ford II and the letter got him a car from the local dealership and he paid without having to wait for a new car. And instantly he got a way to work. 

In 1950, while on a vacation, Smokey met his future wife. Her name was Betty Ball Ludeau from Louisiana. Smokey asked her to reintroduce herself several times, causing a bit of embarrassment on her part. But it’s Smokey, that’s almost expected. He swore it was love at first sight and he knew he was gonna marry her. 

During their relationship, he worked in Hammond, Louisiana with oil and would drive to go see Betty. The pair had little in common, he didn’t like dancing or saloons like she did. He pursued her with a passion, and she refused him, She rejected several marriage proposals from Smokey, but Smokey continued to ask. She rejected him many times till one night he learned the answer. She blurted out that she couldn’t marry him because she didn’t know how to cook. Smokey told her he “wasn’t marrying her to be his cook”, he “was marrying her to be his bride”. Throughout their marriage, he would call her “his bride”. She finally said yes. 

They were married June 14, 1951. Smokey said she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen to anyone who would listen when Betty entered a room. He claimed she was the most entertaining woman he’d ever met. Smokey dearly loved Betty. Everyday he’d tell her, “...have I told you how much I love you today? And tell me. what can I do to make you happy?” 

Smokey didn’t have many hobbies due to how much he worked. He had no problem requiring the same amount of effort out of his kids, all five of them. There was Elizabeth “Bebe”, Linda, Eunice Gay, and Cleta, his daughters. He had one son, Walter S. Gordon III. He often ran by military tactics, and not parenting tools such as Dr. Spock. His kids chores were based on the military scale, he would inspect their completed chores and give them more if they weren’t done correctly. They didn’t want to be doing nothing around Smokey, for he’d given a good work ethnic and doing nothing around Smokey was nearly a crime. They also appeared to have hired a Nanny to help with all 5 kids, they called her MowMow. Often times, the only control the house had was when Smokey was in charge. When family arguments arose, it was all to blame the kids, even if they didn’t do anything (specifically for the cases where they escaped punishment when they thoroughly deserved the punishment). 

 He’d sometimes take his 5 kids out of school during the week to join him on a trip. They’d all travel on his business trip with him, missing school, and heading to New Orleans, Louisiana.  Like everything else, their vacation was scheduled like military tactics. They had scheduled meeting times and places, where they’d to his hotel. He’d send them off to an arcade with 5 dollars and would continue with his business trip. At dinner, they’d go to a fancy restaurant. They were all around the age of 5-11, which to Smokey was old enough to be able to function properly, even though they weren’t adults. 

Even though he loved working, Smokey was a family man as well. Whenever invited out for drinks with co-workers, he’d chose to go home to his wife and kids instead. He loved his kids and his family a lot, focusing his time on them instead of other places when he was home from travels. 

Smokey loved his kids about as much as he loved money, Often times, using money to bribe his kids to come home and visit. He’d send them a check that wasn’t signed, bribing them with signing it when they next returned home to see him. Or he ripped a $100 in half, send half of it with a letter that stated they’d get the rest when they came to visit, and they’d come back, curious about his latest antic. 

Smokey continued to love jokes. He loved practical jokes, sometimes planning them out for months. He once sent a letter to a reporter he saw dining at a diner he regularly was at, she left without paying for 2 cups of tea. He then adopted a pseudonym, wrote a letter where he portrayed the owner of the diner asking her to pay the diner back for the tea. One time, the lieutenant governor of Mississippi, a friend from law school, sent a  joking letter to Smokey that read: “...I have been informed that you were wounded in the head in the last war. As a public official of the great state of Mississippi, I want to take this opportunity to say I am indeed sorry they didn’t kill you.”

Smokey is seen as the link between Ambrose and Easy Company. Ambrose lived about 15 minutes away from each other in Mississippi (not neighbors as the story is told). In 1988, Ambrose’s assistant heard about the group of veterans attending a reunion in New Orleans. They met with the assistant and were interviewed, and soon they connected the assistant to Smokey who lived nearby. They had set up an interview with Ambrose and Smokey, Lipton, Guth, and Winters. Smokey and Ambrose became close friends and their friendship lasted for a long time. 

Smokey returned to Mississippi towards the end of his life, he was away from his bride, but they made weekly visits to each other. He spent much of his time with Tracy, his daughter and her kids. They talked daily, until one day where he didn’t call, two days after his birthday. Tracy’s nanny tried to call, and couldn’t get an answer, so she traveled with the grandkids to Smokey’s house. He was an early riser, and would have gotten his paper and started his day by then. She arrived to see he still hadn’t grabbed his paper. There, Miss Lilian, the nanny, and his 5 year old grandson found him in his bedroom and he was rushed to the hospital. 

Smokey had suffered a stroke in the night. At first, it was believed he would recover, but a few hours later, while in the hospital, he had another massive stroke. He passed away 3 days later on April 19, 1997. Smokey was cremated and remained with his son, until his wife passed away in 2009, when he was buried with her. 

His funeral was exactly how his life was, happy and full of jokes. Stories of his pranks and humor were shared along with a bunch of smiles.  Gordon’s life should be remembered the way he was, with a few stories that make you smile and a heart full of love and humor

[entering-mymind]

The Mandalorians Epilogue

This is the Epilogue of the series where I have inserted my OC character (Mando’s daughter) into the Disneyplus television show. With her addition I believe this helps the viewers understand the choices Mando makes in the series. Would love to hear feedback!

Unknowing where to head first, Mando flew the Crest discreetly putting it in autopilot because today was a special day and he hoped Osa had awakened. Mando went to the children’s sleeping quarters to find Osa still unconscious while the child smiled at Mando’s sight. Happy to see the child in good spirits but disappointed Osa was incoherent, Mando sat on the edge of the bed contemplating, and would celebrate with her no matter what.

Since the child was now apart of their clan it was not forbidden for him to see either Din or Osa helmetless. With a simple click Din removed his helmet and then gently removed Osa’s, “Happy Date of Existence Mi Pequeno,” Din said through a smile while placing his hand upon her cheek.

He glared down at his daughter in such pride tears glistened over his eyes because Din was so happy they had found each other. All Din could do was stare at her, but upset she wasn’t recuperating faster when Osa began to stir.

Her hands curled making a strenuous fist, her face scrunched up in fear, and her eyelids fluttered from the rapid movement her eyes made behind. Din knew preciously what she was going through, it was the same from when she was a child, the horrid nightmares had returned.

A moan of panic escaped her throat along with a single tear, Din could see his daughter was trapped and had to help her escape like he did for her fifteen years ago.

“Osa, it’s okay, Papi’s here. Fight them, fight them off. Papi will always protect you,” Din placed his head beside his daughters pressing his lips close to her ear. He inhaled a breath and began to hum a soft tune his mother use to sing to him as a child.

The melody always brought him at ease by his mother’s gentle tone and believed his version, for Osa, did the same for her. Din held her close, still feeling his daughter stir from panic and whimper from fear, but he would chase the nightmares away and bring her solace.

The serene tune was coming to an end and so was her horrific dream, her body relaxed and her breathing returned to normal. Din rose happy she was at peace but baffled why she wasn’t waking up. Did healing him take that much out of her? She recovered fast after healing Karga, but the child had also participated. Was it because she absorbed years from his life and her body couldn’t process the rapid change?

Upset with himself, Din stroked the white (that use to color the sides of his head) in Osa’s hair wishing he could, somehow, take back what she had done. He felt guilty, tormented even, that on this day she was only suppose to turn eighteen, not older.

Feeling lost Din just closed his eyes and kept his head low. Sensing his pain, the child knew what to do and placed its tiny hand on Osa’s chest also closing his eyes, mimicking its father.

Without much effort the child undid what she obtained, absorbing the years himself since they wouldn’t affect him in the least compared to a humanoid; every year counted for them.

Din didn’t care how long it would take Osa to wake up, he would stay by her side, just like how she was always at his. Din raised his head and opened his eyes to memorize his daughter’s face when something caught his attention. Ever so slowly the white that colored the sides of her hair was fading and returning to her natural brown color.

Amazed by this phenomenon, Din glared at Osa to try and figure out how she was achieving this feat, when he noticed the child performing the miracle. Once the task was complete the child sat, with a hint of exhaustion, and stared up at Din with a small smile on its face.

With joy, Din smiled back and cradled the child’s face in his hand, truly thanking his son. The child cooed, basking in Din’s affection when she spoke the word he would never tire of hearing, “Papi.”

“Osa,” Din said ecstatic, cupping her face in his hands.

“How did I get down here and you up there, wasn’t it the other way around?” Osa pointed out.

“Yeah, it was,” Din replied in a chuckle when Osa’s demeanor changed, “What’s wrong Mi Pequeno?”

“I saw it,” Osa said almost in tears but Din didn’t need an explanation of what she witnessed, because he knew.

“And,” he wasn’t sure how to proceed.

Osa rose to a sitting position and stroked the child’s long ear with her finger, “Him and I, we’re connected due to Gideon’s experimentations. That’s why I can’t control my abilities, it’s because I wasn’t born with them; I was infused. This is where my nightmares manifest, they are from when I was at the facility. Him and I were both there, Gideon took what ever is inside of this child and infused it with me. Why would my mother allow me to be experimented on? Did she finally feel guilty and that’s why she gave me to you, so I could be your burden.”

“You are not a burden Osa,” Din said forcefully when she changed the subject.

“Do you have doubts that I am biologically your daughter?” Osa had to find out.

“Anara never gave me the chance to find out, but if the math is done correctly, your conception lines up, but when I received you your appearance wasn’t what it is now, unfortunately making me question,” Din reveled.

“Tell me, tell me about today fifteen years ago,” Osa figured out that her actual date of existence wasn’t based off of her birth, her father based it off on the day he received her.

                                                      *    *   *

Din knew he couldn’t get out of this, she had the memory but just wanted to hear the story come from him. Deep down Din knew he should have told her but he wanted Osa to have a normal life, one without worry of who she was or what those scientists did to her. His hands were tied so he took her back reliving the worst and yet best day of his life.

“I had just finished a solo mission, turning in a bounty, when I received a transmission from the personal comm I gave to your mother,” Din began.

“You gave her a twin comm, secret communications only you two could receive, wow Papi you fell for her hard,” Osa tried to embarrass her father when his cheeks flushed a hint of red.

“Do you want me to tell the story?”

“Sorry, sorry, but wait when did you give the comm to her? Was it when you both were held up for the night on the mission with Ran’s crew? Oh geez, it’s clear to me now when you broke the Code,” she tried to get the image out of her mind.

“Osa, please focus.”

“Yeah, let’s move past that part, so you got a personal transmission, what did she say?” when Mando dove into the past.

I had not seen Anara in almost four years and didn’t know what to think. The message was brief, she seemed worried, in a panic, but urgent for me to meet her on Tolarian. She gave me specific instructions when and where, basically knowing I would show. Without hesitation I navigated the Crest towards Tolarian and landed on the outskirts as she made it clear to stay discrete. I tried to blend in with the locals and took extra precaution by cloaking myself in robes to hide my armor. I followed her instructions, waited in the back alley of the building she described but she didn’t show.

In my gut I knew something went wrong, Anara was always punctual, never missed her mark, when I turned down a vacant street to surveillance the area but never got the chance. Suddenly a massive explosion blew me off my feet when I heard blaster fire. Coming to, I peered down the alley noticing the building to the left had a hole blown out of it, where dead Stormtroopers were sprinkled within the debris.

I got to my feet, blaster drawn, ready to high tail it out of there, when I saw her emerge from the chaos. Her red hair acted like the fire causing the billowing smoke coiling from the explosion, her green eyes shimmered like a jaded jewel, and her pale skin almost camouflaged her within the haze. She fought vigorously, blasting whomever came into her scope when she glanced over and saw me. Her panicked stricken face faded upon my presence, her vigorous melted to softness, like hope had been restored to her.

I shouted for Anara and moved in her direction, but she raised a hand for me to seize. Baffled, I didn’t know what her next move was when an older woman (carrying a small being covered head to toe in laboratory garments) emerged from the wreckage and approached Anara. All she did was direct the woman towards me not wasting a single opportunity. The woman did not hesitate and changed her course when a reign of blaster fire encircled Anara.

I wanted to go after her, rescue her, but she wouldn’t allow it. With her final breath Anara mouthed three words to me, but I couldn’t make them out when she was shot down in cold blood by Gideon. I wanted to cradle her in my arms, feel her warmth one last time, but the woman rammed me down a dead end not allowing me to grieve.

My blood was boiling, my head swam with vengeful thoughts, and I wanted to take everyone down. Nothing seemed more important than getting justice for Anara when all that halted as the woman got my attention.

“You are the Mandalorian Anara trusts?” the woman said out of breath.

My head was spinning, unable to register what was happening around me when she repeated her question.

“You are Mando?”

Finally my brain caught up and I began a conversation with her, “Why wouldn’t Anara let me help her?”

“You don’t understand the severity we are in,” the woman alluded.

“Yes I do, we will be executed by the Empire,” when I looked down and noticed blood staining the length of the woman’s leg.

“No, Anara’s sacrifice will not be in vain, she died to protect your secret and I will parish in order to give you both more time,” the woman grabbed a detonator off my belt and activated it, “This child is the only one who survived, and Moff Gideon will do everything to get the asset back, you must hide and protect it at all costs. Teach this child the Mandalorian ways, do you promise to protect it?”

A child, I didn’t know what to do or say, I wasn’t a protector, I was a bounty hunter, a tracker of individuals, someone who didn’t hesitate to pull the trigger, I wasn’t a nurturer, but something inside screamed at me to say yes, and it wasn’t because the woman held onto a live explosive.

“Do you bind your promise to this child, to Anara?” the woman stressed.

I stared at the woman and then at the little being she carried in her arms, you. I was conflicted, for once in my life I wasn’t sure what was to be done, but everything became clear once you reached for me to take you. You didn’t display fear at my sight, we glared at each other as if we could see the other’s face. It actually terrified me feeling so exposed, but also calming as I only shared that experience once before, with your mother. All paranoia seized when I said “yes.”

Immediately the woman shoved you into my arms and then ran down the alley taking out the approaching troopers. Not wasting my opportunity I used the smoke to secure our escape and headed straight for the Crest, declaring that would be my final visit to Tolarian.

“So that’s how you obtained me?” young Mando chimed in bringing her father back to the present.

“Yes and I would do it all over again.”

“What happened after? All I can remember is our home on Lah’mu. Where did we go after we left Tolarian?”

“It was clear that I wouldn’t return to the Mandalore covert, it was prudent not to put any heat on them. So I had to find sanctuary on a planet the Empire didn’t occupy, so the Outer Rim was the best choice. Several planets became options but eventually I settled on Veeno. It was habitable with lush forests and scattered cities, no humanoids occupied the planet only the Veenoinians; creatures with blue textured skin, four arms, and kept to themselves. Perfect for anyone trying to stay hidden.”

“How long did we stay there?”

“Only a few months, but it was those few months that I’m thankful for because he saved you.”

“Saved me, you saved me, Papi,” young Mando reminded.

“I took you away from the…horrid experimentations, but the doctor, he saved your life,” Mando said in gratitude.

“How? I don’t remember being sick.”

“You weren’t sick, you were dying. I blame myself for allowing you to go for as long as you did because I never assessed your situation. Your identity was masked, I was going to remove your facial coverings but I was so drilled in the Mandalorian ways I didn’t think otherwise, but that was my fault because I didn’t see the signs until it was almost to late. In our weeks there I had befriended a dealer named Wildaldro, who’s father, luckily, was a doctor, I had to take you to him because you collapsed in my arms and became unresponsive,” Din turned his head, sick by the memory of almost losing Osa when he remembered the event as if it was yesterday.

                                                    *   *   *

There was no hesitation, Din scooped up the tiny child and raced towards the city, hoping the only creature he knew on the planet would help him. Operating hours were about to close but Din stormed in with the child limply in his arms.

“Wildaldro please I need to see a doctor,” Din pleaded.

“Whoa you didn’t tell me you had a kid, granted I still don’t know your real name, Mando,” Wildaldro winked knowing Din had given a pseudo.

“Please, is there a doctor with discretion?” Din commanded.

Wildaldro realizing the severity in Mando’s voice he took them to his father’s home.

“What is the meaning of this, do you know what time it is Wil?” his father (the doctor) scrutinized.

“Dad please I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t an emergency,” Wildaldro clarified while clearing the dining room table.

Din was at such a high alert he didn’t even think to surveillance the home, he was too worried about the child.

“Please sir, I don’t know what’s wrong,” Din stated while placing the little one on the table.

“What is this, why is the child covered head to toe, is this some part of your religion?” the doctor asked.

“Somewhat,” Din replied.

“Well I don’t mean no disrespect but I will have to remove most of the garments if to analyze the patient, do you agree?” the doctor said.

At first Din wasn’t sure on what to do, but knew this would come down to life or death and he wanted the child to live.

“This is the way,” Din stated.

“What does that mean, is it a yes or no?”

“Yes.”

“Wil grab my emergency kit,” the doctor noticed zippers within the child’s sleeves and immediately unzipped them.

Upon sight, Din felt sick to his stomach witnessing the horrors that had been done to the little one, as there were all sorts of markings on the child’s arms, proof of experimentation.

“Should I be concerned of the child’s safety?” the doctor spoke with a bit of hostility.

“No, because the child is in my protection now,” Din said in certainty.

“Good.”

Wildaldro returned with his father’s supplies when the doctor started performing medical exams while stabilizing his patient.

“Since I see you do not remove your helmet may I remove the child’s?” the doctor asked.

“Do what you must for its survival,” Din concluded.

Technically Din was curious on the gender, if it was a boy or a girl and this would be the revel. Upon removal a large amount of curly, multi colored hair billowed out of the head garments showcasing soft features of a sleeping little girl.

It was odd because she seemed to be a modge podge of multiple species. Her hair was splotched of red, blue, brown, black, green, like the strands couldn’t decide. Her skin was muted, almost changing colors within different lighting, plus there appeared to be multiple textures formed over her skin, ranging from scales to unusual tattoo like markings.

Din didn’t know how to feel or what to think, he felt numb. What had been done to this child? Why would Anara allow this and for how long has this little one been tormented? Slowly anger began to inflict his blood, his fists curled into balls wishing to strike anything in his path. Din had to set things right for her, he had to make her feel safe, just like when the Mandalorians took him in. Now it was his turn to pay it forward.

Din glared at the little girl watching her chest barely rise up and down, the doctor immediately placed her on oxygen in order to help her breath better. After a few hours Wil’s father told him to get some sleep, the doctor could sense the less individuals around the more information he would receive from this stranger.

“Wake me if you need me dad, oh and Mando no worries your daughter is in the best care,” Wil reassured Din.

“Daughter?” Din thought to himself uncertain.

Finally the two were alone when the doctor laid everything out on the table getting Mando’s attention.

“Listen I don’t care what lies you told my son, but here and now I need the truth if I’m to save this child. Who are you and is the Empire going to come knocking on my or Wil’s door?”

“You must understand I have to keep certain discretions about myself, what I can reveal to you is that I am a Mandalorian, this child was given to me to be protected from the Empire, I wasn’t given any information myself. Plus the less you know the better no one can interrogate you,” Din ended.

“Fair enough, but the real problem is I know what’s killing her, she needs a blood transfusion,” the doctor informed.

“Money won’t be an issue, I can pay you,” Din addressed.

“You believe the reason why I’m not performing the procedure is because I’m waiting for you to pay, no you idiot, do you see any humanoids on Veeno? Even if we were at my clinic I don’t keep a supply of human blood.”

“Take mine,” Din stated without thought.

“Did you not hear me, I need humanoid blood,” the doctor reminded not knowing what species Mandalorians were.

“I am human,” Din reassured and was about to remove his glove when he hesitated.

Naturally he wasn’t removing his helmet and breaking the Code like he had in the past, but each piece of the Mandalore armor was an extension of oneself, it was still violating the Code. A debate ran through him but knew the logical answer, Din removed his gauntlet, then pulled each digit from his glove, and what had been years since another living being had laid eyes upon his flesh, Din removed his glove exposing his hand.

Unable to fathom the longevity of the Mandalorian’s actions, the doctor quickly rolled up Mando’s sleeve exposing more than just his hand. The doctor shoved Mando into a chair and then rested Din’s arm on the table while searching for a vein.

“My apologies, I don’t work on humanoids practically at all so it might take me a few tries,” and with that he was accurate, Din had been poked and prodded several times before the doctor found a suitable vein.

The doctor ran the tube hooked up from Din to the child where the doctor watched in anticipation.

“We must do this slowly otherwise you could also die,” the doctor informed.

Ten minutes had passed with no change, the doctor drew a new blood sample from the child when he said he would be back in a few minutes.

Din gazed around the room absorbing any necessary information he needed about the doctor when suddenly he felt (for the first time in almost four years) skin-to-skin touch, where a tiny hand clasped onto his. He turned his head and saw a pair of tired green eyes glare at him in gratitude.

He couldn’t help and lose himself in the little girl’s eyes, hypnotizing just like Anara’s was. Could this be? Could this be Anara’s child, but then who was the father? Suddenly a wave of nausea inflicted Din’s stomach when his heart began to palpate as sweat started to bead on his forehead. Of all people why entrust this child with him, but could it be, but how, the child looked nothing like him? At the moment Din didn’t know what to think when suddenly (it was as if a hologram was playing out before him) past events began to be reenacted in that very room.

Din was being shown personal dinners that Wil and the doctor had with their family, certain celebrations of holidays were being played out from all different stages of that families life, it was as if the past had left an impression and he was some how able to view these intimate moments. He waited to see if there was more when the present returned and the child unclasped her hand from his and fell back to sleep.

Unable to register what he had just experienced, Din believed he had just hallucinated but was even unsure of that. Fifteen more minutes passed and Din noticed the girl’s breathing becoming normal, her skin tone went from pale to receiving a slight pink in her cheeks, while her groans became silent.

“You need to eat,” the doctor walked in with food high in sugar and protein.

“I will be alright,” Din stated.

“You will be passed out on the floor in another five minutes, now eat!” the doctor commanded, “Wil will be asleep for another few hours and I will step out for some air, you can have your solitude,” the doctor reassured while finishing up another inspection of the child, “She is thriving, it appears you are the perfect match for her as your blood is healing her. I have very high hopes, you should feel proud, she is your kin,” the doctor clarified before he left.

His kin, so was she truly his, could the doctor tell? Technically his blood did flow in her now so by law she was his. So many rapid thoughts began to run through his brain and Din wasn’t sure if this was because he was hallucinating from lose of blood or if something had indeed changed internally.

Analyzing his situation, Din removed his helmet so he could replenish his body, he would do what he must to save the child, no, his child.

                                                     *   *   *

Night had turned to day when Wildaldro returned downstairs thrilled that the child was alive and getting better. The doctor separated the transfusion believing it had worked successfully and took one last sample to analyze, the doctor was about to give Din a full inspection but knew better.

“The child is in good hands, get some rest, you will need to be fully recovered for your journey home,” the doctor said.

Seeing this as not a bad idea, Din wobbly stood from the chair and laid down in the next room. What felt like minutes, hours had passed by when Din awoke in a stir, in the background he could hear faint murmurs and couldn’t believe he left his guard down. He took precaution, peering over the couch with his blaster drawn, but realized he could put it away as the doctor and Wildaldro were examining the child who also appeared to be awake.

She sat up on the table, feet dangling over the edge when Wil had his hand on her back incase she felt weak while the doctor gave her a full examination.

“Humans are so odd, what with their hair and only two appendages, how do they function?” Wil said to his father when they both noticed Mando approaching.

“Oh hey, hope you got some zzz’s,” Wil said.

“How is she?” Din asked concerned.

“Honestly amazing. I have never seen a patient come back so easily from death. She is indeed special,” the doctor said to Din, “A close eye though should still be kept on her.”

Din scooted his way in between the two and peered down at his child, he looked into her large green eyes and noticed something that clearly wasn’t there before. A faint hint of brown circled around her pupils, this intrigued Din because he didn’t notice that before.

“Hey little one, are you feeling better?” Din questioned when she gazed up into his helmet as if she could see his face, just like she did back in the alley on Tolarian.

Din immediately felt exposed but yet in some way at ease. Just like before, his little girl reached for him to cradle her in his arms when Din didn’t hesitate and scooped her up. He reached into one of his pouches and grabbed a hand full of credits. Wil instinctively went to collect them but the good doctor refused.

“Please, I have nothing else to offer,” Din said.

“As I request nothing, saving a life is payment, if anything else should happen do not hesitant to come back, and no worries I understand discretion and will destroy all evidence,” the doctor reassured.

“Thank you,” Din replied when he collected his daughter’s garments and wrapped her up minus the mask.

Wildaldro escorted them back to his shop and saw them off, “Don’t be a stranger now Mando,” Wil said in all seriousness where all Din replied with was a nod and a sincere thanks.

                                                        *   *   *

The two made their way to his ship when something felt different, like a weight had been lifted and Din could finally breathe. He set his daughter on a cot and unwrapped her headdress when something unusual caught him off guard. Her hair had started to change into a solid color, from the tips of her roots to the edge of her scalp a fluid brown was overtaking the multi colors. Flabbergasted, Din examined her eyes and noticed the brown was absorbing more of the green as well.

“Hey there my little Changeling, what’s going on with you,” Din said more to himself because it seemed his daughter did not know how to talk. Affectionately, Din ticked her evolving nose when she giggled by his actions as she displayed a smile he had only expressed under his helmet. That was his smile, those were his eyes, that was his hair color, she was changing and adapting his features.

It was a slow process but soon enough her eyes had fully been taken over with brown, her nose had slightly widened, her face rounded, and when Din finally got her to sit still long enough he had to cut out whatever color remained from the ends of her hair.

He couldn’t believe it, but yet maybe he knew more then he thought, because Anara was part Changeling and Din was sure his daughter was part too. Maybe that was the reason why she was able to survive for so long with the experimentations, her body was able to adapt easier, change, morph, a reasonable explanation on why her appearance looked the way it did.

Din knew he couldn’t get angry, she was safe now but those were just his assumptions, Din needed the doctor’s expertise on this matter but mostly maybe the doctor could discover the function of her abilities.

Days had passed but one in particular stood out in his mind, Din had been working on some projects when he heard his daughter begin to make noises of discomfort. Quickly Din rushed in seeing her hunched on the floor hugging her mid-section, she wasn’t thrashing around as if in pain, she was more acting like she was holding something in.

Din was just about to reach her when an unseen blast erupted from her core, blowing Din off his feet and anything else that was in her path. Her tiny body couldn’t handle the extinguished energy and so laid down in exhaustion.

Din had never seen anything like this before, it seemed almost surreal and he needed answers. One night he took his daughter to see the doctor without Wildaldro’s knowledge.

“So you’ve come back, is she alright?” the doctor asked in concern fearing his procedure did not work for his patient.

“Yes, she is fine it’s just I can’t explain her appearance and she…,” Din wasn’t sure if he should reveal the episode she experienced, but knew he had to help her in any way possible, “she harbors certain abilities,” Din carefully said wondering if the doctor would believe him.

“I guess I wasn’t sure how she would react to the treatment or to your blood, her body was a mess, so much toxicity was pumped into her bloodstream. I’m shocked she lived for as long as she did,” the doctor removed her head wrap and noticed the changes, “Well this certainly paints a picture, I assume you also have brown hair and eyes?” the doctor stated. Din kept quiet but that summed up the answer for the doctor.

“Are you able to determine how old she is?” Din needed to know certainties.

“For specifics I would have to collect a bone sample but guesstimating, no older than three, why?” the doctor’s interest peaked.

“Just wondering if my assumptions are correct,” Din kept vague but the tone in his voice gave him away.

“You are not certain if she truly is yours?” the doctor asked boldly.

“I don’t want to have my doubts but I do. I was hoping you could tell me.”

“Well since I destroyed all the samples I took from before, I will need to take one from each of you to get a real understanding.”

The doctor wasted no time and filled up two syringes with each of his patient’s blood and began his tests.

“In all the species I have studied, examined, diagnosed, I have never seen a case like this. If she wasn’t yours before she definitely is now, you both match identically, she is your flesh and blood. That is why her features changed, her entire DNA changed, but there is something else that has bonded with her cells, what it is I am unfamiliar with. At the moment they appear to be dormant and I’m sure once awakened that is what causes her abilities you were mentioning,” the doctor pondered for a while almost keeping information to himself.

“Is she in danger to herself?” Din questioned with a hint of panic.

“No, just needs a proper mentor, and who better than her father,” the doctor ended.

That word “father” Din never believed he would become one, he was to invested with his work, plus intimacy was too personal, he found out the hard way by being scorned before. Bounty hunting was also a dangerous trade with enemies lining around the corner. He couldn’t lose anyone else, but with her there was one clear answer, she was his.

Din cradled his daughter within his embrace when he felt a bit lost, he didn’t know the first thing about raising a child, but like most of his life he figured it out, because “This is the way.”

“She doesn’t talk,” Din said in concern.

“There are many ways to communicate without the use of words, body language, sign language, or drawing therapy. Allow her to choose on how to express herself, eventually she will mimic you, a child almost always idolizes their parent, give her time,” the doctor escorted them out, but before they left he had one final question, “Have you given her a proper identity?”

“Not yet, but one comes to mind,” Din said heading back to the Crest and leaving the doctor without an answer.

                                                       *   *   *

The two sat in silence when Din placed his daughter on the cot and removed her head wrap. In a loving manner Din brushed her hair away from her face so he could get a good look at her when an image of his late mother took him by surprise.

War and droids were the reason for his parents and Anara’s death and this made him furious, but her tiny face brought him peace as his mother’s name rolled off his tongue with ease.

“Osa, your name is Osa Djarin.”

                                                       *   *   *

Several normal days flew by while Din kept himself busy by rearranging the Crest so it could be habitable for two, plus Osa was becoming a handful, getting into everything, playing with anything, when he took the doctor’s advice to see if she would communicate through a picture.

Din picked Osa up and placed her at the temporary kitchen table and gave her a piece of paper and a small stick of black chalk. Osa just stared into Din’s helmet perplexed and unknowing what to do.

“Do you know how to draw a picture?” Din horribly drew a rectangle and then a circle, realizing this wasn’t drawing he turned to spelling, “How about I write your name,” he spelled out Osa at the top of the paper when she turned, tapped Din and then tapped next to her name signaling who he was.

“Right, I’ve never told you who I am,” Din became hesitant but he knew he shouldn’t because he had not revealed his real self in decades, but now was as any good of time, “My name is Din Djarin, I am your father or you can call me Papi,” Din wrote the Spanish term next to Osa’s name which translated to Daddy, “Have fun,” he paused and then gave her an endearing nickname, “Mi Pequeno,” he handed her the chalk and then grazed her cheek with his thumb leaving her so he could finish some work.

About an hour passed by when he walked back in as Osa excitedly hopped off her chair to present her masterpiece to Din. She waved the piece of paper for him to take and so he did. In shock Osa drew two figures underneath each name, she drew herself and then Din without his helmet.

Granted these representations of themselves were practically stick figures but the point was there. Din knelt down to Osa’s level when she placed her tiny hands on the sides of his helmet but made no movement, she wanted Din to willingly remove his helmet with her. A surge of panic inflicted him but remembered the Code, Osa was his kin, she was his flesh and blood, they could see each others identities and so Din removed his helmet – for the second time around another being since he was sworn into the Creed.

Osa enthusiastically smiled seeing her saviors face for the first time, her joy was contagious when Din smiled the exact smile right back at his daughter. Finally realizing the resemblances, Osa lunged herself into Din’s embrace, burying her face into the crook of his neck. With her action Din’s heart swelled and held her tight, he didn’t want this moment to end. He dragged it out for as long as he could when he heard her small voice whisper her first word he never wanted to stop hearing, “Papi.”

                                                           *   *   *

“So that’s the story, that’s what you have been keeping from me?” Osa stated.

“Yes, I’m sorry I can’t provide you with more. I tired to give you the best and normal life as possible…” when he was cut off.

“Papi you don’t have to justify yourself, I wouldn’t have my life any other way, actually I have you to thank for my life because who knows where I would be,” Osa looked away almost ashamed that she was only seen as an experiment and not as a person when in the Empire’s care.

“I wish I knew, I would have stopped Anara from…” again he was cut off.

“Papi, don’t. We will never know her reasons for handing me over to the Empire, but I do have to give her some credit for making the right decision in the end and getting me to my father,” Osa smiled big.

Din just smiled sadly still contemplating, which he knew he shouldn’t.

“Do you still have doubts?” Osa could sense his inner struggle, a struggle he knew he shouldn’t have, “Don’t, you know why because I heard the three words Anara yelled at you.”

Din glared at his daughter in awe and in terror.

“She said, ‘Protect our child,’” Osa grinned wide as tears began to fill her eyes.

Din wasted no time and scooped Osa into the tightest hug he had ever given her, as both slightly whimpered within each other’s embrace.

It was true, his doubts were for nothing, years of stupid torment he put himself through because Osa was his, she had always been his.

[msjr0119]

Cordonian Wags

Part 12- Crazy Kids (Continued)

Leo and Liam was still at the meal, both sat drinking scotch as if it was tap water. Both keeping their eyes on the interactions Xavier made with everyone. As a team they were thrilled having Bertrand as their manager and coach- he was strict and stern but kept them all in control. Olivia joined them, and mimicked their actions watching him.

“So. I’ve done a bit of research on that arsehole. He played for a team in the UK, became injured and never played again. Riley was his teams physio. Their marriage deteriorated slowly- but after that it was pretty bad. The press over there documented a lot about their lives.”

“You’ve googled him and Riley?”

“Dur! Just type in Xavier and Riley Lopez. Leo, it’s all there black and white. Why your father would consider hiring them both is beyond me. We need a plan to get rid of him.” Leo and Liam did their own research.

A married Premier League footballer has reportedly cheated on his wife with several women. Xavier Lopez, Manchester City’s main striker had his PR team keep lid of his behaviour at the beginning of his relationship with his wife. It is unknown if his wife, Riley Lopez - The teams physio will throw him out of their shared home. The Sun will keep up to date with this story.

Manchester City star, Xavier Lopez has become injured, and his future with the club is in the balance. Our sources suggest that after his injury at the weekend against Liverpool FC, he may not be able to play again. Mr Lopez broke his leg and was carried off the pitch on a stretcher. It is unknown if his wife is with him after the recent new allegations.

Xavier and Riley Lopez are expecting their first child- a source from Manchester City has shared. Mr Lopez is currently still injured, and will be out of action for the rest of the season and possibly for the foreseeable future. We wish the couple all the best and hope this child will prevent any more scandals.

Lopez married Riley Lopez 18months ago in a secluded ceremony. It has come to our attention that a prostitute has contacted the tabloids, claiming that Mr Lopez paid her £2,000 for her services two nights ago- after a ‘lads holiday’ to Spain- his hometown. Mrs Lopez is currently four months pregnant....


Manchester City star Xavier Lopez was arrested after the crash in the city on Tuesday night. Police released a statement saying Mr Lopez’s Ferrari had collided with another car. Mr Lopez has been charged with drink driving. It is said that his behaviour prior to the crash was unacceptable. He apparently was abusive to people in the club they were drinking at. Sources show that Mr Lopez ‘beat’ a stranger outside the club before getting in his Ferrari. It is unknown if he will be charged with this assault too.

Breaking News- Riley Lopez, the wife of footballer Xavier Lopez has miscarried. She was five months pregnant carrying a son- the child was sadly still born. The young woman has been in hiding recently due to her husbands aggressive behaviour, his cheating, and his drink driving charges. An unnamed source close to Mrs Lopez has accused Mr Lopez of being the reason behind the miscarriage. Mrs Lopez’s sister, Lindsey Brooks has released a statement on behalf of her sister. “Early Sunday morning after a rough couple days of stress, my younger sister went into sudden labor and we knew something was wrong. Sadly she had miscarried my nephew, I would appreciate it if the tabloids give my sister space. Myself and my sister are grieving the loss of Luis. It is a difficult and heartbreaking time for us.”

“Shit! The tattoo.”

“The tattoo?” Liam questioned.

“When I stayed at hers, the morning of the first match- we overslept. She stormed into the room waking me and Lindsey up. I noticed her tattoo on her stomach- it’s a white feather. I asked her about it and she said she had it done when she was drunk- a drunk decision. It all now makes sense why she came here. Bastien and Lindsey obviously knew- I think bastien encouraged her to apply for the job to help her get to safety.”

Olivia and Liam looked at each other- all furious with Constantine. They all shut up immediately as they saw Savannah stumble towards them.

“I’m... I’m going to kill that bastard.” Savannah slurred, they wondered what Bertrand had done to be in the doghouse.

“Who?” They all said in unison, they had never heard her swear like this before. Usually she could stay slightly composed even when intoxicated.

“Fucking Xavier. He stole my husbands job. And he killed his baby... hurt Riley... and he ... has the cheek to come ... here.”

“How do you know about the baby?” Leo asked her, wondering if she too had done a little google research.

“Riley... she told me everything. After I caught my brother... sneaking out of her room. I wanted to ask her about it.... she had been riding Max’s horse... and she just slipped everything out...”

Olivia wasn’t sure if she liked Riley or not, but deep down she had a heart and dread to think what Riley had gone through.

“Liam, Leo. We have to sort this out! We can’t put Riley in danger. Regina has been very quiet the last week- not her usual self. Are you both going to help me? We need to get rid of Xavier and your father.”

********

Drake remained silent, as did Riley. Neither knowing how to break the silence. Pouring them both a whiskey, she handed him it. Usually he would gulp it in one go- instead he was just staring at the brown liquid- swirling it around.

“Drake?”

“Yes?”

Riley sat next to him on the edge of the bed, cupping his cheeks. Looking into his eyes, she wanted them both to be happy together. Lindsey was right, if they openly spoke about everything they could potentially move on.

“I’m sorry for whatever Kiara did to you. I’m here for you too. As you said you was for me.”

“I meant every word. I didn’t realise what he was like. He’s just like Kiara. I do have a question for you. Why did you confide in Savannah?”

“How do you know? And I don’t know. It just came out.”

“She told me she knew things and threatened me- telling me not to hurt you. I don’t want to hurt you. I want you to feel safe with me. I want to love you- to prove that we all aren’t arseholes.”

“She threatened you? I’m already falling for you. Something that I convinced myself I’d never do.”

“You’re falling for me?” Riley gulped and blushed- she knew it was too premature to fall for someone, but she couldn’t help how she felt.

“Of course I am. I know it’s too early... but....”

Drake turned to face her, pulling her towards him into a tight and warm hug. Their breaths in unison, and the warm blood that they could feel in each others embrace. Both their hearts beating faster, both needing to feel loved. Desire in both their eyes.

Drake crashed his lips onto hers kissing like crazy as if their lives depended on it. His tongue slipped inside her mouth, starting off gentle but soon turned demanding. Rileys fingers ran through his hair, pulling him closer- his hands holding her petite frame.

The kiss became more passionate before Drake pushed her gently backwards laying her on her back on the bed. The weight and touch of his body on top of hers, made her feel loved. Hovering over her, he began to gently kiss every inch of her body around the skimpy clothes she was wearing. Seeing the tattoo on her stomach he realised what it was for- he placed an extra gentle kiss on it- before she dragged him back up to her.

“I’m sorry.”

“What for?”

“Kissing your tattoo. I’m sorry if it offended you.”

“It didn’t. It was sweet of you.”

Pulling him down back on to her, she inhaled his scent of whiskey. The slightest bit of stubble rubbed her skin but she didn’t care- he was handsome and his presence felt wonderful and intoxicating.

“Drake, I want you.” She pleaded with him, he nodded in response. Her heart pounding she stood up off the bed, pulling him towards her. Standing on her tip toes she pulled his jacket off, before working at his top- discarding them of the floor. Touching his warm muscled abs- he sighed at her soft touch. Working her way down to his zip- he shook his head, seeing disappointment in her eyes.

“I’ll do that. I want you to be naked too. I’m going to show you how a real man treats his woman.”

Did he just call me his woman? No he doesn’t mean it. He just means in general- surely.

Biting her lip, she watched him remove his trousers- his erection in his boxers, caught her gaze. Slowly she removed her tank top and shorts teasingly. She knelt on the floor, pulling his boxers down with her. Licking her lips, she stroked his length, before taking it fully in her mouth.

“You’re amazing.” Drake said breathlessly as Riley looked up at him fluttering her eyelashes. Feeling his cock pulsate at every move- knowing she was pleasing him, she picked up her pace.

“Ri, slow down. I’m going to cum.” He panted. Pleading with her to stop, he pulled her up. Picking her up, she wrapped her legs tightly around him as he carried her to the bed. Laying her down, he hovered over her - removing her hair away from her face, placing it behind her ear. Gently cupping her cheek, he kissed her forehead. Placing her hands above her head, holding them with one hand- his other hand roamed her body, circled her breasts- before kissing her hard.

“Tell me what you want beautiful.”

“I want you. That’s all I want.”

Drake slid his hand between her legs- positioning his fingers and thumb at her entrance. The slightest touch, made her damp. Kissing her neck, whilst working his thumb over her clit in a tantalising rhythm, she couldn’t contain her moans, “Oh Drake.” She screamed, losing herself in the pleasure. All her muscles began to quiver. Feeling breathless already, Drake removed his fingers - replacing them with his tongue instead.

“You taste so good, baby.” He said before plunging his tongue deeper inside. “Fuck!” Riley screamed, as she dug her nails in his side as he continued pleasing her. Removing his mouth, he smiled at her expression, her whole body trembled.

Before she could recover, he slipped his magnificent erect penis inside of her. Holding that position, their eyes fixated on each other. Slowly Drake began to thrust, taking his time wanting to enjoy making love with her. “You feel so good, Ri.” He growled before the thrusts became faster and more passionate, hitting her g spot. “Fuck! Drake. Don’t stop! I’m so close.” “I don’t intend to Ri.”

His thrusts were powerful as their bodies rocked in sync perfectly together. Drake’s movements slowed down, as he released himself inside her. She felt his warm seed spill into her.

“Open your eyes.” Riley opened her eyes following his instructions, as Drake removed himself off her. Holding his hand, she turned to face him, moving into his embrace. Both breathless, they laid in silence- until Riley heard him take a deep breath.

“What’s up?”

“I asked you to open your eyes because I want to look in them...”

Riley looked confused as to why he was asking for such an usual request.

“Every minute I spend with you. I’m falling in love with you. Riley... I need you in my life. I know you’re still married to him, but I want to take you on a second date and...”

“And what?”

“I’ll look after you. I’ll protect you. I’ll keep you safe. If you’ll have me, I’d like you to be officially my girl.”

Before Riley could respond both their phones vibrated.

Riley read her text from her sister, bursting out laughing. She didn’t realise how loud they actually was.

Thank god you’ve both shut up! If this is revenge because of me and Leo I’m so sorry. Next time get me some ear muffs. Love you sissy. So glad you’ve met Drake 😉😘

Drake dread to open the text from his mom- he couldn’t deal with another lecture.

Jesus Drake, shut the door next time you’re going to be loud. I hope you used protection! Ps i love you son 😘

Bastien sent them both the same text, they both looked at each other gulping before reading it out loud. Drake, Riley... Please in future have private time not in my house. Or at least keep quiet. Love you crazy kids.

“I think we better get some sleep and allow them to get some too... I’m falling in love with you too Drake. Can I cuddle my handsome boyfriend?”

“I’d love to cuddle my beautiful girlfriend. I’m never letting you go.” Holding her tight, he kissed her goodnight. They immediately fell asleep content in each other’s arms.

*****

Olivia arranged to meet Regina, demanding to know what was going off behind closed doors. Noticing that for the last few weeks, Regina has been suspiciously quiet- keeping herself to herself.

“Regina. So nice of you to come and see me at short notice.” Folding her arms, she provided her husbands step mom with a resting bitch facial expression. Olivia meant business- and Regina knew that the red head wouldn’t back down.

“Liv, just hurry up and discuss what you need to quickly.” Regina said nervously, twiddling her wedding ring and avoiding Olivia’s gaze.

“Why are you in a rush? What is your husband playing at?”

“Liv, honestly you don’t want to know.”

“Regina tell me.” Olivia handed her a glass of wine, hoping she would open up.

“Well. You know how Constantine has always been unfaithful. Obviously he cheated on Liam and Leo’s Mother’s. But he impregnated someone else 26years ago. Someone who’s not from this country.”

[matriarchofthehhc]

“This is NOT what I had in mind, kid.”

A Fargo mpreg fic (NSFW for semi graphic birth) 

Shit. Shit, shit, shit. This wasn’t how this was supposed to happen. Hanzee let out a small groan as another contraction hit, biting down on his bottom lip. He let out a long sigh as the contraction passed and rubbed his taut belly. “You’re really not gonna make this easy on me, are you?” he muttered, chuckling under his breath, “I gotta tell ya, this is NOT what I had in mind, kid.” He looked down at his watch. Alright. Fourth big contraction, fifteen minutes after the last one. The worst part of this predicament was that he had no phone service, he was in the middle of nowhere, and his truck just up and died on him. Thank god he dressed for the occasion, because it was already starting to snow. It was also lucky that he had started carrying blankets and a deep woods first aid kit in the trunk of his pickup truck because he was sure as hell gonna need them in this situation. He pulled back the tarp he used to cover all the blankets and medical equipment he kept in the trunk and opened the first aid kit, taking out a pair of medical exam gloves. “I guess I’m really doing this, aren’t I?” he said, giving his belly another gentle rub. He put the gloves in his coat pocket and sorted through the blankets, finding a striped blue quilt. “I’ll have to use this, then.” he muttered, unfolding the quilt and draping it over the back seat. Once he put the tarp back over the other blankets and everything to keep it all from getting wet, he got inside the truck, shut the door, and climbed over into the back seat. Once he was settled, he pulled his pants and underwear down to his ankles and shifted himself into a good position for examination. He put on the gloves and took a deep breath before reaching down and slipping a finger into himself to check his cervix. Two centimeters. Ok! That’s good! Leaves a good window of time to try and flag down a car to take him to the hospital. He slipped his finger back out and disposed of the gloves. “Alright, baby.” he said, pulling up his pants, “Try to be good for daddy while he tries to flag down a car, ok? No funny business.”

Two hours later and not a car in sight. What’s worse, the contractions were starting to pick up a bit. Instead of fifteen minutes, they were now ten minutes apart. And they HURT. Hanzee had to bite his tongue to keep from screaming in pain, but every now and then he’d let out an involuntary whimper or groan  as he paced and rubbed his belly. “C’mon, baby…cooperate with daddy a bit, ok?” He went back over to the trunk to go grab another pair of exam gloves, but paused for a moment as another contraction hit him. “Owww....” he whimpered, gripping the rim of the trunk hatch as his toes curled from the pain. He got back inside the truck and checked himself again. Shit. Five centimeters. Somebody better show up soon.

Three more hours had passed and Hanzee was starting to get nervous. There was still no sight of anybody on the road. At this rate, it looks like he’ll be giving birth on his own in his truck. The concept of that scared him a bit. What if nobody found him? What could he do? What about the baby? Hundreds of thoughts were running through his head a mile a minute until one of the biggest contractions he felt yet ripped though his body, bringing him to his senses....and his knees. “AAGH FUCK!” he cried, clutching at his belly, “OW OW OW!” He let out a choked sob, trembling as the contraction passed. “Shit….this really doesn’t leave me with much of a choice, does it?” he said, shaking as he tried to stand back up, “Well baby, I guess it’s just you and-” All of a sudden, he felt a trickle of warm liquid between his legs. “Oh fuck!”

Now in the back seat of the truck with his pants fully removed and laid out to dry across the front seats, Hanzee made sure he had his first aid kit handy beside him and at least two blankets: one to prop up his back and another to have on hand to wrap the baby in. He checked himself once again with a fresh pair of medical exam gloves. Seven centimeters. Won’t be long now. He sighed deeply and rubbed his belly as he felt the baby descend lower, ready to be born. “Man….it’s been a crazy nine months, hasn’t it?” he said, trying to kill some time, “But you know what? It was all worth it. And now…..now I can finally meet you.” He let out a pained chuckle as another contraction wracked his body. “H-hey....I've been wondering....are you a boy....or a girl?” he asked, patting his belly gently, “I honestly don’t mind if you’re either. I’ll be happy to see you nonetheless.”

Nine centimeters. He was now at nine centimeters. Just peachy. The pain of the contractions had gotten to the point that it was unbearable. Fuck! Why can’t he just be at ten centimeters already?! “Won’t be long now, kid……” he said, panting heavily, sweat beading on his brow, “Gonna have to start pushing pretty soon….”

Forty five minutes passed and he checked himself one last time. Yep. Ten centimeters. “Ok baby, anytime you’re ready.” he said, “Just let me know.” Suddenly, he began to feel immense pressure building up in his uterus. Going with his instincts, he took a deep breath and bore down with the pressure. “AAUGH FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! AAAAH!” he cried, feeling the head beginning to move down further and further, stretching open his cervix painfully slow. Once the pressure stopped, he took a chance to catch his breath. “Ok. I got this. I’m gonna be fine.” he told himself quietly. He took another deep breath and hooked his hands under his knees, feeling the pressure building once again. He drew his legs back slightly as he bore down, adding some extra pressure. He let out a howl of pain as he felt the head surging down further, already beginning to bulge against his now flushed vaginal lips. He broke his concentration with a gasp to catch his breath, but freaked out when he felt the head slipping back in. “Nooooo, no, no, no! Can’t go back in there, kid! You gotta come out!” he said shakily, letting out a whimper as he felt the pressure quickly building again. He began to push once again, feeling the head steadily progressing lower. Soon he felt a searing pain rip through him as he felt the head beginning to stretch him open wider and wider. He carefully reached down and gently placed his hand on top of the head as it emerged. “H-hey there, kid.” he said, panting, “Don’t worry. I got ya.”  He took a deep breath and gave another heroic push, yelping as he felt the rest of the baby’s head emerge with a pop. He quickly slipped a finger under the baby’s chin and ran it around the neck to check to see if there was a cord there. He sighed in relief when he found there was not.

Ten minutes had passed since he delivered the baby’s head and, despite his heroic efforts, the shoulders would not budge. Fuuuuuuuuck! “Fuck…..c’mon kid….we were doing so well earlier…” he panted, rubbing his belly, “let’s keep the ball rolling, huh?” He took a deep breath and pushed once again, feeling the shoulders just barely move inside of him. Dammit! He was so tempted to slip his fingers up past his vaginal lips and hook them under the baby’s arms so he could pull them out, but he was worried whether that would hurt it or not. He sighed and gave another strong push. To his relief, he felt the shoulders beginning to pick up the pace as they began to surge down the birth canal. He bit his lip and gave another olympic push before gasping as he felt the sensation of the shoulders popping out from him and the rest of the baby following seconds after. “Oooh, god!” he moaned, leaning his head back against the window.

It only took a minute before he heard the cries of the baby between his legs. He sat up, grabbing the clamps and scissors he kept in his first aid kit and carefully cut the cord. He then grabbed the blanket he kept beside the kit and wrapped the baby in it, taking her into his arms. “Hey, baby girl.” he said, kissing her gently on the forehead, “Welcome to the world.” The baby continues to cry, wriggling about in the blanket. “Hey, it’s ok, sweetheart.” he whispers, holding her close to his chest, “It’s ok. Daddy’s got you.” Suddenly, he feels a wet sensation against his chest. “Oh…..right…..you’re probably looking for this.” he says, opening his coat, sweater, and shirt, exposing his chest. He brings her closer and gasps slightly as she latches on to his right nipple, beginning to nurse. “Shit. I haven’t even thought up a name for you yet, have I?” he said with a chuckle, stroking her head gently. He thought for a minute and then made a decision. “Benaya.” he said softly, “I think I’ll call you Benaya.”

[theartofbeinganerd]

Hi! I have prompt for you if you have time. Fitzsimmons celebtares father's day with Evelyn. Either its part of the 1 Night (+9 Months) universe or a oneshot.

Hi!! Thank you for the prompt!! :)

*Set in my One Night Stand AU 'verse, 1 Night (+9 Months), though it's not really necessary to have read that first

(Ao3)

-

“Alright, be careful mixing that up,” Jemma instructed,watching with a sharp eye and ready to take over as Evelyn stirred the pancakebatter up.

“Now what?” Evelyn chirped when she’d successfully mixed upthe batter, tilting her head back to glance curiously up at her mother.

“Now we add the chocolate chips.” Excitedly, Evelyn reachedfor the nearby bag of them, and before Jemma could say a word, she’d turned thebag over and dumped its entire contents into the bowl. “Oh Evelyn!” she sighed,taking the empty bag from her and staring worriedly at the bowl of what nowappeared to only be a sea of chocolate chips.

“Sorry,” Evelyn murmured, her little nose wrinkling with herwince as she too studied the bowl.

After a moment, Jemma’s lips quirked into a small smile asshe rolled her eyes and admitted, “You know what? With your daddy’s sweettooth, he’ll probably love extra chocolate chip pancakes – especially when youtell him what a big girl you were, making them all by yourself.”

Evelyn’s wide, proud smile was back, and sheenthusiastically began to stir the batter again, attempting to mix in thechocolate chips (and she only needed a bit of help from Jemma getting the job done).Once it was time to pour the batter, Jemma took over, though she allowed Evelynto pick how big or small she made the pancakes (they ended up all quite large,predictably).

When they were nearly finished, Jemma checked the clock thentold Evelyn, “Why don’t you go wake Daddy up?”

Evelyn didn’t need to be told twice – with her mother’shelp, she was down off of the little stepping stool she needed to reach thecounter and rushing off down the hall. As the sound of her little feet paddingon the floor echoed through the house, a fond smile curved Jemma’s lips.

-

“Oof!”

Fitz let out a grunt as something heavy landed on top ofhim, startling him from his restful sleep into wakefulness. The moment that hiseyes sprung open, he found Evelyn grinning down at him, missing teeth and all.

Pressing his lips together to hide his smile, he declaredloudly, “Oh look, there’s a monkey in my bed.” Then, before Evelyn could react,he threw an arm around her little shoulders, rolling them over until she wastrapped in the blankets with him. “Go back to sleep little monkey,” he mumbled,the words now muffled by his pillow.

Evelyn’s childish giggles reached his ears then, and he felther squirming desperately to free herself from his grip. “No!” she cried through the giggles, “It’s time to get up, Daddy! It’sDaddy’s Day!”

That time, Fitz couldn’t help the grin that spread acrosshis lips. Before Jemma, before Evelyn, he’d never imagined that he could lovebeing a father as much as he did, that he’d be as suited for it as he’d come to realize that he was over the years.After Evelyn had been born, loving and caring for her had come so easily, sonaturally, leaving his fears about becoming like his father unfounded – there wasno boo-boo left un-kissed, no monsters hiding in the closet or under the bed,no nightmare he couldn’t hug away.

Truly, he didn’t know what his life would have been like ifhe hadn’t ended up sleeping with Jemma at Bobbi and Hunter’s wedding, though itwasn’t something he cared to give too much thought to (though, there was stilla part of him that wished that they could’ve done it right, dating and fallingin love, then getting married before Evelyn came into the world – but,everything still worked out, even if it hadn’t happened in the “correct” order,so he wasn’t one to complain).

Rolling over onto his back, Fitz tugged Evelyn into a warmhug and kissed the top of her curly mop of hair. “Oh?” he asked teasingly, “Doyou have something to say to me then?”

Evelyn let out another peal of giggles, then folded herhands on his chest and dropped her chin onto them. Beaming up at him, she saidhappily, “Happy Daddy’s Day!”

“Well thank you, Evie.” He dropped another kiss on herforehead, then arched an eyebrow at her and asked, “Do I smell pancakes?”

Evelyn’s eyes grew wide and she nodded rapidly. “I made themall by myself!”

“You did?”

She made a face, then tacked on reluctantly, “Mummy helped.”

“Well, I’m sure you did all the hard work.” When Evelyn’ssmile was once more plastered across her little face, Fitz told her in a hushedvoice, “We better hurry before Mummy eats them all herself.”

As Evelyn gasped in horror at the very idea, Fitz climbedout of bed, grabbing her by the ankles and playfully yanking her to the edge ofthe mattress. As she shrieked in delight, he threw her little body over hisshoulder, carrying her out into the kitchen with him.

Jemma glanced up at their entrance, rolling her eyes fondlyat the sight she was met with. As he set Evelyn down on the ground, he teasedJemma, “I got your wake-up call.”

“I see that,” she shot back, a little smirk playing on herlips as she turned to hand him a plate stacked with pancakes. Though, before hecould go anywhere, she leaned in to give him a kiss. “Happy Father’s Day, Fitz,”she told him softly. Then, with a sly smile, she added, “And that’s from bothme, and the baby.”

Setting his plate down on the counter, Fitz squatted downuntil his was eye-level with Jemma’s stomach, cupping her bulging little babybump lovingly. “Well then, thank you,” he murmured, planting a kiss in thecenter of her stomach.

Evelyn hurried to his side, dancing anxiously on hertip-toes as she cried, “I wanna say hi to the baby too!”

Chuckling, Fitz straightened up and stepped back so thatEvelyn could brace herself on her mother’s legs, leaning up to peck her stomachas she said, “Hi baby!”

Fitz ruffled her hair affectionately. “You know sweetheart,next year, you and the baby will both be able to celebrate Father’s Day withme,” he reminded her, though a moment later he went on with a laugh, “And then I’llhave two little monkeys keeping me from getting a good night’s sleep.” WhenEvelyn simply grinned up at him and shrugged innocently, he snorted and gentlypushed her over in the direction of their dining room table.

They all sat down at the table together to have breakfast,Evelyn claiming pointedly that she was a big girl and could cut her pancakesherself, then that she could pour her own syrup (and Jemma, being thewonderful, patient mother that she was, only grimaced a bit when the sugaryliquid had oozed over Evelyn’s entire plate). When their plates were clear andEvelyn’s face was sticky with leftover syrup, she announced excitedly, “I got apresent for you!”

As Fitz raised his eyebrows in surprise, Evelyn climbed downfrom her chair and hurried off to retrieve said present. Turning to Jemma, heasked curiously, “Did you know about this?” After all, for each of his previousFather’s Days, Jemma had been the one to purchase a gift “from Evelyn” to giveto him.

“It was all Evelyn,” she assured him, shaking her head. “Herkindergarten class had a special art period dedicated to making Father’s Daypresents last week.”

When Evelyn came darting back into the room, Fitz scoopedher up to sit on his lap, making sure to wipe her face clear of syrup before hefinally took the little gift bag she was waving impatiently from her.Wordlessly, he threw a glance at Jemma, then at the gift bag, before liftinghis gaze pointedly back to her.

“Alright fine,” Jemma admitted with a huff, “the gift bagwas me, but everything else was Evelyn.”

“Daddy! Open it!”Evelyn insisted, making a displeased face and squirming unhappily on his lap.

“I am, I am!” Fitz assured her, quickly removing the tissuepaper from the bag so that he could take out the present Evelyn was so excitedfor him to see. It was a small, square picture frame made out of popsiclesticks and painted green, with golden glitter glue spelling out in Evelyn’smessy and childish handwriting, “Best Daddy”. Inside the frame was a picture ofFitz and Evelyn, taken on her fifth birthday the previous year.

He couldn’t quite help the way that he got a bit choked upat the sight, though when Evelyn began to look concerned, he cleared his throatand gave her a tight hug. “Thank you, Evie, I love it.”

After they’d helped Jemma with the dishes, Fitz took Evelynoutside with him to “help” with the few outdoor chores he hadn’t had the timeto get to quite yet, such as fixing the fence and mowing the lawn. Instead,however, he ended up spending the day playing with Evelyn, pushing her on thelittle swing-set they had in their backyard and finishing up the kites they’dbeen making together in their garage, taking them out for a test run in theafternoon breeze.

Fitz figured that he could do chores any old day – today, hewas celebrating being Evelyn’s father, and what better way to do that than tospend the whole day with his favorite little monkey?

Toward the end of the day, the three of them piled into thecar and headed over to Bobbi and Hunter’s, where they were having a littlebarbeque for the holiday. Almost immediately upon arrival, they lost Evelyn asshe ran off to play with Bobbi and Hunter’s almost-three-year-old daughterElle. Fitz drifted over to join Hunter by the grill, and at his approach,Hunter glanced up to ask with a smirk, “You feeling old yet, mate? This isyour, what, fifth Father’s Day?”

“Sixth, actually,” Fitz corrected, shaking his head andsmiling warmly as he watched Evelyn playing a game of tag with Elle in thegrassy backyard. “Even though it seems impossible, each year is better than thelast.” Turning back to Hunter, he advised, “You just wait until Elle’s a bitolder, then you’ll understand.” As he thought back over the day, he gave alittle laugh. “You know, six years ago I never would’ve imagined myself nearlybursting into tears over a popsicle-stick picture frame, but here I am – and Iwouldn’t trade it for a bloody thing.”

“I hear that,” Hunter assured him, raising the spatula in hishand slightly in agreement. Unsurprisingly, he hadn’t been sold on the idea ofhaving kids – even when Bobbi hadtold him that she was pregnant. And, for the next nine months, he’d continuedto insist that he wasn’t father material and didn’t know the first thing aboutbeing one. But, as soon as a tiny little Elle had been placed into his arms forthe first time, he’d been wrapped right around her little finger.

Throwing another glance out toward Evelyn, Fitz told himsincerely, “I know I say this about once a month, but…just, thank you. I mean, if you hadn’t gottenmarried when you did, or hadn’t married Bobbi at all…I might never have metJemma and my life couldn’t possibly have been anywhere near as perfect as it isnow. So just…thanks, Hunter, truly. I can’t say it enough.”

A sly smirk quirked Hunter’s lips and he nodded at Jemma,where she was sitting on the porch with Bobbi, Daisy, and their friend andDaisy’s boyfriend, Trip. “You can thank me by naming that next kid after me,”he offered, crossing his arms over his chest and arching an eyebrow.

Fitz let out a sharp scoff. “I’m not that grateful.”

However, at that moment, Evelyn came running over to them,waving around a small rock curled protectively in her little fist. “Daddy!Daddy! I got this just for you!” She placed it in his waiting hand, and Fitz realizedthen that it was shaped a bit like a lopsided heart.

“Thank you sweetheart,” he said, picking her up to sit heron his hip and telling himself that he would not cry over a rock shaped like aheart, damn it.

“Promise to keep it forever?” Evelyn asked, pouting up athim with her big blue eyes and little bottom lip sticking out adorably.

“Of course,” he assured her quickly, because it was theabsolute truth – he’d keep any present his little girl gave him, even somethingas simple as a rock (though she would always remain his most precious gift, ofcourse). Evelyn beamed excitedly, throwing her arms around his neck to hug him fiercely.Over the top of her head, he noticed Hunter giving him a knowing look,pointedly glancing down at his precious daughter clinging to him. In a hushed,defeated voice, Fitz hissed at him, “Okay fine, I’ll mention it to Jemma.”

[mg-bsl381]

Because We’re Us

Episode 6.8 was amazing and there were so many great moments.

One of the things that inspired this story was this image:

Patrick literally supporting Shelagh... I started to write and this is the result.

I hope you like it and please let me know your thoughts.  I love hearing them :)

Because We’re Us

Patrick was shocked when Shelagh suggested that it would be better if he wasn’t there until after she’d given birth.  He had always imagined that he would be there.  She’d already put her foot down on where she wanted to give birth.  His idea was the maternity home but she was adamant she was having their baby at home.  It was ultimately her decision as she would be the one going through labour.  He trusted her instincts about where she felt safest giving birth but to be denied access to the event he’d wanted to happen for so long seemed unfair of her.

Shelagh’s reasoning was sound.  Patrick was a doctor to the core and found it difficult to switch off.  Even with something as mundane as tying her shoelaces he found himself examining her ankles for oedema.  He did it because he cared passionately about her and that included using his medical skills to make sure she was alright.  He tried to reason with her that they were a team.  They had grown so much since the early days of their marriage and they were a partnership.  In work, at home and in love they worked together.  Shelagh chastised him for seeing her as a patient but he loved and adored her and would give her the world if she asked him.  

Patrick knew when it came to Shelagh he would give her whatever she wanted regardless of the cost to himself.  He wasn’t worried on a financial level for Shelagh was not an extravagant woman.  The only thing she’d asked him for was their house.  It was both a practical solution and a visible moving on from the past, as they extended their family.  It was on an emotional level where he was truly under her spell.  He thought back to another time when she had denied him his heart’s desire.  This time he desperately wanted to be there when their child was born but then what he desperately wanted was her.  He had kissed her hand pouring his love and adoration into that gentle kiss.  She had turned her back on him and he had let her decide their future.  It had been one of the most difficult things he had ever done but he knew it was the right one.  She had come back to him in her own good time and he was a richer man because of it.  Maybe this time she would come to the conclusion that she wanted him there and he would be waiting patiently for her call.

Patrick was thrilled to learn that Shelagh had chosen Sister Julienne as her midwife.  As well as being an extremely competent midwife, there was a bond between the two women.  Patrick knew that Sister Julienne could give Shelagh the emotional support he would be unable to give.  A part of him wanted to stay at home so he could be there when Shelagh went into labour but he knew that was so out of character that the motivation behind his actions would be discovered.  He knew why she was treating him just like any other father but he knew they weren’t like any other couple.  He’d brought her a cup of tea and a pink wafer biscuit and the way she devoured the biscuit gave him a hunch that today might be the day.

Work was busy with a collapsed patient who needed urgent transfer to hospital.  Later on in a quiet moment he telephoned home and the phone was answered by Sister Julienne.  He tried to sound upbeat but he was worried.  Shelagh was in labour and he wanted to be there.  He asked to speak to Shelagh to allay his concerns but Sister Julienne assured him she was smiling and waving.  That was not a good sign to him.  He had no further opportunity to ask how things were progressing as the call was disconnected.  He shook his head.  There was nothing he could do.  He kept himself busy with work but eventually it was time to go home.

Patrick sat in the driveway in his car.  He was undecided what to do.  He remembered other times sitting in his car in the rain, wishing he was somewhere else.  The last time was several years ago before this life he now led.  Shelagh then Sister Bernadette was in the sanatorium and although he had sent her countless letters, he had had received no reply.  The helplessness he had felt that night seemed to be mirrored tonight.  He couldn’t do anything then.  Their lives were separate bound only by a bond of love that he hoped would one day come to fruition.  Now he was stuck in the car by his wife’s wishes and his respect for her.  It was cold in the car so Patrick decided that waiting the house would be preferable.

After sitting downstairs for a while, Patrick found himself pacing the landing outside their bedroom.  Every cry gripped his heart.  He felt distress but not for himself.  If he could take away the pain from his beloved Shelagh he would.  He would suffer anything for her.  As her cries grew louder he desperately wanted to burst into the room like a knight in shining armour and rescue her.  But that would have been a futile gesture.  Labour could not be halted.  It was her burden to carry alone but the need to support her was very strong, however he knew that he would have to wait until she invited him in.  He hoped it wouldn’t be too long.

Patrick knew from Sister Julienne’s update that the baby was posterior and therefore the labour was prolonged and painful.  Why was Shelagh being so stubborn, surely she knew that she needed him there?  The time ticked by, it could have been minutes or hours he had no idea.  His focus was only on Shelagh.  He stood staring at the door willing her to let him in.   He knew Sister Julienne was a superb midwife and a good friend to Shelagh but he was so much more than she could ever be to Shelagh.

He heard the two women’s voices through the door but their words were muffled.  He knew that Shelagh was flagging and needed a boost.  He hoped Sister Julienne could do something to give Shelagh an extra bit of much needed strength.  Then he heard something that took his breath away.  Shelagh was singing and not just any song, she was singing to him and of their love.

‘Once I had a secret love That lived within the heart of me All too soon my secret love Became impatient to be free’

Patrick knew that this was the moment he’d been waiting and hoping for.  With a voice that wavered with emotion he poured his heart into his response, singing his love back to her.

‘So I told a friendly star The way that dreamers often do Just how wonderful you are And why I’m so in love with you.’

He heard Shelagh’s words as he strained his ears to her reply.

‘I’d like him to come in now.  We can’t be just like any other couple…because we’re us.’

Patrick opened the door and saw Shelagh leaning heavily against Sister Julienne.  He walked towards them and as he did so, Sister Julienne moved so that he could support Shelagh.  He held her straining body in his arms and kissed the top of her head, whispering how much he loved her.

She was right.  They were ‘us’.  The lonely widowed doctor who’d found comfort from the words of a nun about the resilience of children.  The nun who had amazed him with her revival of a newborn but then astounded him with sharing his cigarette and her tales of adolescence.  The woman who had run a race with his son because duty had called him away.  Kissing her hand had been the closest thing to worship he’d ever experienced and so far removed from his life of science.  They had been through so much but they had forged a bond that ran so deep and so strong.  Illness and adversity had followed them but they had drawn strength from each other.  Shelagh had brought light into the shadows of his mind and had restored his belief in love.  She was his everything and now they were about to bring a new life into the world.  Their child, no less special or loved than Timothy and Angela but a child of their own making who was part of both of them.

After several more contractions he felt her weight sag within his arms.  He glanced at Sister Julienne who nodded.  Together they gently guided Shelagh over to the bed, stopping to let another contraction pass.  Patrick could see that Shelagh was exhausted by her labour so helped her onto the bed.  He adjusted the pillows so they were propped against the headboard.  Then he sat down and eased Shelagh into a comfortable position for her.  She sat between his legs resting her back against his chest.  It was comfortable for him until the contraction hit and then the force of it pushed her back into him.  Patrick was thankful for the cushioning of the pillows against the headboard.

With Shelagh comfortably supported, Patrick was able to support her and let Sister Julienne do what she needed to do.  He was no longer the doctor, he was Shelagh’s husband and the father of her baby and by the sounds of things it was only a matter of time before the baby arrived.  The next contraction was more intense so Shelagh braced herself against his feet.  The grip of her toes into his foot was painful but he didn’t mind.  This was all about Shelagh.  He even found himself gritting his teeth as she pushed.  He didn’t need to see what was happening to know that the head was being delivered.  At Sister Julienne’s words, Shelagh immediately let go of his hands to feel their baby for the very first time.  Patrick was elated.  He knew he loved Shelagh but in that moment he felt his love expand and grow.

Patrick looked at Sister Julienne’s joyous face and he knew that this was a special moment for them all.  She caught his eye and he nodded.  This was the last bit and Shelagh needed him.  His whispered words of encouragement gave Shelagh the burst of energy she needed.  He could feel Shelagh against him.  Her breathing and her body pushing their baby out from her.  With a cry their baby was born.  Sister Julienne held him up and announced they had a boy.  Patrick watched as Shelagh stretched out her arms for the baby that she had waited so long for.  He buried his face in her hair as the tears of joy fell.  He closed his eyes, this was like a dream but one he never wanted to wake up from.

He didn’t know what he felt but love, joy and a sense of this being absolutely right filled him.  Shelagh’s laughing delight in their son caused him to laugh for joy with her.  The quiet voice of Sister Julienne spoke a blessing over their baby.  Patrick looked up and saw the expression on Sister Julienne’s face.  Her blessing was not only bestowed on their child but on them.  For Patrick it was a humbling moment.  He knew Sister Julienne was special to Shelagh and had been deeply affected by Shelagh’s decision to leave the Order for him.  He had never realised how much they as a family had her love and support until now.  He knew it for Shelagh but he had never understood that it extended to him.  For a man who dedicated himself to science it was a profound moment and he felt the faith of these two women fill the room and surround him with peace.  

Patrick and Shelagh were not like other couples and their family was not like other families.  However it was special to them and cherished by those who loved them.  Sister Julienne had been the perfect midwife for Shelagh. Patrick knew that he was there at exactly the time Shelagh needed him most.  He had been able to support Shelagh and that moment of togetherness they shared when she held their baby for the first time would stay with him until the end of his days.

[princess-of-purgatory-and-bass]

Stranded Siren

Alright, I know I mentioned before in a post new things may be coming, new original stories besides ShapeShifter, and here is one of the secret projects I have decided to work on. But now it’s no longer a secret obviously. Also, props to Quotev for having a cover maker ON THEIR WEBSITE rather than being an extra app you have to get. 

this is part 1 for now, and I really hope you enjoy it 

taglist- @macherie02

The River

The sun was setting for the evening. Pink and red dyed the once white clouds in the process, mimicking a warm feeling to the view despite the breeze along the shore of the river. A red haired woman, locks matching the hues of the warm sky, walked with the flow of the current as her known companion. But below the waves there rested others of her kind, something she knew there was a possibility of though she never tested her theory. When the waters grew dark, their bio-luminescence would begin to show through. Scales of greens and browns to blend into the foliage and the mud of the riverbed would begin to glow, designs of beautiful reds and blues replaced the worries of camouflage from the day. Above on shore, the water droplets on the glowing scales would become glitteresque against the sand. The red headed woman hadn't seen her scales in quite a long time though since she had been left behind on the beach those moons ago. To be near water again, they itched beneath pseudo-skin of legs she had not been born with.

The young woman had a set of striking silver eyes, storm clouds full of passionate sparks ready to manifest at any moment. She was still so young, already a woman but still with her whole life ahead of her. And the passion that was held in her eyes seemed to always be accompanied by a persistent curiosity, determined to always learn more. So when the young girl found what seemed to be a man sitting on the edge of the river bank, her curiosity peaked. Even more questions raised to her though, when she caught the beginning of his glow. The bright, internal shine finally drew her eyes to his tail. Once black and green was becoming white, with blotches of orange, black, and red much like that of a captive koi fish living in a pond. Though there was something about him besides his tail that seemed radiant, and somehow magnetic even. He was tan compared to her freckled, pale skin, and his eyes were black holes to get lost in. Some may try to describe them as chocolate, but she knew that was not enough. They were the empty spaces taken for granted until that was the only thing left you wanted. Then, they were bliss. His hair was rather dark as well, all gathered on the top with the sides somehow shaved down, perhaps by a person in the human world who knew of him. And to the red haired girl, he was quite beautiful.

Next her eyes fell upon the bleeding gash running along his toned abdomen, the blood still quite fresh. She was not one to be squeamish, however she was quite concerned about him anyway. She quietly moved a bit closer to him, thinking up a spell she remembered from when she first started studying magic. Merfolk needed to be touching water to perform any magic, particularly healing, but wasn't blood just cells and water? There was only one problem though. River merfolk and oceanic merfolk had different dialects. Both were rooted in Latin, but when the two breeds split off from each other various words got changed over time for both sides. "Do you need help?" She first tried in her native tongue. It caught his attention at least, got across that she wasn't the human she appeared to be. "Do you need help?" She tried again, now in English. Her friend who took her in had been teaching it to her the past couple years, and he did have human hair stylings to him, so perhaps English would work better?

"Do you have something to help? He responded back in English. He had actually understood her the first time, there were enough ocean born merfolk that moved to the river for him to understand her. It was more the shock of her presence that caused his pause though. He had never seen her before, much less was he expecting her to come up and speak to him.

She showed him the palm of one of her hands, the silver of her eyes gaining an eerie, unnatural shine to them matching ocean depths. She carefully closed the distance between them, letting her fingertips run through the blood a moment, his muscles twitching away from her touch subconsciously, before resting her hand over the cut. She mumbled under her breath once again in her native tongue and felt an icy chill come to her hand. The cut below grew cold as well before beginning to get bloody ice crystals over top, making the dark eyed male tense and whimper out. But as her hand moved away, the crystals melted and the gash was gone where the ice had formed. "Oh," he let out in a curious shock.

"Do you feel better?" She asked him. The spell was good for surface healing, but she hadn't put enough energy into it for if there had been any internal damage. She didn't think it looked deep enough for that, but she still wanted to make sure.

"Yeah, thank you. That's a lot better actually," he admitted to her. "How did you do that? I didn't think magic was still around anymore."

"It ran dormant in my family line. I decided to bring it back. Took a long time studying and practicing to get it to resurface, though," she explained. "You speak and have hair styled like a human. Have they named you too?"

"They call me Landon, or Lane for short. You?" The dark haired male told her.

"Luna. Luna Malokanai," was all the red head responded with.

Lane slowly lowered himself back into the water and turned to face her, resting his forearms on the mud with his back edging along the surface of the water. His fluke fluttered a moment in the cooling waters as he got used to the change in temperature. The water looked so refreshing, though not as clear as the oceans the red head was used to. In the back of her mind, as well as her heart, there was a tug Luna just couldn't seem to resist. She quickly went to remove the outfit she never quite could understand, why were humans so obsessed with hiding their bodies and expecting a mate to come to them that way, and say along the edge of the river bank to dip her toes into the water. She kicked at first with her feet for a moment before fully joining Lane in the water.

He was unsure as to why, but Lane found himself grinning in amusement at the young Maid. It was a bit hard to tell until she broke the surface of the water again to rest next to him with relief to her silver eyes, but she was a few years younger than him. Posing as human seemed to make her appear so much older than she actually was, aged her soul and her eyes a bit. But now, with a deep blue tail where tips of scales glowed a magenta hue, she finally looked comfortable enough to reveal her real age. Until a distant voice called her name. "Luna? Luna! Where did you go? Say something next time you decide to just run off!" The higher female voice called out.

"Rita! I'm here! I'm okay!" Luna called back to her friend before taking a moment to look at Lane. In the ocean, merfolk were taught to hide from humans, but he was making no such effort to do so. "Wait, why aren't you hiding from her?"

"Humans here are typically understanding and peaceful with us when they find us. Besides, you trust her," Lane pointed out to her, giving her a warm smile still.

Soon a woman with short, dark hair tied in pigtails came across the two merfolk. Her eyes were an icy blue, looking between the ages of Lane and Luna. She was on the shorter side as well, a thin frame to match. And between her eye and ear, just below her left temple, was a small pentagram tattoo in red ink. An adventurous woman who once drove a road trip a couple states over to see the ocean for the first time and ended up coming home with a mermaid stranded from her family that she named Luna. Young Rita MacFarland.

Now to say Rita was stunned to find Luna the first time was an understatement. She had just planned a spontaneous trip to the ocean, who could anticipate a beached, confused Maid along the way? She had taken her in, found books and videos about teaching English, and before her eyes two years passed. Rita had moved out of her family home since then and brought Luna with her to the new home, the two having become the best of friends. She found at times Luna was subconsciously untrusting, nervous, anxious even, and shy to new comers after her abandonment. And if Rita wasn't watching, she would disappear without a trace to watch the sunset along the river like she had tonight. Never before had Rita actually seen her get into the river, let alone revert to her natural Maid form in their time living together, though. So once again she found herself stopped in her tracks as she had been two years previously by the beautiful mermaid. Especially as now she was not alone. 

"Did you make a friend Luna?" Rita finally managed to say once she collected herself from the shock again.

"He was hurt. I fixed it," Luna admitted to her, casually tilting her head in his direction while she smiled softly.

"That's very nice. But the sun's set and night is coming on fast. We should get home before it gets too dark to see how," Rita reminded the Maid.

Luna couldn't help but to frown a bit, not wanting to leave the river she was just beginning to enjoy, to feel at home in. But then she felt Lane's forehead press to her cheek, making her realize he agreed, and she turned to return the gesture, resting her forehead against his cheek before looking up so they were pressed temple to temple, cheekbone to cheekbone, and then pulling away. A gesture shared and understood by all merfolk, though it was learned generations ago before the split of the breeds from watching whales and household felines. "Will you come back tomorrow? Please?" He asked her, attempting his best oceanic dialect, though it was easier for him to understand then to speak as he rarely had ever needed to actually speak it previously. "I'll find you at sunset, Lane," she assured him, glad to now have someone to use her native tongue to as she placed a hand to gently cup his cheek.

It wasn't until the two were half way home hat Rita finally said something again, her and Luna having been walking in silence so far. "So what was that back there? You two were really touchy feely, and what did you two say to each other?" The red haired Maid had been smiling to herself as she had been lost in though, so it took her a second to process what was asked of her to think of how to say the answer. "Sound travels differently in the water, so merfolk rely a lot more on body language than humans do. The first merfolk couldn't even speak underwater for decades according to the stories. What you saw us do was how we say goodbye, typically to friends and family. Loved and cherished ones you show affection towards. A standard goodbye, as would have been more appropriate for the situation probably, is just the lowering of one's held until the other does the same in acknowledgement," she explained to her friend.

"And what did he say to you?" Rita repeated to her.

"He asked if I was coming back tomorrow, and I told him I would be back at sunset," Luna admitted.

"You gotta date, you gotta date! You should totally fuck him," Rita couldn't help but to tease her.

"How is it a date? Why would he be seeking to mate with a stranger when he seems friendly enough to know many desirable mate prospects?" Luna questioned her, not understanding why she suddenly felt unrecognizably warm at the topic of dating or sex. She had never felt such a warmth during conversation before, particularly on these topics of conversation, so why was she reacting in such a way now?

"I'm just saying, this is really cute. You seemed really happy back there, happier than I've ever seen you before. I want to keep seeing you that happy. Maybe if you start to feel anything tomorrow, just try and go for it? Don't try to think yourself out of the moment, just go for it," Rita advised her, placing a hand on the taller Maid's shoulder.

When next sunset began to arrive, Rita didn't even bother to stop Luna when she heard the bell above the front door ring out, letting anyone in the apartment know that the door had been opened and closed. The silver eyed Maid found the opening of woods around the city again that led to the river, walking along the flow of the water until she found the spot again from the night before. Today her outfit had just been a simple sundress that found itself abandoned next to a tree by the riverbank as Luna kneeled along the edge of the water, excitedly watching for her new friend. She caught a glimpse of his back tracing the surface of the water and grinned to herself over finding him, but didn't have long to be proud of herself for spotting him before she found herself pulled under the water. Arms held her still under the water as her body changed back to the form she was born with, deep blue not yet glowing magenta hues as it was still too bright out for her tail to glow. But when she finally got to move, bringing her firey hair out of the face of the one who pulled her down, the pink that would be in her tail was suddenly a flush on her face. Lane smiled to her as he let her go fully, coming around to now face her and move some of her long strands behind her ear.

He quickly gestured to follow him before beginning to swim away upstream, having Luna trail behind him quickly as she tried to take in where they were going. Along the way she saw unfamiliar fish the colours of sand and dirt just beginning to hide away for the night, ready for a hopefully peaceful night's sleep. She stopped following Lane long enough to sit at the bottom, a juvenile coming to nuzzle into her hand for a moment. It made her smile and think of home. The male of the two stopped and watched her for a moment, glad to see she was enjoying herself. Finally she caught back up with him again once the small fish had left her hand to tuck in with its family, following once more. He was beginning to get his evening glow to him, making it easy to follow as they traveled through a long batch of seaweed and kelp that, to anyone unfamiliar with the path, would be easy to get tangled and lost in. 

When the foliage of the river finally cleared up, the waters were completely black. No light was managing to get through now, so the only way the two could see was by the glow of the two merfolk. Lane stopped swimming forward now, going above the surface of the water and waiting for Luna to join him. She was hesitant, though. The darkness of the water reminded her of creatures she would find in the trenches her family would travel through. Creatures with large eyes and matching teeth, born with bodies that seemed disfigured compared to most other species of fish. Creatures that would terrorize the dreams of her childhood and just the memory of them had her frozen in her spot now. It made her uneasy at first to be in such dark waters. "Luna?" She heard Lane say above the water, coming back under to grab her hand. He didn't understand why she was reacting this way, but never the less he still came and guided her to above the water. Then Luna's eyes were met with the source of all of the darkness.

Above their heads was the ceiling of a cave, dripping condensation onto solid rock ground and back into the water. The walls of the natural structure blocked the setting sun from view, causing how dark the waters were. Her and Lane sat up on the rock floor out of the river, him wrapping an arm to bring her close and wait for her to calm down. "What's got you so scared Luna? It's just the cave. Haven't you ever been in a cave before?" He asked her, once again attempting to speak in oceanic for her to help make her comfortable. She just nodded at first before unsuccessfully attempting to pull away from him, his arm remaining around her waist until he was sure she was okay. "Dark waters are never empty. They always come with things looking for a meal. In the depths, everything just wants to eat you, and nothing is familiar or welcoming. Dark waters just mean survive to whatever is in them," she explained to him, beginning to ring out her hair a bit once she was no longer being held.

"Not here. You're safe here. The only thing here are just the small fish. There's nothing that can hurt you here," Lane tried to reassure her, going to lay on his back with his arms behind his head. "I promise, it's safe."

She was still a bit hesitant over it all, but for now she pushed it aside to lay next to him. As her skin began to dry, her form changed to the human form she still was not a fan of. To join Rita in her home, she had cast a spell that allowed her to disguise herself as human, and that spell meant being human when she was on dry land. Sea water let her be back to her born form, but filtered water could never bring her the peace that sea water could. She hoped for a time where she would no longer need to live under the spell she cast, where she could once again have a life and a family in the water, but she also knew that meant leaving Rita behind. And since Rita had become her only family she could count on by this point, she just couldn't bring herself to leave her behind. Especially not after all she had already done, and was still doing, for her. In a way, they had become a small pod of their own despite not both being from the water.

In the cave, besides the flowing current of the river as it splashed along the rocks, time seemed to stand completely still. Luna had no way to tell how long had passed that they laid like that, and it was a welcome change. The past two years had been learning to live obsessed with the time that passed, obsessed with being in the moment and making your mortal existence count. Staying alive is not enough reason to live to humans. Not anymore. It was never enough to just be alive. To them, it was about how you influence others that seemed to determine if your life was worth living, and Luna could not manage to wrap her mind around it. Adventures and learning were fun, finding value in your day to day could help with a feeling of repetition and monotony, but why could it never be accepted that it was okay to live for the sake of living rather than the sake of others anymore? 

When a wave began to run along the bottom of her foot, bringing her back to her current reality, Luna sat up again and looked into the dark waters. It was like looking into a black mirror, and all she could see was her own reflection outlined for her against a glassy black backdrop. The longer she stared, the more a sick feeling rose up from her stomach. Here she was with a complete stranger, laying with him as if they were long friends, as if they were close, and suddenly she found herself feeling quite stupid. Letting herself be lured so far from home based on the smile of someone she met the night previous, how could she ever expect such a situation to turn out well? And to let herself think the night she met him, listen to Rita about her ideas of sex and spending time with him when the sight of her own reflection made her sick to her stomach anymore. What she considered to be her own stupidity made her run her hand through the water, the resulting small waves from the motion distorting her reflection. "Are you okay? You look upset." "Just take me back. I shouldn't have even come here."

"Hey, hey," Lane's voice was gentle as he responded, sitting up with her and placing a hand on her back. "Talk to me, what's wrong? What's on your mind?"

"I don't belong here. I'm still just such a stupid little Maid. I'm just going to end up alone again, as always. I shouldn't be trying to change that. Fate doesn't change." Luna brought her knees up and rested her chin on them, her arms wrapping around them to keep them where they could hide her body. Hide her. Lane could only watch her sadly for a moment. "Just take me back Lane."

As he had when he first saw her that day, Lane moved her hair out of her face. She had gone back to staring at her own distorted reflection, and he couldn't help but to wonder how much more distorted it was in her own mind than he could see in the water. Beyond that, what would make her think, after being from an ocean full of life, that she would just end up alone? She seemed so sure of it, as if she knew concrete evidence that could explain it all, and now it was his turn to be confused of the whole situation. "Alright, I'll take you back if you want. But can I ask you something?" She looked back at him, the silver eyes once full of light what felt like moments ago to him now suddenly dull, as if something behind them had broken in front of him. Perhaps he pushed her too far? Maybe he somehow accidentally reminded of her something? "Why do you think you're going to end up alone?"

"No one will want me. I'm a freak left on a beach by the ones who raised her. The back and forwarth between forms, the magic, I'm just too much for anyone to want to have around," the red head told him, gluing her eyes back to her reflection. 

Lane wrapped an arm around her and held her close again, letting her rest her head on his chest while his chin found a home on the top of her head. She wasn't here by choice, she was beached by her family. Abandoned. Even less, now, he seemed to want to fulfill her wish to take her back. If anything, now he wanted to take her home and show her his family, a regular sized group of merfolk who all took refuge in each other. Besides his brothers, none of them were actually related, but still they were a family. She seemed to need to see that there was somewhere where someone who felt so different could still be cared about. But she seemed insistent she needed to be back on land, and he wouldn't take her against her will. She was hurting enough. He slowly pulled out of the embrace he had brought her into to get back into the river, holding a hand out to help her back in as well, watching how her body changed shape again. Did it hurt her? It looked so drastic to go between the forms, even if they were so similar, it was still enough to make him realize how much it must bother her to go back and forwarth so much.

Her tail seemed the only thing light about her now, a magenta shine to her scales by this late in the evening though the same radiance was no longer seen in her eyes anymore. He guided her through the foliage to take her back where he had found her, only to find the spot wasn't empty anymore. A human friend of Lane's sat there, looking over the water like Luna had when the evening began. Luna looked her over through the water, dirty blonde hair and with brown eyes and full, pink lips. She was as beautiful as he was, though obviously human. She could see how Lane went to the shore to greet her, but Luna couldn't bring herself to do the same. "What was that Lane?" The friend asked, briefly noticing a pink glow that quickly disappeared out of sight. Lane looked besides him and found the waters were now empty, much to his disappointment. Luna was gone without a goodbye, or a promise to see each other again. "Someone new. A friend I hope."

When Luna was sure she was finally out of sight down stream, she stopped and laid on her front at the bottom of the river. She hid her face in her arms and just wished she would stop glowing. She wanted nothing but to disappear now, being unseen simply wasn't enough anymore but rather she wanted to be non-existent. She was right all along. To imagine belonging here or finding a mate in someone when there was so much better for them was just a foolish dream. She knew she was alone in this, she had been alone longer than she had realized. A hand ran down her back, and she looked up in curiosity. It definitely was not Lane, though there was a resemblance. His hair fell in his face and down his neck though, and his skin was a shade darker. And while Lane had dark eyes, these eyes were quite green matching the glow to his tail. Before he could say anything to her, though, she was gone again like she had done with Lane moments ago. 

"I swear I just saw the weirdest thing," the second male commented when his younger brother now caught up with him, noticing how Lane looked a bit distraught. 

"By chance, was it a red head?" Lane asked him.

"Yes she was. Was that the red head you were telling Brook and I about yesterday?" The older brother told him, quickly putting two and two together.

"Yeah, yeah she was," Lane admitted.

"Dude, what did you do to her? She looked ready to cry in the like five seconds I saw her before she swam off again," the green merman now questioned, curious how someone Lane had been so excited about could be so upset after being around him.

"Honestly Simon, I think it's all in her head. She was so happy when we first went to the cave. Which, by the way, you were right. Oceanic and dark cave really was a bad mix. Scared the shit out of her at first. But then we were laying on the rocks and everything seemed so peaceful and nice until she got up, and suddenly it was like her whole demeanor changed. She looked so sad and broken, and apparently she was beached by her family? Found that out when I tried asking why she kept saying she should just be alone. And she started asking to be taken home, so I went to take her back and there was a friend of mine there and then she was gone," Lane explained to him, trying to go through the whole time. He had to admit, being able to use a river dialect was a lot easier for him now. A lot easier than English, and especially easier than oceanic.

"Was that friend a girl?" The older brother, Simon, asked him.

"Yeah why?" Lane responded. 

"Because it sounds like she has self-esteem issues, and to a Maid with self-esteem issues a girl would just be more proof to themselves that they're right to view themselves so poorly," Simon informed him.

"Well I couldn't anticipate her showing up. How is any of this my fault?" Lane asked him.

Simon just placed a hand on his brother's shoulder for a moment. "No one said it was. I'm not, and most likely she isn't either. She's just feeling really bad right now and probably needs some time. If you're patient, I'm sure you'll see her again if you really want to."

[brittanyyoungblog]

OkCupid Profile Examples for Women: Tips & Templates

If you’re having trouble with your OkCupid profile you’re not the only one. The app prides itself on having profiles that are longer than most dating apps, but you might be asking yourself what you could possibly say in 10 prompts that you couldn’t say in one short bio?

Well, quite a bit actually. I’m here to show you that you can (and should) say more in your OkCupid profile. Because on the OkCupid app, the whole game is to find your ideal match, whether your looking for a long-term relationship or one-night stand and that extensive profile is there to help two people (you and your future date) looking for the same thing find each other faster.

Here are some OkCupid profile examples for women as well as a quick overview of what the profile looks like and tips to give you some ideas and inspiration.

OkCupid Profile Overview Before we dive into profile examples for each section, let’s examine exactly what goes into an OkCupid profile since there’s more to take in.

General information This is the easy part and includes your gender, relationship status, orientation, height, body type, ethnicity, diet, drinking style, drugs and smoking style, religion, education, kids, pets, and language you speak.

My self-summary Well, in this case it’s your self-summary, but you get what I mean. This is where you’re going to need to use the bulk of your writing skills since it’s open-ended, is the first thing people see after your general info, and can include anything you want.

What I’m doing with my life This is included in almost everyone’s profile and can either be a short one-liner—something as simple as “I’m a teacher”—or a longer explanation of where you are in your life.

Additional profile prompts After the What I’m doing with my life section, OkCupid will give you around seven more prompts that include things like: I’m really good at, My golden rule, Six things I could never do without, The last show I binged, A perfect day, If I went to jail, I’d be arrested for, What I’m actually looking for, or Six favorite books, movies, shows, music, and food. Depending on the prompt you may want to answer with one sentence or a paragraph. It’s up to you but recommended that you do answer as many as you can.

OkCupid Profile Examples for Women

My self-summary Me: Just your neighborhood A dog-loving, marathon running, accountant. That’s me by day, anyway. By nighttime I’m tearing up the dancefloor at your local disco club. (Fair warning: I’m not a good dancer, just full of blind confidence.) You: Prepared to go on spontaneous adventures and luxurious vacations. Must love mountaintops and warm beaches. Sleep is for the weak.

Most people that know me would say I’m Fun-loving, funny, passionate and horribly addicted to my guacamole. Seriously. I’ll put avocado on anything. That said I’ll also share it with you, if you’re nice. Weekends are for binging BoJack Horseman reruns, improv, and picnics in the park. Mimosas anyone?

One day, I would like to climb Mt. Everest. Don’t you know it’s dangerous? Yes, I do, thanks. Aren’t you scared? Just a little. Don’t you think that’s a little… If you have any more doubtful questions, just move along. I’m a big girl and I’ve been climbing since I was a little kid. I want to stand on the tallest point in the whole world and no one’s going to stop me. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be end up in the party.

Tip 1: You in a Nutshell If you ran into the love of your life in an elevator and you had eight floors to catch their fancy, what would you say? This is a good exercise for writing a basic self-summary. Try boiling your life story down. It’s good to start with your job, your hobbies, your passions. Are your friends everything? Do you have a dog that you love dearly? Oftentimes, just this info can offer enough insight for someone glancing over your profile to decide if they should send you a message. So be genuine and be brief.

Tip 2: Passion is Sexy It’s okay if you’re not at the top of your career yet or don’t have it all figured out. The key is “yet.” Passion, confidence, and dreams are attractive, and you can share that stuff here. So whatever it is that you yearn to do in the bottom of your heart, shout it loud and shout it proud. It’s okay if you’re not quite there yet. There’s nothing wrong with that. And who knows, you might find a partner for the journey.

My patronus is A black and white cat. I was hoping for something noble like a lion or stag. Heck, a llama, even. Nope. I got a housecat. If you take the Pottermore quiz and get a dog or a mouse or something like that, feel free to message me. J.K. Rowling is trying to tell us something.

I like to make paintings. Wow, that sounds weird. I like to paint paintings. I’m a painter. Not quite Frida Kahlo, but miles ahead of high school art class. I’m self taught and always look for any excuse to get into my studio (read as tarp on my kitchen floor). Firm believer that there’s nothing quite like the feeling of a brush stroke on canvas or walking through half your house before realizing you’ve left trail of acrylic paint footprints. Artsy or fartsy, holler at me!

My weirdest quirk I was born with an extra toe on my left foot. (It was removed, so don’t ask to see it!) I’m also a competitive partner dancer, who can keep balance for the life of her outside of the dance floor. Is there a connection between ghost toe and my deficiency? I don’t know, mom, is there??

Tip 3: What do you do to pass the time For the doers and makers, movers and shakers out there, what are you doing and making? If you have a closet hobby, what is it? These little quiet passions add depth to your profile. They really help other daters get a feel for who you are. You don’t have to be a master cross-stitcher or certified metal worker, but these activities will make it easy for others to connect and give you something to chat about.

Tip 4: Quirky is in, so let your freak flag fly Yep, it’s true. We’ve officially embraced the weird. It’s a good time to be a nerd, geek, or just a little bit out there. There’s no perfect “normal,” so tell people what makes you different. Acknowledging the things that make you unique and loving them is a great way to show confidence, which is always attractive. Putting your quirks in your profile will always set you apart from the crowd.

Six things I could never do without Water, food, air, shelter, clothes, human attention. There’s probably more, but that’s the best I can do right now.

I value My family. I know it sounds corny, but I’m not ashamed to say it. Family comes first. Blood is thicker than water and all that. We’ve been through a lot together and in those hard moments our strength together is what gets us through. No doubt about it.

I spend a lot of time thinking about The universe and how small we are in it. I could watch space documentaries for weeks on end—that and listen to Neil Degrasse Tyson’s voice. I feel like I’m smarter listening to anything he narrates. Cosmos and chill?

Tip 5: We are what we need We all have the things we need—whether it’s family, god, or Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme, the things we love aren’t going to change anytime soon. Incidentally, they’re also a great way to show other daters what you’re about. Remember the key is to find common ground and show personality.

Tip 6: I am defined by If you have core beliefs that you can’t do without, best to get them out in the open. Waiting till your tenth date to reveal that you’re an environmental activist and ethical vegan may not be the best approach for finding a compatible mate. The things that keep you up at night keep other people at night too.

A book everyone should read The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. A friend group parties across France and Spain and teaches us that “classic” books don’t just have to be a slog. It’s a quick, fun read, but still makes you feel the feels. I finished it this summer in just one day and it left me lost in thought and wondering about my next raucous party.

My favorite bands in high school Smash Mouth, and Yellowcard. I know it’s embarrassing. Please don’t judge. I’m ready to be better now I swear! Message me with your most embarrassing fandom, so I know it’s real.

Best day of my life so far The first week after I got my puppy Benny we went to the dog park for the first time. He ran in circles for 10 minutes before tuckering himself out and passing out in my lap belly up. We spent the rest of the day munching on doggie treats and popcorn watching the Flintstones. It’s been three years and he’s still the love of my life, but we’re open to meeting new people.

Tip 7: Artsy and fartsy Talking about what we read and what we’ve seen is house we shoot the breeze. This is your opportunity to get intellectual with your obscure book recommendations or relive your angst of your teenage years with your favorite high school bands. This could be a genuine way to make a connection through sharing your refined current taste or poking fun at your poor past taste. That’s up to you.

Tip 8: The perfect day For some of us it’s finding 20 dollars on the ground. For others, it’s a day of hiking with your best friends. Either way, the little things that rub us the right way say a lot about what we like in our partners. Being honest and fun here will get you more messages (and will help give other singles some good ideas for dates).

My relationship with my mother is the perfect friendship, which is how it should be! We’re a tag team duo for yoga and brunch (sometimes back-to-back). I share almost everything with her, so if you’re going to be mine, you’re going to have to be hers, too. Proud mama’s girl through and through.

You should message me if you’re looking to date in a low commitment, long-term relationship. Finishing up school is my number one priority right now, and I can’t give too much to a deeply invested relationship. You should also message me you’re career driven (it’s attractive!) and can keep up a good banter (also attractive!). Driven, smart, funny, that’s the combo~

I will never date someone that thinks that vacations are for relaxing. Time away from work is for scuba diving, surfing, sightseeing, and anything else that involves not sitting still. I live for adventure and I’m looking for someone to tag along (and occasionally lead the way). Think you’re up for the challenge? Submit your application below. *Due to high volume of incoming applications, we sincerely apologize that we can only reply to the ones that we think are the best fit for this position.

Tip 9: Be upfront and open It’s okay to be genuine. In fact, it’s the best way to be. Being a vulnerable in dating means that you’re confident in sharing yourself, that you’re not worried about being hurt by what people think. Now that’s a good way to be.

Tip 10: Honesty is the golden rule Honest is the best policy. Always has been and still is. If you’re looking for a particular kind of relationship this is a good place to put it out there. Being forward about what you want may save some time and pain coming from mismatched expectations later down the road. On a more simple dating app, you might be able to leave this sort of stuff out, but because OkCupid is so comprehensive it doesn’t hurt to add.

So that’s it! Go ahead and get out there. OkCupid has a longer profile than most other apps, but in the end it’s not too different. As always, the key is to be funny, genuine, and honest. Your natural attractive qualities will shine through. Good luck!

The post OkCupid Profile Examples for Women: Tips & Templates appeared first on The Date Mix.

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Corona California Cheap car insurance quotes zip 92881

"Corona California Cheap car insurance quotes zip 92881

Corona California Cheap car insurance quotes zip 92881

BEST ANSWER:  Try this site where you can compare quotes: : http://howmuchisinsurance.xyz/index.html?src=tumblr 

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What is a good cheap auto insurance?

i have progressive right now and its almost 300 cause i have a new car..are there ne others that are cheaper but have a good policy??? i live in kentucky

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i'm getting insurance quotes and normally i call and talk to someone and just say i was full coverage. i'm on geico.com and that's not an option. they'll let me select bodily injury liability and i checked the box that said i was financing my car so maybe they give me full coverage no matter what then

How much would car insurance be for a 16-year-old in California?

If I got a car, it's like from the 90's, what's the approximate value car insurance would be? I know it depends on the insurance company, but I'm looking for insurance so what do you think is a good value? I'm 16 and a half and I could get the good student discount.""

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How much would car insurance cost me???

Before I start calling for quotes, I would like to know approximately how much Im looking at to get car insurance in my name alone for 1 year. I need to know how much to put aside for it. Im female, 31 years old, I live in Queens, NY, will be buying a used car from a private seller, have NEVER had car insurance in my name, and Ive had my license for about 10 years. Also, why is it that when you request a quote online, they only give you an estimate for a 6-month policy? Does that mean you only pay insurance for 6 months or do you have to pay the 6-month premium 2x in that year? Thanks.""

My Car Insurance won't pay for my car accident?

I Totaled my 2000 ford mustang gt at an intersection, it was my fault. I ran into a car, and that car hit the car in front of him as a result. So technically i was responsible for damages of 2 cars. I only had liability so i knew my car wouldn't be fixed. But now my insurance company said that my payment for that month was processed the day after my accident, so i wasn't insured on the day of the accident. I just found this out, and i want to know what will happen now that my insurance wont pay for the damages? will the other people's insurance sue me? All answers are appreciated! Thanks!""

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Okay, I'm really stupid when it comes to this stuff, so don't laugh at this. I have a vehicle insured under my name. If my friend is driving it, would she be covered whether I'm present or not? Does it matter at all if she has her own auto insurance?""

Roughly how much would it cost to insure a 17 year old male on a renault clio 1.2?

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Health Insurance?!?!?

I am having to get my own health insurance for the first time. Can someone help me figure all of this out? What should I be looking for? I am young and healthy, so I would not like to pay that much, but I would like to feel confidant in my coverage. Also, I will need dental coverage-any info there?? Thanks so much!""

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How much is the Private Health Insurance?

$2 a month? $50 a month? Affordable rate? I can get braces, crown, root canal, bunion repair, fungal surgically remove from my toe nails, hair replacement for my future baldheaded husband, and all?""

Health insurance for baby?

Anyone know any health insurance companies that cover babies right after birth? I found out last night that my insurance won't cover my baby the second the cord is cut because I'm under my dad's policy and she is not/will not be his dependent. I do NOT want to go on government insurance, so are there any other companies that will cover infants from birth on? Thanks in advance.""

How much is for insurance for 18 year old people and for a used car?also do u pay each month or 6 month?

How much is for insurance for 18 year old people and for a used car?also do u pay each month or 6 month?

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Car accident medical bills: Car insurance or health insurance?

I was in a car accident and went to an urgent care to get myself and son checked out. I used my health insurance to cover the medical costs. Is my car insurance supposed to reimburse my BCBS(Blue Cross Blue Sheild) health insurance? Or does my health insurance cover it? The car insurance company (progressive) totaled my vehicle and paid me $350 for our medical bills. Am I supposed to give that money to BCBS? I just dont want medical bills to come back to me later on down the road after settling. Also, what do I do if I am still in pain from whiplash? Should I go to a chiropractor, a doctor? Should I send Progressive the bill or use my BCBS? Any advice would be helpful.""

Pregnancy insurance???????

im pregnant and i dont have insurance that will cover me or the baby. I am trying for medicaid and will probably qualify but barely. And i want to get married before the baby is born but again we might just barely qualify. Is there any suggestions on insurance plans or help with medicaid?

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Motorcycle insurance rate estimation?

I want basic liability insurance for a lower cc Honda Phantom, 700 cc tops. I am a 21 year old male who committed a DUI 2.5 years ago and is now alcohol-free. For that reason, I feel ...show more""

Is insurance cheaper on a 4 door car than a two door car?

Is insurance cheaper on a 4 door car than a two door car?

About how much will car insurance increase after wrecking a car?

Im 19 years old

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Im 17 and looking to buy a ford ka. I have looked at quotes online with me as the main driver and using my parents as named drivers to try and lower the premium but the cheapest i have found on price comparison sites is 2100 for the year. I was wondering if anyone could help me and knew anything that could reduce the payment. Many thanks for your time, sam.""

Help with car tax and short term car insurance?

Hi I have a nissan micra which myself and partner are insured on and I intend to sell. I have bought a peguot but the problem is that it needs taxing and to get tax I need to insure it and this is when it gets complicated - The peugot is in Brighton in my parents garage and they plan to drive it upto me in Liverpool. The question is what do I do about the tax and insurance for it as I dont want to cancel or transfer my current insurance on my micra as I need the car until my new one arrives, my dad will also need to be insured to drive it up. PLEASE HELP VERY CONFUSED""

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What is the average insurance for a 17 year old female driver?

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Corona California Cheap car insurance quotes zip 92881

Corona California Cheap car insurance quotes zip 92881

How does business insurance work in a lawsuit?

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What is the best and cheap health insurance?

What is the best and cheap health insurance

What if i don't have car insurance and i don't drive the car?

i wanna buy a car but not drive it for a while but i can't afford car insurance....can i not register until i am ready to drive it is that legal?????

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I am 55 yrs old.Have lost my husband.Can I be covered under my daughter's health insurance thru her job?

What kind of medical insurance can an unemployed 19 year old get?

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Do you have to have car insurance to get a driver's license?

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Home & Auto Insurance Rip-Off?

My home & Auto insurance has doubled thisyear. I called today to ask why as I had no claims or tickets. The reason I was told was the new way that rates are based. My agent said that your credit score is now used in the calculation of your rate. With one credit card that I pay off in full monthly and never a late payment nor any outstanding debt i would think I should have scored high on my credit report. I feel by being fiscally responsible I am being ripped off by the insurance companies by this foolish way of rating policies. are their any other insuance companies that still rate you the old fashioned way by your record?

What is The best Auto Insurance to get?

What is The best Auto Insurance to get?

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for a car that has been rebuilt does the company have to insure it?

Can a health insurance company decline your request to cancel?

Here's the situation: I've had health insurance for the past few years through Nationwide, which is/was provided by my employer. The cost is taken out of my check every week. I received a letter from my employer last December stating that I did not have to change anything in regards to the Affordable Health Care Act. Two months later, I received a letter from my insurance company saying that I have inadequate coverage and need to visit healthcare.gov to find different coverage. I found new coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield through healthcare.gov (I was planning on going BCBS anyway). I asked the woman who I spoke with when I should cancel my previous insurance benefits. She replied Wait a couple of weeks until you get all of your new information from BCBS . Here's where the issue comes in. When I contacted Nationwide (my previous insurance company) to cancel they said I had to fill out and send back a form. Basically, the form asked why I was cancelling. Go figure there was no option for them not having the correct benefits. Anyway, I sent that back and proof of my new policy (they wanted the effective date) Nationwide DENIED my request to cancel stating that I only had 30 days from the time my new coverage began to inform them. Even though their coverage doesn't meet the AHCA requirements, I cannot cancel until my company's open enrollment (December) Can they legally decline my cancellation request?""

How can I get car insurance without a guardian?

I live with away from my parents, Im almost 18 but not there yet. How can i get car insurance without having a guardian?""

Is it worth it to pay $300 a month for health insurance when you qualify for medi-cal?

My kids qualify for healthy families and we are paying for their insurance anyways. We now need a new car, and were trying to figure out if we should switch to healthy families and buy a new car or keep their insurance through my husbands work?""

Aren't you glad the ACA is making health insurance more affordable?

Aren't you glad the ACA is making health insurance more affordable?

Auto insurance in Military?

My family is active duty military, and our vehicle is registered in SC. We have auto insurance through USAA, and we are PCSing to California. We are going to keep our vehicle registered in SC, so when we change our insurance will we have to have insurance for SC and CA?""

Motorcycle Insurance!?!?

Im so confused right now. In the past 2 months i have been doing my homework on buying a new 2011 CBR600RR. I have been quoting progressive which is who i have my car insurance with. I have been getting around 150$ a month for full coverage. I was about to buy the bike today and whenever i quoted the insurance it was around 230$. I thought i had made a mistake but everything was the same... what the heck happend?

What does my comprehensive and my collision deductible have to do with my car loan?

I just received a letter from Capital One Auto Finance saying that my new insurance policy is inadequate. I upped the comprehensive and collision deductible from $500 to $2500, which saves me over $400 dollars a month. According to Capital One, this is too high and has to be lowered back down to $1000 or less. But I would sooner become an employee at the Bunny Ranch, before I pay a $600 monthly car insurance bill and a $365 car note. Hell, I would have to become an employee at the Bunny Ranch if I had to pay a $600 monthly car insurance bill and a $365 car note. I feel like as long as I'm giving Capital One their money, my deductible should have nothing to do with them.""

What would be the best cheapest car a teen could get?

What would be a cheap car that doesn't have high insurance that a teen could get? (Brand and model)? Thanks

Insurance on motorcycle ?

It would be a Kawasaki ninja zx6r it is a 2006 and 600 cc engine.. I am 16 and live in northwestern Pennsylvania... I would get minimum coverage.. I would also be adding on to my dads car insurance plan and I would be getting a 20% discount for good driver etc. About how much do you think the insurance on it would be?thanks

Car insurance Question?

Hey I Am looking for some advice from a driver or someone in the police or dvla or just someone smart :) I am going to be buying a car but I am on a provisional so I will not be able to drive the car on my own as of yet however if I get my mums friend to drive it to an off road parking space is there some sort of day insurance that she can buy to get it there as I dont want to insure it till I am going to be driving it. Yet you cant drive it on the road without insurance and just before any1 says dont do it you will drive it your full license I am not going to do that as I will be joining the police one day and will not ruin my chances of a fantastic career. So yeah thanks in advance oh and 10 Points for best quick answer :D

""New to real estate, question about auto insurance?""

I drive my parents car but i am not insured, now that i've joined a real estate firm, they want me to have them as an additional insured. So what can I do now? Do I have to get insurance under my name? And how much would it cost to get the firm as an additional insured?""

Any recommendations for affordable health insurance in Georgia?

I'm 22 years old, no children, and have one full time job. I need to get some blood tests like cholesterol, blood pressure, ectera done.""

Car insurance for a 16 year old in ny?

Hey guys I just got a 2001 Dodge Intrepid SE how much will it be to get insurance and who would take a 16 year old?

Motorcycle Insurance cost??

Hey guys! My husband wants to get a kawasaki vulcan 900 for his first bike but when he called our insurance provider for our cars they weren't there but I was just wondering if anyone could give us a ballpark of how much it might cost every 6months or year. He would be the only driver and he is 25 with no marks on his record. We also live in the south if that changes anything.

Do anyone know of an affordable health insurane?

Do anyone know of an affordable health insurane?

FIRST CAR INSURANCE in London UK?

I am 18 years old will be 19 this month I want to by a car i have 1500 saved for it and now need to save for insurance road tax etc. my main worry is the insurance ive recieved quotes of 3500 i can not afford this I WOULD ONLY LIKE TO HEAR FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN IN THIS SITUATION CAN YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT QUOTES YOU RECIEVED OR HOW MUCH YOU ARE PAYING

Corona California Cheap car insurance quotes zip 92881

Corona California Cheap car insurance quotes zip 92881

Medical insurance help?

I need to find some insurance to pay for my eye doctor b/c the insurance that I had is gone. I used to have Anthem.

How does low income families apply for health insurence?

My family of 4 has about $32000 annual income. How do I apply for health insurance?

How much is YOUR car insurance a month?

I know the make, model, and various other factors will affect my future car insurance search, but I'd really like to hear it from real people..if you would be so kind as to share with me? :O)""

How much is motorcycle insurance on average?

I'm looking at a 2013 Victory Boardwalk. My parents are going to make me pay the insurance for it but I don't know how much it's going to be. It's Progressive Insurance by the way.

Used Car insurance cost?

If i buy a 2010 ford escape used will insurance be any cheaper than if i buy it new, considering im 25 and have a clean driving record""

How much would it cost to insure a 2002-2006 Subaru Impreza WRX for a 18 year old?

Just wondering, I'm looking into buying another car after I graduate High School. and I was wondering how much insurance cost per month to own a WRX between those years. For someone who has just graduated and turned 18.""

How much would a motorcycle insurance cost me monthly if i'm 17 years old and i live in toronto?

Say i get a 2008 honda cbr125r, how much would insurance cost me monthly? (an approximate estimate would be nice)""

Do I qualify for low cost Health Insurance?

I'm under 21 & still living at home. I live at home with my mother & sibling. My mother can't afford insurance through her work beings it'll be almost 1/3 of her paycheck a month. I work part time as a waitress making under 5,000 a year for now as I look for a full time job. So my question is: Do I qualify for any type of low cost health insurance to cover just myself? I've tried looking on sites like health .gov but because my mom has insurance available through her work it's basically saying i'm screwed out of insurance of my own. I need all 4 wisdom teeth pulled asap, as well as basic medical check ups & such that I can't afford on my waitressing salary. I really need all the help I can get. Please answer. & no, my job doesn't provide any insurance.""

Can i drive any car with insurance?

Alright I asked a question earlier and i didnt provide enough information Im 16 and my dad just got me insurance on our car, a toyota camry. He said that i can drive any other car as long as i have the insurance card of the camry, i have my 'own' car (acura) that i dont know that i can drive or not that is under my dads name.. but that car isnt under our policy. is it true that i can drive the acura with my camry's insurance?""

""How did the United States healthcare system develop? e.g. health insurance, Medicare.?""

Why does the United States have health insurance? It is optional to have health insurance, because it is not required by any law, unlike auto insurance. I would like to know where the system of health insurance got it's roots.""

What is the $$$ insurance for a yamaha bike?

a car being too expensive i wanted to buy a 5-6 grand yamaha sports bike but dont know how much insurance will be? does any one know how much it is for say 16 year old-25 years? thats the years in which ur considered a teen right and i would be classified as in there.

Cheapest car insurance for speeding violations.?

I'm 20 and a male

Car insurance in Ohio?

I'm getting a car soon (never had one before) and I know I need car insurance. I was looking at triple AAA, but they don't seem to have full coverage (the one where if you damage property etc. your insurance company pays for most of it). And it seems only good for old cars. I was wondering what the best insurance for new drivers in in Ohio? Also, do you need a credit card to get insurance? Thank you so, so much!""

I don't have dental insurance.?

I don't have dental insurance and I haven't been to the dentist in years. Anyone know of any good dental discounts or insurance. I really want to go and get a cleaning and check up. I think i'll need some work done considering my jaw hurts and the gap in my teeth seems to be getting wider. Anyone else not have dental insurance? Thanks for the help

Life insurance?

I'm 22 years old guy, I just got my life insurance. I pay like 200 bucks each month,and $65 of it goes to the life insurance and the rest is going to my cash value account. my coverage amount is 250K and is increasing. I was wondering what you guys think about life insurance? Is it a good thing to have? Is it a good insurance or not?""

After getting a speeding ticket how much does your insurance increase on average?

After getting a speeding ticket how much does your insurance increase on average?

Car lease insurance question?

I am leasing a car from Honda and wanted to know if there is insurance you can take out to cover any damage to the car that will repair scratches and minor dents, things that I will be hit for when I return the car when the lease ends? I was wondering what that kind of insurance is? Thanks""

Individual Health Insurance in Indiana at 18?

How can I apply for individual health insurance at 18? I'll graduate from high school next year. I want to be responsible for me at that age and not be dependent by my guardians ...show more

What is the average car insurance for a 16 year old?

I'm 16 years old, and just passed my drivers license test. I live in Washington State and am going to be driving a 2002 Hyundai Elantra. Does anyone know how much I could be looking at for insurance monthly? (my mom is currently insured with Progressive) -Thanks""

How much would Liability insurance run me for my mobile auto detailing business?

Im looking to start a mibile detailing business within the next year and I need insurance

If i buy a fully comp insurance can i drive my friends car ? Im 17.?

If i buy a fully comp insurance can i drive my friends car ? Im 17.

Motorcycle accident - How much insurance money will I get?

I recently had an accident on my motorbike where a car did a U-turn in front of me and I went over the handlebars. I fractured my heel, broke a finger and tore the ligaments in my legs. I've been in pain since it happened and am only just getting well enough after 2 Months to walk without crutches. I have not had any sick pay as I work for agencies and have lost around 500 a week. This has almost caused me to lose my house. I want to know how much money I should expect to get as a payout? I'm not expecting to be back at work for a few weeks yet and I still have limited movement in my legs (I can't crouch down).""

""18yr old car insurance, on my own.?""

im looking for cheap car insurance for a 2000 vauxhall corsa envoy 1.0, i have to have my own policy cause my dad has passed and my mom don't drive, my uncle has offered help me but we have been told its illegal for him to be the policy holder if i own the car, does anyone know a cheap insurance company??""

What car to get for cheapest insurance after crash at 17?

Im 17, 18 on october 1st. I crashed my car in january, claimed for write off and got given 3000, i put that in premium bonds, i ahve that money sat there to but a car with. I want to get a car on my 18th, what car should i get, bearing in mind ive had a crash, then claimed? the cheapest ive seen is 3470 a year for insurance. thanks.""

Why do men have higher insurance rates than women?

Why do men have higher insurance rates than women?

Corona California Cheap car insurance quotes zip 92881

Corona California Cheap car insurance quotes zip 92881

Why is my insurance so expensive?

I am looking to buy an hyundai coupe 1.6 auto and I am wondering why all my insurance quotes are so expensive. These are my details. 18 years old 0 NCB Full Licence held for 8 months Only need up to 4000 miles a year car is worth 2000 Will use it for Leisure and commuting Only need Third Party Fire Theft Live in the South east, in east sussex I have been speaking to a few people who own these also and they are getting much cheaper quoted than I am getting and they need more than me like they have a 2 litre, 10,000 miles, newer model car like 2002, car is worth more. As an example a person I have been talking to is also 18 and he has got a 2002, 2 litre and his car is worth 6500 and he has a quote for 1000 and that is fully comp. This is a group 10 insurance car. I am 18, I am looking at a 1997 1.6 which is worth 2000 and my quote is 2400 from the same company and mine is a group 9 insurance. I can't seem to figure out why my quote is way above theirs.""

Car insurance.....???

What is the best Insurance Company for young adults? I'm 23 years old. Who can save me the most money??

Cheap cars with a nice interior??????????

Hey im 18 and hoping to buy my first car soon (Living inthe uk) I'll probably buy a used car too I want a car thats cheap to run, cheap insurance, etc But with a nice interior :) This cars interior is perfect! http://www.zcars.com.au/images/2009-honda-accord-euro-interior22.jpg Can you guys reccomend any?""

Which rental car company has the lowest insurance prices (LDW)?

Which rental car company has the lowest insurance prices (LDW)?

What is a coinsurance rate ?

What does it mean if the coinsurance rate is 0 % ? Does it mean all my medical service are 100% covered ? If it's 30% - does it mean I have to pay 30% ? What are the advantages of having different coinsurance rates ? If they cover one area such as hospital services - do they skimp out on other areas such as prescription ?

Cheap insurance company for young drivers uk?

Cheap insurance company for young drivers uk?

Insurance for a mustang ?

Im 17 planning on buying a 96 mustang with my own money and i was wondering about how much it would cost for liability for it...

How much would it cost per month to finance a 2010 can-am 3 wheel motorcycle? ?

Also, how much would be the insurance for 6 months? I just want to get a ball park figure.""

""What would my insurance possibly be with a 318 V8, for my first truck? (vehicle)?""

okay, im 15 now, but i found a truck i want desparetly, its an 87 dodge it needs some work but for a first car, any vehicle i want will need some work, i can get the truck fairly cheap an have to put money into it, an rebuild the carborator, etc. but if i get it now, an have it running, for when i get m license, everyone is telling me that having a 318 V8 is going to be expensive insurance, does anyone have any idea how much a price range would be? or a way to figure out a price range to insure this truck? Please an Thankyou.""

How much cheaper will my insurance be ?

Want to no how much cheaper my insurance would be if my mum insured my car but put me down as a name driver? I have just passed my test, looking to get a fiesta 05 plate 1.2 something like that, also my mum has been driving for over 20 years ?""

Changing car while paying monthly for car insurance?

I still have like 9 months to pay on my insurance but i want to change car how can i do it or cant i ?

A way to make health insurance premiums to go down.?

To make it affordable we have to come up with a no-profit system for health insurance companies. Since that would never happen, due to our capitalist economy. I would suggest the ...show more""

Car insurance for 17year old help?

basically i want online to see how much it cost to insure a 1.2 corsa but everytime i go on insurance sites i get quotes around the price range of 6000 but my friend got his corsa insured for around 1 grand and he is the same age as me, he now drives a ford focus which is a 1.6 but he pays 1.6grand so i was wondering why, what am i doing wrong? do i have to call the up to get a cheaper quote because no matter what i input on insurance site to make it cheaper it still ends up come up around 6grand.""

Your car insurance price?

Please put your age, car, and how much it costs every month, thankssss""

Health insurance for a married couple.?

My wife and I haven't had insurance since we graduated college this past winter and moved to California. We are now waiting for me to start dental school in the fall and I am working at a company in California with no benefits. We have one child who is covered and thus doesn't need to coverage. So we are looking to find insurance from now until mid August (about 5 months). Do we need to get short term insurance? What should we expect to pay for the two of us? Should/can we get covered individually? Any companies that you suggest? We would be more interested in low premium high deductible.

What manufacturer is the cheapest scooter/moped/50cc to insure?

I am 16 and loking for a cheap insurance site for a scooter/moped/50cc Enduro bike, Does anybody know the cheapest manufacturer and insurance site? Thanks Anton""

Do people with learner's permit have to be on the insurance? ?

I am 15 turning 15 1/2 on oct. 29 and my mom says I cant get my permit until she gets insurance on the car.How much does it cost exactly?

What is the best life insurance?

I wouls like to make sure that my partner and my mother are safe if something happens to me. What is the best insurance? Also: Does life insurance also cover critical illness?

Question about health insurance?

I went to the ER in late May and I recently got promoted so I applied for health insurance. However, my health insurance does not go into effect til July. I was told by the hospital that I will be billed in about 2 -3 months. Is there anyway I can use my insurance for the bill or will I have to pay out of pocket?""

HELP! Insurance company trying to low ball estimate?

Back in April I was driving and a lady tried switching lanes and struck my vehicle. I immediately went to an auto body shop and got an estimate for the damage, they took photos and everything. I've been contacting her insurance and dealing with this for over two months... I had to send them the police report because the woman tried lying and said I hit her, so I had to prove she was at fault. They would never return my calls. Until I talked to the field adjuster. He then called me yesterday told me he got the estimate from the body shop which was one of their recommended shops, and was mailing me the check for the damage. However he failed to tell me the check he was sending was for $1000 less than the estimate. I don't agree with this, what do I do? I called and no one will call me back from the company Also, I own my car outright. It's a 2004 tiburon is excellent condition. The insurance company was giving me issues about me wanting the check sent to me. I plan on getting the damages repaired that are necessary but leaving what isn't and keeping the money that's left over. I'm not even making them get me a rental for the time I don't have the car! Please help The company is American family.""

Where do I look for Health Insurance?

In a month I'll be 18. I don't smoke and I'm enrolled in college. I want to find something affordable and simple, but mostly affordable. Who do I talk to and how will I know its a good deal? Another question is when I go to a hospital, do I have to pay it all upfront or can I make payments over time? (In two weeks I'll be getting the Implanon and its been set for about four months and my mother never bothered to tell me we lost out insurance. And the implant can be $400-$800 and I dont know the cost of a visit to a OBGYN at a hospital.) What else do I need to know about insurance?""

Keep insurance if I am selling the car?

I am selling a car that I still have financed. Do I still have to have insurance (full coverage) if I'm selling it and I'm not driving it at all? Ohio Law plz

Insurance Types?

Is there a type of insurance that covers any type of damages you cause? Specifically destruction of a mattress.

How much would car insurance cost for me(2010 camaro)?

alright...I am finally getting my car this summer! im turning 17...and im thinking about what car im going to get...im pretty settled on a camaro 2lt or one of the ss's. I was just wondering how much insurance would cost for that...since im so young and its a brand new sprots car...are there some companys that would be a little cheaper or would all of them be pretty much the same?

Stick with USAA auto insurance? Or shop around?

I always thought they were not just the best, but also the cheapest (if you qualify to insure with them). But I'd like confirmation of this, or other opinions... should I shop around for my auto insurance? Switching to another insurer seems almost unthinkable - I've only ever been with USAA...""

Corona California Cheap car insurance quotes zip 92881

Corona California Cheap car insurance quotes zip 92881

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/life-insurance-how-does-help-isaiah-woods/"

[kbox-in-the-box]

Austin Kingsley: Star Prodigy — Episode 1, “Saving Alexandria,” Part 3

“You know,” Mitzi Klingfeld cleared her throat and pursed her lips in a wry smirk, as Austin Kingsley knelt down and reached his arms around her waist, “when I compared this show-me session to a dance, it wasn't an invitation to go cheek-to-cheek, cowboy.”

“Oh, sorry,” Austin shook his head distractedly as he stood unsteadily, finally having retrieved Mitzi's handbag from the floor behind her. “I just need you to fish out a handful of spare change from your purse. For this to work, it needs to be a metallic substance, and something you own, so you can confirm it hasn't been gimmicked, but it also needs to be easily replaceable, since you're not getting it back.”

Austin blinked suddenly, before his stare scanned the close proximity between himself and Mitzi, from head to toe, as the cord of the headphones, that hung from his neck, tethered him to her Walkman, clipped onto the waist of her miniskirt. “It's funny; I'm actually acutely uncomfortable with just about any form of physical contact with most other people. I tend to find that level of sensory stimuli to be a bit overwhelming.”

Mitzi rolled her eyes as she rummaged through the depths of her spangled denim satchel. “If it was any other fella, I'd swear he was setting me up for a punchline about being overstimulated,” she presented a palmful of coins, “but for all your brainpower, I'm guessing you don't have the first clue how to spot a double entendre, do you? I mean, you obviously didn't get any etiquette lessons on the little things, like why it's impolite to ask your humble secretary to share what could be the funds for her bus fare or morning coffee.”

“Oh! Sorry,” Austin repeated, as he slid his wallet from his pants pocket. “Money is important to people,” he reminded himself, before he held out a crisp $20 bill.

Mitzi did a quick double-take. “Austin, that's twenty dollars. I'm giving you a handful of change.”

Austin winced with guilt. “Is that … not enough? I have more. I don't know currencies very well —”

“No, that's fine,” Mitzi rushed to reassure him, snatching the $20 bill from his fingers with her free hand, before shoving it unceremoniously down one of the cups of her already overstuffed brassiere. “Really, don't worry about it. We'll call it even, okay?”

“Oh, good,” Austin's face brightened, before he gently guided Mitzi's now-empty hand up to cup the coins in both of her palms, between her and Austin. “These never leave your grasp, nor your sight.”

“If we're kicking off our experiment in earnest, Mister Kingsley,” Mitzi pointed out, bobbing her head to the side, to draw his attention to her Walkman, “then I'm gonna need you to start the game clock.”

“Oh! Right,” Austin recalled, reaching down to press the “play” button, and filling the shadowy space with Ann Wilson crooning, “I hear the ticking of the clock … I'm lying here, the room's pitch-dark …”

Austin's hands cradled Mitzi's own, encircling them as her palms remained open and facing upward.

Mitzi felt a slight tingle in her hands, almost like the pins-and-needles sensation of her foot falling asleep, and gasped as she saw, and felt, the small pile of coins melting into a cool, multihued, metallic liquid in her palms.

“Don't,” Austin urged her, gripping Mitzi's hands firmly, even as she instinctively sought to pull them away. “Please. I need you to stay as still as you can, or it risks breaking my concentration. Please.”

“Wh-what … what is this?” Mitzi breathed rapturously, as the metallic liquid began to glow, forming an orb that floated up until it was approximately at eye-level, between her and the slightly taller Austin.

The glowing yellow orb started spinning, causing smaller spherical bodies to be cast off from its center by centrifugal forces, which soon settled into mostly stable orbital paths, along what became equally luminous lines.

As Mitzi beheld something she never before could have imagined, much less believed was possible, Ann Wilson continued to narrate her thoughts:

“Till now, I always got by on my own. “I never really cared until I met you, “And now it chills me to the bone. “How do I get you alone? “How do I get you alone?”

Austin had to inhale an audible gulp of air before he could summon the voice to interrupt Mitzi's reverie. “It's, ah, it's a model of our solar system. I apologize for its crudity. Obviously, the sizes of both the planets and their orbits are nowhere near to scale, never mind the size of the sun, but I'm reasonably confident their relative rates of orbit around the sun should be accurate enough to employ for roughly predictive purposes —”

“Please stop talking,” Mitzi swallowed hard, as she tried not to tremble. “I mean, what is this, that you're doing right now?”

“Oh, that. Um, molecular excitation,” Austin almost seemed to be relieved to launch into another stream of scientific exposition, until Mitzi noticed his entire body was shaking, so hard his teeth were nearly chattering, as he stumbled through his gushing rush of words. “Apply enough energy, and solid can become liquid. And because I'm able to absorb the release of heat energy, your hands stay cool, and it doesn't cost me any extra expenditure of energy … which, I suppose, makes me a living perpetual motion machine,” he flashed a nervous, lopsided grin, at what Mitzi guessed was meant to be a joke. “For whatever reason, base metals are easier for me to manipulate, but even then, it helps to have a pattern already in mind, which is why I went with the solar system —”

“Shhh,” Mitzi whispered soothingly, even as she struggled to maintain a mask of calm for herself. “Slow down. It's okay. Let's try this again; how is it that you're able to do … this?”

Austin chuckled ruefully. “I'm kind of curious about that myself —”

“I swear to God, if you go glib on me right now, I will hit you as hard as I can,” Mitzi cut him off, with a ferocity borne out of all the pent-up frustrations of her day so far.

“Sorry, sorry,” Austin sighed wearily. “So, as much as I've been able to determine, with any sort of certainty, is that I was … infused, with extraterrestrial energies, during my most recent expedition to Egypt, three weeks ago, with my father. And that … is where we need to stop.”

“What?” Mitzi objected, as the luminous yellow rings of Austin's solar system in miniature stopped spinning, and collapsed in on the central sphere, which dropped back into Mitzi's open hands as an unyielding, immobile, dull gray metal ball. “But why?”

“Because I couldn't maintain the concentration to keep the model going any longer,” Austin ran both hands agitatedly through his floppy-banged mane of hair, before he removed Mitzi's headphones, and held them out for her to take back, “and because your song ended a short while ago. By your rules, the dance is done.”

“Oh, no,” Mitzi wagged her finger at Austin, even as she grabbed the headphones and slung them over her Walkman with her other hand. “You don't get to turn this around onto me, Buster. I was married to a lawyer, and I didn't let him buffalo me either. You can't just show me something this amazing, and then send me on my way, acting like nothing has happened.”

“You are the only person in the world to whom I have told even this much,” Austin met her glare with a steady gaze of his own, and she saw in his bottomless blue eyes, for the first time, how vulnerable and alone he truly was.

Mitzi's shoulders slumped, as she gave up trying to stay upset with him. “Austin,” she caressed his cheek, “if you're worried you can't trust me with your story —”

“No,” Austin smiled softly. “I know you would never betray my confidence.” His mouth turned to a pensive frown. “But if I let you in the rest of the way, I need to know you'll be there. Everyone else I used to be able to rely on is gone … or, like Nora, they might as well be.” He ducked his head, and his voice betrayed a quaver he'd hoped Mitzi wouldn't hear. “My parents were strong people, but I'm not, and if I get left behind, by one more person I let myself care about … I don't think I could take it.”

Austin felt his chin being tilted back up by a slender set of fingers, and saw Mitzi beaming up at him, before she clasped his hands in her own. “You won't have to. I told you I was a sucker for hopeless headcases. You can go ahead and share the rest of your story, and you can trust that I will still be here by the time you're done telling your tale. As maddening as this whole morning has been, it's also been the best thing that's happened to me in far too long. So, yeah, I'm sticking with you, Mister Kingsley … until the end of the line.”