#hatch back car rental

[goldcarrental]

Looking for the best hatchback car rental in Goa? Enjoy the freedom to explore Goa's scenic beauty, vibrant markets, and pristine beaches at your own pace with our top-rated services.

For hatchback car rental bookings, call us at 🤙+91 9561154538 OR Visit https://tinyurl.com/mpjdsdwh

Find us on Google: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6QA72G4zYaVngBFe7

[moral-terpitude]

All We Have Is Now

I wrote this for @runnning-outof-time for their 2.5K celebration! What an awesome milestone to have achieved, and very well deserved!

I was trying for a double bingo! Fluff/ Tradition/ Modern AU/ Proposal crossed with secret/ domestic/ modern au/ Christmas Eve

The title is in reference to the song “All We Have is Now” by Royal Blood. I highly recommend giving it a listen, because I’ve skipped it so many times in the last week, and finally listened to it today, and it had me absolutely shocked and also sprinting to finish writing this after listening. I think this part will end up being part of my main storyline with these two for Misadventures now that I’ve started posting the rest of their story.

A/N: For some context, this was inspired by one of my own family traditions: Bronners’s is the largest Christmas store in the world, located in Frankenmuth, Michigan. They sell everything Christmas. They also offer customization of certain ornaments on site, with one of the items being plain colored bulbs. You can make them say anything, but everyone in my family has one with their name on it. I also have it in my head that Tommy’s birthday is Dec 25th so, that’s relevant. Yeah.

Pairing: modern!Tommy Shelby x oc Quinn Meyer

Two years.

Well, not quite two years, not even really two Christmases spent together, with Tommy having Charlie and Ruby the previous year, Quinn noted, as she turned the rental car from the paved road on to the gravel that would lead to her family’s cabin.

Technically, it was her cabin. Each of her sisters had received some sort of property for camping or building houses on after getting married and settling down, and they had all been in an uproar when Quinn’s parents had given her the cabin.

It had been her hideaway, the only escape she had after things had went south with Gerard, her ex-whatever-you-wanted to-call-him, (fiancé if you were specific, boyfriend if you weren’t, and asshole for all she cared).

“John, I already told you me service isn’t going to be good here, eh?” Tommy sounded exasperated, his promise of not working already not being held up as John and Johnny both had been blowing up his phone since they had both feet on solid ground. “I’ll call you back once the holiday is over.”

Quinn smiled. He hadn’t specified to John which holiday, and with the small amount of luck they had, both of their schedules were able to be cleared through the first week of January.

Two solid weeks of no contact with the outside world.

Snow was falling all across the Grand Traverse Bay as she killed the engine, headlights disappearing as their shoes crunched in the untouched snow.

“It’s fucking freezing.” Tommy hissed, retrieving their bags from the cargo hatch of the Jeep as Quinn punched in the numbers on the keypad, the old batteries barely powering the groaning lock before they both tracked the snow inside.

Despite his faux frustration, Tommy wasn’t, couldn’t, be mad about being here, he realized. This would be the most time he would be away from work in an uncountable amount of years, and it seemed as if everything would go according to plan.

Someone, presumably Madelyn and Patti, had came and decorated, everything from a tree down to Christmas lights outside, all of which now were twinkling and leaving a warm glow along the wooden walls of the large A-Frame cabin.

The result of their hard work had Quinn beaming through the layer of snowflakes melting in her lavender hair and down her face as she toed off her shoes and hung her jacket on the back of the door.

Tommy had already shed his layers, digging through pockets for a lighter and retrieving an outdated bundle of newspaper from the magazine rack once he noticed the dried bundle of wood already in the fireplace.

Please tell me you remembered to leave it here???

“No phone,” he teased, the tapping of her acrylic nails on the glass screen a dead giveaway that she was messaging someone.

“I’m just letting mom know we made it.” Sliding her phone in her back pocket, she ruffled her hair and Quinn made her way through the small kitchen to the pantry, retrieving the hot chocolate before filling the kettle and placing it on the stove to boil.

She smiled, closing her eyes and leaning against the counter, as she heard the unmistakable crackle of a fire coming to life in the living room.

“You’re making hot chocolate with water?”

He hadn’t gave Quinn much room to move, and the unfortunate consequence was cold hands pressed against her lower back that elicited a yelp loud enough that people across the water probably heard.

“Thomas Shelby, get your cold hands off of me!” There was no escape other than up, the result leaving her sitting on the kitchen counter as his hands roamed her thighs.

“Oh, come on, babe,” the teasing kisses pressed to her throat threatened her resolve, “you sleep with your cold feet on me legs every night.”

Quinn smiled, her forehead coming to rest against his as the kettle whistled, staring with some difficulty into his bright blue eyes at the closeness.

“Well if you weren’t a furnace when you sleep, I wouldn’t have to tuck my cold toes in the back of your knees to cool you down.”

Tommy’s response was a mixture between a hum and a chuckle, pecking her quickly on the lips before killing the heat to the burner and pouring the water into the cups.

“I was thinking,” Quinn sat the steaming mug aside as he returned to stand between her legs, his back against her chest as she ran her nails through the shaved short sides of his hair before resting her chin on his shoulder, hands clasped together across his chest, “if we went to bed around 10,” she checked her watch to see it was 8pm, the digital screen coming to life as she shook her wrist, “we could set an alarm for three and be up to FaceTime the kids while they open their presents.”

He did the quick math, 3 would make it 8 in the morning there. “I don’t think they’ll be up that soon, darling.”

“I talked to Lizzie the other day, that’s when she said they’d be up because they have to be to Polly’s by 11.” Quinn’s phone vibrated in her pocket. “I also thought, maybe, we could exchange gifts tonight so that way I can give you your other gifts tomorrow. Keep everything separate.”

He sighed, leaning his head back against her shoulder. “Tomorrow is Christmas.”

“And…”

“And?” He shook his head.

“Tommy.”

“What?”

“I know when your birthday is.”

He closed his eyes, resigned to the fact that she wasn’t going to let it go. No one had ever gone to such an effort to make him feel like it was an important day for only him. Tommy had learned at a young age to not whine about it being overshadowed by a holiday, and once the kids were in the picture, the focus shifted to making sure each holiday was magic for them.

“Let me get down,” two pats on his shoulders had him moving out of her way so she could slide off the counter, bare feet patting across the wooden floor to the bedroom.

Yes, in the hall closet with the towels. Maddy grabbed you some of the flavored popcorn you like and put it in the pantry. There’s dinner in the fridge, didn’t figure you would feel like cooking.

Quinn smiled as she read her mothers words on the screen, opened her bag to retrieve the wrapped box, before doubling back to the closet in the hall to lift the white box from the shelf.

“Okay,” she declared, opening the pantry for the popcorn from the taffy shop, not sure how she didn’t see it before, as Tommy looked at her wide eyed, phone in hand, before setting it down on the counter. “No phone, Tommy!”

The pile of items in her arms carefully found a home on the counter as she opened the cookie canister, a porcelain cat that had been her Oma’s, to see it empty.

“In.” The headless cat was held out, her nails drumming along the body.

Tommy blinked, rubbing his hand across his forehead before relinquishing his phone to the cookie jar. “What about you, eh?”

Quinn beamed with a fake smile, he knew she hated being told what to do, and of course if it was her idea she would do the same.

With both their phones hidden away, Quinn settled herself on the floor in front of the fireplace, bubbling with excitement, although trying to hide the fact that, in trying to figure out what to get Tommy, she had discovered her own gift.

A rose gold filigree ring, diamonds hidden in the leaves, had been nestled in the top drawer of the dresser when she had been trying to figure out what Rolex watch he didn’t have. It wasn’t just laying there. She peeked. Of course she peeked, because there was a ring box in Tommy’s dresser that she wasn’t aware of.

She knew it wasn’t for anyone else, but trying it on her fingers confirmed herself as the recipient. It didn’t fit any ring but her ring finger, and she knew if that was the question being asked that she wasn’t fucking ready for that.

She had also discovered, on the same day, that all the watches had never been worn, probably because they weren’t fucking cheap, and ended up getting him the matte black Fossil one with all the gold gears in the middle that had made her think about getting him a watch in the first place.

“Do we have to sit on the floor?” Tommy asked, as Quinn got up, retrieving a blanket and turned on the Bose sound system on the fireplace.

“Yes. You can be old tomorrow. Lean against the couch.”

He rolled his eyes, as she sat back down, patting the floor next to her, “C’mon, I’ll be an old person to and sit against the couch with you.”

“You make it sound like I’m turning fourty,” Tommy crossed his legs in front of him as she covered the both of them with the fleece blanket adorned with snowflakes.

“Sometimes you act like it.” She smiled, placing one hand on his chest before leaning to capture his lips with hers.

Pulling away, she opened the cellophane bag, offering him a shockingly blue piece of popcorn.

“Why is it blue?”

“It’s blueberry. Or blue raspberry. I don’t remember.” She tossed the piece in her mouth, chewing speculatively, before declaring, “Blue raspberry.”

“Green?” He questioned, brows furrowed, as he analyzed the piece in the same way as the previous, waiting for a response.

“Green Apple. I’m not going to tell you what every flavor is. Just eat it.”

Quinn picked up the white box, holding it gently between her hands before peeking at Tommy who was watching her intently. The sticker on the top proclaimed, “Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, Since 1945”.

“So, this is and isn’t part of your present, because I think that giving someone a Christmas bulb for Christmas is fucking stupid, but,” she took a deep breath before handing him the white box, “I didn’t want to have it shipped and have it get crushed in the mail.” she could feel her heart pounding in her chest, feeling so stupid, “Everyone in my family has one, it’s just a thing we do.”

He opened the box gently, sifting through the white tissue paper before retrieving the light blue bulb, holding it by the silver cap, so he could examine it fully.

White script was carefully placed in the center of the bulb, and for a second, he almost didn’t recognize his own name.

“I…if you want…” Tommy hadn’t said anything, and Quinn couldn’t gauge from his reaction, reflected in the ornament, whether that was good or bad, “Mines on the tree, mom brought it up, otherwise I figured it wouldn’t make sense.”

Everyone in my family has one. Her words echoed in his head as he tried to find the words to express himself, the gratitude, after a rough start, of being included.

“Does that mean I’m part of your family then?”

Quinn breathed a sigh of relief, nodding as he stood, and crossed the room to place the bulb on the tree next to hers. Of course it was purple.

Silhouetted by the lights, she watched as he relaxed slightly, observing the two ornaments hanging next to each other on their own branches.

“Thank you, Quinn.”

She noted he still looked a tad confused as he sat back down next to her, but the look evaporated as he pulled her close, a gentle kiss pressed to her temple as she handed him the wrapped box.

“You first.” he said, setting the box aside and pulling two boxes, wrapped in the same purple striped paper from his pocket. “This one,” he held out the narrower and taller of the two boxes, “you can say no to.”

Her brow furrowed, trying to imagine what could be in the box, as she took it, gently peeling the paper off to reveal a black box.

She was surprised to see Tommy watching her intently, his blue eyes just as bright as they sat in only the light of the fireplace and tree, wild shadows being cast upon the wall.

He nodded, and Quinn pulled the lid off the box to see a key on a purple keychain tucked in the box.

She blinked, picking it up and turning it over, before looking to Tommy for some clarification as her mind went blank.

“You can say no.” He reminded her, heart hammering in his chest, taking a breath to prepare for the chance that she would decline. He wouldn’t be mad. Maybe it was too soon?

“What is it for, Tommy?” She smiled, and he could see the truth of the question in her expression.

“I want you to move in with me.”

“Serious?” Her eyes sparkled as she asked, pupils dilated as all the feel good chemicals rushed through her veins, a fuzzy feeling rippling through her as she clamored astride his lap.

“Yeah, serious.”

“Fuck,” she was now very aware of how his hands felt on her hips, thumbs rubbing soothing circles as she grasped the key tight in her palm, before tucking it in her back pocket, “yeah, okay. I want to. Let’s do it.”

Her lips felt sore by the time they broke apart, fingers entwined in the longest part of Tommy’s hair, which she noted was due for a cut compared to his regular standards, but she didn’t mind it.

“This doesn’t come with any questions,” Tommy clarified as he offered her the other, much squarer box, and Quinn felt the anxieties in her stomach settle at the thought that thankfully the ring wasn’t tied to a proposal.

She smiled, unwrapping the other gift, and hesitating before opening the velvet box, eyes flicking to meet his, the look of guilt mistook by Tommy for distaste.

“What? You always wear jewelry, I wanted a beautiful gift for a beautiful girl.”

Her eyes watered as she shook her head, trying to hide from the complement as she opened the box to see the same ring that had stared back at her weeks before.

“I love it, Tommy,” she slipped the ring on the appropriate finger before taking his face between her hands, the warmth radiating off of her a welcome comfort that he leaned in to, “thank you. Now open yours, I want to put on the matching pajamas and have another cup of hot chocolate before bed.”

“This is the first in hearing anything about matching pajamas.”

“I know, it’s because I packed them. Don’t worry, they’re just plaid.” She yawned, stretching as she let her hips roll, receiving the wonderful friction she hadn’t realized she was seeking out at the point where their bodies met.

Tommy realized that opening the gift was the last thing he wanted to do now, but he focused on it diligently, surprised and relieved that it was a gift he would actually use.

She fiddled with the ring in her nose absentmindedly as he sat the box aside.

“Thank you, darling, I’ll put it on first thing in the morning.” A quick peck on the lips had a contented hum coming from somewhere in his chest as his mouth traveled to her throat, “Now, up with you, love. I’ve got plans for you before you put those pajamas on.”

[scriveyner]

always summer #2

always summer #2: overheard | bungou stray dogs |👿🐯 | #kinktober 🔞| ~1500 words

The cabin was very well secluded, with a turn off the two-lane highway almost completely obscured by the overgrown trees. Dazai had dramatically complained of aches and pains and as such claimed the master bedroom on the ground floor; because, Atsushi suspected, it had an in-room jacuzzi. Not that he had any particular mind or care about it, but the other room was less a bedroom and more a loft that overlooked the entire main room of the cabin. Not exactly the most private place.

Never mind the fact that there was only one king-sized bed in the loft.

Read on ao3 or:

“I am not sharing a bed with Akutagawa,” Atsushi said stubbornly, and Chuuya shrugged at him, standing with one arm draped over the open door of the fridge. “It’s weird.”

“Kid,” Chuuya said, an unlit cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth, “I could not give less of a fuck.”

Atsushi folded his arms and looked out the window over the sink, nose scrunched angrily as he tried to think of a way out of this. He’d been cornered into this entire endeavor by Dazai-san, of course, and then he’d only discovered that this little “work trip” was less a “work trip” and more a “Dazai decided to fuck off to parts unknown and thought it would be great fun to involve Atsushi in his work avoidance adventure” when they arrived at the airport.

Plus, Akutagawa was here for some goddamn reason, and he really didn’t want to think about that.

Atsushi jumped when Chuuya slammed the fridge door shut and stormed past him, violently yanking the front door open and yelling outside “the fridge is fucking empty, you shithead! I thought you called ahead! What the fuck are we gonna eat?”

Dazai was “helping” unload the car. In reality he was sitting on the picnic table just outside the front door, between the gravel driveway and the porch, and supervising Akutagawa while drinking a warm beer. Atsushi shifted guiltily, he should probably help unload, but he’d been crammed in the back seat of that car for more hours than he wanted to think about, thigh to thigh with Akutagawa, and that…that was another thing for the long, long list of things he didn’t want to think about.

He tuned back into Chuuya and Dazai’s rather animated conversation in time to hear Chuuya say, “well fuck you. I’m going to the store. Come on, Akutagawa!”

Chuuya stomped outside, ability-aided this time, leaving two-inch-deep footprints in the hard-packed dirt. Akutagawa was still standing by the open hatch, Rashomon holding two wheeled suitcases and that stupid hat still on his head; Chuuya shoved him with both hands on his back until Akutagawa got into the car and they were gone.

Huh.

Atsushi walked to the door—which Chuuya had kindly left open for the bugs—and stood on the stoop. “Is Chuuya-san alright,” he asked. “Does he even know where to get groceries here?”

Dazai raised his beer in the direction of the road, the taillights of the rental car already out of sight. “Nope,” he said, cheerfully.

Atsushi sighed and began bringing the bags inside.

~*~

The loft itself was very spacious, and the furniture was situated in a manner that couldn’t be seen from any point on the main floor. So, there was some measure of privacy, more than he’d initially thought, even though the entire back wall of the second story was windows.

There was also a bathroom in the loft, with an enormous, stand-up shower with two shower heads and a bench; it too was situated against the wall of windows—which would make him more nervous if said windows did not look into a dense, dark forest.

These were very nice, very upscale accommodations. But still, only one bed.

Atsushi sat on the very edge of the mattress and smoothed his hands along the tops of his thighs. They’d shared a bed before; this wasn’t that big of a deal. It wasn’t like they’d fucked a few times and he maybe semi-professed his love and then they’d immediately had to leave and go their separate way and somehow never talked about it again.

Oh god, this was going to be a disaster.

He scrubbed his hands over his face. Dazai-san didn’t bring him along with Akutagawa just to torture him…he was moderately sure of that. Most likely he just wanted a romantic weekend with Chuuya but couldn’t seem to get away with disappearing on his own, so he kidnapped Atsushi to make it look somehow legitimate; like Atsushi would be actually capable of lying to Kunikida-san’s face about any of this when they got back.

Atsushi heard the car pulling up the gravel drive well before Dazai. He walked to the edge of the loft and leaned against the rail and realized he could hear the water running downstairs; Dazai already investigating the jacuzzi most likely, leaving Atsushi alone to help with bringing in the groceries.

Maybe, just maybe he’d feel less awkward about this entire thing once he ate.

He could hope, at least.

~*~

“We should talk,” Atsushi said, on dishes duty because Chuuya cooked. Akutagawa stood a respectable distance away, drying and putting the dishes away with Rashomon, placing them back in the cupboards without having to move from his station.

“There is nothing for us to talk about,” Akutagawa said, voice carefully neutral.

Atsushi glanced over his shoulder; he could locate Chuuya and Dazai by the dim glow of their cigarettes, standing on the back porch that jutted off the building, overlooking the lake. “We should talk about what happened,” he said, and Rashomon plucked the saucepan out of his hands to dry it. “Between us.”

Akutagawa did not slow, drying the pan thoroughly. “You wish it had not occurred. I am honoring that wish. There is nothing more to say.”

“But I—”

Rashomon dropped the damp dishcloth on the counter beside Atsushi’s hand. “There is nothing more to say,” he said, a sharper edge to his tone. Clearly uninterested in continuing the conversation, Akutagawa turned on his heel and vanished upstairs to the loft.

Atsushi pulled the stopper in the sink and watched the water drain. He’d lived for two weeks in a tiny Yokohama apartment with this man, this should be a fucking breeze. At least they had space, here. So…why wasn’t it?

He looked over his shoulder again at the porch. Dazai and Chuuya were leaned against the railing, heads tilted in toward each other, casually intimate. He sighed and flopped on the couch, turning on the television mounted over the fireplace.

He’d survived worse than this.

~*~

It was dark when Atsushi opened his eyes. He had no idea what time it was, his phone on a charger on the dresser, and he blinked muzzily at the wall of pillows that had been constructed as a line of demarcation in the center of the king-sized bed. It was quiet in the cabin at this time of the night, the buzz of appliances downstairs a faint whisper in the background; and Atsushi wondered what woke him until he heard the soft grunt and felt the gentle shift of the mattress.

“Fuck.” It was uttered on an exhale, barely audible, and the next breath even quieter, sucked in through teeth. Atsushi stared at the pillows, mind racing as the mattress shifted again. That…wasn’t. He wouldn’t…

He couldn’t see over the pillows without raising himself up, and he didn’t dare move. Eyes wide, he listened, one hand now covering his mouth, as Akutagawa grunted softly again. His exhalations were soft, barely audible words; however, Atsushi had ears keener than most and could easily pick out every word.

“Goddamn…” he felt the mattress move again, he could see it in his mind’s eye, he knew what Akutagawa looked like with his dick in hand, god, “fucking, nngh—” He stayed very, very still, listening to the noise becoming wetter, sloppier. “Fucking weretiger, ah, AH—”

Akutagawa clearly forgot himself for a split second, and Atsushi tightened his hand over his mouth, ears flaming red. There was silence after, Akutagawa’s panting breaths slowing, finally; Atsushi took a gamble and rolled over. That drew Akutagawa’s attention and Atsushi heard him sit up, probably staring at Atsushi’s back now, sweat on his chest and in his hair, and oh god now was not the time to get hard, shit.

Atsushi stared stubbornly off into the darkness, heart beating hard and fast, and the bed creaked again as Akutagawa shifted once more. Good, get out of the bed, Atsushi thought hard, go wash up.

Akutagawa did not immediately get out of bed. Atsushi felt one of the pillows slide off the barrier, wanted to turn over and look when it thumped against his back; somehow, he resisted the urge to react.

After a long, long moment of stretched silence, Atsushi felt a hand brush his shoulder. He froze as Akutagawa pulled the top sheet back up over his side, and it took every ounce of effort for Atsushi to keep his breathing slow and even, eyes squeezed shut. Finally, the mattress shifted again, and he heard Akutagawa pad quietly to the bathroom.

Atsushi clutched the sheet pulled up over his shoulder, face flushed brilliantly red as he stared off into the darkness, the blood pounding in his ears drowning out the distant noise of running water.

This vacation was going to be the death of him.

[robinastrea]

Date: October 28, 2022 Location: Cresstly Hotel, Twarvu, Kor’Sel’Koo Characters Mentioned: Ryder Astrea, Skylar Clarke-Iz’an, Alioth Clarke-Iz’an, Theo Seong Description: Henry and Robin trade phone contacts.

Though Henry and Alisz’s hotel suite they’d booked for the wedding was definitely large enough for Robin and Ryder to sleep there if they preferred, they both elected to stay on the ship instead, truthfully to minimize their time and exposure around their mother.  That afternoon their parents were set to depart back to Kraysha, and so the twins had made their way to their surface-level hotel to visit with them more before they all had lunch with Sky and Ali, and then before they left.  As with every time they’d spent alone with their parents those past few days, they kept things light, but there was an ever-present undercurrent of awkward and tense, from thoughts around the emergency meeting back in July, Alisz’s conversation with Robin at the wedding he’d since related to Ryder, and the overall way their mother was almost acting like Ryder didn’t exist.  Robin hated to admit it, but he was going to be relieved when his parents were back home.

Their dad likely either forgot or was avoiding the fact that he was in his sixties now, and so even though Robin had done his best up to this point to keep Ryder and their mother from being alone together for a long time, he couldn’t ignore his dad was going to throw out his back carrying all of the suitcases.  Picking up most of them, he helped his dad take them out to their rental vehicle, which was very small, and it looked like the two of them would have to play a bit of Tetris to get everything in there.

“At least Sky has the record player now, so we don’t have to factor that into this,” Henry said as an attempt at a consolation, while Robin heaved one of Alisz’s very large suitcases onto the bottom of the strange-shaped boot.

“Didn’t you say…mum had to hold it on the way to the hotel?”  Robin grunted.

“Oh yeah.  That’s right.  And I suppose we have those souvenirs you two got us, now,” Henry remembered, while rolling another bag close so Robin could put it in the car.

“Sorry again about the soap with the Greg bite,” Robin huffed, “I really meant to take that one out.”

“Are you kidding?  That’s the funniest souvenir I’ve ever gotten.  Maybe your mum didn’t show it, but I’m sure she thought so, too,” Henry chuckled.

Robin gave a small, strained smile.  He fell silent as they shoved the rest of the bags into the boot.

When the hatch finally shut, and the two of them had worked up a bit of a sweat from the actual workout, Henry spoke up again.  “Hey, Bin.  Can I…ask something real quick, before we go back up?”

“Uhh…” Robin met his dad’s eyes.  “Sure?”

“Well, I talked about sending Ali text messages in Korean at the wedding, but I don’t actually have a way to contact him.  I’m not sure how your comms work, whether or not you have numbers…?  I don’t know, I just gave Sky my phone and he did something with it-”

“Oh-” Robin was instantly relieved it wasn’t something serious.  “Yeah,” he very quickly explained how it worked, since it only involved putting in a number.  “Let me give you his information.”  He took his dad’s phone and put it in, feeling a bit strange to be holding a phone again.

He was about to head back in now, but then Henry put a hand on his shoulder.  “Now hang on, I have something else to ask you.  You’re not in trouble,” he chuckled when Robin froze.

Robin made himself relax again, laughing a bit nervously.  “Okay.  What’s up?”

“I have a weird favor,” Henry dropped his arm from his shoulder, and leaned against the back of the vehicle.  “You remember Theo Seong, right?”

Robin narrowed his brows quizzically.  “Of course I remember Theo.”  He put his hands into his pockets, waiting.

“Well.  When I last talked to him, I got the feeling you’d two hadn’t spoken in a long time.  And I know you’ve had an incredibly busy couple of years—”

“Now, hang on,” Robin interrupted.  “When’s the last time you’ve spoken to him?”

“Oh, yeah,” Henry laughed.  “I should probably start from the beginning.  So, a while ago I was really craving a good brekkie, you know with eggs and pancakes and the works, so I decided to go out to that ‘50s diner you used to hang out at since it still seemed to be in operation.  And who should still run it but my son’s old…friend?  Ex?  Truthfully, I never really understood your relationship.  I was surprised, because I thought he’d moved away, but apparently he’s taken it over after his dad passed a couple years ago.”

Robin already knew this about Theo, but stayed silent while his dad continued.

“Once I knew that, I started coming around to support his restaurant more often, and then as I was doing that, Theo and I had started striking up conversations about well, anything and everything.  My old theater troupe, his solo-career, how to make a milkshake with that machine…and then I started inviting him over to the house to listen to some music, have someone there to eat some of my cooking that isn’t just your mother, and to get away from the loudness of the diner.  So to answer your question as to the last time I’ve spoken to him…probably around two weeks ago.”

This was, to say the least, a surprise.  It was so...weird that Henry was regularly hanging out with his ex-boyfriend-turned-friend-turned…whatever it was they were now, and yet—it was just like his dad to do something like that.  Robin found himself grinning and then breaking into a laugh, probably the first genuine laugh in several days.  “I can’t believe you two have been hanging out without me, and what’s more, to your earlier point, apparently you’ve also been talking about me?”

“Oh yeah, about that,” Henry matched his laugh.  “We don’t talk about you very often, but you come up, being you’re my son and all.  We’ve never said anything about your old high school relationship, if you were worried about that.  We have talked briefly about your pirate adventures, though.  I should really get to the point of all this.”  He paused to consider his words before he spoke up again.

“Now, Theo doesn’t need any pity, he’s doing just fine.  But maybe I worry about him a little bit.  He’s sort of on his own, taking care of this diner, and I think that if I gave you his number and you sent him a message every once in a while…just while you have a signal, it doesn’t have to be often. Because as much as I would like to think otherwise, I don’t completely buy that Theo occasionally comes over to the house only on my behalf...I think it would make him happy. Or at least, cheer him up slightly.”

His dad was right; this was definitely a weird favor.  “I mean, yeah, I’ll get his number,” Robin said slowly.  “But he’s probably going to know something is up, if I were to randomly message him all of a sudden, after you’d just returned from seeing me.  He would probably guess that we had this exact conversation about him.”  Theo was very smart, and this wasn’t exactly an Oceans 11-level plan here.

“This is true.  It’s up to you how you want to talk to him,” Henry held out his phone again with Theo’s contact information on the screen, and Robin took a glance at it before putting it into his own comm.  He registered it as a different number than the one he’d been given all those years ago.  Robin vaguely wondered when he’d changed it.

“I’ll do my best.  We were friends,” he decided to confide in his dad, “But I feel like a different person than we were when he left to pursue his music.  And I’m sure he is, too.”

His dad’s smile turned a little sad, and he reached over with one arm and pulled Robin close, resting his head on top of his son’s.

“Well, you have changed,” Henry admitted.  “You used to be a lot happier, and you didn’t used to worry so much about…everything?  You’re more mature, though, and I’m sure that had to happen with so much responsibility.  And I don’t just mean with your job, though that’s a large part of it.”  He took a breath, and Robin wasn’t looking at him, but he was taking in every word.  “But I know you’re the same Robin,” his dad continued.  “You only worry so much because you care so much.  And…I’m guessing Theo is the same, in that he’s had a lot happen to him: some good, mostly bad.  But he’s still the same person underneath.”

Robin wrapped his arms around his dad for a long moment.  “Okay,” he said finally, giving in, then letting go.  “We should probably go back up now,” he suggested, now a little antsy he’d left Ryder with Alisz for so long.  Henry only nodded and straightened up, possibly guessing Robin’s thoughts.

[littlewalken]

Nov 11

Well, the only one they had left was the white one but it's all mine and we intend to stuff it's stow and go seated ass full of laundry today.

When I was homeless and stuck that way far longer than I needed to be because it was impossible to save, while also supporting a mooch who refused to tow their own weight, and our only car was somewhere between a hooptie and a bucket that required repairs that cost more than the car was worth I never thought I'd be in this position.

Yesterday I just spent more money than I ever thought I'd even have in one lump to spend, let's say 2 years income to give y'all a figure, on a good car. It's not even 5 years old yet. It has less than 100,000 miles. It had only one previous owner. It's certified.

And it has numbers similar to the address of this blessing of a home, it has purple glitter and left over Halloween candy in it, and the letters on the license plate are letters that have been associated with us. So I think this was meant to be my minivan.

But yeah, purple glittery paint and or nail polish or something and Halloween candy in the floor well where the seat folds up, in a place where you would have to intend to make it sparkle, I mean how does that get there?

It's not a fancy pants one either, it has a back up camera which is great, and all the sliders and hatch are electric, but aside from that no extra complicated shit. It's just what we need.

So I'll say if you do need a new to you car check out former rentals. No accidents and you know it's been regularly cleaned, serviced, and only had one owner who took care of it. This is just like what we rented and liked that one time in Hell and we're happy with it.

[skillstopallmedia]

Fuel: this little trick that makes the difference at the pump!

Fuel: this little trick that makes the difference at the pump!

Fuel prices have fallen again in recent weeks. So it may be time to go back to the pump without stressing, but by the way, do you know which side your fuel door is on? Have you ever had to go to the gas pump and take the wrong side to position yourself? Probably yes. Sometimes all it takes is an oversight or a new or rental car. Yes, the side of the fuel hatch is not a detail to which we pay…

[chikucab]

Points To Remember While Renting A Car In Shimla!

Table of Content

Introduction

Checklist Points While Booking a Cab on Rent in Shimla

Conclusion

Introduction

Shimla is one of the most famous tourist attractions in India. Let it be any season or any month of the year, Shimla is always seen to host travelers and tourists all at the same time. Actually, Shimla has all those qualities that a tourist of any age group and any interest will have. Being a hill-station, which gives you the most beautiful sight of the Shivalik Mountain Range, Shimla has always been welcoming to all its tourists throughout the year. Places like, Mall Road, the Ridge, Jakhoo Hills, Hanuman Temple, and many others are the must to go to tourists' attractions when in Shimla. You just need to do a car rental in Shimla with Chiku Cab and enjoy your vacation without any hassles and worries. In today’s blog lets try to figure out the various points and make a check-list while booking  a car on rent in Shimla.

Checklist Points While Booking a Cab on Rent in Shimla

·         First and foremost, see to it that the vehicle provided to you is clean and hygienic. With COVID 19 times just over, this ought to be your first point of concern. All the cab service in Shimla with Chiku Cab are well sanitized after and before every journey marking them to be healthy. Also, before the next round, our cars are given a burn-out time to avoid any kind of cross-contamination.

·         Chiku Cab provides you with drivers who are well experienced to drive in the mountain terrain, thus giving you comfort of the upmost level to travel in Shimla. A simple taxi service in Shimla is no more the requirement for the day, but the cabs hired should have double jabbed drivers who are locals and can communicate with you in English, Hindi, and at least one regional language.

·         The cabs hired via Chiku Cab are well maintained and pass through 26 car control checks thus giving you the maximum safety and the least chances of a breakdown during the entire journey.

·         You have a wide range of cars to book from when you choose Chiku Cab as your commuting partner. Chiku Cab has an array of vehicles right from hatch-backs, sedans, MUVs, SUVs, luxury cars, tempo travellers, and buses. You can pick the car according to your need, requirement, and budget.

·         Chiku Cab follows all protocols laid down by WHO in regards to the COVID 19 virus. All our staff members keep their masks on throughout the journey and we even encourage all our patrons to follow the same.

·         With Chiku Cab, you even get police verified drivers, GPS locators on all cars, and a commercial licensed driver to gain your trust and make the vacation of yours worthwhile.

·         To make your trips even more special, Chiku Cab keeps on having discounts and offers throughout the year thus helping you save more during your journey.

·         The booking process with Chiku Cab too is extremely simple and can be done even with a few clicks on your smartphone.

Conclusion

Just don’t do any cab service in Shimla, but always opt for the best and trustworthy car aggregators like Chiku Cab. At Chiku Cab we firmly believe in customer service and a transparent billing system. So, go ahead and make Chiku Cab your commuting partners during vacations now!

[selfdrivecarjodhpur]

Self Drive Car in Jodhpur | Car Rental in Jodhpur | Self Drive Car Rental in Jodhpur | HRS Tours | 9588208746

Required Self Drive Car in Jodhpur or Car on Rent in Jodhpur?

If YES then call Rihanshu Dhawan on this number +91-9588208746 or Click to fill the form & drive in the city or out of the city. Rent a car in Jodhpur for one day, for a week, or for a monthly basis. Available Vehicles for Self Drive Cars in Jodhpur: Swift Dzire, i10, Innova, Innova Crysta & Ignis. Make your trip enjoyable with us.

So Book your Self Drive cars in Jodhpur can be your best experience if you rent a car in Jodhpur. Quick Enquiry or Visit Us: https://zengvotech.com/car-rental-in-jodhpur/

Self Drive car in Jodhpur or Car Rental in Jodhpur or Rent a Car in Jodhpur or Car without Driver in Jodhpur,

Click to Whatsapp Us

By HRS Tours: Self Drive Car in Jodhpur, Car Rental in Jodhpur

Technical Support by: Zengvotech - Spread Digitally

Call to Book Self Drive Car in Jodhpur: 9588208746

Visit Us: https://zengvotech.com/car-rental-in-jodhpur/

Digital Marketing By: ZENGVOTECH - Spread Digitally

 “Best Car Rental in Jodhpur & Self Drive Car in Jodhpur, Available Latest Model Cars for Hire so book your ride today.”

Available Brand, Model, Type for Self Drive Car Rental in Jodhpur

Hyundai – Grand i10, Hatch Back for Self Drive Car

Maruti Suzuki – Swift Dzire, Sadan for Self Drive Car

Toyota – Innova, SUV for Self Drive Car

Maruti Suzuki – Ignis, Hatch Back for Self Drive Car

Toyota – Innova Crysta, MUV for Self Drive Car

How to Book Jodhpur Taxi Service?

You just need to dial our cab booking number. And, our operator will accept your booking. Call us at +91-9588208746 fill an inquiry form for Cab rental in Jodhpur We specialize in Taxi Services in Jodhpur and also conduct associated services like car leasing, hotel booking & home stay in Jodhpur.  Visit Us: https://zengvotech.com/car-rental-in-jodhpur/

Documents Required for Self Drive Car

Valid driving license.

Aadhaar card or Government ID Proof

Refundable deposit.

Self Drive Car in Jodhpur - Car Rental in Jodhpur

If you are Searching Self Drive car in Jodhpur or Car Rental in Jodhpur or Rent a Car in Jodhpur or Car without Driver in Jodhpur, then you are at the right place because we provide you best Car Rental in Jodhpur as well Self Drive Car Rental in Jodhpur city like Zoom Car. Visit Us: https://zengvotech.com/car-rental-in-jodhpur/

So call now on this number +91-9588208746 to book your ride. We required a valid driving license, & an Aadhaar card, or Government ID Proof to hire a car. Zengvotechhas professionals connected with Jodhpur Taxi Service to full fill every rider’s need. Quick Enquiry

Self Drive Car in Jodhpur for outstation

We offer both services like car rental or Self Drive car in Jodhpur & taxi service in Jodhpur. In taxi service, we provide well-experienced drivers and in Self drive service we provide hatchback, sedan, or SUV model cars to you.

Zengvotech provides Self Drive in these popular routes like Jodhpur to Jaipur, Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, Jodhpur to Udaipur, Jodhpur to Ajmer, Jodhpur to Bikaner, Jodhpur to Barmer, and more cities. Rent cars for Self Drive in Jodhpur.

Zengvotech is the most preferred brand for Self Drive car rentals in Jodhpur. You can also rent a Luxury Self Drive car in Jodhpur with Zengvotech. Self Drive car rentals and Taxi services in Jodhpur options are getting extremely popular in Jodhpur. Rent an i10, Rent an Etios or Rent a Breeza, Rent a Venue & more and enjoy the freedom to drive on your own with SV. Visit Us: https://zengvotech.com/car-rental-in-jodhpur/

Enjoy the complete experience of travel safe, secure, and comfortable. We have the best service in Travel so we are known as the best Taxi Service in Jodhpur, Taxi in Jodhpur. Visit Us: https://zengvotech.com/car-rental-in-jodhpur/

Call Rihanshu Dhawan on this number to BOOK Self Drive car in Jodhpur: +91-9588208746

self-drive car in Jodhpur, self-drive cars in Jodhpur, car rental in jodhpur, self drive car rental in jodhpur, self drive car rental jodhpur, self-drive car jodhpur, jodhpur self-drive car, self-drive car rental in jodhpur rajasthan, car on rent in jodhpur, self drive cars jodhpur, car rental jodhpur, rent a car in jodhpur, self driving car in jodhpur, car for rent in jodhpur, self drive car on rent in jodhpur, self driven car in jodhpur, zoom car in jodhpur, rental cars in jodhpur, rental car in jodhpur, Zengvotech Self drive car in Jodhpur.

#selfdrivecarinjodhpur #selfdrive #carrentalinjodhpur #carrental #rentacarinjodhpur #carwithoutdriverinjodhpur #carhireinjodhpur #zoomcarjodhpur #zoomcar #selfdrivecarrentalinjodhpur #zengvotech #9588208746 #rihanshu #rihanshudhawan #jodhpur

By Zengvotech: Self Drive Car in Jodhpur, Car Rental in Jodhpur

Call Rihanshu to Book: 9588208746

Visit Us: https://zengvotech.com/car-rental-in-jodhpur/

Digital Marketing By: ZENGVOTECH - Spread Digitally

[goldcarrental]

Looking for the best hatchback car rental in Goa? Enjoy the freedom to explore Goa's scenic beauty at your own pace with our top-notch hatchback rentals. Book now for an unforgettable journey!

For hatchback car rental bookings, call us at 🤙+91 9561154538 OR Visit https://tinyurl.com/3e6smzcc

Find us on Google: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6QA72G4zYaVngBFe7

[davidsenrandall47]

Dealings with motorcar repairs isn't easy, just it derriere very much easier with the tips and advice you're roughly to interpret. No nonpareil wants to rule taboo that their cable car necessarily run through with. However, it doesn't have got to let on your cant or cook you deficiency to roue your tomentum come out in the minute.

It is non effectual for a mechanic to kickoff operative on your gondola ahead you officially empower them to do so, ordinarily by signing a undertake. Be thrifty what you clear the automobile mechanic to do. You should just mansion documents that include a detailed inclination of the requisite repairs and their prices. When it comes to car repair, cheaper is non forever a thoroughly thing. You wish person WHO is intimate near your prepare and example of railcar to be running on it. Piece you mightiness catch by having a protagonist do your anele change in rally for dinner, anything Thomas More complicated is best odd to a business. Car rental crete don't wishing to make to devote spear carrier later on to bushel those "repairs". Car hire crete ask to attend if the mechanic has always done work out on the exact Saami type of elevator car in front. If they give birth have with your typecast of car, they are more than likely capable to aright name and prepare the problems your vehicle is having. Getting a upright referral is the nonesuch style to learn a big machine technician. Spill to your friends and family and demand if they get whatever recommendations. You tail end witness proscribed heavy data around Leontyne Price and value that means. Avert the mechanism World Health Organization overcharged your friends or were non veracious with them. If your elevator car doorway and hatching locks tend to become stiff, annul breaking your distinguish cancelled in the engage by lubricating them periodically with a penetrative oil spray. You tin can role the moldable extender that comes with the spraying crapper to save vegetable oil to the inner of the locking mechanics. If you accept misplaced this extender, only sprayer your key generously and rick it in the soaked interlock respective multiplication. Think back that acquiring OEM parts is of import. These are master components from the manufacturer. Taxonomic category parts backside be cheaper merely OEM parts testament final stage longer and unremarkably issue forth with a break guarantee. A cheap, taxonomic group office is to a lesser extent of a dicker if it solely lasts half as prospicient as an OEM portion would. Do not shuffle the misapprehension of having mortal gear up your fomite barely because the total they burster is cheaper than everyone else. Many multiplication the first gear prices prepare up for the want in select act upon. Doing search on the touch on shit in question testament helper you resolve if that is the sheath here. Don't parting anything of prize in your cable car when it's existence repaired. The shop mechanic Crataegus laevigata incur that these things perplex in the path and they whitethorn set about misplaced to where they cannot be placed late. Crystalize out your trunk, as well. Discipline your fatigue blackjack regularly. Tires with a first blackmail are a real unsafe financial obligation. Check the imperativeness in your tires at least at one time a month or anytime you posting a tire out seems to be losing melody. Place in raw select tires if you ofttimes let to line up the imperativeness in your tires. Changing a railroad car stamp battery is immediate and easily. It usually involves untying a magazine on crest of the stamp battery and exploitation a wring to tease and get rid of the connectors. (Naturally, you should do this with your railway locomotive hit!) Encounter the connectors fresh with a telegraph brushwood. Cabbage come out of the closet the onetime electric battery and position the fresh barrage in its position. Fix the connectors firmly and refasten the buckle. You should be soundly to go! A ding or boodle in a pliant bumper is identical gentle to repair. Head start by slip the bits that spliff tabu from the prick until the edges are smoothen. You fire and then consumption a makeweight to have the slit disappear. Baroness Dudevant all over the orbit and blusher to obscure the furbish up. Place the advice that has been discussed Here to habit as you mickle with your vehicle repairs. You bequeath find that you are a great deal less accented and in reality experience a practiced design for everything. No thirster are you leaving to endure through with those decisions, speculative if you did the correct matter.

[cole-winchester]

SNEAK PEEK

'Scars That I'm Hiding'

Bishop x Reader

⚠️ Angst, Violence, Abuse ⚠️

A/N : here's a little smidge to get you all riled up cuz I'm a monster like that 😈🙃🤷‍♀️

Release Date : TBD but soon!

Tags: this is my first Mayans fic so hit me up below if you want in

🖤-🖤-🖤-🖤-🖤

You opened the tailgate of your Wrangler, leaning in and stacking a couple boxes together to take inside your new apartment.  You'd managed to snag the house rental for a song and a dance and you couldn't be happier.  The landlord didn't ask questions, didn't have you fill any form out and seemed content with the cash deposit...perfect!  Santo Padre was, in every way, the furthest thing from your past life, which made it the perfect place to start over.  New ID, new home...new life.  

You eased back out of the Jeep and bumped into the tailgate.  The top box slid and you attempted to counter, but it was no use.  The box dropped to the driveway and spilled your sketchbooks and drawings across the pavement.  

"No! Shit shit shit!"  You placed the boxes back into the Jeep and dropped to the ground, desperately trying to collect books.

---

Bishop stepped down from the porch to the driveway, the bright morning sun glinting off of his bike.  He scanned the neighborhood, as he always did each morning before he left for the day.  Being El Presidente came with its own heat and he made the habit of being on top of his surroundings.

His gaze landed on the black Jeep in the driveway nextdoor.  Guess Juan finally managed to find someone to rent the place.  Wonder what fucker he swindled-

Bishop's breath hitched as you moved into view from around the Jeep.  Holy shit... you were absolutely gorgeous...and definitely not from around here.  No way in hell he would've missed seeing you in town.  

He watched as the box you were carrying crashed to the driveway, you cursing trying to collect the books.  

Bishop moved and quickly snatched up the flyaway papers, gathering them neatly together.  

A page caught his eye and he glanced over them as he stepped to you.  Graphite potraits and city scene sketches adorned the papers.

"Impressive."  He smiles, handing the stack to you.  "You've got quite the gift."

"Thank you."  You return his smile, placing the papers back into the box.

"Sorry,"  Bishop shakes his head, smiling in apology.  "I'm next door."  He motions with his thumb over his shoulder before holding out his hand to you.  "Bishop." 

You took his hand and eyed him...leather kutte...patches....  El Presidente. Your eyes flicked behind him to the bike in the driveway next door.  Might not be a bad idea to have the President of the local outlaw bikers in your pocket. 

"Y/N" You smiled warmly. 

Bishop returned your smile, not missing the guarded, calculated once over you gave him.

"Nice to meet you, Y/N.  Need some help with all this?"  He motioned to the boxes in the hatch of the Jeep.

"Gosh, that would be awesome-"  Your phone rang, interrupting you.  "Sorry, one sec."  You set the box down, retrieving your cell from your back pocket.

Bishop averted his gaze from you and quickly took stock of the items in the Jeep.  Five -not entirely large- boxes and one back pack.  This wasn't a premeditated move...you were running.  The question is, from what?  

"You don't have a spare truck?...but I already paid for everything to be delivered today....I can't-"  The line clicked as the department store hung up on you.

"You've gotta be kidding me"  You sighed and ran your hands through your hair.  "Shit."

You looked up to Bishop, his questioning gaze meeting yours.  "The department store's truck is down and they don't have a spare.  Said it'll be another week at least or I can rent a truck.....guess they expect me to be able to move everything by myself. "  You sighed angrily.

"The one in town?"  

You nodded. "Yeah," as you hauled a box out of the Jeep and began walking towards the porch.

He followed suite with another box as you entered the house, taking note of the few other boxes you must've moved in before he'd come out this morning.  Still no where near enough to be all of someone's possessions.  "I'll have the guys go pick everything up for you."  He set the box down against a wall where you'd motioned. 

You spun around to him.  "Bishop, no.  I can't ask you -"

He smiled, holding up his hands.  "You're not asking, sweetheart. What type of neighbor would I be if I didn't help when I could?"

You eyed him... gauging if he was doing this to pull the card later if he wanted something.  "I don't want to be in debt to anyone."

He smiled softly, reading your apprehension.  "It's not like that at all, querida.  No strings."

-----

Hours later, after thanking the men for all of their troubles, you'd attempted to hand Bishop a wad of cash but he gently placed his hand over yours and refused.  That warm smile assuring you that no payment was needed.

You'd decided that you were not going to be in debt to this man.  He may not see it that way, but you did.  He'd been so generous, you had to do something as a thank you.  You'd made your rounds to the grocery store and the butcher shop (that one the guys insisted on - the owner, apparently, was the father of two of the men) and you had just now finished making a heavenly lasagna.  Making a plate, you wrapped it in foil and headed toward the door.  You checked out the window to see if his bike was still in the drive before heading over.

You footsteps faultered as you stepped on his porch.  

What if he has a wife?

He didn't have a ring, no other car in the drive...  And so what if he did?  This was a simple neighborly thank you... you're literally just dropping off a plate of food.  You straightened your shoulders and rapped on his door.

Your heart pounded lightly in your ears as you waited, hearing heavy footsteps approaching.  You smiled as he opened the door, his eyes taking you in as he returned your smile.

You held up the wrapped plate.  "A token of my gratitude for all of your help today."  

His gaze flicked briefly to the plate before returning to yours.  

"I didn't know if you'd eaten yet so I - I just wrapped it up.  Homemade lasagna."  You held the plate out to him as you rambled.  He waited a moment before accepting it, his warm gaze never leaving yours.

"Y/N, you didn't have to--"

You put your hand up, halting his words.  "Please... let me do this?"

He smirked, dropping his gaze a moment before meeting yours again.  "Thank you, sweetheart."

----

And that... was how it all began.  

Moving in next door to Bishop Losa.  

That one fateful moment sparked a fierce protective love with the Mayan President... and as a result, you found your new family within the club.

But now....  

Was the club even aware of your kidnapping yet?

How long had it been since you'd been taken and where the fuck were you?

More importantly....was Bishop still alive?  

Images of his broken body bleeding onto the living room floor flashed across your mind.  

This was all your fault.  You should've known better than to think you could run from your past.

Sobs broke from your chest as you violently fought against the metal wrist restraints, screaming into the darkness.

🖤-🖤-🖤-🖤-🖤

[antoine-roquentin]

Over the course of 2020, Elon Musk’s wealth skyrocketed from $27.7 billion to $147 billion. Musk even overtook Bill Gates, to become the second richest person in the world. This was a tremendous jump in fortune: Musk was only at 36th place in January 2020. Musk’s enrichment was mainly due to Tesla’s rising stock price (TSLA:US), which surged from $86 in January to $650 in December. Tesla is currently one of the ten most valuable companies in the US stock market.

In an already record-breaking year, Tesla’s largest and most rapid increase in valuation came in November, due to its announced inclusion into the S&P 500 index, now scheduled for 21 December 2020. Within a week of this announcement, Tesla’s share price rose by 33%, as passive funds now have to invest more than $70 billion. This was a remarkable boost for stock of a company that many analysts say is already obviously overvalued.

some other measurements of tesla’s overvalued nature: musk’s wealth is actually more like $167 billion and the amount index funds invested was more like $80 billion. tesla ships 10% of the cars of general motors, yet will make up 1.5% of the s&p 500, as opposed to GM’s 0.17%. most of tesla’s just under $1 billion net profits as of its entire existence is due to sales of emissions credits, not cars.

so why is tesla so overvalued? it’s a sign of a deep structural problem in capitalism. anybody who’s read their marx or schumpeter comes away with a knowledge of how capitalism drives its own survival through creative destruction. blockbuster yields to netflix, kodak and polaroid to digital cameras to cell phones. however, this process is rather bad for individual capitalists, whose savings in these companies get wiped out.

in 1979, fed chairman paul volcker raised interest rates to an eye popping 21.5%, driving unemployment over 10% and harming millions of families in america and abroad, primarily racialized ones. he did this in order to keep the engines of capitalism going. many companies had become zombie companies, content with lower profits and lower increases in productivity, allowing their workers comfortable livings through detente with unions who demanded wage increases that fueled inflation. volcker destroyed most of these companies, allowing major businesses to pick up old steel mills, family farms, and mom and pop stores at discount rates and implement new technologies to increase productivity or outsource their workers. this is where we get wal-mart, niche steel, and big agro. it saved capitalism, but doomed everybody who had invested in these old companies.

today, interest rates are 0.1%. zombie companies are now 20% of all firms. it’s very easy for a company to pay out old debts by simply taking new ones. there is a global savings glut due to the massive amount of money that has accrued to the rich. since these people can only consume so much, they end up saving even more than if the money had been spread among the poor. since money saved is money invested, unless you’re doing something like keeping it under a mattress (and no rich person is), this results in a massive demand for any investment vehicles whatsoever. even the wildest ideas get funded. insane tech startups, rental properties, you name it. at the same time, most of the money is inevitably going to end up in stuff that just keeps its worth, like index funds, which have increased in value by $3.2 trillion between 2006 and 2018. as a result, stock demand goes up, driving values ever higher, even when these companies barely make enough money to justify their valuations, simply because they are considered too big to fail, and the fed will come in with commercial bond market purchases to rescue any investors who might lose. after all, some of that money will inevitably go into lobbying politicians, right?

so why the massive overvaluation for tesla? because it represents the best hope for any creative destruction, any real profit, in a time where there is none. the promise of tesla is that it will be so efficient that it will shake up the market and bankrupt lots of car and oil companies. and with this many billions in funding, there’s actually a reasonable chance it might get there, whereas under normal conditions (september 2019, when its stock price was $50 and not $650) it simply did not look like a great bet. but more importantly, the fact that investors are flocking to tesla instead of anybody promising truly high productivity growth is a sign that capitalism may be ossifying into something even worse, a neo-feudal system where the superrich have access to escape hatches any time they lose money while we don’t. were this to be reversed, where the working class has a cushion they can fall back upon when creative destruction occurs while the rich stand to lose their pants (save, of course, for the aforementioned floor on living standards), you’d have a much better functioning system (not to mention if there was a rise in demand through wealth redistribution to workers to end the savings glut). but the only people who advocate saving capitalism are the supposed socialists in government, AOC and sanders, and meanwhile the real socialists are nowhere to be seen.

[ackermans-freedom-inc]

Lofty Goals & Low Ceilings - Chapter 1: Moving In 

@anlian-aishang x ackermans-freedom-inc 

Next Chapter

Word Count: 4812

Tags: fem!reader, multi-chaptered, slow-burn, modern AU

On the way there, truck stuffed to the ceiling with all your belongings, an entirely new excitement coursed from head to toe. Hands were jittery on the steering wheel. Legs were shaky on the acceleration and brakes. Your whole life was packed into this one vehicle and you were moving in every sense of the word.

It was a physical trek. From your tiny hometown to the new city was many hours and many more miles. When you turned in this rental, you would be without a vehicle and without a way back home. Somehow, though, the thought was freeing. Without a car, there was no obligation or expectation to return. Surely, you would be back sometime, but for now, you were content to have that return placed in some far-off future, one that was far-back in your mind.

The move was much more than just a matter of physical location. It was your first time getting out from under your parents’ roof, out from under their control. Going off to get your education, though they would miss you dearly, they would never protest. Whether viewed as a necessary evil or a new phase of life, no one would deny that this was a great feat - the next step, the best step for you.

The tiny little studio apartment itself symbolized its tenant. Solo, on her own, a part of something larger than herself. A new city, a new autonomy, a new school, a new you. Not a clue what was in store. Not a care in the world. All the curiosity. All the drive.

Both deliberately and without control, Pedal to the metal.

The speed you cruised at, the music you blasted, the haste you drove with, it was a miracle you were not pulled over. A surprise you were grateful for though, as you exited off the highway at a fraction of the time that the GPS had predicted.

For as fast as you had sped down the interstate, you slowed that much down to take in the town. At five under the speed limit, you coasted your moving van down those skinny roads. People dotted the sidewalks, some young, some old, and many your age, downtown was perfectly busy. Enough hustle and bustle to excite. Not the crowds and chaos to overwhelm. Just right. You could not wait to be among them.

After the stretches of brick road and cobblestone, at last, you were here. At the corner of Main and University, the building stood above the rest. Sun was just beginning to set when you arrived, and you were sure it was no coincidence. Warm orange glow outlined the structure, a perfect contrast to the purple and red of the rest of the sky. The world seemed to be calling you. Here it is. You’re home. You had not even moved in yet, but you were already imagining watching these sunsets from your balcony. You had not even moved in yet, but you were already smitten.

For all the time you had spent online researching, it was only in your first pass-through that the first impressions were made.

// // //

All the stars were aligning. This was where you were meant to be. Finding a parking spot right out front only reinforced the dream.

Finally, you shifted into park and unbuckled yourself. After hours of driving - no stops - your body felt incredibly stiff, and that was before moving everything you owned. The rush you felt, though, left you completely oblivious to any soreness. Your happiness was overflowing, there was no room for negativity. At nearly a running pace, you skipped to the trunk, flipped the hatch, and flung the door open.

You stacked as many boxes as you could, but since everything you owned was in there, taking out as many boxes as you could still barely made a dent in the trunk. You did not let that deter you, though. With a pile a fraction of your own weight, a fraction of your own height, you maintained your sprightly pace into the lobby, to the top floor, through the halls, and past your door.

With a loud thud that shook the ground beneath you, you carelessly dropped the stack to the floor. The tall tower of cardboard had blocked your vision and you needed the full view now.

Indeed, like you predicted, your breath was taken away. However, not exactly in the way you figured it would. The four white walls hit you like a load of bricks. Without all the furniture and decor, the unit looked much emptier than it had when you toured those months ago. It was undeniable even to the most optimistic: some of the magic had been lost. A lump in your throat. A pit in your stomach. Opening the door to your place, it was as if it opened the floodgates. Suddenly, you began to acknowledge the ache in your muscles, the jelly in your knees. In fact, it was not only recognizable, but impossible to ignore. A deep breath, It’ll be fine. It’ll be fine. You shook your head a few times, wrung out your arms, and swallowed, I’ve just gotta keep going.

After seeing the barren unit, that light within was still there, but was gradually being smothered. The sunset that seemed so fitting before now felt like an ominous warning. Natural light was wavering and you were nowhere close to done. After the first, second, fifth trips, you started to realize just how severely you had underestimated this process. Excitement and adrenaline brought you through the early hauls, but each box, each pound, each step, drained its fair share out of you. Your truck was still out front, hazards on, a dent barely made. Still, you sat on top a stack of boxes - a makeshift stool - with your head in your hands. You needed a break - a breather. There was a lot to unpack.

// // //

The washing machine whirred softly, clothing from the week mixing with soap as Levi checked the time.

The shop had been busy, and closing had taken a little longer than usual. Regulars liked to stay in the shop to study or work, and it was never easy to rouse someone from their concentration only to kick them out. Even after all the customers left, there was much to do before heading home.

Tables needed to be wiped down with soapy water, washcloth gliding over not only the top, but the sides as well to catch any drips of tea or honey that slipped from the cup. Chairs needed to be stacked on top of the tables after being disinfected, leaving the floors clear enough to mop. Cups were loaded into the industrial-sized dishwasher, syrups and sugars wrapped up in plastic wrap. The counter was wiped down, lights turned off in the fridges, and locks clicked shut.

The cash register was emptied, counted in the back office before being stored safely in the little safe in the desk. It was too late to run to the bank to make a deposit this night, it would have to wait.

It had always been his dream to open up a tea shop, and this city was the perfect fit. Students livened up the sleepy city during the school year, while working professionals and the older generation comprised the rest of the population. The shop had something for everyone; the sleep-deprived, the expensed lunchtime meeting, and the leisurely Sunday cup of tea while people-watching.

The job wasn’t easy by any means, it had taken countless months of hard work to make enough connections with suppliers and farmers in order to establish a menu that he was proud of. A selection of teas dotted the menu, green, black, white, herbal, and everything in between. As the shop’s popularity grew, he even added a coffee menu, smaller than the tea offerings, but expansive nonetheless. The next thing to come was the pastries and sandwiches. The curated menu had something for everyone, and everyone had something when they were under Levi’s care.

Despite his somewhat unapproachable exterior, customers seemed to like the decor and ambiance of the shop, and a small group of regulars was established within the first couple of weeks. The location also helped, nestled between office buildings, apartment buildings, and the university. It really was a dream in every way, and Levi didn’t think it was possible for him to be more content.

The whirring still didn’t slow by the time he checked the time again, and with a soft sigh, the man decided to do something productive instead of just sitting around waiting for the time to pass. Perfect, because he had neglected to check his mailbox for a couple days. Slipping some shoes on, he turned the lock to his apartment before pressing the button for the elevator with his keys, not wanting to touch the surface.

He waited. And waited...and waited some more for the telltale ‘ding’ and illuminated arrow that never came. It irritated him, the idle waiting out in the open of the halls. The elevators were busy tonight, and that usually meant one of two things; some jerk had pressed every button on the elevators again, or someone was moving in. Levi was not particularly pleased with either.

Just when he was about to give up and head back home, the arrow finally glowed, the soft ‘ding’ echoing. What he didn’t expect was for a giant pile of boxes to greet him as the doors swung apart. Someone was behind the boxes, huffing a little from the effort as they shuffled out, nearly clipping him in the process.

When the person behind the boxes finally appeared, still partially obscured by the stack, Levi’s already prepared scathing remark caught in his throat. You were flushed, tendrils of hair sticking to your forehead as you blew a puff of air trying to get the stray tuft out of your field of vision.

When his eyes met yours, he saw you stiffen, jaw opening and shutting as you spluttered, horror written all over your features.

���I’m so sorry, sir! I didn’t see you there. I didn’t hit you did I?”

Levi shook his head at your question, momentarily caught off guard, wondering what someone like you was doing moving into an apartment and carrying all those boxes by yourself. Surely you had someone to help? As he peered into the now empty elevator, no one else stepped out.

The doors would be closing any second, and he had to make a decision. Figuring you didn’t need a random stranger offering unsolicited help, he chose to just nod towards you before excusing himself and stepping into the elevator, watching you shuffle over and place the boxes down at the unit next to his as you fumbled for keys.

Oh? A neighbor. This could be interesting.

The entire way down, Levi couldn’t help but think about the way you were huffing, the sheer amount of boxes in your hands, and the fact that you were moving in, all alone. When the elevator doors opened, the man shook his head again, keys to the mailbox already out as he found his assigned box. The lock turned and an empty box stared back.

Somehow, you made an impression on him, be it the way you nearly ran him over within a second of meeting, or the way you had looked, flushed and sweaty from the effort. He felt bad, and it wasn’t like he had anything else better to do, right? Plus, you were a neighbor, who knows when he might need to borrow some sugar?

Ticking off the ‘be a good person’ goal in his brain, Levi closed up the mailbox before standing off to the side of the elevator doors, arms crossed, waiting for you to appear once more. He could see the walls illuminating with the flashing orange light from what he assumed was your moving van outside. From the sheer size of it, and the fact that not a soul was out by the lobby waiting for you, Levi was sure that you were taking on this endeavor all by yourself, and it would take you hours to unload everything.

// // //

The only time you had to rest was on the elevator ride down. The time seemed to pass faster when you were catching your breath while the space between the floors crawled by when you had boxes in your hands.

The doors dinged open yet again as you heaved another sigh, hand coming to wipe your brow. So focused were you on the task at hand that you nearly lept out of your skin when a voice grabbed your attention.

“That your truck outside?”

You winced, turning around, only to meet the eyes of the mysterious stranger you nearly ran over. Without the boxes in the way, your eyes widened slightly, gulping as your mouth suddenly filled up with cotton.

Oh no...he’s cute.

Dark black hair, hanging slightly over eyes that seemed to pierce through your body as you just stood, frozen, drinking in the casual yet effortless way he held himself. He looked comfortable, clad in sweatpants and a t-shirt. You blinked, the only bodily function you seemed to have control over as the man before you unfolded his hands before waving a hand in front of your face.

“Oi. Anyone in there? I’ll give you a hand.”

“I-It’s ok!” you squeaked, “I can manage! I really don’t want to trouble you.”

Arms crossing again, the man regarded you, a bored expression washing over his features.

“The elevator will be dinging all night at the rate you’re going, and I for one would like to at least try and get some sleep. Me helping is a favor to my own sanity. Plus, as much as I’d like to watch you try to fit an entire couch into that elevator by yourself, it’s not the introduction to the building I’d want you to have.”

You bit your lip, fingers fidgeting, torn between accepting the much-needed help and the guilt that swirled in your stomach at making a complete stranger lug around your things.

The need for help won out, your shoulders and back already screaming from what little you seemed to accomplish thus far. This was the beginning of a new chapter after all, and you could afford to make a new friend while making your current situation just a little more bearable.

You grinned, offering a hand that you first wiped on your pants.

“Alright then, I’ll accept since it’s a favor for you.” you dared to offer a wink, “Nice to meet you, I’m Y/N!”  

He took your offered hand into his own, rolling his eyes a little at your wink and sass.

“Likewise. Name’s Levi.”

// // //

The two of you strolled to the truck. Once he laid eyes on your insane spread, the hardest he would have to try all night, Levi tried to hold back a snort. You giggled nervously, “You offered to help! No backing out now.”

Body language spoke: he was in for the challenge. “Who said anything about backing out?”

You heaved a sigh, looking at all that still needed to be moved, “I… I think I overestimated myself.”

Levi clenched his teeth and bit back. Tch… no kidding. Despite his doubts, he kept his voice level, “What do you need from me?”

You placed your hands on your hips and stared down the sea of cardboard. The two of you had to start somewhere - you nodded towards some boxes that you remembered were not too heavy.

“Should we start with those?”

Levi drew his hands from his pockets, holding his palms out, up, and open. “I’m all yours.”

The words made your jaw drop, a visible and audible stammer. Huh?!

His eyes flicked briefly before returning back to you, “- to order around.” Levi swung his arms out towards the full trunk, gesturing. “Your stuff. Your call.”

After each box you placed, he never seemed to display any signs that he was carrying more and more. In fact, he did not tell you to stop or that it was enough, it was you who decided when to stop feeding him crates - only when they were about to obstruct vision.

Even though his stack was taller and heavier, he always managed to open the door, press the elevator buttons, and pick up your slack each and every trip, all without breaking a sweat. The two of you established a pattern, and soon enough, you were able to make flights without a word. As strangers, as your energy wore out, you were both content to work together in silence - not awkward, but understood.

Each time you filled his arms, you told yourself, “Probably just one more trip after this one.” Yet, after each time you said that, there was always more to follow. He said nothing, but internally chuckled. You had overestimated yourself, underestimated your belongings, but even a broken clock was right twice a day.

A mix of breathlessness and enthusiasm in your voice, you exhaled loudly, “Last one!” For the last time, you stacked the boxes one by one into his hands. Your relief was short-lived, however, as you placed the final one right beneath his chin. Thick black Sharpie topped the box: FRILLY UNDIES <3.

Gaze blurred with sweat, you did not notice your mortifying mistake until it was too late. You had literally placed your lingerie box in his arms, right under his eyeballs, and spelled it all out for him - in all caps at that. Moving boxes all night left your body weak, but this blunder made your arms go numb and your knees buckle.

Your lips parted in a stammer, trying and failing to come up with how to remedy this. After parsing over your options, you realized the only choice was to terminate the lease and move out - at least to a different building, a different city better yet.

His eyes glanced down to the box, and you could not blame him. Swifter than usual, though, he lifted his attention from the label to the back of the truck. A slight flicker in his pupils you were too distracted to notice, “That’s all?”

In your mind, you could only think, sorry. Instead, your lips spoke for you, “... right.”

When he turned towards the apartment building, his back towards you, you fanned your shirt and itched at your neck. You could only be grateful that this had happened at the end, not at the start. But alas, it was not the end, rather, the beginning of a whole new hurdle.

// // //

The last of the cardboard boxes had all been moved inside, but what greeted you both said that the hardest part was yet to come.

Levi held back a scoff. Moving in at night was already silly, but saving the heaviest furniture for last was just downright wrong. Watching you trudge your way into the back of the truck, for what felt like the hundredth time, he knew to bite his tongue, though. He was good at reading situations, good at reading people. A lesson was not what you needed from him now, he was sure you had already learned it.

Indeed, as your bed, couch, coffee table, all your essential furniture stared you down, you felt utterly defeated. You had never felt so sore, tired, drained. A small whimper you tried to hold back echoed off the walls of the almost empty truck. You slouched over, hands on your knees, and looked up to him defeated. “Levi, I…” Head shaking, mouth agape, you struggled to admit: I’m exhausted.

Levi sighed, not disappointed, rather, all too understanding. Without any sign of fatigue, he placed a foot on the ledge, his hands on the bent knee, and hoisted himself into the truck. He came to your side and encouraged, “Come on, we can do it.” Steel-grey gaze cooled you down. “It’s not that much.”

You looked into his eyes, and even with hundreds of pounds of furniture looming beside you, you did not think twice over believing him. Deliberately, naturally, he had calmed you just as he had countless employees and customers before. He was not on-shift, but still found himself managing nonetheless.

He felt fine, but it was you he had to worry about. A hand on his hip, his eyes left you to scan everything. Nightstands, stools, lamps, he could get those on his own. The mattress, couch, coffee table, however, he would need you for at least that. Not your strength, just your support.

Calloused hands cupped the corners of the bed, “Here.” Levi pivoted the mattress towards you, offering the free ends, “Just lift as much as you can. I’ve got the rest.”

You wiped your eyes, only now realizing that your vision had blurred. He was already backed out of the truck, there was no way you could say “no”, exactly how he planned it. You sniffled your tears away, curled your fingers under the bed, and lifted. Instantly, your frown neutralized. It was hard to believe it was the same bed. When you loaded it at home compared to unloading it now, it somehow felt so much lighter, despite your fatigue. The change in weight was so drastic, perplexion spread across your face as you tried to understand: How is this so much easier than before?

“Hey.” Levi called from outside, “You good?”

You snapped out of your daydream, “Y-Yeah!”

“Let’s go then.”

“...Right.”

Levi took most of the lead, the weight, the control. All you had to do was keep your hands under the mattress while he did the rest. Lifting was a regular task for him in his job, managing too, and it started to show.

Maybe you were in awe, maybe he was just that good, but carrying up the couch, coffee table, tv and stand, felt just as easy as walking on air. On the other end of each piece, he took your burden upon himself. Now, he was the one starting to flush, sweat, and grunt. Yet, his strength never wavered. You felt your face start to heat up. Somehow, the hardest task of the day had become the most enjoyable. Somehow, you were no longer looking forward all this being over.

An enamored sigh fell past your lips. With his eyes on his grip, he misunderstood its origins. “You alright?”

He heard that?! Glancing to you beneath slickened bangs, sapped eyes met yours with concern. At his attention, you coughed, breath caught in your throat, “I’m fine.”

“We’re almost there.” Levi flicked his head, shaking his hair out of his eyes. “Just keep it up. Let me know if you need a break.”

You bit your lip and nodded rapidly, holding back some strange impulse to say yes, sir. Instead, you cleared your throat and swallowed down the urge, starting to wonder just what had gotten into you.

With his back to your door, he kicked his foot behind to let himself in, marking the door with his heel. For some reason, you did not mind at all, especially when he swore under his breath, “Tch… I can clean that later.”

Just enough room, you both lowered the last of the heavy pieces to the floor. And though it landed without a sound, Levi was swift in wiping the sweat from his forehead, cracking his knuckles, and lifting his shirt halfway up his face - revealed abs silently explaining why exactly it had been so easy for you. With his cotton tee, he rubbed his nose while taking in the state of things. A mess, but not the worst he had seen.

Despite the chaos of the room, you were the thing he could not keep his eyes off of. The wear and tear of your fingers tugged at something within him. He had seen his employees cut, burn, pinch their fingers, but it never quite got to him the way your scuffed hands did now. Eyes remained their typical flat, lips were neither a frown nor a smile. The more you got to know him, however, you would learn to recognize the expression as worry.

But you had a lot of getting-to-know ahead.

// // //

Dusting his hands off, feeling the slightest amount of fatigue after the unexpected exertion of the night, Levi regarded you: sitting on some boxes in your apartment, cardboard and furniture everywhere. Judging by the groans, whimpers, and tears you had been trying and failing to hide as the night wore on and the state of your hands, you were in no shape to continue. Without a word, he set to work again, couch the first item to find its spot in your apartment, somehow maneuvering it to the exact corner you would have wanted to place it in. You got up from your perch to help, swaying a little on your feet as your legs turned to jello, barely holding you up.

Grey eyes narrowed as Levi spoke, the no-nonsense tone in his voice leaving no room for any protests or arguments.

“Go sit. I’ll move the rest of your heavier stuff and you can unpack your boxes after you get some rest.”  

You were too tired, in too much pain, and just so done. The moment you felt the cool surface underneath you, it was like your body melted, grateful you chose a comfy couch as you let the tension fall from your body.

“Just...just put them anywhere, honestly.” you groaned, eyes closing. “I couldn’t care less if my bed was in the middle of the kitchen at this point.”

Levi’s voice echoed slightly. He must have walked away.

“Hate to shatter your dreams, no midnight fridge raids from bed. I already put it over here.”

You waved your hand around from where you lay limp, too tired to do anything more.

“Sounds good, Levi. I just want this to be over.”

Comfortable silence took over the apartment as soft lights flickered with each lamp Levi plugged in and turned on. You could hear him shuffling, the clacking of drawers as wooden legs hit the floor before being dragged slightly to their spot. Your eyes stayed closed, the adrenaline from this morning finally ebbing away and the crushing fatigue taking over your entire body.

You felt Levi’s presence, what must’ve been a little while later as you cracked an eye open.

“What are you going to do about this?” Levi asked, jingling the rental truck keys in his hands.

You groaned, face buried in your hands.

“I had forgotten all about that.”

“How are you going to return it?”

“I...I haven’t thought about that either”

“Well. We can take care of it first thing tomorrow morning, I’ll follow you to the return lot and then give you a lift back.”

“Mmkay.”

“I’m going to head out now. The larger furniture is all placed,” he narrowed eyes at you when you blinked, trying to focus, “Hey hey, sleep in your bed or you’ll hurt you back. It’s all set up for you. At least your bedsheets box was properly labeled. You also need to lock up after me.”

His quip made your eyes snap open, the earlier embarrassment with the box labeling fiasco flowing through you once again. Did he see or not!

“Alright alright,” you groaned, peeling yourself off the couch.

When your eyes focused, you almost couldn’t believe what you were seeing. The difference properly placed furniture could have in making a place feel like home was astounding. The empty unit that had distressed you earlier was now unrecognizable.

“Levi!” you gasped, unable to believe how put together your place already looked, how perfectly all the furniture was placed.

“If you don’t like it, I’ll move it around tomorrow. But right now, you need to come lock up, clean off, and go to bed. No arguments.”

“Okay,” you walked with him to the door, the apartment already feeling like home. “Hey, Levi?” you murmured, eyes flicking up to meet him as he paused, looking back expectantly, “I’ll see you around.” Your words came out more like a question, floating in the air, waiting for acknowledgment, I want to see you again.

He gave you a small smile, tugging keys from his own pocket as he stepped into the hallway. Your eyes followed him, breath caught in your throat as he turned down the hall instead of heading to the elevators, key flashing as he pressed it into the lock of the unit to your right.

“Sooner than you think,” he replied, deadbolt unlocking with a thunk before he crossed the threshold, door clicking shut behind him.

Oh.

Next-door neighbors.

[airis-paris14]

Starlight Chapter 13

Summary: Amani is an orphaned heiress who's spent most of her life raising her younger sister. T'Challa is a widowed King and Father. Neither of them is expecting much from their night at the Lotus. But the coming months have many milestones in store for these young adults. Will becoming a family be one of them?

Warnings: N/A

Masterlist

2 months later

“Amani, I’m about to head out,” Amare called, grabbing her house keys off of the hook. “Okay, hold on, I'll be right back Baby.” T’Challa nodded into the phone and muted himself to speak to someone off screen. Amani hurried down the stairs and smiled at her little sister. “Okay, passport, keys, tickets, wallet, and medicine in carryon?”

“Yes mother,” Amare smirked.

“I’m just trying to keep you safe kid,” the older Okeke smiled and pulled her in for a hug. “You’re 18, not 21, so please, no sneaking off without telling Shuri’s guards where you all are going. Limit your alcohol intake, I know it’s legal over there but the last thing I need is a call from a German hospital saying you have alcohol poisoning.”

“I promise I will limit the drinking, and the sneaking out.”

“Good. Have fun, be safe. I love you.” Amani smiled and pulled her sister in for another hug. “Love you too sis. I’ll only be gone for a week.”

“I know, but you know I hate saying goodbye. You’re all I have left kid. But I want to let you live, so go before you miss your flight. Hug Shuri for me.

“I’ll call you when I land.” Amare bounded down the front steps and into her already packed car. Amani sighed watching her wave one last time before pulling off down the street. She waved at the patrol car as it drove by on its hourly surveillance drive by, before locking her door and heading up the stairs into her office. “And I’m back,” she plopped into her seat, reopening her MacBook.

“Personally I don’t think it’s fair that our sisters see each other more than we do,” the king teased. Amani rolled her eyes, “This is their first time seeing each other since we came home, it’s only been two months,” Amani laughed. “Yes, and after having you here for three months, I’ve decided that 61 days is too long to be out of your presence.”

“Well you know I’m working to get the venue started up, I just can’t travel as much as usual. You know I would be there if I could,” Her voice began to tremble.

“I know my love,” T’Challa reassured, “I am just teasing,” he frowned, noticing her eyes tearing up. “I know but lately I’ve just been feeling like such a bad girlfriend,” she began to sob and the king panicked. “Hey no, you’re perfect. Nothing's wrong. It’s on both of us and I was gonna tell you that I was planning to surprise you with a visit.”

“Really?” Amani sniffled.

“Yes so please stop crying entle.” The heiress grabbed a tissue from the box she had begun to keep on her desk after noticing that even the little things made her tear up. “I’m sorry. I ruined the surprise again,” she chuckled, wiping the tears from her cheeks. “It is fine, now you have something to look forward to. You hate them anyway,” the king teased.

“Are you sure you’re alright though my love? You have been extra-sensitive lately.”

“In more ways than one,” the heiress murmured. “Have you been to the new doctor, did she run the tests the doctor here ordered?” The king grabbed a stack of papers and began signing them. “Yep,” Amani read over and responded to an email her contractor sent before turning her attention back to T’Challa. “I have an appointment with her tomorrow. She and Dr. Zabulie both sounded very excited so I’m hoping it's a positive result.”

The king smiled at the news, “Well then I’ll be expecting a full report as soon as you know.”

“Of course. I’ll call your mother as well, I wouldn’t even be in this position if you all hadn’t encouraged me to go see another doctor.”

“We both just want what is best for you,” the king smiled, “but unfortunately I have a meeting to attend to my love. I will call you later tonight, okay?”

“Of course, I’ll see you later.” She blew a kiss through the phone before the king had to hang up. After responding to more emails, she scheduled some property manager interviews for later in the week and a building walk through. Her phone caught her attention as it began to ring, “Hello?” She answered. “Hey, Kura and I finished those designs for different set ups and interiors, are you free to go over them?”

“Yeah,” Amani smiled. While in Wakanda she and her friends decided to go into the event business together. They’d bought an old hotel downtown in Atlanta and decided to turn it into a sleepover venue. With suites and rooms designed for different party sizes and moveable features to make the room age appropriate. A spa, boutique, and restaurant, would be located on the grounds as well. There was also a separate grand ballroom and garden that allowed them to market the place as an all in one wedding venue. They’d started work while in Wakanda and now two months later they were weeks away from opening the ballroom, gardens, and other non overnight amenities for event bookings. They would use the money from the rentals to help recover the costs of renovating the hotel rooms.

“Bet. We’ll be over in 30. Sakura has to pick up the pizza first.”

“Cool, don’t forget extra garlic butter sauce. Imma hop in the shower. Y’all can just use your keys to let yourselves in.”

After hanging up the phone Amani hopped in the shower and let the water soothe her muscles. She’d been working so hard to make sure everything came together and it finally was. She was more in love with T’Challa each day, she was starting a business with her friends, and Darius had been spotted in New York living with some family he had there. She still had nightly surveillance, but knowing that he’d move out of the state definitely calmed her nerves.

“Madiyson?” The heiress called as the sound of the front door caught her attention. When she didn’t receive a response she shrugged and figured she had her beats on. She quickly motioned with her coconut oil,slipped into some sweatpants, and pulled a sports bra over her head before a voice sent a chill down her spine. “You’ve been holding out on me Amani.”

Darius got up from his seat behind her on the bed and revealed the kitchen knife he was holding. “If I had known you could look like that, I would’ve made you work out more.”

“How the hell did you get in my house?”

“No Thank you? Darius frowned.

“What do I have to thank you for?”

“Giving you a second chance,” Darius smirked before lunging at the Okeke heiress. Amani, dodged his lunge as he ran into the dresser she was standing in front of. “ A second chance for what you bastard!” The heiress resisted the urge to search for her phone, she knew Darius, he watched her eyes always to anticipate her next move. “You ruined my life. You were supposed to be my wife, look pretty, give me kids. Instead your ass got me locked up for damn near life. Now my dad is all on my ass because he had to call in a favor with the DA and the governor in one sitting-”

“Well maybe your ass should’ve just stayed in jail then!” Amani ducked, expecting the lamp on the nightstand to fly towards her head. She took the moment she dodged the light fixture to locate her phone. It was too far and she knew that she’d never be able to reach it before Darius finished his spiel. She’d have to leave her friends a clue that something had gone wrong.

“Now,” Darius eyed Amani as she backed up against the wall, “as I was saying. Everyone is counting on me to not fuck up! Which means I need to get my old life back, starting with you Ms. Okeke, now heiress of the Okeke Industries Tech Conglomerate.”

“No one will ever believe that we are a happy couple once again Darius, they found me, clinging to life, hypothermic, and bleeding because you literally beat our child out of me. It was on the five o'clock news for weeks straight.” Amani risked eyeing her keys once more, hoping that the plan she was hatching would work.

“What better way to show them that I am a changed man, than by having you forgive me. A redeemed love, a true love,” Darius stepped up to Amani and caressed her cheeks and lips. The woman felt like crawling out of her skin but she held it together. “Why don’t you just find another woman?” Not that Amani wished Darius on any other woman, she’d prefer he’d be locked up in a cell, but she needed to get him to back up. “Does it really matter? I want you, and I’ve already invested a lot in you Amani. You got a little break to have fun and spend time with other men, but you are mine. You always were and you always will be, it’s time I got a return on my investment. “ Darius took a seat on Amani’s bed and she silently rejoiced.

“Okay, then what’s your plan?”

“You don’t need to know all of that. Just know that I’m not leaving you behind Amani.” Darius pointed the knife and Amani nodded, “I’m just gonna grab my keys,” she gestured. “If I go missing, the police will look at all of your father’s and friend’s properties, no one will think I was stupid enought to take you to one of our vacation homes.” At least the waitress hoped this wasn’t the stupidest idea she’d ever had.

“Nah, cause I’m sure your friends and man know all about those places. Not to mention your little sister.”

“Amare is out of the country at a science conference, won’t be home for two weeks, you’ll have time to move me before she can get back. As for the others, they don’t even know we own vacation properties.” Amani scoured through her keys and grabbed the one she knew her sister would recognize as missing first. “Here, we can go to the chateau in the mountains in North Carolina. It’s secluded. No one for miles around.”

Darius stood up, “Nah, there’s a reason you’re helping me. What is it?”

“You’re never gonna leave me alone otherwise. I don’t wanna die, and this is most likely the last time I’ll ever get a decision about something that happens to me. Think of it as my final words.” As soon as the excuse left her mouth Amani felt her mouth go dry and heavy, for some reason, it did feel like she’d sealed her own fate.

“Amani!” Madiyson called as she entered the apartment. Sakura followed in hot on her heels to place the heavy pizzas in the kitchen. “I still don’t know why you ordered four pizzas for 3 people,” Madiyson laughed, dropping all of her interior design sketches and renderings on the table. “As much of a perfectionist each of us is… We're gonna be here all night and y’all are gonna be glad I bought enough pizza.”

“Well if AMANI would BRING. HER. ASS. DOWN. THE. STAIRS we could get started and be done at a godly hour.” Madison yelled up the stairs into the continued silence. “You told her we were coming, right?”Sakura joined her friend at the base of Amani’s stairs and frowned. “Yeah, she said just let ourselves in.”

“Maybe she’s taking a nap, she’s been doing that more often than usual.”

“Oh god, if she’s taking a nap then she’ll be dead to the world right now. You wanna wake her up while I set up?” Madiyson shook her head and walked back over to the couch in the living room. “Sure, just throw me into the lion’s den. You know she hates being woken up by anyone but Amare and Ada.” Sakura whined. “You’ll be fine, she would never hate you. Just make it seem like she woke herself up. Throw a pillow or something.” Madiyson shrugged and opened her laptop.

“Always the sacrifice, never the beneficiary,” Sakura mumbled as she jogged up the stairs into Amani’s room. “Mani,” the afro-asian woman sang as she burst into the room, only to be greeted by a perfectly made bed. “Amani?'' She tried to calm her heartbeat as she checked her friend’s closet and bathroom. “Okay focus, details details,” Sakura chanted to herself. “7:47, no phone in the room, nothing messed up, somebody sat on the bed,” the waitress took note of the room as she backed her way out, down the stairs, and towards the garage. “Hey, did you- what’s wrong,” Madiyson frowned as her best friend opened the garage door and looked out. “Did she say she was gonna leave?” Sakura ignored Madiyson’s original question, feeling her stomach drop at the presence of Amani’s car, and the empty house. “No, she said she was gonna take a shower-”

“Madiyson, She’s not here.”

“Look, I already told you what happened. Madiyson called Amani at 6:30, she picked me up, we picked up the pizzas, let ourselves in, but she wasn’t here when i went to check on her. I went into the room at 7:47. The shower had been turned on and the room was steamy, and someone had sat on her bed but Amani hates that unless she’s about to go to sleep. Except she isn’t in her room sleeping!”

“Why are you all not taking this seriously! Her abusive ex is a known kidnapping threat. For God’s sake she’s had a 24/7 patrol for months because there was fear he would try to retaliate! Now that she’s missing, y’all aren’t doing a damn thing.” Madiyson butted in frustrated at the officers staring at them like they were aliens from outer space.

“Ma’am, we are just trying to get all the facts first-”

I’ve given them to you three times, if you can’t comprehend then we’ve got a bigger problem!” Sakura fumed and the officers stood. “We’ll call headquarters and see what we can do. Technically it has to be 48 hours before we can report and adult as missing-”

“Just get out please,” Madiyson sighed. She held open the door for the officers who hesitated, their feathers obviously ruffled.

“I’ll try calling Amare again.” Sakura stood and walked out after the officers left. Madiyson locked the door and stared up at the clock, realizing she should probably call T’Challa.

“Hello?” Madiyson breathed deeply as the call finally connected to the king, “T, she’s gone,” the woman’s voice warbled but her words shook the king all the same. “What do you mean she is gone?” He stood, immediately stumbling to slip on some shoes and race through the halls to his mother’s room. “Sakura and I came for a meeting, and she wasn’t here. Her car is here but she isn't and she assured us she’d be here taking a shower. Someone else was here because someone was sitting on her bed, at the bottom. You know she hates people ruffling her sheets.”

“Have you talked to Amare? Are you sure she didn’t take her to the airport?”

“We’ve been trying to reach her but she's still on the plane. She would have been back by now if she just went to the airport. She knew we were coming.” Madiyson broke, sobbing into the phone.

T’Challa’s heart dropped, his mind racing back to how he’d begged his lover not to go back until the rumors that her abuser had officially moved were confirmed. Now she was gone and the king felt he had failed to protect her. “Madiyson, Madiyson, I need you to breathe and keep breathing. Did you call the police?”

“Yes, but-“ Madiyson stumbled trying to regain her composure, “they said since it hasn’t been 48 hours it’s not technically a missing persons case.”

The king felt anger rush through his veins, “So they aren’t doing anything?”

“Not really,” Madiyson moved to grab tissue from Amani’s bathroom. “Have her call the detectives over these two imbeciles. She was on 24 hour surveillance due to risk of revenge from her abuser. Them sitting around doesn’t make any sense.”

“I know, I know, I’m heading downstairs right now-” Madison paused as she noticed Amani’s keys on her vanity. “Wait, one of her keys-” Madison trailed off flipping through the keys. “One of her keys is what?” T’Challa knocked on his mother’s door. “It’s missing. When her parents died, she kept keys to all of their properties. With them all labeled with numbers but I don’t know which one is which. Just number three is missing,” Madison ran a hand over her braids and huffed. T’Challa banged on his mother’s door again before taking a step back and pacing the hall. “Okay, You and Sakura just stay there, keep trying to reach Amare. I’m on my way and I’ll try to reach Shuri. See if you can figure out what key is missing.”

“Okay, call us when you land.”

T’Challa hung up the phone, “Umama!” He banged on the door before Ramonda yanked it open. “T’Challa, what in Bast’s name-”

“It’s Amani, she’s missing. We have to go now, can you try to reach Shuri? Her friends think they have a lead but we need to reach Amare.”

“How long has she been missing?” The queen mother rushed back in her room and started to get dressed and pack a bag. “We don’t know, I just got off the phone with Madiyson. They went to the house and she was missing.”

“Did they call the police?”

“They say they can’t report her absence until 48 hours has passed,” T’Challa opened his beads and messaged Okoye. I need you, Ayo, a plane, and five of your best warriors. Meet me on the tarmac in 30.”

“When do we leave?”

“In 30 minutes, I have to pack a bag. Ayo and Okoye will meet us at the tarmac with some back up, can you please try to reach Shuri while I get ready?”

“Yes, I will try calling her.”

The king nodded and turned to rush back to his room. “T’Challa,” Ramonda called out,”We will find her. She will be alright.” He offered his mother a sad smile before continuing down the hall.

“It’s the North Carolina key?”

“Yes. Number 3 it's her favorite number for her favorite house.” Amare insisted as Sakura flipped through the keys again.

“Do you know the address?” Madison interrupted.upiui

“Uh, number 3 Lodge Street Asheville, North Carolina.”

“And you’re sure that is the key that is missing?” T’Challa interrupted Madiyson and Amare. The teen looked at the king through the camera, the lights of the quinjet humming behind her as Shuri watched on. “Yes, I’m positive. Amani is heading to the North Carolina house.”

The king hit the table and turned to his guard, “We are heading to North Carolina. Now.”

“We’ll meet you there-”

“No,” T’Challa and his mother answered at the same time.``You two stay exactly where you are,'' Ramonda demanded. “All due respect, I am not staying over here in Germany when my sister has been kidnapped by her abuser!” Amare rebutted. “Yes, but for all we know he has men looking for you too. As well as Madiyson and Sakura. So until then, at least we know where you are. We are sending Dora Milaje to your hotel.” T’Challa finalized.

“No, I am not standing back when my sister is in danger. I wasn’t there the first time she was saved and opened her eyes, I want to be there this time.” Amare demanded while she teared up and T’Challa sighed. He walked around the desk to look at Okoye and his mother. “You all can head back to Wakanda, once the extra Dora arrive. Once we have her, we’ll bring her back to Shuri’s lab, there you guys can see her.” The king looked at everyone in the room, “Besides, I don’t think it is safe for any of you to be in the US alone right now.”

“So what are you saying?” Sakura sat up from her place on the couch. T’Challa nodded at the general of the Dora Milaje. Okoye tapped her staff and escorted the rest of the warriors out of the home. Once the door had shut the room turned to face T’Challa again. “I have been thinking, especially in light of what has happened to Amani, that you all should move to Wakanda. Stay in the palace of course. I know you two would have to travel for business and Amare we’d have to figure out your schooling, but it is obvious that this government has no vestment in keeping you all safe. I can do something about it and I will, if you all will let me.”

“I don’t know T-” Madiyson started.

“I had been thinking about transferring to study with Shuri, but I don’t know how Amani would take it.” Amare added. “She’s not just gonna give up her independence. She just got it back from Darius,” Sakura added. “I know but it is not safe here, at least for now. As well connected as that fugitive is, who knows what will happen to you all if he goes back to jail. I let Amani convince me she would be safe, and now two months later we are searching for her praying to Bast that she isn’t dead.”

“T’Challa this is not your fault,” Sakura interjected. “I know, but if I can keep you all safe, I have a responsibility to do so. You will have free will and autonomy, but at least inside Wakanda’s borders, I can guarantee your safety.

“I think this is a lovely conversation, but might I remind you all that this is a time sensitive case. Let’s table this discussion until we all make it back to Wakanda” Shuri interrupted the discussion that seemed to be heading towards an endless round table. “Shuri is right, time is of the essence.” Ramonda spoke standing, “everyone comes back to wakanda for the time being. Once we rescue Amani, we send our war dogs to clear any suspicions and make sure it is safe for you all to return. Then we make a decision. Until then-“

“We focus on the task at hand.” Madiyson finished and Ramonda agreed. “Shuri and Amare head back home once the Dora arrive. When we have Amani we’ll let you know.”

“Keep my sister safe T’Challa,” Amare asserted before hanging up. “She’s just nervous,” Sakura reassured. “We are all glad we have someone here to help us this time. But we should get on the road. Darius works fast.” The Afro-Asian waitress added solemnly. The king nodded, “Phambile,” he called and the guards opened the doors escorting everyone to the cars waiting to race to the airport.”

Fourteen Hours Ago

“Amani.” The heiress fumbled to wrap the stick back it s package and hide it on the sink before running out of her bathroom. “Hey,” she offered her younger sister a smile but only received a confused face in return. “Hey, you’re up early, I thought you’d be sleep,” Amare took a seat in one of the overstuffed arm chairs in her sisters bedroom. “I wasn’t feeling well. I got up to take some medicine no biggie,”Amani shrugged. “You go to the doctor again soon right? You should have her check it out.”

“She’s an OBGYN, but I’ll see what she might be able to recommend.”

“Cool, well I’d been thinking-“

“Oh that’s never good,” the heiress laughed as her sister shot daggers her way. “As I was saying. I’ve been thinking about transferring to study in Wakanda with Shuri. It’d make it easier for you to come see Tchalla and I could get accustomed to the culture before we move there-“

“Hey hey, who said we we’re moving to Wakanda?”

“Amani. I’m not dumb or a little girl anymore. I know how marriages and relationships work. I know you live tchalla. I know he loves you. And I know how monarchies work. I also know that T’Challa has asked you to move in or visit more often and that I’m probably the reason you’re hesitant about doing either.”

“You’re right, but I didn’t say anything cause I don’t want you thinking you have to move because of me and T’Challa. I want you to follow your dreams, and dtudying at MIT was one of those dreams.”

“And dreams change, Amare reminded. I used to any to be a ballerina, astronaut, actress, and hear I am studying at MIT. And now, I know that the university of Wakanda can offer me so much more. Plus I’ll get to spend more time with my best friend and take advantage of her lab. It’s a win win!” The young genius insisted. Amani sighed and settled on the chair next to her.

“How about we finish out this fall semester and pick up the conversation over Christmas break. I just don’t want you to regret anything.” The older sister explained.

“That’s fair.” Amare nodded and stood. “Back to you though, are you sure you’re feeling well enough for me to leave?”

“Now you sound like the older sister. I’ll be fine kid, you go have fun at your conference thing in Germany. Have you finished packing?”

“Nope, I wanted to get and early start at the stores so I can pack before my flight.”

“Okay, I’m headed back to sleep. But don’t crash the car and fill up the tank before you come back please.”

“I always do,” Amare smiled before kissing her sister's cheek and slipping out of the room. Once Amani heard the front door shut. She locked herself in the bathroom and unwrapped the third and final test. She sat them all in a row before flopping down on the toilet.

“Shit.”

Taglist: @almostpurelysmut @blackbypurpose @tchoking @sisterwifeudaku @wikiwakanda @royallyprincesslilly @90sinspiredgirl @thedelightfulone @autumn242 @purple-apricots @kumkaniudaku @queertrex @kaciidubs @halfrican-heat @skysynclair19 @dramaqueenamby @leahnicole1219 @kreolemami @mzbritt @derangedcupcake @chaneajoyyy @lalapalooza718 @ororowrites @leahnicole1219 @sarcastic-sunshines @sarahboseman @faatassbitch @lady-love-and-glitter-roses @cxnismajcr @tchallasbabymama

[berrynarrybanana]

Mrs. Styles - Honeybee Extra

A/N: I would like to let you all know that I don’t know what happened here. I started writing at the beginning of my shift and I just didn’t stop and then bam, this happened? I have links to the outfit and other things mentioned in the fic below. I hope you enjoy the visual trip and the journey of this fic as it is a whirlwind ride. Please let me know if you enjoy this and please tell Harry to stop trying to kill me if you see him, kay? I love you all and I’m here if you need to talk!

Rental House | Outfit |

Word Count: 3k+ 

Warnings: Daddy kink, impreg!kink, roleplay

November 2020

The second the photos broke, I lost it. 

Harry wearing a wedding ring on the set of his new film sent me reeling in a pit of lust and wanting unlike any other. I spent my entire afternoon clenching my thighs together and avoiding small talk with coworkers. I was meant to fly out on Friday afternoon to visit him for the weekend, but I was struggling to hold it together. The wedding band on his finger was taunting me from two thousand miles away and I was caving. Anna had no problem with me disappearing a little early, so long as I had my laptop with me and my articles submitted. 

My flight was switched for Thursday morning instead of Friday evening as originally planned. I had to jump through some hoops to ensure no one actually saw me entering JFK or leaving LAX. Having pap photos taken of me would certainly ruin my surprise. I spent too much time hatching my plan for a group of sleazy men with camera’s to ruin it. 

“Why are you dressed like that?” Harry rubbed at his eyes, his voice scratchy and his brain groggy due to the early hour. “You look like you’re going on a run.”

“I’m doing a bunch of errands for Anna today, so I decided to dress casual.” I shrugged, shifting around in my private lounge seat at the airport. “I’m waiting for a friend of hers to get off their flight before I take them into the office.”

“Thought you were hopping on your flight a little early to surprise me.” He pouted, his eyes shining under the dim lighting. “Made my heart race a little.”

“I wish I could, darling.” I said softly. “I miss you so much already and it’s barely been two weeks.”

“I know, it sucks.” He inhaled sharply, shaking his head. “Only one more sleep and then we’ll be together for the weekend.”

“I can’t wait, squid.” I said softly. “I’ll talk to you later today, okay? Don’t be upset if I can’t answer a text or anything, I’ll be so busy with Anna’s errands-”

“S’alright, honey.” He gave me a reassuring smile. “I’ll be on set so I might not be able to text as often either.”

“Alright.” I said. “I love you.”

“I love you.” He blew a kiss to the camera and I caught it, pressing my fingers to my cheek with a soft giggle. “Have a great day, honey.”

“You too, squid.”

After I hung up with Harry, I jumped into planning mode. 

I already had the address to the rental house and a copy of the key. Harry had sent it to me the moment he got one himself just in case I ever wanted to come visit. We both knew that flight times and his filming schedule might not line up perfectly, so it didn’t hurt to have a key just in case I had to drive from LAX to Palm Springs on my own. I planned on stopping at the Malibu house to steal Roxanne from the garage. It would take me two hours and a half hours to get from Malibu to Palm Springs once I finally started my solo road trip. 

As I switched over to a calming playlist that Harry made for me on my birthday, I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. 

I knew that it would be a fun trip, but I could only hope that Harry really liked his surprise. 

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

The sun was beating down on my bare legs as I leaned against Roxanne. 

I anxiously twirled the set of keys around my perfectly painted fingernails. I picked one of the most infamous shades from the 1950’s to match my hair, makeup, and outfit. I rubbed my painted lips together nervously, taking a shuddery breath as I watched the gate of the production set carefully. I thought that it was going to open four times before, but no one had stumbled off set yet. 

They were all set to do a two hour lunch break today and that gave me plenty of time to do what I wanted with Harry back in his rental home. I spent most of my time getting ready there, following several tutorials on vintage hair and makeup before I dressed in my adorable outfit. It was something I saw on a show about a female comedian in the fifties. I adored her style throughout the whole show, but I really loved this outfit on me. 

It was a pair of black and white check shorts with a matching, three quarter sleeve blazer. I went through Harry’s closet, in search of his ivory silk shirt that I’d seen him wear in a pap photo years ago, to add a little special touch to the outfit. It had his last name stitched on the pocket to compliment the fake wedding ring I’d slipped on my finger. 

That was the part I was nervous about. 

I didn’t want him to think that I was insane for finding a piece of costume jewelry to match his own fake wedding ring. I got the idea on the flight over from New York, my mind racing with ideas and scenarios to play out. I ultimately decided that if he could torture me with a wedding ring, then I could torture him with one. 

The gate finally opened as I started to contemplate picking my nails, a loud screeching sound pulling me from my thoughts as I gripped the keys to the benz in my hand tightly.

Florence was the first out, and while I was delighted to meet the girl who was spending so much time with my boyfriend, I didn’t care to meet her just yet. I watched her turn back, letting out a charming giggle as my boyfriend followed suite behind her. Olivia Wilde was next, a bag on her shoulder and a wide smile on her face. A few other familiar faces trailed out after Harry, and suddenly, my nerves had skyrocketed. A lot of famous people were about to see me in a classic fifties get up with a car scarf around my curls and my legs exposed. 

My nerves were soothed for just a moment as I looked at Harry’s freshly cut hair, slicked back in a style that I thought I would hate on him. As per usual, he looked like a daydream. My breath caught in my throat when he looked over at me, his eyes growing wide and a smirk pulling at the corner of his lips. Florence caught on to his line of sight, following his gaze until her eyes landed on me. I gave him a quick wave as everyone else turned to look at me and I felt my face grow hot. He pressed a quick kiss to Olivia’s cheek and then Florence’s before jogging my way. 

“What the hell is all this?” He gripped my elbow gently, leaning down to press his lips to mine with a wide smile. “Beatrice, you look so good.”

“I know.” I hummed against his lips, brushing my fingers over his cheek. “Hi.”

“Hiya, honey.” He cooed, wrapping his arms around me. “Fuck me, you’re gorgeous.”

“I thought I’d do a little something to surprise you.” I wrapped my arms around his neck, tossing my head back when he pulled the scarf from my head. “Harry!” 

“You did your hair and makeup, too?” He kissed my cheek. “Come on, I want you to meet Olivia and Florence. They’re going to love this.”

“I don’t want her to think I’m mocking her movie.” I glanced down at Harry, causing him to frown slightly. “I did it because I knew you would love it and I had a lot of fun dressing up, but I don’t want to offend her.”

“You won’t.” He reassured me. “She’ll probably make you an extra.”

“Shut up.” I rolled my eyes as he pouted. “Fine, I’ll go over there.”

“Thank you.” He set me down, grabbing my hand before tugging me along. 

“Olivia, Florence,” Harry glanced back at me with a giddy grin. “This is my girlfriend, Beatrice.”

“Hello,” I stuck my hand out between us and they both went for a shake. “It’s really nice to meet y’all.”

“You too.” Florence beamed back at me with a smile that was almost as bright as the sun. “I just want to thank you for letting me borrow your boyfriend. He’s such a lovely person and a dream to work with.”

“Try baking with him, you’ll change your mind.” I squeezed Harry’s hand, letting out a soft chuckle. “He’s like a toddler when he gets in the kitchen.”

“I can’t imagine him in an apron.” Olivia laughed. “We have to see that.”

“I have pictures, I’ll make sure to give him a framed one for his trailer.” I pressed my lips together as Harry squeaked out. 

“Alright, I didn’t think you’d all gang up on me.” He said playfully. “I wanted to show you off and here you are, teasing me for baking.”

“I’m teasing you because you steal the batter on a spoon, not because you’re baking. I love baking with you.” I bumped my hip into his, smiling up at him. “But I’ve got to keep you grounded, don’t I? Your head will inflate and I’ll have to tie a cinder block to your foot to keep you from floating off.” 

“Haha, you’re so funny.” He scrunched his nose up and I tossed my head back, letting out a loud laugh. “Anyways, what do you think of her outfit?”

“Oh, Harry, don’t-”

“It looks great, actually.” Olivia said. “Did I see that on the set of the Marvelous Mrs. Masiel?” 

“Yeah, you did.” I nodded. “I love that show and all of her outfits so much.”

“It looks adorable on you.” Florence said. “You work for Vogue, don’t you?” 

“Yeah.” I nodded. “I did a piece with one of your Little Women co-stars not too long ago, actually.”

“I thought you seemed familiar.” She exclaimed. “You came on set one day, didn’t you?”

“I did.” I nodded. “It was an honest to god, out of body experience for me. I loved Little Women so much as a girl. I seriously wanted to change my name to Josephine after reading it.”

“And then the film was so bloody amazing!” Florence exclaimed. “Harry, why have you kept her away from us for so long?”

“S’not my fault she has a job.” He rolled his eyes, chortling playfully. “I tried to convince her that being a housewife was much more fun, but I think she read the script and decided against it.”

“Yeah, I sure did.” I laughed softly alongside Olivia and Florence. “We should do dinner or something this weekend. I don’t know if you all have plans, but Harry’s rental house has a table that seats like, eight people.”

“That sounds wonderful.” Olivia said. “Just let us know the details and I’ll pass it along to the other main actors.”

“Sounds great.” Harry said. “Well, I’m going to steal my girl away if you don’t mind. I’ll see you in two hours?”

“See you then, Harry.” Florence waved before she took off in the direction of her car. “Bye, Beatrice!”

“Bye, Florence.” I waved back at her with a giggle before turning to Olivia. “It was really lovely to meet you. I’ll make sure to get him back in time.”

“Thank you.” She laughed. “Have a great lunch, you two.” 

“Thanks.” Harry and I said at the same time. 

When Olivia was gone, Harry looked down at me with a smirk. 

“Do I get to fuck you now?” He asked, his dimple popping out. 

“It depends.” I said slowly. “Would you, by chance, like to partake in a little role play?”

“It depends.” He said back. “What do you have in mind?”

I walked forward, smoothing my hands over his t-shirt covered chest. I pressed up on my toes, bringing my lips as close to his ears as I could get them. 

“Do you still have your wedding ring from set?”

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

“Honey!” I heard Harry’s voice from where I was lounging on the sofa, a magazine draped over my thighs. “I’m home.”

I smiled, flipping through my magazine without actually paying attention to it. 

I heard Harry’s footsteps moments later, his dress shoes tapping along the concrete floor of the house. I tilted my head up when he moved in front of me, his eyes trailing over my body. 

“You look comfortable.” He said, reaching for my magazine with two fingers. “You didn’t answer when I called out for you.”

“Sorry, darling,” I hummed out when he pressed his lips to mine. “I was invested in an article.”

“You and your articles.” He breathed against my lips. “It’s been ages since I’ve seen you. Are you just going to sit there?”

“I was planning on it, sweet pea.” I brushed my thumb over his bottom lip. “I’m relaxing my feet.”

“Now, I’ve been gone on business for six days, honey. I would like the chance to properly greet my beautiful wife.” He smirked, setting his briefcase to the coffee table behind him. 

“Mr. Styles,” I twisted my legs off the couch, standing up between the furniture and Harry. “I don’t know what you’re insinuating, but I’ve got far too much to get done today. I’ve still got grocery shopping to do and well, I have to call your Mother.”

“I have a better plan, doll.” He roughly gripped my hips, his fingers digging into my sides harshly as he yanked me against his chest. “How about we sneak off for a little afternoon delight?” 

“Harry Styles, I don’t think so.” I mocked offense, swatting his shoulder. “I’m far too busy.”

“Make time for your husband, honey.” He cooed, brushing his knuckles against my cheek gently before he gripped my chin. “Make love with your husband.” 

“Mr. Styles, you do drive a hard bargain.” I whispered, my breath catching in my throat as our eyes connected in a lustful gaze. “I do have something I’ve been wanting to show you.”

“Mrs. Styles, what have you been up to while daddy’s been away?” He hummed out as his lips brushed against my red painted lips. “Have you been naughty?” 

“No,” I smirked. “I’ve been an angel.”

“Prove it.” He whispered moments before our lips collided. 

He kissed me just like they did in the old movies, his body wrapping around mine. I moaned against him when I felt his tongue slip over my own, giving me a taste of what I had been craving for two weeks now. I let out a giggle and then a squeak of surprise when I felt his hands under my bum, lifting me up into his arms. I wrapped my legs around him, holding on tight as he walked us from the living room towards the bedroom. He dropped me on the bed before grabbing my right ankle, holding my leg up as my ankle rested on his shoulder. 

“These heels…” He started to fiddle with the clasp, finally pulling the strap loose before he slipped it off. “They’re new.”

“Just bought them.” I gripped the duvet under my fingers. “Do you like them?” 

“Yes.” He kissed my ankle before gently resting my right leg on the bed. “Did you buy them with daddy’s money?” 

“I did.” I bit my lower lip as my core clenched, my walls fluttering at his tone. “I bought them for you.”

“You didn’t even ask daddy before you bought them.” He tutted, reaching for my left ankle. “You’re getting bold.”

“I just wanted to surprise you.” I said. 

“I’m very surprised.” He gave me a soft wink, one that let me know my Harry was still in this version of him that we’d quickly created in the car. 

A business man with a daddy kink in the 1950’s that wanted to knock his wife up after a long business trip. It was a simple plot, but it combined quite a few kinks into one scenario, so we didn’t really mind. I giggled when he reminded me that daddy was a common nickname in that time period, something girls called their husbands in a provocative setting. 

When both of my heels were off, Harry brushed his hands up my bare thighs until they landed on my hips. He gently guided me towards the center of the bed before kneeling over me. I lifted both hands up, cupping his cheeks as he leaned down to kiss my lips. 

“Mrs. Styles,” He hummed out. “I’ve been thinking?”

“About what, Mr. Styles?” I pressed my lips over his cheek, sliding my fingers towards the back of his neck. 

“I think it’s been quite lonely around here.” He said. “I can’t imagine you’re enjoying all of this time alone when I’m away on business.” 

“I get by just fine.” I said softly, dropping my head back to the mattress. “Do you want to get a dog, Harry? Is that what this is about?”

“I don’t want to get a dog, darling.” He chuckled, brushing his nose over mine. “I want a baby.”

“A baby?” My eyes grew wide. “Isn’t it a bit soon, darling? We’ve only been married for five months.” 

“That’s more than enough time, doll.” He whined. “I want us to have a beautiful little baby to love and to dote on. I want to show her off in front of my friends and my family-”

“Oh, Mr. Styles.” I sighed, shaking my head. “Don’t you know I’d do anything for you, darling.”

“Is that a yes?” He smirked, his eyes lighting up.

“Yes.” I gasped out when he rutted his hips forward. “Please.”

He wasted no time, stripping me from my blazer and then my tiny shorts. He tossed them aside carelessly, his hands falling to the buttons on the silk shirt that I had stolen from our closet. 

“S’this mine?” He glanced up at me with a confused smirk. “Haven’t seen this in ages.”

“S’yours.” I nodded, holding the lapel to the side to show off his name. “S’got your name on it and everything.”

“Cheeky girl.” He cooed out, dropping his head to press a kiss to my stomach. “It’s our name.”

I let out a low whine in the back of my throat, shifting my hips as Harry made it to the last button towards the top of the dress shirt. I watched his face carefully as he pushed it to the side, his eyes scanning the black, vintage set that I had purchased for today. 

“You’re trying to kill me.” He gasped out as his fingers brushed over the skin of my stomach to my breasts. “Fucking….I can’t take this anymore. I need to be inside of you.”

“Then get inside of me, Mr. Styles.” I lifted my legs, spreading them apart slightly so he could see the cut out area on the crotch of the panties. “You don’t even have to take everything off.”

Harry’s eyes were on mine, burning a dark shade of emerald as he licked over his bottom lip. I giggled when he started to unbuckle his trousers, tanking the zipper down before he tucked his hand in. He pulled his cock out, giving it a few firm strokes before he hovered his body over mine. Seconds later, I felt the stretch of my walls around his cock, causing my body to tense.

“There’s my girl.” He grunted out, pushing himself in as far as he could possibly go before pressing a few, sloppy kisses to my face. “So snug around me, aren’t you?”

“Harry.” I dropped my hands to his back, digging my nails into the cotton of his shirt as he pulled out slowly. Seconds later, he was pushing back in and I was gasping for air. “Fuck, that’s nice.”

“Mrs. Styles, you have such a filthy mouth.” He smeared his lips over mine before both of his hands found their home by my ears. “Who taught you to talk like that?” 

“You.” I let out a breathless chuckle that quickly faded as the tip of his cock massaged my g-spot. 

“Yeah?” His eyelids fluttered shut as he continued to work his hips in a steady rhythm. “No other blokes have been hangin’ round here?” 

“None.” I shook my head as my nails drug down to his lower back and eventually to his bum. I pushed my fingers down his pants, digging my nails into the flesh there. “Just you.”

“You’re my girl.” He gritted out as a single curl fell to his forehead. “Only mine.”

“Only yours.” I whimpered, biting at my lower lip. “You feel so good, Harry.” 

“Can’t wait to see you pregnant, honey.” He let out a whine of his own, clenching his eyes. “It’s gonna be so beautiful, seeing you round and full while you carry my baby..”

“I want it so bad, Harry.”

“And after this baby,” He let out a strangled moan, delivering another sharp thrust that had me gasping. “I’m gonna put another one in you, and then another.” 

“Please, I want it.” I nodded, sliding my fingers back up his back. “Want you closer.”

He pressed his body into mine, his hips moving in desperate thrusts and his pelvis applying pressure to my clit with each move. I tossed my head back, silently asking for his lips to press against my throat. I felt him latch on as his thrust started to get sloppier. I knew that he was close by the little whines pulling from his throat and the puffs of air hitting my skin. 

Harry’s hand slipped between our bodies in no time, rubbing my clit with an urgency that I’d never experienced before with him. I felt my body flush warm and my walls tighten around him as he delivered three final thrusts. We both cried out when he spilled into me, filling my walls with his cum until it dripped out onto the black panties still settled onto my hips. 

“You bought yourself a ring?” our chests were both heaving, his body still pressed into mine. 

I tried to let out a giggle, but he was heavy against my body and it came out wheezy. 

“It’s costume jewelry.” I brushed my hand over his back. “Just thought it would be fun after I saw you wearing that ring on set. I saw the pictures online and they nearly killed me.”

“Mhm, you’re just trying to seduce me into proposing earlier than I planned.” He lifted his head, pressing his lips against mine in a sweet kiss. “Hello, honey.”

“Hiya, darling.” I lifted my hand, tugging gently on the curl that fell over forehead with a fond smile. “I love you.”

“Love you, too.” He whispered. “I love you and everything you do for me. I don’t tell you enough how much I appreciate you for being the best girlfriend out there.”

“Harry-” 

“Don’t deflect or play it down,” He said sternly. “I mean every word from the bottom of my heart, Beatrice. I...no one else on set has had a spouse or partner come visit them on the weekends. No one else had flowers sent to their trailer or daily facetime calls and inspirational messages. You make me feel so loved and so special on a daily basis and that means the world to me. So thank you for being you, honey. I love you with all of my heart.”

“I love you, too.” I sniffled, blinking rapidly as a few tears fell down my temples, into my hair. “I hope you liked your surprise. I didn’t want to freak you out, but I thought it would be fun.”

“It was.” He brushed his nose over mine. “It was a lot of fun, actually. I think we should mess around like that more often.”

“Not too often, though.” I chuckled. “One of these days, I’ll actually end up pregnant.” 

“Wheat’s wrong with that?” He hummed out. 

“One step at a time, darling.” I patted his shoulder. “Oh, just so you know, we won’t be having a girl first.”

“Excuse me?” Harry hissed when I pushed at his shoulders, causing him to slip out of my walls. I guided him to his back before I climbed on top of him, pressing my palms to his tummy. “I don’t...what?” 

“You said ‘her’ earlier, but we’re having a boy first.” I said casually. “I know it.”

“How do you know it?” He chuckled as his brows creased. “Did you make a deal with Stevie at one of her witch things?” 

“I didn’t need to make a deal, I just know it.” I patted his cheek. “Gonna name him Ellis.”

“Why Ellis?” He tilted his head to the side. “Where did you hear that?” 

“Ellis Island.” I smiled. “We took our first vacation together in New York and the ferry to Ellis Island was one of my favorite parts of that trip. It’s a piece of our history.”

“I love that.” He said softly. “I love you.” 

“I love you, too.” I giggled, leaning forward to press my lips against his. “Round two?” 

“Why, Mrs. Styles, I like the way you think.”

[anonsally]

Days 0-1 of mini-trip to Pinnacles National Park

tl;dr: The trip did not start off well last Friday, but was great once we got to the park! Photos here.

Day 0

We had planned to pick up the rental car at noon. However, not only did we go a little bit late, but when we got the car, it... was a car they should not have rented out. It smelled strongly of cigarette smoke--but by the time I figured out it was the car, not just the air around where I got into it, I was already out of the parking lot and was so flustered trying to get the hang of driving an unfamiliar car, that I didn’t turn back to complain and trade it in... I just drove it home. (Wife had returned home in our car already.) Then, as I arrived home, I realised the car also smelled like liquor! We called the rental car company, who said we could bring it back and trade it in. So as not to lose any more time, we finished packing and loaded all our luggage and food into the smelly car and drove it back. We had to wait a little while for new car (which was also smaller at our request and thus easier to drive), and then we had to transfer all of our stuff from the smelly car into the new one, but we finally set off around 3pm. 

Which, on a Friday afternoon, is a Really Bad Time to be trying to leave the Bay area.

The drive, which should have been about 2.5 hours without traffic, took well over 4 hours. It was stop-and-go traffic a lot of the way, and very exhausting. But we finally did arrive before sunset, and we grilled some zucchini and halloumi for dinner. We saw bunnies and lizards, and heard a coyote and some sort of night bird that flew past.

We went to bed earlier than usual, both because there wasn’t good wifi and because we were getting up early the next morning. I had set my alarm for 7:30.

Day 1

Unfortunately, I only slept about 5 hours, probably a little less. I woke up spontaneously at 4:49am and could not fall back asleep. Around 6:10 I gave up on sleep and got up. I ate breakfast (it was already pretty warm out) and then tried to take a shower. There was a terrible few minutes where I thought there was no hot water and I ended up sobbing with exhaustion and frustration--it was our first trip in a year and a half and I’d been looking forward to it so much and everything was going wrong and all I wanted was a hot shower--but then I tried again and waited longer and the water finally got hot.

While waiting for Wife to be ready to go to the park, I walked around admiring the views and the wildlife. We were staying somewhere pretty remote, and aside from the bunnies and lizards and ground squirrels, there were lots of birds: Say’s phoebes, barn swallows (including a nest with young nearly ready to fledge!), house finches, and Anna’s hummingbirds. (I only saw those 4 kinds, but they were abundant!)

We left for the park a little behind schedule, which made me anxious. We had been told to arrive before 8am to be sure to get a parking space at the trailhead, but that was hopeless, so we had intended to get there by 9:30 when the auxiliary parking was likely to be filling up. In the end we were even later than that, but it turned out that the park is much less crowded after Memorial Day, so we needn’t have worried. We could park at the trailhead after all! So from then on, the day was pretty great!

We set off on the Juniper Canyon Trail to meet the High Peaks loop for a “lollipop” shaped hike. Although it’s only 4.5 miles, this was an ambitious hike because:

the elevation gain was 1260 feet (384m),

it was very hot,

we haven’t been hiking much recently, and

I had barely slept.

But the High Peaks are where the California condors are, so I was determined to try.

I had brought plenty of water and started drinking it early in the hike. Aside from a blood sugar crisis early on (in which I felt shaky and nauseated and had to sit down by the trail even though it wasn’t a great spot to stop, but I revived after a couple of bites of a dried fruit bar and some water), I did really well, resting when necessary, snacking periodically, drinking frequently, and appreciating the expansive views (nary a city in sight in any direction), the weird rock formations, and the assorted lichens. 

We saw a scrub jay early in the hike; once we were higher up, there were lots and lots of turkey vultures, a few crows, and also many swallows (@lies: I couldn’t identify them. They had a very distinctive black-and-white sort of T-shaped pattern on the underside, but they were flying quickly and I never got a look at their upper parts. Any thoughts?). 

When we were pretty close to the “steep and narrow” section the book had warned about (not suitable for those who are scared of heights, a warning I ignored despite being somewhat scared of heights), I saw a California condor soar past! but by the time Wife looked up it had disappeared behind a big rock. I think that one was number 745; if so, he hatched in the wild! It was definitely a green tag with a 4 on it; another possibility is 747, a female (naturally named Boeing) who hatched in the LA Zoo and is part of the Big Sur flock.

The “steep and narrow” section of the High Peaks loop trail does indeed have some steep and narrow stretches, in which foot-holes have been carved into the rock to make one-lane “stairs”. However, it was much less treacherous than I had feared: there are very sturdy handrails, so it never felt scary to me. 

Eventually we got up to a wider, flatter section between the big rocky pinnacles and found two guys with a spotting scope they had focussed on condor number 692, who was hanging out at the tippy top of one of the pinnacle rocks. They let us look through the scope (I even managed to get a photo!) and we chatted with them for a bit about the condors. Then, after reaching the highest point of the hike and just starting to come down the other side, we saw another condor soaring up. It might have been number 726 (definitely a green tag with a 2 on it, could also have been 725 or 729), who is 692’s mate; it landed near 692. 725 is part of the Pinnacles flock; the other two possibilities are part of the Big Sur flock, but since members of the two flocks mate with each other, they obviously do travel back and forth.

So that was very exciting and made the hike worth it, though of course the views were spectacular enough to be worth it anyway!

We eventually found a slightly shady spot to sit and eat lunch before hiking the rest of the way down. I ran out of water pretty near the end of the hike, but Wife still had an extra little bottle of juice for me to drink to tide me over until we reached the parking lot, where there was a water faucet. 

We drove back to where we were staying and I tried unsuccessfully to nap. We had a brief swim in the pool, then there was a little wine-tasting, then easy sandwiches for dinner and we headed to bed early. I was utterly wiped out, but very pleased with the day nonetheless.

Photos to follow!