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[foxfabledwrites]

Put it in a bowl and mix it up prompt list:

9. Girl, I meat what I said When I said, "I do"

Lee Dutton

Tagging: @kmc1989 @yousigned-upforthiss @foxfabled @trublu2u @worlds-tallest-fairy

Companion piece to:

1993 - You read out a letter to Lee over the phone.

A Boy from Bozeman - Lee says goodbye to the woman he loves.

The Worry Doll - Lee still keeps the worry doll you gave him.

Wild Fire - Lee tells you the truth about the wildfire.

Experiance (NSFW) - Lee's gained some experiance since the last time the two of you were together.

Blind Date - John puts the word out around town that Lee needs a wife.

Fire Wood - Lee always chops firewood when he's pissed.

Wedding Bells - You and Lee tie the knot in secret.

Until Your Dying Day - You make a promise to Lee.

Duty - Dutton men don’t marry for love.

Never Again - You promise Lee that John won't come between the two of you.

The Sun Doesn't Shine - You are faced with a horrible decision regarding your marriage.

The day after you receive the annulment Lee turns up at Yellowstone with fire in his eyes and the paperwork bundled up in his fist. He tosses it across the breakfast table where his father sits, sipping a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper.

“You have a fucking nerve.” He snarls as John sets it down alongside his plate.

“I thought Anna would see sense.” John tells him as he surveys the documentation in front of him. “I can see I was wrong.”

“You have no fucking right!” Lee snaps, jabbing his finger at his father.

“I have every fucking right.” John erupts as he raises to his feet. “This ranch, it’s legacy, it’s supposed to be in your hands and you’re just throwing it away for a marriage that shouldn’t have even happened in the first place. What the fuck is wrong with you?”

“Me? What the fuck is wrong with you?” Lee retorts. “Is this about Lou? You didn’t get your happy ending, so I can’t get mine? Is that what it is?”

“Don’t…” John says, his jaw clenching as his temper starts to simmer. “Do not talk about that woman.”

“How about her son Joseph? Should we talk about him instead?” Lee continues, his voice raising once more. “You’re a fucking hypocrite. At least when I say I do, I fucking mean it!”

John’s eyes raise up to meet his and Lee knows, he just fucking knows that this has everything to his father’s history and nothing to do with his future.

“Are you done?” John asks him, his palms coming to rest flat on the surface of the table.

“Yea I am.” Lee tells him. “I’m done with you, with this ranch and with this bullshit legacy that has been a noose around my throat my entire fucking life.”

“Let’s see how that works out for you.” John responds, his tone turning glacial. “Let’s see how you do when your blackballed from every single ranch in Montana...”

“I’m not sticking around Montana.” Lee tells him, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’m taking Anna back to California and I’m going to do what I should have done twenty years ago. I’m going to live.”

Love Lee? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

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Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

[foxfabledwrites]

Real World Writing Update!

Hi guys,

As some of you may know on top of my fanfic writing and my work as a book editor, I’ve been working on my own series of cowboy novels.

These are based around the town/ranch called Alabama Pines.

The first three books in the series are as follows:

Changing of the Seasons - Newly divorced Gina isn’t looking for a relationship, she’s too busy trying to rebuild her life after a tempestuous marriage to the meanest SOB in Alabama. Sparks fly when she meets rodeo champion and professional horse man Jameson Stone but it’s a case of bad timing as Jameson takes to the rodeo circuit and Gina struggles to reclaim her identity as a former barrel racer.

Alabama Pines - After a seven year absence Beau Wilder returns to Alabama Pines, the ranch he used to call home to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of the woman he loved.  

Wild Bloom  - Twenty years ago Liam Cassidy let the love of his life walk away without a word, now she’s back and he’s determined not to let history repeat itself.

Some of these are based on fics I’ve written on this site so when the time comes I’ll be taking these fics down for now though the stories are different enough that I don’t have to do that yet.

The reason I’m telling you this is because I want you guys to know that I’m making a real go of it as an author.

I’ve created an author website and Insta where you can find out more info about what I am working on and see what I’m up to. You can find these below:

www.donna-costello.com

https://www.instagram.com/donna.costello.author/

If you are interested in me and my works please give me a follow or sign up to my newsletter. I will be posting some updates on here but they’ll be primarily on Instagram moving forward.

Thank you to every single one of you who has supported me over the past year. I was a complete mess this time last year with my mental health and everyone on this wonderful hellsite was so supportive. You all gave me the courage to actually get myself out there and give this crazy shit a shot.

Now a year down the line, I have a successful book editing business that’s booked up until Jan and my short stories have been included in several anthologies. You guys mean the entire world to me and I will forever be grateful.

I hope you’ll join me on this new journey!

All my love

Donna

[foxfabledwrites]

Passenger Princess Prompt List

Please check the updated character list on my pinned post to see who I am writing for before submitting a prompt!

Also read the rules and do not forget to put the entire prompt into your ask!

I ain't heard you laugh like that in a long time

He fuckin' up my headboard, so I'm on my knees like "Dear lord, please pray for me"

I don't got a single problem with provocative

So, don't call in the morning 'Cause I'll already be gone

Give him one kiss, just softly, tease him 

So I'ma love you every night like it's the last night

Well, I'm sorry if I'm oversteppin' boundaries I don't mean to be, but I've just got to tell you how I feel

Why can't you love me like I need you to?

Have my way with him like that

Like the stars are in the sky You and I will find each other 

Smoky, dark, crowded room,

Say you're all mine, touch me under streetlights

I wonder if you stopped his world like you did mine just now

And our love is the only war worth fighting for

'Cause girl, it's just a matter of time until you find That the right guy's starin' you back into your eyes, right now

I know what you did last night I called you up and you declined

Nobody's promised tomorrow

'Cause you already know what you mean to me

Butterfly that's on my wrist, put your hands on me like this

Under pink light in June

I'm cut like a diamond shinin' in the rough

I smell perfume, but it ain't mine

If the world was ending, I'd wanna be next to you

Now I’m alive if my man is halfway dead

Tell me, how you gonna hurt the one that loves you the most?

Like the nickel on strings and your good old Gibson guitar

Come on, take a ride with me

I burn for you And you don't even know my name

If you asked me to I'd give up everything

Tears rolling down your face when I walked out that door

You pull me in and touch my neck, and now I'm dying

If he ain't holdin' you tight, if he ain't treatin' you right I'm gonna be the first one callin' him crazy 

But there was one night that I’ll never forget

I'll love you for life

Promise you’ll be my last mistake, 

Put it into drive (Uh, uh-uh-uh) Up and down my thighs 

If you ever lost someone that you love

Like the smoke and the drawl every now in the way you talk slow

I'm your favorite fantasy

Boy, I ain't the same girl I was before

If you come from where you come, then you were born tough

Pull the trigger on the gun I gave you when we met

We've been talking 'bout forever since we been together

A problem child, I was rough

If there's nothin' missin' in my life Then why (why, why?) Do these tears come at night?

But what do you do with a difficult grownup?

But you can't cure a broken man or mend his gun-hot hands

Can you feel my heartbeat? When you hit it full speed 

But I can't help it that I can't take my eyes off of you

Boy, you had your chance

More drunk on power than on liquor

He drippin' down on my bustier like ice cream

If he ever singles you up, if he's ever stupid enough I'm gonna be the first one callin' you baby

You should be mine for life, I'll be signing

And I told everybody I was fine for a whole damn year

No, I don't wanna sit and talk

[foxfabledwrites]

The Space Between Hearts

Summary: Life is the flower for which love is the honey.

Tropes: Intellectual Equals, Found Family, Threads of Gold.

Warnings: Migraines, Medical Talk.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x OC (Aubrey Hurst)

A/N: This is Just the Plot Bunnies I Couldn’t Shake. Please Don’t Expect Any Kind of Medical Accuracy. This is inspired by House MD & a Film Called Fathers & Daughter (Loosely).

Story

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Drabbles

I Don’t Think I Could Love You More

[foxfabledwrites]

The Space Between Hearts

Summary: After a life-changing medical procedure, FBI agent Spencer Reid finds an unexpected connection with his doctor, Aubrey Hurst. As their lives continue to intersect, they both discover that healing and comfort can come from the most unlikely of places.

Tropes: Intellectual Equals, Found Family, Threads of Gold.

Warnings: Migraines, Medical Talk.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x OC (Aubrey Hurst)

A/N: This is Just the Plot Bunnies I Couldn’t Shake. Please Don’t Expect Any Kind of Medical Accuracy. This is inspired by House MD & a Film Called Fathers & Daughter (Loosely).

Story

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Drabbles

I Don’t Think I Could Love You More

[foxfabledwrites]

I Don’t Think I Could Love You More

Spencer glanced over at Aubrey from the driver's seat, his mind momentarily shifting from the road to her slightly pale face. They had only been driving for about twenty minutes, but he knew the signs well enough by now. Aubrey had that look—one she got whenever the road twisted too much, and the gentle sway of the car turned from comfortable to nauseating. She was doing her best to hide it, her eyes focused out the window, her lips pressed into a thin line.

Spencer knew better than to ask if she was okay. Instead, he took a deep breath and launched into his natural instinct—distracting her.

"You know," he began casually, "sharks have this incredible sense of smell. They can detect tiny amounts of chemicals, like one part per million of blood in water—equivalent to a single drop in an area as large as 25 gallons of water.”

Aubrey turned her head slowly to look at him, her expression somewhere between amused and exhausted. "Spencer," she said softly, but there was a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Are you trying to distract me with facts about sharks?"

Spencer’s lips curved into a sheepish grin, glancing at her again briefly before returning his focus to the road. “Maybe,” he admitted, the soft hum of the car filling the silence for a beat.

Aubrey let out a small laugh, her fingers lightly tapping against the door handle as she leaned back into the seat. “Maybe something a little less predatory?” she teased, trying to settle the churning in her stomach.

He chuckled, nodding in agreement. “Okay. How about birds? Did you know that peregrine falcons can reach speeds of over 240 miles per hour when they’re diving for prey? That makes them the fastest animals on the planet.”

Aubrey closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on his voice rather than the slight turns of the road. “Now that’s more like it. Keep going.

Encouraged, Spencer continued, “Crows are fascinating, too. They’ve been known to recognize human faces, pass on knowledge to other crows, and even hold grudges for years if they feel wronged. It’s called ‘mobbing’ behavior.”

Aubrey’s soft laugh filled the car. “Well, crows are basically the world’s most dramatic birds.”

Spencer smiled, feeling her ease a bit. “And hummingbirds… their wings beat up to 80 times per second. They’re the only birds that can fly backward. Their agility is unmatched.

Aubrey shifted slightly, her eyes opening just a sliver. “I don’t think I could love you more,” she murmured, a sleepy smile crossing her face as the tension in her body seemed to dissolve a little more with every word he spoke.

Spencer’s heart fluttered in his chest, warmth flooding through him. “Just wait until I tell you about penguins,” he said softly, his tone teasing yet tender.

Aubrey’s laughter was gentle this time, her hand reaching out to rest lightly on his arm as the road stretched on before them.

[foxfabledwrites]

The Space Between Heart

A/N: This is Just the Plot Bunnies I Couldn’t Shake. Please Don’t Expect Any Kind of Medical Accuracy. This is inspired by House MD & a Film Called Fathers & Daughter (Loosely).

The Space Between Us.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Aubrey Hurst.

Warnings: Talk of Death

Part 1. Part 2. Part 3.

The bell above the door chimed softly, the sound barely cutting through the low hum of conversation and the sizzle of a griddle from the back. As Spencer stepped into the diner, the scent of warm coffee and freshly cooked breakfast food enveloped him. The place had a retro charm, with faded red vinyl booths, checkered floors, and chrome accents that gleamed under the soft yellow light. A jukebox sat in the corner, quietly playing old tunes, adding to the atmosphere of comfort and nostalgia.

Spencer’s eyes scanned the room, passing over a few regulars perched at the counter, their attention focused on their newspapers and mugs of coffee. His gaze eventually settled on Aubrey, sitting alone in a booth by the large front window. The early morning sunlight streamed in, casting a golden glow over her. She sat with her back against the booth, her posture relaxed but alert. A steaming cup of coffee rested between her hands, her fingers tracing the rim absentmindedly as she stared out the window, lost in thought.

The moment her eyes caught his, her face lit up with a warm, welcoming smile. She waved him over, her eyes brightening with recognition. There was something softer about her today, less guarded than before. Spencer hesitated for a second, struck by the calm aura she radiated in the otherwise bustling diner.

As he walked over, his footsteps muffled by the checkered tile floor, Aubrey’s smile grew a little wider. She seemed genuinely pleased to see him. Spencer felt a sense of ease wash over him, the usual tension in his shoulders loosening just a bit. He slid into the booth across from her, the vinyl squeaking under him as he settled in.

The moment he sat down, Aubrey tilted her head slightly, her gaze meeting his in a way that made the rest of the diner fade into the background. It was just the two of them now, as though the world had momentarily narrowed to the small booth they occupied.

“Glad you made it,” Aubrey said softly, her voice carrying the warmth of her smile. Spencer couldn’t help but return the gesture.

The waitress approached them, her presence quiet and efficient. Spencer ordered a black coffee, the routine comfort of it grounding him in the moment. As the waitress left, the ambient sounds of the diner swirled around them—murmured conversations, the clatter of dishes being cleared, and the steady whir of the coffee machine.

Yet, despite the noise, there was a stillness between Spencer and Aubrey, as though something unsaid lingered in the air. Aubrey seemed more at ease than the last time they had met, but the gravity of her expression told Spencer that something important was still weighing on her mind, waiting for the right moment to be spoken.

Aubrey smiled apologetically, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup. “I’m sorry for being so dramatic about the tie,” she said, a soft laugh escaping her. “I didn’t realize in the moment how mysterious I was being.”

Spencer watched Aubrey as she fidgeted slightly, her fingers tracing the edge of her coffee cup. Her initial smile had faded into something more contemplative. He could tell she was about to open up, and he leaned in a little closer, ready to listen.

“It’s okay,” Spencer said softly, trying to ease her into what she wanted to share.

Aubrey glanced up at him briefly, then her eyes settled on the tie between them. “I promised you a story about this tie,” she began, her voice dropping to a quieter, more vulnerable tone.

“When I was 16,” she started, “I went to this pond with some friends. It was summer, and I had just graduated from college.” Aubrey let out a soft, almost bittersweet laugh. “I kind of hated being a child in college, honestly."

Spencer nodded. he said quietly. “I was in a similar situation.”

She offered him a small, knowing smile, before continuing. “Anyway, I went swimming in this pond, and I caught an infection from the water. I didn’t think much of it at first, but it triggered a genetic heart condition I didn’t know I had.”

Spencer’s brow furrowed.

“How did they figure it out?”

Aubrey sighed. “That’s the thing. I was in the hospital for weeks, feeling worse and worse. I was reading every medical textbook and article I could get my hands on. I was convinced I had this heart condition—everything lined up—but no one would listen to me. Teenage girls diagnosing themselves with rare conditions? Yeah, doctors weren’t exactly rushing to hear what I had to say.”

Spencer winced in sympathy.

“They dismissed you.”

“Exactly,” Aubrey said, her voice tinged with frustration. “By the time they realized I was right, it was too late. My heart… it was done. They told me I needed a transplant, and for six days and eight hours, I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to make it to my 18th birthday.”

Spencer’s heart tightened as he listened. He couldn’t imagine what it must have been like for her, a teenager facing something so catastrophic. “That must have been terrifying,” he said gently.

Aubrey nodded, her gaze distant as she recalled the memories. “I was so angry,” she admitted. “Angry at the doctors, angry at the world, and even at myself. I was so young, but I felt like everything had been taken away from me.”

Spencer remained silent, letting her speak, but his mind whirred with empathy for her situation.

“Then, obviously, I got a new heart,” Aubrey continued, offering a small smile, though her eyes still held the weight of the experience. “The transplant saved my life. But what was strange was what happened afterward.”

Spencer’s curiosity piqued. “What do you mean?”

“A couple of days after the surgery,” Aubrey said, her voice softening, “I woke up, and there was this man sitting in my hospital room. I didn’t recognize him, and he didn’t stay long. He just told me, ‘Be brave,’ and then disappeared. I thought maybe I was dreaming at first.”

Spencer tilted his head slightly, intrigued. “Who was he? Did you ever find out?”

Aubrey smiled faintly. “Not right away. It wasn’t until a few years later, in med school. There was this used bookstore I loved to visit when I needed a break from studying. One day, I found this book—Fading Into Tomorrow—and there he was. James Herron. The same man who told me to be brave.”

Spencer’s eyes widened. “James Herron? The author?”

Aubrey nodded. “Yes. I was so surprised. I sent him an email, not really expecting a response, but I just had to know. And it turns out… I have his sister’s heart.”

Spencer sat back for a moment, absorbing the significance of what she had just told him. “That’s incredible,” he said softly, his mind racing as he tried to connect the dots.

Before Aubrey could continue, the waitress appeared at their table, breaking the intensity of the moment. She smiled warmly, holding a pot of coffee. “Everything okay here? Can I top you off?”

Aubrey glanced at her nearly empty cup and nodded. “Yes, please.”

Spencer waved off the offer, his coffee untouched as his mind remained focused on Aubrey’s story. The waitress refilled Aubrey’s cup, then quietly slipped away, sensing the gravity of their conversation.

Once the waitress was gone, Spencer leaned in again. “What happened after that?” he asked gently. “With James, I mean.”

Aubrey smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. “We become friends, it strange really like he was a mentor of sorts he taught a lot about life. He taught me how to be brave—not fearless, not reckless, just brave enough to face what came next.”

Spencer nodded, understanding how that experience had shaped her. He could see now how she hadn’t dismissed his intuition about his migraines, how her own experience of not being listened to had influenced her as a doctor. She had learned to trust in the power of someone’s intuition because she knew firsthand what it was like to have her own dismissed.

“And the tie?” Spencer asked, his gaze dropping to the fabric again.

Aubrey’s smile grew softer. “Two weeks ago, James passed away. I went to his funeral, and afterward, his wife gave me this tie. It was one of his favorites. He wore it all the time—something of a symbol of resilience to him. His publisher kept wanting him to wear a plain blue. But he preferred something more colourful.”

She paused, her eyes meeting Spencer’s. “I wasn’t even supposed to be at the hospital the day we met. But I had to sign something for one of my patients. And then there you were, sitting in that room.”

You’re Olive,” Spencer said softly, noting the similarities between Aubrey and the character from his favorite book, The Space Between Hearts.

Aubrey smiled, a playful spark in her eyes. “Well, there are some differences, so don’t hold it against me.”

“When you told me that The Space Between Hearts was your favourite book, and I saw how worn your copy was… I just knew I had to give you this tie. I don’t know why, but it felt like the right”

He finally looked back up at Aubrey, his voice quiet but filled with gratitude. “Thank you,” he said softly. “For trusting me with this.”

Aubrey smiled, her eyes warm. “You’re welcome, Spencer. I think James would’ve wanted you to have it.”

As they continued to talk, Spencer couldn’t help but marvel at the strange, invisible threads that had brought them together. Aubrey’s story had not only deepened his understanding of her but also of the resilience it takes to survive—and thrive—through life’s most challenging moments.

[foxfabledwrites]

The Space Between Hearts

A/N: This is Just the Plot Bunnies I Couldn’t Shake. Please Don’t Expect Any Kind of Medical Accuracy. This is inspired by House MD & a Film Called Fathers & Daughter (Loosely).

The Space Between Us.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Aubrey Hurst.

Warnings: N/A

Part 1. Part 2.

Spencer Reid sat in the passenger seat of the SUV, the rhythmic hum of the tires on the road filling the silence. His phone buzzed in his pocket. Glancing down, he saw Dr. Daniel Rhodes’ name on the screen. After a brief pause, he answered.

“Hi, Dr. Reid,” Dr. Rhodes began, his tone professional but concerned. “I’ve been reviewing your case and thinking about the next steps. Given the persistence and intensity of your migraines, I’d like to expand our approach. I’m particularly interested in conducting some environmental testing. We could analyze air quality, check for potential neurotoxins, allergens, or even mold exposure in your apartment. It might give us a clearer picture of whether something in your living environment is contributing to the symptoms.”

Spencer’s eyes flicked over to Derek, who was focused on the road but still alert. He nodded slightly, keeping his tone neutral. “That makes sense. I’ll consider it. Let’s touch base later,” he said, his words clipped, trying to keep the conversation brief.

Dr. Rhodes paused briefly before replying. “Of course. Just reach out when you’re ready, and we’ll set it up. we want to be thorough here.”

Derek shot a curious glance in Spencer’s direction. “Who was that?”

Spencer shook his head, brushing it off. “No one . Just someone following up on some things.”

Derek raised an eyebrow but didn’t push further. Spencer, eager to change the subject, took a breath and spoke again.

“Actually, there’s something I’ve been thinking about.” Spencer paused, shifting uncomfortably in his seat before continuing, “I met this woman the other day. I think she might have… asked me out on a date?”

Derek glanced over, his eyebrows shooting up. “Oh, really? Pretty Boy’s got game now?”

Spencer fidgeted slightly with his sleeve, trying to find the right words. “Well, I’m not exactly sure if it’s a date. She gave me this tie…”

Derek couldn’t help but chuckle. “A tie, huh? Maybe she’s telling you to step up your wardrobe game.”

Spencer smiled, but his thoughts remained focused on the moment with Aubrey. “No, it’s not that. It felt more… significant. She mentioned that there’s a story behind the tie and said she wanted to tell me about it when we meet again this week.”

Derek grinned, leaning back in his seat. “Well, that’s interesting. A mysterious tie and another meeting? Sounds like you’ve got a little intrigue going on.”

Spencer nodded, still unsure of what to make of the situation. “Yeah, I guess so. I’m just trying to figure out what it all means.”

Derek slapped his shoulder playfully. “Don’t overthink it, man. Just see where it goes. Could be something good.”

[foxfabledwrites]

The Space Between Hearts

A/N: This is Just the Plot Bunnies I Couldn’t Shake. Please Don’t Expect Any Kind of Medical Accuracy. This is inspired by House MD & a Film Called Fathers & Daughter (Loosely).

The Space Between Us.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Aubrey Hurst.

Part 1

Dr. Audrey Hurst took a seat beside Spencer Reid, her expression thoughtful as she reviewed his file on the tablet. Her brows furrowed slightly as she scrolled through the extensive medical history he had recounted, from his brushes with life-threatening situations to his increasingly debilitating migraines over the past few months.

“I can see why you’re frustrated,” she said gently. “You’ve been through a lot, and I don’t think this is just stress. There’s more to it, and I’d like to take a nuanced approach and dig deeper.”

Spencer nodded, fidgeting with the edge of his sleeve. He appreciated her directness and the genuine concern in her tone, as if she truly cared about finding the root of his pain rather than dismissing it.

“For now,” Aubrey continued, “I’m going to prescribe something stronger—non-narcotic—for temporary relief. But I’d like to run some tests: an MRI to rule out any neurological abnormalities and some comprehensive blood work, including genetic screening.”

Spencer was quiet for a moment, absorbing the information. He appreciated her thoroughness, but there was a familiar weight pressing down on him. “Do you think this could be genetic?” he asked cautiously.

Audrey met his gaze with a measured look. “It’s a possibility we can’t ignore, given your family history. But we’ll take it step by step. No need to jump to conclusions.”

Spencer exhaled slowly, appreciating her balance of honesty and reassurance. “Thank you,” he said softly.

Audrey smiled. “We’ll figure it out, Spencer. You’re not in this alone.”

Once the formalities were settled, she turned to him with a light smile. “I don’t know about you, but I could really use a break. The hospital canteen has surprisingly good pie. What do you think?”

Spencer blinked, caught off guard by the casual suggestion. After hours of clinical detachment, the idea of something as simple as pie felt oddly comforting. He nodded slowly, returning her smile. “Pie sounds good.”

They walked together through the quiet hospital halls, the sharp scent of antiseptic fading as they neared the canteen, where the warm aroma of coffee and baked goods lingered. The late-night canteen was quiet, with only a few workers grabbing quick meals. Aubrey ordered two slices—blueberry for her and cherry for Spencer—and they found a quiet table by the window.

As she sat down, Aubrey slid off her black overcoat, revealing a simple black dress. Spencer noticed it was more formal than what he had expected, and he wondered briefly where she had been before this. Dr. Rhodes hadn’t seemed to expect her presence either.

“So,” Aubrey began, taking a bite of her pie, “tell me more about your lifestyle. What’s your day-to-day like? Any patterns you’ve noticed with the migraines?”

Spencer considered the question carefully. “My schedule is all over the place—cases, travel, paperwork. I don’t have much consistency. The migraines started about six months ago.”

“Do you think the unpredictability of your work might be a trigger?” Aubrey asked, leaning forward with genuine curiosity.

Spencer thought for a moment. “Maybe. But I’ve always dealt with stress, and this feels… different.”

Aubrey nodded. “It might be worth tracking where you are when the migraines hit—home, work, travel. Sometimes environmental factors play a bigger role than we realize.”

Spencer’s expression brightened slightly at the practical suggestion. “That’s a good idea. I’ll start paying closer attention.”

Aubrey smiled. “Good. Sometimes the simplest details can reveal patterns.”

After a brief pause, she shifted the conversation. “So, outside of work, what do you do for fun?”

Spencer hesitated. “I read. A lot. Books help me make sense of things.”

Aubrey leaned in, intrigued. “What kind of books?”

“Mostly non-fiction—history, science, everything really. I read pretty fast.”

“How fast?” Aubrey asked, her curiosity piqued.

Spencer smiled slightly. “About 20,000 words per minute.”

Aubrey leaned back, laughing lightly. “Wow. I’ve just been overcome with a jealousy I didn’t know I had.”

Spencer chuckled, a rare moment of lightness. “It’s a useful skill.”

“Do you have a favorite book?” Aubrey asked.

“There’s this one novel… The Space Between Hearts. It’s not well known, but it’s always stuck with me.” Spencer reached into his bag and pulled out the worn paperback, handing it to Aubrey. She smiled as she noticed how tattered it was, her eyes catching the small black-and-white photo of James Herron on the back cover.

“I’ve read it,” Aubrey said, returning the book. “I like Fading Into Tomorrow a bit more, though.”

Spencer looked at her, surprised. “You’ve read his other work?”

Aubrey nodded, a small, thoughtful smile on her lips. “Yeah, I have.”

As their conversation flowed, Aubrey reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a tie, turning it over in her hands before looking up at Spencer. “I want you to have this,” she said, holding it out to him.

Spencer stared at the tie, confused. “Why?”

Aubrey hesitated, unsure how to explain it. “I’m not sure yet. It just feels right.”

Spencer took the tie, studying the fabric. “Thank you,” he said quietly, still unsure what to make of the gesture.

Aubrey smiled, though something unspoken lingered between them. “There’s a story behind that tie,” she said. “But I’ll tell you next time. How about we meet again next week?”

Spencer nodded, intrigued by the offer. “I’d like that.”

As Aubrey walked away, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something bigger was at play, a strange pull that had brought them together. For the first time in a while, she felt like everything was falling into place.

[foxfabledwrites]

The Space Between Hearts

A/N: This is Just the Plot Bunnies I Couldn’t Shake. Please Don’t Expect Any Kind of Medical Accuracy. This is inspired by House MD & a Film Called Fathers & Daughter (Loosely).

The Space Between Us.

Warnings: Migraines, Medical Talk.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Aubrey Hurst.

Spencer Reid had one persistent, insidious problem: migraines. But his real frustration ran deeper than the searing pain. It was the half-dozen doctors who had repeatedly dismissed his symptoms, each one claiming he was wrong, that grated on him the most.

That’s how he found himself sitting stiffly across from Dr. Edwards at St. Charles Medical and Research Hospital. As soon as Spencer stepped into the stark, sterile office, he had already pegged the man as dismissive. He didn’t need his finely honed profiling skills to see it—the doctor’s disinterest was plain in the way he barely glanced up from his files, his fingers absentmindedly drumming on the desk.

“Are you having one of your headaches right now?” Dr. Edwards asked flatly, as if the answer didn’t particularly matter.

“Not at the moment,” Spencer replied, his irritation barely concealed.

“And when was the last one?”

“Two days ago.”

The doctor scribbled a note with an almost robotic detachment before glancing up, his eyebrows raised in a half-hearted show of interest. “You don’t think your headaches are psychosomatic?”

Spencer’s jaw clenched. “No,” he said firmly.

Dr. Edwards barely reacted, his expression remaining passive as he began to close the file in front of him. “Honestly, I think your migraines are stress-related,” he said with an air of finality. “But I’ll arrange for a consult with the diagnostics team. Stay here.”

Spencer bit back the urge to argue, frustration simmering beneath the surface. It wasn’t just that his headache—the one that had been steadily building since he stepped off the jet—was growing more pronounced. The bright, clinical lights overhead felt like needles pressing into his skull, amplifying the pain.

Twenty agonizing minutes passed, and the tension in the room seemed to grow with each passing second. Finally, the door creaked open. But instead of Dr. Edwards returning, two younger doctors entered the room.

The first was a man in his late twenties, with dark hair and a welcoming, unassuming presence. He was of average height, but the ease with which he carried himself gave him an air of quiet confidence. His eyes were observant, yet kind, and he wore a small smile as he stepped forward.

“I’m Dr. Daniel Rhodes,” he said, his voice calm but engaging. “I’m a diagnostic fellow here.” He gestured toward the woman standing beside him.

She was much shorter, standing at barely 5’3”, with striking features that Spencer noted immediately. Dr. Rebecca Langford, a 27-year-old neurology resident, had rich, dark skin and wore her curly hair tied back in a neat high ponytail. Despite her youthful appearance, there was a sharpness in her eyes that suggested she took her work very seriously. Still, her smile was gentle and welcoming as she nodded in acknowledgment.

“We’re with the Diagnostics Team,” Dr. Rhodes continued, his tone professional yet reassuring. “We’ve reviewed your case, and we’d like to take a closer look at what’s going on. If you’re ready, we can start now.”

Spencer slowly rose from his seat, his head pounding in rhythm with his quickening heartbeat. There was a flicker of hope in the air, mingled with his frustration. Perhaps, finally, someone would take his pain seriously and stop brushing him off.

Spencer was led to an office that was much bigger and brighter than Dr. Edwards’—which felt like it had been stuck in the 70s with its dark wood paneling and outdated decor. This new office, however, was modern and sprawling, technically three rooms separated by glass walls. In the central room, a large table was placed in the middle, surrounded by whiteboards and bookshelves. A young woman sat at the table, surrounded by a clutter of files and medical textbooks. She glanced up briefly when they entered, but quickly returned to her work. Spencer’s eyes wandered toward the back room, which was dim and empty except for the outline of a desk, a computer, and an upright piano that was tucked beneath the window.

Dr. Rhodes led him into the final room, which had a more comfortable, welcoming feel. The walls were a warm cream colour, and the space felt modern and fresh. A patient bed stood at the centre of the room, with a chair and monitoring equipment neatly arranged around it.

“Go ahead and take off your shoes and sit on the bed,” Dr. Rhodes suggested, gently pulling Spencer out of his daze.

“Sure,” Spencer replied, slipping out of his shoes and climbing onto the bed.

“I’m going to take some blood while we talk through your medical history,” Dr. Langford added, her voice calm but focused as she prepped the necessary equipment.

For the second time that day, Spencer recounted his medical history. His mother’s condition, the paranoid schizophrenia that had plagued her for as long as he could remember. His own brushes with danger—the gunshot wound, the anthrax exposure, and his brief but difficult stint with dilaudid, which made him extremely reluctant to rely on strong painkillers now.

His migraines had started about six months ago, and they had only been getting worse. Initially, he could manage them with over-the-counter pain relievers, but by Christmas, they had stopped working altogether. He had tried to push through the pain, but now it was becoming unbearable.

As Spencer spoke, he noticed that Dr. Rhodes and Dr. Langford were asking far more detailed questions than any of his previous doctors. They didn’t just focus on the surface-level details. Instead, they delved deeper—into his caffeine intake, how much sugar he consumed daily and weekly, his sleeping patterns, and where he lived. They even asked about the type of building he resided in, where he had been over the past year, and, more specifically, where he had been when he first noticed the migraines beginning.

They wanted to know what his headaches had been like before the migraines had evolved, and they didn’t shy away from the mental health side of things either. Spencer could feel himself growing defensive, even though he knew it was illogical. He had been building this defence mechanism ever since his father left him in the care of his mother—a woman whose paranoid schizophrenia had defined much of his childhood. And now, here he was, at the perfect age to potentially develop symptoms himself. Spencer was acutely aware of the statistics, the genetic predisposition, and the trauma he had endured throughout his life. He knew the risks better than most, and the thought of it all worried him far more than he cared to admit, even to himself.

Dr. Langford finished drawing Spencer’s blood and called out to the young woman in the other room. That’s when Spencer learned that she was a medical student. As the doors slid open, he noticed for the first time that the office at the far end of the room now had its light on.

“Thanks,” Dr. Langford said as the medical student quickly took the vials of blood from her and exited the room, following Dr. Rhodes.

Then, Dr. Langford turned back to Spencer and resumed her questioning.

“Any hallucinations?” she asked, her tone even and professional.

“No,” Spencer replied, shaking his head.

“Are you just saying no because of your history?” she probed.

“No,” he said again, a little more firmly.

“No visual or audible hallucinations?” she pressed.

“No,” he answered, his patience holding.

“Any colours or auras?”

“No,” he said, and this time, she seemed satisfied.

“Okay,” she nodded. She paused for a moment before asking, “You don’t think your headaches are psychosomatic?”

Spencer exhaled, barely managing to keep his frustration at bay. “No,” he answered, the word clipped.

“Okay,” she said, offering a small, understanding smile.

Just then, the door creaked open again, and a new presence entered the room.

“Hi,” the newcomer said, her voice warm and inviting.

Spencer turned his gaze toward her. “Hello,” he replied.

“I’m Dr. Hurst, the head of diagnostics here,” she introduced herself with a soft smile. Dr. Hurst was a 29-year-old woman with a naturally friendly expression, framed by shoulder-length brown hair that was parted neatly down the middle. She wore a black coat layered over a simple black dress. Her demeanour was professional, yet approachable, and though she smiled warmly at Spencer, he couldn’t help but notice a faint sadness lingering in her eyes, as if something weighed on her despite the smile she presented.

Even as Spencer observed her, she radiated an aura of confidence and care, putting him slightly more at ease. Still, the sadness in her gaze intrigued him, almost as much as her curiosity about his condition. He wondered silently what she had seen to put that sadness there, but quickly reminded himself that this wasn’t about her—this was about his migraines, his pain, and the answers he so desperately sought.

[foxfabledwrites]

#the twelfth in him jumped out

[foxfabledwrites]

Sweet Nothings

Pairing: Jake Seresin x Y/n Seresin (Mitchell)

★ Fluff ❊ Angst ✓ Smut

Warnings: Infertility, Adoption, Dad!Jake, Teacher/Mom!Reader, Kindergarteners

N/A: I'm really excited to share this with you guys and updates should start soon. Follow my library for notifications and updates. (I no longer have a taglist.) Main Masterlist

☑︎ Sweet Nothings

☑︎ Mrs. Seresin

☑︎ Mr. Lieutenant Sir

☑︎ Did We Miss Something

☑︎ What If

☑︎ That’s Not Appropriate

☑︎ Separation?

☑︎ This Is New

☑︎ I Want This

☑︎ Birthday For Two

☑︎ You’re a Chicken?

☑︎ What Do You Think?

☑︎ Ours

☑︎ The Seresin’s

Extras

- Lock Screens

- Lock Screens pt. 2

[foxfabledwrites]

Never Forget | When They Don’t Tell Chris Anything 

[foxfabledwrites]

BEFORE WE GO (2014) dir. Chris Evans

[foxfabledwrites]

[foxfabledwrites]

Chris Evans as Andy Barber in Defending Jacob (2020)

[foxfabledwrites]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIR! ❤