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nurseeden · 2 months ago

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The Top 10 Nursing Schools Universities You Need to Understand about: A Comprehensive Guide

Title: The Top 10‌ Nursing Schools Universities ⁢You Need to Know About: A Comprehensive Guide

Meta Title: Discover the top 10 nursing schools and universities to kickstart⁣ your nursing⁤ career!

Meta Description: Looking to pursue ⁤a career in nursing? Check out this comprehensive guide to the top 10 nursing schools and universities where you can receive⁣ the best education⁢ and training.

Introduction:

Are you passionate about making ‌a difference in people’s lives and ⁤considering a career in nursing? Choosing the right nursing school or university is crucial ‍in shaping your ‍future as a healthcare‌ professional. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to ⁣decide where to pursue your education.

To help you make ⁤an informed decision, we have ‍compiled a list of the top 10 nursing ‌schools and universities that stand out for their excellence⁣ in nursing education, faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, ‌and ‌overall reputation in the ⁣field. Whether you are looking for a ‍traditional campus-based program or an online option, this guide will provide you with valuable insights to ⁣help you choose the best fit for your nursing education journey.

1. Johns Hopkins University

– ⁤Location: ⁣Baltimore, Maryland – Program Offered: Bachelor of Science ‍in Nursing (BSN),⁢ Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing ⁣Practice (DNP) – Notable‍ Feature: ⁣Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is renowned for its cutting-edge research, ⁤innovative healthcare initiatives, and commitment to excellence in nursing education.

2. University of Pennsylvania

– Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Program Offered: BSN, ‌MSN, DNP, ‍PhD in Nursing – Notable ‍Feature: University of Pennsylvania School of⁢ Nursing is one of the⁣ oldest and most prestigious nursing ‌schools in the country, known for its strong emphasis on ⁤evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration.

3. Duke University

– Location:‌ Durham,⁣ North Carolina – Program Offered: BSN, ⁤MSN, DNP – Notable Feature: Duke University School of Nursing is recognized for its leadership ⁢in nursing education, research, and clinical‌ practice, with a focus on healthcare innovation and global health initiatives.

4. University of Washington

– Location: Seattle,⁣ Washington – Program Offered: BSN, MN, DNP, PhD ‌in Nursing – Notable Feature: University of Washington School of Nursing is dedicated to promoting health equity,⁤ social justice, and community engagement through nursing education, research, and practice.

5. Columbia University

– Location: New York City, New York – Program Offered:‌ BSN, MSN, DNP – Notable Feature: Columbia University School⁤ of Nursing is known for its comprehensive curriculum, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and interdisciplinary approach⁤ to healthcare delivery.

6. University of California, San Francisco

– Location: San Francisco, California – Program Offered: BSN, ‌MSN, DNP, PhD in Nursing – Notable Feature: UCSF School of Nursing is a pioneer in⁣ nursing⁤ education and research, with a focus on promoting health equity, diversity, and inclusion ⁢in healthcare settings.

7. Emory University

– Location: Atlanta, Georgia – Program Offered: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD in Nursing – Notable ‍Feature: Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is known for its strong clinical partnerships, cutting-edge research centers, and commitment to ⁤preparing nurse leaders for the future of‍ healthcare.

8. University of Michigan

– Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan – Program Offered: BSN, MSN, DNP, PhD in Nursing – Notable Feature: University of Michigan School of Nursing is a leader in nursing education, research, and practice, with a focus on promoting health and well-being across the lifespan.

9. University of North Carolina at ⁤Chapel Hill

– Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Program Offered: BSN, MSN, ⁤DNP, PhD in Nursing – Notable Feature: UNC Chapel Hill School of Nursing is dedicated to advancing nursing science, improving healthcare ⁤outcomes, and ⁢fostering innovation in nursing education and practice.

10. Yale University

– Location: New Haven, Connecticut – Program Offered: BSN, MSN, DNP – ⁤Notable Feature: ‍Yale School of Nursing is committed to ⁢producing nurse scholars, leaders, and practitioners‌ who ⁢are equipped to address the complex healthcare ‍needs of individuals,⁢ families,‍ and communities.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right nursing school‌ or university⁣ is a significant decision that can impact your career trajectory in the healthcare industry. ‌By considering factors such as program offerings, faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities,⁤ and institutional reputation, you can find a nursing program⁢ that ‍aligns⁢ with your goals and aspirations as a future nurse.

Whether⁣ you are interested in pursuing a traditional campus-based program or exploring⁣ online education ‍options, the top 10 nursing⁢ schools and universities highlighted in this guide provide a solid foundation for your nursing education journey. Take the time to research each school, visit their campuses, speak with current students and faculty, and‌ find the program that best suits your needs ⁢and interests.

Remember, receiving a quality nursing education is the‌ first ⁢step towards achieving your dream of making a positive impact on the lives of others through compassionate and skilled patient care. Best of luck ‍as you embark on this rewarding and fulfilling career path in the field ‌of nursing!

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fctedivided · 1 year ago

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Nell's eyes widen a bit by her sudden outburst but instantly came to an understanding that it wasn't Lucy's intentions to do so, as the younger one merely lashed out a bit due the constant headache she was having.

"It's alright, Lucy, it's going to be okay." The doctor-in-training gently placed her hand around Lucy's shoulder in an effort to comfort her. "Here, lay down, try to get some rest. I'll get something for the headache." Gesturing at the infirmary bed she was sitting on before she went towards the cabinets, searching for the right medicine.

「 RP MEME : RANDOM DIALOGUE 2.0 」 / Accepting!

@fctedivided sent a letter to Lucy:

‘ Do you want something for the pain? ’

(Nell to Lucy)

"What do you think?!" Practically hissing out that loudly, mere seconds realizing her tone and lowering her head as she clutched her hair. Why is her initial reaction when she's stressed is irritation, she didn't mean almost blow up like that, especially when all what the woman is doing is take care of her.

It was times like this where she hated her stupid magic, another unwanted psychic vision resulting in a lingering headache. She couldn't even go to school today and it was a big game too, maybe not being able to cheer isn't the most important thing right now. Still sucks though.

"...Sorry, I didn't mean to yell. I know you're tryin' to help. Sorry." Her tone lowering down, she didn't mean to yell like that. Wrapping her long, spotted tail around herself as she clutched her throbbing head.

#emystic #:: the doctor in training. || nell. ::#:: ferraros in crisis. || main verse. ::#( Lucia Moralez. )

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melatoninburst · 1 year ago

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Hello, my name is... (x2, to Zio and Nell)

Nicknames: accepting

"Ratchet cause that's the Autobot medic and you're a doctor in training!"

"Kiddo!" at least Zio's is normal...

#fctedivided #v. ( scottish accents are annoying )#v. ( snakes are solitary predators )

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fxtelism-moved · 2 years ago

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❥ 𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 [ 𝐀 𝐒𝐘𝐌𝐁𝐎𝐋 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐄 ] . - @emystic sent:

💅 : your muse paints my muse’s nails . [ Lucy to Nell ]

This did take her back, when she was a teenager during high school, being with her friends doing each other some makeover. At present, Nell and her friends had their separate lives, so a moment like this was something she usually did on her own nowadays.

“Thanks, Lucy, for painting my nails.” The doctor-in-training smiled tenderly towards her younger friend. “You know, I never thought about this color, but I think it fits me! Definitely different than my usual transparent nail polish.”

#emystic #( ic. )#;nell #( answered. )#{ Lucy Takahashi }

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doodleimprovement · 4 years ago

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CSAU :: Moonie Jericho and the Mysterious Case of the Moon-Jumper Mask - Alternate Ending

Or: “The extremely self indulgent 7 page fic were Nell gets to be more helpful and has some actual characterization”

Yeahhhh this isn’t canon to the fic, but I wanted to write it because I can, at LAST give ya’ll Nell’s backstory for how they came to live in Subcon in the CSAU

Per usual, the “Coffee Shop AU” belongs to the ever wonderful @doodledrawsthings

Also, note: Both MJ and Nell use “they/them” pronouns, with MJ being “He/They” and Nell being “She/They” To keep things from getting too confusing, Nell will be “They” and MJ will be “He”

Enjoy!

Nell was honestly a bit surprised when MJ came to their home the morning after Halloween, sheepishly stating that the mask seemed ... stuck.

“Really?”

He nodded.

“Huh.. Come on in then. I’ll get some tea going and see about helping you out, hm?”

He walked into their house, taking a moment to actually look about the place- as he didn’t get much of a chance before- and took a seat in their small living room.

The ambiance of the outside followed inside, with the walls painted chestnut brown with warm yet bright pops of color on the windowsill and the various picture frames full of people he didn’t know. The curtain over the wide window was patterned with little pumpkins, which he found cute, and hanging from a few ceiling hooks were what Clover would call “Low-maintenance” plants. The dark colors match well with the room, making it feel a bit comfier than it otherwise might.

The couch he sat on was across from an armchair, and both were colored a warm orange, with an espresso-colored coffee table. On said table were some envelopes and a copy of “Better Homes and Gardens”

Huh, he didn’t peg them as a reader of those types of magazines. Then again, Clover was the one that knew Nell, not him.

They came back with two mugs - one was purple with the “Snatcher” face on it, and the other had a little grumpy ghost on it, with “I’m spooky before my coffee” written above the drawing.

They handed him the Snatcher mug

“Can I ask where you get all of this Snatcher merch?”

“My best friend is an Etsy fiend. Despite him living all the way in Nyakoto, he ships me Snatcher merch whenever he finds something fun. He’s a real character” they chuckled.

“Huh” MJ acknowledged as Nell walked around the coffee table and sat next to him

“Do you feel the mask?”

He nodded, his hand up at the edge, right where he felt it “When I pull, it just… doesn’t move”

“Hm..” they sipped. “When you try to take it off, how does it feel?”

“Like… it’s like a thousand little… things? Pulling at my face, I think?” MJ pulled up their mug and sipped the tea.

“Like… string? Thread?”

MJ nodded. “I think that's the right word, thread”

Nell puts down the mug as MJ takes another sip. “Let me see” they scooted closer to him, and he put his mug down and turned his head.

Their hands seemed to glow green as they raised it “There we go…” They muttered, hand immediately finding the mask’s edge, and seeing what he was talking about “... Huh, the threads… well, that's the right word. They’re… criss-crossed…”

Before he could ask if they could remove them, he felt a slight burning at the edge of his face and jumped

“Ah!”

“Sorry, sorry, but, that did work… Though, it means you might be here a while” they admit “I’ll need you to stay still, okay?”

“Oh.. okay”

It was... Not Okay.

A few minutes into Nell’s attempt at getting the mask off, they let out a huff.

“You can’t keep squirming”

“I- I’m sorry” He muttered “It's just, you know, hard to stay still”

“I understand that, but I don’t want to mess this up. I’d like to see your actual eyes” They muttered.

“I know, it just.. Weird feeling” He tried to explain.

“Moon” They pressed, but sighed “... You seem still enough when I’m talking to you, need a distraction?”

“I mean, I guess…?”

Nell sighed “Hm… How about I tell you how I came to live in Subcon? That’s a long-ass story”

“Oh uh, if you’re okay with sharing!” MJ tried to be polite. He knew that even Clover wasn’t completely sure why Nell came to live in the town, she just knew that “something happened” back at the coast where they were from.

“Nah. It’s been 5 years. That’s more than long enough” The nurse stayed focused on the magic threads, their magic seeming to thrum in his ears- sounding almost like the hum of a fan in the dead heat of summer..

There was a pause, before they took in a breath.

“When I was 19, I took a job in Nyakoto, and left my hometown as fast as the train could take me. I had a scholarship to a little nursing school there, and before my 21st birthday, I’d gotten a nice, decent paying job as an ER nurse for a hospital in the East Side” They started “The hospitals were all interconnected, so I ended up meeting different doctors and nurses while I worked, and sometimes was called to assist in other hospitals.

“I was.. 25, when I met him” They recalled, something in their voice seeming heavy. “We’ll call him Chris

“He was in residency at a hospital down in the Wesservale neighborhood. We met at a medical appreciation gala… He had something about him I couldn't place. . . A charisma, almost. A kindness. He seemed so eager for the future, so excited for what the next day might bring him. I’d never been like that. His optimism drew me in.

“We started dating the year after. Like with most relationships, everything seemed great. He was funny, kind, thoughtful, all of that stuff. He even went with me to pride stuff, which was pretty cool at the time.”

“Pride?” MJ chimed in. Nell couldn’t hide a chuckle.

“Yes. You’ve heard of the Nyakoto Annual Pride Bonanza, haven’t you? One of the biggest in the country”

“I have, yes”

“Good. Back to the story” Nell redirected “When I was 27, about a year and a half into the relationship, I realized, quite unhappily, that we weren’t actually very different, and didn’t really get along as well as we thought.. It's not that we argued, but.. We didn’t really… talk. I never spoke to him about my problems, I didn’t feel like I could, and that really made me realize that we weren’t actually all that comfortable around each other. So, when he came over to my place that night for dinner, I spoke to him, and tried to tell him that we weren’t compatible, and that I thought perhaps we’d be better off as friends.

“He convinced me that we just needed work, going on and on about all these plans he had for us. Trips, dates, things to look forward to, always looking toward the future, Chris did”

Nell paused again

“.. I really should have noticed how little he cared about happiness in the present.” They commented “Not a traditional red flag, but it was a warning nonetheless”

“Well, I mean, that’s not so bad”

“In a way, no” Nell replied “But when you think about the future so much, you forget the present, you forget to live, and your past just.. Ends up a horrible haze. Even the happy stuff is hard to recall”

MJ hadn’t thought of it like that

“But hindsight is 2020, and in the moment, I believed him. I wanted to believe those bright dreams of the future, and I let go of the fact that I did not even like to talk to him very much.

“... I tried to break up with him 4 more times in the 8 years we were together.”

Okay, MJ hadn’t been expecting that much time passing.

“By the time I was 34, we were living together, but barely seeing each other. From the outside it must have seemed perfect to everyone else. I think only Daph knew about my.. Issues, with Chris. I still never talked to him about anything that wasn’t the future, or how the day was, or.. Just, absolute nonsense.

“One night, after one more attempt to break up, I’d gone to bed defeated, and woke up at 3 in the morning while he was on the night shift in Wesservale.. I came to this… realization

“If I didn’t leave right then and there, I’d marry him…. and I’d …. I’d be stuck. He’d have me, and I’d be stuck for the rest of my life..

“So I grabbed everything I had in the apartment, sent a resignation email to the East side hospital I still worked at, left him a note telling him I was leaving, took my car and just… started driving”

“.. Did he call you?”

“I blocked his number.” They answered curtly. “Drove for days until I came across Subcon.”

MJ didn’t comment.

“I stayed at the Alpine Motel for a few nights, and when I was at the diner, overheard that there was an open position for the school nurse at the elementary” They continued. “I applied for it, and 3 months later cashed in my savings to put a down payment on this little place” They made a motion with their hand briefly “The rest is history”

“Well… If it's any consolation, I think that's a good reason to get out of the city”

Nell couldn’t hold back a laugh. There was something a little… sad, in it, but the laugh was genuine.

“Yeah, then again, every reason is a good one to get out of the city” They commented, and MJ had only just realized that their hands were now on the other side of his face. Nell worked quickly, it seemed. “Hm.. okay. On the count of three, I'm going to try to take it off, alright?”

“Oh, uh, wow, okay!” He replied eagerly, closing his eyes.

“One…” They slowly started, both hands on either side, their nails right at the edge of the mask.

“Three!”

MJ startled as Nell pulled, and a cold, sharp feeling spread over his body before it abruptly ended. When he opened his eyes. He looked at Nell, who had, in their hands, that damned mask.

His hands went up to his face, and he let out a relieved laugh as he felt his skin, glasses and hair “hah! Hahah! I’m human again! No more magic!” He raised his hands and leaned back on the couch “Sweet relief”

Nell let out a chuckle, putting the mask down gently “Finish your tea, I’m gonna grab you a damp towel. You have… paint? On your face”

His brow was furrowed, but he reached for the still-warm mug anyway as Nell got up and went down a short hallway.

He took the few moments that Nell was done to think over the story he’d been told, the exhaustion in the nurse’s voice as she told it. Was he really the first one to learn? It gave him a weird feeling right in his chest.

When Nell returned, she offered a small, damp towel… that had the “Snatcher” smile on it

“... How many of these do you have?” He almost laughed again, and they just answered with an amused smile and grabbed their own coffee cup.

MJ cleaned his face, seeing a candy-red color coming off on the purple towel. “Hm..”

“What?”

“Well uh, the color looks like the magic strings I was able to summon”

Nell Blinked “... Well uh, bring that up with Tim when he’s back in town. That’s a little out of my wheelhouse”

“Noted”

The two fell into silence, sipping their warm drinks and giving them some time to unwind

“Will you need a ride home?” they asked him, putting their mug down.

He hadn’t actually thought of that.

“Oh, uh, it’s fine”

They raised an eyebrow at him

“You live 20 minutes away and Luka isn’t here to … fly you home, per se” They laid out “I’ve got a car, I’ll drive you home”

He turned a little red to the ears “Oh.. Thank you”

“No problem, Moon” They smiled back at him. “I’m going to change real quick, then we’ll leave”

And with that, they left back into the short hallway, to what Moon assumed was their bedroom.

Nell returned a few minutes later, dressed in a loose blouse and skirt that went down to their ankles, a far cry from the tank top and sweatpants that he’d seen them in before. He supposed that it was more so not wanting to go out in Pajamas than anything else. She picked up the mask, wrapping it in a handkerchief before holding it out to him

“It’s chosen you. You have to keep it”

He just nodded, and gingerly took the troublesome thing into his hands.

The two got in their truck (Nell owned a truck??) and drove into town.

MJ took in a breath as they turned onto a main street, passing The Horizon. “So uh, Nell..”

“Hm?”

“About your uh, the story you told me.. I won’t tell anyone”

“I don’t mind if you do” they answered, eyes on the road

“What, really?”

“Like I said before. Five years feels long enough”

MJ’s brow furrowed “I’m still not going to say anything.. That’s a personal story. It’s not mine to tell”

Nell glanced over at him with an unreadable expression, before moving to turn on the radio. Lo-fi started, and it seemed they were right in the middle of a Billie Eilish song.

“.. Thank you” They ended up responding as the song picked up

”I know supposedly I'm lonely now.

Know I’m supposed to be unhappy without someone.

But aren’t I someone?”

MJ didn’t say much of anything else once until they got to his apartment building

“Thank you, Nell. For everything”

“Don’t mention it” They gave him a small, but sincere smile “Get some rest, hm? The bags under your eyes are aging you”

MJ just laughed “I will. Don’t be a stranger, Mx. Buonacci”

The nurse gave him a lazy salute with a soft smile, before the window rolled up, and they drove off

Exhaling, he looked down at the covered mask, wrapped in a…. Snatcher-patterned handkerchief.

He couldn’t help but laugh.

#ahit #ahit coffee shop au #coffee shop au #moonjumper #ahit moonjumper #ahit oc #nell #ahit nell #backstory #antonia writes #this was fun

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fctedivided · 1 year ago

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Send in sfw pictures to my muse’s ask/submit box, for my muse’s reaction! - @emystic sent:

Look just imagine Nell is going on a road trip with the Moralez siblings and Lucy got too excited turned and is looking back like “???” (Imagine it’s a leopard and not a cheetah lol)

To be fully honest, Nell wasn’t really worried about her being a leopard in the car, it was more that other cars and any passerby would see this.

#submission #emystic #:: the doctor-in-training. || nell. ::#:: ferraros in crisis. || main verse. ::#:: answering the stars. || answered. ::#( Lucia Moralez. )

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fctedivided · 10 months ago

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Since Joaquina kept her first impressions about Nell for herself, the doctor-in-training wasn't aware of her suspicion. As in now, she could only assume that the other was Lucy's older sibling.

"Oh, it's no problem. I'm glad to help things out and knowing that Lucy had a great time with my presence." She replied before taking a moment to look at the other's face. "Then you must be Joaquina, right?"

continued from x / @fctedivided

The young theater student was a bit jealous of their friendship, that Lucy found herself another woman (at close age to herself at that) to latch to. However, she would never openly state quite a thing, but she did want to make sure Nell was as trustworthy as Lucy seems to think; knowing such a damning family secret could put her family at risk if known by the wrong one. "Your word? I'll keep you to that then. Anyway, I forgot to thank you for house sitting the other day for me---Lucy said you two had a blast."

#emystic #:: the doctor in training. || nell. ::#:: ferraros in crisis. || main verse. ::#( Joaquina Dorotea Moralez. )

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bloody-peach · 3 years ago

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False Impressions (part 1) [Marcus x Peach x Corn FNAF fic]

[Art by @fatgumsupremacy]

TW: trauma, suspected cheating, friends with benefits relationship, traumatic events, PTSD, anxiety/panic attacks, severe depression, cursing.

A/N: HOOOO BOY WE GOT A SAD SOAP OPERA TONIGHT! Seriously, this is gonna be a real sad one, but part 2 will be more fun, I promise! I had the idea of ‘hm, since Marcus and Corn are fuck buddies, what if Peach misunderstood?’ and this was made! Now to Festen, I’m sorry if I went slightly ‘off-character’ for Corn or Marcus on this, I TRIED, BUT THA DRAMA! There's gonna be some color coding for a few bits for character identification, so sorry if that looks a bit weird. Also, Corn and Nell are gonna be used interchangeably, so if you get confused, don't worry, they're the same person.

Now, as the great Jontron once said, let’s get broken together.

~~~♡♡♡~~~

It all started at the boys’ usual smoke circle. Corn, David, and Marcus would invite their girlfriend, Peach, over to hang out while they smoked weed and chatted. Because she didn’t like the smell of the smoke, Peach wore a fully-functional plague doctor mask with her outfit. Everything was going well until Peach noticed something. The whole time, Corn and Marcus seemed to be acting pretty close and friendlier to each other, making perverted jokes. Peach then noticed that David was starting to look pissed off.

“Dave? You ok?” Peach asked. Dave let out a sigh, turned to the masked woman, and said, “Yeah, I’ll be fine, babe. Just annoyed at those two. They always flirt with each other and it pisses me off.” ‘Huh? They’re flirting? Why?' Peach wondered. “Are they a thing?” “They might as well be,” Dave said before taking a drag from the shared blunt.

Soon enough, Marcus and Corn started to get more touchy with each other and that was when David sat the blunt in the ash tray, stood up, and said, “Come on, babe. Let’s leave 'em be.” Peach was confused, but followed him outside.

Peach and David were walking along the sidewalk when Peach asked, “Do..they do that often?” “Pff, every time we hang out, there’s always a chance of them flirting and going at it.” “Going at it..?” “I mean fucking. They got this thing going on between them, they fuck when they feel like it. I swear to God, they can’t keep their hands off each other when they get into it.” He didn’t even notice Peach freezing in her place as he kept walking and talking.

Peach felt her blood run cold and felt weird. So many thoughts were running in her head at a million miles per hour, at that moment. ‘What? They’re having sex? Does that mean they like each other? I thought they were just friends. The flirting and touching says otherwise. If they're just friends, how come they do that? I mean, if they told me beforehand, I would’ve understood and be fine with it, but why didn’t they tell me about it? Why did I have to find that out from David? Why are they keeping it a secret from me? Is it because there’s something more between them? If they like each other, does that mean they're not happy with our relationship anymore? Are they not happy.......with me.....? Does that mean they’re happier with each other than with me? Why are they leaving me behind? Do they...hate me....? What did I do wrong...? Oh God, it's happening again, isn't it..? No.....no....please....’

“Peach?” That broke Peach’s train of thought and she came back to reality, noticing that David walked back to her, lifting her mask, his face showing worry. “You alright?” “Y-Yeah. Just...a lot to process.” He put the mask back on her face and said, “I gotcha. It took me a while to process it too. But I guess you get used to it.”

Peach then thought, 'Hold up, are they just pulling a prank on me? It is April 1st today, so this must be a huge prank. David probably just took me outside so Marcus and Nell could set up the prank. Yeah, that has to be it.' Peach felt a sense of relief flow through her when she thought that.

After a while, they came back to the apartment and David sat on the couch, turning on the TV. “Here. Let’s just wait til they come out.” Peach nodded, took her mask off, and sat next to him, hugging his arm and leaning her head on his shoulder. After an hour, Marcus and Corn were still not coming out. Did they leave?

Then Peach heard a distant thump on the wall.

“Oh good, commercial. I need to use the bathroom,” Peach said while standing up. “Alright,” David said. Peach walked down the hallway, and passed the bathroom door. She didn’t actually need to use it, she had to investigate the noise. She then heard a creaking noise coming from the bedroom.

She felt something deep in the pit of her stomach that started to creep up her chest and up her throat. She started hearing the familiar grunts of Marcus and muffled moans of Corn, and that’s when that deep feeling dropped down to her stomach.

In her head, she was going, ‘No, no, no, no, no, no, no. Not again, not again, not again...”

Memories of hiding in that bedroom closet and hearing his voice flashed through her head. The words they shared that shattered her heart repeated in her ears. She didn’t want to go closer, she wanted to just turn back and be blissfully unaware of what was happening.

But she had to know.

As she crept closer, she was finally at the crack of the door and she peered in and....

And.....

They weren’t setting up a prank. They weren’t doing anything close to that.

They were having sex.

Peach just slowly backed away, turned around and walked back to the living room. David could tell something was wrong by the way Peach was standing and trembling. He immediately stood up and went to Peach, saying, “Hey..babe...what’s wrong..?” Peach held her emotions back and said with a slight choke in her voice, “Nothing. I’m fine. I should go see how Sun’s doing. He’s due for a calibration anyways.” “Are you sure?” “Y-Yeah. If anything’s wrong, I’ll call, ok?” David knew something was up, but knew it was a bad time to confront her about it, so he went, “Okay. But just know I'm here for you, ok?” Peach nodded, grabbed her mask, and left.

Once Peach left the complex and was out of range, she turned on her communicator and contacted Sun.

[Peach: Hey Sun?

Sun: Oh hi, sunshine! What’s up? Are you coming over?

Peach: Y-Yeah, I...I...*sniffle*

Sun: Sunshine? Oh no, you’re crying! What happened?! What’s wrong?!

Peach: I..I’ll tell you when I get there, ok...?

Sun: ..Ok..Should I let the other guys know?

Peach: NO! DON’T BRING THEM THERE!!

Sun: Oh my gosh, I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I won’t tell them! Please forgive me!

Peach: No, no. I’m sorry for exploding at you. It’s just that...this is about them...

Sun: Oh no...what happened?

Peach: I’m almost at the plex, so once I’m there, I’ll tell you.

Sun: Alright...]

After the call, Sun was pacing back and forth in his room, panicking over what could've happened. Was there a fight? Was someone hurt? Did they break up? Did something else happen? All those questions flooded his circuits until he heard the secret entry door open and shut.

Not long after, he saw Peach with her head looking at the floor. "Peach! What happened? Are you okay? Are you hurt? Is anyone hurt? Why were you--?" He was cut off by Peach hugging him tightly, gripping to the back of his shirt. The force caused him to fall to his knees as Peach clung to him, sniffling and soon letting out pained sobs in his chest. Sun's anxiety was now changed to heartbreak. "Sunflower..."

After a minute, he switched to comfort mode and held her close, petting her head and saying softly, "Shhh, it's alright, I'm here, dearest. I'm here." Once Peach's sobs started to soften, he had her look up at him and asked, "What's made you so sad..?" "M..Marcus..a..N..Nell..t..the...they.." Peach could only say through gasps for air.

Then the memories of that moment and her past came back and she started to hyperventilate. Sun knew what to do when Peach had a panic attack: he carried her to his room, wrapped a blanket around the both of them, and cuddled her close to him.

"Shh shh, deep breaths, Peach. Slow down. You're safe. Just breathe." Peach started to slowly calm her breathing and was able to breathe normally. "There, there, sunflower. I'm not going anywhere. Do you think you can tell me what happened now?" Peach knew he wouldn't understand, so she silently shook her head. "Do you think you could tell Moon about it?" Peach thought about it, and she eventually nodded. "Alright."

With that, he flipped the light switch and let Moon take over. It was a good thing Peach was able to make the transition between the two a much less painful one, since Sun would usually have a strict lights-on rule because of it. Once the transition was complete, Moon brought his hand to Peach's cheek and wiped some tears away with his thumb, saying, "Now now, starlight. No tears." He then raised her head to look at him and said, "We'll take care of this. Tell me everything." And with a shaky, tear-filled voice, she did.

-some time later-

Things seemed to have changed with the four lovers.

While Peach treated David like normal, she stopped talking to Marcus and Corn altogether and started to give them the cold shoulder. When they asked her why directly, she'd just stay silent and ignore them. All three of the men were confused. Why was she acting like this?

It all came to a head when Corn, David, and Peach left to go to work together. When Peach was avoiding Corn as they were entering the plex, Corn finally grabbed her hand and said, "Hey, what's the big idea? You've been avoiding Marcus and I for a week. What gives?" Peach just tried to yank her arm away, but Corn had a firm grip on her. She kept pulling until she finally yelled, "STOP TOYING WITH ME!! YOU HAVE MARCUS, WHAT DO YOU NEED ME FOR?!"

That left Corn and David stunned, enough for Corn to loosen his grip and for Peach to yank her arm away and run into the plex, leaving the two boys standing there. They had never seen Peach explode like that before and...were those tears in her eyes? Corn just stared at the hand that held Peach's and said, "W..what did she mean by that..?"

Things weren't much better at the daycare.

Peach had been using the secret entrance to Sun's room and stayed there except when she was called for something, avoiding Corn altogether. Corn noticed Sun being pretty much absent from the daycare too. It was the end of that same day when Sun finally came out and saw Corn.

Sun immediately got angry and marched straight to Corn, pointing at Corn's face while yelling, "NAUGHTY! RULE-BREAKER! YOU PROMISED YOU WOULDN'T MAKE PEACH CRY!" "Whoa, Sunz. What'd I do? Wait...Peach is crying?" "Yes! She's been staying in my room for a week! She rarely comes out to play with the kids anymore! The happy, sweet Peach I know and love is gone and it's ALL YOUR FAULT!!" "What the hell are you talking about?" Sun froze and had a realization. "Wait....you really don't know?" "Girl hasn't been talking to me or Marcus. And today she blew up in my face. What's her deal?"

'I think I should be the one to tell him, Sun. You seem to be too wired with rage for this.' Moon's voice rang in Sun's head. 'BUT HE MADE PEACH CRY!!' 'I know that, I'm angry about it too, but Corn needs answers. Just let me talk to him.' Sun nodded to himself and went to the light switch. Once the lights were out and Moon was released, he walked up to Corn, his eyes glowing red and his face full of anger. Corn felt fear flood his body and wished Sun was back. "How dare you."

This snapped Corn out of his fear bubble. "Wha?" "How dare you hurt Peach by going behind her back and fooling around with Marcus. She trusted the both of you and that's how you repay her? Do you even KNOW what she's been through?" "Hey, it isn't like that at all! And I already know about her dad and how he--!" "This is NOT about her father!" Moon almost yelled.

"W-what? Then who..?" Corn was still confused. Moon sighed and sat on the edge of the ball pit, where Corn joined him. "Many years ago, Peach had met someone who had saved her from her abusive home. They were dating for a few years and she lived with him. She trusted him and looked at him like he was her everything. But then one day, when she was organizing their room, she heard him on his way there and hid in the closet to surprise him. Little did she know that he brought a woman home and was heavily making out with her while they were undressing. They had sex and Peach was forced to watch and hear as her boyfriend said nasty things about her, like how she was just a 'crying little bitch' and that he 'never loved her, he just wanted to fuck her that whole time'. Poor girl broke after that."

Corn just sat there, shocked at the story. Moon turned to Corn and said, "So, what do you think she felt when she caught you and Marcus going at it?" Corn looked at him and asked, "S..She saw us..?" Moon nodded and answered his own question, saying, "She feels like neither of you want her. That you guys were lying to her this whole time. That you never loved her from the beginning. That you despise her." "It's not like that, it was never like that, I promise! Him and I are just friends that fool around from time to time! We love her more than anything!" "Oh? And do you think she'd get that message if you kept that kind of friendship a secret from her?" Corn was about to counter that question, but stopped when he realized something: Moon was right.

Sure, he didn't feel comfortable sharing that he and Marcus were fuck buddies to people, it was a private matter between them and David. But with Peach being their girlfriend now, what Peach went through all those years ago, and them keeping this a secret from her, what else was she supposed to think when she caught them?

As Corn's face flowed with tears, he wanted to just go up to Sun's room, hold Peach tight, and tell her that it wasn't like that, that he loved her, and that he was sorry. But...would it even matter at this point? Had she made up her mind that what she thought was fact? Was it too late to fix everything?

He removed his glasses and wiped the tears blinding his vision away with his arm. Moon saw Corn crying, and sighed, recognizing the guilt Corn was feeling. "You may not have meant it that way, but she can't understand that unless you tell her. You shouldn't keep secrets like that from your partner." Corn nodded in agreement. "You're right...I..." He couldn't finish his sentence without more tears coming out. "Next time you all are together, you tell her the truth. I can't control what happens after that, but at least the truth will have been said." Corn nodded again and then after a bit of silence, he asked, "...can I see her..?" Moon thought about it and finally said, "I'll tell you what. You can tag along while I check on her. You stay in a spot where you can see her, but she can't see you. Okay?" "Okay."

The two took the secret entryway and Corn immediately hid, finding the perfect spot. Moon went in the small room and said, "Hey starlight. How are you feeling?" When Corn saw Peach through the porthole, he was about ready to cry again.

Peach was laying on her side on a pile of pillows covered with a blanket, her knees close to her chest and her hands resting close to her face, which was stained with dried white trails from her tears and her eyes were red and puffy, clearly from crying. Her eyes showed an emptiness, revealing a broken soul, like she lost everything and nothing mattered anymore. Her voice reflected that, a soft, tired, monotone voice. "I'm here, I guess..I heard footsteps out there..is someone here with you..?"

Corn thought he was caught, until Moon said, "Vanessa came by and asked about you. She's worried and wanted to know how you were doing." "Oh..ok. Tell her I'm still breathing." Moon wiped a stray tear away from Peach's face, saying, "You've been crying a lot. You need to stay hydrated, or else you'll get sick. Here." He brought out a juice box and sat it by Peach. "Drink this. And try to get some rest, you didn't sleep much last night. Take one of these, they'll help you sleep." He pulled out a few moondrop candies from his pocket and sat them by the juice box. "I'll be back later to check on you, ok? I love you." Peach slowly nodded, saying, "Ok...Love you too..." After leaving a kiss on her forehead and pulling her blanket up to cover her up more, he left.

He was able to sneak Corn out without suspicion and once they were back in the daycare, Moon said to Corn, "Now you know." Corn's face was now flowing with even more tears. Moon patted Corn's back to help comfort him.

-a few days later-

Her boss had soon found out about Peach's condition and how it had gotten to the point of semi-catatonia. They gave her a few days off and let her recover at home.

Marcus was with Corn when they heard about it. Marcus was wondering what the hell could've caused this, and that's when Corn came clean. He told him everything Moon said, how Peach caught them, how she felt about it, all of it. On the outside, you'd think he took it well. But on the inside, you'd know that was total bullshit. Marcus got up and headed out, making Corn ask, "Where are you going?" "She's at home, right? I'm going to check on her."

Once he got to her door, Marcus knocked and said, "Hey..it's me. I...came to see how you're doing." After a minute of silence, there was some rustling and then he heard a voice.

"Hold on."

That was Peach's voice, but it sounded so empty. Marcus felt his depression seeping in as he heard the rattling of her sliding lock. Once the door opened, Marcus was shocked to see that Peach was paler than usual, the corners of her eyes were dry from tear stains, and her eyes showed that..there was nothing there. It had the look that said no one was home and Peach was just running on auto-pilot.

A small smile grew on her face as she saw him, saying in a monotone voice, "Hey." Marcus could feel his heart starting to break the more he looked at her. He gulped, clenched his fists, and said calmly, "Peach...Corn told me what happened. Him and I know everything. Why didn't you--?" "I know what you're gonna say."

Marcus stopped at her words and let her continue. "I...want to tell you that I'm sorry for interfering between you two. It was stupid of me to think I could be with either of you. But it's okay. I'll leave you both alone. I'll be with David, and you'll be with Nell. That's the way it should be." Marcus felt his heart break the more she spoke. "Peach..." "Don't worry. I'll be okay. It'll be hard because I still love you both, but I just have to deal with that. I'll let you get back with Nell now. Thank you for everything, Marcus. Goodbye."

It was then that time had stopped for Marcus. What? What is she talking about? She's never said goodbye to anyone in her life. She'd always say something like 'see ya' or 'I'll see you later' or something like that. Why would she say 'goodbye'? That's when it hit him:

She was breaking up with both him and Corn.

Time went back in motion as he busted the door open, went inside, and hugged Peach tightly, both falling back to where Peach was sitting on the floor and Marcus was on his knees. Peach started to slowly 'wake up' as she asked, "M-Marcus..?" "I'M SORRY!"

This surprised Peach as she listened to him continue, "What you saw...did happen. But there's nothing like that between Corn and I, I swear! We don't feel anything like that towards each other! But what were you supposed to think? We kept it from you for so long. Why the hell didn't I just tell you from the start? It's my fault I let it get this far! It's my fault you're like this!" Peach could feel tears building up in her eyes again when she felt Marcus starting to tremble. "Peach..we....I can't see my life without you in it anymore...that's how much you mean to me...that's how much I love you...so please....don't leave me...don't leave..please..." His voice was full of tears by the tail end of his speech and he started to cry as he hugged Peach tighter. Peach felt her shoulder growing wet, meaning he was crying.

This finally broke her. "Marcus..." was all Peach could say before she clung to Marcus as she cried and cried, him silently crying along with her. "I'm sorry....I'm sorry..." Peach whimpered out. Marcus pulled back and looked her in the eyes, his flowing with tears. "Hey..it's okay..I'm sorry too...what your ex did..you didn't deserve it..you never did. Peach, I'd never do that to you, ever..." That made more tears well up in her eyes and she hugged him tightly as they continued to hug each other and cry. Meanwhile, a sniffling Corn and a slightly teary David stood outside the doorframe, watching the scene.

#fnaf #fnaf oc #oc x oc x oc #drama fic

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bittybattybunny · 3 years ago

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Love Sick Annoyance .:part 1:.

A bit of a collab of sort Au with @doodleimprovement based on joking around and a convo we had that I asked to properly fic!

prince Arulius is convinced he’s dying and poor Nell is the victim of his laments over his affliction

Word count: 1075

Part 1 of ???

The first incident left him shaking, his body was shuddering and he could feel a cold sweat. He excused himself from his lessons and walked himself into the village and down the streets. He sighed seeing the window frame open and leaned carefully over the flower box as he saw the town apothecary.

“Nell, I do think I am most certainly dying!” He declared rather loudly.

The apothecary gave a weighted sigh as they turned to the young prince as he chewed on the hem of his sleeve. Nell shifted the mortar in their hands and moved to the window.

“Arulius, you will crush my peonies. Move.” She chuckled some as the prince whined.

He moved careful to show he wasn’t harming the flowers, “Nell please, I do say I am dying. I-I I can’t think straight, my vision is doubled, I’m feverish and my heart feels it wants to burst from my chest! A-And I can---”

He flinched when she poked between his eyes.

“Arulius, Calm down.” She sighed, “you’re working yourself into a panic. Again.”

He scowled some and slicked his hair back, “I-I’m not! I’m just dying.”

“You aren’t dying, you’re being dramatic. If you were dying you’d not be able to walk to my house, judging by the time you should be the guard captain correct?”

His face took a rosy tone as he leaned on his hand, covering his mouth ashamed, “I-I was training but. T-they had me spar with the newcomers and… I started dying.”

“Did you now. Off the flower box. If you are going to have a fit, at least come sit down.” Nell shook her head a bit as they headed back towards their worktable, “I need to finish grinding these ninniles so I can make medication for your mother, will you take it when you are done throwing a fit.”

“I am NOT throwing a f-fit!” he retorted as he shifted and carefully crawled through the window the annoyance of the doctor.

“Door. Use. my. Door. Arulius. Are you a prince or a thief?” Nell shook their head, brown hair shifting with the movement, “Honestly, child.”

“I was already there and the window is short enough I can get in. your flowers are safe.” he frowned as he moved to sit at the table, hand to his chest, “I am dying, Nell. how do I cease?”

“Oh you’ll cease if you die.” they placed a hand on the young man’s forehead, “You aren’t terribly warm, a bit flushed but you seem embarrassed, now start from the top, how did you start dying?”

“Well… It was when I went to spar with the guards….” He began.

------

“Alright, my prince, you’ll be training with us. We have a few new faces today.” Captain Matthews chuckled as they walked towards the field, “the consort of the Lady of Horizon is here for a few months with his daughter.”

“Horizon? Really? That backwards country?” The prince raised a brow with a huff, “The consort though? Not the lady herself?”

“Yes, well their country operates on a separate set of rules than ours, they do not run it with a monarchy, instead the strongest warrior heads the clans, should someone wish to challenge the rule they may fight, and it’s only via fighting do they gain power.” the guard captain explained, “The consort himself is a strong warrior, He bested me i admit, and his daughter is nothing to scoff at.”

“I can only imagine.” Arulius grimaced. He couldn’t imagine what a brutal type of person she could be. He picture one of the more muscular knights but with a bright pink ribbon and snickered to himself. The guard captain paused at the fence surrounding the training area and smirked.

“How many losses is that?” he called to the knight on the ground.

Arulius stared in confused at the victor of the fight who seemed rather small compared to the knights. Long black hair was braided around her head like a crown, with baby’s breath flowers woven in like stars in the night sky. He blinked as she looked over at him and the guard with a big grin, a little lopsided as her jagged teeth stuck out.

“I have bested your knight here 6 times out our 8 matches!” she exclaimed in a chipper tone, a giggle laced into her words, “I dare say I think that means I win over all, unless he’d like to fight for 5 more matches in an attempt to best me?” she looked at the man on the grin with a malicious smirk.

“Captain Matthews is--” Arulius started but was cut off.

“Instead of the knights, why don’t you spar with Arulius here?” the guard captain laughed and gestured to the young man.

Arulius felt his ears growing warm as she focused her gaze on him. He gulped as his mouth ran dry as she walked over, her large blue and black eyes staring through him.

“He looks weak.” she stated and he felt himself pale.

“I-I am not weak!” his voice cracked as he defeated himself, “I-I am proficient with a sword!”

“Hrm. I will be the judge of that.” she moved towards the knight she’d been fighting and took his sword. She flung it at the prince, the blade lodging itself in the dirt in front of the fence.

He gulped as he climbed over and picked it up. He took a deep breath as he walked to meet her and stood apart from her, “shall--” he couldn’t finish before the sword was to his nose and he was on the ground. His golden eyes were open wide as he looked up at her.

“C-Cheat!” he snapped.

“There’s no cheating in life and death.” she rolled her eyes as she held a hand to him. He took it and she flung him into the dirt where he bit his tongue and groaned. She laughed some as she spun on her heels, the sun shining behind her as she grinned at the fallen prince. The way her teeth stuck out, her bright blue and black eyes, her jet black hair. As he looked at her, he felt his heart pounded.

------

“And so something she did when I fell must have triggered death.” he sighed and rested his chin on the table.

Nell stared at him with a scowl, brows knit together, “Prince Arulius. You are not dying. You have a crush.”

#fan fiction #ahit au #ahit prince #ahit fan character #Nell #doodleimprovment #writing #Eclipse Guardian #Prince Arulius #idk how many parts this will be but hope you get a laugh from this dumbass

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nurseeden · 3 months ago

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The Very Best Nursing Schools in America: Top Programs for Aspiring Nurses

**Title: The Best Nursing Schools⁤ in America: Top Programs ‌for⁢ Aspiring Nurses**

**Introduction:**

Nursing is a highly respected and in-demand profession that offers a rewarding career helping others. Choosing ⁣the ⁤right nursing school is‌ crucial for aspiring nurses to receive‌ the best education and⁢ training. In this article, we’ll explore some of⁤ the ‍best nursing‍ schools in America, their top ⁣programs, and what makes them stand out ‌in the⁢ field‌ of nursing education.

**Top ‌Nursing Schools⁢ in America:**

1.‍ **Johns Hopkins ⁢University:** ⁢Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns ‍Hopkins University’s School of Nursing is renowned for its innovative programs and cutting-edge⁣ research. The school‌ offers‌ a wide range of‌ nursing programs, including Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and ⁢Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

2. **University of⁤ Pennsylvania:**⁣ The University of Pennsylvania’s ⁤School of Nursing ⁤is one of the oldest and most prestigious nursing schools in the ⁣country. The school is known‌ for its strong emphasis ⁣on research and evidence-based practice, as well as its commitment to diversity ⁣and inclusion in nursing education.

3. **Duke University:**‌ Duke University School of ⁣Nursing, located in ‌Durham, North Carolina, ⁢is a ‌top-ranked nursing school‍ that offers a ⁤variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.⁤ The school is known for its focus on leadership development and interprofessional education, preparing students to excel in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

4. ⁢**University of Washington:** The University of Washington School of Nursing,‍ located in Seattle, is known for its ⁢strong commitment to community health and social justice. The⁣ school ‍offers a range of degree programs, including a BSN, MSN, and PhD, as well⁣ as unique⁢ opportunities for hands-on clinical experience in diverse⁣ healthcare settings.

5.⁤ **Emory ⁤University:** Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff‌ School of Nursing, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is⁤ recognized for its strong academic ⁢programs and commitment ‍to excellence in nursing education.⁣ The school offers state-of-the-art simulation‌ labs, clinical placements in top healthcare facilities, and a supportive‌ community ‍of faculty and students.

**Benefits of‌ Attending‌ a Top Nursing School:**

-⁤ Access to cutting-edge research ⁣and⁢ healthcare facilities – Opportunities for hands-on clinical ⁣experience in diverse ⁢settings - Networking opportunities with ⁢industry experts and healthcare professionals – Strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and leadership⁣ development -‌ Greater⁢ job ‍prospects and earning potential after graduation

**Practical Tips for‍ Choosing the Right ‌Nursing School:**

1.⁢ Consider the program’s accreditation and ⁤reputation ⁤in⁢ the nursing ‍field. 2. Evaluate the curriculum, faculty expertise, and resources available at the school. 3. Research the⁣ school’s clinical partnerships and opportunities ‌for hands-on learning. 4. Take into account‌ factors such as ⁤location, cost, and student support⁣ services. 5. Visit the campus, attend information sessions, and speak with current students⁣ and faculty to gauge the school’s culture and ‍fit for your educational goals.

**Conclusion:**

Choosing the best nursing school is a critical step⁢ towards a successful nursing‌ career. ⁢By attending a top-ranked nursing program,⁢ aspiring nurses can gain the knowledge, skills, and ‍experience needed to excel in the ⁢dynamic healthcare industry. Whether you’re ⁤interested in research, leadership, community health,⁤ or specialized nursing practice, there are many reputable schools in America that offer outstanding nursing⁢ programs to suit your⁢ career aspirations.

**Remember, ⁤success in nursing begins with a solid education from a‌ respected institution. Consider ‍these top nursing ⁢schools ⁣in America as you‌ embark on your journey to ⁣become a skilled and compassionate nurse.**

youtube

https://nursingcertificationcourses.com/the-very-best-nursing-schools-in-america-top-programs-for-aspiring-nurses/

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chasseurdeloup-retired · 4 years ago

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Winding Path Ahead || Bea and Kaden

TIMING: Sometime before Nell’s party LOCATION: Kaden’s car en route out of town PARTIES: @beatrice-blaze and @chasseurdeloup SUMMARY: Bea invites Kaden on a road trip and in the car, things get a little heavier than anticipated for a distracting day out. CONTENT WARNINGS: Ableism (specifically in relation to therapy and mental health), suicidal ideation If you are at all sensitive to these topics, please skip and message for a TLDR;

How long had it been since Bea saw Kaden? The last time they had really been around each other she had cried because of a gun and then he brought her a milkshake. It had been a random invitation, one she didn’t think he would take, but he surprised her and now they were going to be in a car together for at least six hours today. They were far from White Crest when she finally broke the small talk. “I killed the Hunter.” Maybe not the best thing to say when he was driving, but the words had been bubbling her throat for too long now. “I’m making his femur a knife.”

Kaden was desperate for just about any distraction as of late. Spending that time with a friend? He practically jumped at the chance. Six hours in the car seemed like nothing. Sitting around and thinking about his crap, Regan’s training, Nadia’s situation, a minute thinking about it could feel like an hour. So he’d go help Bea with whatever she needed if it got him out of the house and out of his head. It had been too long since he spent time with her anyway. Surly she’d have plenty to say about the thoughts rolling around his mind recently. If he decided to share them. For now it had been easy conversation sprinkled with moments of peaceful silence, easy company. Until she dropped a bomb out of nowhere. “You what?” he said, startled out of his thoughts. It took him a second to process. The hunter? What hunter? He looked at her, saw the scar on her neck. Right. That hunter. His stomach churned remembering. It was easy to forget sometimes. Other times, the image of her head, severed and floating flashed in front of his eyes. It just happened. “That-- I’m sorry what?” His femur. A knife. His femur into a knife. “You kept his--” The fact that he’d nearly killed Bea unsettled him a lot more just then. That could have been him. In a way. Not that he’d-- He pinched his eyes shut just for a flash, trying to push the thought away, keep his focus on the road ahead. “Right. Good for you.” He didn’t really approve but he couldn’t really argue against the pain she’d faced, the pain Montgomery had caused. Didn’t seem like it was worth a fight or worth his disapproval. And didn’t he plan to take a fang from the werewolf who killed his parents whenever that day came? Who the fuck was he to criticize. “So it’s done, then.”

That nervous laugh that Bea thought she had kicked flooded out of her. Maybe that was too much of an overshare, but she had barely been social in the last few months and at this point, she couldn’t remember how to do it. “I want to keep a piece of him as a trophy. Like he did to me.” The words tasted stale. She had been saying that for months now but wasn’t the truth of it that she just wanted to have proof it happened. She wanted to hold onto that knife and remember that it was real, that she did it. She wasn’t sure any monster she faced in the future would be so great, but if any came close, she could wield that knife and remember the strength she could produce. She could remember reclaiming herself, she could remember who she had been in the shade of that shed. “It’s done. He’s gone and no one will ever miss him.” It’s done. She knew it, felt it in her chest where it warmed her like her fire once had, but it didn’t always feel real. Just like she didn’t always feel real. She toed at her shoe, felt the rubber tip bounce back at her, wondering if Kaden would care if she kicked them off to tuck her feet under her butt. “Felix left for New York. I don’t know when he’ll be back…” Trailing off, she looked out the window, fingers pressed to the window watching her warmth bring fog to the edges. “So, how are you?”

You could be better than him, is what Kaden wanted to say. Instead he nodded and kept his eyes on the road, let her have her moment, as much as it made him want to squirm a little in his seat. She’d killed a hunter. Kept his bones as a trophy. Her words sounded hollow. Not with the same emptiness that Regan’s had sometimes, not with hopelessness. It was something else he heard there. Doubt? Maybe? It was hard to say for sure when he had to place some of his concentration on driving. He had to remind himself that if she were talking about a wolf, undead, or fae, he would hardly blink. And he’d seen that room. He knew how disgusting Montgomery was. It didn’t make him any less human, any less like him. Bile crept up his throat as he compared his own powers to his. As much as he wanted to deny it, it was there. They shared something. Hell, they’d worked together. He hated that, too. He gripped the wheel a little tighter, letting his knuckles turn white before letting up. He’d done it for Bea. And when all was said and done, the pricolici that they took down was a job well done. It wasn’t a hunt he regretted participating in for a second, company aside. “Good.” He didn’t love what it meant for her. But he did like knowing it was done. It was. It had to be. Maybe this could let her move forward. After everything, she deserved that.

Then his heart sank for her. “He left?” Kaden asked. Dumb question. He didn’t need her to repeat it but it was hard to process. Just left? Just like that? She deserved more than that, too. “I’m sorry. He--” The words hung in the air a while. As did her next question. How was he? Laughter crept up and started to spill out of him before he could even get the answer out. “Shit,” he said eventually through the stupid, depressing laughter. “I feel like shit.” The laughter kept coming. It wasn’t funny. But it was better to laugh than cry. Not to mention he didn’t even know where to start explaining. Or if he even wanted to.

As bloody the job had been, Bea hadn’t regretted it. It wasn’t something she had ever imagined herself doing, but it was deserved. It had softened something in her, her jaw didn’t always hurt from clenching her teeth, her shoulders weren’t constantly tensed. Perhaps it would never fully go away, but she would savor this for now. “His family needed him in New York,” She told him, playing with her hair as she contemplated their empty apartment. Moving back into the house had been odd, it had been a haven for her sisters after her death. It felt wrong originally to tell them she was coming back. She had to remind herself it was her house. “We’re still together, just long distance. We’re open and everything so it’s not like we’re depriving ourselves of anything.” Still, she missed him already. There was too much space in her bed now, but she knew he was only a train ride away. She watched her friend closely as he laughed, it was bad if he was laughing. “What’s been going on?” Sometimes all someone needed was to be listened to. She was sure that Kaden would need something more than that, but it couldn’t hurt to get it off his chest.

“Alright. But I’m still-- It sucks. To be... So I’m sorry.” Kaden’s thumbs brushed against the steering wheel as the silence settled in again, the echoes of his stupid laughter died down again. God, he wasn’t sure if he could explain all of this while driving. He had to hold himself together. He couldn’t fall apart. He couldn’t afford to. Not that he could afford to before. “I don’t even know where to start, Bea,” he said, voice small. “I-- Alain lost a leg. To a bugbear. And it was my fault. And I nearly got Abel killed. Fucking would have if I didn’t--” Once he began, the words kept falling out of his mouth. He couldn’t stop them, there was no control left, no holding back the floodgates now. “And Regan, she’s--” Fuck, where did he even begin there. “She’s doing intensive banshee training. Torture. She’s torturing herself trying to cut out her emo-- She quit her fucking job. Her. Regan. Quit her fucking job. Regan. The woman who-- I’ve seen her twice in the past month and a half. Just twice. And--” His chest grew tighter, clutching his words in its grips. “She’s not-- I think I’m losing her. Fuck, she’s losing hers--” The road ahead of him started to blur and he held tighter onto the wheel, willing the tears away, pushing his own emotions away. “Sorry. I-- I can’t. I--” He swallowed back the tightness with a deep inhale, centered himself. Focused on the lines on the road in front of him. “Guess it’s clear why I wanted the distraction now, huh? Not that I don’t enjoy your company.” The smile he offered her was half hearted but it was the best he could manage.

The silence that stretched between them after Kaden finished was going to suffocate Bea. That was a lot and she didn’t know how to lightly tell him that he was taking on way too many people’s trauma. He needed to take a vacation and leave this town and all its craziness behind for a minute. Maybe she shouldn’t have asked him how he was when he was driving, this seemed unsafe. She tapped on her knee, struggling to find what he needed to hear. She decided to not tell him something that would make him feel better. “I think you need to see a therapist, Kaden,” She grimaced as she realized how harsh it sounded once it was out. “You’re holding all of that in and I don’t think just talking about it with a friend will help. You need real coping mechanisms that are cleared by a doctor.” God, she didn’t even really trust doctors, but he needed a professional and she certainly wasn’t one. She pressed her lips, “And before you say you can’t because you can’t explain the whole supernatural thing, just make something up that’s human enough to work. We’re in a weird town, they’re heard a lot of shit I’m sure.” Flexing and relaxing her fists a few times, she shrugged. “I know that’s probably not what you wanted to hear, but I think you should consider it.”

Her words felt like a slap in the face. “You’re right. It’s not,” he told her. Kaden had considered keeping his thoughts to himself earlier and now he wished he had. “I don’t need a fucking therapist,” he spat back, eyes facing straight ahead at the road in front of them. Sure, he felt like he could fall apart at any moment but he wasn’t broken, some crazy person who needed help. Even if he did “need” to see a therapist, which he was fucking sure wasn’t true, he wasn’t going to go see one. “No shrink is going to tell me what to do or how to fucking cope.” Like they could even begin to understand. All his issues were with the supernatural, all because it fucking existed. And he was supposed to talk to someone but not about that? Bullshit. “Make up something human? Like fucking what? I’m pretty sure I’m not getting around the fact my girlfriend is torturing herself and that I’m sitting the fuck back and letting it happen. And that’s the easy one to explain. What the fuck would be the point if I have to censor myself? How is that going to help?” Silence hung in the air once more and his grip on the wheel tightened again. “I’m not going to put myself in a situation where I could risk my job or worse by seeming fucking mentally unfit, Bea. I’m not losing that, too.” And just like that the list of people he could open up to shrunk down once more. He’d have to hold everything a little closer to his chest, pull it all in tighter that’s all. Not like he wasn’t used to it. He did that for years. It was stupid to think things might have changed. “Sorry. I’ll just, I’ll keep my shit to myself from now on. What else did you want to talk about?”

This certainly wasn’t the first time Kaden had yelled at her or reacted negatively to something Bea had said, but it stung no less. Her lips pressed together and for a moment she wanted to snap back at him, wanted to make him hurt like he had just hurt her. She shook her head, looking ahead of them, breathing slowly through her nose as she focused on the horizon. “Quite frankly, if you don’t want to go that’s fine, but you don’t have to get angry at me for trying to help you. I’m trying to be a good friend and you are not reacting like a good one right now. Does yelling at me make you feel better?” She didn’t say it maliciously, but she certainly didn’t want him to think she was going to tolerate the behavior anymore. She huffed out of her nose, “That’s unfair and you know it.” She turned to look at him, “Why do you like talking to me about this? I'm really asking, that’s not a trick question.” Maybe she could make him see that he could talk to people about this who were qualified to help. She couldn’t give him advice right now, not when she was finding her own footing with coping. “Also, I’m pretty sure unless your therapist is hired by the department they can’t say anything.”

“I’m not yelling at you,” Kaden retorted, his voice still sharp, though not raised. “But fine, maybe I’m a shitty friend then. You asked me what was going on and I told you.” And then she called him crazy. He knew it was a lot. It was why he tried not to let on half the time. And here he was, kicking himself for letting any of it slip out. “So there it fucking is. That’s what’s going on.” Some of it at least. There was more he hadn’t even said. Lucky her. Not shocked that she couldn’t handle it. “I don’t like talking about any of it with anyone.” Not like he really got the option to either way. He ground his teeth back and forth against one another. He had a feeling he was a fucking burden to deal with, someone that people just put up with and dealt with, but it didn’t make the confirmation sting any less. “Well great. Doesn’t matter because I don’t have a therapist and I’m not getting one,” he reiterated. Maybe it was sheer stubbornness at this point but he fucking hated the implications either way. That he was damaged or crazy or some shit like that. He was fine. He could handle this. And he planned to continue doing so, even if that was by him-fucking-self.

He was talking like her mom. Bea knew that sharp tone from the way her mother reacted when things didn’t go her way. For a moment she felt small, chastised, but she was not going to shrink back like she once would have. She wasn’t that girl anymore and her mother’s tone, Kaden’s tone wasn’t going to make her back down. Could she be friends with him right now? When she needed to heal so badly herself? He wasn’t a bad person, or even a bad friend most of the time, but she wasn’t sure they were healthy for one another anymore. Maybe one day they could be again, but this wasn’t healthy, this wasn’t fair to either one of them. All they seemed to do was break down in front of each other. When was the last time they had enjoyed each other’s presence, not because they needed emotional support but just to hang out? She couldn’t remember and she knew she was part of that problem. “I don’t appreciate the cussing, Kaden,” She told him, firmly. “You can say you aren’t angry, but you certainly aren’t happy with me and your tone is hurtful. I standby what I said, even though you seem to think the idea is so offensive.” She pulled out her phone, ready to use it to shut down the conversation, “I won’t bring it up again.” She set off to text Felix and ignore Kaden.

“Well of course not, you just called me crazy.” Kaden’s words left his mouth before he had a chance to think about them. But he wasn’t wrong, was he? That’s who got sent to therapy. People who talked about werewolves and vampires openly, who got caught and couldn’t write it off or explain what they saw. That’s what his parents always warned him about. She had to know that, right? Was White Crest really that different from everywhere else? He stole a glance over at her and noticed she was just on her phone, not engaging. Great. So he fucked something else up, too. Add it to the list. “I can just turn around if you want,” he said, his voice much smaller now. He kept his jaw clenched tight after, to hold any stupid emotions back that were threatening to escape. He just wanted a distraction, a decently normal day with his friend. Fuck, was she even his friend? He swallowed back the lump growing in his throat. Didn’t matter. He came to this town alone. He should have known that he was going to leave it like that, too. “And since when do you hate cursing again?”

Bea’s mouth dried, the anger she had held slipped away, replaced with the never ending, bone numbing exhaustion that she had thought she had left behind. This happened often when she tried to help people, didn’t it? Her words were taken the wrong way and she ruined relationships. It had happened with her sisters. “I didn’t say you were crazy,” She whispered back. Her fingers were cold and she nearly shivered, she was still not used to being cold. She didn’t think she ever would be. Looking out the window, she wondered if the mood of this trip would be so great to affect the weather. It certainly felt strong enough to conjure a storm. “I’m so scared for you, Kaden.” The words slipped from her, brittle and unrefined. “You’re like Nell, where you take all of this trauma from other people and you store it in your chest. And you never, never talk about it until it’s like it’s cracking your ribs apart and forcing itself out.” Her fingers curled into fists, nails biting into her palms. “One day, I feel like it’ll be too much for you and when it comes to fighting whatever is after you, you’ll be too tired to. You’ll close your eyes and tell yourself that this is better, this is easier. And it will feel easier, because life is so much harder than death.” She stared at the ceiling of the car, remembering the numbness she felt when she came back. She knew she hoped that no one would ever feel that way. “And I am still too broken to help you. I can’t help you pick up your pieces, not when I’m still so shattered that I’m cutting myself on the ragged edges of who I was. I know what it feels like to drown in the problems surrounding you. I know that every decision you face right now feels like it could ruin everything around you. And I don’t want you to feel the way I feel, Kaden. I want you to get help. I want some smarter and stronger than me to be able to help you. That’s why I said you should go to therapy. Not because you’re crazy, but because I think you can still heal from this.”

Kaden braced himself for more anger or indifference. He was ready for either. He wasn’t sure if he deserved either but some part of him knew it was warranted either way. What he got from her instead was… different. He didn’t know if it was worse, better, he couldn’t decide because it caught him off guard. Her voice was soft, but he heard every syllable. And he listened, rapt attention, finding it harder and harder to stay focused on the road. The words took a while to settle in, to mean something. She was scared for him. Scared that he’d… He couldn’t quite like that process, too afraid to acknowledge what she really meant in his own mind, like it might give the thoughts some traction to hold onto. His family always implied therapy was dangerous, something to avoid, something that would destroy you. It was hard to think of it as anything else. But he couldn’t deny what she was saying, the sentiment behind her words. Agree or disagree on what therapy was or what it meant, she cared. And wanted to help him. And he wasn’t quite sure how much of what she said was about him and not her. The road felt never ending ahead of him, like it could swallow him whole. He couldn’t think and drive right now, not about this. He felt like he’d sink. Or drive them off the road. He put on the turn signal and pulled over onto the shoulder. For a while he sat in silence, staring ahead as cars rushed past them, shaking the car as they did. “Okay,” he finally said after a long while. “I don’t know if-- I’m not sure if I want to go to-- I...” He could hardly get out the words. He felt broken. Not just for him, for her, too. “I’m sorry that I-- I’m sorry.” He finally turned to meet her eyes. “I didn’t mean to drop all of this and I don’t need you to solve anything I just…” He ground his teeth against themselves, forcing his lip to keep from quavering at all. “I’ll consider it. But only if--” He paused, almost afraid to suggest it. “Only if, uh, if you do, too.” Please. His eyes practically begged her to consider it, too. If she felt the same and she thought he needed this, why the hell should he be the only one going? And he couldn’t lose her. Not again.

As he pulled off to the side, Bea felt the walls of the car get smaller and smaller. These conversations had only been something she had started to have in the past year. Mental health and her mother didn’t mix well, not when Nisa thought that everything could be cure with some magic and determination. She picked at the hem of her shirt sleeve, there was a few pieces of lint that could keep her hands busy. She didn’t want to go to therapy, she had tried it a few times and it had made her uncomfortable. Pouring her problems on to a stranger made her antsy and she had hated the way she was looked at, with practiced empathy and understanding. Still, she nodded. If it could get Kaden into therapy, she’d do it. She didn’t have to dive too deeply into these therapy sessions, she could just talk about surface-level issues. “I’m open to going again,” She said softly. “It’s important to go, I think.” And she thought it was, at least for Kaden, but she had tried it. She would do it again, for him and maybe to ease some anxiety her sisters had, but she wasn’t sure it would work for her. Not when therapists always looked at her like they understood everything when they couldn’t even begin to understand what had happened to her. She knew that Kaden might think the same, but she didn’t dare tell him why she had stopped, not when it could influence how he felt about it all in the end. “Hopefully, it helps.”

Every time he asked something from someone, Kaden was reminded why he had kept his life so closed up in the past, why he didn’t open the door to these sorts of moments. That uncertain feeling where rejection was just a breath away was something he fucking hated. Choosing to be alone and discarded hurt a hell of a lot less than even the possibility of someone else choosing it for him. Half of him was damn near convinced she’d still ask him to turn the car around and head home. “Again?” he asked quietly. Oh. So she had… Huh. It never occurred to him that she had-- He bit the inside of his mouth. Great. No wonder she was treating him like a fucking asshole. He was. Fucking great. “Okay. Hopefully it helps,” he repeated. He took a deep inhale in before he even thought about starting up the car again. “Ready for that nice, easy, distracting day we had planned to start now?”

“I went for a bit at the beginning of the year. I was trying to figure out how to deal with being controlling with my sisters,” Bea admitted. Not that it had helped with that, other things forced her to stop being controlling. Her dying was probably the reason that she had a good relationship with the girls again. She smiled a bit, “Yeah, today starts now. This all was yesterday. We should get coffee to start the day off.”

#writing #wickedswriting #chatzy #bea #beatriceblaze #abelism tw #suicide ideation tw #suicidal ideation tw #winding path ahead

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