#Epileptic! Reader

[luimagines]

One Breath at a Time

Another commission!

They asked for a Reader who had just had a seizer be comforted by Time. I tried my best to be as accurate as I could.

Masterlist

Content under the cut!

“Easy, easy-”

The voice you heard as you came back to consciousness was a bit frantic. It was male, soft-spoken but no doubt panicked. There was a weight on your shoulders that kept you from sitting up. The voice spoke again. You could have sworn you recognized it. “Don’t… Don’t move. Take it slow. That’s it…” 

You coughed and tried to open your eyes. Your mouth was dry and all of your limbs felt heavy.

Time leaned over you, keeping a firm grip on your shoulders. When he saw that your eyes had opened, his face relaxed a bit and leaned back. “Thank the goddess, that was… That was something.”

“What was?” You croaked and tried to sit up again. This time instead of stopping you, he helped pull you up and moved something behind your back. You groaned loudly. You couldn’t hold yourself up and leaned back again. You leaned against the pillow Time had moved for you with a soft breath. You were dizzy.

“I don’t know…” Time leaned back as well, watching you intently. “You tell me.”

Despite the dizziness in your head, you moved your head to get a good look around. You were still where the camp was but it was just you and Time. You were on the ground, away from the fire, while everyone else was either asleep or gone.

Your eyebrows furrowed as you looked around you. You don’t remember moving or how to go into this position. The last thing you remembered was that you were with the group. Dinner had ended and everyone was getting ready to go to bed. You offered to stay up with Time for the first watch despite the headache you had, and now you’re here. “Why am I on the ground?”

“You fell.”

“Where’s-”

“Getting help,” Time answered your question before you could finish it. “You collapsed on us and jerked and shook- I had never seen anything like it.”

You groan again, but this time it had nothing to do with the ache in your bones. “I know what happened.”

Time put his hand on your knee, running his thumb absentmindedly over the joint as he waited for an explanation. You tried not to move too much. The dizziness hadn’t fully gone away yet and you were beginning to feel nauseous. You closed your eyes and leaned even more on the pillow Time had placed for you.

You looked at him some more and could see the unrestrained concern in his gaze.

You offered him a brave smile. It felt completely out of place with the way your body felt like nothing but a sack of bricks. Everything hurt and you felt sick to your stomach. “I have a condition.”

You’ve never seen a grown man pale so fast.

You pat his hand and take a deep breath. How were you going to explain this to someone who’s openly admitted to never seeing it before? He likely didn’t know what it was if he hadn’t recognized the symptoms.  “It’s when something goes wrong in my brain. The signals that make my body move go haywire. The lack of a stable connection makes me lose control. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

Your mouth is so dry. Your tongue clicks as you try to detach it from the roof of your mouth. You’re still thirsty. 

“No, no…” Time is quick to console you. He noticed the way you’ve been trying to wet your lips and your mouth. Swiveling on his hips, he begins to search through a random pack. He takes out the water canteen and opens it. “It all happened so quickly. Not one of us was prepared for it. Twilight and Wild took Epona and took off like a shot to the nearest village for a medic. Hyrule, Legend, and Warrior went to get supplies or fairies, whichever came first.”

He leaned forward and pressed the canteen carefully against your lips. You appreciated the assist and let your lips part to let the water in. You took small sips, letting one solid gulp merely sit in your mouth to moisturize the inside of it. You swallowed.

Time nodded and pulled the canteen away. “How are you feeling right now?”

“Like I was spun around in a thousand circles,” You groaned and tilted your head back. The water wasn’t as cold as you wanted it to be, but you were if you would have been able to stomach it. “And I’m exhausted.”

Time reached out, putting his hand on the top of your head. Gently, he ran his palm over your hair. He carded his fingers through your locks, being mindful of the knots that you had garnered during your episode. “Does this happen often?”

“Often enough,” You grumbled. “I’ll be alright… I just need a moment to gather myself again.”

“Are you sure?” Time asked, scooting a little closer. He looked frightened. You don’t blame him. 

You nodded.

Biting his lip, Time moved over, laying down next to you. He put his arm around you, continuing to run his hand through your hair. With all the strength that you had left, you rolled over. He gathered you into his arms, letting your head rest on his chest. Time began to massage your scalp, humming softly as you fought to keep your eyes open.

“Link?” You found the strength to say. “I should have said something-”

“Shh…” Time said in reply. “You’re alright. You’re alright now. It’s over. There’s nothing to worry about now.”

With a grunt, you allow yourself to be soothed by the man as he cradles your body close. “Will the others be back soon?”

“Yes,” He says. “They didn’t go far.”

“Will you stay?” You asked. You turned your cheek into his chest and took a deep breath. He smelt nice, strangely. Like pine and clean smoke.

“I won’t leave anytime soon,” Time says softly, running his other hand over your back. “I’m staying right here. I promise.”

[anotherspnfanfic]

Surprise Visits

Pairing: Eddie Diaz x reader

Word count: 2400

Warnings: seizure, epileptic reader, possible inaccuracies

Summary: Eddie shows up unexpectedly. Reader is glad he did for more than one reason.

A/N: This is only my second time writing for Eddie and last time it was a co-write. I did a whole bunch of research and had some proof reading from the lovely @thatonewriter15 and @muchamusedaboutnothing. Hopefully this is a somewhat accurate representation... 🤞🏻

Trudging up the stairs towards her apartment, she cursed the elevators for being broken. All she wanted to do was collapse into her bed and sleep for two days. Unfortunately, that was impossible since it was only Wednesday and she had an important meeting first thing in the morning.

Passing the third floor, she considered if she was going to eat before she went to bed. She was starving, but cooking seemed like too much effort and time. Then she considered having something delivered but guessed that would take even longer than cooking. She decided to just eat a spoonful of peanut butter so that she wasn’t battling hunger while trying to fall asleep.

Finally reaching the fifth floor, she exited the stairwell and took the four steps to her door. It was a small victory for climbing the stairs— at least she didn’t have further to go once she got to her floor.

She unlocked the door and pushed it open. Immediately, she dumped her purse, jacket, and laptop case on the floor beside the door before pulling her shoes off one at a time to drop in the pile.

Rounding the corner into the living room, she gasped. Her favorite scented candle was lit on the coffee table next to several containers of Chinese take-out. Eddie stood from the couch as she approached.

“What are you doing here?” she asked as she let herself fall into his embrace.

He pecked a kiss to her temple as he pulled back to look at her. “You sounded a little overwhelmed when you called earlier. So I had Buck take Christopher for the night, and I brought you dinner.”

Tears welled in her eyes as she was overcome with emotions. “I love you. You are the best. I was about to eat some peanut butter because I’m too exhausted to cook or wait for delivery.”

“And let me guess, you’ve barely eaten anything all day?” he chastised.

She shrugged. “I had a bagel for breakfast.”

He pulled her over to sit on the couch. “I’m glad I came then.”

“I’m really glad you did.” She grabbed a fortune cookie while he started to open the other containers. “Are you staying all night?”

He nodded. “I’m all yours. Buck is taking Christopher to the zoo tomorrow.” He dumped some rice on the plates he’d gotten out of the kitchen. “Chicken, beef, or shrimp?”

“Some of each, please.” She set the fortune cookie back down as she stood. ”I’m gonna go change out of these work clothes. I’ll be right back.”

Before Eddie could even finish dishing up the food, she returned in sweats and a shirt she’d stolen from him.

As she sat back down, she picked up and opened the fortune cookie. She pulled out the piece of paper. “‘Life will soon become interesting,’” she read. “I think it’s already plenty interesting.”

Eddie chuckled. “Yeah, where’s the one that says we get a vacation soon?”

He finished adding everything to their plates as she flipped on the television and started an episode of How I Met Your Mother.

They ate in a comfortable silence and had finished before the twenty-minute episode had ended. He set the mostly-empty plates on the table, and she shifted to curl in against his side while he wrapped his arm snugly around her shoulder.

As the credits rolled, he asked, “Bed or another episode?”

She yawned. “One more. I’m probably going to fall asleep, but I’m comfy.”

He pressed a kiss to her forehead as the TV rolled over into a new episode on its own. “As you wish, mi amor.”

She had just started to doze off when, suddenly, she was overcome with a familiar, distinct, full-body tingling sensation along with intense nausea. She quickly shifted to leaning forward on the edge of her seat. “Oh, no. No, no, no.”

Eddie reached out and placed a tentative hand between her shoulder blades. “What’s wrong?”

She stood and moved over to the empty dining room, which she kept devoid of a table and other furniture precisely for this reason. “Seizure,” she stated as calmly as she could before lying down in the middle of the floor.

“Oh, uh, okay.” Eddie was surprised, but quickly stood. He grabbed a blanket from the recliner and moved to sit beside her. He knew about her epilepsy and the medications she took for it. However, in the eighteen months they’d been dating, she’d never had a seizure. He lifted her head to slide the folded blanket underneath.

She let out a quiet whimper before her eyelids fluttered closed.

“Okay. You’re okay. I got you.” He pulled out his phone, opened the timer, and set it on the floor. He continued to whisper soft reassurances to her and started the timer as soon as she started to seize.

Despite his training and having treated patients with seizures at work, he couldn’t help but notice the way his hands shook as he carefully kept her rolled on her side. “You’re okay,” he repeated, more to reassure himself than anything. He continued to repeat it several more times as he waited for her to stop.

He felt his anxiety spike again as he watched the timer hit four minutes. He thought about what time it was, trying to figure out which shift was manning the 118 currently. He knew if she hit five minutes, he would have to call 9-1-1. As the timer rolled past four and a half minutes, her movements finally began to slow. He breathed a sigh of relief and pushed some hair out of her face as she stilled. Next, he used the corner of the blanket to wipe the saliva that had dribbled out.

For his own peace of mind, he checked her pulse, satisfied that it was steady and only slightly tachy. Next, he counted her breaths, ensuring her breathing was also back to normal. Then he sat there, running his fingers gently through her hair, and waited for her to wake.

Finally, after several minutes of anxiously waiting, she groaned.

“Hey, sweetheart. You with me?”

Slowly, she cracked her eyes open and looked around for several moments before finally landing on his face. She was clearly confused and still disoriented.

“You’re okay. You just had a seizure,” he explained. “Do you remember feeling it coming on?”

She thought for a minute before finally nodding. Groaning again, she rolled onto her back and threw an arm over her face. “Trash,” she slurred.

Eddie shifted away to grab the trash can sitting in the corner and move it beside her. “Do you want to sit up?”

“Not yet.” She lied there, trying to regain her bearings.

He took her hand in his and ran his thumb softly over her knuckles. “Anything I can do?”

“Mmmm, make the jackhammer in my head stop? And the nausea, too.” She rolled back onto her side before starting to push herself into a sitting position and pulling the trash can between her knees. “This blows.”

Leaning forward, he placed a chaste kiss on her temple. “I know. I’m sorry. Do you want something for the headache?”

“Not yet. I don’t want to puke it right back up.”

She didn’t know how long she sat there, taking slow, deep breaths in an attempt to clear the nausea. All the while, Eddie rubbed soothing circles across her back. The soreness was already starting to settle in all her muscles. Eventually, she pushed away the trash can and leaned into him.

“Ya know, this isn’t the kind of interesting I was hoping for. Stupid fortune cookie,” she grumbled.

“Me either. You think you’re ready to move?” he asked as he wrapped his arms around her gently.

“Yeah.” She nodded. He stood, and she reached a hand out for him. “Help me up?”

Instead of pulling her up, he bent down and slid one arm under her knees and the other around her back and easily lifted her. He walked slowly towards her bedroom, cautious of making the nausea worse, then set her gently on the bed. “What do you need?”

“Uh, I will take that Tylenol now. Plus, water and some Advil for in the morning, and the trash can by the bed,” she listed, then, with a pout, added, “Please?”

“Okay, I’ll be right back.”

She laid back into her pillows as she waited for him to return. Next thing she knew, she was peeling her eyes open to find Eddie beside her, rubbing a hand across her head.

“Here, take these and then you can go to sleep.” He handed her the pills and then opened a bottle of water before offering that as well.

Once she’d swallowed them, she took a few deep breaths to clear the flare of nausea. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” He pressed another kiss to her hairline.

“As much as seizures suck, it’s really nice having you here to help. I’ve just slept on the floor in there so many times because I just didn’t have the energy to move.”

“I’m glad I was here. I hate that you’ve had to go through that alone.”

“I hate that I have to go through it at all.” She sighed. “And I just broke my longest streak. At least I didn’t try to take a chunk out of my tongue.”

“Ouch.”

She nodded. “Yeah, one time, I had to get stitches from biting it so bad.”

He cringed. “That sounds awful.”

“Mmhmm,” she hummed, eyes fluttering closed. “Work is really going to suck tomorrow.”

“No, it won’t.” Eddie argued. ”You’re taking the rest of the week off.”

“I can’t!’ she declared, opening her eyes and leaning forward. “I have too many things to get done and a meeting first thing that we’ve been working toward for three weeks.”

“You just had a seizure,” he pointed out the obvious. “For the first time in, what, two years? And a long one at that. You were about twenty seconds away from a trip to the hospital. You don’t think your stress levels had something to do with this?” His tone was one of frustration, but she could tell he was just worried.

She sighed, knowing he was right. “Maybe.”

Eddie climbed into the other side of the bed and settled nearly in the middle. “So take the long weekend. Just relax and get some rest. Doctor’s orders.”

Shifting to curl into his side, she giggled. “You’re not a doctor.”

He huffed. “Medic’s orders. Is that better? Or I can call a doctor.”

“Don’t you dare.”

Rolling impossibly closer to her, he pressed one more kiss to her forehead. “Good night, mi amor.”

When she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was her alarm clock. She was surprised to find it was nearly ten already. Slowly, she shifted onto her back and turned her head to look at the other side of the bed. She found Eddie sitting on the bed, scrolling through his phone.

“Good morning,” he greeted as he noticed she was awake. “How’re you feeling?”

“I’m okay. Just a bit sore. Which is pretty much what I expected.” She took Eddie’s hand in hers. “And maybe a little grateful that I got to sleep in and I don’t have to get up and go to work.”

He lifted her hand to kiss her knuckles. “You needed it.”

“Oh, shit!” she panicked. “I didn’t call. I missed the meeting. I’m gonna get fired!”

Eddie shushed her. “I called. Just breathe. It’s okay. I called earlier and talked to your boss. He knows you’ll be out today and tomorrow and told me to tell you to take Monday also, if you need to.”

She took a deep breath and let herself relax. “Okay. Thank you.”

“Of course. How about some breakfast?”

“Mmm. Yes, please.”

Eddie let go of her hand and got up off the bed. “Stay there. I’ll be right back.”

He disappeared out of the room, and she could hear him moving around her kitchen. A few minutes later, he returned with a plate and set it on the bed in front of her.

She looked up at him, surprised. “Since when do you make omelettes?”

“Uhh, well, never?” He laughed. “I may have called in reinforcements. Bobby dropped it off earlier. I just reheated it according to his very direct instructions.”

“Eddie! I could have just had some cereal or something. You didn’t need to make him drive over here so early on his day off.” She reached over to grab her phone off the nightstand.

“I figured you could use real food. I was going to order delivery, but Bobby offered.”

“Why would he have offered?” She opened Bobby’s contact to send him a thank you text. “Oh. You told him about last night.”

“I couldn’t fall asleep. Then they were all texting in the group thread. So when they asked why I was still up, I told them. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have without asking you first.”

“No, it’s fine. It’s not like my epilepsy is a secret. They’re your—our— friends. I’m sure I would have told them anyway.”

He nodded. “Okay. Eat and then you can go back to sleep for a bit. If you want.”

She cut a piece off the omelette and ate it. As she chewed, she spoke, “Bobby says we’re invited over there for dinner if I’m feeling up to it. I told him we would let them know a little later today.”

“Sounds like a good plan to me.”

She took another bite of her food. “Aren’t you going to eat?”

Shaking his head, he explained, “I ate earlier.”

“Oh, right.” She glanced at the clock. “I forgot it was so late already.”

“Anything else I can get for you?”

She contemplated for a moment. “Umm, maybe a glass of apple juice?”

He disappeared from the room with a simple nod.

Soon after he returned, she finished her omelette and he took the plate into the kitchen.

“Did you want to go back to sleep?” he asked.

“How about a shower and then a movie on the couch?” she countered, throwing off the blankets she was still tucked under. As she stood, dizziness flared, causing her to sway slightly before sitting back down.

Eddie was in front of her instantly, steadying her. “How about a bath instead?”

“Sounds perfect.”

[estellan0vella]

Fists of Fury Older Brother Sukuna AU HFBU

The parlour buzzes with its usual hum of music and low chatter. You sit in the main area, sketching out a new tattoo design while Yuji and Megumi play nearby. The boys' laughter and playful banter bring a lighthearted energy to the room, their joy infectious. Sukuna, Toji, Geto, and Gojo are out back, taking a smoke break, and you can hear their muffled voices through the closed door.

Everything seems perfectly normal until you feel a familiar, dreaded sensation creeping up on you. Your vision blurs and your muscles start to twitch involuntarily. You've had seizures before, and you recognize the signs immediately. Panic flares in your chest, but before you can react, the seizure hits full force.

You collapse onto the floor, your body convulsing violently. Yuji and Megumi's eyes widen in fear as they rush to your side. Yuji tries to stay calm. "Megumi, we need to get her on her side!" he says, his small hands trembling as he tries to position you safely.

Megumi, just as scared but determined, nods and helps Yuji. They manage to get you onto your side, ensuring your airway is clear. The boys have seen this before; they know what to do. But before they can fully secure you, a client approaches, panic written all over his face.

"She needs something in her mouth so she doesn't bite her tongue!" the man insists, pulling out a pen from his pocket. Yuji and Megumi shout in unison, "No! Don't!"

Megumi, driven by a fierce protectiveness, lunges at the man, his small fists striking out. "Get away from her!" he shouts, his punches landing with surprising force for a four-year-old. The client, startled and defensive, pushes Megumi aside, and in the struggle, the pen lid slips into your mouth.

Yuji's scream pierces the air. "You're going to kill Y/N/N!" His scream alerts the men outside, and within moments, Sukuna, Toji, Geto, and Gojo burst into the room, their expressions a mix of anger and fear.

Sukuna's eyes darken with rage as he takes in the scene. "What the hell is going on?" he demands, his voice a dangerous growl.

"She has something in her mouth!" Yuji cries, tears streaming down his face.

Gojo kneels beside you, trying to carefully pry your mouth open without causing more harm. Toji and Geto assist, holding you steady while Sukuna, his hands steady despite his panic, uses his fingers to fish out the pen lid. It's a tense, delicate operation, but they manage to retrieve it.

"Get her medication," Sukuna orders, his voice tight with urgency. Gojo grabs the midazolam solution from your bag, placing it against the sides of your gums and cheek to ensure it absorbs quickly into your bloodstream.

Once the medication is administered, they gently roll you onto your side to prevent any chance of you choking on the blood from the cuts in your mouth. Sukuna's hand strokes your hair, his touch tender despite his earlier fury.

Slowly, you begin to come around, your body still weak but the seizure finally abating. Your vision clears, and you see the concerned faces of your loved ones hovering above you. Sukuna's eyes soften as he sees you're coming back to them. "Hey, babe," he murmurs, brushing a stray lock of hair from your face. "You scared us there."

Gojo examines the cuts on and in your mouth, making sure they're not too severe. "You've got some impressive battle wounds," he jokes, trying to lighten the mood.

As you fully regain awareness, you hear Sukuna, Gojo, and the others starting to tease Megumi. "Fists of fury, huh?" Sukuna chuckles, ruffling Megumi's hair. "You really showed that guy."

Megumi blushes but manages a small, proud smile. "I had to protect Y/N/N."

Toji grins, pulling his son into a hug. "You did good, kid. You did real good."

Geto laughs, clapping Megumi on the back. "Remind me not to get on your bad side, Megs."

Even through the pain and exhaustion, you can't help but smile at their banter. The love and camaraderie in the room are palpable, and despite the scare, you're grateful for these moments of levity and the fierce protectiveness of your unconventional family.

PSA: If a person is ever having a seizure, NEVER put anything in their mouth. It could cause their teeth to shatter or they could choke. It does more harm then good

taglist- - @sad-darksoul @thejujvtsupost @kyo-kyo1 @kalulakunundrum @ryomku

[genderfluid-insomniac]

“Little Seizures” Six Eared Macaque x reader x Sun Wukong & MK

Note: I don't know what to put as an intro but this is based on my experiences with epilepsy as I've had it for a year and a half. Seizures are fucking annoying and I don't see much epilepsy content in fanfiction so I did it myself. Enjoy!

P.S. This may not be accurate to your unique experiences because I based it off of general epileptics.

You had gone with MK to Flower Fruit Mountain for his training and you volunteered to keep an eye on him to make sure he didn’t mentally drain himself. Maybe there was another reason that you had but it totally wasn’t about your friend’s two mentors were in the process of courting you and how all the citizens of the mountain were adorable fluffy monkeys. Speaking of which a few of them were sitting on your back and picking through your hair for bugs to which they’d unfortunately for them find none of. But some others were sitting around you eating the fruit you’d given them. “Guys I hate to tell you but you won’t find anything but you’re more than happy to have a mango, peach, or banana.”

“Lotus, don’t you want to feed me a piece of fruit?” You must have jumped at least 3 feet in the air as some of your companions cried out at your reaction and the new demon by your side. Groaning you playfully hit his arm and rolled your eyes as Macaque laughed at your amusing reaction. Some monkeys chirped and moved over to him, climbing his black fur and settling in on his head for grooming. You looked at your friend who was still training with both his mentors and back at the shadow demon who was now smirking at you. “Shouldn’t you be fighting MK and Wukong without using a shadow clone?”

“Yeah but eating sweet fruit and spending time with you is much better.” Taking a bite of a banana and glancing at you with a raised brow, growing concerned at the lack of response from you and how you swayed. You guessed at least. All you could see or feel was the room growing darker and everything feeling like the ground beneath you was shaking (and not from the huge battle going on just a few yards away). Bits of conversation could be heard as all of your senses faded in and out, one dark fuzzy outline holding you surrounded by little white ones and two tanish ginger figures running over to you.

“What’s….to….?” Your body grew tired and all of a sudden you wanted to sleep, tiny hands poked your cheek in alarm and worriedly cried out to someone. “Name!……me-“ “They just…..passed out….. shaking-“ “Macaque…. keep….. still….. King get…..much water….” There wasn’t anything you could hear after that, only having the feeling of falling asleep like any other night. Your entire body felt like lead and gravity was ten times stronger, barely able to open your eyes and speak anything except for a single word. “Fuck.”

Hearing was one of your first senses to come back and touch wasn’t far behind, feeling a warm body supporting your back as you rested against them. “Ha. Glad to see you’re awake! You have all of us a scare!” Sun Wukong was the person holding you. Not that you could see him but his voice was enough of a hint. “The kid was worried sick pacing around and muttering about how he should’ve noticed. I’m guessing this is something to do with the thing MK said about having pepsi or something?” You weakly laughed and tried to sit up, only to be gentle pushed back down.

“Easy, peaches. From what I could see and what Mac heard, it sounds like your body short circuited. MK! They’re awake bud!” No doubt your friend hadn’t strayed far from you given his already anxious worry about you and your disorder but he cared and you were thankful for it. “Epilepsy.” He looked down at your comment. “Hm?” You went to clarify, sti fatigued from your body’s strange method of expending your built up energy. “It’s called Epilepsy. It basically like my brain overloads from time to time which causes me to do that.”

An anxious loud voice called your name and your turned your head to see MK, looking up at Wukong and hearing his whisper. “I’m glad your okay. Nearly thought Id lost you.” His vibrant tail circled your wrist comforting, and looking back over to his successor. “NAME!” The wind was knocked out of you by MK tackle hugging you and spewing apologies with teary eyes. You loved him dearly but he apologized for things out of his control and his heart is too kind for the world sometimes. “MK, I need to breathe. I’m okay! You’ve seen me have one of my seizures, I probably just got overly stressed or dehydrated.”

“Let’s give them some space, bud.” Macaque came into your view with a clay cup of what you could guess to be water and used his tail to lift the young adult off you. Handing the water to you and visibly relaxing once he surveyed your appearance. “Happy you’re okay, kid. Sorry if my scare caused this-“ The demon sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck and averted your gaze before coming looking back at you. “If I’d known this would happen I never would have jumped you.” You grabbed his hand and smiled, softly chuckling. “I forgive you Mac. It was probably a result of my medication change and thank you for getting me water- Hey guys…”

A bunch of small monkeys crept up behind you all and approached you, climbing on your lap and tugging your shift to grab your attention. “I’m alright. Thank you for your concern!” It was all adorable, watching the ones who were close to you with a bit more boldness quietly make noises at you. Not that you could hear what they were saying but you could tell they were also worried. Both celestial primates make some calls at the young ones who answered back and went back to their day, all except for one. Who ran over to your bag and pulled out a fruit, offering it to you. “Thanks buddy. I need to energy.”

[skylarsblue]

I have recently discovered a small problem with posts that have dividers, the ones where a color seems to scroll across like a light? If a post with one of those gets turned into the temporary banner for a tag, it just…strobes. It’s a strobing light. And even if you scroll up, it stays there.

I don’t have epilepsy or anything, but I do get headaches with strobing light pretty easily. And I…cannot read this tag.

I’m not trying to complain or be rude, I don’t wanna make anyone with those dividers feel bad or anything. They look pretty on the post! It’s just, a bit upsetting. And I’m sure it’s worse for someone with epilepsy.

If you’re wondering, as of posting this (Aug 30th; 23:00) the tag is Thomas Hewitt x reader.

So uh, be cautious of that.

[smolkiwi98]

Can't Explain

masterlist

WARNING!! Mentions of epilepsy, angst, crying, being alone, some fluff, not proofread, I think that's it.

I would like to add that I myself have epilepsy. Every now and then I'll have some depressive episodes where my thoughts take over and I let the weight of the epilepsy take over. Anyone else out there that feels the same, please know that you are not alone...even it feels like it <3

_________________________________________

'Here we go again'  You thought to yourself. You could feel your emotions starting to take over, the feeling of a breakdown starting to rise and there is no stopping this one. You were standing in your kitchen when this feeling started to occur, it was nothing new…it happens randomly. You peeked into the living room and saw that Steve was distracted by the T.V. which meant it would be easy for you to sneak away. Of course Steve knew about your condition. He had to know, especially if you two were going to date and eventually move in together. 

This condition you have is epilepsy. Diagnosed in second grade and was put on medication. When you were younger you didn't fully understand it, but you did know you were different and something was wrong. Seizures occurred in class, which meant so many people would witness it, and not to mention sometimes wetting your pants during one. The older you got the more you learned about it and understood it. The medicine you were on would have side effects, Seizures seemed a little more scary…especially since you go Seizure free and then boom! It happens out of nowhere. You didn't want to tell Steve, but you knew you had to and it would be better and safer for you.

With a shaky breath you tried to calm yourself enough to excuse yourself not wanting Steve to witness your little break down, "Hey, uh…I gotta go to the bathroom real quick. My stomach is getting all crampy." You said walking through the living room to go upstairs "Do you need anything?" Steve asked, looking at you worried. You responded with a shake of your head and headed up the stairs. Once the door was closed that's when everything hit you. 

Walking to the end of your bed and sitting on the floor the tears started to fall. Your body began to shiver as you cried 'I'm a burden…' your thoughts stated 'I'll never be okay…" you squeezed your eyes shut and covered your mouth not wanting Steve to hear you 'Steve will leave.'  That one thought got you and made a new wave of tears fall 'I can't explain this feeling to anyone. No one would fully understand this feeling.'  You repeated those sentences to yourself. No one would understand this feeling. The feeling of being alone. Yes, you have friends…but no matter what you felt alone. 

Curling into yourself you laid down on the floor, hugging your legs to your chest. Not caring if anyone heard you, you just let it all out. It felt like your sobs were echoing loudly through the room. Not long after finally breaking and letting it out you heard frantic knocks on the door "Baby? Baby, are you okay?" Steve was speaking quickly, he was beyond worried at this point. You didn't say anything, you just shook your head even though you knew Steve couldn't see it. Without another word Steve was opening the door and rushing to your side "Hey…" he said softly. He didn't want to move you, so he just pushed your hair away from your face. Your eyes were still squeezed shut, cheeks red from the sweating, "Baby loom at me. Please." He needed to see your eyes. If you got too worked up it was possible to go into a seizure, but somehow Steve was able to tell if you were gone. If you were going to have one. 

You slowly opened your eyes and looked up at him "Hey, Pretty." He whispered while placing a hand on your cheek. He was looking at you with concentration, studying your face. Once he knew you were okay he slowly sat you up and pulled you into his chest hugging you tightly. The comfort made you start crying a little harder. The feeling of someone being there for you was great, but it didn't help the thoughts, "What's wrong?" He asked softly. Your sniffles were loud as you tried to take deep breaths "I-I'm a bu-burdan." You whimpered, Steve furrowed his eyebrows and looked down at you "What? Y/N, you're not a burden." He said reassuringly "What makes you think you are?" He asks. You pulled away from his chest and looked up at his face, and seeing yours broke his heart. Steve stroked your cheek silently encouraging you to talk. 

After talking to Steve and telling him that you go through this, you could tell something in him changed. You wiped your face "I…I can't explain it. I can't explain it to where you'd understand." You mumbled. Steve nibbled on his lip, he knew you were right but he wasn't going to let that stop him, "When you start to feel this way, please tell me." He said "I need to know you're going to be okay. It's fine to break down every once in awhile and I know the side effects of your meds will cause some of these emotions." Him saying that shocked you a little. Now you were the one furrowing their eyebrows "You know the side effect" you asked. Steve chuckled softly and nodded "Yeah! I wanted to know exactly what they did and I wanted to know the side effects…so I can try to help you as best as I can." He confessed while placing his forehead on yours "No matter what, I'm going to love you and take care of you. It's okay that you can't explain. Just feel it, get it out, and I'll always be by your side." He whispered before placing a small kiss to your nose. 

That little break down and talking made you feel somewhat better. You still felt a little numb from the thoughts, but Steve was right there with you. He knew you weren't fully over your emotions in this situation, but he was willing to do anything he could to help. 

All you knew in this moment was…as the end of the day you had someone to be there to pick you up. You couldn't explain everything for him to understand, but knowing someone was there for you, knowing someone was aware of these feelings…brought a little bit of comfort. 

[jules-hoard-of-stuff]

PSA for Across the Spiderverse:

Do NOT see the new Spiderverse movie if you have any form of epileptic condition or conditions affected by bright lights and rapidly changing colors.

I will not be spoiling the plot or anything happening in it, but it is important that people know, because ohhh my god the AMOUNT of flashing lights and rapidly changing colors from beginning to end was so rampant that even I, a non-epileptic autistic person, got a severe headache and wild overstimulation. They do not give a warning in theaters at all that this movie is NOT epileptic friendly from the literal beginning with the beginning credits - which is so, so sad!

This is a beautifully made film, it's wonderful, it's amazing, but unfortunately, it's not a good time for anyone super affected by bright flashing lights in rapid succession, especially those seizure prone.

I wanted to put this out there BECAUSE there are no theater warnings. Idk if anyone else has put it out there, but it is SUPER IMPORTANT!!!

I wish you all a lovely day and hope they eventually have a remaster that will be much more friendly to epileptic and other people affected by bright, flashing lights.

(EDIT: Changed all text to plain text for screen readers! Sorry about that, my bad!)

SECOND EDIT: please do not fight in the comments of my post please... if you guys wanna talk stuff out in DMs, that is a-okay and not my business but I directly get notifications for everyone's comments and replies- including people fighting in the comments.

I understand that some theaters have warnings in them. Mine did not, and many other peoples' did not. It seems to be a theater by theater basis, so please understand that is where I'm coming from. If you had a warning in your theater, that is wonderful! And I'm very grateful that ya'lls theaters had warnings! That is a great sign. But please under stand that mine and many others' theaters don't have warnings.

Please take any arguments off my post, it is not meant to be grounds for heated discussion, just a warning for people who are photosensitive or epileptic. Thank you.

[ellecdc]

page one - page two [seer!reader, whimsical!reader, feisty!reader, au's]

The Winner Takes it All (you don't need to compete for the boys) ☀️ ->The Loser Has To Fall (companion piece) ☀️ Swim Lessons (meet cute with swim instructor marauders) 🌈 When One Door Closes (the boys support you as you end your toxic relationship)⛅️ Sweet Tooth (you love baking for the boys, and they love you) ☀️ Overthinking (you're convinced they're mad at you) ⛅️🫧 Our little gremlin (fem!readers sense of humour) 🌈 Sirius' Arch Nemesis (fem!reader finds a kitten) 🌈🫧 -> a lap is a lap is a lap (Sirius assures fem!reader he doesn't love the cat more) The Sound of Music (muggle born gn!reader x poly!marauders) ☀️ Two Steps Forward (fem!reader struggling with mental health, hurt/comfort) ⛅️🫧 Marauders + your younger sibling headcanons It's been you? (when they find out their gf is a secret animagus) ⛅️🫧 who are you talking to? (they find out their date talks to her cat) 🌈 we've got you (the boys help gn!reader through an epileptic seizure) ⛅️🫧 we don't need to celebrate (marauders x roommate!reader who cleaned her room)☀️ quit (reader gets upset when James is injured during a match) ⚡️⛅️🫧 "she's fine" "she's crying" (the boys are called to pick up sad drunk!reader) ⛅️

popping wheelies (marauders x wheelchair user!reader blurb) ☀️ Scout's Honour (the boys find fem!reader sleeping with her stuffie)☀️ post-war panic (x fem!reader hurt/comfort) ⛅️ what it feels like to win (sirius takes autistic!reader to get her nails done)☀️ why sirius is banned from shopping for reader 🌈 World Cup Woes (james & sirius love fussing over moony + reader with POTS)☀️ it's a tie (moonchaser vs Sirius x reader prank war ends in a +pregnancy test) ⛅️ -> of showers and babies (pregnancy fic) ☀️🫧 your boyfriend's a trollop (everyone dresses up as Sirius) 🎃🌈 that scallywag (the boys pout when reader matches Barty for halloween)🎃 social media manager (NHL marauders have a crush on slytherin staff!reader)🌈 post moon peace (the boys and werewolf!reader recover from a full)☀️ the plight of Padfoot (the pack meets another werewolf) ⛅️🌈🫧 papa padfoots sacrifice (mum!reader saves their child from dad!marauders)🌈🫧 the team's baby (medic!reader interrupts practice so they can feel baby kick) ☀️ ABBA isn't music (dad!marauders x reader don't agree on music for their baby)🌈 cuddling isn't cute (reader, rem, & James <3 cuddling much to Sirius' chagrin)🌈 James' love & the adventures of padvix (fem!reader + the boys at an airBNB)❄️

[cobaltperun]

Her Wrath

Wednesday Addams x Female Reader (Request)

Masterlist

A/N: So, the request was originally Jenna x Reader with Percy instead of Xavier, but I don’t do Jenna stories, so this was the alternative. Wednesday and R are dating, and R has epilepsy, also Wednesday is rather protective over R. Xavier, as jealous as he is, pulls a “prank”, causing an epileptic seizure. Hope you enjoy @delicateenemyjellyfish

Word count: 0.8k

You were sitting in the quad, waiting for Wednesday and Enid to have a lunch together, since Enid managed to rope Wednesday into coming with her to Jericho. How she managed to do that, you had no idea, but it was honestly impressive that she did it.

It was a nice day, cool, but not cold, perfect to just spend it together with your girlfriend and one of your best friends, you relaxed, closing your eyes and leaning back and enjoying the breeze hitting your face. Wednesday was going to complain the day was too nice, and that she’d prefer rain, and sure, rainy days had their perks, but you couldn’t agree with her on everything.

All of a sudden you could swear you were being flashed with a laser right to your face, and even with your eyes closed it irritated you. You tried to cover your eyes as you slowly opened them and tried to find out who was doing it, but all you could see was the laser, going on and off, disorienting you and making it difficult to figure out who was behind it. Still, even as dizzy as you were getting you could recognize the tall, slim figure and slightly longer hair. Xavier? Why? Was he that jealous that he would try to make you have a seizure?

You tried to tell him to stop, but the words wouldn’t come out, you were to dizzy, too overwhelmed by the lights flashing in front of your eyes, and no one seemed to notice. Everything else began fading into background but you still heard the one person you never thought you’d hear raise her voice yell your name.

~X~

Wednesday swore she would never be like her parents, yet here she was, searching for a gift for your “three-month anniversary” as Enid called it. It was ridiculous in every way possible, but Wednesday wanted this with you to work, and it was working, but she wanted it to really work. And a way to make it work was to show effort, that much even she knew. So, she got you a gift, nothing too big, just the chocolate you loved, because Enid warned her not to go over the top.

She was not her parents. She would not have gone over he top.

Her and Enid, along with Thing, walked into the quad just as you dropped to the grass next to the table and Wednesday saw red. Red laser light blinking in your face, red haze overtaking her, everything was red. “Y/N!” she yelled, running toward you as fast as she could, which was fast and dropping to her knees, her death glare was the only warning Xavier got to get away, she would, after all, deal with him later. You were her priority now. She quickly took a small pillow she carried with her just in case of something like this happening and placed it under your head and untied your tie and unbuttoned your collar to make breathing easier for you as your muscles jerked.

She watched, anger burning deep inside her, and no doubt showing on her face. Xavier was going to pay for this, he was going to regret ever approaching you in the first place. She was going to make sure he knew exactly what the consequences for hurting you were. Enid placed an arm on her shoulder as she knelt next to you.

“Wednesday,” Enid tried but Wednesday just shook her head, she wasn’t in the mood to be comforted. She just wanted you to be fine and then to make Xavier pay.

Eventually, after excruciatingly long time, because every second of you suffering was a second too long and not in any way the kind of torture Wednesday found to be enjoyable, you stopped having a seizure and she turned you onto your side and took your hand, letting you know she was right there. That she wasn’t about to let you go, that she was sorry she wasn’t there to stop it in the first place.

Your eyes opened slowly, and she could see you were disoriented, but she saw some recognition in your eyes as your eyes met hers. Fast recovery was a perk of your type of outcast, and she was thankful for that.

“You’ll be okay,” she whispered, and you managed a weak nod and squeezed her hand.

Later that night she barged into Xavier’s shed and before he could even register what was going on she tazed him and pinned him on the ground. The blade in her hand shone brightly as she nicked his neck. “If you ever even look at her, let alone repeat what you did today, I will make sure there is nothing left of you to bury,” she promised him as he whimpered pathetically. She should have his head, but that would only get her expelled and potentially separated from you, and that was one more form of torture she didn’t wish to endure.

[whump-imagines]

Meeting the Firefam

Eddie x reader

~1600 words

Warnings: epileptic reader. Hopefully accurately portrayed.

You parked in front of the station and turned off the ignition. Taking one final deep breath, you pushed the door open and stepped out. You didn't know why you were so nervous. Meeting Eddie’s coworkers shouldn't seem so frightening.

What if they hated you? What if they told him to break up with you? You knew they were more like family to him than just coworkers. Their opinions mattered a lot. You had only been dating him a little over a month but you had fallen hard. You really couldn't imagine your life without him and Chris and even Carla.

You needed them to like you.

Making your way inside, you quickly spotted Eddie as he approached. You greeted him with a kiss before he pulled you into a hug.

“Hey, you. How was traffic?” He asked.

You shrugged. “Normal. Slow.” Eddie knew it was your least favorite part about LA.

“I think lunch is almost ready. You ready to meet everyone?”

“No.” You wrapped your hands around his bicep as he started walking toward the trucks.

He leaned over and kissed your temple. “I told you they’re going to love you. You have nothing to worry about.” He pulled you along with him towards Buck and another firefighter beside the truck.

Buck smiled when he spotted you. “Hey, Y/N. Glad you finally decided to come have lunch with us.”

“Hi, Buck. Someone has been persistent.” You looked at Eddie just in time to catch his shrug.

“Y/N, this is Ravi.” Eddie introduced.

Ravi lifted his hand for you to shake. “Nice to finally meet you.”

“You too.”

Eddie pulled you away towards the stairs that led to the loft. You couldn't help but look around at everything. “This is a beautiful building.”

Eddie nodded. “I agree. It's my favorite station in the city.”

You had barely made it to the top of the stairs before you were being engulfed in hugs. “Oh, uh, hi.”

Eddie chuckled. “This is Hen and Chimney.”

“We are so excited to finally meet you. Eddie here won't shut up about you,” Chimney said.

You glanced at Eddie, catching him trying to hide his blush. “I don't talk about her that much,” he argued.

“Constantly,” Hen mouthed at you with a grin.

Next, Eddie led you over to the kitchen. “And this is Cap.”

The man in front of the stove wiped his hands on a dish towel before reaching out for a handshake. “It's Bobby.”

“Nice to meet you. It smells amazing in here.”

Bobby smiled. “Well, thank you. This will be done in a few minutes. Eddie, can you grab everyone down stairs?”

“On it.” Eddie pointed to the couches. “You can make yourself comfortable over there.”

Within ten minutes, everyone was getting settled at the table. Eddie took your hand to pull you up from the couch. As he pulled out a chair for you, you suddenly felt your left arm go numb.

“Oh no.” You mumbled. You reached out towards Eddie as your knees buckled and the world around you disappeared.

Eddie was quick to catch you before you could hit the ground. “Woah. Y/N?” When you didn't open your eyes he slowly lowered you to the floor. Seconds later you were convulsing violently. Eddie couldn't help but to just stare at you in shock.

Chim was on the floor beside Eddie a second later. “Eddie, we got her.”

“I'll grab a med kit,” Hen announced as she ran for the stairs.

Chimney kept you rolled on your side. Bobby stepped closer to pull Eddie away. “They need room to work.”

Eddie tried to resist. “I should help.”

Buck stepped beside his best friend to keep him out of the way.

Bobby stepped towards you and grabbed your foot, pulling off your shoe. “Medical alert. Epilepsy.” He pointed at the shoelace tag as he looked towards Eddie.

Eddie shook his head. “I didn't know. Why didn't she tell me?”

Hen returned with a monitor and med kit and Chim filled her in. “Epilepsy. Let's just give it a minute.”

Eddie pushes past Buck and sat down on the ground by your head. He whispered soft reassurances in case you could hear him.

Chim pulled a pulse ox monitor out of the med kit and clipped it on your finger.

“She's barely breathing,” Eddie pointed out. He knew that was common with seizures but still couldn't help the mild panic he felt.

“That's normal,” Hen reminded him. She started to attach an oxygen mask to the tank she’d carried upstairs just in case.

Next, Chim started to attach cardiac leads to your chest. Once he'd finished, they waited for the seizure to stop.

“That's five minutes,” Bobby pointed out.

Hen and Chim sighed as they locked eyes with each other. “Alright, let's push Ativan,” Chim said.

“I'll start an IV,” Hen announced. “Eddie can you hold her arm?” He did as asked, trying to hold your arm as still as possible without hurting you. “I'm in.”

Chim pushed the meds he'd drawn up as soon as IV was secured. It took about another twenty seconds for the seizure to finally stop.

Everyone let out a relieved breath. Eddie pushed some hair back behind your ear.

“Let's get her loaded up and to the hospital,” Chimney broke the momentary silence.

Hen nodded. “I'll go radio dispatch and get ready.”

Within five minutes you were loaded into the ambulance with Eddie and Chim beside you as Hen shifted into drive.

“Ugh.” You groaned a few minutes later. “N-no hospital,” you mumbled out fighting your grogginess.

Eddie ran his hand over your head. “Yes, hospital.”

You huffed, frustrated you can't get the words out to explain. “E-epi–”

“We know about your epilepsy, we found your alert tag,” Eddie interrupted. “Sweetheart, your seizure lasted almost six minutes. Hen and Chim had to push meds to stop it. You have to go in.”

Your eyebrows rose in surprise. Suddenly you were glad you'd been with them for lunch and not alone at home. You knew he was right and allowed yourself to relax. “Tired.”

Eddie pressed a kiss to your knuckles. “That's the medicine. You can sleep.”

You nodded as your eyes drifted closed. You weren't sure you could have stayed awake even if you'd tried.

A few hours later, you were finally settled into a room after being poked and prodded. They had run all kinds of tests trying to figure out what might have caused the long seizure.

“Anything I can get for you?” the nurse asked.

You shook your head as you shifted in an attempt to find a comfortable position. Every muscle was sore.

“Okay. I'll let your visitors know they can come in now, if that's alright with you,” the nurse says as she walks toward the door.

“Visitors? Plural?” You ask surprised.

“You have a whole herd of firefighters waiting out there for you,” she explains.

“Oh, wow. Could you just send Eddie in for now?”

She smiles kindly. “Of course, honey.”

Eddie pushes the door open not five minutes later. He pulls up a chair and takes your hand in his, careful to avoid your IV line.

“Hi,” you greeted

“Hi. How ya feeling?” He asked.

“Kinda like someone put me through a blender.”

He chuckled and nodded. “You scared me. I'm just glad Bobby noticed your medical alert tag.”

“I'm sorry,” you sighed. “This is definitely not how I planned to tell you about my epilepsy.”

He locks eyes with you. “So you were planning to tell me.” He looks annoyed or maybe hurt that you hadn't already told him.

“Eventually.” You drop your gaze to the bed. “It's not exactly an easy conversation. It's caused a few break ups over the years.”

“What do you mean?” He looks genuinely confused.

“I'm too much to deal with. No one wants to deal with seizures,” you try to explain. “And you already have to deal with sick people all day at work. I'm sure the last thing you want to do is deal with the same at home.” You sniffle. “I'll understand if you want out now.”

“Y/N,” Eddie said, placing a finger under your chin to make you look at him. “I love you. This could never change that. Any guy who dumped you because of this is an asshole.”

Tears rolled down your face before you were suddenly sobbing, relief washing over you in waves.

Eddie moved quickly to sit beside you on the bed. Pulling you into his side and shishing you softly.

You had been so worried about telling him for so long. “I-I'm sorry. I should have told you.” You sniffled harshly. “I should have known you'd accept this part of me.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. I know now. That's all that matters.”

Eventually you calmed down but you were beyond exhausted. “Hey, isn't everyone still out there waiting?”

“Yeah.” He pulled his phone out of his pocket. “I'll text them that you're okay and let them know they can head home.”

Placing a hand over his screen, you shook your head. “No. I want to see them.”

“You need to rest,” he argued. “They can come back tomorrow or we can go to the station if you're discharged.”

“Just a quick visit. Please? Fifteen minutes.”

Sighing, he stood from where he was still perched on the bed. “Ten.”

“Deal.”

[voluptuarian]

another thing that's weird about adults who make an identity out of reading children's books is what they hold up as representative of the values they find in YA/young reader's fiction. They typically bring up wish fulfillment fantasy, morals and clear cut lessons, adventure stories with mild peril, strong centering on friendship and found family, and stories that make them "feel good" and are extremely light on genuinely challenging themes or ethically dubious situations.

Meanwhile when I was neck-deep in YA as a kid in the 90s and early 2000s this was the kind of stuff I was reading, other kids were reading, and that was winning awards, being highlighted on shelves and recommended by librarians:

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, in which a teenage boy survives a plane crash and is stranded in the Canadian wilderness and forced to survive on his own for months. He is ultimately rescued but is permanently altered by the experience. His navigating the drama of (I believe either currently separating or recently divorced) parents is also a major plot element.

Virtual War by Gloria Skurzynski, where real-life wars have been eradicated and instead are fought virtually, (inspired, if I remember correctly, by the disastrous results of a previous nuclear conflict) by specially chosen champions who are trained in combat strategy from childhood. Throughout, the three child champions are forced to question and push back against what the government has told them is the truth as well as against their own prejudices, including toward one of their own who is considered a "mutant" due to his dwarfism; it also details the grueling hours-long "war" in which the kids watch thousands of little 3D soldiers get blown up and dismembered and leaves them feeling genuine guilt for participating in.

Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George, which focuses on a teenage Inuit girl who is orphaned, forced into marriage and sexually assaulted, then runs away and ends up lost in the Arctic and survives by befriending and living with a pack of wolves.

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse, in which the heroine lives with her parents on a failing farm as the Dust Bowl is beginning, accidentally sets her pregnant mother on fire resulting in her mother's lingering death and the death of her baby, and the girl herself being permanently maimed, after which she and her father become estranged and she eventually tries to run away.

Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene, which follows a young Jewish American girl on the WWII homefront who befriends (and falls in love with) a German POW, and when he escapes, hides him in her home for months; eventually the prisoner is caught and killed and the girl is sent to prison after being ostracized from the community and disowned by her parents.

The Ramsey Scallop by Francis Temple, where the heroine, engaged since childhood to her current fiance, is sent on a pilgrimage with him as way of working out his trauma from serving in the crusades. Neither of them feels ready to get married and the fiance is dubious about doing much living at all, but they're able to get to know each other and build trust on the road. It's been ages since I read it but I'm pretty sure there's a scene where a hot single guy who helps patch up an injury she sustained then offers to have sex with her, which she decides to turn down.

Music of the Dolphins by Karen Hesse, where a feral child who has been raised by a pod of dolphins is rescued and taken to a center for rehabilitation. The whole thing follows her progress at understanding to how to be human, and eventually her decision to reject it all and go back to her dolphin family.

The Last Book In the Universe by Rodman Philbrick, whose hero is a teenage orphan living in a purposely abandoned dystopia, ostracized by his community for being epileptic, whose only friends are an old man who is the last literate person in the community and a monosyllabic feral child. The split between the have-nots and the haves, who live in sheltered futuristic cities, and discussion of privilege (one of the main characters is a girl from the cities who comes out to do charity work in the dystopian district) are major themes, and violence is a regular occurrence, including toward the finale when the boy's mentor is murdered by a mob while he watches.

(And of course there's Among the Hidden and its sequels by Margaret Peterson Haddix which I never read, but my sister did, and I know at some point a whole bunch of child characters are massacred by the government because it upset my sister so badly she cried.)

And I couldn't forget The Dear America series, which includes:

character who is finishing high school as the Vietnam War begins and watches her social circle split nastily over the issue, lives through classmates and friends getting drafted, and ends up working at a hospital as volunteer where she is assigned to help disabled veterans

character whose mother (and I think siblings), as well as numerous fellow travelers die while traveling alongside her on the Oregon Trail, and later accidentally poisons to death several of her friends after picking a look-alike plant for their dinner; only one survives, who she eventually marries

character who is kidnapped by a local native tribe and eventually adopted, then marries a fellow captive, only for him and other friends and family to be killed when the tribe is attacked by Europeans, putting her into a total crisis of identity and conflicting loyalties

character who is taken from her tribe to be put in residential school, during which she is forcefully acculturated, severely bullied by another classmate, and a childhood friend of hers is accidentally buried alive

multiple books about immigrants in the 1800 and 1900s which highlighted struggles with poverty, cultural pressures, and prejudice; one of them follows a pro-union factory worker who watches as multiple friends die in the Triangle Shirtwaist fire, and another whose father imports her to America at 13 to marry a coal miner

most of these stories emphasize the young protagonist ending up in situations were they are either on their own, or so alienated from the adults around them that they might as well be. The protagonists have to assume the adult duty of taking care of themselves, but also of thinking for themselves and making their own decisions and judgements about their lives and the world.

they are also going through big changes, often ones created by their parent's decisions, and which they frequently dislike or are straight up Bad for them. This contrasts with later, when the protagonists are able to make decisions for themselves-- often this comes through hardship and abandonment, but ultimately allows them to control their narrative going forward.

the setting and events are often harrowing, deeply unpleasant, and put the protagonist and their friends in danger of victimization by forces around them. Obviously this is exciting for kids to read, but it also allows them to see someone their age on their own, entering into Adult situations and taking on that role. It's also a break from the overtly positive or cartoonishly (but usually un-seriously) bad circumstances that dominate younger kids fiction and an introduction to the idea that life is just terrible most of the time, sometimes massively and unbelievably so. (It's going from the early childhood story of Madeline's thrilling adventures escaping forced labor in a factory, to the older kid's or YA story of seeing the protagonist work at one day after day, getting injured, having friends get sick, and then watching a girl's scalp get ripped off by the machine, something which creates not excitement but genuine horror and sympathy.) These plots also allow adolescents a chance to experience Big Emotions (like the ones they're about to fall head-first into themselves) in a stable, safe way. All of this aims to create a bridge from the juvenile reality to the genuine, adult one. Trite moral lessons are dispensed with in favor of allowing the child to go out and start thinking for themselves. And especially in stories like the Dear America books, it allows a look at things that happened in the past that we have, or should learn from, but also allows for a fuller emotional, ethical, and empathetic development.

often the introduction of sex is part of the story, from initial experiences of attraction (and the resulting self-consciousness, jealousy, etc.) but also sometimes actual sexual experience. Especially in the historical stories, marriage is also frequently part of the story-- either again, as a fantasy introduction to adult experiences, or as a realistic detail separating a child's historical experience from current ones and creating a better understanding of the hardships historical people went through.

and most include some form of rejection of prevailing authority and thought. Instead of blindly "doing what your parents tell you to" these protagonists must do what they think is practical or ethical. The boy in Hatchet cannot wait for an authority figure to guide him, he must figure out how to survive entirely on his own, while the kids in Virtual War are old enough to begin questioning the entire structure they've been raised in, and to develop empathy for figures that structure has deemed outsiders; the heroine of Music of the Dolphins decides the entire experience of being in human society is not for her, and returns to living with animals.

So these books offer harrowing circumstances, protagonists who are isolated literally or through moral or political alignment, and who must learn to live on their own and make decisions for themselves, often in defiance of prevailing attitudes. They usually emphasize finding one's place (even if that place is completely alone and unsupported), fostering understanding and sympathy with others, even with people who are considered "undesirable," who are different, or who have behaved badly to you in the past. And they frequently involve violence, budding sexuality, exploitation and abuse by authority figures/structures, and a heaping helping of death, including the deaths of beloved friends and family members. What is "feel good" and "unchallenging" about that? And like, I can't speak for what YA is bringing to the table now, but these people are overwhelmingly adults, they were reading YA at around the same time I was, I don't think it would be possible for them to have somehow missed the plethora of books with these hallmarks. So where did they get this idea that YA is some land of comfort where no complicated idea can ever reach you? Even Harry Potter is full of them, and we know they read that!

[vipvesper]

Riding the tokoyami train, can I request general headcanons about dating Tokoyami, plus maybe a little extra about the reader being epileptic, If you’re comfortable with that?

Much love ❤️

tokoyami dating headcanons!

you two met in kindergarten

(definitely not a reference to the first fic)

you threw a rock at him and stuck around ever since <3

he likes to hold you when you sit in his room

tokoyami writes poetry while you read tumblr LMAO

he’s made a habit of preening you

like you’ll be cuddling and suddenly his beak is in your hair

you got him a cologne for his birthday and he’s been wearing it ever since

“oh you like how i smell? [name] got me this cologne.”

dark shadow finds little rocks on the ground to give you

since fumikage cares for you, he decided he should, too!

if you sneak up on fumikage, his feathers puff up but he’ll deny it ever happens

texts in riddles

if you have a medical condition like epilepsy, he knows exactly how to deal with oncoming seizures

helps you out by having you write notes to combat bouts of forgetfulness

reminds you to take your meds (if you have any)

likes to make you some of yaomomo’s fancy teas when you get hurt during training

or if you burn yourself in the support course

or give yourself a gray hair being in the business course

secretly likes when you kiss his beak

fumikage writes poetry for your anniversaries and has a page in his notebook of all your favorite stuff!! so cute!

you guys go on plenty of simple dates on the weekends like picnics in the park and watchint the sunset

he loves you very, very much!

note:

i’m so sorry if the epilepsy things are inaccurate, i based it on real life experiences and accounts from someone i know with the condition!

[reidmoony-toast]

Strawberry Wine. ౨ৎ

"If I was empty space, and you were a formless shape we'd fit"

Spencer x fem singer!reader

The two times they miss each other, and the one time they don't

content: no use of y/n, fluff, pining galore

cw: lil suggestive? (She sings Chappell Roan)

wc: 2.4k

an: I've been cooking this up for a while, but life has been super busy, so I haven't yet finished the other parts. I'm very sorry if they take a few weeks to finish :[ Anyways, hope you enjoy! <3

| pt.1 | pt.2 | pt.3 | series masterlist ౨ৎ

· · ──────────── ·𖥸· ──────────── · ·

He really wished he wasn’t here. He never should have begrudgingly agreed to Penelope’s crazy plans, no matter how much she bugged him about it. This was about as far opposite to his kind of thing that you could get.

The lights were bright–unbearably so; flashing so much he feared he would have an epileptic episode (if it weren’t for the small fact that he didn’t actually have epilepsy, but he digressed).

The large room was also deafening, filled with fans, all of them buzzing in anticipation. Penelope was not an exception–she bounced up and down like a rogue ball, shrieking in excitement close to every thirty seconds. He would know. He had been counting.

Although he would rather be at the very back (if he had to choose anywhere in this wretched place), Penny had physically forced him into the very front row, only a barrier separating them from the stage.

He didn’t know and definitely didn’t want to know how Penelope had acquired such tickets and at such short notice before the show. He had found that he was better living in ignorance of the borderline illegal habits of his best friend.

He had just endured half an hour of what Penny had called the ‘openers’. He was dismayed to hear that the performance was not the actual concert; he learnt that the hard way when he had asked Penelope if they could leave, which she replied to with a cackle, stating that the band that had just exited the stage was, in fact, not the main event of the evening.

He had buried his face in his hands and let out a loud groan. He only had himself to blame for being caught up in the ‘Garcia puppy eyes’ trap, but it didn’t mean he couldn’t whinge at least a little bit–or a lot bit.

He didn’t know much about this singer girl, only that Penelope was obsessed with her, bringing her up in conversation many a time. He admitted that he often didn’t fully (if at all) listen when Garcia gushed over her–he seemed to always zone out.

He had never properly heard her songs, only in passing when Penelope would blast music in her cave, and he didn’t even have a clue what she looked like.

He was mentally preparing himself for the next few gruelling hours, with Penny jumping up and down beside him, when the lights dimmed, sending the whole room into a frenzy.

He winced at the screaming and whooping coming from all around him. Smoke machines started emitting mist, covering the stage and fogging up the colourful lights. The crowd continued to roar, Penelope squealing next to him and gripping the railing of the barrier.

A figure emerged through the haze, the silhouette showing locks of hair cascading over their shoulders, clad in a silk slip dress that ended at the mid thigh, hugging their curves.

They started singing–a smooth, silky voice wrapped around him, making the room suddenly feel more bearable. He swallowed hard. The singing was beautiful. Sweet and rich, wrapping around him like a cosy blanket.

He raised his eyebrows with pleasant surprise. It was, admittedly, not bad in the slightest. He hated to say it, but he was enjoying it, a lot. More than he should, given that it was new-age pop, not the refined tones of classical music–his favourite genre by far.

All thoughts of music flew out of his head as the owner of the angelic voice stepped into the stage lights, allowing him to properly see her for the first time. His breath left his body as he took her in.

She was gorgeous, stunning–almost ethereal, as her other-worldy voice filled his cochlea, transmitting electrical signals through his nerve pathways to his primary auditory cortex.

Her hair shone in the light, giving her a halo of the highest grade, her bright lips curled into a perfect smile around her words, and her eyes shone with a million glinting stars.

He was utterly enamoured by her–every facial expression, every movement she made, every note she sang was all absorbed thoroughly by his wide eyes.

In no time at all, the first song was over, finishing with loud cheering and clapping from the audience. The angel grinned out at the sea of fans, soaking up the feeling.

Unlike Spencer, she was well and truly in her element, looking as though there was not where else in the world she would rather be.

He gazed in open-mouthed awe at the way she floated effortlessly about the stage–and, of course, that breathtaking smile that scrunched her nose and revealed the prettiest dimples he had ever seen.

He was snapped back to reality with a sharp poke in the side from Penelope, centering his gravity away from the girl on stage and back to where he stood.

“What?” He said loudly, an exasperated look adorning his face as he tore his eyes back to his best friend. She was smirking at him, arms crossed in front of herself.

“You have such a thing for her, I’m surprised you're not drooling right now,” she answered mockingly. He scoffed, dismissing her words with a wave of his hands as he faced the stage again, not wanting to miss a moment of the show. He heard Garcia laugh deeply at his half-hearted denial.

All thoughts of Penelope soon left his mind as the heaven-sent saint started to sing again, striking chords in his heart at every note.

The song came and went again, and Spencer wished they would not go by so fast, so he could see her for as long as possible.

The next song started with a more upbeat track, and the angel laughed, running back down stage, scarily close to where Spencer stood. “She was a, Playboy, Brigitte Bardot,” she started to sing, “She showed me things, I didn't know.”

She stuck out her tongue playfully, shaking her hips, making the satin fabric hugging her curves sway.

“She did it right there, out on the deck,” she bit down on her bottom lip as Spencer’s face heated, realising what the song was about. “Put her canine teeth in the side of my neck.”

She gestured with her fingers to a spot on her neck, pretending as if her fingers were the teeth, tipping her head back with imaginary ecstasy. He swallowed heavily, face hot.

“I'm in the hallway waitin' for ya,” she sang, “Mini skirt and my go-go boots,” on those lyrics, she bent over, running her free hand from her heeled boots and up her legs, jutting her ass out.

Spencer’s mouth fell open in shock. He had never felt like this from only a few minutes of meeting someone, let alone just laying his eyes on them. This was completely out of the ordinary for him, and it left him reeling.

~☆~

Songs flitted by like the butterflies in his stomach, and his gaze was permanently fixated on the captivating women centre-stage. He couldn't tear his eyes away even if he tried–and he most definitely didn't.

A new song started, fading in with a catchy guitar riff, and the crowd went wild, sparking a wide smile on the angel’s face.

The drum beat started, and she strutted down the stage, tipping her head back and shaking her smooth curls out in the dim lights before she began to sing. “Midnight,” she dragged out the end of the word.

“Come and pick me up, no headlights,” she blew a kiss to the fans in front of her, winking as she made her way down the stage towards where Spencer was situated.

Penelope grasped his arm tighter and tighter as she neared, buttery voice washing over him.

“Watch us go ‘round and ‘round each time,” she stretched out the note, rolling her head to the side, eyes landing exactly where Spencer was standing. He froze, dumbstruck, as he locked eyes with her.

He gulped heavily as a cheeky grin adorned her face, soft lips framing perfectly white teeth. She straightened up, continuing the lyrics as she floated even closer to him, never breaking eye contact.

“You got that James Dean daydream look in your eye,” She knelt down on the stage in front of Spencer. His breathing stuttered as his gaze remained on her, utterly entranced.

“And I got that red lip classic thing that you like,” she dragged her thumb across her lip, singing to him through a happy, if not slightly teasing, smile.

“‘Cause we never go out of style, we never go out of style,” He could see her mouth curving around each syllable as she sang into the microphone, eyes still, somehow, on him.

He most definitely looked like an idiot in that moment, with his flushed cheeks and slack-jawed awe of the ethereal woman only a few feet away, but he didn't have it in himself to care.

She had seen him, and not only that, she had actually come over and sat, right there on the stage in front of him. No matter how much he tried to convince himself otherwise, she was–without question–looking, and singing, straight at him.

She leaned impossibly closer, leaving only a few inches between their two faces as she crooned the words into the microphone. His eyes flicked across the features of her face before they settled on her own.

Up close, they were mesmerising– long, thick lashes framed bright irises, sparkling with the light of the night sky– he could almost map out the constellations he knew off by heart from the incandescent twinkles in her eyes.

“You got that long hair, slicked back-” She moved her free hand to hover over the collar of Spencer's shirt, seemingly asking silent consent to touch him.

He shook out of his trance long enough to nod vigorously. She let out a short chuckle, grabbing his collar and carefully but firmly pulling him closer by his shirt. “-white T-shirt.”

His breath hitched as hers ghosted his lips with every exhale, noses almost touching, with hardly any room for the microphone as his heart raced impossibly faster.

“And I got that good girl faith and a tight little skirt.” At that, she pulled away, letting go of his collar as she leaned back to run her free hand over her skirt, smirking at Spencer and his flaming-red face.

“And when we go crashing down, we come back every time,” she repeats, still serenading him. “'Cause we never go out of style, we never go out of style!” She finally stood, winking and blowing a kiss at a thoroughly flustered Spencer as she strutted to another part of the stage.

Spencer stood there, dumbfounded. He couldn't believe she had not only noticed him, but also sang right to him. His shirt was crumpled from where she had gripped it, but he didn't dare fix it. If possible, he would never smooth the rumpled fabric if it meant he could have a reminder of her always.

A rough shake of his shoulder brought him back to the present, Penelope standing astonished next to him, incredulous smile playing on her lips and she all but shrieked in his ear–something along the lines of, ‘You're so lucky!’ and ‘You're so down bad!’.

He didn't pay her any mind, instead keeping his still-red face on her, and her only.

She wandered to different parts of the stage during the remainder of the song, but Spencer didn't miss the more-than-occasional glances she sent his way throughout the next few songs, smile growing each time they locked eyes.

When they did, he matched her smile with his own goofy grin, his heart feeling as if it was beating out of his chest, breathing becoming erratic as he clutched the railing with white knuckles.

~☆~

All too soon, the concert came to an end, accompanied by raucous applause from the crowd. He clapped like a mad thing too, finally understanding why her fans acted the way they did.

The version of him from two hours ago would have teased him relentlessly for this, but he didn't care. It was another completely different version of him, a version that had not yet laid his eyes on her.

It certainly felt like a life-altering moment in his existence. His being was now split into ‘before’ and ‘after’. Before and after her.

She waved and blew kisses enthusiastically as she made her way off stage. He deduced that she would have to walk right past Spencer to get there. He pathetically hoped she would look at him one last time–prayed she cared enough to seek him out once again.

Electricity jolted through his entire body, head to toe, as she locked eyes with Spencer when he was in her direct line of sight.

She gave him a wink and a little wave, biting her lip through a larger-than-life grin; he felt giddy, hand coming up in an awkward half-wave. He silently cursed himself for the stiltedness of his actions.

She, however, didn't have such qualms as she blew him an air kiss, giggling as she turned away, skipping the rest of the way off stage. The screaming continued as the heel of her shoe disappeared behind the side-stage curtain.

He felt oddly hollow as the venue lights came back on, signalling the end of the show. He kept staring at the spot where she had last been, silently hoping she would come back out and sing again. Look at him again.

He blinked hard, finally re-orienting himself, glancing around to see a few people staring at him, whispering to themselves.

They were talking about him–about his encounter. He turned away again, ducking his head as his cheeks burned again.

As quickly as they came, the stares went again, and his eyes flicked back to the stage again. He so badly wanted to meet her, talk to her, even just lay his eyes on her again. That would be enough.

Penelope cleared her throat next to him, and he hummed in response, still not looking away. She snorted. “Come on lover boy, time to leave.”

He turned his attention to see her nod in the direction of the exit.

He gazed back at that spot once more, heaving out a melancholy sigh, before turning away, heading towards the door.

“Yeah, let's go.”

· · ──────────── ·𖥸· ──────────── · ·

Thank you for reading, feedback is appreciated x

Tags: @reidology13 - Comment to be added!

Masterlist ౨ৎ

[corroded-hellfire]

Steve having a little sister (who’s like a first-time) senior who has a crush on Eddie. But she’s a cheerleader, her parents expect her to marry an Ivy League, senator’s son or something. She kept her crush a secret until Jason calls him a freak in front of the whole cafeteria- and she punches him.

I had so much fun writing this request! I hope you enjoy what I've come up with, and if you notice the joke I stole from Glee, no you didn't. Reader’s race is not specified and she could be adopted because adoption is a wonderful, amazing thing. Harrington!reader and Eddie 4ever.

Words: 3.1k

“Mr. Munson, late again, I see.” 

Mrs. O’Donnell heaves a disappointed sigh as Eddie gives her an over the top smile.

“Sorry, had a meeting with the principal. He wanted to know why you gave me detention again.”

Mrs. O’Donnell frowns. “I didn’t give you detention.”

“Oh, phew,” Eddie says as he slides into his seat. “Glad to hear it. I’ll try and be on time next time.” 

The class lets out a titter of laughter as Mrs. O’Donnell rolls her eyes and turns back to the board. The dopey grin is stuck on your face as you lean forward in your seat. Resting your upper body on your desk, you bite your bottom lip as you look Eddie up and down. From your vantage point, you can only see the back left side of him, but you’ll stare at that for the entirety of the class period if you can. 

“Miss Harrington?”

Begrudgingly, you tear your gaze away from Eddie’s glorious hair and see Mrs. O’Donnell watching you impatiently. 

“Um, yes?”

“I was wondering if you’d like to enlighten us about the Stamp Act?” the elderly woman says. 

“Uh…” you trail off, mind suddenly blank of everything that isn’t Eddie Munson. “I would not.”

A few people in the class let out snorts of laughter, but Eddie barks out the most beautiful sound you’ve ever heard. It makes your stomach fizzle, and your head feel all floaty. Even O’Donnell’s disapproving scowl can’t dampen your giddiness. 

The rest of class, you’re riding on a high. You made Eddie laugh. Out of all the accomplishments in your life, you’re not sure if one has ever meant more to you. Making honor roll? Eh. Becoming a cheerleader? So what? Doesn’t compare to making the cutest guy you’ve ever seen laugh.

Okay, you tell yourself. When class is over, you’re going to talk to him. The bell rings, and you’re scrambling to get your things together. Tossing them into your bag, you sling it over your shoulder and follow Eddie out of the classroom. 

“H-Hey, Eddie?” you manage.

He turns his head to look over his shoulder and gives you a smile that has your heart stuttering.

“Hey, Harrington. What’s up?”

“Did you see A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2?” you ask, somehow not stumbling over your words. You’d had Steve bring the VHS tape home for you to watch just so you could ask Eddie about it.

“Freddy’s Revenge?” Eddie asks, wrinkling his nose up. “Such a letdown after the first one.”

“Yeah,” you say with a chuckle. “The first one was pretty good. This one made me want to fall asleep.”

“Ironic,” Eddie says with a smirk. He opens the school door for you, and you give him a grateful smile as you step out into the parking lot. You watch as he digs his keys out of his pocket. “See you tomorrow, Harrington.”

“Bye, Eddie.” You’re staring at him as he walks away, and you know you need to stop. But how can you when his ass looks the way it does in his jeans? Once he hops into his van, the trance is broken, and you make your way to your brother waiting in his car at the other end of the parking lot. 

You groan as you yank open the car door and slip inside. Steve looks less than thrilled himself, but it has nothing to do with you. Your parents are forcing the two of you to join them at a company party tonight, which both of you are vehemently against. But Steve was tasked with picking you up from school, taking you home so both of you can get ready, then to the party. 

“Think I can fake an epileptic seizure and get out of this?” Steve asks on the way home.

“You’re not epileptic,” you say.

“That’s why I said ‘fake’ it,” Steve says with a scoff. 

“They’d find a way to make you come anyway,” you say, crossing your arms over your chest. 

The party is just as horrible as you and your older brother imagined it would be. You’re forced into an itchy blue dress and Steve looks like he’s about two seconds away from ripping his tie off. The stuffy guests walk around with their noses in the air, only deigning to talk to those they deem successful enough. You want to throw yourself out of one of the windows as you see your parents approaching you with an older couple that they’ll probably expect you to remember from somewhere. 

“Well, look at you,” the older man says. “All grown up.” The way he says it makes a shiver go down your spine. 

“You must have all the boys chasing after you,” his wife says with a wink. It’s like they’re competing to see who can make you the most uncomfortable. Before you can open your mouth to speak, your mom jumps in.

“Oh, we have high hopes for her,” she says with a chuckle. “Going to go to Yale or Stanford and find her an Ivy League man to settle down with.”

And when exactly did we decide this? you think to yourself. 

“Someone well-to-do,” your father adds. “A senator’s son, maybe. Who knows? We could be raising a future First Lady here.”

You want to gag. Steve must sense your temper rising, because he rests a hand on your shoulder and gives it a reassuring squeeze. 

“Remember us when you’re famous,” the older man says. 

I don’t even remember you right now. The words are on the tip of your tongue, but your dad changes the subject to something about profit reports. 

Steve drives the two of you home before your parents, the two of them insisting they were going to stick around a little longer. The minute you get into your room, you throw your heels towards your closet. Your brother hears you banging around and comes to stand in your doorway, leaning against the doorframe and crossing his arms over his chest. He’s taken his tie off and undone the first few buttons of his white button up shirt. 

“What’s the matter, First Lady? Didn’t like getting signed up for an arranged marriage?”

You whirl on him, practically shoving a finger in his face. “Do not call me that. I am not some prized pig they can sell at the fair.”

“Technically, I think the pigs are judged at the fair, not sold.”

Groaning, you rub your hands down your face. 

“I’m running away,” you say, throwing your hands in the air. “I’m joining the circus. Or a motorcycle gang. Anything! As long as it’s not here.”

“Oh, relax,” Steve says. “When you go off to college you can date whoever you want. They’ll never know.”

“Why do I have to wait until I go off to college?” you demand. “Why can’t I date whoever I want right now?”

“Do you want to date someone right now?” Steve asks, furrowing his brows.

“That’s not the point,” you say, but you feel the heat rising to your cheeks.

“Holy shit, you do,” Steve says with a huff of laughter. He pushes himself off the doorframe. “Who is it?”

“Goodnight, Steve.” You shove him out of your doorway before slamming and locking your bedroom door. 

“The fuck did you say, Freak?”

Jason Carver’s voice grates on your nerves as you make your way down the hall. Unfortunately, there’s only one person the jock douche would be calling that name and it has you seeing red. You were still steamed from your parents’ comments last night, and this is just going to push you over the top.

“Who, me?” 

You walk into the cafeteria to see Eddie grinning at the basketball playing asshole.

“You’re the only freak here,” Jason says.

Your white cheer sneakers squeak to a stop on the linoleum floor, and you drop your bag down by your feet. The clatter has Jason’s gaze shifting to you. Most of the cafeteria’s attention shifts to you, actually. But you don’t notice as you stalk up to the bully. Normally, you might say something snarky to him, but you’re done with words. All your pent up frustration is taken out on Jason’s chin as you serve him a right hook. He stumbles back a few steps and there are gasps around the cafeteria. Your hand is throbbing, but the pain is nothing compared to the satisfaction you feel at shutting that jerk up. The small smear of blood above his upper lip has you smirking.

“Miss Harrington!”

With a groan, your satisfaction wanes when you see Principal Higgins glaring at you. His glasses are perched low on his nose and his hands are high on his hips.

“My office. Now.”

Thankfully, Principal Higgins’s secretary is kind enough to give you some ice to put on your knuckles. Some staffing emergency took precedence, so you’re stuck sitting on a bench outside his office while he deals. 

“You’ve got some arm.”

The voice that you’d know anywhere sounds from above you and your neck cracks from how quickly you look up. Eddie stands there with his hands in his pockets, a sheepish smile on his lips. 

“Oh. T-Thanks,” you say. 

Eddie takes a seat next to you on the bench. He yanks a black bandana out of his back pocket and smooths it out across his lap before folding it lengthwise. 

“May I?” he asks, gesturing to the ice you’re holding against your hand. 

“Sure.” You extend your injured hand out, and Eddie secures the ice against your knuckles with the bandana, then ties it tight enough to keep everything in place.

“How’s that?” he asks. 

“Better. Thank you.” You find it hard to meet his eyes, so you keep your focus on your hand as you bring it back into your lap. 

“So,” Eddie says, turning himself sideways on the bench and making himself comfortable. “What made you punch ol’ Carver? I mean, I know we all want to do it, but no one’s been quite so brave. Not until you, that is. And from a cheerleader? One of his own?”

“I’m not one of his own,” you say, looking up at him. But Eddie has a playful smirk on his lips.

“Nah, I know you’re not. I’m just teasing you. But what did want to make you do that? Couldn’t have been all on my account.”

“Why not?” you ask with a frown.

Eddie lets out a chuckle and shakes his head. “Listen, Harrington. I don’t see you as someone who goes around punching people for the hell of it. You’re one of the nicest people in this hell hole of a town. The jackass must’ve done something to deserve it.”

“He did,” you say. “He called you a freak.”

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed,” he says, leaning in towards you with a conspiratorial whisper. “But most people do.”

“Well, they shouldn’t,” you say with a frown. “You’re not. And I hate how Jason always does it in front of a crowd. It’s like he needs to put you down in front of others to prove he’s this king or whatever. So, someone needed to knock him off his throne in front of people, too.”

“My knight in shining cheer skirt,” Eddie teases with a wink. He’s shocked when your face goes red and you’re unable to look him in the eye. “You okay?”

“Y-Yeah,” you say, forcing yourself to meet his gaze. The heat in your face is getting worse by the second and you feel it’s only a matter of time before you crack. 

“You sure? I didn’t make you uncomfortable?”

God, that’s the last thing Eddie could ever make you feel. You immediately shake your head, refusing to let him think those thoughts even for a moment. 

“No, no, not at all. I’m sorry, I guess I’m just an…awkward person,” you say with a wince. 

“Maybe I like awkward,” Eddie says, gently kicking his black boot against your white sneaker. Butterflies erupt in your stomach, and they have plenty of room to buzz about, seeing as you hadn’t gotten to eat your lunch.

“Maybe I like awkward, too,” you say softly. 

Eddie smirks. “Oh, then you must adore me, Harrington.”

“Maybe I do,” you say with a shrug, forcing yourself to maintain eye contact with him. 

“Well, maybe I like sweet, pretty cheerleaders who can sucker punch like Bruce Lee and talk to me about horror movies.”

Your mind stopped listening after Eddie called you “pretty” though. Did he really think that? Or was he just saying it to be nice? 

“Hmm,” you muse. “Guess I should send Hailey Hudson from the team your way to talk about Halloween then, huh?”

Eddie chuckles and the same sensation as when you made him laugh before fills your body. 

“Nightmare on Elm Street is more my cup of tea,” Eddie says. “Plus, talking to any other cheerleader bedsides you doesn’t seem very appealing to me.”

“Miss Harrington,” Principal Higgins says, sticking his head out of his office. “You can come in now.” He steps back inside, and you release a sigh. Of course talking to Eddie would have to come to an end eventually, but why now?

“Well,” you say, standing up from the bench. “Guess it’s time to hear my sentence.”

“Maybe if you get released early for good behavior, we could grab pizza sometime?” Eddie looks nervous, and that alone makes you want to laugh. Why on earth would he be nervous asking if you wanted to hang out? 

“That sounds great,” you say, the euphoric smile unable to stay off your face no matter how hard you try. 

“Yeah?” Eddie asks, seeming shocked. 

“Why do you sound surprised?” you ask with a giggle. Taking courage from the fact that he seems to be getting nervous around you as well, you decide to be a little bolder. “I don’t just throw punches for anyone, you know.”

The most endearing smile grows on Eddie’s face, and he places one of his ring-clad hands over his heart. 

“I am very honored to have the most beautiful girl in school defending my honor.” He outstretches his hand out to you as you begin to walk backwards towards the principal’s office. “I’ll wait for you.” 

You can’t help but giggle. “I’ll have my parole officer contact you.”

“Should be easy since I’m in the phone book.”

“I’ll make sure to let her know. Bye, Munson.”

“See you later, Harrington.” He gives you one last smile before you step into the office.

The worst part isn’t the detention you were given or that you have to apologize to Carver. It’s that you’re told to call your parents to come and get you. Apparently, the school nurse is out for the day, and they can’t have you staying in school with a potentially injured hand. It hardly even hurts anymore, but you’re not going to let them know that. Let them think that you’ll be headed to the hospital for all you care. 

When you pick up the phone from the desk, your finger hovers over the numbers. Principal Higgins is sitting right there, making sure you’re going to tell your parents exactly why you need to be picked up. At the last second though, you dial a different number. 

“Thank you for calling Family Video, this is Steve. How can I help you?”

“Uh, hi, Dad,” you say, gripping at the receiver pressed against your ear. 

“Dad?” you hear Steve ask in confusion. “This is—”

“I-I know,” you say. “I’m just calling, Dad, because I need you to pick me up from school. I’m in Principal Higgins’ office. 

You can tell Steve understands now by the sigh that comes across the line. “What did you do?”

“Well, my hand is injured, and the nurse isn’t on duty today, so they don’t want me staying at school while I’m hurt and no one can check it out.”

“Tell him why it’s injured,” Principal Higgins says.

“Yes, tell me,” Steve echoes, obviously being able to hear his former principal’s words.

“I, um, I punched Jason Carver,” you say.

“You did what?!” Steve all but screams.

“He called Eddie Munson a freak in front of the whole cafeteria.” You say this piece looking Higgins dead in the eye. Are you going to do anything about that? you want to ask. “So, I punched Carver to shut him up.”

“Honestly, I’m impressed,” Steve says. 

“Thanks. So, uh, can you come get me?”

“My shift is over in ten minutes,” Steve says. “I’ll head there as soon as I get out of here.”

“Thanks, St—uh, Dad. I’ll see you soon.” You hang up the phone and Principal Higgins stares at you over the rims of his glasses.

“He on his way?” he asks.

“He’ll be here soon.”

“I can’t believe you punched Jason Carver,” Steve says, shaking his head in amusement as he drives you home. 

“He’s an asshole,” you defend with a shrug. 

“Over Munson, though?” Steve asks incredulously. “Seriously? Couldn’t have picked another hill to die on?”

“Nope,” you say through gritted teeth. Crossing your arms over your chest, you stare out the passenger window. 

“Why Munson, though, I—” Steve cuts himself off with a groan and shakes his head. “Oh, no. Please tell me I’m wrong.” 

“I’d love to,” you reply. “But I need to know what you’re wrong about first.”

“Munson isn’t the guy you want to date, is he?” Steve asks nervously.

Your face gets hot for what feels like the millionth time in the past few days. But that’s all the confirmation your brother needs, because he’s letting out a groan that makes it sound like he’s in agony.

“You really have a thing for the Freak?”

“I have one good fist left,” you say. “Want me to use it on you?”

“I’ll tell Mom and Dad about your detention then,” Steve says with a shrug.

“Then I’d tell them about you moving the dirty magazines from beneath your bed into the air vent,” you counter.

“How do you even know about that?” Steve asks, shooting you a glare before looking back at the road. 

“Your room and mine share the same vent and I can hear the pages rustling when the air is on.”

“You’re the worst,” Steve grumbles. 

“You also have no room to complain with some of the trash you’ve dated,” you point out. 

“Are you and Munson…a thing?” Steve asks, sounding like he hates every syllable of the question.

“No,” you tell him. “But he asked me to go get pizza with him. So, maybe soon.”

“And that will make you happy?” your brother asks.

A smile comes to your face just thinking about it. “It would.”

Steve nods his head and lets out a deep breath as if he’s resigning himself to the fact that you have feelings for Eddie. 

“Okay, but you’re telling Mom and Dad.”

[1-ker0sene-1]

i’m the era of disabled!reader, would you write something for reader who has epilepsy? 🥺 can’t find any fics in my chosen fandom with epileptic reader (or oc) and it makes me sad 🥺

{I hope you don't mind me pairing with Simon on this one ♥️ I hope you enjoy! And please if I get anything wrong lemme know! I'm more than willing to come back and edit!}

CW: improper seizure safety (not by you or Simon), epilepsy seizure description

In full honesty, Simon didn't know if he could do it in the beginning of your relationship. He didn't think he could handle your seizures.. Of course now- having been properly educated about it. He would absolutely scold himself for thinking that, you just need a little bit of help sometimes. You aren't a damn charity case and he hates when people treat you like it. You deserve to be comfortable and safe, not pitied and prodded at. Not only is he your partner and best friend, Simon has become your biggest advocate. Of support for your condition, but also your independence.

One of the first things you both sat down and talked about when getting serious, was seizure safety. Simon needed to know how to help, at least as much as he possibly could without hurting you. He also learned throughout this, that not all seizures are the same. Sometimes you're just.. Absent, with a flutter of your eyes or a quiet mumble as your gaze flickers to nowhere. You just seem lost for a couple minutes. Other times it's the seizures everyone thinks of, where you stiffen, twitch and seize, sometimes even falling to the floor. How can he help? He's a little stressed when learning that there's not much he can do but carefully maneuver you into a recovery position, put something under your head, and just be there for you.

Simon won't ever forget your scariest seizure, you two were just shopping. Simple. He left your side for forty-eight seconds. Exactly forty-eight, he remembers. He just went to grab something you forgot in a different aisle. Picking up a box of chicken stock for dinner, he hears the slam of your body hitting the floor. He remembers the feeling of his stomach twisting into knots, dropping the container and making a run back to your aisle when he hears someone call out.

It's not you calling, you're far into the seizing, a citizen found you before Simon did. Now it's not the bastards fault, this stranger didn't know how to help you, so in the panic the man was holding your shoulders down trying to still you. Simons hackles raise, words ripped from the masked mans throat instantly.

"Off her- NOW."

Simon didn't think, he just moved, his big meaty hand grabbed the man by the back of the neck and threw him away from you. He's honestly been nicer to enemy soldiers. He didn't even spare the stranger another glance, falling hard to his knees next to you.

" 'm right here baby.. Right here.."

He rips the balaclava off his head, definitely taking a tuff of hair from his scalp. Not that he would notice right now. Simon carefully lifted your head just to slip it under, the softer fabric better than the hard floor. Stroking your hair away from your face, he doesn't hold you down- but his hands are close to you, resting featherlight on your cheek.

"You're safe doll.. I'm right here.. it'll pass."

He murmurs to you, unsure if you're hearing, but either way he keeps talking you through. Now, his arms gently hook under your leg, being as gentle as he can- his hands position you to your recovery position and on your side. Fishing out his phone quickly, he's already got the timer going. Less than five minutes. Please be less than five minutes.

"I have you sweetheart.."

Simon is right by you, watching your every movement closely. He's shoved away any items, just you and him on the floor.

"Should we call an ambulance?"

A stranger asks, Simon shakes his head. Never taking his eyes off you. You just had to go through it. If it's not a long one you should recover alright.

"I have her. Just stay back and move on-"

He snaps, he's stressed, he knows they're just concerned but he doesn't want anyone fucking with you right now. Simons eyes light up as the seizing calms, under two minutes, you're coming back to him. He finally lets out the massive breath he's been holding in. His thumb caresses your cheek.

"You're alright.. there you are.. you're okay."

Simon curls himself closer to you, stroking your cheek as your eyes slowly start adjusting back. You're foggy, confused, he's holding you a little closer and whispering softly.

"it's Simon, love.. Your Simons right here. You're right here.. we're in the store baby."

Now that you were coming back from it, Simon slips himself behind you as he moves you to lay against his chest. It's a while before you're able to be moved, waiting until you're fully alert again, he's taking it slow carrying you back to the car and getting you home. The rest of the week is spent easing you through the recovery. Low lights, he knows your head is aching. Lots. Absolutely lots of sweet talking. His strong girl.. he calls you. Making sure you take your meds on time and get plenty of rest.

"I'm sorry Si.. I didn't mean to scare you.."

You mumble, in bed together. Simon is sat up against the headboard, holding you close on his lap. His hand strokes locks of your hair, shaking his head sternly.

"Don't be apologizin' for anything. Didn't do a damn thing wrong-"

His hand slips to hold your chin, making you lock eyes with him.

"Hear me? Nothin'. I got you.. I'll always have my girl."

[temporarywelcome]

12 Fics of Christmas Day 4 - Kai Anderson

"Safe"

Words: 1.8k

Summary: Winter had one request from Kai, which was to keep their cheerful neighbor, reader, safe and out of all the cult business. Kai agrees, though he can't stand reader and her holiday cheer.

WARNINGS: language, brief violence

____

Of course, he was a grinch.

Is it really that much of a shocker to realize Kai Anderson absolutely hated holidays? Especially Christmas. 

No, don’t be shocked. 

Kai Anderson hated Christmas with a burning passion, but there was one thing he hated more than Christmas. Well, one person. 

Y/N L/N. 

She was his neighbor across the street, and unlike him, she loved Christmas. Every year, she and her parents took the time to make their home into a little winter wonderland, something Kai was convinced had to be a fire hazard. An epileptic seizure waiting to happen. He had hoped when her parents struck gold (a lottery ticket win) and moved out, she would leave too, but of course, those assholes had to leave the house to her. 

He fucking hated her. 

Kai hated her, but his sister, Winter, for some reason, loved Y/N, thinking she was oh so cool and oh so sweet for whatever dumb reason. Winter liked her so much that one day she asked Kai a big question. 

“Hey, Kai?”

“Yeah?” he replied gruffly, glaring out the window. He held a steaming mug of coffee in hand, watching as Y/N began putting up Christmas lights. 

“I have a request,”

“And that is?” he scoffed, bringing the mug to his lips and blowing before taking a small sip of the bitter substance. 

Winter idly stepped next to him, “I believe, since you’re my big brother, you should grant immunity to a person of my choosing,” she began slowly, glancing at him to see his reaction. 

“What?” he laughed, though there was no humor. No smile, “What the fuck does that mean?”

“Like, keep them safe. From all of this,” she gestured around the home, in reference to the bustling cult members walking around. 

He shrugged in response, “Fine. Whatever. What harm can one person do? Who’ll it be?” 

And so Winter pointed out the window, and Kai grimaced. Y/N. Winter was pointing at Y/N. “Seeing her happy makes me happy. She’s contagious. Keep her alive. Please?” 

God fucking dammit. 

___

Winter had gone off on her own business, Kai doing the same, however, a few hours later, he found himself looking out the window, eyes widening when he noticed Y/N, who he observed to be incredibly clumsy, on the roof of her house. 

Shit!

He came scuttering down the street, stopping when he was in her yard, “Hey! What the fuck are you doing?!”

She looked down at him with that million dollar smile she always had,”Oh! Hey, Kai! I’m just decorating for the holiday season!”

“It’s not even December!” he groaned, “Get the fuck down before you fall!” 

“I’m fine,” she replied, waving him off, “Don’t you worry about me! You can go right back to what you were- eek!” she lost her footing, Kai immediately holding his arms out in efforts to catch her.

“Shit shit shit I told you-!” he sighed in relief as she found her balance, “Get the fuck down!”

“I’m fine,” she repeated, “Besides, someone’s gotta put up these inflatables!” 

“Don’t make me climb that ladder and bring you down here myself,” he threatened. 

She pouted, “The decorations need to go up!”

“Get your ass down here. I’ll fucking do it,” he found himself saying. 

And so he found himself securing an inflatable sleigh with inflatable reindeer and inflatable elves and an inflatable Santa, cursing to himself the whole time.

Why the fuck was he doing this? For Winter of course!

Why the fuck was he putting up fucking Christmas decorations? For Winter of course!

Why the hell didn’t he leave once he made sure Y/N was safe? For Winter of course!

____

The next incident was a week later. 

A lengthy meeting had just ended in the basement, Kai scowling like usual when the doorbell rang. He was going to have one of his disciples answer, but something, he wasn’t sure what told him to. 

So he opened the door, scowl deepening when he noticed who it was. Y/N.

“Hey, Kai!” she exclaimed, wearing that same stupid bright smile, “I’m sorry to intrude in your home, but I was really wondering if I could use your oven? Something is wrong with mine and there’s no one available to look at it till tomorrow, but I have an event tomorrow I need to bake cookies for-” she babbled, stopping when he raised a hand to silence her. 

“No,” there was no fucking way he was going to let Little Miss Sunshine over here into his house with all of his disciples around. It then occurred to him she might try to use her own oven anyway and cause an accident that could harm her, or ask a different neighbor to use their oven and they turn out to be terrible people, doing something terrible to her.

Yes, he would have to do something about this. For Winter, of course. 

“I’ll look at your oven,” he said simply. 

“Really?” her eyes lit up, “Thank you, Kai! That would be great!”

And so he found himself grabbing his (his dad’s) toolbox, marching into her home and fixing her oven (with the help of a YouTube tutorial, he didn’t know what he was doing). He had planned to leave after that, but once he saw her trying to cut a stick of butter and almost knicking her finger, he then found himself taking the knife from her and cutting the appropriate amount for her. 

And then he found himself sitting at the island, watching her work the recipe as they talked. He was just making sure she was safe. For Winter. Yes. That’s what it was. 

That was all it was.

___

Two weeks after that incident, around the middle of December, he was walking down a street, gloved hands shoved into his pockets, when he heard arguing. 

In curiosity, he made his way over, eyes narrowing when he noticed these two shrimpy looking guys all up in a girl’s business, tugging at her coat. Not just any girl, Y/N. Those fucking assholes. 

“Can you please leave me alone?” she asked quietly, letting out a squeak as one gripped her waist roughly. 

What the shit?

He didn’t even realize his feet were moving until he was grabbing at the guy and shoving him down, hands fisting the other’s shirt. He saw red. He didn’t know why he was so pissed, but he was pissed, punching the shit out of those two losers till he felt the soft touch of a hand on his shoulder. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Y/N, sniffling, looking as vulnerable as ever. 

And he found himself putting his hands on her shoulders, looking deep into her eyes, “Are you okay?” 

She softly nodded, looking away, “Y-Yeah, just a bit shaken up, I guess? Thank you for helping me,”

“Of course, of course,” What the fuck was he doing? He was only this nice to people when he wanted something, that was it. “I’ll walk you home, c’mon,” 

And so he found himself walking down to their block, arm protectively around her shoulder and keeping her close. And when she nervously asked if he could stay with her for a bit, he found himself agreeing right away. 

What the fuck was he doing now? Why the fuck was he sitting on the couch scrolling through the channels on the TV while she made hot cocoa? Why the fuck was he accepting it with a little half-smile, allowing her to pick the movie? Why the fuck was he watchimg some stupid Christmas movie? 

Because he needed to make sure she was safe. Because Winter said so. Yes, of course. Of course that’s all it was. 

That was all it was. 

_____

When Christmas Eve rolled around, Kai was lounging by himself in the living room, Winter doing who knows what in her bedroom. 

He scrolled through the channels tiredly, trying to find a good fucking movie that wasn’t fucking Christmas movie, and of course, the doorbell had to ring.

Why wasn’t he surprised when he opened the door, finding Y/N L/N staring up at him with those gorgeous fucking eyes? 

“What is it?” he asked, already tapping his foot impatiently. 

“Hey, Kai!” she began, as cheerful as usual, “I’m hosting a Christmas dinner, and I noticed you and Winter are alone?” 

He chuckled quietly. This happened every single year. And every single year he slammed the door in her face and went back to the TV.

But this time, his thoughts began to whirl. 

Who was even at her house right now? What if there were some bad people in there willing to hurt her? Or what if something got caught on fire? 

He had to be there, to make sure Y/N was safe. For Winter, of course. 

And so he found himself getting his sister, allowing Y/N to lead them to her home. And he found himself seated next to her during the dinner. Fuck, he even laughed at one point. What the fuck was wrong wrong with him?

And then he found himself reaching under the table, taking her hand from her lap and lacing their fingers.

For Winter, of course.

Fucking bullshit.

____

The next morning, the doorbell fucking rang again, and Kai let out a growl, stomping down the stairs and to the door. Swinging it open, already expecting some group of religious people trying to convert him to whatever, he was ready to snap.

Until he saw who it was. Y/N L/N. Fuck.

“Merry Christmas!” she chirped, holding out two carefully wrapped presents. One for him and one for Winter. 

This isn’t the first time this happened. She has gotten him and Winter Christmas presents before, and he of course got pissed and shooed her off. 

But not this time. 

Instead, he took the presents from her hands, lips curling ever so slightly into the ghost of a smile, “Thank you,” he felt like shit. Like every year, he didn’t get her a present. He never did. 

“Merry Christmas, Y/N!” Winter exclaimed from behind, clamping a hand on Kai’s shoulder, “We got presents for you too. Why don’t you get them, Kai?” she said, batting her eyelashes at her brother in a very obvious way. 

Presents?

Hesitantly, Kai placed down the gifts Y/N had got them, making his way to where Winter was pointing at. Right on the counter, two wrapped gifts. Both addressed to Y/N, however, one was neatly wrapped with Winter’s name on it. The other was rather messy, stating it was from him. He smirked softly, Winter really made sure it looked like he had gotten the present for Y/N, getting his handwriting down and everything. 

And so he found himself handing Y/N the gifts, watching the way her eyes lit up. She looked so fucking cute.

So maybe he didn’t just keep her safe for Winter’s sake.

_____

Tags: @envy-of-greed @bohnerrific69 @loveofcherry