#Single-arm Medical Pendant

[novankenn]

Reluctant Hero?

= Fifteen = (Chapter List)

Much like Pyrrha, Weiss had passed out due to pain partway through Jaune's desperate amputation of her lower arm. He had Cardin toss it as far away as he could, while Nora pulled the ribbon even tighter.

Dropping to his ass, Jaune sat amidst the gore, his chest heaving. He had a far away look in his eyes, as he unconsciously rubbed the pendant that hung about his neck with his thumb. A minute or so later, a bullhead began to lower itself towards them. Leaning out the side door was once again Glynda Goodwitch.

Glynda: You're the last! Hurry!

Jaune: Cardin grab her (points to Ruby) Nora take Weiss.

The pair of powerhouses nodded and without hesitation set to their assigned tasks. Unlike when the bullhead picked up Pyrrha, this time it actually touched down. Jaune drew his shotgun. This was the perfect time that this power would launch an attack.

/==/ Five Minutes Later - Beacon landing Pads /==/

A host of medical staff met them, and quickly loaded but Ruby and Weiss onto gurneys. Jaune, Nora and Cardin watched as they were wheeled away. The trio coated in gore.

Glynda: Mr Arc...

Jaune: How many?

Glynda: Mr Arc?

Jaune: How many were saved?

The click of a metal tipped cane striking stone cause Jaune to turn his head. His azure eyes narrowed as Headmaster Ozpin approached.

Ozpin: Mr. Arc, I want to...

Ozpin hit the ground like a sack of potatoes, after Jaune's fist connected with his jaw. A fraction later, Jaune's saw was started. Ozpin lifted his hands in surrender as the teeth of Jaune's weapon closed upon his face.

Glynda: Mr Arc!

Cardin/Nora: Jaune!

Jaune: (Through clenched teeth) How many?

Ozpin: Mr Arc...

Jaune: How many, you fucking bastard? How many didn't make it?

Ozpin: Seventeen... out of forty-four.

Jaune: I warned you... I FUCKING WARNED YOU!

Jaune then pulled his saw away from Ozpin and walked off. Cardin and Nora looked between the two adults and Jaune's retreating back.

/==/ Five Minutes Later - Locker Room /==/

Anyone in the locker room gave Jaune's gore soaked form a wide berth, but he didn't care. He was focused on a single destination, and couldn't and wouldn't give a fuck about anything else. Reaching his locker, he yanked it open, pulled off his chainsaw hand and tossed it into the bottom with a clatter. A second later, his shotgun and harness followed.

Reaching into the bag he had set upon the top shelf, he withdrew a cybernetic hand. With a twist, followed by a click, he attached it to his right stub. Still ignoring everything about him, he once again reached into the bag, and pulled out a warm can of beer. Without any hesitation, he punched open the tab with his cybernetic thumb.

Nora and Cardin arrived a minute or so later to see Jaune guzzling down the can. Once finished he looked at them, crushed the can and tossed it towards a nearby garbage can. Missing it entirely. With a belch, he reached back into the bag, and pulled out the remains of the six-pack he had just opened.

Kicking his locker closed, he looked at the similarly gore coated pair.

Jaune: Go have a shower. You guys need one, desperately.

Nora: What about...

Jaune: What about me?

Cardin: You could use one as well.

Jaune: No, right now, I need to get a buzz on.

Jaune then shouldered past the pair, and walked away.

[thehandmaidenofmischief]

Sasuke Uchiha had risen through the ranks of Konoha's Anbu forces with unparalleled skill and determination. Her journey was marked by intense training, strategic brilliance, and an unwavering resolve to protect the village she once sought to abandon.

From a young age, Sasuke had honed her natural talent for combat, mastering the arts of stealth, assassination, and espionage that defined the Anbu Black Ops. Despite the challenges and expectations placed upon her, she exceeded them all, becoming known not only for her prowess in battle but also for her ability to lead and inspire her comrades.

Her husband, Sakura, had chosen a different path, focusing on medical ninjutsu and serving as a vital healer within Konoha's forces. While their careers took them down separate avenues, their bond remained steadfast, each respecting and supporting the other's choices.

One fateful day, after a particularly daring mission where Sasuke thwarted a dangerous enemy plot single-handedly, she was promoted to the rank of captain within the Anbu. The news spread quickly through Konoha, met with both admiration and some skepticism due to her young age. Yet, Sasuke's accomplishments spoke for themselves, earning her the respect of even the most seasoned veterans.

As dusk settled over the village, Sasuke returned to her home, weary but gratified by her achievement. Sakura greeted her with a smile, his eyes reflecting pride and affection. He knew how tirelessly she had worked, the sacrifices she had made to reach this pinnacle of her career.

"You did it," Sakura said softly, stepping forward to embrace his wife. "I always knew you could."

Sasuke leaned into his embrace, her exhaustion momentarily lifted by his unwavering support. "Thank you, Sakura," she murmured, her voice betraying a hint of vulnerability she rarely showed.

To celebrate her promotion, Sakura had prepared a simple yet heartfelt gesture—a quiet dinner together, just the two of them, reminiscing about their journey thus far and dreaming of the future. He presented her with a small pendant, a symbol of their enduring bond and a reminder of the strength they found in each other.

"You've always been my inspiration," Sakura confessed, his gaze locking with hers. "And you always will be."

As they sat together, sharing a meal under the gentle glow of lantern light, Sasuke couldn't help but feel a rare sense of contentment. In Sakura's presence, she found solace from the demanding responsibilities of her new role, knowing she had a partner who believed in her unconditionally.

Their story was just beginning, marked by challenges yet to come and victories yet to be won. But in that quiet moment, surrounded by the echoes of their shared history, Sasuke and Sakura found peace in each other's arms—a testament to their love, their strength, and the enduring bonds that shaped their destinies.

[chiragreportprime]

Medical Ceiling Pendants Market Size, Type, segmentation, growth and forecast 2023-2030

Medical Ceiling Pendants Market

The Medical Ceiling Pendants Market is expected to grow from USD 1.30 Billion in 2022 to USD 2.40 Billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.10% during the forecast period.

Get the Sample Report: https://www.reportprime.com/enquiry/sample-report/10073

Medical Ceiling Pendants Market Size

Medical ceiling pendants are healthcare equipment that are mounted on ceilings to provide a versatile and space-saving method of delivering services such as gas, electrical power and medical devices. The global market for medical ceiling pendants is segmented based on type, application and region. Types include fixed, fixed retractable, single arm movable and double multi arm movable, while applications include hospitals, clinics and emergency centers. Key market players include Drager, Pneumatik Berlin, Tedisel Medical, Starkstrom, TLV Healthcare, Novair Medical, Brandon Medical, KLS Martin, MZ Liberec, Surgiris, Trumpf and Maquet. Regulatory and legal factors specific to market conditions include government regulations that dictate minimum standardization, medical equipment certification, and product liability concerns, and can have significant impact on market growth and profits.

Medical Ceiling Pendants Market Key Player

Drager

Pneumatik Berlin

Tedisel Medical

Starkstrom

TLV Healthcare

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Medical Ceiling Pendants Market Segment Analysis

The Medical Ceiling Pendants market caters to hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. These pendants provide flexible and versatile solutions for the positioning of medical equipment and other essential elements during surgical procedures and critical care. The rising demand for minimally invasive surgeries, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and the increasing use of technologically advanced medical equipment are among the primary factors driving the revenue growth of the Medical Ceiling Pendants market.

Furthermore, the need for efficient and integrated healthcare facilities, especially in developing economies, is creating a new market opportunity for Medical Ceiling Pendants. With increasing awareness and government initiatives, healthcare facilities are emphasizing patient safety and comfort, leading to more demand for healthcare solutions like Medical Ceiling Pendants.

The latest trend in the Medical Ceiling Pendants market is the integration of advanced technology to enhance functionality and ensure patient safety. For instance, smart pendants are being developed, which can monitor and control ventilation, lighting, and temperature in the operating room or ICU. Additionally, the adoption of modular systems and remote access systems for medical ceiling pendants is also gaining traction.

However, the Medical Ceiling Pendants market is facing certain challenges, such as the high cost of installation, maintenance, and repair of these systems, which can deter the adoption of these products in certain regions. The lack of skilled professionals to operate and maintain these systems is also hampering the growth of the market in some regions.

According to the report, the main findings suggest that the Medical Ceiling Pendants market is poised for significant growth in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for advanced healthcare facilities and a rising focus on patient safety and comfort. The report also recommends that companies operating in the Medical Ceiling Pendants market should focus on developing innovative, cost-effective solutions to overcome the challenges faced by the industry. Additionally, companies should explore emerging markets and take advantage of government initiatives to promote healthcare infrastructure development.

This report covers impact on COVID-19 and Russia-Ukraine wars in detail.

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Market Segmentation (by Application):

Hospital

Clinics

Emergency Center

Information is sourced from www.reportprime.com

[reportsneww]

Medical Pendant Market is expected to rise at A CAGR Of 6.27% during the forecast period 2022 to 2030: Growth Plus Reports

Newark, New Castle, USA – Growth Plus Reports’ most recent study examines the Global Medical Pendant Market’s production, prospective uses, demand, key companies, and SWOT analysis.

You may get insights into the TOC, and Statistics for essential facts, information, trends, and competitive landscape information.

Download Free Sample Report Now @ https://www.growthplusreports.com/inquiry/request-sample/medical-pendant-market/8031

The following are the leading companies in the Global Medical Pendant market:

Elektra Hellas S.A

Starkstrom

Brandon Medical Co. Ltd

Skytron LLC

BeaconMedaes

MEDIMAXKOREA

Tedisel Medical

Ondal Medical Systems GmbH

Megasan Medikal

Comprise Skytron LLC

Surgiris

BeaconMedaes LLC

Growth Plus Reports studies the key trends in each category and sub-segment of the Medical Pendant market, along with Global and regional projections from 2023 to 2031. Our research splits the market into product type and application segments.

SEGMENTATION

GLOBAL MEDICAL PENDANT MARKET – ANALYSIS & FORECAST, BY PRODUCT 

Fixed Pendants

Fixed Retractable Pendants

Single Arm Movable Pendant

Double & Multi Arm Movable Pendant

GLOBAL MEDICAL PENDANT MARKET – ANALYSIS & FORECAST, BY APPLICATION 

Surgery

Endoscopy

Anaesthesia

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Others

GLOBAL MEDICAL PENDANT MARKET – ANALYSIS & FORECAST, BY END USER 

Hospitals

Clinics 

Others 

For More Information or Query or Customization visit: https://www.growthplusreports.com/inquiry/customization/medical-pendant-market/8031

Companies may utilize Medical Pendant market report to get insights on market variables and any restraints that may affect the manufacturing of their product. Companies that are expanding abroad require thorough Global market research that includes real market data to assist with their marketing strategy. This Global market Medical Pendant industry study analyzes important market dynamics and provides in-depth information and statistics to help companies flourish. This research report on the Medical Pendant market takes advantage of advanced and professional approaches such as SWOT analysis and GRG Health’s unique GrowthMIX strategy.

This report is useful in addressing various essential issues for market participants, while also supporting them in making investments and leveraging the market opportunities.

Medical Pendant Market TOC: https://www.growthplusreports.com/report/toc/medical-pendant-market/8031

Market segment by Region/Country including: –

-North America (United States, Canada and Mexico) -Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia and Spain etc.) -Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia and Southeast Asia etc.) -South America (Brazil, Argentina and Colombia etc.) -Middle East and Africa (South Africa, UAE and Saudi Arabia etc.)

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[neha24blog]

Medical Pendant Market Segment Analysis By Product, Application, Capacity, End Use, Region And Forecast Till 2030 : Grand View Research Inc.

San Francisco, 13 March 2023: The Report Medical Pendant Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Fixed, Fixed Retractable, Single Arm Movable, Double & Multi-arm Movable), By Application, By Capacity, By End-use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 – 2030 The global medical pendant market is anticipated to reach USD 845.51 million by 2030, registering a CAGR of 6.69% during…

[imarketresearchreport]

Single-arm Medical Pendant Market Size, Share, Status & Supply Demand Forecast Report To, 2025

The global Single-arm Medical Pendant Market report offers a comprehensive analysis of current trends and future opportunities. This report is responsible for quantitative estimation and foreseen future for upcoming years based on the recent companies’ strategic moves and historical data. Further, the market report is categorized into different segments, regions, and countries’ level. This report also provides competitor analysis with its market share and developments.

Final Report will cover the impact of COVID-19 on this industry.

The global Single-arm Medical Pendant market report presents a complete research-based study of the industry including details such as company shares, forecast data, in-depth analysis and an outlook of the market on a worldwide platform. The report further highlights the market drivers, restraints and the top manufacturers at the global and regional levels. For a thorough understanding, the report also offers market segmentation and regional analysis for the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.

Click here to get a Sample PDF Copy of the Single-arm Medical Pendant Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-54554

According to this study, over the next five years, the Single-arm Medical Pendant market will register an xx% CAGR in terms of revenue, the global market size will reach $ xx million by 2025, from $ xx million in 2020. In particular, this report presents the global market share (sales and revenue) of key companies in the Single-arm Medical Pendant business, shared in Chapter 3.

This Single-arm Medical Pendant market report also splits the market by regions: Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil), APAC (China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, Australia), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Russia, Spain), Middle East & Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Turkey, GCC Countries).

This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of the Single-arm Medical Pendant market by type, application, key manufacturers, key regions, and countries.

The key manufacturers covered in this report: Breakdown data in Chapter 3.

Emaled

Tedisel Medical

Panalex Medical

Megasan Medical Gas Systems

Arigmed

Shanghai Wanyu Medical Equipment

Palakkad Surgical Industries

Ondal Medical

Shanghai Huifeng Medical Instrument

Others

To inquire about report customization, feel free to reach out to our team of expert analysts @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/ask-questions-54554

This study considers the Single-arm Medical Pendant value and volume generated from the sales of the following segments:

Segmentation by type: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.3; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.7.

Fixed Medical Pendant

Lifting Medical Pendant

Segmentation by application: breakdown data from 2015 to 2020, in Section 2.4; and forecast to 2025 in section 11.8.

Hospital

Clinic

Others

In addition, this report discusses the key drivers influencing market growth, opportunities, the challenges and the risks faced by key manufacturers and the market as a whole. It also analyzes key emerging trends and their impact on present and future development.

Purchase the Complete Global Single-arm Medical Pendant Market Research Report @ https://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-54554

About Us:

DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research report provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research reports, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.

Our expert research analysts have been trained to map client’s research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.

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Reference Source:

https://www.topnewscorner.com/global-single-arm-medical-pendant-market-research-report-highlights-on-future-development-2025/ 

[modular-hospital-equipment]

How Many Type of Medical Pendants | Difference of Surgical Pendant & ICU Pendant | Price

What is the difference between medical pendant and ICU bridge type pendant?

Medical Surgical Pendant

Medical Surgical Pendants are an essential gas supply medical device that is essential in the operating room of the hospital. It is utilized to facilitate the transfer of suction, oxygen and compressed air, nitrogen as well as other medical gases within an operating area. Hospital Surgical Pendant are operated by a motor to elevate the platform. This is reliable and safe.

The balanced design ensures the quality of the equipment platform and assures the safety of medical Surgical Pendants Motor drive to ensure the swift as well as efficient functioning of the hospital pendant. Surface of material may be cleaned using standard disinfectants that can remove the contamination completely.

The Medical Surgical Pendant is able to be rotated in order to improve the coverage of the device and increase the effectiveness of the device; adjustments and use is more convenience and easy. The Surgical Pendant head as well as the platform that is used to carry it can only be hovered within the radius of the cantilever, therefore the single cantilever is chosen as an operating room that has the smallest surface.

This medical pendant is able to be rotated to place it with the gas outlets for the medical device, gas pressure gauge as well as the instrument outlet.

ICU Pendant

The ICU Pendant, also known as the supply beam system can be fitted in the hospital ICU ward. It is a vital medical aid equipment that is used in the current intensive care unit.

It is mostly comprised of bridge frame, dry segment, as well as wet. Its main characteristics are its decent dry-wet division structures and the wet portion is fitted with a flexibility of the infusion. Dry and wet areas is fitted by an instrumentation platform which is adjusted downwards and upwards. Air, oxygen suction power source network input terminals and racks for the infusion pump are located in the dry and wet area.

The dry and wet areas uses a cantilever design which enhances the treatment area. The rotating portion is equipped with breaks to stop drift. The cross beam has the lighting treatment lamp that is located at the center.

The primary material is made up of special aluminum alloys with high strength as well as stainless steel. The surface is constructed from imported materials, and high-pressure electrostatic sprays are able to block the formation of UV and ozone. It provides lighting solutions for medical treatment. In addition the various kinds of systems are available depending on the requirements of the hospital.

[huniebunny]

5 times flirted with Ej?

[Hello, my lovely bunny!! My sincerest apologies for how it's been!! I've been trying to catch up on sleep when I probably could have finished this a while ago! I hope you enjoy it either way!]

[5+1 prompts]

Flirting works, right?

Jack didn’t fully realize his crush on you. It had been so long since he felt anything but hunger that he’d forgotten what other emotions felt like. But you were particularly special to him. You were the exception to pretty much all of his boundaries. Having it pointed out to him by Jeff and Ben was not his ideal way of figuring that out though.

1

“You gotta make a move on them! Tell them how you feel!” Ben insisted, floating in front of Jack’s face.

Jack merely growled in his direction before reorganizing the mess the two made of his medical room. He didn’t want to be bothered with whatever nonsense they had brewing in their heads. “I don’t want to talk about this, Ben. And refrain from getting so close,” he threatened.

“Ya should do something about it though. The scent of you when they’re around makes me gag,” Jeff butted in from the metal medical table. Jack sighed, tilting his head to hear them out.

“And what do you think I should do?”

Unbeknownst to Jack, Ben and Jeff deviously smirked before offering: Flirting with you. Of course, the first line of action was pick up lines. The point of this ultimately confused Jack, but if it would communicate his feelings better than anything else…

Ben pushed him toward you right as you walked in to assist his area. You both caught each other before either of you could fall over. You were about to ask for what he needed when he blurted out, “Are you running a fever?” Oh god, this was all wrong already. His voice was weak and his tone clearly shook with discomfort. His hold tightened on your arms when he felt you trying to pull away.

“What fever?” you asked, curious about his strange behavior.

“Oh.. mm,” he forced the pick up line through his teeth, almost glad he still had his mask on, “You’re just.. Hot, to me.”

You clicked your tongue at him, easing his grip from your arms so you could lead him to a seat. “Well, I don’t have a fever and I think you need a break. I’ll take care of things while you get yourself back together.”

2

After that failure, Ben and Jeff were broken in multiple places for Jack’s anger and embarrassment. The two were incredibly determined that flirting would work though, the pick up line was just a joke. They swore it was, before Jack could put them in even more misery. Although, since it had been far too long since any of them had romantic attraction, they struggled to come up with another plan. Gifts were always a sign of interest, right?

So, Jack took to figuring out what to get you for a gift. The frustrating thing was: you never made it obvious to want something. There were things you needed that he could provide, but nothing that would make a special gift. He growled to himself, dropping his face to the counter, and wondered how his undead life came to this. It would be so much easier if he didn’t have these feelings in the first place.

But then the smell of metal and coffee filled his nostrils and he lifted his head. Your giggle met his ears, and heat crawled up his neck when he realized that you brought him some coffee. A cup made just how he liked it. That single action alone cemented how he felt for you and stoked the determination to find you something nice.

He kept it simple: an elegant necklace with a single jeweled pendant. The velvet box was tied to a small bouquet. He had requested Jane to pick the flowers since he knew little about flowers or how they looked together. He left the gift where you’d easily find it then hid where he could at least hear your reaction.

He smiled to himself when he heard your gasp, and your awed mutter of how beautiful the flowers were. But then he heard you ask yourself who the gifts were from and he smacked himself for not writing his name anywhere.

3

Jack wasn’t accepting anymore of Jeff and Ben’s help after that. They could come up with all of the ideas they could want, but Jack wasn’t doing it anymore. He huffed and entered his office when he heard you grunting. He blinked and tilted his head. You were in the right corner deepest into the room, where the closet was. “What are you doing?” He asked, grimacing at your startled noise.

He raced over, settling his hand on your back to avoid making you fall or drop something. What he didn’t realize was how close he’d truly gotten to you. The two of you were face-to-face, almost nose-to-nose even. His breath mingled with yours. “Are you okay?” He asked.

You invisibly nodded before remembering his blindness. “Y-Yeah! Yeah, I’m okay. Thanks for helping.” He shook his head, keeping his arms and hands hovered around you as you finished shoving the heavy box on the top shelf. You wouldn’t say it out loud, but he made you feel so very safe even without you asking for it.

Once you were steady on the floor again, he pulled away and cleared his throat. “Sorry for startling you.”

“No! You’re fine..” You played with your hair despite him being unable to notice it. “I can trust you to catch me if I fall…”

The silence between you both was stark before having the same idea to turn away from each other. “You know where to find me if you need help,” he stated weakly.

4

Luckily, you never had to see his hunger at the mansion. He had freezers just for himself, filled to the brim with leftover organs from everyone else’s kills. But, he had a different hunger for you. It wasn’t quite as feral, but still so depraved. He was always the first to notice when you tried something different with your products and this recent change was affecting him more than it should.

It was a new perfume floating off your body and the sweet scent was driving him insane. His claws tapped harshly against his desk as you fluttered around with his tools. Now, those were going to smell like you. He swallowed thickly before addressing you. You hummed in response, barely slowing down with your work.

“Reader, what is that new perfume?”

You finally paused at that. Your smile was heard through your tone as you answered, “You noticed? It smelled good initially, but now I’m not sure. Is it too strong?”

Instead of answering in turn, he ordered you to approach behind the desk. He stood when you stopped next to him, gently took your arm and pulled you closer. He practically pinned you to the desk as he buried his face in your neck, taking a deep breath. His skin bristled in nonexistent chills, barely registering as his tongue slipped from his mouth and tasted your skin.

He came back to reality at your shocked squeal. He pulled away, still hazy from your scent, and furrowed his brows. He removed his hoodie and shoved it into your chest. “You’re going to wear that perfume only around me, understand?”

The smell of him stuck to your body alongside your perfume and that didn’t make things any better.

5

The biggest surprise jack ever had in the mansion was Sexual Offenderman giving good advice. Ben and Jeff were right, his attraction towards you was pretty obvious. Jack wasn’t attempting to ask for advice. S.O. had the possibility of being just as bad, if not worse, in his advances. But, S.O simply smirked and off-handedly commented, “It’s easier to just be honest.”

That stopped Jack in his tracks to get as far away from the entity. S.O grinned when he had the demon’s attention. “Trust me when I say this, nothing will work if you’re not honest about it.”

Jack rolled his eyes, pretending to not take the advice to heart. “As if you’re ever honest about anything.”

S.O. hummed, tapping his finger against his cheek. “I may not be honest about my intentions, but my attraction to others is never a lie.”

Jack was silent with that before quietly thanking the entity. He then ran off to find you.

There you were- in his office- wearing that deliciously sweet perfume that clouded the whole room now. He shut the door behind him, catching your attention. Before you could question him though, he fumbled with finding your hand until you slid your palm into his. Heat flooded his ears as he quietly asked, “Could I take you somewhere more private?”

With your affirmation, he led you to his bedroom, locking the door behind him. Now that you were both here, he didn’t know what to do. The two of you were alone with every possibility of what could happen and Jack was about to call it quits. But you took his hand and your voice so close to his ear, you could have melted him into his spot.

“Are you okay? You’ve been acting so weird lately.”

And now he was confronted to put his feelings into words. His mouth flapped open like a fish out of water before settling on something that was still true but not his full intention. “I wanted to spend more time with you..”

You didn’t respond back immediately, worrying him that you weren’t as receptive of the idea. But you pulled him to the bed and made him sit down before the area beside him sunk under your own weight. “Well, we have more than enough time before I get back to business.”

He thickly swallowed, trying to think of how to get closer with you. “Could I feel what you look like?” It was probably the most intimate thing he could think of, aside from what your perfume was creating in his mind. You laughed then raised his hands to your face. He cupped your cheeks and his claws caught a few strands from your hairline. He carefully navigated his hands so he didn’t harm your features.

He breathed shallowly as he took in every inch of your face; the way your cheeks squished in his palms when you smiled and laughed; the way your brows moved under his fingertips; how soft your lashes were under his thumbs. He finally made his way down your nose to your lips, pausing there. The pad of his thumb pressed against your lower lip, pulling your mouth open slightly, and your warm breath coated his skin.

“Could I kiss you?” Without thinking, the request was emptied into the air. You simply smiled and pressed your lips to his fingers in a kiss. “Feel free,” you answered.

He didn’t hesitate with that, pulling you in for your first romantic kiss.

+1

It wasn’t until much later that he found out you were trying to catch his attention in a similar way. He sputtered as the creeps around him laughed. “I don’t want to hear a word out of any of you!” he growled, “Unless you want to be put under experimental surgery?”

You managed to pull him back from chasing everyone down, kissing his cheek. He calmed down a bit from that. “Why didn’t you say anything up front?”

You tittered, fixing up his collar as if to avoid answering. “You’re incredibly smart; I thought you had found out early on and just didn’t like me back that way.”

Jack smirked at that then pulled you close. “I don’t think you know just how much I like you.”

[the-insomniac-emporium]

Crimson Ties (Bela Dimitrescu/Reader, Soulmate AU) Pt. 2

Fandom: Resident Evil: Village

Rating: T for language and mild medical drama

Warnings: Typical Vampire shenanigans

Genre: Hurt + comfort

Summary: Bela is somewhat unprepared to deal with a soulmate who has no clue about her condition, her family, or any of the village's secrets. Thankfully, her sister Cassandra is more than willing to be a bad example. Also there's some fluff.

Notes: For reference, each of my soulmate stories take place in their own contained timeline, since they each involve different types of soulmates. So in this one, Cass doesn't currently have a soulmate.

Previous Chapters: 1: Stem the Flow

2: Tangled Strands

A gentle humming fills the space around you, as fingers slowly run through your hair. As far as you can tell you had fallen back asleep, for several hours, and you were just now waking back up. No longer holding you down, your soulmate is curled up next to you. There’s still a needle in your arm, much to your irritation, but now you can finally see what it’s connected to: An IV for a transfusion. Explains why I’m feeling so much better than before, you think. Then you’re turning your head to the other side, eager to finally get a good look at your soulmate. Instantly you’re blushing, tongue tying itself into a knot, because wow are you lucky.

“Feeling any better?” She asked, as soon as your gaze met hers. You try to stutter out a confirmation, but you’re too distracted by the soft curve of her smile to speak, and barely even manage a nod. That beautiful smile grows wider in response. “Good. I couldn’t stand the thought of you suffering more, after what you’ve already been through.” Now her smile fades, and she looks away for a few moments. Watching it makes your heart ache. So you swallow the lump in your throat, willing yourself to relax, before trying a little comforting of your own.

“I am safe now, am I not? Moreso, we have too much to talk about for us to dwell on the ill circumstances of our introduction. Let us cherish this time, in respite, with our hearts open wide to one another,” you said, donning your softest smile. Somehow your words fulfill their purpose, and your soulmate is once again grinning. Slowly she leans forward to rest her forehead against yours. Then she’s speaking, voice as smooth as the sheets you lay on.

“You are right, of course. I simply wish I could have saved you sooner,” she replied, tone betraying the sadness that her expression otherwise hid. Before you can protest, she continues talking, and you soon forget all about your qualms. “To think I don’t even know your name yet… nor you mine, I suppose. Let’s remedy that, yes? I am Bela Dimitrescu.” Something about her last name feels familiar to you, but not to the point of clear recognition. Instead of inquiring, you return her favor, giving her your own name. She repeats it back a few times, letting the syllables roll off her tongue, and you feel your heart skip a few beats. “A lovely name for a lovely soul, perfectly paired.”

A pause, followed by Bela reaching out to examine your IV. Following her gaze, you turn to the metal hook adjacent to the bed, where a blood bag hangs. Only a few drops remain inside. Just as when you first awoke, Bela gives a soft hum, then rises into a sitting position. Your first instinct is to copy the motion, and you’re relieved when (this time) she doesn’t push you back down. Both of you quietly inch your hands closer until they’re laid on top of each other.

“I wish I knew more about medicine, but unfortunately my family is more experienced in the creation of wounds than the treatment of them,” Bela said, scowling. Confused, you tilt your head at a slight angle, watching her with interest. Am I supposed to know who she’s referring to? My memories of the past couple days are still hazy, you think. “Do… do you remember how you ended up in the dungeon? I know you wanted to speak of happier things, and we can, soon. It’s just… Knowing how you arrived here may help me deal with the consequences of freeing you. Mother will be dreadfully upset that I’ve interrupted a draining, even if we are soulmates.”

“Wait, are you saying…? The intimidating giantess who strung me up and attempted to bleed me dry… is your mother?” You asked, jaw nearly dropping to the floor. This was an unexpected development, for sure.

“You didn’t know?” Bela replied, eyes going wide for a moment. Clearly she wouldn’t have said anything if she realized you weren’t already aware. Suddenly the tension in the room is palpable, with an uncomfortable silence overtaking the two of you. In the moment, you cannot even bring yourself to look at Bela, too stunned by this new knowledge. Eventually she breaks the silence, voice sounding unsure for once. “I realize that this is a lot to take in, if you need time to process it, I… I can go. But you need to understand that our situation is far more complicated than it might appear. We cannot survive without the blood of others- it is what sustains us when nothing else can.”

Now you’re staring at her like she’s crazy, and she’s standing up, moving to the other side of the room. She draws back a curtain, gazing out into the snow covered hills. Every muscle in your body is urging you to run while she’s distracted. Thread of fate be damned, this went far beyond anything you had ever imagined having to deal with. You come so close to ripping the IV right out of your arm. But a gentle tug on your soul string makes you pause, remembering all the times this bond gave you hope in dark times. Had she felt the same way, all these years? What had she gone through, in this absurd castle, on the very edges of civilization? You pull on the red thread, feeling a wave of composure wash over you.

“It appears there is much I need to learn. But is that not the very nature of our connection? We know, simply, that we are bound to each other, though we know not what shapes our souls take so that we might put them together, nor even what roles we must play. I cannot say that I understand your plight, my dear, but I will try, as is my obligation, and my honor,” you said, wishing you could hold her, and cursing your IV. As soon as the first word leaves your mouth, Bela is turning around, watching you with a bittersweet expression. Once you’re done she’s moving closer, as if reading your mind, extending a hand to cup your cheek. Then she leans forward to press a brief kiss to your forehead. “Oh, how I have longed for this- to be with you, to get to know you.”

“As did I,” she murmured. You can’t help but lean into her touch, closing your eyes and enjoying the moment. “Perhaps I should introduce you to my family? I imagine you’ll be needing breakfast anyway, and bringing human food back to my quarters would raise more suspicion than I’d like.” Well, the moment couldn’t last forever, could it?

“Only if you promise that your mother won’t suspend me by my wrists again. Or by any other part of me. Shall we simply put suspension off the table altogether?” You asked, half teasing. To be entirely honest, you were equally worried about Bela’s sisters. Well, the people you had heard other prisoners whispering about, who were the daughters of the giantess, and by connecting a few dots were also, presumably, Bela’s sisters. Apparently they preferred to play with their food. Unless, of course, Bela was one of the daughters you had heard about, and would have easily torn into you if not for your connection. Let’s not dwell on that concept, you think, glad to be distracted by your soulmate.

“I will not let anyone harm you anymore, my beloved. My mother would not stand so firmly in the way of my happiness,” Bela reassured, though you detected a hint of uncertainty in her tone. Still, there wasn’t much you could do other than trust her. “Now, let me take care of your bandages, then we’ll head downstairs…”

---------------------------------

“Who the fuck is this?” An unfamiliar voice asked, as you meandered down the corridor, arm around Bela for support. As soon as she hears the person speak, your soulmate is freezing in place, casting a worried glance over her shoulder. When you turn as well, you spot someone dressed almost identically to Bela. However, the woman wears a yellow pendant, as opposed to a red one, and her hair is a dark brown. It feels safe to assume that she’s one of the sisters you’ve heard about. Which understandably makes you nervous, to the point where you almost want to hide behind Bela. Instead, you stand tall, attempting to seem unfazed by either her presence or her vulgarity.

“Mind your manners, Cassandra,” Bela hissed, taking more of an aggressive stance than you had anticipated. “This, dear sister, is my soulmate. And if you even think about harming them, or getting in our way, I will tear you apart.” While you’re downright shocked at the intensity of Bela’s statement, her sister doesn’t look at all impressed, and eyes you with minimal interest. Better than looking at you with hatred, right? Apparently not, as Bela moves to stand between the two of you, eyes narrowed. There’s a clear stiffness in her posture that leaves you anxious. Cassandra seems to notice it as well, and laughs, before taking a few steps in your direction. Then your soulmate mimics the movement, forcing you to do so as well.

“They’re human,” Cassandra snapped, pausing to sniff the air and scowl. “Here I thought your soulmate would have to be special, if they’re to compare to your ego. You’re disappointed, aren’t you? Having to settle for this.” With that she shifts, flesh writhing, making your stomach churn as you watch her disintegrate into a cloud of… flies? What the hell is wrong with this family? Can Bela do that too? I hope not, you think. Soon you’re pulled from your thoughts, however, as the swarm circles around you, single insects occasionally surging forward to cut at your skin. But Bela is grabbing you by the sleeve and tugging you to her chest, moving against a wall so that her body shielded your own. Your eyes clamp shut as you shake in her arms. When the buzzing stops, it is quickly replaced with cruel laughter. “That fragile, hmm? I can’t wait to see what mother thinks. See you at breakfast, sister!”

Then the two of you are alone, still pressed against the wall, staying still until the sound of footsteps fade. You’re stunned, unsure of how to react. The fact that a few drops of blood roll down your cheek only makes things worse. Still, Bela managed to prevent you from getting too hurt, and the few wounds on your body are negligible. Ever filled with gratitude, you hold her close as you try to stutter out a few sentences.

“Is she always this hostile, or am I truly not what you had expected? No, pay me no mind, it hardly matters. Thank you for protecting me,” you whispered. In response, Bela gives you a little squeeze, then pulls back enough to wipe the blood from your face. There’s a hint of something odd in her expression, which you interpret to be related to her apparent ‘need for blood’. Thankfully, she is in perfect control, and does not frenzy the same way you had read about fictional vampires doing. But she does hesitate, words dying on her tongue, like there are a thousand things she wants to say, and no words to say them with. “It’s alright, my dear. Let’s just go to breakfast, like we planned, and hope your sister behaves better when supervised.”

Bela nods, quickly, before taking your hand in her own. Whatever awaited you in the dining room, the two of you would be ready. Hopefully.

[hrina]

In The Ring, Pt. I - Jab

PAIRING: Harry x Reader RATING: M WORD COUNT: 4k REQUESTED: not exactly lol

hey everyone! this is PART 1 of the boxer!harry AU i’ve been working on. i was so inspired by this concept that i wrote it all in one day lol. if u enjoy reading it, reblogs and feedback are very much appreciated! it really helps in terms of motivation and just knowing how my readers feel about this story in general. so yeah, that would really make my month!

warning: parts of this fic will contain mentions of blood, violence, mild stalking, and sexual content. if any of that makes you uncomfortable, please take care of yourself and keep scrolling <3

okay, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, go stupid go dumb! my masterlist and my inbox are both linked in my bio, for anyone who would like to check out my other fics or who feels like chatting. can’t wait to hear your thoughts 💘💘💘

~*~

    January 7, 2021

All of Harry’s teeth are still intact.

For now, at least.

He knows that mouthguards exist—there’s one tucked between his lips every single time he enters the ring. But even then…sometimes punches go awry. Sometimes your opponent dodges at the last second. Sometimes people end up with a mouthful of leather and a few loose incisors. He always keeps one fist near his chin, shielding the lower half of his face from any blows that come his way.

Speaking of blows coming his way…

He ducks away from the straight jab that the man throws—The Wall, they call him. Harry had rolled his eyes when the nickname boomed across the room, soon lost in the roar of the crowd.

He’s never been one for flashy introductions. He prefers to let his technique speak for itself. His brand is his name. Harry Styles. Simple, concise, and so utterly deceiving. He loves watching the smile melt from his opponent’s face, basks in the moment when they realise that he’s tougher than his name suggests.

The Wall jabs again, and Harry successfully dodges the punch. He doesn’t register the other fist hooking around, however, until the blunt front of the man’s glove makes contact with the side of his head. Usually, a blow like that wouldn’t even faze him. But the sheer force behind the hit knocks him off-balance, stumbling to the side as he loses his footing and inhaling sharply when his shoulder collides with the ground.

The yells from the crowd are deafening. Harry coughs, trying to guide air back into his lungs. When he blinks, black spots dance across his vision. Subconsciously, his eyes trace a path upward, past the floor, past his opponent’s feet, past the ropes encompassing the ring. Higher and higher, still, past jeering faces and sloshing beer bottles and grungy eye makeup. All the way to the top of the bleachers, to the exit—to you.

That’s been your unofficial spot for the past two years. Once you turned twenty, your father finally gave in, allowing you to attend Harry’s matches in exchange for the cessation of your endless badgering. You always stand near the door, observing the commotion with thoughtful eyes and puckered lips. Despite himself, Harry has started to think of you as his lucky charm. It’s dangerous—he always swore that he wouldn’t be one of those overly-superstitious athletes—but he can’t help it. He just seems to perform better when you’re around.

Through the rocky field of his vision, he can see just how wide your eyes have grown. There’s an unmistakable look of concern on your face as you watch the fight unfold. Your hand finds its way to the base of your throat, playing nervously with the rose-gold pendant resting there. You crane your neck to get a better view of the ring, your pupils flitting back and forth between Harry and the frighteningly large man looming over him.

A warm rush of adrenaline floods Harry’s veins. The saliva that has gathered in his mouth tastes stale on his tongue. He spits it out as he staggers to his feet. The crowd grows louder, somehow.

The Wall’s smile shrinks as Harry assumes his previous position; his hands orient themselves in front of his face. His opponent gnashes his teeth, seemingly annoyed with the fact that the match has not ended. Harry shakes off the dizziness clouding his brain, and then he’s lunging forward with a newfound sense of determination. He throws punch after punch, sidestepping The Wall’s returning attempts. All he can think about is the fact that you’re up there, watching, waiting, worrying. He never wants to see you like that again.

You’re his goddamn lucky charm.

His victory comes in the form of an uppercut followed immediately by a nasty right hook. The Wall—this big, towering man with bulging biceps and rippling pectorals—crumples to the ground. Harry waits, his chest heaving with exertion as the countdown begins. He’s prepared to watch his opponent rise again, to shift back into a fighting stance and start over. But as the seconds trickle by and The Wall remains motionless on the ground, he soon finds the tension in his body seeping out into the hot, sticky air.

His shoulders sag in relief as a single promising word echoes through the grimy arena.

“Knockout!”

~*~

The crowd thins out considerably in the ten minutes following the termination of the match. Harry stumbles out of the ring, sliding through the ropes and pulling his mouthguard from between his lips. Your father is waiting for him with a smile on his face, holding out an arm and helping him jump down from the raised platform.

“Well done, H,” he says, patting his back proudly.

Harry pants and nods. Your father holds out a reusable water bottle for him to take—he accepts it graciously and gulps down the cold liquid with fat, greedy slurps. Once he pulls the nozzle away from his mouth, he runs the back of his hand over his face to catch any stray droplets that have collected on his chin.

“Thanks, Coach.”

“You took a pretty hard fall, there,” your father says, guiding him to sit down on a bench propped up against the wall. “Medic’s in the back. He’s checking out Aaron right now, but you’re next.” He taps his index finger against Harry’s temple. “We’ve got to make sure everything’s alright up there.”

Harry sucks in a deep breath, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion. “Who the fuck is Aaron?”

“Oh.” Your father laughs. “Aaron. The Wall. Whatever you want to call him.”

Harry frowns. “Don’t like that. Makes him sound like a dick.”

A new voice enters the conversation.

“That’s because he is.”

Harry’s head snaps to the side, and there you are.

You look nice, as usual. There’s something about you that he can never seem to properly describe. You always look so…clean. If he tried to vocalize his thoughts, he’s sure that you would look at him like he was crazy.

But in his head, it makes sense. You take care of yourself. Your nails are spotless, your hair smells good, and he knows that you must dab spritzes of perfume onto your pulse points before you leave the house, because a fresh scent follows you wherever you go. Even now, as you stand a few feet away with your hands on your hips, he catches it on a deep inhale. Not flowery, not fruity, just…clean. Refreshing. Light. Breezy.

Your father snaps him out of his reverie, and he realises that he should probably stop listing every word in the thesaurus.

“How do you know?” Your father’s inquiry is curious. He shoots you a puzzled look, his mouth curling down into a soft scowl.

You roll your eyes. “Called me ‘sweet thing’ before the match started and asked me if I was the prize,” you say, sticking your tongue out in disdain. “I told him to go fuck himself.”

Harry’s lips twitch.

Your father chuckles. “That’s my girl.”

You laugh quietly, shaking your head. “What time are we leaving?” you ask. The question is directed at your father, who is fiddling with the drawstrings hanging from his sweater. “I was hoping to study a bit more before bed.”

“Soon, gioia,” your father says. “As soon as Harry gets checked out, we’ll be on our way.”

You nod, and—for what feels like the first time since you cut into the interaction—you glance down at Harry. “Hi,” you say softly, shooting him a small, friendly smile.

He meets your gaze for only a moment. Everything about you is so gentle. Your irises are like melted pots of honey, regarding him with such warmth he feels like he’ll never be cold again. “Hi.”

“Congratulations on your win,” you murmur. Harry wants to bottle your voice and save it as a keepsake. “You made a great comeback.”

Because of you, he wants to say, but he bites his tongue. “Thank you,” he offers up instead, the words scraping against the roof of his mouth and tumbling unceremoniously into the air between you.

A moment of silence ensues as you wait for him to say something—anything—else. But he’s done. You nod once before turning back to your father, who is tweaking the settings of the watch wrapped around his wrist.

“Do you know where the washrooms are?” you ask. You toy absentmindedly with the necklace hanging from your throat. “I need to pee.”

“You can use the one in the women’s locker room,” your father tells you, throwing a thumb over his shoulder. “Around the corner, first door on the left.”

“Thanks,” you say, slipping by and pressing a quick peck to his cheek. “I’ll be right back.”

He just nods in agreement, still too preoccupied with his watch.

Harry, on the other hand, can’t keep his eyes off of you as you walk away. He takes note of the way that you tuck your hair behind your ear, how you shoulder the strap of your purse to keep it from slipping down your arm, how you walk with a purpose despite being so moderate and kind. His gaze falls momentarily to the sway of your hips, the enticing nature of your waist. He stares for a long moment before tearing away, clearing his throat and blinking a few times in quick succession.

“Proud of you, H,” your father pipes up, tapping the face of his watch twice before dropping his arm with a sigh. “You did well out there.”

“Thanks,” Harry mutters. A spark of guilt flares up in his chest when he realises that he had been blatantly ogling you with your father standing only a few feet off to the side. He silently berates himself, shaking his head free of any alluring thoughts.

Your father’s phone chirps with the arrival of a new notification. He fishes the device out of his pocket and glances down at the screen.

“Let’s go,” he tells Harry, jerking his head to the right. “Medic’s ready for you, now.”

    January 13, 2021

“C’mon, H, be smart with it! Watch how he angles himself!”

And Harry’s trying, really, but Arthur—or Artie, as your father likes to call him—is a hunkering titan of a man. He used to be your father’s star athlete before retiring, and now…now he’s working in finance, or something akin to that. Harry isn’t one hundred percent sure; he usually zones out when people begin to discuss the stock market.

Artie throws a right hook, but Harry sees it coming and blocks it with ease. They move in a circle, focussed only on each other while other individuals outside of the ring totter around.

Harry prefers to train on weekdays during the afternoon, because that’s when the gym isn’t as packed. Right now, only a handful of other people are working out, lifting weights or doing cardio exercises. Harry and Artie are here so often that nobody even blinks an eye anymore. And your father…well, he runs the place. Of course he would be here.

The sparring continues. When Harry refuses to make the first move, Artie sticks one glove out, beckoning him forward. “Come here, pretty boy.”

“Don’t make me pull your hair,” Harry grits, because Artie’s ponytail is swinging temptingly from beneath his headgear.

The other man laughs good-naturedly before lunging. Harry blocks his uppercut and delivers a strong, pointed jab right to the middle of his chest. Artie stumbles backward, inhaling sharply as the breath is knocked from his lungs. Harry bites back a smile.

“Nice, H!” your father calls.

“Thanks, Coach,” he mutters.

The front door of the gym opens, accompanied by the soft tinkling of a bell to announce the new arrival. Harry’s attention is reflexively drawn toward the direction of the sound, and his heartbeat stutters beneath his ribs.

You’re there, with your hair tied back in a low bun and silver hoops hanging from your ears. You’re holding a tray of coffee in your left hand, and there’s a warm smile on your face. You wave excitedly as you greet Portia, the middle-aged woman sitting behind the front desk. The two of you chat as you shrug off your jacket and tug the sleeves of your sweater over your hands.

Your mouth moves languidly. Though Harry is too far to hear your voice, he has a pretty good idea of what you’re saying. Your eyes widen and you shiver dramatically, shaking your head.

It’s cold!

A heavy fist makes contact with the side of his jaw, and he falls to the ground.

Your father’s loud exclamation pulls your attention away from Portia and toward the ring on the opposite end of the room. Harry groans lowly as he pushes himself to his knees, tilting his head from side to side and cracking his neck. When he turns to face your father, he finds him frowning through the gaps between the ropes.

“What the hell was that?” he asks, shooting Harry a disappointed look.

“Sorry,” Harry mumbles, climbing to his feet with a grunt. “Got distracted.”

He chances a glance back at you, and his shoulders grow tense when he realises that you’re making your way over to the ring, the tray of coffee held between your hands like a peace offering.

“Hello, boys,” you singsong. “I brought drinks.”

“Thanks, sweetheart,” your father says as you hand him his designated cup. He leans forward, pressing a quick kiss to your hair. You hum happily in response.

“Jason!” you call out as Artie approaches the side of the ring. “I got your lemonade.”

“Thanks, little girl,” Artie hums, accepting his drink graciously and taking a long sip from the straw. “And for the hundredth time, stop calling me ‘Jason’.”

“Stop calling me ‘little girl’,” you shoot back, laughing deviously. “I can’t help it if you look like him, okay? You’re even the same age, too.” You cock one eyebrow. “Should I start calling you ‘Aquaman’ instead?”

“God, no.” Artie shakes his head vehemently. “Let’s stick to Jason. ’Least that’s a real name.”

You giggle as he ambles away. Your eyes shift over to Harry—who has kept silent the entire time—and your lips curl up into a kind smile. “Hi, Harry.”

“Hi.” His voice is guttural.

“Last, but not least,” you murmur, plucking his drink from the tray and holding it up for him to take. “One black coffee, right?”

“Right,” he confirms with a curt nod. He tugs his bulky gloves off, dropping them to the floor and reaching out to accept the cup. A strong spark pricks at his hand when his fingers brush against yours. Your responding gasp is soft, barely-noticeable—if he weren’t so painfully aware of everything you do, he would have missed it completely.

“Thank you,” he says, guiding the coffee to his mouth and taking a small sip.

“No problem.” You smile up at him again, and God, that fucking smile. He wants it tattooed onto the backs of his eyelids. A wave of heat blooms in his chest and creeps up his neck, but thankfully, the pink flush blends in with his sweat-slicked, already-rosy skin.

“How was class, sweetheart?” your father asks, tilting his head to the side.

“It was good.” You shrug, tossing a thumb over your shoulder. “I’m going to head home now, though—I have a proposal due in a few days and I really need to get started.”

“Go, go,” your father concedes. You bid him goodbye before standing on your tiptoes and craning your neck to catch sight of Artie, who is quite evidently enjoying his lemonade.

“Bye, Jason!”

“Bye, little girl!”

You laugh. Your gaze lands on Harry again, eyes sparkling and features resolutely tender. “Bye, Harry.”

He swallows down the hard lump in his throat. “Bye.”

    January 16, 2021

Harry’s workout playlist features a lot of Ariana Grande.

He just thinks that she’s good, okay?

But he knows that Artie and your father would never let him hear the end of it, so he keeps that information private. During practice, he’ll endure whatever shitty tunes Artie picks from his own library, and he won’t say a word. He’s not in the ring to dance, anyway. He’s there to make money—albeit illegally—because quite frankly, he hasn’t discovered an aptitude for anything else.

It’s late—the gym is technically closed. But the great thing about having the owner for a coach is the fact that Harry was given another key to add to his collection. Your father doesn’t care, as long as he locks up after he’s done. Harry has spent more time here than at his own home, he imagines. It’s nice when it’s quiet—it gives him plenty of time to think.

The back of his t-shirt is soaked through with sweat. He’s gazing at the ceiling as he lifts the heavy weights up and down over his torso. A bubbly song is playing on his phone, keeping his energy high.

So what if he listens to Ariana Grande? She makes great music.

The distinctive sound of footsteps reaches his ears. He pauses, setting the weightlifting bar back onto its rack and sitting up quickly. The noise is coming from the stairs that lead down to the swimming pool in the basement. Harry stands, and though his muscles are already screaming from previous exertion, he readies himself for the worst.

You appear at the top of the flight, your slippers smacking against each step loudly. You’re ruffling a towel against your wet hair, your head angled to the side as you squeeze out any excess water. Upon catching sight of Harry, you freeze in your tracks.

“Oh. Harry. Hi.”

“Hi,” he says slowly. “I…didn’t know you were here.”

“I didn’t know you were here,” you reply wryly, a small smirk making its way onto your lips.

Harry scratches sheepishly at the back of his neck. “Yeah. Er…I was just working out.”

You nod, your expression coy. “I can see that.”

An awkward silence hangs in the air. Harry clears his throat, rubbing his jaw with his fingers because what else is he supposed to do? “Were you—did you go for a swim?”

“Yeah,” you say. Your shoulders deflate, like you’re almost grateful that he’s contributed more to the conversation. “Spent half the time doing laps, and the other half on my phone.” Your lips quirk up with the feeble joke.

Harry chuckles weakly. “That’s just how it is, sometimes.”

Your eyes flutter shut for only a moment. “Yeah.”

More silence. Harry chews nervously on his bottom lip. Why the fuck can’t he speak?

The song playing from his phone changes. Your eyes narrow ever-so-slightly when a few upbeat notes trickle into the air, followed immediately by the smooth crooning of a woman’s voice. “Is this…,” you hesitate, and he can see how you’re fighting a smile, “…Carly Rae Jepsen?”

“Uh,” he says dumbly, uncertain of how to proceed. Sure enough, I Really Like You by Carly Rae Jepsen is filtering through the taut atmosphere, painfully loud now that the two of you are truly paying attention to it.

A high-pitched laugh falls from your mouth, and your shoulders shake with the force of your amusement. Harry, unable to help himself, begins to chuckle along with you. Heat blooms across his cheeks, but he’s not as embarrassed as he thought he’d be. Your giggles aren’t derisive, he realises.

He’s nearly overcome with the urge to take you in his arms, then, but he resists.

“Late night, watching the television…,” you sing quietly, and then you’re dissolving into merriment all over again.

Once your joint laughter subsides, you shoot him a bright grin. Harry tries his best to return it, though he doesn’t think that he mirrors your smile to its full extent. You sigh in delight, shouldering the strap of your bag and tossing your towel over your forearm.

“That honestly made my night,” you tell him, utterly sincere.

His heart somersaults in his chest. “’M glad.”

“Well,” you say, shrugging gently, “I should probably go.”

“Yeah.” His response is hollow. He lifts his hand in a half-hearted wave. “Have a good night.”

“You too.”

He lies back down with a grunt as you make your way toward the exit. His fingers wrap around the weightlifting bar, about to pull it off of its resting place, when your voice suddenly rings out again.

“Harry?”

“Yeah?” He sits up too quickly, nearly catching his forehead against the metal of the bar. When he turns around to face you, he finds you doubling back, approaching him and nibbling apprehensively on your bottom lip.

“I actually—,” you pause, like you’re unsure of how to continue, “I was wondering if I could ask you something.”

“Sure,” he says, rubbing his hands over the black shorts covering his thighs. “Go ahead.”

“It might be kind of weird,” you warn. “Don’t laugh at me.”

He shakes his head, blinking solemnly. “I won’t.”

“Would you—,” you begin, and your fingers come up to play with the pendant resting at the base of your throat, “—teach me how to box?”

“I—,” Harry recoils slightly, taken aback by your question. “What?”

“Would you teach me how to box?” you repeat, though your voice is significantly smaller. “I want to learn how to defend myself.”

“Against what?” he asks, his brows knitting together in concern. “Is everything alright?”

“Everything’s fine.” You wave away his worries with an inattentive flick of your hand. Harry’s eyes narrow as he studies your face. You refuse to meet his gaze.

You’re lying, he realises, straight through your pretty teeth. But it would be impolite of him to pry, wouldn’t it? And this is the first time that the two of you have ever been really, truly alone; he doesn’t want to fuck it up.

“Okay,” he says slowly, even though he doesn’t believe your guarantee.

He pulls at the hem of his t-shirt, tugging it up and wiping his face with the fabric. When he fixes his gaze on you once more, he thinks he catches your eyes drifting across his torso. Cocking one eyebrow curiously, he climbs to his feet.

“What do you want to learn?” he asks, reaching for his phone and pausing the music streaming from the device.

“Anything,” you say breathlessly. “Everything.”

His lips twitch.

“I—,” he scratches at his nose with two fingers, “—I don’t really have a set schedule, you know, between practice and actual matches.”

“I know.” You nod understandingly.

“And I know you have school,” he continues, tilting his head to the side. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“Positive,” you tell him. There’s something strong burning in your eyes; he can’t quite figure out what it is. “I want to train. Just…don’t tell my dad, okay?”

“Okay,” he repeats. He swallows heavily, offering his phone to you. “Put your number in, yeah? I’ll text you on the nights I’m free, and if you’re not too busy, we can meet up here.”

“Alright,” you concede softly. You take the device from him, and he pretends not to notice just how badly your hands are shaking. Your nails tap quietly against the screen, and before you know it, you’re passing the phone back to him with your information saved under a new contact.

“Alright,” Harry echoes.

The two of you stare at each other for a long, silent moment. The spell is broken, however, when you finally take a step back, clearing your throat and tucking a strand of damp hair behind your ear.

“I should go,” you say. “For real, this time.”

“For real.” Harry nods.

“You’ll lock up, right?” you ask, retreating toward the exit.

“Yup,” he says, popping the last letter instinctively. At that, you smile, your mouth curling up into a soft, inviting crescent.

“Okay,” you murmur, placing one hand on the door. “Goodnight, Harry.”

He watches you go with forlorn eyes and empty lungs. “Goodnight.”

~*~

PART II: Cross

PART III: Hook

PART IV: Uppercut

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[kiyoshi-02]

Betrayal

Chapter 1

Blood seeped from her body, streams of crimson that flowed freely from her limbs were quickly swallowed up by the wooden surface below her. The relentless thrashing waves continued to carry her battle worn dingy boat away from the sinking galleon behind her. Her breath came out short, her vision blurred as her mind danced a fine line between consciousness and succumbing to her extensive wounds.

Her creased brow deepened as she focused on the shadows gliding above her, high in the sky, as they finally focused on the birds that circled around and around. Their calls haunting, accompanied by the heavy rain and howling winds, as thunder and lightning boomed, the storm completely engulfing her in its chaos.

With one final shuddering breath, she shakily clutched the pendant once strapped around her neck, gritting her teeth and calling to the sliver of blue she could see begin to break through the swirling grey clouds. “I…I won’t die, you hear me!?”

Mere seconds later she lost consciousness and was soon swept away, the grip around her pendant never loosening.

-A Few Days Later-

The sun beamed down on the deck on the Going Merry. Clear blue sky accompanied by the cool sea breeze effectively kept the crew from suffering in the heat. Most of the Strawhat Pirates were enjoying the cold drinks Sanji had whipped up, while Luffy was already begging for seconds.

Nami rolled her eyes but smiled fondly at her captain's antics. She returned to her reading, flipping a page in the newspaper as Robin chuckled beside her when Sanji finally begrudgingly agreed to give him seconds, to which Luffy responded giddily by jumping on the cook’s back.

Sanji then spun around with hearts in his eyes, calling to the two women on board, that he would be sure to make them seconds as well. No doubt hoping to receive some sort of appreciation from the girls. This however only resulted in grabbing the attention of Usopp and Chopper, who both started complaining about the cook’s obvious favouritism, all the while Luffy remained hanging onto the cook, laughing away.

The final blow to Sanji’s patience was the muttering of the swordsman who was currently leaning against the side of the Merry. The second the word “Moron” reached the cook’s ears his mood did a one-eighty and he sent a kick flying towards the swordsman, who blocked said kick with ease and sent the cook back a few steps. Luffy at that point had hopped off of Sanji’s back to join Usopp and Chopper.

With a clenched jaw and pissed off expression the whole scene ended with a swift kick from Sanji to silence the three other crew members that were still complaining, leaving them lined up on deck with large bumps on their heads. Sanji lit his cigarette, taking a frustrated puff. “Shut the hell up already! I’ll go make your damn drinks, geez.” He finished before turning around and making his way back to the galley. Luffy cheered after him, smiling wide as Usopp and Chopper joined him in his clapping and cheering.

Things calmed down after that as the crew returned to their own activities. Robin had since stood up to go and retrieve a different book to read while Nami had almost finished reading the newspaper. Zoro remained where he was but settled down against the Merry and had started to doze off as Usopp was showing Luffy some of the new additions to his ammunition.

Chopper had gone below deck and reappeared with his bag full to the brim of medical supplies. He settled himself down on the opposite side of the Merry to where Zoro was now fast asleep. He got to work on stocking up on Rumble Balls before Sanji finally returned out on deck with the promised second round of drinks.

A short while had passed with not much to report on before suddenly Zoro rose from his slumber with a slight start, grabbing Wado as Chopper’s nose twitched at a familiar scent. The soft ‘thunk’ that had woken Zoro before, repeated a few times as Chopper voiced his thoughts.

“I smell blood.”

That had caught the attention of everyone on board the Merry, aside from Sanji who was currently making dinner preparations. “Blood?” Usopp asked, sniffing the air, “I don’t smell anything,”, followed by Luffy, who took a comical inhale, his nostrils stretching inhumanly large. “I smell it too!” Luffy announced as he stood up, his nostrils in the same position as he followed the smell, heading towards where Chopper was seated.

Chopper followed along with Luffy’s actions, but made a lot more progress in finding the source of the blood. Jumping up, Chopper leaded over the side of the Merry and within the span of three seconds let out a shrill scream. Everyone jumped at the sound, Sanji kicking the door of the galley open, yelling out, “What’s going on?!”

“There’s someone down there!” Chopper called, grabbing his bag and jumping over the side of the Merry. “Chopper wait!” Nami called after the Doctor, a few of the others echoing her calls. The rest of the crew crowded around the side of the Merry, looking overboard to what Chopper was so frantic about.

Stuck to the side of the Going Merry was a small row boat, battered and half submerged in the water. The crashing waves kept it against the larger ship, a young girl it’s only occupant along with a single bag. She was beaten and bloody, skin pale and cheeks sunken, her lips dry and cracked.

Chopper made quick work of checking her over, making a quick assessment of her condition before calling up to the rest of the crew. “She’s hurt really bad guys! Luffy, help me get her up on deck!” Luffy was about to comply, rolling his shoulder and getting ready to stretch his arm down when Zoro’s voice suddenly boomed, “Chopper! Watch out!”

Suddenly there was a blade against the doctor’s neck, he froze in that instant, his back still to the girl who had sat up without warning. “Who are you?” The girl spat out harshly, her voice strained and weak, a murderous glare on her face as she addressed the doctor. Zoro shifted forward, drawing his sword, ready to dive down to Chopper’s aid before being stopped by Luffy.

Wordlessly Zoro leaned back and watched with the rest of the crew as they waited to see how the situation would unfold.

Chopper flinched at her words, gulping before answering, “I-I’m a doctor. You’re hurt and I want to treat your wounds.” His voice grew more serious as he spoke, her determination to treat the others wounds far overpowering his fear of her. The girl simply stared at him, evaluating his words as her breath came out in harsh puffs. Her gaze shifted up towards the others, one look at them and it wasn’t hard to deduce that they were pirates.

Her eyes met with a set of ferocious ones, a clear message of warning and a promise of death vocalised in those striking grey eyes. It was then she noticed the sword that was at the ready by his side. They both narrowed their eyes at each other before the girl noticed another intense stare bore into her. Her gaze shifted to a boy in a straw-hat. His expression was blank and unreadable but calculating.

It wasn’t hard to conclude that she was outnumbered. She looked back to the self proclaimed doctor and took into account the sincerity in his eyes. He clearly did want to help her, she thought to herself before letting out a deep sigh while putting down her weapon.

“Sorry about that then,” she said to the doctor, “I’m just a little on edge, didn’t mean to scare you.” Her expression changed to a much softer one and she sent him a small apologetic smile towards Chopper. The Doctor visibly relaxed at her words, even more so with the absence of a giant knife against his neck.

“So you’ll let me treat you?” He asked hopefully. The girl simply nodded, letting out a short chuckle, “If you really want to, I suppose I wouldn’t mind.” She joked, her shoulders relaxing as Chopper laughed happily. “Great! Let’s get up on board the ship and I’ll treat you right away! That okay with you Luffy?” He said before looking back up towards the ship’s occupants.

After a beat Luffy smiled down at his ship’s Doctor before smiling and letting out a short chuckle. “If that’s what you wanna do Chopper, I’m fine with it!” He spoke before stretching an arm down to help the two on board.

The girl sent an apologetic bow of her head, with a sheepish smile. “Sorry about that!” She called up before being helped up onto the ship, bag and all following behind her. Once her feet met the deck of the Merry, her knees buckled, resulting in her needing to lean back against the railing behind her.

Her vision was a little foggy, the adrenaline that had fuelled her previous actions slowly leaving her body. She looked back up to the group of people that had agreed to help her but all she saw was blotches of colour and fuzzy outlines of what she assumed were people. Only then did she notice that the little Doctor from before was asking her something. That however was soon drowned out by a ringing in her ears.

It didn’t take long before she once again lost consciousness and tumbled forward, expecting to hit the deck hard, the last thing she registered was a welcoming warmth and a firm secure hold around her body as she finally blacked out.

Hello hello, hope you enjoyed so far, please feel free to share any feedback you have and thank you for reading! <3

I will be continuing the Gaara fanfic I started but I just wanted to start something new after coming back to writing after a few months lol