#also my sinuses. my poor sinuses

[songofsaraneth]

i love being a mermaid but i sure have condemned myself to a life where there is always at least a little bit of water in every cavity of my head

[onioneyez]

Happy 420!

I didn’t want to actually have to pick up the leech or the crane fly larva to pretend to smoke it so please use your imagination

[apocalypse-friend]

Are they chronic headaches if I get them for different reasons?

[six-of-ravens]

welp, I think I'll be staying home from the office today. this time I'll be smart though and say I've got a bad cold bc my boss can't argue with that I don't think. though I'm 100% sure if I showed up to the office like this he'd tell me to go home anyway, regardless of contagion-potential, bc no one wants to be in the office with someone who has to mouth-breathe and blow their nose every 2 minutes.

... though I'm mildly concerned bc I remembered that on Friday the sickest girl I've ever seen outside of a hospital (I wish this was an exaggeration) got in the elevator with me, and now I'm wondering if I do have some monster bug and it isn't just my bad decongestant-based decisions causing this...

[ellecdc]

Yaaay:D

That poly moonwater sickfic was so sweet- maybe you could write a sequel where one (or both) of the boys get sick from when they were helping care for you <3

I love these little requests from all the way back in May - it's like a little treasure trove. Also, I wrote this while currently sick and tired (both in the literal sense) so I'm not actually sure how this turned out; it took me a really long time to manage what I got so I apologize for inconsistencies or just all around poor writing <3

poly!moonwater x fem!reader who got Reg sick [1k words]

CW: sick fic, fluff, Remus being The Worst™ [positive and affectionate], my potentially poor writing

You scrunched your eyes closed and threw your head back rather roughly against the sofa; arms that were holding your book falling limp into your lap.

Remus - less theatrical - did not throw his head back nor did he let his book fall into his lap, but he too scrunched his eyes shut with an equally exasperated scrunch of his nose. 

“Who gave him that thing?” You grumbled as you tucked a bookmark in to save your page and made to stand.

“Do you want me to go, dove?” He offered softly, giving you a sympathetic look when he caught you by the wrist as you made to walk past him. 

“No.” You grumbled rather petulantly, kissing the space between his brows when they furrowed further in sympathy. “It’s my fault, I’ll go.”

Remus smiled at you before pursing his lips in ask which you quickly answered by placing a kiss there, too. “I hardly think you did this on purpose.”

The - now ear splitting - sound of the bell ringing again interrupted your moment as you let out a sigh.

“No,” you agreed, “I certainly didn’t do this on purpose.” 

You poked your head into the bedroom to see Regulus much in the same way you left him, curled up in the fetal position under a mountain of blankets, though his hand was currently poking out of said blankets with his bell held tightly in his grasp.

“Hey bubs.” You offered gently; knowing that for as nettlesome as you currently found him, you really had sort of done this to him. “How’re you feeling?”

“Awful.” He muttered, barely putting any effort into aiming as he tossed the bell back in the direction of the bedside table.

You made a sympathetic humming sound as you perched on the edge of the bed and pushed some of his curls away from his forehead. “What can I do for you?”

“Can I have more meds?” He whimpered, voice awfully small as if he already knew the answer but was hoping to elicit some compassion.

You grimaced as you looked at the clock sitting beside balled up tissues, the damned bell you’d supplied him with, a glass half full of water with a pitcher next to it, and some lozenges. “I’m sorry, my love; it’s not been long enough.”

Your response was met with a petulant whine, a body burrowing further into the blankets, and a hand slithering into yours. 

“How about I rub some more vaporub on your chest, hm?” You asked, beginning to pull away without waiting for an answer, only for his hand to tighten on yours.

“Can you just sit here with me?” 

You cooed almost embarrassingly as you settled more comfortably beside him, one hand holding his as the other raked through his hair, “of course” falling so easily from your lips when he looked so young, so vulnerable, and so innocent with his pink flushed cheeks and glassy eyes no doubt from the pressure in his sinuses. 

“I’ve been terribly troublesome, haven’t I?” He asked a few moments later, startling you when you thought he’d been drifting off.

“No, darling.” You denied, though he lifted his head slightly so he could give you a disbelieving look. “You’ve not been terribly troublesome.” You amended, earning you an almost snort of laughter that quickly dissolved into a coughing fit. 

You helped him sit up and passed him his glass of water.

“You’re so nice to me.” He whispered as if the feeling of your lips against his temple was a foreign concept. You tried to quell your smile as you pressed another kiss to his fever warmed skin.

“I’m really not, bubs. I did this to you, remember?”

You were met with silence as Regulus’ eyes darted around your face. “You’re so mean to me.” 

“Awe Reg, come on now.” Remus sounded from the door as he walked in with a cup of tea in one hand and a damp cloth in the other. “You don’t mean that.”

“Don’t tell me what I do and don’t mean.” Regulus harrumphed, though his ire was quickly undermined as he made grabby hands for the cup of tea. 

“If Remus catches this next, this flu will have had an almost month-long stint in this house.” You mused as Regulus drank his tea.

“I don’t get sick.” Remus offered nonchalantly with a casual shrug of his shoulders.

“What do you mean you don’t get sick.” Regulus all but sneered as he glowered at his perfectly healthy boyfriend over the rim of his tea cup. 

“I don’t get sick.” Remus repeated. “It’s like the universe has decided I’ve got enough shite to deal with, my immune system’s just not one of them.”

Both you and Regulus blinked at him with varying levels of jealousy whilst he brushed lint off the sleeve of his arm. 

“Well isn’t that just fucking dandy for you.” You spat eventually, causing Regulus to nearly spit out his tea in laughter as Remus’ mouth fell open in faux offence. 

“You minx.” He accused you. “I’m in here helping you help your boyfriend-”

“My boyfriend!?” You squealed.

“-who you got sick. I think you should be rather grateful.” 

“Grateful.” You scoffed as you turned to look at Regulus like ‘can you believe this guy?’. 

“I’m grateful for you, Rem.” Regulus let out with a sigh as he handed Remus the cup of tea back and moved to recline against his pillows - that you’d fluffed to perfection for him - with Remus’ damp cloth on his forehead. 

“Okay, well, since you’re all so well taken care of up here.” You teased as you made to stand, Regulus circling his hand around your wrist as Remus made a protesting squawk before you were being manhandled into his lap, though your hand remained safely in Regulus’. 

“No.” Remus murmured into your neck. “We need you to nurse us back to health.”

“I thought you don’t get sick.” You accused.

“I don’t, but I find myself deficient in vitamin you.”

Both you and Regulus groaned as you tried to wriggle yourself free from Remus’ grasp and Regulus buried his head under the blankets. 

“Both of you out, all this corny flirting is making me nauseous again.” Regulus grumbled.

“Well, you heard the man.” Remus stage whispered quickly before he was all but shoving you out of the room. “Feel better bubs! You know where to find us!”

“Yeah, yeah.” Regulus called. “I’ll just ring the sodding bell.”

“You should have never given him that bell, dove.”

[vanilleandclove]

the meadow in which you lay | 3

ser erryk cargyll x arryn!reader | chapter three: one for glory, another for honor

When Prince Lucerys's claim to Driftmark is question, your cousin seeks your support as a pillar of strength. It has now been a near six years since you've seen your lover, you are near strangers, but no different.

word count: 2.4k | warnings: criston cole is a bitch, alicent got ate up twice, sexual references, give the reader a damn s** t**, clear description of wounds and stitches | a/n: did i accidentally age down jeyne? yes. rip jeyne arryn you would have loved pride month. (i still believe jeyne would have been great friends with luke and jace in my always correct opinion). also, three posts back-to-back??

previous - next

taglist: @wolvestitches @holb32 @callsignwidow

"They mean to call Lucerys's claim to the Driftmark throne? What business do I have there?" you questioned your brother deeply, as Jeyne returned back from her walk with Jessamyn and greeted you both with kisses on your cheeks. "The Vale has Jeyne for it to be protected, I owe no business to defend the piss poor Hightowers" you continued.

"Rhaenyra, our cousin. If you can help her defend Luke's claim, they would not question defending her either" your brother reasoned, only leading your sinuses to burn and head to pound.

"Brother I know you mean well, but you know exactly what they think of our cousin and nephews" you responded, "And what treacheries Criston Cole rallies into Alicent's ear about me".

"And your paramour, Ser Erryk Cargyll" your brother quirked, only leading you to glare at him. "I believe it would strengthen your reputation and our cousin's".

"I or he would have to be married to be a paramour brother, watch your tongue".

"He is married to law Y/n, I only mean to protect you" your brother defended himself, "A Kingsguard is no-".

"No match for a husband, yes, I know and made acutely aware of said fact" you interrupted, "I do not need protection brother, I never needed protection" you continued, "I will go to court only if our cousin requests me to" getting up from your seat at the table and merely walking off until your brother spoke up.

"If you plan to avoid the knight, surely you can tell him by raven that you do not mean to continue your affections had you be in King's Landing" and with that suggestion came the fall of your heart, how deeply it shattered.

You simply nodded, not looking your brother in the eye after his suggestion, you could not. If you return to court, they will twist your words, they will make a spectacle about you just as they've done to your cousin. By proxy, they'll call into question the honor of your lover. He may have loved you, tasted you, and garnered your affections, by textbook, he broke no oath. By the conservative opinion of the Hightower's, he was a sinner, he had committed blasphemy.

That night you sat pondering on your vanity chair, cursing the gods for making you in love with a man you cannot have. As you toyed with the rings that laid on your fingers, you wondered if the world be different, if a wedding ring would be donned on them. A Kingsguard is no match for a husband, luckily you did not want to be matched to another. Who is to say you were a match to a wife, as the high lords sat like puppies to Otto Hightower, with the exception of the Vale, Riverlands, and the North. You once told Ser Erryk you loved him, you told a knight you loved him, words only a fool would utter.

You ended up returning to court as Rhaenyra summoned you, the journey more exhausting than last. Six years have passed, Rhaenyra's boys have grown into young men, Laena's daughters as beautiful as always. You had greeted them upon their arrival as they trailed just behind you.

"Forgive us for always meeting in the worst of circumstances cousin" Rhaenyra sighed, her stomach had homed another child, you hoped it'd be a girl, knowing Rhaenyra always wanted a daughter or sister, "You've seemed to be glowing".

"I believe it is the thick air cousin" you laughed, "Daemon" you nodded at the Prince.

"Have you seen him yet?" Daemon asked, only earning a confused look from you. "The King".

"They would not let me visit, though I am sure they would let the Heir and his brother see to his bedside" you answered Daemon, "You two visit, I will see to it that the children will be settled down". Both Rhaenyra and Daemon nodded to your kindness.

You signaled the children to follow you, it had been years since they step foot into the Castle. Lucerys and Jacaerys found their way to the Red Keep to evaluate the guards practice, you'd join them after showing Joffery to his quarters and Rhaena to her twin sister.

At the Red Keep you quickly saw Erryk and Arryk sparring one another, as well as the spectators flooding the floor to oversee Criston and Aemond sparring. The Prince disarmed the cocky bastard, you snickered only to be caught by the cocky bastard himself.

"Lady Arryn you seem to be fond of the Red Keep, would you like to spar with us men? We have heard of your fierceness in the fields, granted, we hope you are just as fierce in bed" Criston smiled smugly.

You smiled back before looking at your nephews "Fetch me a Morningstar boys, and a shield, for Ser Criston" you instigated, all eyes now landed on you, including the Cargyll twins.

"Morningstar? To a sword fight? Scared to be disarmed?".

"Oh no you wound me Ser" you laughed as Lucerys handed you the Morningstar and Criston the shield, "Only to prevent another bloody fight like you started at my cousin's wedding".

As you waved the Morningstar around, you blocked several hits from Criston, hitting his shield twice which resulted into breaking it in half. After which you disarmed yourself, handing the Morningstar back to Lucerys, you quickly tripped the knight with your legs and climbed on top of him, his hands situated at your waist before you violently dislocated his shoulder before putting it back into place. His screams shocked the spectators, but it was not until he pulled out a blade and stabbed into your thigh did they react.

"Enough!" Erryk quickly intervened, seeing the bloody mess that leaked from your thigh, the rage that coursed through your veins immediately translated to you removing the blade and stabbing into Criston's hand to pin him to the ground once and for all. Though Erryk must admit, your sheer violence to the knight was, well sexy, it did not discount your own injury and how that worried him.

"See to that the Lady Arryn is handled by the Maesters, Ser Criston as well" Arryk told several guards, you looked at your nephews with pride before speaking.

"Now that is how you get bloody revenge" they both laughed and beamed as Erryk carried you bridal style in order to maintain pressure to your wound, you caught a glimpse of Aemond as he had a look of shock. "Ser Arryk, please do not make a fuss of this to my cousin, granted Alicent might have my head for damaging her beloved whore".

Arryk only laughed at your words before Erryk swiftly walked through the halls, quick to enter your chambers and assess your wound that was bleeding profusely.

"You are mad at me" you spoke up as Erryk cleaned your wound, long minutes have passed since he undressed your bottom half of clothing, his hands were gentle but his gaze not, "Talk to me Erryk".

"Ser" he spoke up before cauterizing the wound in order to stitch, leading you to yelp out in pain and grip his free hand, "You could've gotten yourself killed Lady Arryn, you know well of Ser Criston's temper just as much as I".

"Well Ser, it was only a demonstration".

"You are a woman, a Lady no less, if one peeped to your brother, they would have his head on a spike in the Vale, granted the loves you gained in the North and the Riverlands would surely support his beheading" Erryk critiqued, before grabbing the needles and stitches, giving your legs another look.

"I know I am a woman, I know I am a Lady as well Ser Erryk" you fought back, "You want his head on a spike and hide behind the idea of my brother wanting to kill him, knowing fully my brother would not cause such hysterics unless he'd be backed by Rhaenyra and the bitch Hightowers were gone from court" you scoffed, only earning a small smile from the knight due to your obscenities. "Do not take your anger out on me Erryk, I know you better than anyone" you pleaded, the knight's quip to hurt you by not allowing you to refrain from politics and formalities.

He started the stitches before saying "Six years, I am near twice the man you left Lady Arryn" he started, one stitch fully weaved as you bit your lip to distract yourself from the pain, "Granted, I have never bedded a woman, nor have I sought the company of one seeing that I am bound to the King. I do not own lands and I know plenty of Prince Aegon's depravities. I know more of the histories of Westeros, better yet I know how to make the unmarried, fierce, who most claim to be barren, Lady Y/n Arryn, cum. I am a man, still the man you once loved" Erryk teased, weaving the second to last stitch.

"You take pride in the fact that you know how to get me off?" you chuckled, feeling the heat pool in between your legs.

"I take pride in the fact that you loved me" Erryk sighed, finishing the stitches before aiding you into dressing up and standing on your feet, "Though, I must say no food or sweet in the land can match the sweetness of you, Lady Arryn".

These past six years taught you more about restraint than you bargained for truly, if it were not for your wound and the oath being a vow of chastity, you'd wager that Ser Erryk would have already been spilling his seed in your womb, but, restraint.

"I still hold the same amount of love for you just as I did when we were younger" you told him, he shook his head once more as your confession rolled off your tongue, "I do not jest, I just know the repercussions that you can face. I can handle the great and smaller houses calling me a whore, I cannot handle you being exiled, perhaps beheaded for betraying an oath to the King".

Erryk stood there for a moment, afraid of his words betraying him and hurting you, "I'd give the King my neck if it meant you'd love me" he told you, his hand lightly grazing your knee, your pupils dilated as your eyes only focused on your lover. Emotions of love and pain in unison synchronized between the two of you, as if your energies converged with one another. Warmth and frost rushed through your blood.

"I love you, but that does not mean I am able to lose you like every wife who marries knows…" you started, when you marry one, the implication of death separating you when the gods take your lover is evident and prepared, "A life without you is not a life I want to live Erryk, you have taken my heart when I was barely a lady, now I am a woman and my loyalty to you never wavered- neither my pride".

A knock interrupted your conversation, causing you to jolt and Erryk to discard his hands from your body. "You may enter!" you cleared your throat, being met with Alicent.

Her eyes bore into your soul, she took notice to the knight in your chambers, "Back to your post Ser Erryk" she commanded, you took a glance at him, nodding for him to be eased into his dismissal. As he left, Alicent's lips pursed, you did not fear her no matter how much she wanted you to.

"You are excused from court Lady Y/n Arryn, may you begin your journ-".

"I did not come for you, Alicent" you interrupted, "I came to court for the likes and commitment to my dear cousin, not the Hightowers".

"Just your 'dear' cousin?" Alicent quirked a brow, "Or the lover you parade around who is clearly breaking an oath he made on his own, which should be punished as such".

"As such? What your father, the usurper, would have his head for simply being a trusted friend of mine?" you scoffed, staring back at her wildly, "Lay a finger on Ser Erryk or Arryk, you will be waging a war you and your father cannot fund or survive. You forget, we were never once sisters as you propagate everyone to believe, your victimization may work in the throne, but when it comes to one of the greatest houses, it falters".

Alicent smiled in fear as you were now face to face, "One day I hope we can be friends".

"I hope you find solace in the fact that we never will be. Your grace".

As you all gathered in the throne room to contest the ascension of Lucerys to the Driftmark seat, as Lord Corlys health was questionable, the tension was thick. You still wondered what Rhaenyra needed you for in the means of defending your nephew's claim. Vaemond's vile insults that led to Daemon slicing his head in half, bringing the arguments to a close as there was no one else to contest Lucerys parentage and claim.

"Will you join us all for supper cousin?" Rhaenyra asked as you walked towards the Godswood tree, "Please I would not be able to tolerate Otto and Alicent alone".

"Only for you cousin" you giggled, "I take she informed you of the incident in the Red Keep this morning?".

"How is your leg?" Rhaenyra implored, observing how your leg had a faint limp to it, "She also insinuated you and Ser Erryk were engaged in- rather sexual activities".

"I'd need more than a half hour with him Rhaenyra" you quipped, "Criston is a cunt, if you asked me, I would not let him take my maidenhead" you looked to her, she rolled her eyes at the remark.

"We all have our regrets; you chose the better knight".

[brewed-pangolin]

Totally not me nursing a sunburn (my fault) and a hangover (also my fault).

MDNI 18+

cw: alcohol use, mentions of over consumption, hangover

You laid yourself down across the end of the bed. Completely bare and at his disposal. A muffled groan escaped his throat as you heard the sloppy wet sounds of the lubricant fall from the container into the palm of his hand.

Bracing for the inevitable, you fisted into the sheets, clenching your eyes and waited for the sudden cold contact.

"Oh shit," you gasped, following a sharp inhale through your teeth.

The cold fluid sending a shiver rolling up and down your spine as his hand gently spread it evenly along your back.

"How many times I got'a tell ya, bonnie," Soap said softly. A subtle tone of reprimand rolling off his tongue.

"Ya gotta wear suncreen."

"I did."

"Donnae give me tha' shite. Yer burnt to a crisp, hen."

"I forgot to reapply."

Soap huffed mockingly in response to your plaintful excuse. Adding another dollop of refrigerated aloe to his hand, gliding it along your lower back and further onto your reddened thighs.

"Ya mean yer were too wrecked ta remember."

"Yes," you retorted with a heavy sigh. Rolling your eyes as he continued jokingly chastising you.

"Tha's what ya get fer havin fun without me, lass."

"Shut up, Johnny. Not like you didn't spend six hours at the range with your ghost boyfriend."

"Haud yer weesht, smartass."

You smiled softly against the mattress. The cooling effects of the aloe soothing the burn along your skin as he ran his hands down along the length of hour calves.

"Bett'r?"

Nodding in response, your smile widened as the bed shifted to the addition of his weight. Feeling his arms brace on either side of your frame, placing a series of gentle kisses along your shoulder, the gentle sensation tugging a quiet moan from the depths of your throat.

Soap adjusted once more, moving to lay beside you on his side. Gazing upon with an affectionate stare, running his fingers along the length of your hair.

"An' how's my wee bonnie's head? Still mad wae it?"

"I don't even know what that means?"

"Are ya still hungover, bonnie?"

His smile stretched across the lower contours of his face. Etched within the lengthy stubble, drapped beneath the bright cerulean jewels within the recesses of his eyes.

"Yeah," you managed quietly on a soft murmur. "I think I could go for one of your herbal teas right about now."

"Aye. I think I ken jus' the one ya need."

-

You were braced up against the headboard, surrounded by a mountain of pillows in one of his overstretched t-shirts when Soap returned with a tray with two cups of steaming tea. The herbal fragrance filling your sinuses, pulling another smile to your lips as he handed you your porcelain cup with a matching knitted sleeve.

"Hmmm..definitely smelling the ginger," you muttered. Bringing the rim up to your lips, taking a modest sip.

"Aye. An' turmeric. It'll help with tha' poor head a'yers."

You scoffed at him once more, rolling your eyes and curling your lips around the steeping rim.

You caught a familiar scent wafting over your cup, but were unaware of tasting it aromatic effects.

"Are you drinking peppermint tea, Johnny?" You questioned with a curios stare and a raised brow.

"Aye. Become quite fond a'it."

"Oh, I'm definitely talking Simon about this."

"Away n bile yer heid."

A calming silence slowly began to hang heavy around the room. Content with the soothing aloe on your skin and the relieving effects of the herbal brew flowing through your veins.

You turned to give him a loving smile, yet were met with a glare you were all too familiar with in similar bed ridden circumstances.

"Johnny, no. I'm in pain. I can't-"

"Ya donnae have to do nothin, bonnie." He interrupted, deep brogue echoing into his cup as he washed down the remainder of his tea.

All of a sudden, as he began to move down the bed to place himself between your thighs, the implications of the peppermint began to take effect in the back of your mind.

"Oh, you sly little bastard."

"Aye. An' this sly little bastard deserves a reward fer takin care a'yer burnt ass."

Soap let out a throaty growl as his mouth descended onto the cusp of your mound. Encapsulating over the silken flesh with a heavy exhale that had you rolling your eyes back as he tugged you down into the bed.

"Oh my God," you gasped breathlessly on a trembling whsiper. Feeling your body sink further into the bed as he smiled against the flesh of your womanhood.

"Tha's it, bonnie. Jus' relax fer me. Let me take care a'ya."

The warm sensation of his tongue gliding between your folds combining with the cooling effects of menthol, had your mind spinning as a jolt of pleasure ran up and down the length of your spine. Drawing another muffled moan from your throat as he wrapped his arms around your thighs and proceeded to feast on your peppermint infused core.

Drabbles Masterlist

I have no idea if peppermint tea will have this effect, but it sounded good, so I went with it. Menthol infused cunnilingus for the win.

[ozzgin]

Greetings! How you doing today/tonight?

This is not a request or anything

Hopefully you're doing fine, cuz I'm not, I have a shitty cold rn and I just finished 5 tissue roll papers in just a few hours

Anyway this ain't about me, just wanted to see how you were doing since I've been a bit inactive with tumblr with the past few days

Have a great day/night :3

-🎧anon

Aww, sorry to hear that. We’re definitely entering cold/flu season. Mid-October I’ve gotten ill with some virus, no idea what it was, but I had no other symptoms other than terribly swollen sinuses. Which, in turn, pressed on my tooth nerves, so I had massive tooth pain for days. Never dealt with anything like that before and it sounds downright ridiculous, turns out it’s an actual thing. Start taking immunity supplements and avoid visibly sick people!

I know you said it’s not a request, but I couldn’t help the thought of “How would the Baki characters take care of you?” So I did write some short headcanons after all. For you and anyone else currently bedridden. :)

Baki Characters x Sick! Reader

Featuring Baki and Jack Hanma, Kaiou Retsu, Katsumi Orochi and Pickle. And a reader that’s battling a cold!

Baki Hanma

There are two stages of Baki’s involvement. Once you’re not answering his calls he will be at your front door, worried and considering ways to break in. That’s when he hears the muffled coughing and sneezing through the walls and figures it out: You’re sick. He’ll return with a bag of supplies and offer to stay at your place until you feel better. His help consists of quick Google searches, because he’s never had anyone doting on him and consequently has no idea how to care for someone in such situations.

Second and final stage is him getting sick from you. You’ll wake up in the middle of the night to see him trying to hold back his cough, at first denying his poor health until you touch his forehead and it’s burning. The bad news is that you’re both bedridden. Baki is beyond embarrassed, attempting to justify himself and explaining it has never happened before. Eventually one of his or your friends will show up and pay the occasional visit to play nurse. At least you’re not suffering alone. You’re not sure if it’s an actual saying, but you’re tempted to believe colds go away faster in good company.

Jack Hanma

You don’t want to interfere with Jack’s routine, so once you wake up with the familiar sore muscles, you decide to quietly recover from home. Jack notices your absence and while he does not want to be nonchalant and potentially impose on your personal troubles, he can’t help the curiosity. In fact, he spends the whole training time wondering why you’ve skipped your usual visits. So when you hear a knock on the door you don’t think twice about opening it. Probably your food delivery. Only when you notice Jack’s massive frame blocking any outside view, you gasp in surprise.

“Oh. You seem to be ill.” Is all he states before turning on his heels and leaving. You stand there baffled and eventually return to your warm bed. Just as you cozy up, there’s another knock and you groan, throwing the blankets off of you. This better be the hot soup you ordered. Except it’s Jack again, holding not only your delivery, but also multiple other bags with groceries peeking out. “Y-you’re back?” You mumble. “Well, can’t do much empty handed. Here’s your order, but I got some extra things to help with your cold”, he states as he invites himself in.

Kaiou Retsu

You know Retsu will be worried about you, so you try your best to mask the symptoms over the phone. “That’s a stuffed nose. Are you sick?” He immediately points out. Uh oh. You fumble with some excuses and he promptly hangs up. Have you upset him? You’re starting to feel bad. He’s never dropped out of a conversation like this before. You try to call back several times until you’re distracted by the sound of your doorbell. You’re not in the mood for visitors. You continue your attempts to reach Retsu as you approach the door and open it. “I suspected as much.” Your head snaps up hearing the familiar voice.

Before you can say anything, you’re casually lifted up and brought to your bed. As if he’s been doing it his entire life, the Kenpo master tucks you in and pulls out an apron from his bag. “I’ll check what ingredients you already have in your pantry and go buy the rest. Before that, I’ll make you a tea. Any preferences?” You open your mouth to speak, but he’s already walking away, describing the best choice of drink for the common cold. Really, the best thing you can do right now is to rest and leave everything else to him.

Katsumi Orochi

Usually, Katsumi will avoid using the spare key you’ve given him. On the other hand, he was supposed to pick you up for your regular date night and you haven’t answered his persistent knocking, so you leave him little choice. He quietly apologizes for the intrusion as he unlocks the door and tiptoes his way in. The lights are off and he’s becoming increasingly anxious, almost sprinting to your bedroom. He stops in his tracks once he sees you buried under the blankets, passed out and sweaty from an obvious cold.

Ah. Well, that makes sense. He smiles to himself and gently pats your forehead to make sure it’s nothing serious, then sneaks out of the room. You wake up hours later, groggy and sore. It suddenly occurs to you that you’ve slept through your date and jolt up, nearly collapsing in the process. You erratically search for your phone and call Katsumi to apologize. Simultaneously you hear his ringtone nearby, so you limp outside, confused. As you reach the kitchen, a pleasant smell invades your nostrils. Katsumi turns to look at you. “You’re awake! I made something to help with your cold. I’ll bring it to your bed, so you can go back and rest. We can’t skip our romantic dinner.” He chuckles after the last statement.

Pickle

Pickle has been ill at least once in his life, so he can quickly guess that your coughing and runny nose is not something that’s supposed to happen on the regular. Although, if he’s honest, he has no idea what he should do. He’d deal with his sickness by just sleeping it out, or downright ignoring it. Seeing you like this, however, fills him with an overwhelming desire to help you. He does love you, after all. Witnessing your suffering isn’t something he does with ease.

He manages to gesture the situation to Baki, who follows him back to your place and proceeds to do the first aid he’d sporadically learned over the years. A rather clumsy attempt, but it’s better than nothing. Once Pickle has observed the steps, he swiftly shoos the young boy away. All he needed was a little bit of demonstration, some brief instruction on the modern ways. Everything else will be done by him. It’s only proper that the actual care is performed by your partner. You’re a little afraid of the potential outcome to this experiment. Especially once you hear the loud rattles coming from the kitchen. Don’t worry, it’s all made with love.

*My partner has insisted that I include Yuujirou Hanma just to say that he’d tenderly piss on you. I compromised on a footnote.

[georgiaswarr]

osemanverse allergies and intolerances

a list of headcanons and why they are 100% correct

BLISS

obviously, bliss is lactose intolerant. cause nobody loves dairy more than lactose intolerant people.

ROWAN

rowan is allergic to cat hair because as we’ve established he is allergic to going to therapy, so naturally he’d also be allergic to the ark’s therapy cat. doesn’t mean he shouldn’t have both. pill up, bitch.

LISTER

lister is severely allergic to shellfish. reasons being that in my experience, shellfish are a more elite, rich people meal, something you’d order at a fancy restaurant, i.e. something lister wouldn’t have had growing up poor. however, once he comes into money, he would try some for the first time and almost die, which shows that his current decadent lifestyle is very unhealthy.

JIMMY

jimmy is coeliac but he doesn’t know it yet. for one, he is constantly fatigued, which could in part be related to — and reinforced by — a severe iron deficiency. also, he is canonically shown to suffer from disordered eating, since he tends to skip and forget meals. this mirrors what many coeliacs tend to struggle with (and i assume people with other allergies too, i’m just speaking from my own experience); if your food options are greatly limited, it’s easy to skip or straight-up forget a meal.

GEORGIA

georgia is coeliac but she doesn’t know it yet because i’m tumblr user georgiaswarr and i say so.

SUNIL

sunil is allergic to nuts. that’s an asexual and trans joke.

TORI

tori has seasonal allergies because we all know her as a winter girlie, so tori in spring (no pun intended but pun greatly appreciated) doesn’t sit right with me. or her sinuses.

MICHAEL

michael has a loooooot of allergies; wheat, dairy, peanuts, oats, just to name a few. we all know he was very ostracised and unpopular at truham, something that would be reinforced by his ‘weird’ and ‘annoying’ dietary restrictions. after all, which horrible teenage boy is gonna like the kid that got peanuts banned on school grounds?

FRANCES

frances is allergic to certain fruits such as bananas or kiwis. however, she thinks that’s just how they’re supposed to taste, they’re supposed to hurt a bit. you know, just how she thought studying and university was just supposed to be painful without reflecting on why those expectations caused her this much suffering.

ELLE

elle is allergic to nuts. that’s another trans joke.

[clockways]

After undergrad, I was done living with people. People didn’t turn off alarm clocks or clean up their messes or, perhaps, people even blamed you for their mental breakdown. I had had enough of people.

But I couldn’t live alone.

Luckily, I knew the perfect solution. See, other than the semesters of undergrad, I had always lived with cats. There were also dogs and hamsters and reptiles, but cats were the constant. It was a noble line going all the way back to Yoda, whom my mother got to be her cat in college.

It was only the start of summer, and I was already surreptitiously walking past the adoption area of the pet store. It was a good thing I did.

There in the cage, the only animal in the whole adoption area, was a tiny kitten. As soon as he saw me, he started to meow and kneed and reach through the bars. It was probably as close to love at first sight as I will ever get.

After finding out when adoption was and leaving and coming back at what was the wrong time and talking to the kitten through the glass—I finally was able to hold him.

He was perfect.

This little kitten with brown so deep it was black and a white underside and a very pink nose settled right into my arms and purred up a storm. I adopted him then and there.

Depressingly, with this adoption center, the little boy had to go back to get sniped before I could take him home. I often joked that the poor guy never had a lick of testosterone in his body with how early it all happened. (That didn’t stop in from growing into quite a tall, long cat, mind you.)

While he came home without his balls, he also came home with a kitten cold. My poor little perfect boy was sick to the point that he could die. Cats, if you didn’t know, don’t eat if they can’t smell. Stinky food was bought, force feeding was attempted, and in the end it was some Vick’s in hot water that cleared his sinuses up enough to eat.

Now that he was well, it was finally time to find the right name. Name is a process in my family. In rather reverse fae rules, by giving the pets the right name, they are cemented as family. My mother even adds them to the family bible.

This boy took two tries.

His first name was Underwood as you see, once he got is energy back, he was constantly walking across my lap and the laptop that had a pretty permanent place in it. My friends swiftly got used to getting ‘kitten messages’ sent to them. Annoyingly, some of the same friends wouldn’t stop calling him Carrie, even after I asked them not to, and I decided that I wasn’t going to put up with that for the next fourteen plus years.

As he was my ‘squirmy worm’ for his lack of desire to be held and ability to pop right out of a hold due to his silky fur, I combined the two and, finally, he found his right name of Wormwood. (This also, unbeknownst at the time, started the naming convention for my next two cats.)

Wormwood and I went off to graduate school not much later. The old but passable apartment I was in had a (rather shoddily) screened in porch. It became Worm’s favorite spot to sit, even in the middle of Texas heat.

Paper balls were discovered to be his favorite thing, followed by very tiny pompoms. If I was ignoring him, he’d knock my remote off my table to play. Even with that playing, I often joked that Worm was my semi mobile throw pillow. He loved to lounge and nap to the extreme, even for a cat.

Worm never wanted other cats in his life, though he managed to accept Bugsy—my Siamese mutt—into our home in time, though Worm never ceded the foot of the bed to him. Together, we three moved back in with my parents (to total a too many five cats) until I could afford my own place. Worm had to suffer through another new brother, Beetle, about three years ago. Then not quite two years ago we moved to a new state.

All three boys did wonderful on the very long drive, and I like to think that it was worth it because of the fabulous sunroom in the new house. All of them had their favorite spots to sit out there and soak up the sun.

This winter, Worm took a turn. He dropped some weight while I was gone on a trip. I got him a heated bed that became his very favorite thing in the whole house. He would just melt into it.

Then it got worse.

I took him to the vet, and he had gone from about fifteen pounds down to five and a half. Blood work was clean though, so we increased his food and changed some things around.

Tueaday he was quite ill.

Wednesday was the first time there was a moment where he wasn’t there mentally. It felt like it was going to be time.

Thursday, today, I found him laying in a sunbeam. He didn’t even ask for food. At eleven today I took him to the vet. For about an hour before I held him, resting against my chest, and the two of us sat in the sun, listening to the birds.

I think he was ready to rest. He hardly moved at the vet during the shot and then… then he was gone.

And I had to leave him.

For sixteen years, nearly half my life, he has been my family and one of my best friends. I would have been so lost without him. I’m so sad to have to say goodbye, but I’m glad that he can rest now.

I’m glad that it was a pretty day and that we got to sit in the sun together and listen to the birds.

[goldenempyrean]

I've Got You

〚 Notes - Okay, hello! This fic was the result with another collab with the awesome @lots-of-pockets and I think it turned out pretty good :D 〛

〚 Pairing - Natasha Romanoff x Reader 〛

〚 Summary - It was early into your relationship with Nat when you wound up sick but you didn't have the heart to tell her, unsure of how she'd react. Despite your claims, it seems Nat's a little more concerned about your health than you first thought 〛

〚 Wordcount - 1700 〛

〘 Check Out My Masterlist! 〙

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It had started with a persistent tickle in the back of your throat. A little irritating but nothing a little water and chamomile tea couldn’t fix. But then came the runny nose and stuffed up sinuses, and no matter how many times you blew your nose, it would return with a vengeance. Every. Freaking. Time.  

You end up going through two boxes of tissues in just a day, and your poor nose had been rubbed red raw. You didn’t often get sick. Maybe once or twice a year and it was never anything more than the casual cold. Usually, you’d allow yourself to take a day off work to recoup knowing that your boss wouldn’t want you at anything less than your best, and that was that.  

But you had a sinking feeling that this time, that wouldn’t be the case. You felt absolutely horrible, and that was only amplified by a thousand when you realised that tonight was the night that Natasha going to be driving down to see you. There was no way she could sick you sick, you’d just have to pretend you were completely fine.  

The two of you had only been dating for a little under seven weeks, so things were still pretty new to the both of you. That includes the affection front. Sure, you kissed and occasionally cuddled, but you were nowhere near close enough to be comfortable with her looking after your sick self.  

It was why tonight would suck, because not only would you have to pretend you weren't sick, it meant you would also have to hide every single sniffle, every cough and every sneeze. All of which you knew would next to impossible because you just happened to have a former ex-KGB assassin as your girlfriend. 

You had tried everything to make yourself look and feel better. You even went to extent of gargling with salt water and taking some over-the-counter medicine (which you were usually against) to relieve your symptoms. But nothing seemed to work. 

As the hours slowly ticked by, you found yourself continually feeling worse and worse. Your head was pounding, your body aching, and for the life of you, you couldn't stop coughing. Trying to distract yourself by cleaning up the apartment and making some dinner was hard, mainly because it was a struggle to even stand up for more than a few minutes at a time. 

You tried your best to make yourself look as presentable as possible, despite still feeling like death warmed over. You even took a hot shower, hoping that it would clear out your sinuses, but it only seemed to make things worse. Ignoring the pleasing urge to shove on some warm, comforting pyjamas, you forced yourself to change into some nicer looking clothes, hoping it would distract Natasha from your symptoms, but you knew deep down that it was a lost cause. 

When Natasha finally arrived, you put on your best smile on and greeted her at the door. She hugged you tightly, and you couldn’t help but feel a little guilty for not being able to reciprocate as enthusiastically as you wanted to. 

As you hugged Natasha, you could feel a fateful sneeze building up at the back of your nose. Panicking a little, you tried to suppress it, but your efforts were ultimately in vain. You felt your nostrils flare and your eyes begin to water, and you knew there was no way to hide it much longer. 

No longer able to fight it, you quickly pulled away from Natasha, turning your head and sneezing into your elbow. You tried to play it off as a small cough, but you knew she had heard you. 

"Are you okay?" she asked, concern etched across her features. A hint of knowing crossed her face, but you were too busy trying to stifle another sneeze to notice it. After finally managing to get yourself under control, you send her what you hoped was a reassuring smile as you nodded your head.  

“I’m okay. Just allergies.” You lied, pulling open the front door to properly welcome her inside. Natasha eyed you suspiciously as she stepped inside your apartment, kicking off her shoes andsetting down her overnight bag.  

“I’m okay, really.” You reaffirmed as you closed and locked your front door, turning to face Natasha who was already staring at you with a doubtful look on her face.  

Thankfully, she says nothing, simply taking you by the hand and leading you over to the couch. You sniffled softly as you sat down, and tried to be as subtle as you could about wiping your nose with the sleeve of your shirt.  

There were no tissues near you anyway - not that you could blow your nose even if you wanted to because that would definitely give you away. So, you resorted to suffer in silence, bringing your attention back over to Natasha who was currently telling you about how her drive here had gone. 

As Natasha continued to talk, you could feel the tell-tale tickle in your nose again and you knew that you were about to sneeze. You desperately try to hold it in, clamping your mouth shut and scrunching up your face. You focused all your energy on keeping the sneeze at bay, hoping that Natasha won't notice. 

But just as she finished her story, you can't hold it in any longer. A loud "Hh’iishoo!" echoes through the room, and you cringed, feeling both embarrassed and self-conscious. 

Natasha looked at you with concern. "Are you sure you're, okay?" She asked again. 

You nodded, feeling guilty for lying to her, but what else could you do, "It's just allergies," you repeated your earlier excuse, "I'll be fine." 

Natasha studied you for a moment before eventually nodding. "Okay," She said, still sounding unsure before adding "But if you need anything, let me know." 

You smile gratefully at her, feeling relieved that she doesn't press the issue any further. You tried your best to focus back on the ongoing conversation, but it was getting harder to concentrate with your nose continually running and your head feeling heavier by the minute. 

Giving in, you excused yourself to go to the bathroom, hoping that a few minutes alone will help you regain your composure. As soon as you're inside, you let out a series of sneezes, finally letting your guard down. 

You blew your nose and splash some water on your face, trying to feel better. But as you stared pitifully at your reflection in the mirror, you came to realise that you look utterly terrible. Your eyes are red and watery, your nose is bright red, and you're sweating uncontrollably despite feeling cold all over. 

You took a deep breath and attempted to compose yourself, knowing that you couldn’t let Natasha see you like this. Splashing some more water your face, you took a few final deep breaths before returning back to the living room. 

When you get there, Natasha was stood up again, eyebrow raised pointedly with her arms crossed against her chest. That same look of knowing was back on her face, and you immediately knew jig was up.  

“You’re sick.” She stated, and you felt yourself sigh softly as you tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear before sitting yourself back down onto the couch. You don’t deny her accusations, knowing full well you wouldn’t get anywhere if you tried too. 

“It’s not even allergy season,” she added, shaking her head as she sat down on the coffee table in front of you. “You lied to me.”  

“I’m sorry,” You immediately apologised, the guilt you had been feeling suddenly amplified by a thousand at her words, “I just didn’t want you to have to deal with me like this. All sick, congested and gross.” You trailed off in an unsure murmur, using the sleeve of your shirt to wipe of your nose again, not bothering to hide it this time. 

But you grimaced slightly when Natasha took that same sleeve without issue and folded it up so the soiled part of it was out of sight. Apparently, germs didn’t bother her unlike you had previously thought.  

“Look at me,” she murmurs softly, taking your hand in her own and giving it a soft squeeze. You coughed slightly in the bend of your arm before complying. Seeing that Natasha’s lips had quirked up into a soft grin, you couldn’t help but feel yourself mimic it despite how crappy you were feeling.  

“I know it hasn’t been very long, but I promise it’s okay to let yourself be vulnerable with me.” She started, trailing the pad of her thumb across the back of your hand gently. 

You nodded weakly at her words, feeling a wave of relief wash over you. You had been trying so hard to hide your sickness from Natasha, afraid that she would think less of you for being weak and vulnerable. But her words were like a balm to your soul, soothing your worries and reminding you that you weren't alone. 

Natasha stood up from the coffee table and disappears into the kitchen briefly, only to return a few moments later with a steaming cup of tea and a plate of crackers. She set them down on the table in front of you and urges you to eat and drink, knowing that it would help you feel better. 

You took a sip of the tea, letting the warm liquid soothe your sore throat and ease your congested sinuses. You felt a little better already, and it was all thanks to Natasha's care and concern. 

As you ate the crackers and drink the tea, Natasha sat down next to you on the couch and wrapped her arm around your shoulders. Unconsciously, you lean into her embrace, feeling safe and protected in her arms. You felt your eyes close as you took deep breath, savouring the feeling of being cared for and loved. 

Natasha continued to hold you, her fingers tracing soothing patterns on your arm as you slowly drifted off to sleep. You dreamt of being wrapped in her arms, of feeling her warmth and comfort, and of knowing that you were never, ever alone. 

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[bloopitynoot]

Reading SVSSS: Bonus- Chapter 23

For those who don't know, I am reading SVSSS for the first time and sharing my thoughts!

If you have not read it, there will be spoilers! Consider this a warning.

Also- if you want to follow along, I am aiming to post updates daily. You can find all the posts in the tag bloopitynoot reads SVSSS. You can also check out the intro post for context on my read.

I was home sick again today (I think I should be okay for tomorrow?? Depends on if my sinuses decide to cooperate or not tonight). So I got cozy with an apple and some coffee (I do not recommend the combo flavour wise - it is really not so good).

Let's get in to the succubi chapter!!!

I haven't even started this chapter yet and the title is already giving me fantasy porn energy; "Recalling an Experience of Fighting Succubi with Great Master Liu".

Oh! The last extra was a direct continuation, but now we are moving into the past- just after the abyss kick. p63

"After I take care of this support ticket- ah, I mean, after I take care of those succubi" p63. When you've worked in any IT or IT adjacent field

I also would not be surprised if there were a ton of fics ft Shen Qingqiu and Liu Qingge. "In truth, Shixiong's only looking out for you. The rumors at the foot of the mountain say these succubi adore beautiful men who are full of vigor, so if Liu-shidi insists on coming, they'll undoubtable target him." p64

You're honour. I think this man is gay or ace. Re: "Liu Qingge clearly had no intention of chatting with this member of the opposite sex; he showed no remorse for destroying the madam's gate as he turned his head away." p66

Liu Qingge is 100% just annoyed with the entire experience and SQQ is sitting over here wishing he had a snack and some tea while he witnesses the show that is the succubi attempting to crack his shidi p68

The longer this scene goes on, the more I do think that Liu Qingge is queer or on the ace spectrum. pp68-69

Shen Qingqiu over here feeling anxious for "some reason" about his romantic future (this man is so deep in the closet at this point). p69. It makes me laugh that anytime he talks about women in this book he's like "nope, cant, not her because [Insert Reason]" without fail.

You cannot tell me Liu Qingge is not some shade of queer. The way in which he leaned in for the T about SQQ's love life speaks to my soul on a spiritual level p70

The succubus was Stunned. RE: her seeing details about SQQ's Binghe. p71

The mental gymnastics SQQ is going through right now to convince himself that his future fated one is a woman is boggling. p71 He's really trying so hard

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL The moment Liu Qingge clocks who the succubus is talking about ahahahah p73

OMG this really isn't helping the case that Liu Qingge isn't gay/ace spectrum. The FURY when the succubus said he wasn't SQQ fated one so he shouldn't worry about it pp73-74

Oh My God. And the succubi have an aphrodisiac. Poor Liu Qingge (but my god I can see the fics already). p76

SQQ in this moment: . LQG: This poor sweet man. p77

Okay wait, might be the neurodivergence but I feel like I am missing some subtext here. What did Liu Qingge mean by "You asked me how I felt, didn't you?" asked Liu Qingge, "However you feel right now, that's how I felt" p80.

Another bonus chapter done!

This one was short and sweet, but I do love getting more insight into the lore of the book. I love it when we get to see new creatures or learn how the world works and this chapter was cool for that. I cannot wait for the next one though- I took a peak at the title and saw that it is in parts so here's to hoping the next one is longer!

[somber-sapphic]

35, 🥀, 🌷 with Maya x carina x reader where reader is really sick out of nowhere?? I’m so addicted to your fics atm haha

Better Tomorrow

My first Station 19 story!!

{may include unintentional spoilers}

Okay, wow, I got a little carried away. I had so much fun writing this but I figured that I could only fit so much into one post. I have more, I actually have probably two more parts of similar length, but I won't post it unless you guys want. - You loved your girlfriends and you loved your job. Unfortunately as a nurse, you were also on the front line during flu season. Lucky that you're dating a doctor and a firefighter. (marina x reader)

Word Count: 3810

-----

Perhaps being an ER Nurse wasn’t everyone's cup of tea, but you absolutely loved it. One of the best parts of your amazing job was that you got to work at Grey Sloan Memorial alongside some of the best doctors in the country and your beautiful girlfriend Carina Deluca. 

And then there was Maya. Sweet, beautiful, uptight Maya. You loved the stubborn firefighter with everything you had and both you and Carina showered her with affection at every chance you got. The poor woman had so much unprocessed trauma, all the two of you wanted was to make her feel important, like someone cared. 

Even still, there were days where it wasn’t great. She’d lash out, forget to eat and spend the whole day working out. The three of you had had a rough week. Maya was angry about station politics, Carina had lost a mother and you were on the receiving end of just about every flu case that came into the hospital. On top of dealing with all of the sick people, you also had to meditate at home.

Some people had shown up with minor colds, demanding treatment that they didn’t need. You’d seen several parents ordering you to give their children antibiotics, refusing to listen to you when you explained the difference between bacteria and viruses and why antibiotics won't cure their children's illness. 

Now, it was Sunday and you were almost done with your 48 hour shift. You were supposed to have tomorrow off, but with everyone falling victim to this monster of a flu there was a good chance that you would be working for at least another twelve hours. 

You were exhausted beyond belief and it was getting harder and harder to ignore the growing pressure in your sinuses and the dull ache in your bones. You were probably getting sick, well no, you were definitely getting sick, it was just a matter of how long you could keep it from affecting your work. 

You sighed and took two Tylenol, swallowing them dry. A rumbling cough forced its way through your lips and you glanced at yourself in the mirror, studying your pale complexion. To be fair, you didn’t look great. What with the bags under your eyes and the slight reddish tinge on your cheeks and around your nostrils. 

You grabbed a mask and slipped it on, just to be safe. You figured that you could probably get away with working for at least two more hours before someone noticed that you were too sick or you became a legitimate risk to the patients. Plus, since you were one of the few nurses left who could even hold a pen there was a good chance that as long as you sanitized and wore a mask that you would be allowed to work until you dropped.

When you reentered the ED you found a line of people, all waiting with impatient expressions. You sighed internally and forced a smile, pulling on a pair of gloves as you walked to the first bed. A woman sat there with her arms crossed over her chest, showing absolutely no signs of illness. 

“Hello Ms. Hanford, what brings you in?” You rasped, clearing your throat quietly in a vain attempt to bring back your voice. She sneered at you and huffed quietly, rolling her eyes. 

“I need a pregnancy test.” She demanded, giving you a thorough glare. You paused for a second, wondering if your seemingly cotton stuffed ears had heard her correctly. She came to the ER. For a pregnancy test. A pregnancy test that she could’ve purchased for less than ten dollars at any drugstore. 

“Ms, we’re in the midst of a very severe flu season, it may be safer for you to purchase one from the grocery store.” You said tiredly, fully prepared to get snapped at. She had come for a pregnancy test and there was no way that she was leaving without one. 

“I. Want. A. Test. Now. Don’t make me get your supervisor.” Ms. Hanford threatened, searching for someone who may be your superior. The nurse, Kayla, who had been running the ER had been sent home earlier, leaving one attending or another to check in on you every so often. 

“Okay.” You sighed, too tired to put up much of a fight. You went and grabbed a urine sample cup and walked back to her bedside, smiling so wide that you were sure that it would be seen in your eyes. 

“If you would just take this over to the bathroom and provide me with a urine sample we can get that pregnancy test done.” Ms. Hanford scoffed loudly and shook her head, checking her watch as if to make you upset. You were already upset, but it wasn’t something that you could show. It was your job to be stoic and professional. 

“Are you serious? I could have gotten that kind of test at the store and I wouldn't be in here among all of you sick people! No see, I want a blood test.” She was repeating your words from earlier, turning them on you to make you feel less than. You took a careful breath which spurred a fit of coughing. You whirled away from the woman and muffled coughs into your shoulder, your chest aching with each wheezing breath. 

When you turned back, your eyes watery and nose running freely in your mask, the woman was wearing an absolutely disgusted expression. 

“Get me someone different. I need a different nurse. Get out, get someone new.” She ordered, pointing towards the nurses station. The empty nurses station. Because everyone was busy. Because everyone was dealing with someone sick. Or hurt. Or otherwise miserable.

“Ms., I can't. If there were anyone else I would, but right now we’re very short staffed. Would you like the test or not?” You asked shortly. It was your job to be professional, not to be kind. Technically you didn’t even have to be polite, you just had to treat her. 

“Get a doctor then! Look, there’s one! Dr! Dr., you need to take over here, this nurse is absolutely incompetent.” You looked over to see Amelia walking towards the two of you, a concerned expression on her face. 

“What seems to be the issue over here?” She asked, giving the woman a little nod. You knew that as long as Ms. Hanford was polite to Amelia that she would get what she wanted. Being rude to you was however a pretty big mistake. The female neurosurgeon happened to really like you and often treated you like a sister. 

“This nurse,” She spat, using the most demeaning tone as she shot daggers at you, “came into work sick and thinks that she is going to take my blood! Would you please take my blood?” Her voice changed from hate to sweet and sugary, with an over exaggerated smile.

“Ah, so rather than going to purchase a test at, I don’t know, the Walgreens right down the street maybe, you decided to come into a hospital, which sometimes has sick people, and yell at one of my nurses?” Ameila returned the smile, her eyes filled with pointed anger. You ducked your head into your shoulder and sneezed quietly, only serving to make your mask even messier. 

The brunette turned back and gave you a sad smile, gesturing you over to a bed. 

“Go sit. Ms. Hanford is going to wait until someone else is ready.” She ordered, squeezing your shoulder gently. Ms. Hanford was trying to yell at Amelia, but she wasnt hearing any of it. She was literally just ignoring the angry woman. 

“I’ve got some paperwork to wrap up before my shift is over.” You mumbled, turning to shuffle away. 

“I’ll call Carina!” She threatened after you, earning a little shrug in return. Your girlfriend was busy, she was always busy with one birth or another. People just kept having babies. You slunk into an office and plopped yourself down into a chair, pulling out a patient file. 

After about five minutes the words on the page began to blur together, the sentences becoming totally unrecognizable. As you continued to struggle through the file your writing got more and more sloppy and your eyelids began to slip closed. Your head started to fall and you finally put it down, resigning yourself to sleep. 

==

“Y/n. Wake up bubba.” A voice spoke, pulling you out of your fever dazed sleep. Someone, the owner of the voice, shook your shoulder and you forced your eyes open so that you could glare up at Amelia, who had woken you up. You opened her mouth to complain and sneezed wetly, only then realizing that you had neglected to take your mask off before falling asleep. 

Shepard winced and wrinkled her nose at the sound, pulling away from you. You coughed freely, figuring that since it was still on, it didn’t really matter. The neurosurgeon gave you a sympathetic smile and grabbed some hand sanitizer. 

“Come on germ bag, sit up. I’m going to give you a quick exam before Carina finishes with the mom upstairs.” You lifted your head, forcing yourself up into a sitting position. That much movement made your head swim and you found yourself falling too far to the side. Amelia grabbed your shoulders and steadied you, her lips turning into a little frown. 

“Take your mask off.” She instructed, motioning to her face with blue latex gloved hands. You shook your head, embarrassment flooding through you. There was no way that you were taking it off, you knew that it would be gross and she didn't need to see that. The brunette dropped her shoulders and sighed, giving you a look. 

“Either you take it off, or I will. I promise you, I’ve seen worse.” Now it was deciding whether or not it was more embarrassing for her to take it off for you or for you to do it yourself. 

“I don’t need you to do this. It’s allergies.” She snorted and broke into a laugh, raising an eyebrow at you. 

“Wow, that was bad even for you. Take it off.” You slumped, but refused to take the mask off. It was both keeping her from getting sick and keeping you hidden. It was almost like you could pretend to be fine as long as it was there. 

Amelia rolled her eyes and leaned forward, very gently unhooking the mask from your ears. She pulled it away and made a soft sound of concern, shaking her head slightly. She grabbed a tissue and handed it to you, allowing you to clean yourself up before she continued. 

“You okay?” She asked, noticing the tears glittering in your eyes. You nodded silently and opened your mouth, allowing her to shine a light down your throat. “Ouch.” The brunette murmured, removing her stethoscope so that she could check your lungs. 

You did your best to take the deep breaths that she requested but every one led to a coughing fit that left you gasping and wheezing. It was just your luck that Carina burst into the office while you were in the midst of a particularly harsh fit, bent over with Amelia rubbing your back. 

“Cara,” She whispered sadly, coming to kneel in front of the chair. She rubbed your knuckles as you fought to catch your breath, offering much needed comfort. You finally got a deep breath and the spots cleared from your eyes, leaving you dizzy and utterly exhausted. 

“I want to give her a nebulizer treatment before you take her home, her lungs sound like crap.” Amelia explained, directing her words toward your worried girlfriend. She nodded, squeezing your hand as a sign of affection.

“I don’t want it.” You muttered, trying your best to keep the waver out of your voice. You really didn’t want the treatment, you didn't want any medicine. Cough syrup might be nice, but the nebulizer was famous for making people jittery and all you wanted to do was sleep. 

“You don’t get a say. If you had told Maya or I that you were sick maybe we could have avoided this.” Carina hissed, giving you a deadly glare. You knew that she loved you but she was also angry with your lack of self preservation. 

“Please.” You sniffled, sounding admittedly pathetic. Her expression softened and she leaned over to kiss your forehead, resting her lips there a moment longer than necessary. 

“How high is her fever?” The Italian woman asked, making a worried noise when you dropped your head down onto her shoulder. If you were going to give into being sick you would be given attention. You really just wanted to be held. 

“103.5, I’ll throw an IV in with fluids and we’ll see what we can do to get it down.” Carina nodded your approval but you whined quietly, slightly afraid of the idea of getting an IV. You had absolutely no problems administering them, you were actually amazing at giving them but you didn’t love needles. 

“Alright. Come on bella, I’ll call Maya okay?” You shook your head as Amelia helped you stand, leaning heavily on her for support. 

“No Maya, she’s working.” You mumbled, stumbling forward as you tried to take a step. Your body completely gave out and you crumpled into Carina’s arms, your head bouncing off of her chest as she caught you. Both women cursed, Amelia slightly louder than your girlfriend. 

“Amelia, get a wheelchair. Y/n, can you hear me?” Her words were filled with desperation and anxiety as she helped you back into the chair, cupping your cheeks in her incredibly soft, sturdy hands. 

“Mhm.” You weren’t unconscious, just weak and wondering how you had gone downhill so quickly. At least she was there, she was warm and made you feel fuzzy inside. You loved her so much. She carded her fingers through your hair and smiled warmly, her eyes full of remorse. 

You ducked away and coughed hard into your lap, finally managing to get some of the crap out of your lungs. Unfortunately it was now in your mouth which felt absolutely disgusting. Carina pressed a tissue against your lips and allowed you to spit it out, caressing your arm as you placed your head back on her shoulder. 

“Alright kid, hop in, you’ve got a ride.” Amelia announced, using that stupid nickname. You weren’t even sure why she called you that, it didn’t make a whole lot of sense, but since she discovered that you didn’t like it it had become one of her favorite things to call you. 

“Ready?” Carina asked softly, raising an eyebrow at you. You didn't answer, just shrugged and allowed her to help you into the chair. You leaned back as the neurosurgeon wheeled you out of the office and over to an open bed which you crawled into gratefully. It felt nice to lay down even if it was in an uncomfortable hospital bed with only a curtain separating you from other patients. 

“Okay Y/n, let's get you set up.” Amelia said, lifting up an oxygen mask that you knew would soon pump medicated air. Carian took it away from her and slid it over your face, carefully adjusting the strap behind your head. She didn't want anyone else to treat you, her protective urge flaring up. 

The other doctor didn't protest, knowing that she was probably frightened for you. The last time Meredith had gotten sick she had gone definitely overboard. She stuffed her sister with every medicine that she could think of and had quite literally forbade the woman from getting out of bed. Doctors would go to unnecessary extremes when it came to taking care of the people they loved. 

“Quick poke.” Before you could protest Amelia had slipped an IV into your hand. You glared at her and scooched closer to Carina, wishing that the mask wasn’t in the way. She wrapped an arm around your waist and hugged you to her chest, speaking to you in quiet Italian. You couldn’t understand the words but it didn’t matter. Her voice was soothing and the medications being pumped into your body were making you feel a little bit better. 

“Y/n!” You jolted out of your comfortable daze and looked up to see Maya walking over, her hair frizzy and piercing eyes full of worry. Carina shushed her as she rushed over, immediately grabbing your face so she could touch your forehead and the back of your neck. 

When she pulled away she was wearing the same look of disappointment that your other girlfriend had earlier, her eyebrows knit together and lips turned into a frown. 

“Damnit, every time. Do you need to do this every time?” As much as you hated to admit it, the blonde had a point. You tended to do this, work yourself to the brink of exhaustion and then require some sort of intervention whether it be from them or the obvious current situation. 

Tears filled your eyes and you looked away, not wanting her to see how guilty you felt. You had pulled both of your girlfriends away from work saving lives to sit by your side as you dealt with a stupid virus. 

Maya let out a slow breath as she realized how her words had come out and nudged your arm, pushing you just enough that she could sit on the bed. 

“Let's get this off.” She said softly, easing the mask off of your face. The round of aerosolized steroids was done and your chest didn’t hurt quite as much. The blonde glanced over at Carina, a puzzled expression on her face. 

“How bad is she?” Maya asked, clearly not trusting your judgment on the situation. The doctor shrugged, moving her hand in a so-so way. 

“She is bad. Hopefully the nebulizer will take care of her lungs for a while but it may not last. I will write her a prescription for an albuterol inhaler. Once the IV bag finishes we can bring her home.” Carina explained, seeming to know more about your medical information than you did. At least they weren’t taking any blood. 

“So about a half hour?” Maya looked down at her Apple watch, stroking your hair absently with one hand. 

“Si.” You looked back over at Carina who smiled and kissed your hairline. Tears filled your eyes and you sniffled pathetically, not really wanting to talk. Your throat hurt badly, so much that every breath grated against the raw flesh. 

“Scoot over for me.” Maya instructed, nudging you with her elbow. You didn't exactly understand what was happening or why she wanted you to move. All you wanted was to cry. The medicine had made it easier to breathe but your entire body still ached. 

“Oh Y/n, come here.” She lay down in the bed beside you, fitting herself nicely on the cot beside you. You tucked your head under her chin, trembling as you tried not to sob. It was humiliating, you were a nurse who was crying because of the flu. Carina tried to lay on your other side, but there wasn’t much room left. 

You whimpered into Maya’s shirt, shaking hard as the tears finally began to spill down your cheeks. The blonde carded her fingers through your hair, shushing you as you cried. Carina went back to speaking to you in Italian, both exchanging glances over your weak frame. 

You weren't sure how long it was when you felt the tell tale prickle reappearing in your sinuses. You tried to pull back from Maya, not wanting to sneeze on her, but the woman reacted a moment too late. Maybe she had thought that you were just shifting or she was just tired from what was probably a long shift and she was laying with you. 

You attempted to curl up as best as you could, intending to stifle the sneeze against your own chest, hoping that it wouldn’t be very wet. You sneezed quietly, but another, much louder one followed, sounding worse than the first one. Both of you froze for a second and Carina cooed softly, not seeming to entirely realize your distress. 

You pulled back and pressed your hands over your nose, sitting up quickly, fully expecting her to berate you for sneezing on her. She didn’t even glance at the wet spot on her shirt, just grabbed a tissue and tried to hand it to you. 

“I’m sorry!” You gasped, your words blurred by congestion. You sniffled hard, trying to fix the issue without accepting her help. 

“Oh baby, no, don’t apologize. You’re sick, in fact I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this sick. You get a pass.” Carina nodded her agreement and tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. 

“Blow your nose bella, no more sniffling. Your IV is finished, once you blow your nose I will text Ameila and then we can go home. Does that not sound good?” The brunette coaxed, her voice full of love. You had made up your mind to take the tissue when you sneezed again, into your hands, and then sneezed twice more. Ugh. Damnit.

Maya wrinkled her nose in an apologetic manner, the lines on her forehead becoming more prominent. Carina rubbed your back and kissed your shoulder, both of them offering incredible loving sympathy. 

You took the fucking tissue from the blondes clutches and quickly lifted it to your face, blowing your nose quietly as you did. She handed you another one to clean your hands and then Carina gave you some hand sanitizer. 

“I wanna go home.” You rasped, finally speaking again. Both women smiled and each gave you a kiss on your head. Maya got up and held one of your hands, reaching for the other as you swung your legs over the bed and let your feet touch the floor. 

Carina grabbed your waist as you stood, holding you there until you were sure that you would pass out. Sure you were dizzy, but with some help you were sure that you could get out to the car. 

“All set?” Maya asked, shifting so that she had taken your Italian girlfriend's place with her arm around your waist, supporting you from the side. You nodded while Carina grabbed her bag, slinging it over her shoulder before draping your coat over your shoulders. 

“Come along Y/n/n. Let's get you into bed.” The brunette said softly, walking slightly in front of you. She had your bag too and you couldn’t help but wonder when she’d grabbed it. 

With the help of your girlfriends you shuffled out to the car, hoping that you would feel better tomorrow. Afterall, you were one of the last nurses standing. 

[fuckin-sick-bih]

Lightning Bugs

Fandom: Stranger Things (Eddie Lives AU) Summary: Steve is coming down with something and Eddie realizes it and decides to do something about it. CW: Mess, mentions of Weed, Eddie has the kink and also mildly disabled from the demobats, & poor Stevie is photic Word Count: 4,915 MINORS DNI Author Note: This is a totally plotless drabble I've just been like picking at trying to fight writer's block and I finally finished it so figured I'd do a quickie edit and post. Enjoy!

“Hah…”

It’s so quiet and soft that Eddie almost misses it. He’s half asleep in the passenger seat of Steve’s BMW. They had just finished taking the kids home from a D&D session that went a bit longer than anticipated.

There was the flash of oncoming headlights from behind Eddie’s closed lids and then he heard it.

“Heh’DIShhuh!”

Eddie jumped from the sudden sound disturbing the quiet rumble of the engine and soft music playing, eyes snapping open to look at Steve. The lighter brunette had a hand shoved up under his nose and one still on the wheel. “Sorry-” he says with a sniffle and rubs his slightly pink nose with his knuckles. “Didn’t mean to wake you.”

With a wave of his hand, Eddie brushes Steve off while trying to ignore the swooping sensation in his belly as the sound of Steve’s sneeze replays in his brain. “Don’t worry about it. Wasn’t even asleep, just resting my eyes.” He assures Steve then pauses for a beat before asking, “You alright?”

Steve was still rubbing his nose, just the two of them in the car or else Eddie suspected Steve wouldn’t let himself be quite so vulnerable. “Think so- just tired and my nose has been kinda bothering me all night.”

The admission makes Eddie’s stomach do the swooping sensation again. Like he’s on some amusement ride that twirls and spins unexpectedly. “Yeah?” He manages to choke out and sits up a little. “Think you’re catching the sniffles, Harrington?” It was a valiant attempt to keep up appearances, not wanting Steve to know just how much the one sneeze had affected him.

“Thhhh… Thought we were past the l-last names, Munson?” Steve retaliates, clearly fighting through another tickle that was building up in his sinuses. “Huhuh… God- urgh it’s gonna be stuck again.” He complains with what Eddie can only describe as a very adorable pout.

Soft pursed lips, slightly messy hair, and pinkish and irritated nostrils that stood out against his pale skin even in the dark of the car at night on the back roads. Jesus, Steve really was looking in need of some TLC… When was the last time Harrington had let someone take care of him instead of mother-henning everyone else? Or even slept?

Eddie leaned forward to pull his bandana out of his back pocket and reached over to press it into Steve’s hand. “Sorry, habit, Stevie.” He said it as a way of apologizing and smiled at the other. “You’re not looking so good. Think I got some cold meds at my place, or we can stop at the pharmacy on the way. Either way, I’m taking you hostage.”

The way he says it is matter-of-fact. Leaving Steve little room for argument, but Steve still tries to protest. “Eddie, no, c’mon, man. I can’t i-ihh.. impose like th-thaah…hah-! that.” Now Steve has his black bandana pressed to his nose.

“Not imposing, I’m inviting,” Eddie replies as another car rounds the bend and their headlights flash into Steve’s eyes.

The reaction was almost instant, and Steve kept his hand on the wheel expertly still, foot pressing on the brake to slow down the car. “Hud’TShhuh! Hept’SHhue! Hehhh’TSHHnxt!” The last one sounds pinched off and painful from behind the bandana but if it hurt Steve makes no comment, just sniffles, and speeds the car back up again. “Sorry.”

Eddie blinks a few times, trusting the dark and his black jeans to hide the fact that he’s having his own uncontrollable reaction now. “Jesus H Christ, bless you. You’re photic,” he says like it’s something completely common knowledge and not something he knows because of his stupid kink.

“What?” Steve asks blearily, setting the bandana in his lap to make the turn into the trailer park where Eddie lives.

Eddie can feel a blush creeping up his cheeks and he tries to ignore the way his heart thunders in his chest. “Uh- bright lights make you sneeze. Called photic sneezing or something like that. I dunno I think I heard one of the nerds talk about it after a D&D session.” He covers quickly.

Steve gives a thoughtful little hum, “Really? That’s not a thing for everybody?” he asked, sounding curious as he sniffled, sounding more congested by the minute after the sneezes had finally been let loose.

“Nah. I’ve looked at plenty of bright lights. No sneezing here.” Eddie tells Steve, his mouth feeling dry. The last thing he expected to be talking about to the guy he’d been secretly crushing on for years was his most secret kink. “Just shitty allergies, but don’t worry my immune system is tough as nails.” Just to hammer in the joke, Eddie pretends to flex his arms.

A rough-sounding chuckle comes out of Steve, the lighter brunette turning a moment to cough into his shoulder and lapel of his jacket. Some of his bangs fell into his face and so Steve swiped them back up again with a casual brush of his hand, a nervous tick Eddie had come to adore watching.

Christ, he couldn’t be thinking these kinds of things when Steve was right fucking there.

“Then I’ll be real proud of whatever bug my body cooked up when you catch it.” Steve taunts and parks in front of the Munson trailer, one hand coming up to pinch the bridge of his nose. “Alright, Eddie, I’ll see you later…” He tries to dismiss him and Eddie’s rebellious streak flares.

Without even thinking, Eddie turns and pulls the key from the ignition with a wink aimed at Steve. “Can’t leave if you can’t find your keys, Harrington.” He taunts back and bolts out of the car.

“Eddie!” Steve shouts, his voice cracking under the strain of what was apparently a sore throat. He fumbles to get out of the car after Eddie and follows him into the trailer but by the time he gets in there Eddie is already standing there waiting patiently. Keys safely hidden somewhere in the trailer Steve would never find them until Eddie deemed him well enough to go back out on his own.

Eddie slung an arm around Steve’s shoulders playfully and kicked the trailer door closed, but nearly buckled standing on his bad leg. The one the demo-bats tried to damn near chew off. He winced and Steve was immediately there holding him up in return. The moment Eddie felt Stable he waved Steve off, “Buzz off, it’s me taking care of you not you taking care of me, remember?”

“Think I can’t multitask?” Steve jokes and lowers his hands slowly but still wraps an arm around Eddie, following his lead. Which happens to be down the hall to Eddie’s bedroom.

This time, Eddie made the smarter decision to use his hand to push open the door instead of his foot. He led Steve inside his bedroom, the whole thing a bit of a mess with some clothes strewn about in places, posters littering the walls in mismatched mayhem, more than a few guitars, amps, and cords around…

After the buckle from his ankle, Eddie limped a little. His pain tended to get worse at night. There had been significant damage done to more than a few parts of him and Eddie tried not to think about it all too much. He was still marveling at his lost nipple every time he looked in the mirror before showering…

Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Eddie motions for Steve to come sit with him while he starts taking his boots off. “C’mon. Shoes off. You’re not getting in my bed with your grimy shoes on. You could’ve worn those to the Upside Down and that shit is not coming in my bed.” He rambles to fill the quiet that’s developed since Steve entered his room.

“You want me… in your bed?” Steve croaked out, sounding tired and confused. Like someone had just asked him to do a backflip on a tightrope not sit down on Eddie’s bed.

Eddie turned to look at Steve with a rather unimpressed expression. “That is what I just said, Harrington. Come on. Or I’m gonna beat you to the good spot at this rate.” The metalhead was pulling off his rings one by one to set them down on his bedside table. Next came the chain on his pants and wrist then his watch too.

It felt a little strange to be stripped so bare in front of Steve, but he found he didn’t mind it. He trusted Steve. Enough to take off his armor so to speak.

“Heh’DETShhuh! Uh’TSHHuuh! Ehh’hTSHUh! Ohhh my god…” Steve still had Eddie’s black bandana in his hand, which he pressed to his face in a valiant attempt to contain the sneezes.

Eddie’s heart was thundering in his chest, and it takes his brain a moment to register he needs to speak, “Bless- Jesus. Did you get any air during that fit?” he asked incredulously.

Steve brushed his hair up and back with a particularly thick sniffle. “D’not really…” Another groan came from Steve whose face fell into his hands as the congestion really started to make an appearance.

A soft chuckle came from Eddie who grabbed Steve’s free wrist to yank him down onto the bed with him. “If you wanna get more comfortable, you can get outta those jeans? Borrow some sweatpants if you want?” He offered, noticing Steve was in some rather tight-looking acid wash jeans and swallowing. Definitely not staring. Definitely not.

“Like I s-said Eddie I dod’t wadda i-ihhh ibpose.” Steve struggled to say as his breath began to hitch again, more of his bangs falling into his face as his expression crumpled helplessly for a moment to the itch.

Already Eddie was getting up to get Steve some clothes. He came back with some plain black sweatpants, a surprisingly soft ACDC shirt, and his cozy Zeppelin hoodie all of which he handed to Steve. “Here. Royal treatment for poor sick, Stevie.”

A pitiful sniffle came from Steve as he looked at the clothes in shock that Eddie would so willingly offer them up. “Why are you d-diih… doi’g this, Eddie?” He asked softly and took the clothes as he stood to start getting changed.

“Why wouldn’t I do this?” Eddie challenged in return while crossing his arms and sitting on the edge of the bed, looking away so Steve can change. “You take care of everybody, Steve. You try so damn hard to make sure you’re there for everyone. You never take time for yourself. You never let anyone take care of you. So let me take care of you.”

The shuffling around of Steve getting dressed suddenly stops all at once. Eddie was about to ask if Steve was okay when he finally spoke. “You wadt to take care of m’be?”

That confused Eddie because of course he did. “Yes! Jesus H. Christ, Steve! You think I stole your keys for shits and giggles?”

A soft, pitiful-sounding sniffle came from Steve who was frowning with the shirt only pulled over his arms but not his head yet. His entire torso is on display for Eddie. The scars from the demobats were healed over now. Gnarled, pink, and raised but healed. “D’no ode’s ever… wanted to actually take care of b’me before.” He admitted quietly. Eddie watched his soft belly starting to move in slightly choppier motions while his chest expanded as his breathing hitched.

“Hiih uh… IhhDSHHUH! HupTSHHUh! Snff ugh…” Steve had cupped his hands over his face in a rush to sneeze and tried to snuffle back the mess now trapped behind them. “Uh- fuck- umb… Eddie-? Cad you-?”

The darker haired man raised his brows and then scrambled for the dropped bandana turned hanky on the floor. “Yeah yeah, here, Stevie-” and he carefully pressed the black and white fabric into Steve’s hands. “There you go.”

“Thagks-” Steve said as he cleaned up his hands and face before sheepishly glancing at Eddie. “I’ll wash this for you I probise.” He said seriously to which Eddie rolled his eyes.

Eddie reached forward to gently brush Steve’s bangs back and feel his forehead. “Blow your nose, Steve. I can barely understand you.” He admonished, smiling a little as he got to watch a blush spread over Steve Harrington’s features. Christ, this was like one of Eddie’s wet dreams come true.

Focus, Eddie, focus. Steve first, be horny about it later. He reminded himself and then Steve blew his nose while Eddie’s hand was still resting on his forehead. It took all of Eddie’s willpower not to cream his pants right then and there as Steve gave a wet, gurgling blow.

There must have been some kind of look on his face because Steve spoke up with his nose still buried in the bandana. “Sorry. I kdow this is ki’d of gross. I’ll be totally fide to take care of byself if you let b’me go hobe, Eddie. Seriously.”

“No. Nope. I simply cannot, in good conscience, allow my sick best friend out of my sight.” Eddie said loud and dramatic as he stood slowly with a slightly pained-sounding grunt. He helped get the shirt the rest of the way onto Steve. “There. Bit tight on your shoulders but well… you’re all… jocky and shit.” He waves a hand at Steve and drops back down onto the bed.

Steve gave a quiet, slightly congested chuckle and swiped at his nose with the bandana a few more times. “Yeah, basketball and swimming ki’da does that…” He sniffled a little and sat down near Eddie.

Something else nagged at Eddie and he soon spoke up. “You’re not gross, Steve.” he said softly. “Far from it.” He added quietly and smiled a little as he admired Steve in his clothes for a few moments. So, fucking cute, he thought to himself.

“I ab. I’b all sdotty add gerby add I sou’d like I gargled glass.” Steve mumbled and lifted an arm to cough into it softly as if his body sought to prove his point about his throat being affected.

With a small shake of his head, Eddie guided Steve up to the top of his bed so he could pull the unmade mess of sheets and blankets over him. “You’re sick, comes with the territory, and anyone who isn’t willing to be with you when you feel like crap doesn’t deserve you. Got it?” He tells Steve, pointing a finger at the other man to give him a jab to the chest.

For a few seconds, Steve seems almost frozen, smiling softly at him before he snaps out of it and nods. “Yeah… yeah okay, Eddie.” He sniffles ever so slightly and rubs a finger under his nose once again. “Ugh, do you baybe have sobe tissues, Eds? Thiiihh ugh thi’gk I’b godda s-sdeeze agaid…”

It took Eddie’s brain a second to register what Steve was asking him for before Eddie shook himself into action. “Huh? Ohh tissues? That’s what you said. Yeah, I got you, man.” He assured him, grabbing a mostly full box from the bathroom just next door to his room to toss them to Steve. “Take as many as you need. I have more boxes. My allergies get real bad in spring and fall.” He admits, definitely aware it was nearly spring, and he’d soon be as bad, if not worse, than Steve.

“Hii’RSHuuh! Ehh… ehXT’SHuh! Ugh d’no… cobe od that’s dot all of theb…” Steve groaned and rubbed at his nose with the tissues he’d hurriedly snatched from the box, though not quite in time to catch the first sneeze. The second he’d thankfully buried his face into the tissue as mess had burst forth with the force of it. “Fuck, I’b sorry… yesterday by throat tickled a little add I thought it was baybe just, y’kdow, spri’g bei’g od it’s way…” Steve shook his head and grabbed another tissue to make sure his face was clear. “But I’b odly ever a total bess like this whed I’b sick.”

It was like the cogs in his brain had stopped meshing correctly, gotten jammed or something by all of the horrifically hot things Steve was saying, and caught fire. Eddie twirled and pulled on the ends of his hair a little as if he was trying to use it to ground himself. Or just to cover his ears so the imaginary smoke from his brain didn’t escape.

“Steve, it’s… it’s fine, seriously. You’re fine. Well- no, okay, you’re sick. Buuuut… that’s okay! Because I’m gonna take care of you because that’s what good friends do.” He insisted before spinning around to go searching for something in one of his many drawers. Partly to hide his utter embarrassment and likely bright red face and because he had an idea.

After a few moments, he made a triumphant sort of sound as fingertips connected with plastic. “Gotcha-” He pulled out a flashlight, flicked it on, and smacked it against his opposite palm a few times to get it to flicker on. Then switched it on and off a few times to get it working properly.

Steve’s slightly hitchy breaths were still coming from behind Eddie so the curly-haired man spun around he called out, “Hey, Harrington!” And flicked on the flashlight to shine it into Steve’s eyes.

The moment the light hit Steve’s pupils, they contracted, and his breath hitched in earnest while his nostrils flared. He fumbled blindly for a tissue, his chest swelling as he just barely managed to press one to his face before- “Hhh’TSHue! Hiih’DSHuh! Eddie, what the fuck?” He complained voice muffled from behind his tissue as he cleaned up from the aftermath of that.

“Sounded like you were really struggling with those sneezes, is all.” Eddie teased with a small wink at Steve, bringing the flashlight over to set it on the bedside table in case they needed it later. It was thankfully always pretty dim in Eddie’s room, the metalhead never much one to really brighten the place up.

Steve was busy plucking another tissue to blow his nose, the thick and congested sound of it making Eddie tense. “Ugh sorry, but hey at least I cad breathe a little better for dow.” He sniffed as if to try and prove his point, but it just sounded wet and distinctly like Steve was coming down with something.

Trying to prove he could breathe was almost a little too much for Eddie and he bit his own tongue as hard as he dared to. “Uh-huh. Yeah, you totally don’t sound like you’re drowning.” He teased back, briefly limping back to the bathroom to rummage in the medicine cabinet. After pulling out a package of cold medicine, a jar of Vicks, and a glass of water, Eddie settled down on the bed in front of Steve.

“We got cold meds, vapo rub shit, and water. Sound good?” Eddie asked as he held everything up, already getting out the pills for Steve to pass them over with the water.

The lighter-haired brunette knocked back the pills with a few sips of water and eyed the jar a little suspiciously. “That’s godda bake be sdeeze…” He said warily but let out a little sigh through his mouth. “But fuck I really wadda breathe- alright. Yeah. Screw it. Let’s do it.” And without another wasted moment, Steve pulled up the sweatshirt and t-shirt to expose his chest once again.

The split second before Steve’s bare chest was in his face again, Eddie was still deep in his thoughts wondering just how long of a cold shower he’d need to calm down from the other’s sneezing. His heart leapt into his throat as his big, brown eyes were suddenly scanning over every delicious inch of Steve’s torso once more. Every freckle, old and new scar, curve, and rise of his stupidly gorgeous body-

“Uh-” It was like all semblance of coherent thought and words left him at once and he offered up the jar instead. “I- yeah. Jar. Works. Good. For that.” Already he could feel his face heating up and Eddie wanted nothing more than to faceplant into his pillows and never leave them.

There was a look of confusion on Steve’s pale face as he looked up at Eddie. “You okay?” And when Eddie glanced at him, maybe he caught the hint of a smile, so Eddie cleared his throat and nodded.

Eddie decided in a split second that this was an opportunity not to be wasted. “Yep. Good. Fine. Totally. Just uh-” He was unscrewing the top of the jar and shuffling a little closer to Steve, wrinkling his own nose at the smell of the Vicks. “Ugh, jeez. That smell. Anyway, hold your shirts up and I’ll rub it on for you? Deal? I really meant it when I said I wanted to take care of you, Stevie…”

Because he did. Here was this man who would lay down his life for any of the kids in their group, any of their friends, any of the grown adults in their stupid town probably, and never ask for a thing in return. Never ask for a moment to himself. Eddie thought he was an idiot for it and for not taking the time to take care of himself in between. But fuck was he sweet, thoughtful, caring, and drop-dead gorgeous.

Especially now as his eyes were a little glassy with the slightest hint of the start of fever and more red than pink nostrils. “Deal.” He murmured, raising a hand to turn his head and cough into a fist. “Mh. Sorry. Snff! I really uh… appreciate this e-ehh… Eddie EXT’sHHhuh!” The first of many sneezes had Steve’s whole body going tense and jerking to the side as he sneezed, expression pinched and then settling. “Ngh…” He snatched a tissue with a free hand to swipe at his nose.

Swallowing down his nerves, Eddie scooped up some of the Vicks to carefully rub it onto Steve’s chest. His skin was warm to the touch, but not overly so, and of course, the tips of his fingers brushed the patch of chest hair the other man had. It made him smile as he carefully rubbed in the menthol-smelling goo around it until after a few moments Steve’s chest started to rise and fall in choppy motions once more. “Gonna sneeze, big boy?” He asked, voice soft but he couldn’t keep the edge of hopeful playfulness out of it.

“Y-Yeah hhhang… on HhhT’SHhuh! IT’sHHuh! Huh… HUPT’SHHuh! Oh by god…” Steve shuffled a little to grab a fresh tissue and pinch it over his nose with one hand as he blew. It was productive and Steve grimaced while Eddie felt a pulse of arousal shoot through him. “Ugh, sorry… your hand felt really nice though.”

It looked as if Steve’s eyelids were drooping slightly and Eddie smiled a little again, resuming the small, gentle circles he’d been using to rub in the Vicks. “Yeah? I can keep doing this?” There was the smallest of prickles in the back of his own sinuses from the strong, lingering scent of the menthol so Eddie tried to one-handedly put the lid back on the jar.

Steve spotted him struggling and reached out to hold the jar still for him. “Got it? Snff! Snf! Ugh, shit my nose is running.” He mumbled, still sniffling wetly despite his previous nose blow. Though he did sound a lot less congested already.

Eddie was about to respond when the tickle in his nose suddenly flared to a desperate itch, making his own breath hitch. Fuck, not now. “Ihhh…” His eyes fluttered shut and his hands froze, nostrils twitching as he could do nothing but wait for the sensation to either go away or come forth with a vengeance.

“Eddie?” Steve sounded worried and Christ that was the last thing Eddie wanted to do, worry Steve. Especially when he was already sick. With his eyes shut, Eddie couldn’t see him, so he just vaguely flapped a hand at him as his breath hitched again.

“Ihihh-! IxxT’SHHiew! IehhTshhoo! Heh… Hen’xt’SHHiew! Ugh… heh? Oh fuck more? HeT’SHiew!” Eddie gave a little shake of his head and finished screwing on the lid to the Vicks. “Whew. Fuck, that’s strong stuff. That always happens, don’t worry.” He assures Steve with a grin and a small sniff of his own. Which was true. Eddie and strong scents didn’t really mix.

Once he’d tried to use an incense to cover up the smell of weed and it had made him sneeze so much that by the time Wayne got home, he was still sneezing. And it hadn’t even worked. Not that Wayne had much cared anyway. Just told him to crack a window instead next time.

There was a small smile on Steve’s face when Eddie finally found the courage to look up at him. “Bless you, Eds. That’s pretty cute. That the Vicks makes you sneeze even when you’re not sick.” It was so soft. So genuine. Eddie almost couldn’t believe what he was hearing, but Steve was looking almost ready to drop off to sleep. How could Eddie argue with him when he was looking so adorably sleepy and cozy?

Instead, Eddie melted and gently tugged his shirt back down before tucking him in. “Thanks, Stevie. Now get some rest. You need it. I’ll be right here if you need me.” He set the jar aside, undid his belt, and kicked off his jeans before curling up under the blankets beside Steve in just his boxers and t-shirt.

“Thanks, Eds…” Steve mumbles, rolling onto his side to face Eddie. The curly-haired man stared in the dimly lit room at the lighter brunette, drinking in his features with unabashed leisure for once. Those twin moles that could have mimicked a vampire bite on his neck made him smile and he felt the urge to lean forward and kiss them rise up within himself. Yet he held back.

Then Steve’s face scrunched. Particularly around his nose and those red, slightly damp, and shiny nostrils that flared. “Heh…” He sleepily lifted a hand to paw at his nose a little. “Eddie?” He croaked out softly, clearly not yet asleep if he was struggling with a sneeze.

The way his heart skipped excitedly at Steve saying his name somewhat breathless and croaky like that shouldn’t be so exciting, but Eddie licked his lips and hummed softly. “Yeah, Stevie? Need somethin’?” His own voice came out a little breathless at first and he quickly remedied it as he continued to sound more concerned.

“Need… ehh-! Heh-eh… need to s-sneeze… can’t…” Steve admits as his breath continues to hitch ever so slightly, one hand still rubbing a little at his nose. “Just waah… eh-! want to sleep.”

Of course, Eddie didn’t need to be asked twice and knew exactly what to do. He rolled right over to grab the flashlight off the nightstand and aimed it at Steve’s face. “Open your eyes for me so we can make sure this works. It’ll just take a second. Promise.” One of Eddie’s hands came up to move the box of tissues closer, pressing one pre-emptively into Steve’s hand that was still hovering near his nose.

Opening his eyes a little, though they were watering with that incessant urge to sneeze, Steve looked at Eddie and seemed to spot the flashlight because his eyes widened in surprise. Exactly at that same time, Eddie switched on the flashlight and got to watch Steve’s sneezy expression crumple lit up in all his glory.

Steve’s eyes fluttered back shut, brows pinching downward, nose scrunching, and nostrils flaring as he sucked in a breath before jerking forward into the tissue. “HahDT’SHH! HenT’SHH! Heh… EHT’SHHuhh! Oh…” Blinking a few times, Steve groaned and snatched some more tissues to give some wet blows.

As Steve blew and wiped his nose, Eddie realized he needed to turn off the flashlight, so he did and set it aside again. He’d been so utterly transfixed on Steve’s sneezing fit that he’d just laid there practically slack-jawed watching the other. “Bless you, feeling better after that?” It took everything in Eddie to try and keep his voice level. Normal.

A few wet sniffles came from Steve as he nodded, “Yeah, yeah I’m good. Snff! Ugh, all thanks to my own personal lightning bug.” He murmurs with a happy little hum and Eddie let out a soft gasp as he felt a warm arm slide around him. “This okay?” Steve mumbled, suddenly pressing closer than he ever had before. Practically up against his chest now.

Where was this cuddly side of Steve Harrington coming from? he wondered to himself. If it had anything to do with Steve being sick, Eddie wasn’t going to go looking gift horses in the mouth. “Yeah, Stevie.” He murmured, feeling like a weight was lifting from his shoulders as Steve’s warmth settled into his own bones. “This is great. You rest. I’ll keep you warm.” His own arm snaked around Steve’s waist while his leg hooked around the other man’s as well.

Eddie trailed his fingertips lazily along Steve’s back, following the beautiful hills and valleys he could only feel through the shirts. Given how Steve seemed to melt under the gentle affections, they were incredibly welcomed and soon Steve was fast asleep snoring congestedly against Eddie’s chest. “Happy to be your lightning bug anytime, big boy.”

[cloudyswritings]

Snail Shamans(Snamans? Shmamans? Snaimals?)

okay so I may have lied about being back, but now I actually should be(if my current cold stops obliterating my sinuses at least). Anyway here’s a thing:

So I’ve been thinking a bit about these guys, admittedly it’s been a bit since I played or like saw them, so takes this all with a grain of salt.

So I feel like it’s semi popular to think of snail shamans as like, being void. But I’ve always had something of an issues with that? Or like at least the idea they’re completely void. See the main thing hanging me up is that the shaman seems surprised when you bring your void upgraded spells to them. Like they seem to only really work with Soul as far as I can tell? At least they seem more familiar with soul based spells, and their charms are all soul based.

Okay, so what though? Like don’t they still have the whole turns into maybe void particles on death thing? And also they’re snails, probably sea snails tying in with the whole void as a sea thing. To that I’ll say sure, yeah that’s pretty true. There’s arguably even a connection to like the ammonites/nautilus fossils that make up parts of Hallownest.

The thing I find most interesting about them though, is that they seemingly can’t leave their mounds. I think this tells us a few things actually, because it reminds me a lot of how ghosts work. Given that they were likely still alive when they chose/got attached to their mounds, it makes me wonder why exactly they chose the locations they did. Now obviously the ancestral mound was you know, likely ancestral and thus there before the living shaman(and it implies interesting things about snail society maybe?) but what about the rest of them? They’re all quite close to the surface actually, with locations in crystal peaks, and fog canyon, as well as the little mausoleum thing in the resting grounds, and the poor fella who is in the soul sanctum. All of these locations are notably far out of the reach of the void.

Anyway, that was super rambly, but I don’t think they’ve got anything to do with the void except some possible staining from ancestors who WERE void related. What I do think they have a connection to however, is surprisingly, godseeker. See the shamans have a whole thing about their spiral focus, that allows them to wield soul more efficiently and make charms to focus it. The key word being focus, which is generally how soul magic is used, but may also have some connection to the “attunement” the godeseekers use. I think that the shamans and godseekers might be a similar “class” of being. Like we’ve got bugs, beasts, and gods as well as higher beings, I figure that the godseeker probably wouldn’t consider themselves a higher being(unless I’m forgetting something) but they nonetheless have significant power. Basically the shamans might have been very similar, but instead chose to attune themselves to soul magic instead of dreams(seekers) or void(vessels, arguably).

[lady-loveluck]

I saw another anon show their car so I thought you all would like to see my baby, Dash, and her new bald spot!!!

I really wish I had literally any other pictures of her because these are all from today in while she's not in the best shape but I havent transferred the pictures over from my old phone yet 😭😭😭

She's all beat up like that becuase my parents dog attacked her over some tiny piece of food on the floor last night, but thankfully her injuries are actually pretty minor in terms of a dog attack, just a single puncture wound, eye hemorrhaging, blood in her sinuses and a fractured jaw. (Which I sounds know sounds bad, and it is, but it could've been so much worse she's so lucky 😭😭)

P.S. She's also high off her kitty ASS on pain meds right now jsjsj

(She's curled up beside me on my pillow as I type this ^_^)

BABYYY POOR CAR

I HOPE SHE GETS BETTER SOON!!