#best home loans for doctors

[silassinclair]

Hi! It's me the "Maddox with a sassy y/n" annon. Omg i just saw your post and it made my Whole Week! 😭

Thank you so much!

Anyway, i have a new request (if that is alright). I saw that you have a yandere Boxer but i didn't see to much info on him.

Could we get an introduction or some information for him? I'm really curious.

As always, have great day/night! ✨

Sorry this took a while to answer, just came back from the Philippines and I saw this req in my inbox. I’ve been waiting to write for him so now I have the chance to!! Hope you like it :D Also the beginning of this is really long, boring, and angsty but bear with me ya'll :) Also the Russian is google translate so it may be inaccurate :(

Masterlist Here!!

Next Part Here!!

Yandere Boxer x Reader

Viktor Markov was not the man you thought he was; well, not anymore. You both were raised in a small eastern European town. Him being the boy next door; always covered in dirt and was the sweetest little boy who would bring you flowers and bugs that he found. And you were the weird little girl who would collect the rocks and flowers that he gifted you with a smile. So naturally the two of you became friends, two peas in a pod.

He always had your back and you always had his. Growing up together in eastern Europe was hard. Both of you came from a pretty rough neighborhood and home life but that didn't stop you two from being happy. After all you only needed each other. It was just you two against the world. And it was like that for years.

Well, that was until high school. Viktor stopped talking to you in Sophomore year. Your calls went ignored, socials un-interacted, and texts delivered. So you just gave up. You no longer chased after him or begged him to tell you what was wrong when all he did was give you a cold shoulder. And honestly, you just didn't want to be around him anymore.

He got in with a bad crowd. Some upperclassmen guys who would just skip class to smoke. And seeing your childhood best friend become one of them broke your heart. You tried, you really did. But instead the blonde snapped at you, telling you to stop acting like his Mother and that he didn't need you anymore. And he was right, Viktor was more grown up now. Hard jawline, firm muscles, and standing at a staggering 6'3 feet tall.

He didn't need your back anymore.

And you didn't need his.

High school was a blur. You kept to your studies and only had a small circle of friends that consisted of all girls who have all been friends longer than before you ever came around. You were the grass friend. They all walked on the sidewalk while you trailed behind to the side; always stepping in the mud and grass. They weren't really your friends, you just didn't want to be alone. And they didn't see you as a friend, they just didn't want you to be alone. Pitiful isn't it?

But none of it mattered. It was all over and done in the blink of an eye. After high school was university and in university was medical school and after medical school was a new beginning. Being a docotor was never really your dream. It was your parent's dream and they just wanted the best for their little girl. You didn't want to disapoint them and go to culinary school like what you really wanted. So you worked and went to med school at the same time.

It was hard. It really was. You have no friends, no social life, and no one has your back. Yet it's your job to have people's backs. Ironic and unfair. But that's life.

Money was getting tight. Paying off student loans and working multiple jobs was getting exhausting. Living? No, it felt like you were dying. But you got offered a job you could not refuse. A patient came into your office. It was an older man in his early 50s.

"You're quite quiet for a doctor." He says. "Shy thing are you?"

You give him a silent nod. Hopefully this conversation doesn't take the turn you don't want it to take. Getting harassed by patients as a woman doctor is scarily common.

"I need a doctor. One like you; diligent, quiet, and quite the eye candy. Work for me krasivyy (beautiful). The pay is better than working in this heap clinic."

You eye him oddlyand whisper, "Why do you need me? Do you want me to be one of those underworld doctors or something? If so then no. I won't be patching up assassins or serial killers."

The man laughs, his voice booming in the small examination room.

"No no. You won't be dealing with any of those type. But this still is underground as you say. I own an underground boxing ring. And I need a doctor to patch up my fighters. Illegal, but good pay no?

You thought about it for two minutes then finally gave your answer.

“When do I start?”

The man’s name is Radko. And right now you’re in his gym. It’s dark, stinky, and full of shirtless men training for their next match. You thought you felt out of place in school? Nope, this is 100x worse. And some of these guys are acting like they’ve never seen a woman before.

“Stop looking at me like that weirdo.” You think to yourself while walking past a guy on a bench who’s wiping the sweat off his chest. His hungry gaze on you sends shivers down your spine.

“Ignore their stares.” Radko puts a rough hand on your shoulder. “They’re not used to seeing pretty women.”

“Yeah I can see that.” You mutter.

You two stop in front of the door near the back of the gym. It says “Clinic” in front of the door. He opens the door and you’re greeted with a surprisingly clean office. Radko must have cleaned up a little when he knew you would be coming.

“This is where you’ll be. Some guys will walk in pretty roughed up. Just patch em up abd send them on their way. If any of em try anything with you, you tell me right away. Okay?”

Radko was like a Dad and you liked that about him. A pretty intimidating Dad who owns an illegal boxing ring but what does that matter. Doesn’t particularly make him a bad person.

“Okay. Thank you.” You say with a warm smile.

“Ah you’re so milyy (cute)! Please don’t quit within the first week, I don’t think my heart can handle it if you go.” Radko says and hugs you. You give the big man a pat on the back in return.

“I’ll leave you to it now. You’ll receive your pay bi-weekly. See you now.”

And with that you were left alone. You were left in a small private clinic you could call your own. Maybe this job wouldn’t be as bad as you thought? But all positive thoughts flew out the window when your first patient of the day walked in.

Tall, pale, short blonde hair, scarred torso, muscle on muscle, and piercing blue eyes. All features of someone whom you thought you would never see again. Who you never wanted to see again.

“Kroshechnyy?” (Tiny)

God that nick name. There was a time it would make you smile and laugh. But now it just pissed you off. He had the audacity to call you that as if you two were still buddy buddy? No, fuck that. Fuck him.

“It’s Y/n to you now. What do you want Viktor?”

The man’s face creased with pain. Not physical, no, something worse.

“What are you doing here? This place isn’t for you.” His voice was a deeper timbre from when you last spoke to him Sophomore year. He walks closer to you and you can smell his sweat from training but also… Jean Paul Gaultier? Why would you wear designer fragrance at a gym? Weirdo.

Little did you know when he saw you walk in the gym he immediately raced to the locker room to freshen up and see you.

“I’m a doctor. I got a side job from Radko.” You explain swiftly. “If you’re uninjured then please leave. Other patients may come in with actual reasons to see me.”

Rather than face to face you’re face to chest with him. How the hell did he get so tall? You crane your neck up to meet his eyes.

His expression stiffens. His usual cold demeanor returns.

“You shouldn’t be here. This place isn’t for you. It’s dangerous.”

You roll your eyes. “I think I can manage. Now please leave me alone. You’re the last person I ever want to see.”

Viktor ignores the comment and his gaze remains ice cold. You nearly shiver, did the room temperature drop?

“Stop acting childish. Tell Rad that you quit.”

“But I’m not quitting.”

He steps closer.

“I’ll make you.”

“And what are you gonna do?”

He bends down to your level and scoffs.

“I don’t need to lift a finger. You’ll get scared and run off with your tail between those little legs of yours. These men here will eat you alive.”

Did he not think you knew that before you signed up for all this? You were aware of what you walked into. Underground gym, surrounded by men, all physically fit to the max. They could rip you in half. But you needed this job. There wasn’t time to be afraid.

“Yeah yeah I know. I don’t need your lecture. Now get out before I tell Radko.”

Viktor leans closer. His nose mere centimeters from yours.

“Don’t come crying to me when you get hurt.”

“If I get hurt then I’ll just patch myself up. I didn’t go through 4 years of med school just to cry when I’m in pain.”

The tall Russian growls lowly to himself and leaves, not before slamming the door of course.

“Fuck…”

This new job of yours just got worse tenfold.

It’s been about two weeks since you started working here. And you’ve met all of Radko’s men. They weren’t as bad as you thought they would be. Yeah they would flirt with you but not in the gross way. They knew when to quit.

Well, all of them except for Vladimir. The same one who eyed you like a piece of meat the first day you came here. Everyday he would come to the clinic to shoot his shot. And everyday you turned him down.

“Little kotenok (kitten) is still feisty.” Vladimir clicks his tongue. He manspreads in the examination chair, flexing his ab muscles and turning his head to the side to show off his impressive jawline. But all it does is un-impress you.

“If you’re going to waste my time like this everyday then I’m going to tell Radko.” You firmly state and cross your arms.

Like a kicked puppy the boxer whines, “Nooooo. I’m sorry please don’t kick me out. This is the only room besides Coach’s that is air conditioned.”

You can’t help but chuckle at that.

“Not my problem, do an ice bath or something.”

Vladimir chuckles and goes to say something else but stops himself when he sees and hears the door open. You also turn your attention to the door, wondering who it is and why they didn’t knock.

“Get out.” Viktor says. His voice like stone, as is his glare. His bloody swollen eye only ads to his intimidating aura.

Vladimir gets out of the chair and groans. “Way to be a cockblock Vicky.” He says mockingly.

You were about to shoot in and say how there was no way you would give him the light of day but Viktor had other plans. His fist makes contact with Vladimir’s abdomen with a mean punch. Making the other man wheeze and keel over in pain.

“Get the fuck out.” Viktor grabs him by the hair and kicks him out of the office. Literally. The door then slams shut, leaving you alone with your heated childhood friend.

“Thanks…” You mutter. Unable to look into his eyes, well… eye. The other is swollen shut.

He grunts and sits on the examination bed. Getting into doctor mode you walk over to Viktor and assess the damage. There’s a few bruises on his ribs but his eyes seem to be the worst. Delicately you touch part of the bruised eye and he inwardly flinches, making you draw your hand back in an instant.

“What happened?” You softly ask.

“Alexei sucker punched me. Dick.”

You stifle a laugh, making your patient deadpan. “Typical Alexi. I’ll tell him off the next time he comes in here complaining about his stomach aches.”

Viktor and you are silent when you rub ointment on his bruises. After the ointment is all done you hand him an icepack.

“Use this for the eye.”

He nods and thanks you with a silent nod. Then, he leaves just like that.

After that you would see more of Viktor and less Vladimir. To be honest you’ve been seeing less of everyone. Everyday Viktor came in with new reasons to come to you. Headaches, head trauma, bruises, scratches, and the worst was a dislocation.

“What is it this time?” You don’t even need to face the door to know who it is.

“He needs help!”

You whip around immediately, nearly spilling your coffee. You see Alexi and Cain at the door and draped over their shoulders is an unconscious Vladimir. You run over to them and tell them to lay Vladimir down on the bed gently while you assess his condition.

“What happened!?” You say worriedly. He was barely breathing. You begin doing chest compressions.

“We found him outside. Some of those bastards from west gym probably did this to him…” Cain says, his eyes are full of rage.

The compressions aren’t working. So instead you ready up the life support. He won’t last long with traumatic brain injuries like this.

“What’s gonna happen to him Doc?” Alexi sounds the most worried. He’s just a kid, only being 17.

“I’m putting him under life support.” And it was damn hard to do it on your own.

“Thank you.” Cain says. He puts a hand on the small of Alexi’s back. “Let’s leave her alone. She’s busy.”

The two men leave. Leaving you alone with Vladimir who has one foot in hell. No offense Vladimir, but no way you’re going to heaven. All day you stay by Vladimir’s side. Other men come in to check on him or get patch ups. And you go about your job, leaving the unconscious man to rest on the bed.

If I knew she would be stuck to his side like glue then I never would have beaten the fucker half to death. The plan was to kill him but the stubborn bastard just didn’t want to die. I watch Y/n from outside the clinic. The window’s blinds are open. She’s so close yet so far; always out of my reach. Part of it is my fault. I was the one who pushed her away after all.

But I had no choice. I didn’t want her involved with the people I was involved with in high school. I needed them in order to get some side jobs. Hell, a couple of them box for Radko too at this gym. I thought Y/n would be gone from my life for good, but I was wrong. I thought God was punishing me for the things I have done but it seems like he took pity on me just this once by bringing her back to me and letting me have a second chance.

But so far I’m making no progress. What even is love? I know I love her but I don’t know how. All I know is that I need to protect her from all the wolves here. I already staked my claim on her but one fucker didn’t want to listen. Vladimir, that egotistical thorn in my side. The next chance I get I'll kill him for good. It's not like this is my first time killing for her after all.

High school was when I first took someone's life. Some upperclassman bitch was harassing Y/n. I couldn't stand watching her suffer. And I couldn't comfort her like before when we were young; by this time I already cut off Y/n for good. But I knew there was something I could do. So I killed her. And I killed anyone who dared breathe Y/n's name wrong.

I'll do whatever I can to protect the love of my life. Slowly, little by little, I'll win her back. She'll be mine again and we'll be even closer than friends. But for now I'll do what I can to keep her safe from the sidelines. Even if it means she'll find out and hate me forever.

[astrosky33]

The Best Career for you: Asteroid Industria

◉ Industria is an asteroid in astrology that can represent the long term career industry you will work in. Based on the readings I’ve done this asteroid is very accurate in predicting your long term career

◉ Asteroid Code: 389 -> How to find asteroids

House Meanings

Asteroid Industria in the 1st house

Your career will be a major part of your identity (more so than others careers would). Your career may change or constantly be testing your outlook/view on life. This career will be something you’re very passionate and ambitious about. You may use lots of mannerisms in this career. It most likely is going to involve your physical body, fighting, beauty, confidence, and/or individuality

Ex: Athlete, Model, Makeup Artist, Fighter

Asteroid Industria in the 2nd house

Your career will be a major source of stability (not just financially but also emotionally) for you in your life and your career may boost your self esteem/self worth. It is going to revolve around material items. It most likely is going to involve either your singing voice, finances, cooking, giving, receiving, and/or material resources

Ex: Singer, Banker, Accountant, Chef, Product Designer

Asteroid Industria in the 3rd house

In your career you will use your voice to spread an important message. You will express many of your ideas to others. It most likely will involve communication, literature, teaching, transportation, influencing, social media, the mind, and/or phones

Ex: Author/Writer, Social Media Influencer, Driver, Teacher

Asteroid Industria in the 4th house

Your career will be in an industry where you’re using lots of emotion toward your work and/or caring for others. It won’t be a job far out of your comfort zone. It likely will involve houses, home related things, food, and/or self-care

Ex: Real Estate Agent, Nurse, Baker, Home Designer

Asteroid Industria in the 5th house

Your career may revolve around you and be in an industry where a lot of spotlight/attention is on you. You’re going to work in an industry where you use your talents. It’s going to be a career you really enjoy and that makes you happy! It likely will involve entertainment, romance, events (such as a festival or concert), children, talents, and/or drama

Ex: Actor, Event Planner, Child Psychiatrist, Talent Agent

Asteroid Industria in the 6th house

Your career will have a set schedule and steady income. In this career industry you’ll constantly be working on self improvement. It likely will involve health, fitness, hygiene, your analytic nature, animals/pets, and/or giving service to others somehow

Ex: Doctor, Nutritionist, Fitness Trainor, Dentist, Vet

Asteroid Industria in the 7th house

Your career will be one that’s based around equality or partnership. You’re going to be working towards harmony or peace in this career. It will likely involve commitment, marriage, attractiveness/attraction, contracts, conflicts, negotiations, and/or equality/sharing

Ex: Wedding Planner, Lawyer, Model, Fashion Designer

Asteroid Industria in the 8th house

Your career will be one that’s based around a lot of transformation, power, or mystery. In this career industry you’ll constantly be working on changing for the better. It will likely involve crime, death, taxes, psychology, surgery, investments, the stock market, business, loans, secrets, your inheritance, reproduction, and/or spiritual transformation

Ex: Detective, Psychologist, Tax Preparer, Surgeon

Asteroid Industria in the 9th house

Your career will be one that helps you grow a lot as a person. In this career industry you will learn a lot more than most people do in their career. It will likely involve travel in general, air travel, exploration, television, media, teaching, higher education (college/uni), religion, beliefs, ideologies, philosophy, interviews, courts, law, cultures, ethics, viewpoints, and/or languages

Ex: College Professor, Pilot, Newscaster, Photographer

Asteroid Industria in the 10th house

You are more likely than others to be very successful when having this placement in your chart. Your career will teach you how to set long term goals for yourself and succeed. It will likely involve being in charge/a boss, business, peoples reputations/images, sense of mission, responsibilities, being famous, and/or status

Ex: Manager (anywhere), Publicist, Movie Director

Asteroid Industria in the 11th house

You’re more likely to gain wealth from your career with this placement since the 11th house represents financial gains -> read more here. Your career will be one that introduces new ideas to the world and may be a more unique career compared to most peoples. It will likely involve technology, film, politics, science, inventions, chaos, sudden change, friendship, groups, desires, manifestations, hopes/wishes, humanitarianism, social networking, clubs, and/or parties

Ex: Engineer, Scientist, Film Producer, Politician

Asteroid Industria in the 12th house

Your career is one that will transform you spiritually. In this career industry you will heal others. It will likely involve spirituality, hypnotism, isolation, music, karma/karmic debts, hidden enemies, the subconscious mind, subconscious memory, sleep, dreams (the ones you have when you sleep), old age/people, mental health, fears, losses, endings, impersonations, closure, self-undoing, bed pleasures, intuition, illusions, and/or the afterlife

Ex: Therapist, Song-Writer, Astrologer, Psychic

➠ [READ] the examples listed aren’t the only possible careers for each house only some, so there can be more interpretations than the ones listed

𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚! 𝗜 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘇𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗕𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗠𝗬 𝗣𝗔𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗢𝗡 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘀𝗸 𝗺𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁

𝗠𝗬 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧

© 𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐤𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝

[a-edgar-allan-hoe]

Wild Horses

Part 1

Simon "Ghost" Riley x Female Doctor!Reader

Part 2 , Part 3 , Part 4

A/N: Just a little idea I had after seeing all the TikToks and now I am yanked onto the Ghost train. I used to watch my brother play the game but that was a while ago so bear with me here. (advice or little pointers are much appreciated). I also might make this into a short story or add another part to it, let me know y’all. Comments and reblogs are much appreciated!

Summary: Imagine being the new physician assigned to the team and a certain masked individual takes a new keen concealed interest in you. The two of you are too awkward to function.

Warnings: language, fluff, angst

You were assigned to the team as their personal physician, as requested by the higher ups in order to make sure the soldiers stayed in best health, both physically and mentally. You used to work at your local hospital before you were offered the position.

You knew the dangers and the risks involved, but you were in debt and had student loans that needed to paid. So after much hesitation, you accepted the offer, eventually being convinced by the fat paycheck.

You remembered the day you were first introduced to the team, the way everyone's eyes glued to you like a hawk, their large forms towering over your small frame in the room while you picked at the skin around your nails in nervous habit.

They were curious to say the least, wondering what the hell someone like you was doing in a place like this. And since when did they get the chance to have a full on doctor to treat them, usually they were offered combat medics. You had guts, that's for sure.

You on the other hand were nervous, frightened even, with the thought of living in the same quarters of men wrapped up within the tumults and afflictions of war without a single clue as to their current psychological state. You had seen the worst of men and humanity growing up and you no idea who these soldiers were, what they were capable of, or what their intentions might be. Maybe you should have requested that briefing before you hopped on that plane.

Amongst all of their gazes, you had failed to notice a certain masked individual in the far back of the room, his form shrouded amongst the others as he studied you. His eyes, hidden underneath the grooves of his mask that only seemed to be darkened by where he stood blocked by the only source of light, watched your every movement, from every gesture of your perfectly manicured fingers to every smoothing of the lint-free fabric of your sweater to the way you kept shifting your weight from one foot to another.

One thing was apparent; during the entire length the high ranking officer next to you introduced you and debriefed the men on what was expected and such, you had not uttered a single word, minus the small polite and somewhat strained smile on your face while your eyes told another story. Why the military truly hired you, he may never know.

After being shown your little office and workspace including your room, you were quick to settle in, decorating the area to the best of your abilities with what you had taken with you from back home in order to bring some life into the dull and two-dimensional area. If anyone questioned you on it you would just say that your own sanity is extremely vital in order to ensure quality treatment for your patients.

Once everything in your office was set up, you threw on your white coat and retreated yourself to your office space, sitting at your desk and hastily going over the files that you had completely forgotten about that were given to you regarding the soldiers' previous health before they come pouring in reporting symptoms of god knows what. Best be prepared. Jesus how many bullet wounds can a single individual have.

The soldiers were advised to do their routine physical examinations with you so the first one to come waltzing in through your office door was none other than Johnny "Soap" MacTavish, a cheeky grin plastered on his face and much too excited for his own good. That boy's got a crush on you I swear. To be honest I'd be lying if I said the whole team didn't have a schoolboy crush on you.

The men were quick to warm up to you, relieved to have a gentle soul in their midst after all the shit that goes down outside, you were like breath of fresh air. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to bring a doctor on board, as quiet and reserved as you were. They speculated you were just shy, the reason why you never spoke much, not knowing that you just couldn't hold a conversation if your life depended on it, especially around those you weren't close with. At first they couldn't tell because of your major rbf.

During their routine check-ups or whatever issue they had going on, they would do most of the talking, which was a good thing on your end because it helped you to piece together their temperaments. Thank the lord no one is a psycho murderer. Oh wait.

Soap is the most chattiest of them all. Boy wouldn't shut his mouth when he sat in your office. He's super flirty. But not as flirty as Alejandro.

Ghost on the other hand was reluctant to step into your office for his check-ups. After all he was usually the one to tend to his own wounds or just push through whatever it is that is going on, so he did not know what all the fuss was about in having to get his health checked. So when you call out his last name more than once might I add, clipboard in hand and scanning the area for whoever looks to be headed in your direction, he can't help but heave out a sigh, trudging over to where you stood, your clean white coat a stark contrast to the rest of the environment as you leaned against your door to hold it open.

You muttered out a small hello to which he let out a small huff as you moved aside to let the man enter, watching him walk into your office and seat himself down. That man intimidated you a bit not gonna lie. Not only could you not see his face but he had also not said a single word to you. And not to mention he was absolutely huge as compared to you, even more so in person. You also had heard a lot of stories from the other guys.

"How is your day?" You ask, shutting the door behind you as you briefly read over his previous but extremely short records on your clipboard. There's barely anything on this man. Does he not get ill?

Ghost is quiet at first, watching your eyes scan over the clipboard and curious to know just what is on those papers before your eyes flit up to meet his and catch him off guard, which causes him to answer abruptly. "Fine."

"Okey dokes." You give a quick smile.

Did you just say okey dokes.

Clearing your throat, you go over to where he sat and set the clipboard down on the table next to you beside your laptop. You didn’t have to read his body language to know he did not want to be here at all. So you were going to do him a favor and make the appointment as quick as possible.

"So do you have any allergies to any medications, any allergies I need to know of?" Your fingers hover over the keyboard of your laptop as you turn to face him, only to be met with an expressionless skull of a mask and the expressionless eyes beneath. Oh boy this session was going to be something. You had heard of how he had never shown his face, so you made sure not to question on it.

"No ma'am."

"Are you currently taking any medication?" You ask the same standard set of questions you have asked every single patient of yours, typing as you go.

"No ma'am."

Any previous illness? Disease?"

"No."

The more you ask him questions, the more he strangely finds it easier to answer. Your voice is surprisingly soft, warm even, like the start of autumn, and he finds it comforting to listen to. Or maybe it's just some technique doctors learn during training in order to relax their patients.

"Do you have any history of smoking, alcohol, or illicit drug use?"

".......sometimes I'll have a smoke, and a glass of bourbon." He's almost waiting for you to hand him a pamphlet about the dangers of smoking.

"How many times would you say?" You ask for details, your eyes still glued to the screen of your laptop as you await his answer.

Ghost is a bit confused by the amount of questions you ask, but he also has not been to the doctor's so how would he know. "Um I don't know."

"A rough estimate is fine."

"Not much, maybe 2-3 times a week or so when I'm not on duty."

"How many times a week do you exercise?" You feel silly for asking this question to a man like him but it's all part of the procedure and you almost pray he doesn't hate you for it.

"Every day." So no pamphlet?

Jesus this man has more discipline than you. You can barely get up in the morning.

"Okayyy." You mutter out, more to yourself as you enter in his responses.

Ghost finds himself watching you from his seat on the chair, his eyes tracing over and studying your features as you type away on your laptop. He thinks you're really pretty but either doesn't want to admit it or just flat out does not know that he finds you attractive.

There are certain details about you that he can't help but find himself intrigued by, like the small black outline flower tattoo on your hand that was located near the area of your thumb, running along the curve to meet the knuckle of your forefinger. He's curious as to the meaning behind it, if there was one. He wanted to ask what type of flower it was, perhaps it was your favorite? It would give him an idea as to what flowers to get you.

"Have you ever been hospitalized, had any surgical procedures done or been treated for any chronic conditions?"

"No." Ghost shakes his head before remembering his wounds from combat, wondering if that is something you should know. "Just the bullet and knife wounds from combat. Nothing too serious."

Jesus fucking christ. You were willing to bet he treated those wounds himself.

Ghost is not a fan of hospitals. Pretty sure this dude just looks up YouTube tutorials on how to fix himself instead of just going to the doctor like a normal human being.

"When was the last time you visited your general practitioner.......or just any doctor in general?" You ask the last question, willing to bet it never.

There was silence on his end as you looked towards him waiting for an answer, the clicking of your keyboard coming to a stop and only loudening the silence. Ghost could not remember the last time he had been to a hospital or even scheduled a visit. And as you looked at him, your eyes almost staring into his soul, still waiting for a response, he could not help but feel a tad bit embarrassed, as if you were judging him for not being a responsible adult. Also it didn't help that you were goddamn pretty.

"I'm gonna take that as a very long time, the last time being the prehistoric ages, correct?" There's the slightest hint of a tease in your voice.

"Uh.......yes ma'am." Ghost squints his eyes at you as you go back to typing on your keyboard. Did you just.............did you just call him…..He does not know how to feel about that. Did you just try to crack a joke? He always thought doctors were the serious type.

"Okay then." You straighten up, grabbing your sphygmomanometer off the table and turning yourself to face him. "Is it okay if I check your blood pressure?"

The man is stunned. No one has ever asked his permission for anything before. He's so used to either taking orders or giving orders that he doesn't know how to respond and stares at you for a moment, forcing his brain to process what to do next before eventually giving a nod.

"Is it okay if you take your jacket off so I can get a clearer reading?"

He nods again, still in shock as he takes off his jacket, leaving him in his black long sleeve thermal. He's almost thankful he wasn't in his full tactical gear, having to imagine you standing there waiting for him as he removes every single piece of equipment off his torso.

"Thank you." You give him a short smile, placing your hand under his tricep and gently lifting his arm in order to wrap the inflatable cuff around his bicep. You almost blush at the mere size of this man's arms. "Now you're just going to feel a slight pressure okay."

Ghost can't help but feel a slight warmth spread to his cheeks at the way you handle him with such care, as if he were the small delicate thing and not you. Now he knows why the others were so giddy after leaving your office.

As you place your stethoscope on his forearm near his elbow to listen to his blood pumping through the artery, your other hand pumping air into the cuff using the inflation bulb with your eyes glued to the numbers on the gauge, he can't help but to notice the old Donald Duck watch that sat at your wrist, the ones with the moving arms and the vintage style black leather straps.

And as he further investigated your attire, he noticed a few other details, like the colorful glittery badge reel in the shape of a pill container with the words "licensed drug dealer" printed on it that was attached to your scrub top, the glitter sticker with the words "I'm nicer than my face looks" as well a few Disney character stickers and the little frog looking keychain that hung off of your badge. He was wondering what the hell that thing was. Your accessories were awfully colorful for a general doctor. Something was telling him you either used to work with families or children. Whatever the hell managed to bring you to such a drastic change.

You brought him out of his thoughts as you shifted from your position, unwrapping the inflatable cuff from around his bicep and placing it back on the table before typing the results into your laptop. "Okay," You adjust the ear pieces of your stethoscope back into your ears as you turn back to him, "I'm going to perform some auscultations, which is just listening to the sounds of your heart and your lungs so if you could just sit up straight and relax that would be wonderful."

Simon straightens up his posture as you place your free hand on his shoulder, at this point you're not sure if you're steadying him or yourself, your fingertips just barely grazing across the bottom of his neck. He doesn't know why but, it's as if your fingers are directly touching the skin underneath, despite the fabric of his mask that separated your fingers from his skin. Your hands feels hot, like really hot and he has no clue why.

The soldier only feels his cheeks warm up even more so now as you inch closer to carefully place the diaphragm of your stethoscope on his chest, your head tilted and your eyes lowered to the floor as you listen for his heart beat. He gets a whiff of your perfume and he finds himself drawn to it. You smell like something along the lines of jasmine petals, geranium, myrrh, frankincense, and a hint of sandalwood. Now he definitely knows why the others are fawning over you. Poor Simon is praying you don't hear how his heart is nearly racing. He does not know why he is feeling this way and it slightly bothers him in the way that he has no clue what it is he is feeling.

He catches how your brows slightly furrow at the center and his heart skips a beat. Now he's fucking embarrassed and this man rarely ever is embarrassed. Maybe he's even starting to panic. Can you tell? Do you know? You open your mouth to say something but he quickly interrupts he just got back from a run so you dismiss it with a shrug, placing the diaphragm on his back now and asking him to give you a couple of deep breaths.

"Okay. Take a deep breathe in, breathe it out. Breathe in, and out."

He complies with your instructions, breathing in slow and deep breaths as you go from one side of his back to another.

"Good job." You remove the earpieces and let your stethoscope hang around your neck as you go back to your table, recording in more info. Hang on did you just, did you just tell a grown 6'4" man good job.

Even Simon is confused. Like bitch.

"Okay, so we're all done with that." You inform him, before going over to one of the drawers and sliding it open. "Now if you don't mind, I would like to have some blood work done on you, just to make sure there are no underlying issues that need to be taken care of."

Simon is silent so you turn to him. "Is that okay, Ghost, is that what the others call you? Would you like me to call you Ghost?"

Goddamn you're too polite. "That's fine by me ma'am."

"Perfect. Now is it okay if I take your blood sample?"

Ghost nods, so you grab the tools necessary and place them on the table next to you.

"Could you please roll your sleeve up and make a fist for me? Thank you." You ask him once you sanitize your hands and throw on a pair of fresh gloves. You grab the tourniquet and catch sight of the tattoos that cover his forearm as you tie the tourniquet around his arm above the elbow. You're curious to know the story behind them but you have a feeling he's not one for storytelling or just talking in general so you remain silent. You tear open the small packet of the alcohol wipe and apply it to the area. The chemical is cool against his skin as you sanitize the area before letting it air dry. Simon can't help but notice how small your hands are.

Simon watches you intently as you work, the way you are so focused and so precise with each step, and yet so gentle. It's almost cute.

"You're just going to feel a little pinch." You tell him in a soft tone, a tone you were used to using on all your little patients before inserting the needle into his vein. As if the man hasn't been shot or stabbed and god knows what multiple times before.

At this point Simon doesn't even notice the needle in his arm, he's too focused on the details of your face. He can sense that you're nervous around him and he feels bad. Even though he's just met you, the last thing he wants is for you to feel scared or unsafe around him. And even though this whole situation is awkward for him since he never was a fan of visiting the hospital, you're their physician, and at the end of the day you're there to patch them up. So he comments on your dark circles, thinking you haven't gotten any rest since you arrived here. "You look tired."

"............that's just my face." You give him that distinct smile, the same smile you have given anyone who ever commented on them as you connect the vacutainers to the needle to draw his blood, your eyes glued to the dark red liquid seeping through the thin clear tube before pouring into the sample tube.

If you thought it was quiet before, well you are most definitely wrong because the silence is absolutely deafening now.

Simon nearly punches himself for his stupidity. Why in the bloody hell did he say that of all things. He wanted to tell you he liked your dark circles but decided to bite his tongue instead. Now he's definitely not going to say another word. Better yet, once he leaves your office, he's not coming back. He's just going to avoid you at all costs in order to save both you and himself the embarrassment. He's willing to bet the others handled this way better than him.

"But I suppose I am a bit jet-lagged though. Haven't really gotten any rest since I got on that plane." You add. "I appreciate your concern."

You most definitely said that to make him feel better about himself, Simon thinks to himself as he stares at the wall and avoids your face. There was no other reason.

Once your done drawing his blood you ask him to hold the piece of cotton pad down onto where the needle was punctured as you open up the drawer where the gauze is located. "Do you have a favorite color?"

Did you just ask him his favorite color? Simon stares at you blankly. Were all doctors this odd?

"I'm guessing you like black?" You pull out the roll of black gauze, displaying it in front of you with the most deadpanned expression possible.

You've got jokes. Simon thinks to himself. If he had looked a little closer he would have noticed the ghost of a smirk on your lips.

"You should see the colors the others picked." You tease as you wrap the gauze around his arm at the elbow, making sure it isn't too tight but also not loose enough to the point where the cotton pad underneath slips out.

Simon narrows his eyes at you. Bloody fucking hell. The others picked a color?

You're pretty sure Gaz requested you get an Elmo print one he saw online once somewhere. Soap asked if there a print of the Scotland flag available. The look of hurt on his face when you said there wasn't so you improvised and gave him both the blue and white gauze. You gave him a Dum-Dum lollipop to make him feel better. The others may have also gotten a lollipop as they left your office, especially after seeing the special treatment that Soap received. Were they jealous? Maybe.

Once you tell the man he is all good to go and that you will call him once you're done getting the results from his blood sample, he nearly jumps out of the chair and bolts out of your office. He prays some unknown miracle happens and that his blood sample magically disappears so that he doesn't have to face you, firmly believing he insulted you and that you thought he called you ugly when that is not what he intended. I am telling you this man does not know how to compliment. They should make a guidebook for dummies specialized just for him.

You watch him disappear out your door with a quirked brow. Well that was fucking weird.

When Simon leaves the area he finds Soap lounging about on a chair with a sucker in his mouth.

"The hell is that?" Simon squints at the sergeant.

"Mph mph." Soap's voice comes out muffled.

"What?"

Soap pauses and turns to see Ghost looming over him. "It's a Dum-Dum."

"A fuckin what?"

"Y/n said they're called Dum-Dums." Soap pulls it out of his mouth, twisting the stick of the lollipop around in his fingers as if he were inspecting it. "This one's a cotton candy flavor."

"She gave you a fuckin lollie?"

"It's pure dead brilliant I tell ya. Why, did she not give ya one?"

More silence. Simon would be lying to himself if he said he wasn't a tad bit butthurt.

"Maybe you scared her." Soap jokes.

Simon lets out a grumbled incoherent huff and walks away.

Soap just shrugs and pops the lollipop back in his mouth.

Simon has a feeling he is going to go to bed thinking about his actions.

Part 2

[hyper-pixels]

How to Grow Up

A guide on how to grow up. It was originally posted by @/friendliness but half the links were broken. So I took what links weren't broken and added other links and more things to know.

This is USA based resources

Personal

Reasons to Stay Alive – A Tumblr post of 116 reasons to stay alive by @/friendliness.

How to Get Better At Asking for Help – Website is Harvard Business Review. The article is “5 Ways to Get Better At Asking for Help” by Wayne Baker.

What to do if you Can’t Afford Therapy – Website is Psych Central and the article is by Steven Rowe.

How to Quit Smoking – “The 22 Best Ways to Quit Smoking” by Debra L. Gordon and David L. Katz M.D. from the Healthy Digest.

How to Legally Change your Name – Website is Forbes.

Wanna Learn Something New? – A Tumblr post made by @/hamletthedane with various new things to try from language learning to ballet.

Free Harvard Courses – Harvard University’s free online courses.

Getting a New Computer? – A quick and dirty comprehensive guide by WIRED on what to look for.

How to Sew – Website is Autodesk Indestructibles. The article is “How to Sew” by Jessyratfink. Having a small sewing kit (that you can pick up from nearly any craft store) is super handy and has saved my life and clothes.

What to Look For in Clothes A YouTube video by Alyssa Beltempo titled “How to Identify High Quality vs. Poor Quality Clothing | Slow Fashion”. Here’s a WikiHow [x] if a YouTube video isn’t your style.

Dealing with Executive Dysfunction – A Tumblr post made by @/compassionatereminders. It's a list to more links on how to deal with executive dysfunction.

Another List Like this One – A Tumblr post made by a now deactivated account. It's a list much like this one.

Home

What’s a mortgage? – Website is realtor.com and the page is called “What is a Mortgage? Home Loan Basics Explained” by Cathie Ericson.

First Apartment Checklist – A checklist PDF. Here’s another link to a Tumblr checklist [x] 

What to Ask Landlords Before Renting? – “25 Questions To Ask a Landlord When Renting a Home” by Morgen Henderson.

What’s Renter’s Insurance? – Website is Forbes Advisor. The article is by Jason Metz and titled “How to Get Renters Insurance”.

Plant Care – A master list of how to care for plants made by @/difficults

Job

Time Management – Website is Entrepenuer and has 10 time management tips. One I personally recommend is keeping a physical calendar book on hand. I keep mine in my bag with a designated pen.

Finding the right job – Website is The Muse and it has 13 free career assessment tests.

Make a resume – Website is Resume Now. Many hirers look at your name, the middle of the page (where your experience list is) and skim the rest.

Job Interview Tips – Website is Linkedin. The article is titled “10 Job Interview Tips to Land The Career of Your Dreams” by Caren Merrick.

How to Write a Cover Letter – Website is The Writing Center. University of Winsconsin, Madison. It’s titled “Writing Cover Letters” and I can’t find the author.

Money

Couponing! – Website is Coupon Database :: Southern Savers. It has a list of mobile apps for coupons to places.

Call 211 for Help – the website leads to 211.org. It's anonymous and can help you get connected to food programs, paying bills and things like doctor appointments. Here’s a Tumblr post about it [x] by @/poessionisamyth

Groceries! – This is a Tumblr meme post, but scrolling through tags/reblogs/replies and there’s plenty of good tips. The post is by @/charlotten

What To Do if You Can’t Pay Your Bills – Website is Nolo. The article is “When You Can’t Pay Your Bills: Thiings To Know” that was updated by Amy Loftsgordon. 

Are You Paying Too Much for Your Phone Bill? – An article by Beht Beverman titled “How Much is Too Much to Pay for a Cell Phone Bill?”.

54 Ways to Save Money – Website is America Saves.

How to Do Taxes – Website is Wiki-How.

The 70/20/10 Method – Website is Business Insider. The Article is “A Beginners Guide to the 70-20–10 Budgeting Method” by Paul Kim.

Side Hustle Ideas – Website is Forbes. “30 Side Hustle Ideas To Make Extra Money In 2024” by Krista Fabregas.

Emergency

Your Rights When a Cop Pulls you Over – Website is Business Insider. Cops are allowed to lie to you, and they will, so be careful.

Hotline List – The website is DoSomething.org. Depression/Suicide, domestic abuse, child abuse and runaway/homeless/and at-risk youth hotlines.

What to Keep in Your Car – Website is MentalFloss. I live in a snowy area that gets blizzards and bad ice. I keep blankets, water and other aids in my car as well as a knife and road flare. I also own a self jumping car battery and it has saved my ass more than once. Heimlich Maneuver – A one minute video by the Mayo Clinic.

The Heimlich Maneuver on Yourself – A one minute video by The List Show TV.

What to Keep in Your Wallet – Website is PureWow. The article is by Rachel Bowie. Keep your drivers license, medical insurance card, and an emergency contact in your card. If you have a pet home alone make sure that you have a card detailing this. Free printable one here [x]

Traveling

Packing List – Website is Smarter Travel.

Traveling with Little to No Money – Website is Nomadic Matt.

How to Pack a Suitcase – Website is Real Simple. The article is by Thersa O’Rourke.

How to Apply for a Passport – Website is WikkiHow.

Making a Travel Budget – Website is Travel Made Simple. “How to Make a Travel Budget” by Ali Garland

[stevie-petey]

we don't talk about it (we don't have the time)

﹂ season one of “come home”

being dustin henderson's older sister and jonathan byers' best friend is usually an uneventful affair, but when will byers goes missing and a girl with a shaved head claims she has super powers, your duties as a sister and a best friend become a lot more complicated. (it also makes your feelings suddenly complicated, which you're choosing to ignore). (and steve harrington definitely isn't helping). (as usual).

episode one: the vanishing of will byers - jonathan smuggles you free food in exchange for friendship, will goes missing the one time you listen to jonathan, hopper doesn't really like you, and steve harrington almost hits you with his car as you're sobbing like a damn baby (in a cool way).

episode two: the weirdo on maple street - you use your limited psych knowledge to help a bald girl, you force jonathan to accept $20 and he's later an ass to you, steve doesn't know what a "missing" poster looks like, and it's really hard being a single mother to now four kids.

episode three: holly, jolly - you and jonathan talk it out and things are better (spoiler alert: they aren't), you somehow end up agreeing with steve harrington ?? then you have a minor breakdown in front of the kids and once again fail to prevent them from experiencing more trauma.

episode four: the body - you basically have a "no babe don't cry over ur dead brother ur so sexy" moment with jonathan, hopper plays mr love doctor (cute date idea: coffin shopping), and somehow nancy wheeler makes you realize that you're a horrible babysitter and an even bigger idiot. meanwhile: steve harrington is frustratingly charming.

episode five: the flea and the acrobat - you and dustin have a long overdue Sibling Moment, at will's funeral you and jonathan exchange information and surprise ! it's all horrible news ! nancy has awful timing and when you leave her alone with jonathan one damn time you and steve end up trauma bonded on her front porch #bffs.

episode six: the monster - so nancy and jonathan are a Thing now and you really just need a good nap, the three of you go shopping for monster hunting supplies (which honestly isn't the weirdest thing you've done this week), an old man sells you a sentimental knife, and steve kind of accidentally kidnaps you with a sexy black eye.

episode seven: the bathtub - your brother basically places himself on the fbi's most wanted list and el flips a van with her mind, now you have to create a giant salt tub because of course you do, nancy tries Talking About It but hasn't she read the title ? you don't have the time. sidenote: you've somehow become a steve defender during these trying times. typical. meanwhile: steve's inner thoughts are pathetic.

episode eight: the upside down - drinking game time ! take a shot every time jonathan tries ditching you or every time you almost die at the byers house, you find out that steve really is an athlete and tbh it's hot, but you know what's even hotter ? saving hawkins and reaching a tentative compromise with steve after he loans you $5 for snacks. after, jonathan makes a promise you really hope he can keep.

⌑ set between seasons 1 and 2

﹂ episode nine: the beginning - BONUS EPISODE TIME ! steve becomes bookstrorindary's favorite loyal costumer, jonathan buys you a bug for christmas, you freak out your poor coworker alex, and suddenly steve is really hot and you're feeling so many feelings (bad ! it's all bad !).

⌑ status: FINISHED

⌑ season one title based on this song x

⌑ blurbs set within "come home" can be found here x

⌑ “come home” season masterlist

*note: this is a part of my stranger things rewrite, “come home”, and other seasons can be found linked above :)

[thedivineart]

Confirmation Signs To Determine Your Future Spouse

ꕀ ׅ࣪ ꒰ ✮ ꒱ links : navigation. send love.

pacs. paid services.

one

wishing well, a fountain, throwing coin and wishing in fountain, unexpected meeting, receiving the most special gift from someone, a lost purse/wallet, climbing alone in mountain to reduce stress/ hangout, being alone without feeling lonely, a dog coming towards you, small home in forest, cross roads, being happy in other people relationship, going to building/institutions to fix legal documents, a friends to lovers trope, visioning your past life, a gallantry from someone, aiming financial achievement, lucky money wins, a nest eggs, flames, mutual feelings with someone, being flirt, co-worker, a new friend, ships, a little home/cottage, new house/places, moving to a new place, soulmate connection, meeting perfect person/ ideal lover, seeing lots of abiding love, wedding, wedding rings, hurt/painful feeling, hospital/doctor, unrequited love

⋆ feel free to ask question you didn't understand in this reading

‹𝟹 leave like or re-blog when you love it !

two

changing location whether it is for work or residency, when you heal from the past, starting a new, stork, a invitation for a event, gifts ( receive or give ), helpful advice from someone, receiving lots of good news, a clock/time, your hate and fear towards someone, a handshake, a journey ( travel ), birds, sharing ( partnership), food, restaurant/ fast-food places, notice of correspondence from important bills, writer/ journalist, financial loans/help, being at your lowest point such as feeling trapped/tired/staying at home/unhealthy situation, a friend betrayal, older than you, foreign, lawyer/authority, being attack, an enemy, invitation in weddings or engagements, church, cemetery, thinking negative/ having negative thoughts, a large body of water such as beaches, pools, fountains etc, night, cold weather/winter, locks, fishes, physical union with someone, a mending of broken friendship/ex love, party, clubs

⋆ feel free to ask questions you didn't understand in this reading

‹𝟹 leave like or re-blog when you love it !

three

younger, foreign / leader, bad girl & boy image/personality, unexpected kiss, feeling lonely, a new lover/person, family oriented, lady and moody, soulmates connection, unexpected friendship with someone, horse/sagittarius, a good news coming, an artist/poet, student of arts, athletic body or an athlete, lack of focus in commitment, receive or give gifts, fountains, generous, wears uniform that symbolize their position at work, a friend, co-worker, a peer, taking time to heal the wounds of the past, in park, in forest, walking around and meeting someone new, having time alone, wandering in woods, in the big trees, travel, achievement, lucky breaks, successful moving up ( at work or something), the space, distance, someone is far away, delay, receiving love letters and bouquet of flowers, country side, simple life, money surrounds them, professional person, workaholic and less focus on love, a bank; good at handling finances, provides good advice in finance, a happy family, fire/burning, summer, evening, warm weather country, good judgement, social

⋆ feel free to ask questions you didn't understand in this reading

‹𝟹 leave like 🙵 re-blog when you love it !

four

authority, can be foreign, arrogant, weddings, older, negative emotions, large body of water such as beaches, pool, fountains, lake, pond etc, night, cold weather/winter, a dog, a friend, a church, a purse, money, financially stable/ wealthy, office, jewelry box, a social butterfly, enjoy clubs and socializing, likes to be busy and active, wine, travel, trips via water, clouds, heavy rains, good partner, sensual, good at financial advice, an expensive wedding of a friend, children, financially secure, fixing cars, lily, workaholic, trying their best at difficult situation, lion, a Leo sign, quite, electric, jealous and possessive, like to give great advice, streets of gold

⋆ feel free to ask questions you didn't understand in this reading

‹𝟹 leave like 🙵 re-blog when you love it !

© thedivineart. do not plagiarize any of my work, translate or repost it on other social media platform.

[angellesword]

BAGGAGE | JJK (08)

Summary: Drowning in debt and blood, Jeon Jungkook knows he's better off alone, lest he brings people down with him.

But one drunken night changes everything.

In a blink of an eye, Jungkook found himself drowning not only in debt and blood, but also in dirty diapers and judgmental stares from you, a.k.a his long-lost love and the guardian of the son he didn't even know existed.

Genre and warnings: best friends to lovers, co-parenting, idiots in love, mutual pining, angst, fluff, implied smut, kissing, minor character death, slight getting back together, cursing, blood, stabbing, loan sharks, OC cusses excessively so watch out, Jang Min and OC being intimate, non-graphic smut (barely a smut)

Pairing: dad! Jungkook x adoptive mom!Reader

Word Count: 3.1k

←Previous Chapter (07) | Next Chapter (09) →

****

Present, 2023:

When a nurse approached you, you were close to dozing off on the waiting bench. You didn't understand the nurse initially, your eyes drooping a little as the last forty-eight hours inevitably took a toll on your mind and body.

"You can visit Mr. Jeon now." The nurse said gently, yet it startled you.

"Oh." You abruptly stood up. Your legs wobbled and cramped after long hours of sitting. "Thank you."

"But you can also go home for a while." The nurse frowned at your strained voice. You looked exhausted. The nurse feared your lack of sleep would make you agitated.

The nurse didn't feel like breaking another fight of yours with Jungkook.

"No need." You shook your head and forced down the lump stuck in your throat. "I promise him I'll be here when he wakes up."

"If you wish." The nurse relented and simply led you straight to Jungkook's room. You had to pause for a while, though, steadying your breathing and cupping your trembling hand on the door knob.

It's going to be alright. You cheered yourself. You can stop yourself from beating the shit out of that reckless bastard.

Thankfully, your mini pep talk worked as you spotted Jungkook obediently sitting on the bed, lost in his thoughts, but he immediately snapped his head up the second he heard the door open.

You two briefly stopped in your tracks, eyes meeting and throats constricting.

You were the first to move. You averted your gaze and went beside Jungkook. On the table was the basket of fruits you brought before. You picked up an apple, flopped on the chair beside the hospital bed, and wordlessly peeled the apple.

The silence soaked through the room, leaving Jungkook feeling suffocated as if someone was gripping his throat and ants were crawling his skin.

You finished peeling and cutting the apple into bite size. You put it on a plate and settled it on Jungkook's lap.

Jungkook merely looked at the fruit, throat dry. He forced himself to speak, "I can't eat that."

"Why not?" You narrowed your eyes, feeling your temper heat up. Calm down, you reminded yourself.

Jungkook looked pitifully at the apple. He couldn't remember the last time he ate a fruit or a proper meal. It was always canned crab or a small meat bun.

"The doctor told me not to eat solid foods for a while. It will aggravate my stomach wound."

"Oh, so now you suddenly give a fuck about your health? Didn't you say you want to die, you suicidal freak?"

Jungkook flinched slightly at your sharp voice. You seemed to realize your aggressiveness, prompting you to school your expression to calmness. This is not how it's supposed to go. You thought. You promised yourself you’d talk to Jungkook like a real adult.

"I'm sorry." So you apologized. You rubbed your face in frustration. Your eyes hurt. "I didn't mean to lash out like that."

Even your apology felt rehearsed—like you didn't mean it. However, Jungkook didn't mind your anger. He thought it was warranted, so he sighed softly and said, "It's alright. You're just tired."

Jungkook's eyes zeroed in on you. You were still wearing your clothes from before. "Did you not go home...?"

"No." You shook your head and licked your lower lip. "I promise I'd be here when you wake up, didn't I?"

Something inside Jungkook felt like it was unraveling—like his heartstrings were knotted and unbelievably tight to the point of discomfort. But now, he felt his heartstrings were falling into the right place.

Jungkook couldn't help but hum. He swore he wasn't emotional, but the hospital's white walls, his aching body, and you honoring your promise made him want to cry.

"I was being silly." Jungkook was ashamed. "I-I shouldn't have asked you to stay."

He was sure you had other commitments. You had Soobin to look after. Jungkook wasted your time, and now he was feeling guilty about it.

You probably thought the same way because you scoffed.

"I would have stayed, anyway. I looked for you even when you didn't want to be found, remember?" The implication behind your words was clear. If Jungkook hadn't forgotten to update his emergency contact, you might never have heard from him again. He didn't even want to take your calling card. Jungkook only did so to shut you up.

"I'm sorry."

It was a general apology. You scoffed again.

"I'm sorry for what? You've done a lot of fucked up things, you know."

"I know." Surprisingly, Jungkook did not refute it. The apple on his lap was discoloring; if you look at it, you will realize that the darkening fruit resembles Jungkook’s relationship with you. Leaving it untouched for a long time made its appearance look worse.

You and him had not talked in years. Your relationship was good as severed, so why? Why did a tiny part of Jungkook still hope he could remedy it if he came clean now?

"I lied." Jungkook started. But it was vague. You both knew he lied about many things.

Jungkook expounded, hoping to lessen the hatred in your eyes.

"I didn't do this..." He gestured at his body. "I never wanted to live, but I swear I wasn't trying to kill myself that time."

It worked. Your fiery eyes died down a little. Or maybe not. It was just not directed at Jungkook anymore.

"Who did this to you," you demanded.

Jungkook's heart was turbulent. He was used to seeing your current expression: protective and ready to snarl at anyone who dared mess with him.

Jungkook realized just how well you had treated him back then. It broke his heart knowing that he was the one who broke your trust—that he was why you wouldn't look at him like this anymore (save for special circumstances like this.)

"I don't know." Jungkook lied. Old habits didn't die simply because he wanted to. Jungkook couldn't be completely honest with you, not because he didn't trust you but because he was embarrassed by how his life became this fucked up.

So he lied. He lied because this was the only thing he was good at.

"It was a random guy. I don't think I was his target." Jungkook twisted the truth by saying that the guy who stabbed him mistook him for someone else.

"Son of a bitch!" You were indignant, thinking that Jungkook was a poor victim. You suddenly felt guilty for lashing out and insulting him.

You had always been like this. You’d run your sharp mouth, and only after things had calmed down would you try to salvage the mess you’d made.

"We should call the police! Why didn't you say so earlier? This is un—"

"No need.” He cut you off, feeling the weight of his guilt for lying to you. "I don't want to make this a bigger mess. You know those kind of people. He’d probably come back to mess with me if I snitch about him..."

It was half-lie and half-truth. Jungkook refused to make an enemy of Lee Sung. Besides, no matter how one looked at it, it was Jungkook's fault he was in this predicament. He was the one who owed money to someone he couldn't pay. No one forced him to loan for money. It was all on him.

"But..."

You wanted to protest, but Jungkook acted as if he were in pain. He dramatically cradled his stomach and whined, "I'm tired."

At least the thing he said wasn't a lie. Jungkook was indeed worn out. He thought he could talk to you; a silly part of him even believed that honesty would save him.

But nothing will. Jungkook was utterly useless. He realized now that he couldn't even tell you the truth about him being stabbed. It was humiliating.

You conceded, but for a different reason.

"Alright," you said. You could barely hold on, too. You picked up a blanket to cover Jungkook’s body, and as much as you wanted to say you did it absentmindedly, you knew it wasn't the case.

You meant for Jungkook to feel comfortable while he slept in the hospital bed. It was pathetic, really. Verlaine warned you about this before. You remembered the professor shaking his head when he said, "The problem with you is you're loyal." There was a pause as if he needed to study you from head to toe first. 

"You're loyal to a fault."

The context back then was different from today, but the gist was the same: your forgiving heart was your downfall. Sometimes, you choose to set aside your pain whenever you see the people around you in pain.

"I'll be back later." You tried to ignore Verlaine’s opinion. You were headed to the door. "We still have a lot to talk about."

You barely talked. You had yet to tell things about Soobin. Surprisingly, Jungkook did not react violently. He nodded his head in concession.

"But you need to go home." Jungkook gripped the blanket, desperately hoping he could still feel the warmth of your hand there.

He couldn't.

"Let's talk soon. When we're not tired."

Your hand lingered on the door knob. You had a bad feeling. You didn't want to leave.

But...

"Okay." You yielded, too.

The door opened and clamped shut after that. Jungkook waited 10–-30 minutes to make sure you left before he forced himself to stand and leave everything behind.

****

Considering that you were sleep-deprived, you knew it was unsafe to drive. You had no choice but to call your boyfriend’s assistant to bring you home.

“Hello~~” The assistant, Lee Sung, greeted you like his usual enthusiastic self.

You merely raised your brow as you settled on the back seat. You closed your eyes and said, “How’s Soobin? Jang Min?”

You broke your promise to little Soobin. Your son probably missed you like crazy—This was the thing about Soobin; he had never been separated from you for more than a day as he suffered from separation anxiety. Luckily, Lee Sung brushed off your worry.

“Soobin-ah is sleeping. He never once called for you since he’s busy playing with the boss. Speaking of, should I drive you to the boss’ house? Soobin-ah is there.”

Lee Sung’s boss was naturally your boyfriend, Jang Min. You had been dating for a year now. You never really left Soobin to Jang Min, save for emergencies like this. Thankfully, Soobin seemed to like staying with Jang Min.

“Yes,” you answered Lee Sung, even though you knew the answer should be obvious already. “I’ll stay at Jang Min’s tonight.”

Lee Sung’s jaw tensed up, but he didn’t say anything. He just stepped on the gas harder. You didn’t mind; you were itching to shower and see Soobin, too.

The drive to Jang Min’s house was pretty short. You silently hopped out of the car. Your boyfriend was already waiting at the front door, cigarette in hand.

“Hi.” Jang Min extinguished the cigarette stick and threw it away. Normally, you snorted and refused to embrace your boyfriend, not when he smelled like smoke. However, you couldn’t care less now. Your whole body ached for comfort, and Jang Min’s warm chest was the perfect relief.

“Hello, Cолнышко мо.” Jang Min kissed the top of your head, and you melted. You liked this. You liked it when Jang Min called you “my little sun” in his native language. He was half Russian and half Korean. Jang Min said that endearment suited you best: “You brighten my day like the sun.” Jang Min used to say as he kissed you silly.

“Did Soobin give you trouble?” Unlikely, but you still asked.

“No.” Jang Min kissed you again. “He just slept a lot. He misses you.”

“Really,” you snorted. “Lee Sung-ssi said Soobin barely talked about me.”

“Not true. You know your son loves you a lot. As I do.”

Your eyes fluttered shut when Jang Min kissed you for the third time; his big hands roamed around your body.

“Wait.” you bit your boyfriend’s lips to get him to stop. Jang Min just moaned and continued kissing you.

You sighed between kisses. You were forced to push your boyfriend’s chest. “Stop. I’ve got to see Soobin first.” You felt guilty and offered another peck to Jang Min’s lips. “And shower. I need to shower so badly.”

Jang Min looked a little disappointed, but his eyes were indulgent. He let go of you but not before squeezing your ass, “I missed you. Let’s see Soobin first, then I’ll help you bathe.”

Like Lee Sung said, Soobin was sleeping, so you didn’t dare disturb him. You watched your son sleep for a few minutes before taking up Jang Min’s offer to help you clean yourself up. Thankfully, Jang Min already ran you a bath while you were in Soobin’s room. You stripped off your clothes and got into the tub at once.

“Relax,” Jang Min whispered as he kissed your exposed shoulder blades. You shuddered but calmed down when Jang Min started lathering shampoo into your hair and massaging it.

Good. This feels so good.

Jang Min did everything for you—he washed your hair and massaged your sore body.

“Are you doing good?” Jang Min was filthy rich. His tub could fit four people at once. He couldn’t help but join your bath; his wet body engulfed you into a tight embrace.

“Hmm,” you answered simply. You rested your head on Jang Min’s chest, stiff when you felt your boyfriend’s cock on the soft plush of your ass. You liked Jang Min; you really did. But you weren’t in the mood for anything physical tonight.

Jang Min felt it, too. He stopped kissing your trembling skin.

“Are you okay?”

It was a simple question that had a complicated answer, but you hadn’t developed a habit of lying. Your worn-out state also made you more vulnerable; you had no filter when you responded to your boyfriend.

“No.” You splashed water on your face to feel more alive. “I’m worried about him.”

“Jungkook?” Jang Min asked mildly but repeatedly trailed possessive kisses on your shoulders.

“Yeah. Did you know he’s been stabbed?”

“Stabbed.” The word rolled off Jang Min’s tongue. You couldn’t see his expression as Jang Min settled behind you, but you still elaborated on Jungkook's story.

“Jungkook…Jeon Jungkook, is it?”

“Yes.” You clicked your tongue, feeling like your boyfriend was focusing on the wrong thing. You had said many things, but Jang Min could only repeat your ex-best friend’s name.

“I see.” Jang Min’s fingers trailed your upper body, cupping your boobs. “You said he was your best friend and Soobin’s father. Do you wish to reconcile with him, or do you merely want to inform him that you take care of his biological son?”

This was an uncharted territory for you two. You only mentioned to Jang Min that you were meeting with Jungkook, but you hadn’t told him anything more. Frankly, you didn’t even know what you wanted Jungkook to do, and maybe that was why you started off on the wrong foot. You barged into Jungkook’s life after years of no contact. Lee Sung actually helped you locate Jungkook, and you disregarded your rationality and just went straight to Incheon to see Jungkook.

“I don’t know what to do. I just know I am worried about him.” Because even though Jungkook didn’t intend to kill himself, someone else might do so. Jungkook said it himself—he didn’t have any will to live. What if, one day, he just decided to stop thriving?

“Hmm,” Jang Min’s eyes were dark. “Your departed sister wished for Jeon Jungkook-ssi to meet up with Soobin, right? Why don’t you talk to Jungkook-ssi again tomorrow? See what he thinks about co-parenting.”

You almost choked on your spit upon hearing that. While that was the most obvious thing to do, you had to admit that you had never thought about it. You had never thought about sharing Soobin with anyone else—especially not with someone like Jungkook.

You felt silly now. You were overtaken by your emotions and only focused on telling Jungkook he had a son. Looking back, you realize you did such a thing to spite Jungkook. You couldn’t lie; it was satisfying to see him lose his mind, knowing that his betrayal had consequences that could be felt until now.

A baggage.

Your heart trembled, realization dawning on you. You wanted to use Soobin to hurt Jungkook, but your fragile heart couldn’t take it if Jungkook really saw your little Soobin as baggage.

“I’m scared, Min-ah,” you admitted. You tried to focus on feeling Jang Min’s hands touching every part of your body. It didn’t work. Your heart was inconsolable.

“Don’t be.” Jang Min bit your earlobe. “I am here if he doesn’t want Soobin.”

You balled your hands into fists. Right. Soobin had you and your boyfriend. But Jang Min laid some options for the disoriented you. Jang Min was so considerate that he opened up about letting Jungkook stay with you and Soobin if the situation called for it.

You were surprised. You tilted your head to see Jang Min’s expression. No trace of humor could be seen on his face, though.

“Are you serious?” Your mouth parted wide 

Jang Min shrugged off, “Why not? He’s Soobin’s father.”

“Ah, yes?” You arched a brow. “But cohabiting with him? Did you miss the part when I told you I was in love with him?”

“Are you in love with him now?” Jang Min shot back, his hand spreading your folds.

You moaned. You were tired, but you couldn’t help but roll your hips against Jang Min’s thighs.

“N-No,” you answered at once. You were turned on. Jang Min trusting you was hot. 

“Then I don’t see a problem with it.” Jang Min's hand moved with a slow but confident caress, sending a wave of ecstasy to your body. “You are still mine.”

You completely let your guard down; all thoughts of Jungkook were set aside as you drowned with the pleasure Jang Min willingly made you feel.

It was a long, passionate night for you, but come morning, you were again plagued by the thought of your ex-best friend. Jang Min couldn’t bear seeing you distressed, so he let you go and promised you that he’d look after Soobin.

“Thank you.” You bid your boyfriend goodbye and then went straight to the hospital. To your surprise (and anger), you had come to learn that Jungkook, that fucking bastard, ran away again.

**** ←Previous Chapter (07) | Next Chapter (09) → Hi! This is an ongoing fic and I just write this for fun. I know I am the author, but I still have no idea how this story will progress. There MIGHT be more upsetting tags in the next chapters, so if you are not up for surprises and major tags, please, please--drop this fic now. And as usual, if you have tags suggestions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

You can point out obvious errors in the chapter too because this is not beta-read.

What do we think about this chapter? I rushed writing this today! I still have work and a meeting in an hour, so I'll see you guys soon! Thank you!

[paintyoureyeswithavividmind]

close to home | chapter sixty eight

close to home | chapter sixty eight

plot: the reader wakes up with new scars

series masterlist

Pairing: Eventual Daryl Dixon x f!reader Word Count: 2,084 Warnings: violence, blood, typical twd, torture, character deaths A/N: thank you for reading!! not my best chapter but oh well also. I think I need to get a second job my student loans are brutal and everything is so expensive are any of my readers looking for a sugar baby lol

The agony that Daryl felt when you got shot was child's play compared to carrying your body all the way to the Kingdom. He couldn’t tell if you were dead or not, and he struggled to keep himself together long enough to get you back. 

As soon as he got you into the infirmary, Adam got to work. 

“She’s pregnant,” Daryl nearly yelled. “Ya gotta check the baby first. If it’s gone, you get it out of her right now, ya understand me!” 

The doctor went to work hooking up an old ultrasound machine while Siddiq, who was struggling to walk, started cleaning up your face. Daryl could hardly stomach looking at you as he paced back and forth in anger and worry. 

“Let’s go!” Daryl yelled. 

“I got it…” Adam said. 

Daryl paused and listened to a faint heartbeat. His stomach dropped to his feet. “Is that…”

“That’s the baby. We need to get her on an IV right now,” Adam said. 

“What about her face? Her arms? Those cuts!”

“I can’t do everything at once!” Adam yelled. “Grab wipes and pick a spot. She needs an IV and antibiotics immediately if she and the baby are going to live.”

That shut Daryl up, and he went to the sink to wash your blood off his hands and take off his ring. Then he walked over to Siddiq. “Tell me what to do.”

***

Two days later, your eyes opened. As soon as they did, the pain came flooding in, and so did panic. You wrapped your arm around your stomach and couldn’t get enough air in all of a sudden. You felt like you were about to scream, but your throat hurt, and you couldn’t find your voice.

“Hey, hey,” Daryl was by your side, grabbing your arms. “Ya okay, ya okay. Ya safe. We’re at the Kingdom.”

You shook your head. “They’re here. She’s here. They took us.” Your voice was soft, and you could hear the strain on it. “She took us, they killed them. They killed them.”

“I know, I know. Ya need to breathe, baby girl. Take a breath.”

“My baby, did I lose my baby?” You cried. “Tell me the baby is alive.”

“The baby is alive,” Daryl said, trying to stop you from shaking. “Ya need to calm down. The baby is okay. She made it.”

“She?” You stilled and looked at him. 

“It’s a girl.”

Tears filled your eyes, and you looked down as you cried. “I thought I lost her. I thought I lost another one.”

Daryl’s heart broke, and he moved to sit behind you in the bed. Then he brought you down so he could wrap his arms around you. “No, baby girl, she’s okay. Ya kept her safe. Ya did so good.”

In a desperate move to feel safer, you grabbed his hands and sent them on your belly. You immediately felt safer, and you tried to relax onto his chest. You were still breathing heavily as your mind whirled and your body ached.

You were shaking uncontrollably, and you kept closing your eyes to blink out the memories of the last time you were awake. The screaming, the fighting, it kept replaying in your head over and over again. 

“Ya okay,” Daryl whispered from behind you. “Ya safe. I got ya.”

You blinked back tears and grabbed the blanket, pulling it around you so you felt more protected. You felt protected with his arms around you and his hands still on your belly. Your baby felt protected. 

“I’m safe,” You whispered to yourself.

“Safe,” He repeated and kissed your temple. “Ya gonna be safe always ‘cause ya ain’t ever leavin’ my side again.”

You nodded and pulled the blankets under your chin. “Never.”

“‘M so sorry,” He kissed your temple. “‘S all my fault. I shoulda stayed like ya asked.”

You shook your head. “She would’ve killed you. She wanted to. She wanted to kill me to hurt you.”

“What?”

Your hands started shaking again as her words kept replying in your head. “She wanted to teach you a lesson cause of Lydia. She was watching me in my room. She saw me. She said she couldn’t kill me ‘cause of the baby. But she could hurt me.” 

“Okay, okay. Ya don’ gotta talk ‘bout it right now.” 

“I tried,” You started to cry. “I tried to fight them. I tried to help protect our friends. Tara… Enid… Frankie… Henry,” You cried harder, and he went to pull you closer, but you started freaking out and moved his hands back.

“Ya did what ya could’ve. Ain’ ya fault. Ya almost died with ‘em.”

“I should’ve.”

“Don’ say that.”

You closed your eyes and gripped the blanket. “They died fighting. I was fighting. But I didn’t die, and they did. Oh God, Tara..” You cried harder. She’d been with you for so long. You couldn’t help but think about when you went off with the group to D.C. and how Tara was with you. She reminded you so much of yourself, and now she was gone. Everyone was gone. Everyone from that tiny little group was dead or gone. Glenn, Abraham, Maggie, and now Tara. You, Rosita, and Eugene were all that was left. 

Daryl sat up and hooked one of his arms around your legs to bring you onto his lap. You wrapped your arms around his neck, and he set his hand against your belly again. 

“I know, I know,” He soothed you. “Ya almost died. Our… our baby almost died. Ya did enough.”

You laid your head against his chest as exhaustion hit you. “I’m so tired… stay with me, okay? Don’t leave.”

“I won’.”

You set a hand on top of his. “And don’t move your hand. You gotta protect her while I sleep…” You mumbled, and then you were out. 

***

Daryl’s legs were asleep, and his arm was getting numb, too. But you were asleep in his arms, and he couldn’t move without waking you. And he didn’t want that.

He had to look away from you every few minutes in order to calm himself down. Anger, guilt, and regret filled him each time he saw the bandage over your broken nose, busted lip, and black and blue eyes. The thick white bandages wrapped around your upper arms and forearms reminded him of what you’d endured. 

And then his hand, still resting on your belly; it was worst of all. He wanted to kick himself in the ass for not noticing it earlier. Not that you were showing when you were dressed, and he hadn’t seen you undressed with everything going on in a while. But still. How could he not have noticed his own wife was pregnant?

Daryl kept thinking about when he was with the woman that called herself Alpha. When she showed him the herd she controlled. If he’d known, if he’d known about what she did to you, he would’ve killed her right then and there. He would’ve taken out every last one of them if it meant this didn’t happen to you. 

Torture. 

God, it made him sick just thinking about it. He desperately wanted to know everything that happened in that barn. Everything they did to you, so he could do it to them. 

Daryl glanced down at your sleeping face and then at your stomach, and he gently pulled your shirt up. The bump wasn’t very big at all. Half of it was underneath a layer of bandages, and he gently rubbed his hand against it. 

A girl. A daughter. He was going to be a father. 

***

You woke up a few hours later to the door opening. Half your body was lying on top of Daryl’s, who jolted awake at the sudden noise. 

But it was only Adam, who seemed surprised. “I’m sorry, I just came in to do a check-up.”

“It’s fine.” You muttered, wincing as you sat up. Everything was still sore and still hurt. 

Adam worked quietly to get the machine up and running while Daryl got off the bed and helped you lie back. He stood by your head with his hand in yours while Adam started the ultrasound. You could hear the baby’s steady heartbeat and sighed with relief. Even though Daryl told you she was fine, it was good to hear it yourself. 

“I think we’re through the worst for her,” Adam said. “I know you’re in a lot of pain, but nothing was life-threatening. Keep your wounds clean and wrapped. Your nose should heal in about three weeks or so. I’ll happily do as many ultrasounds as you want, but I think you can move back into your room.”

“Ya sure?”

Adam nodded. “Positive. She needs rest, water, and food. But like I said, you can come see me whenever you want. You can take the wheelchair for a couple days if you want while you get your energy back up. This way, you can get some fresh air.”

When the door closed behind Adam, Daryl helped you sit up. “You wanna go rest in your bed?”

You shook your head. “I’m really, really hungry. Can we go to the dining hall?”

“‘Course,” Daryl said.

Your husband helped you into the chair and then took the blanket from the bed to keep you warm. He then wheeled you out of the infirmary and into the cold air. But it felt good. It smelt good and made you feel like you were a person again. 

Dog started barking immediately and ran up to you, pushing his nose into your hand. You smiled and gave him a few pets behind the ear. 

“He likes ya better than me,” Daryl grunted. 

***

To your surprise, most of your family was already at the dining hall. Michonne was there with Judith, Rosita, and Gabriel were there, and so were the newcomers. You smiled immediately when you saw your family. 

Rosita nearly gasped when she saw you, which got everyone else's attention as Daryl pushed you to the table. He told you that he was going to get you food. 

“How are you feeling?”

“Are you in a lot of pain?”

Multiples of that question were thrown your way, and you leaned back against the chair to answer everyone. “I am okay. The baby is okay. And not to brag, but you guys, I held up pretty well under torture.”

“Of course,” Rosita rolled her eyes at your joke. “Seriously, are you okay? The baby.”

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me,” Michonne said. 

“Seriously, me and the baby are fine. I promise. And I’m sorry, Michonne, I was going to.”

“I knew she was,” Judith smiled at you. “I was the first one!”

“How did she know and not me?” Michonne asked, which made everyone laugh.

By then, Daryl was back with food, and you thanked him before digging in. You were utterly starving after sleeping the past few days and needed to start eating for two now. Thinking of two, as well.

“Congratulations, Daryl,” Gabriel said. “I’m happy for you two.”

He nodded as he ate, and you, Michonne, and Rosita carried most of the conversation. They filled you in on what has been happening, funeral preparations for those you lost--though they’d most likely be carried out at the respective communities. That, of course, broke your heart. 

The topic moved on to something else as you finished eating, but it felt good to be around your friends that you just sat and listened. You reached under the table to grab Daryl’s hand, and you smiled sadly at him when he looked at you.

Connie tapped on your shoulder, and you looked at her, watching her hands as she signed. But she was moving too fast, and you had to ask her to slow down. 

I just wanted to say congrats on your pregnancy, and I’m so sorry for what happened to you, she signed. 

The two of you continued your conversation, you having to spell out a decent amount of words, but it was nice. But unfortunately, the night ended, and you were falling asleep in the chair. Everyone from Alexandria will be leaving tomorrow, aside from you and Daryl. You’d be staying a few more days before going home. So you said goodbye to everyone and got a big hug from Judith before Daryl took you back to your room.

[ellesthots]

Fateful Beginnings

XVI. “sweetener”

parts: previous / next

plot: after months of rejections, a certain offer crops up with such sweetener you can’t possibly resist… though you wish it was under better circumstance.

pairing: battinson!bruce wayne x fem!reader

cw: 18+, talk of death, grief, cancer, angst, unintentional weight loss

words: 3.9k

The next two months were a blur. Your days melted together, only distinguishable by doctor's visits and which job rejected you that day. The economy was in shambles; going on Indeed you were seeing hundreds of applications to a single Dunkin' barista job. You tried your best to forget about Bruce Wayne, and kept replaying the conversation over and over in the week following. His promise not to hurt you, the vague sense of safety and danger you got when you were around him... but it was soothing knowing that he was all the way on the other side of the US. This relief went away when it was deep into the night and you remembered he had all the money, all the tech, all the opportunity to hunt you down if he wanted to, but you did your best to trust the humanity he fronted with. You kicked yourself for forgetting to bring up the loan thing, adrenaline having been coursing through your veins blocking out any real coherent thought outside of the direct moment. It couldn't have been him, it could've been another donor. Maybe it was even Alfred checking my texts when I’d gone to the bathroom or some shit.

The days still blurred together however, and secretly you relished not knowing what day it was; not knowing meant you didn't know how close the draw was. Your mother's clinical trial started beginning of August, and would be a biweekly shot... if she was accepted. At each and every appointment leading up to that fateful day the staff engaged in tempering assurances, albeit assuring hardly anyone would make it into that trial. For a split second whenever a doctor or nurse mentioned it at the end of her appointments you felt a white-hot rod in your throat that froze you in your tracks. The doctors said this was her only hope. And only if she avoids placebo.

Walter was growing increasingly anxious as well. Walter refused to leave her side to the point you had called the office to see if they would ever make an exception to bring a cat inside. No. Allergies. Your dad had taken to staying home with him, otherwise he would go on a food strike. It would take hours of petting and cooing to him to make him comfortable enough to eat again if your mom ever got out of his sight. It was better with your dad there, though. Instead of three hours of cuddling, it might take two for him to eat again. You tried not to think about what would ever happen if your mom's battle ended... poorly.

Your dad started going back to work, only part time. You made sure to spend all the time possible out in the living room with your mother and Walter while she knit and pulled pieces of yarn from Walter's teeth, and watched some sort of romcom. When your dad came back you would all start cooking dinner, then eat, engage in some sort of discussion (your dad had taken to downloading an 'icebreaker' app and would pull one question each day from it) and then you'd spend the rest of the night submitting job apps. It was monotonous, a bit draining, but also sweet. It was such a far cry from Gotham that at just over a month gone from the city, you'd started to wonder if you'd dreamt it and you'd actually been here with them all along... until the day before the clinical trial announcement when you'd woken up to a particular email.

Dear Miss Y/L/N,

It is at the referral of Gotham City University President Dr. Janay Vry that we extend to you an offer of employment in the position of JOURNALISM DEPARTMENT ASSISTANT for the academic year of 2024-25. This is a part-time position requiring 20 hours of on-site time per week including outreach of no more than 5 hours per week. Duties include management of a public column in the Gotham Gazette and various office responsibilities as-needed. Compensation includes a housing stipend of fifteen-hundred dollars per month and an hourly rate of forty-three dollars and forty-five cents.

Please respond before Friday, August 2nd at 5pm. There is a mandatory meeting on Monday, August 5th at 12 noon in Challey Hall, Room 245. Flight and one-week hotel stay will be provided upon acceptance.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Gotham City University Faculty Administrator

You stared at the screen as if you'd seen a ghost. For weeks you hadn't had to worry about Gotham; the crime, the sleazes, Bruce Wayne. I'm balls deep in rejections and now Gotham sweetens the deal. You kicked the sheets off of you then paused, horrified, before remembering Walter didn't sleep in your bed anymore.

Breakfast was as usual. Your dad made omelets and the three of you made small talk about the happenings of the day ahead. Today your mother was getting a visit from Debra, her old friend from the Y back when she volunteered there on weekends. Your dad was working the same shift—10am to 3pm—and would put steak on the grill when he got back. "Looks like it might hit a hundred if we get lucky."

"Y/N," She asked after taking a sip of coffee. "Can you make sure Walter's water is filled? I think I might go to Debra's to get out of the house." You looked under the table to see Walter slurping up the last puddles of his water and rose to fill it. You grabbed a few ice cubes so it could stay cold just the way he liked it; a sobering thought of leaving this for Gotham threatened to sever your spine. After pouring a few cups into his bowl and giving him a proper pet, your dad followed up on your job search. "Any luck on those applications?"

More than anything you didn't want to tell them about Gotham. But as your parents had talked, the more you began to mull over the money in your mind. Free housing. 1500 would be enough for a good studio. 800 a week. A plane ticket's 200 round trip. I could visit, easy. I would visit. It would only be temporary, I wouldn't probably last the whole year before I got offered a position at home. What if Mom doesn't get into the trial? What if she does and she gets placebo? How long does she have? Will it be painful? Do I need to think about a job right now? It would look fucking great on a resumé, which would increase odds of getting ahead of the job seekers in WA quite significantly...

"Hun? Any offers?" Your dad turned to look at you and you blurted out the contents of the email. A second of silent surprise then an uproar of celebration. "Thank heavens, that sounds wonderful! Did you already accept?"

You looked back at them with shock, your mouth hanging slightly open. What? Walter finished his food and brushed against your legs as he wandered to your mom, looking pitifully up at her slices of bacon. "Well, no. It's Gotham. I thought it was too dangerous." You guys nearly prohibited me from even going to Gotham in the first place...

"That was before we visited!" Your mom was ecstatic; she rose to come and give you a big hug, and your dad tried to swat Walter away from jumping on the chair to sneak a bite. You wanted to think it was cute, but your mind raced. How could they be so supportive? Unquestionably? "It's Gotham, Mom," You took her hug not in celebration, but in an effort to commit the feeling to memory.

"How much is the pay?" Your dad pulled in the chair so he couldn't jump and walked over to the sink to put his plate away. You shut your eyes and hid a sigh. Once they know how good the pay is they won't let me stay. "Good, I guess."

"What, 15, 16 an hour?" Your parents eyed you expectantly and you shrugged. "A little more. Than that." You followed the linoleum's vertical lines to where it met the carpet. "And a housing stipend." You cringed. They weren't going to let this opportunity go.

"Wowza, honeybee!" Your dad called you that when he was particularly pleased, which only served to coil your stomach lining. Gotham? Gotham. This was over Gotham. The place we got into screaming matches over me going to only a handful of years ago. "I don't know,"

"Why not? It sounds perfect." Your mom was a foot away from you boring her eyes into your soul. Does she really have no idea why I wouldn't want to leave? "Mom,"

"If this is anything about my cancer," So she did.

"Don't say that," You tried to play it off and stuttered something about how you didn't particularly like Gotham anyway, you could keep looking for jobs here, but she wasn't having it.

"No no. I want you to live your life, sweetie. This is a spectacular opportunity!" Her singsong tone was back and you suddenly wanted to throw up. You wanted to blurt HOW MUCH TIME IS LEFT WITH YOU?? I CAN'T MISS IT! But, you didn't say anything and walked out of the kitchen back to your room. You didn't quite slam the door, but didn't make it silent. While your mother's selflessness was admirable, it was also frustrating. I only get one mom. You sat on the edge of your bed with your head in your hands. Whispers wafted from the kitchen but you couldn't make them out. The sound of footsteps, a pause, and then knocking on your door. "Hun, let's talk." It was your father.

"Dad, no, I'm tired,"

"You just woke up honeybun, I'm not buying that." He sat beside you on the end of your bed. It sagged a bit, not used to the extra company. He placed a hand on your shoulder. "What you're feeling about your mother, I've felt it too. I had the same conversation with her before going back to work.”

"I'm sure she was receptive." You rolled your eyes. He squinted at you. "Now, where is this attitude coming from?"

"I don't want to tell her because it'll make her sad. But. I. I have no idea how much longer she has left. And working would just take time away from her."

"Have you thought about how that might make your mother feel? Her life has changed enough. She's already reminded enough about her... illness."

"Cancer, Dad. Cancer." He never said the words. He shuddered but continued on.

"Her life has been turned upside, over, and back around. She does not need more reminders of how sick she might be."

"How sick she is." You shot a glare at your father, just then realizing how much contempt you felt toward him. It came rushing out of you. "You didn't even think to tell me her mobility changed. I had to see her frail and in a fucking wheelchair,"

"Now, calm yourself!" He snapped at you and took his hand off your shoulder. You scooted a little further from him, annoyed. Your voice was softer but the rock in your chest remained. "You didn't even tell me. She's lost so much weight. Her hair changed. You didn't even tell me. You won't even say the word 'cancer'." Your voice was starting to raise and he stood up. "Talk to your mother."

"Why? Didn't you say that'd just add extra stress? Remind her of her 'illness'?" You stood up and watched him walk to the door. "You weren't in the room with the doctor when he told me. He said it's this trial or fucking nothing."

"Don't use that language in my house!"

"It's my house too." By this point your mind was racing and your palms were sweaty and clammy and head hot, hands shaking. "If she doesn't get into this trial and this medicine doesn't work she's fucked."

He paused with his hand on the doorknob. "If you brought it up to her... maybe you'd see she's come to more peace than you have about it." With that, he left.

At 1:13pm the next day the phone rang. You hadn't talked to your mom about it as she was already headed out the door to see Debra, and didn't come back until late in the evening when she was visibly exhausted. Your dad helped tuck her into bed and she fell asleep quickly. Breakfast the next morning was fine, but tense; you were all anxiously awaiting this phone call. Your dad had stayed home from work just in case, and now your mom picked up the phone. "Yes, that's she. Yes. Yes, that's correct." And just by some small miracle, she'd gotten in.

Debra joined the party that evening. After a tearful raucous she was the first one your family called. Not ten minutes later she had arrived with a pie. "I baked it this morning. I figured we'd want something sweet no matter what."

The logistics were as-follows: your mom was going to be receiving her first shot of the drug (or, terrifyingly, a placebo) the following Friday. She would keep a diligent record of any side effects, even if they didn't seem related. Two weeks later she would receive her second dose and turn in the side-effect sheet, and that would continue for the following month until switching to once a month injections for the rest of the year. The first week of the new year your mother would get another scan, and that would be the first check-in. "They told me if everything goes how it should with the medication, I could not only see growth stunted, but be on the road to remission." Seeing how happy your parents were the rest of the evening only made the offer in Gotham more inviting; she'd been accepted, and if the results were, god forbid, horrendous in the new year, you would come home and help with the money you'd saved.

Clutching the laptop with white knuckles, you sent the acceptance email at 4:50pm the next day, ten minutes before the deadline. Half an hour later you were booked for your flight that Sunday at noon. Saturday was filled with laundry and packing bags; now Walter didn't want to leave your side. That night you hardly slept, staying up to pet him on the couch while your parents nodded off to a TV movie. The phrase mutually assured destruction came back to haunt you—you hadn't meant that to be a threat, but what if it was? You'd planned on never having to see him again... but the city was big. You could avoid him. And if you were going to trust him, he had said that even if you had written the exposé he wouldn't have hurt you.

You planned to come back once a month, leaving Thursday night and returning Sunday night. It fit well with your mom's trial schedule for the latter portion of the year, and you'd be able to come with her to her appointments. When you got on the plane and tucked your carryon under the seat it didn't feel so terrible. It felt less like leaving and more like a weird vacation. But as soon as you woke up in Gotham a rock hit the pit of your stomach. Fuck. I'm back.

The W was the hotel Dr. Vry had set up for you, only a floor below where you'd stayed with your parents the last time. You had one week to find an apartment, and Dr. Vry said to list her on any applications to 'speed up the process'. While waiting on the Uber to pick you up in the airport you'd sent one application to a place in North Gotham, a gorgeous gem of a spot with a full-size tub and in-unit washer dryer. Just as you pushed the key into your room at the hotel, you received a confirmation email with the date to retrieve your keys. Fuck, they made it too easy.

With a lot of time on your hands and a new neighborhood to explore, you abandoned your room and wandered around the blocks surrounding. You went more north this time, to avoid any fleeting memory of Bruce and whatever the hell he'd been up to.

Northern Gotham was certainly more family-friendly. You saw couples taking their babies out on walks instead of throngs of people clustering around the various clubs on every block. There was only one club you'd seen so far, and that one allowed minors until seven pm. You'd lived more downtown, central city, and never had reason to go further north until now. The apartment you'd been in was less than a thousand a month, which made sense how riddled it was with crime. It wasn't even close to Washington, but this didn't quite feel like the Gotham you knew close to campus.

You noticed a cute themed coffee shop on the corner ahead and went in. There were a few people and a couple sitting around the small room, working on their laptops or reading a book. It really felt like it wasn't Gotham, like you'd been transported back home for a quick moment. You went on Maps and saw that your new apartment was only three blocks east of the cafe. Safety. Serenity. Never thought I'd find a crumb of it here. You resigned to coming here as often as possible. You ordered a macchiato and sat on a leather loveseat as you waited. Your jeans bit into your stomach and you adjusted uncomfortably, the leather loud as you wiggled. I guess this is why this seat was empty. You were called up for your drink quickly and thanked them as you walked out back from whence you came. Though you hadn't been in the store for five minutes, it was already raining. Even Washington didn't rain in August, but you couldn't be too pressed. The rain was nice when it wasn't forcing you to be locked in the city mansion with the... no.

Bruce doesn't own this city. There's millions of people here. With your coffee in hand you made the trek back to the hotel, and after hopping into the giant bed you sat with your thoughts for a moment. Challey Hall... that wasn't the journalism department. The term started three Mondays later, and alongside the fifteen-hundred stipend for rent and utilities, Dr. Vry had emailed you with an extra thousand in the form of a digital check. In her words it was a 'settle-in fee'. Monday would be the meeting and then Dr. Vry would give you a tour of the places you'd be frequenting. You'd receive your schedule, and Tuesday through Sunday would be reserved for settling into the apartment and getting items for it so it wasn't an empty box. Why are they being so generous with the money? It didn't feel right, not when there was so much inequality in the city. You'd make sure to cut some costs and offer whatever was left after your first paycheck to the houseless people around campus.

As you walked back you couldn't help but think about how gigantic the city was. When considering whether or not to accept the position, you had vastly underrepresented the impact of the sheer size of the city on your psyche. It made you feel completely unimportant and equally as lost. It only served your insecurities, making you feel like even more of an outcast than you already felt in your small town just outside of Seattle. Mar. You could call Mar. She could come over, and you could tell her about Bruce. That would be a good icebreaker. Open up to her about why you'd been so MIA, about your mother's cancer, about why you left and why you came back. You needed someone to talk to.

An hour later you and her were sitting on the hotel bed eating takeout noodles. "So you're saying you stayed in Bruce Wayne's HOUSE, then he helped you pack up your apartment, then dropped you off at the airport," Her face was scrunched together, deep in thought as she recounted the last hour of conversation. Some broth from the noodles was on the top of her lip. "Then he was the commencement speaker at your graduation, he talked to your parents after, then later that night he found you again and talked to you?"

"When you say it like that it sounds like stalking." You shrugged and took another chomp of noodles. Mar stared at you. "If it sounds like stalking,"

"It's coincidence, I promise." You hadn't completely kept out the part where you two hated each other, you made sure that was clear, but you sure as hell kept out the why. Mar was trustworthy, sure, but you didn't even want to remember he was Batman. It made you anxious and nervous to think about him in the suit. Then you would've had to explain that you and Bruce were now circling each other with ammo pointed at the other's chest if one of you stepped out of line.

"I don't know, it sounds creepy. What if he shows up here in the middle of the night..." Mar trailed off when she saw you look away. You hadn't told Mar about your mom yet, and didn't know if you wanted to for fear of it becoming more real. You wanted to leave that out of Gotham. Leave the trauma, leave the guilt, leave it for the weekends when you would fly back. You shrugged and made a joke about getting to be associated with a billionaire. "Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if he got papped here. Might boost my journalistic impact." The conversation moved away from Bruce after that, and you and Mar spent the rest of the evening talking, eventually laying in bed scrolling Scypher on your respective phones. The second you loaded the app, however, you saw a Dior ad everyone in Gotham was swooning over, and couldn't hold back your gasp.

He had not only been photographed often by paparazzi, it seemed, going on regular walks to downtown shops and local charity events, but this was his first official campaign. Mar leaned over and nodded, saying 'everyone' was talking about the photo. "I thought you'd already seen it, that's why you brought him up."

"No, I haven't." You scrolled through the comments trying to hold back a cringe.

He can top me

BARK BARK BARK

y did he keep his BEAUTY FROM US FOR SO LONG???????????

daddy

when is the rest of the campaign dropping asking for a friend

You turned your phone off and rolled over in bed. You told Mar goodnight (she decided to spend the night since she hadn't seen you in so long), murmuring something about having to be up the next day for your orientation. Bruce Wayne. Billionaire playboy. What the fuck happened with him?

[oattoast]

i saw a counselor and got my ed plan done for school and it looks like !!! i will be applying for transfer to a university for fall 2025!! if all goes to plan i will have an AA and aa-t degree before going on to a 4-year and getting my bachelor's degree. that means applying to schools in a couple months.

i am simultaneously excited and terrified. i am in my early 30s. what if my brain has fossilized and i can't pass my classes anymore. what if i get into a great school but cannot afford the loans. i might attend my local dinky state school to save $$$ and live back at home. but wouldnt it be cool to move somewhere new and different for a couple years?? ahh but money.

when the counselor put in my ed plan to attend a transfer grad ceremony my stomach fluttered. it's within reach. i just have to do my best to stay focused and use all the tools at my disposal for when i get burnt out, have depressive episodes, and have general brain fuckery that's made me disabled

hopeful though. very hopeful. things are different now at this stage in life. i have the right meds and therapists and doctors and social support. i've worked very hard for many years. it is time to invest in a future.

[semisgroupie]

OVERTIME HOURS

pervy boss!chifuyu matsuno x fem. reader

wc: 2.3k

warnings: office sex, slight power imbalance (since chifuyu is your boss), mutual pining, very very soft dom chifuyu, unprotected sex, creampie, noncon filming (reader isn’t aware of a hidden camera), slight deception, light choking, overstimulation, possessiveness

synopsis: he hired you to get close to you, now that you two are alone so late at night he has to make his move

a/n: this was requesting by my love @blueparadis for my “perverts make the world go ‘round” 4k event! thank you for requesting my love and I hope you enjoy it!

It’s not like you weren’t qualified for the job when he hired you. You were more than qualified, you had an extensive list of experience and all your references had glowing remarks about you.

But the second you walked into his office, your tight pencil skirt hugging all your curves and the top buttons on your blouse gave him a perfect view of your chest, he knew he had to hire you so he could get close to you. Which also meant he had to do whatever he could to have some alone time with you, whether you liked it or not.

Since you got hired you felt like you were being treated unfairly your boss than anyone else, you were the one who had to stay in late almost every day because of the projects you were assigned, you were always called into Chifuyu’s office to discuss your work, you always had to revise things and check your work over with him constantly before submitting in the final work. It drove you insane but you needed the check. With student loans from college and your rent there was no way you could afford losing your job.

Today you went in early in hopes of being able to finish your work early so you could go home on time but Chifuyu had other plans. When you had come back from your lunch break there he stood in your office, his dark hair styled neatly, his expensive suit pressed and hugged his frame perfectly. You let out a small sigh before mustering a fake smile as you opened the door.

“Good afternoon sir, how can I help you?” You looked at the stack of papers in his hands and all dreams of leaving on time to enjoy your weekend were shot down. “I need you to look over and just do some checks on these potential clients. I know I’ve been on you a lot lately”, more like since the first day you started working. “I just know you can do the work best and I trust you. I’ll be staying behind too and when you’re done just meet me in the conference room. That way we can spread everything out and go over it all.”

You nodded and opened your arms to take the papers from him, he leaned in close and you could smell the pine from his cologne before he pulled back. “Don’t worry, your check will reflect all this overtime work. I really appreciate it.” He flashed you a smile then left your office.

If you knew any better you would’ve realized that these were all old clients that have already gone through the checking process, most had ended up being denied since they doctored some of their records but you didn’t know that. And what you don’t know won’t hurt you.

By the time everyone started leaving you were about halfway through with the stack of papers. You glanced up to watch everyone fan out then your eyes trailed to the water dispenser. There stood Chifuyu, his suit jacket was off and his tie was loosened around his neck as he filled his bottle. You watched how his muscles tensed with each subtle movement but you had to pull yourself away. Yes your boss was extremely attractive, the subject of all your wet dreams, but you had to save those thoughts for the privacy of your home.

After what felt like a thousand papers, you were finally finished going through them but now you had to take them to the conference room. You collected them in your arms and left your office to carry them there, once inside you spread them out and after a few minutes Chifuyu walked inside. “I know it probably was a lot of reading and backtracking but I really appreciate this. I hope you don’t mind my lack of a suit jacket and tie, it’s just you and I here.” You hadn’t noticed it until now, the top few buttons on his shirt were unbuttoned and you could see some of his chest. “It’s fine sir, I have no problem with that.”

He walked over to the side of the table you were at and walked behind you. As he passed you could’ve sworn you felt a light brush of his fingers against your ass but you ignored any thoughts. You started sharing your findings with him and it was all things he found out when he went over all the records but he had to pretend to be interested in what you were saying as you spoke. But that didn’t mean his eyes couldn’t wander along your body, practically undressing you with his eyes.

“That’s all I was able to find sir, I don’t think we should have these people as clients unless we want to ruin our reputation.” You turned to face him and leaned against the table. “That was perfect, absolutely perfect but I don’t expect any less from you, darling.” He moved a bit closer to you and placed a gentle hand on your shoulder, lightly squeezing it.

“Hm, you feel quite tense. That’s not good at all, I can’t have my best worker this tense.” He commented and moved behind you, resting both hands on your shoulders. “Sir? What are you doing?” Your heart was practically pounding in your chest as he started massaging your shoulders, you could feel his breath on your ear and he felt closer to you than you could possibly imagine.

“Shh, just relax for me, that’s all I want. You should be treated for all your hard work and it’s just us, don’t worry about a thing. Just enjoy this.” His voice was low, barely above a whisper while his hands worked on your tense muscles. You knew what he was doing was clearly unprofessional but you couldn’t seem to stop him. All you could do was lean back into his touch and close your eyes as he worked his magic.

“You’re wearing too much, just massaging over your blouse won’t help.” He spoke again as his hands moved to your front to start unbuttoning your blouse. You moved your hands to stop him but he swatted them away, “I promise you’ll feel good, don’t worry. Don’t you want this? I’ve seen the way you look at me, I’ve seen how you’ve been looking at me the entire time I’ve been here with you, I even noticed the way you slightly rubbed your thighs together. This tight pencil skirt doesn’t hide a single thing from my eyes, in fact, it accentuates everything. I can tell you this, I want you just as bad.”

Your heart started pounding even faster in your chest. You couldn’t believe his words, there was no way he noticed all that in such a short time. There was no way he could’ve wanted you, but if he didn’t then why was he undressing you? “Sir—”

“Call me by my name, I want to hear it fall from those perfect lips.” His skillful fingers undid your blouse and slid the silk fabric down your shoulders then tossed it on one of the nearby chairs. His hands moved back to your body, groping your chest through your lacy bra. “Chifuyu.” His name fell from your lips and he thought it was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard. No fantasy or wet dream could measure up to actually hearing it and he could feel his cock throb in his slacks.

“I’m going to take your skirt off then you’re going to sit on top of the table, I’m taking you over all this paperwork, all your hard work. It’s about time I properly repay you for it.” One of his hands continued to fondle your breasts while the other found the zipper to your skirt and quickly pulled it down then pulled at the skirt until it pooled at your feet. You stepped out of it then hopped up onto the table, any papers underneath you were bound to be ruined.

He undid his belt and pants, letting it drop to his ankles then his briefs joined the little bunched up pile. His cock sprung and slapped against his abdomen, its length made up for the lack of thickness and had a slight curve to it that could hit all your sweet spots in one swift movement. The tip was a pinkish red and leaked precum. Your mouth watered at the sight and you felt your pussy clench around nothing. “I would’ve taken my time with you but I’ve wanted this for so long, I can’t wait anymore.” He took one step closer to you and gripped your hips to pull you to the edge of the table. You took your bottom lip between your teeth as he pulled your panties to the side and leaned down to spit on your awaiting pussy.

He gripped his cock with one hand and dragged it through your folds to collect the mixture of your juices and his spit before he pushed it inside you. In one swift motion he snapped his hips into yours, forcing you to take his length in its entirety, which in turn made you cum instantly. Your back arched off the table and a gasp of his name left your lips, your legs shook around his sides and your pussy kept his cock in a vice grip. “Oh fuck baby, just breathe for me. I wanna make you feel even better.”

He watched your chest rise and fall as you took a few deep breaths, “please move, Chifuyu. Please.” He gripped your hips tighter as he started thrusting, he couldn’t give you any time to properly come down from your orgasm. The pleasurable waves of overstimulation coursed through your body as he pounded into you. “I’ve wanted this since the moment you walked into my office, wanted to bend you over my desk and fuck you senseless. Always walking around in those tight skirts and dresses, just begging for my touch on this soft skin. Now I finally have you, I have you and you’re all mine, say it.”

You could barely process his words, they only served as background noise to the pounding of your heart and the squelching of your cunt each time he thrusted. Babbles of his name left your lips but that wasn’t what he needed to hear, he needed to hear the words fall from your lips, he needed you to say you were his. He snaked a hand up from your waist to wrap around your throat and squeeze down on the sides. “Say you’re mine.” The head of his cock hit your g spot repeatedly and each time you tried to gather the words, they were instantly replaced with a cry of his name. He squeezed down a little tighter, just enough to make you suck in a deep breath whenever he let go. “I said, say you’re mine.” He spoke through gritted teeth and his tone made you clench around his cock. You were already on the brink of a second orgasm and his tone alone was almost enough to send you over the edge.

“I’m yours, Chifuyu. I’m all yours.” His hips snapped into yours as the final word left your lips, serving in his mind as confirmation and validation for his thoughts and desires. He kept his hand wrapped around your throat while his other hand gripped your hip tighter. He started driving his hips into yours at a brutal pace, his heavy balls slapping against your ass each time he bottomed out and the head of his cock slammed into your g spot. You were sent over the edge again, his name tumbling from your lips like a prayer and he was your god. He was sent into his orgasm soon after, his sticky cum filling you entirely and even leaked out around his cock, dripping onto the desk and some of the papers underneath your ass.

“We made such a mess” he chuckled and leaned down to kiss you passionately then slowly pulled out of you, which added more cum to the mess that was already spilling out. He bent down to grab your panties and helped bring them up your legs to try to keep as much cum inside you as he could. He helped you sit up and pressed a kiss to your forehead before picking his briefs and pants up. “I’ll go grab some tissues to clean up this mess and then we can go grab dinner nearby.” You nodded at his words and smiled at him. “Sounds perfect, thank you.”

He walked out of the conference room to head to one of the nearby bathrooms for paper towels. Once inside he checked his phone and went to an app he recently installed. As it opened up he was able to see the footage of you hopping off the table to dress yourself. He rewinded the footage to see him fucking you then saved the footage to a private folder on his phone. “All according to plan.”

What you weren’t aware of was that he had planned everything to the finest detail. Before anyone was in the office he took the time to install a hidden camera that would give him a perfect view of when he fucked you. Throughout the month he kept you in for late nights and he would stay behind just typing nothing at his computer just so he could get that much closer to you. He had a feeling you were attracted to him but he just had to keep you behind to make sure the attraction was there before he striked.

Now that he finally had you, he was going to do whatever he had to do to keep you.

[emmatgc]

Wonderful World FanFic (Chapter 6)

(This is only for Seon Yul and Soo Hyun shippers, nothing more. This is my own interpretation . This is a sequel to their story. New characters were added. This will be a mini novel for most probably 10 parts. Enjoy and thank you for the few who are supporting this! This is for you who made a request ❤️)

Chapter 6: The Moon is Beautiful 

“He likes you” is on a loop on Soo Hyun’s mind a lot after that fateful night talking to her sister. Seon Yul on the other hand is feeling good. He likes seeing Soo Hyun happy or at ease. He is worried about Yoo Ra but he has always been a very private person and for him she is just a friend, nothing more. She wonders why Soo Hyun brought her up during their time together and it made him smile. Was she jealous? nah , it is impossible, he thought. 

 A lot has happened in 3 months. Soo Hyun managed to get a loan for her staff and the physicians even if those were really volunteers but with her connections, even though she rarely uses it, the orphanage is thriving under her care. It is an exclusive one but one open for an opportunity of a foster home and care if a family fit to be one will adopt a child. Their daily routine was to start their day at 8am, have breakfast at 7am and lunch at 11am and end by 5pm. It is a whole day of work and “Wonderful Smiles” just like Soo Hyun, is a work in progress and like their owner, a very good one. Soo Hyun is not always present everyday at the orphanage for her other duties as an author. She is thinking of coming back to teach in a university should her schedule allow.Seon Yul on the other hand, is present and available to the kids everyday not missing a day or an hour. The children adore him and the staff loves him. From time to time he would do conference calls and talk to his Chief Resident at the hospital. 

One day, he got a call from his best friend , Soo Jin.  “Hey, how is our prodigy doing there?. He replied, “I am just doing fine, thank you for asking”. “Any news to share with me, bro? “Ummm, Nothing that would entertain you, Soo Jin. “You always entertain me, Seon Yul”. They both laughed and shared some hospital stories while Seon Yul was gone and stories from the orphanage. Before their phone conversation ended, Soo jin told Seon Yul that Yoo Ra has been asking about him and Soo Hyun and it is exhausting to constantly reply to her that it is none of her business. “Our pretty friend might have a little crush on you, Seon Yul, better be careful” “You sound like it is a bad thing, Soo Jin”. “Well, love can make pretty girls crazy”. “I'll talk to her when I get back”. “Oh good, are you finally getting back? I was thinking you might live there and give up everything here for your lady love? “ What are you talking about? Seon Yul was puzzled but also smiling. “Seon yul, my man, you are a smart man, don’t go stupid on me now. You are there for her. You liked her, always has been. Your revenge is done and what's left? Love”.  That is impossible Soo Jin, he replied. “Is it really? Impossible? For you, two? I don’t think so but anyways, it's your life and again, I am telling you to be careful always but I also want you to be happy and I hope you are”. “Seon yul nodded and smiled, Soo Jin’s words comforted him and before they finally hung up the phone, he said “I am happy, truly”. 

Soo Hyun and Seon Yul are two people who share the same silence and experiences over the last 10 years. People are baffled why they are almost “in sync” with each other. Even the staff are surprised at how smoothly they work together and it seems that both know each other too well. There was a week when Soo Hyun got sick. Seon Yul, as the Doctor notices Soo Hyun coughing. Typical Soo Hyun just brushed it off as a normal cough until she fainted one afternoon. She had an allergic reaction to a food she had eaten in one of her book tour signing events and it is a good thing they already had a pharmacy in place inside the orphanage. Seon Yul got so worried and acted as her nurse during her recovery stage. Seon Yul realizes he doesn't want Soo Hyun getting hurt or in pain. Soo Hyun was treated at the orphanage for the 1st 2 days and her medical care continued at her house. Seon Yul wanted first hand to take good care of her. He monitored her day and night. 

Soo Hyun woke up late one night and she saw Seon Yul sleeping near her bed, his arm in her bed and his head down on it. She didn't want to wake him up but as soon as she wanted to move or attempt to go down her bed , she was surprised to hear “Don’t you dare get off your bed, Dr. Soo Hyun”. Jumping and acting a little scared, it is actually kinda dark in her room, she replied “I thought you were asleep, you scared me!” “Well, i wasn't really asleep, I was just pretending to be, besides, I know you are stubborn , stubborn enough to get off this bed and go back to work!” Seon Yul was being funny she thought but he aint smiling at all, he was serious. Soo Hyun, being the joker at times said “You sound so serious, it was just a minor thing”. 

“I don't want you getting hurt, alright? I need you to be ok, Soo Hyun”. Soo Hyun was shocked to hear him call her first name for the 1st time ever. I’m sorry, I hope it's ok to call you by your 1st name? Seon Yul was shy and nervous. “I am too old to be called by you by just my 1st name”, she replied. “I don’t care,” he replied almost instantly. Soo Hyun’s chest tightened a little bit. She got butterflies seeing how nervous Seon Yul is and hearing her name that way, is a pleasant but awkward surprise. “I am sorry for making you worry, Seon Yul. I am sorry you had to look after me. I am alright though, no need to check up on me all the time”, she reiterated to him. “Please, let me take care of you, Soo Hyun”. Soo Hyun bursted out laughing and said “are you taking care of your guardian?” He seriously replied, “You are not my guardian anymore remember” Seriously, you’ve got to take good care of yourself. You are not only allergic to some food but you are clearly exhausted. You need to rest and sleep more. I did some laboratory tests on you and it seems you haven’t gone for a regular check up for a year! Soo Hyun is smiling, is he mad at me? She asks herself. He seems so mad at the thought of her neglecting her health and so on and she can’t help it but think, this might be the feeling when somebody is worried about someone, or maybe if her son is old enough to care, if he was alive, and he will tell her this? Soo hyun and her thoughts were shut down when Seon Yul stood up and walked away from her a bit. Why is he acting this way?

“You are not listening to me”, he said. Soo Hyun is grateful , but she is confused as to why Seon Yul is acting so worried and weird at the same time. Seon Yul, Thank you, she replied. “I am listening but I guess I am also still on a high from the painkillers you gave me”. They both smiled. I will see you tomorrow. Sleep well. The next day, when Soo Hyun woke up, there were flowers in a vase. Her staff said it was from Seon Yul, that he picked it outdoors while he was jogging early in the morning. Seon yul gave her “Mugunghwa” also known as the rose of Sharon. 

Soo Hyun’s ex husband came to visit her after knowing at her Mom’s house that Soo Hyun is recovering at the orphanage. He brought flowers, too. He brought white lilies. It’s Soo Hyun’s favorites. Both chatted a lot and discussed some “work” related stuff and he opened up about her wanting to teach again. Seon Yul was told by the staff Soo hyun got a visitor and he wanted to check who. He entered her room and saw the two of them laughing at each other. Seon Yul was again, so serious checking up her blood pressure and her IV. He looked at him earnestly and he just smiled and greeted him. He thanked Seon Yul for taking care of his ex wife. “Thank you for taking good care of my ex wife, Dr. Seon Yul”. It is good she listens to you and stays treated here. She can be stubborn, you know. Seon Yul got a bit irritated hearing the words “ex wife” and answered, “I know” and excused himself. 

“Well, somebody’s jealous. Haha” Soo Hyun smacked Su Ho’s hand in return. “You dont have to say that!” He replied, “That you were my ex wife? It's the truth! Haha still laughing at Seon Yul and her. He is so obvious, my goodness, it is so obvious, you two! What is? Soo Hyun asked. “Come on Soo Hyun, the boy gave you “rose of sharon” flowers and I gave you lilies! So? She was confused. Oh my, you don't know what “mungunghwa” means? It is deep affection. Like eternal adoration and devotion or something. That kid is smart. He doesn't do things without thinking about it. Oh, don’t tell me “he just picked it out outside “ hahaha he didnt’ .

The guy was obviously jealous of me and that is why I mentioned you as my “ex wife”. Please leave now So hu, Soo hyun shouted at him embarrassed by what she heard from him. They laughed out loud and just felt warm to be having this conversation with her ex husband. Before So hun left, he told Soo Hyun “I will always have your back, Soo Hyun, you know that right? If he makes you happy, go for it. It's not gonna be easy but hey, nothing is. At least, he is a million times better looking than me” hahaha. So Hun left and again, a lot of feelings are intertwining in Soo Hyun’s thoughts. 

Seon Yul was indeed jealous and he knows it. He shouldn’t be, they are exes, of course he will visit her. His thoughts are running wild. He seems irritated that he didn't know her favorite flowers. He also seemed bothered that they were laughing and they hugged each other, too. Seon Yul has always been an introvert and one thing’s for sure, he has never been in love. So, he doesn't know just yet. He was reading a Japanese book to kill time until he came back to Soo Hyun’s room. He wanted to ask Soo Hyun to eat outside since she is now almost healed and recovered. He had it all planned out with the staff. Together with the flowers in the table, her favorite and allowed foods to eat, Soo Hyun was happy to be asked out since she was dreading staying for a couple days in a room confined and strictly monitored. Under that same moonlight there they were, both sitting and eating casually. He handed her a plate and got her food even if she insisted it was hers to get but Seon Yul won’t let her. They were music sort of and the trees, and the leaves were swaying like in the movies. It was a great ambiance, a romantic one. 

Seon Yul started the after dinner conversation. “ How are you feeling?” I am great, thank you. I have the best Doctor”, she replied. I’m sorry, he said. For what?, she replied. “For not knowing your favorite flowers”. Soo Hyun laughed loudly “hahaha, Oh God, don’t be! I don't even remember anymore. It has been a long time since” He then seriously replied “ But Soo Hu didn’t”. Of course, he was my husband. I would be angry if that detail was left out or erased, she honestly replied. They talked about the orphanage and they talked about her plans to go back to teaching. 

Seon Yul doesn't know what took over him but when Soo Hyun started talking about her plans and the way she smiles, he noticed her eyes lit up, her face blooming and her lips, so soft and all in 1 slow motion. All this pent up emotions for the last 6 years. He doesn't know if he hears everything she is saying, and in that moment he knows. This is the moment he is waiting for. With his heart beating so fast, and another lifeform taking over his body, with a thousand times of confidence and desire,  he held her hand softly and he said the words “The Moon is Beautiful”. 

The feeling of being so close yet so far. Suddenly, there was silence but there was music in the air. They stared for a while, until Soo Hyun finally opened her mouth and said “Are you in love with me?”

(The Moon is Beautiful means “I love you or I am in love with you" in many cultures especially in the Japanese culture. This is an inspiration I got from the Kdrama “Romance is A Bonus Book" which is one of my personal favorites of all time. Chapter 6 is coming up soonest. I am sorry something came up today but I hope I made you smile with this chapter 😘) 

[bogkeep]

for Months i have been stressing over stupid Bureaucracy Regret -

when i started school in sweden i figured i need to notify the system that i'm living there, so i did, and i acquired a swedish ID and all that jazz.

for two years this has seemed mostly superfluous - i think maybe it's been useful to get a proof of student ID because they don't give you those at school and you need to download an app that fills your inbox with advertisements and i hate it so bad - but this year i ran into trouble when i found out that Living Outside Of Norway is a bit problematic for Ongoing Medical Assessment In Norway (that i started over a year before moving to sweden). like it's fine as long as i DON'T get a job in sweden and DO get my student loans from norway, but they can't cover my travel cost to the hospital and getting my T gel prescription was a pain (and i can only get it in norwegian pharmacies unless i get a swedish doctor to sign off on a prescription in sweden), and i can't access most of the services in the healthcare portal or contact my GP without calling her clinic. so all of this is confusing and frustrating, right, and nobody at the gender clinic had any clue about any of this (despite telling me they have had patient studying abroad before) so they were gonna have a social worker who's supposed to have a clue call me to figure out a solution. turns out they had only a little more clue but not as many answers as i'd hoped, and together we came to the conclusion that i'll just change my legal address back to norway and things will be smooth sailing again. apparently most students going temporarily abroad just change their c/o address and not their legal permanent address and i did not know this! none of my fellow norwegian students seem to have done the same process as i so i'm just ignorant i guess!!!

AS IT TURNS OUT you can't just "move back to norway" that easily, WHICH MAKES SENSE I GUESS, so i decide to call the folk register directly to find out how and why and when, and even if i do have a home in norway i can't actually "move back" until i can prove i have reason to stay there for the next six months, which i'm not, because i'm studying in sweden. the service worker on the phone was very apologetic and told me i should've called before i registered moving so that i could've Known the Consequences, but i couldn't have known i needed to do that, AND it's a pain to call them through limited phone times and long queues. so basically i've been going through the five stages of grief and decided i'll just have to eat the travel costs (which has an extra element of frustration because i could've made it all just a little bit cheaper for myself if i had waited a couple more days at the time and coordinated better but DONE IS DONE, I'm already lucky somw acquaintances let me crash at their place and i didn't have to book a hotel) and deal with the frustrations as best i can before i move back to norway next year anyway. like it sucks but i will deal and i can't change the past and i did my best ET CETERA.

and then last week the office lady at school sent us an email that the powers that be now require all students to have a swedish id so if we don't have that already we need to get on that. so uh

after all that frustration and regret. i was gonna have to do all that anyway. now i'm watching my fellow norwegian students struggling with the paperwork runs while i don't have to do a single thing

nice ok

[lost-technology]

Blank Tickets and Open Roads

So, I was looking up Youtube clips of Trigun Stampede to get my mojo going in starting to edit my major WIP, which is something I want to do before making a new chapter. Correct a few things in it that I am annoyed with. And there is the scene where little Vash is communing with Ship 3's sick Plant and Rem has a voiceover on her last recording for the twins / Ship 5's black box. She talks about the "story of a man who found a blank ticket in his pocket, which could take him anywhere he wanted to go" and that "this is what all people have" the blank ticket philosophy that is crucial to all forms of Trigun. Having read the manga, I feel a little cheated. I mean, it's better than how it was portrayed in the 1998 anime, which is just "I'm excited that the ticket I was handed on the day of my birth was blank." It is more clear here. However, in the manga... Rem recounts to Vash a dream that she had when she was grieving the loss of Alex. It is clear from the little scene where she wakes up in her mess of a room that she was going through The Horrors. (Having lost someone very dear to me unexpectedly in 2023 really makes me feel that when I go over that again). In her dream, she found herself on a train, the sole passenger and when the custodian came to punch her ticket, the destination was blank. She had a flashbang of inspiration that she could just go anywhere and it gave her hope. She woke up and had a realisation of the dream's meaning and found a new direction in life. Her dreams of being with Alex gone, she turned her thoughts to SPACE! When her life was crap, she had a dream that gave her hope to carry on. How it is portayed in the manga is VERY IMPORTANT to me, entirely for personal reasons, as I treasure a similar dream. Annoying Shadsie-lore under the cut.

So, back in the ancient year of 2000 or so, about 1999 or 2000, I suckered myself into joining the U.S. Air Force. I'd been to community college, but did not think I was able to get the kind of grant to pursue the kind of degree I wanted to pursue, as most of those go to people who want to become doctors or business people or someone important, not to people who want to pursue the arts. I wanted to get into graphic design. I didn't want to be in debt forever with loans. The military had worked out for some friends of mine, with the Air Force being a godsend for my once best childhood friend. I was desperate to get out from under the thumb of my parents, as most teens on the cusp of full adulthood are, as well as away from my abusive older brother, living with us after getting out of prison. (My father once told me that he thought that my brother was going to, in one of his temper-losses, murder us all one day and bury us in the desert, it was that bad)... So, I signed up, signed my life away with the idea that I was going to earn some college money, see the world and serve my country. This is how the U.S. Military-Industrial complex works: It takes people who never dreamed of joining before, but who are in desperate circumstances and promises them the world for a few years of service. Any kids out there thinking about it? Don't. Please. Do not give them your life, they do not deserve it. Fate had other plans. It turns out that I was too much of an "individual" to work out in a military setting. I had mental health problems come up in boot camp that I never knew I had. I went through discharge-process after a self-harming incident. They did not want me and I learned that I did not really want them. I was a failure. I came home to live with my parents and sulked around for a while until my Mom insisted that I go back into college - a different community college than I went to before, where I could get an Associates in my chosen field, not a Bachelor's like I'd wanted, but something more affordable, a step up. I felt like an utter failure, though. I distinctly remember my father telling me, when driving me to the military processing station to go off to Basic in Texas that I had to "Not fail" because my brother was watching me and he wanted me (the little sister, youngest child) to be a positive example for my loser brother. In other words, even though I had a lot of support, I had a lot of guilt for not making it, for wussing out, as it were. And, of course, the military itself drills into your head "if you don't pass, you're a failure at life." When in this dark place, I had a dream that I remember to this day. The setting was vivid because I lived in Arizona at the time and knew what the desert looked like. I had a dream that I was suddenly on an open country highway in the middle of nowhere. It was paved, but it was just... this road in nowhere, like many you will find driving across some of the more desolate parts of the state. I think the family Cocker Spaniel was with me (Rest in Peace, Buster). I started walking down this highway, going off across hilly desert, blue desert mountains in the distance. I realised, suddenly, that the road had no particular destination and that I could just go down it and see what's next. I remember having the dream again at another juncture of my life, but I do not remember what juncture - just the first time when I was transitioning from being a part of America's brutal war-machine off to pursue a peaceful art-degree. I was hopeless and the dream gave me HOPE. It's been over 20 years and I still remember it. So, Rem's dream in the manga... I relate - starkly. Now, my life didn't turn out as planned from there, either. I got the graphic design degree, but the jobs I got in the field chewed me up and spit me out. I experienced The Horrors and currently work in a grocery store. Rem got her blank ticket and died in a spaceship crash, not what she expected, either.

[lifblogs]

Time to explain my diagnosis since I’m sure some of you are curious. I have severe, chronic angiodema. Basically my body is making a lot of what is called deranged antibodies, and those antibodies are assessing everything that touches my body and enters my body, and they say yay or nay on whether said thing should cause anaphylaxis. Which explains why it seems like I’m allergic to a ton of different things all of a sudden, and why even WATER has given me an allergic reaction at times. Also explains why sometimes I might be able to have something one day—like chocolate for example—and be fine, but then I have it the next day and I’m not. Tbh, I’m picturing a bunch of drunk, partying antibodies playing chicken with the anaphylaxis switch. There are treatments, which is fantastic news because I needed my epipen again not that long ago. Currently some very specific bloodwork needs to be done first to help determine which treatment would work best for me and at what dosages. The testing must happen during an anaphylactic episode, so next time that happens when blood labs are open that’s when I’m going. My follow-up appointment for all this is August 8th, so that’s my next date to survive to.

This also explains why prednisone does not have this under control because this illness is not effected by prednisone. It also explains why I get anaphylaxis WITHOUT hives. To the doctor that was a dead giveaway that I have this illness. Apparently hives do not occur with it, but you can get every other anaphylaxis symptom (impending sense of doom, I’m winking at you).

He also told me that hospitals are not good at treating angiodema patients, so he’d prefer I rest at home, which is a relief because I’m constantly wondering if I should go or not, or if I’ve made the right decision (and we all know how bad that last visit was).

The doctor did not feel as if scratch tests were necessary or even safe. You have to be off antihistamines for 5 days for that, and this doctor is quite sure I would die if I went without my large dosages of daily antihistamines, and I had that same thought.

I do have another illness involving allergies, and he was understanding and knowledgeable about that as well, to the point where he actually loved my high doses of antihistamines rather than saying bs like I don’t need them, and we were kind of just nodding when he checked I was eating low levels of the foods that do effect that illness (egg, and red meat).

Before he explained I will admit my BPD took a dive, but now I have a name for the illness, a better understanding of my body, tests to be done, and treatment in the future. It’s scary, especially since I only have one epipen left right now, and it’s one my brother loaned me, and everything I do will be like playing Russian roulette. But I am elated that I have gotten on the track to being alive and feeling better.

[blueshistorysims]

Easter Holiday, 1909, Newcrest, England

The moment Byron and Alexander returned home for Easter, Alexander sat his parents sat down and told them he’d been invited to have Easter dinner with Edith’s family.

“I told Mrs. Smith I accepted. I don’t think it would be proper for me to continue courting the Smiths’ daughter if I have not met them.”

Peter nodded. “I understand. I am glad our family does an Easter brunch rather than dinner, that way you’ll be with us for most of the day.”

“Edith is a lovely girl,” Rebecca added, smiling. She was proud of her son.

“...While I am there, I am going to ask Mr. Smith permission to marry his daughter, and when I graduate from Willow Creek College, I intend to propose.”

Peter and Rebecca stared blankly at their son with the exact same expression.

“You will not!” Rebecca shouted.

Alexander stared back. “Why not? I love her, and she loves me.”

“...You’re young, Alexander. You shouldn’t be getting married the moment you set eyes on a girl.”

“Edith and I have been official beaus for over a year, and we’ve been courting since I turned 14.”

“And where would you get a ring, you have no job.”

“Granny said I could have hers.”

Rebecca pursed her lips. She would have a conversation with her mother-in-law later. “No, I forbid it.”

Alexander crossed arms. “Like you forbid Edeline from following her dreams?”

“Watch your tone, young man,” Peter warned.

“I don’t understand why she can’t go to school. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful to have a doctor in the family? There have been female physicians for many years. The world is modernizing, and I don’t think England nor Edeline should be left behind in these matters. If it means I must take loan out, I will help my sister.”

Rebecca was silent, looking away from her son and husband.

“...You may ask permission to marry Edith, but do not consider proposing until you have a year of university under your belt. I would feel more at ease. I like Edith very much, and it will do you good to wait. I waited until I graduated until I proposed to your mother for that reason.

Alexander sighed, knowing this was the best outcome he would get. Edith had already promised to wait for him. Two years was a long time, but not unbearable.

Her eldest son had given her much to chew on. He would risk his own financial ruin just to give his sister a chance. Just because she thought it was improper, was it really worth losing her relationship with her eldest?

Rebecca knocked on the door and opened it after being a muffled yes. “Edeline? Can I speak with you?”

Her daughter looked up but didn’t respond. 

Rebecca sat on her bed and sighed. “I’ve been terrible to you these past nine months. I have been ignorant, and in my ignorance, I’ve failed to see your plight and suffering. I didn’t eye to eye with my mother either.”

Edeline swallowed. “You mean you’ll let me attend university?”

“I will speak to your father about costs, but I suspect I have held him back with my stubbornness. I will have your brothers help you, whether they want to or hot. But at least one of you will have to have some kind of scholarship. 

“Oh, thank you, Mama!” She squealed, flinging her arms around her mother.

Rebecca swallowed back tears and hugged her tightly. Oh, how terrible of a mother she had been.