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theressaicon · 2 months ago

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m!Android caregiver x crazy psychiatric patient gn!reader

part 1

Warnings: psychotic behavior, mentions of death (shortly), bitting off fingers, schizophrenia, hearing voices, seeing floating eyes, hallucinations, taking medication,...

Otherwise: soft caregiver android, gentle with gn!reader, understanding, fluff, willing gn!reader

„Upload all data about this patient." „Done, sir." Confirmed the senior doctor's colleague. Before the doctor left, he had to ask him; „Why do we have to entrust an android to take care of our patient, are we short of staff?"

The doctor stopped in front of the door and shared what he knew. „This one is very problematic. I've seen a few similar cases, but they all reveled in abusing their caregivers. Unlike them, this one hates anything that breathes. They are kind of a poor thing. But we need them to take their medication and not endanger any of my people in the process."

His colleague rolled his eyes. „Their hands are tied when giving the medication, are you telling me they bite? That happens." „They bit off three fingers of their first caregiver with a single snap of their teeth, they took at least one finger off each of three others, and the worst thing is personal hygiene." He gulped nervously and continued. "Without hesitation, they gouged out one nurse's eye, nearly strangled another with a shower hose, and last week... They killed their last nurse by... Biting through an artery in his neck."

„..." „So yeah, that's why we have to count on an android." Closing the door behind him he left.

□▫︎■▪︎□▫︎■▪︎□▫︎■▪︎□▫︎■▪︎□▫︎

Annoying environment. Annoying sounds. Unbearable smells, very aggressive lights.... But the worst are the voices... Voices that no one makes and eyes that watch you nonstop.

Knocking; another annoying sound. You quickly turned your head towards the metal door of your empty room. A white coat with white clothes. There was another man standing who would surely force those disgusting foods in your mouth, would want to make contact with you and then try to drown you in the showers, they were all the same.

'His voice is strange, I don't like it.' you narrowed your eyes in suspicion as he began to speak. „Good morning, Y/N L/N, I'm your new caregiver, you may call be Alois." Your response was a deep growl. „Your files say you don't talk much. But I know you understand my speech."

It was true, the only thing that came out of you when trying to speak was sometimes 'no', although most of the time it was more like shouting. „You already know your routine, I assume."

He took out an injection from his coat pocket and tapped it a few times before kneeling next to you. The straitjacket didn't allow you to move along with your bound legs. You were in a spasm when he touched you gently. „I'm going to ask you to relax, giving you an injection with a tight muscle would be difficult for me and painful for you." You started to squirm even more with deep, intermittent breathing.

He didn't convince you. But he had to give you the sedative, so he simply stuck the needle into your thigh through your pants. You screamed in discomfort and pain, but most of all in anger.

„I apologize for this rude act, but it's over now." He closed the syringe in its case and put it back in his pocket. "Breakfast is waiting for you, Y/N. Now I'll untie the belt from your legs." Alois did as he said. You stretched your legs and stayed lying down.

„It looks like you don't want to get up, so I'll give you a minute." And for those sixty seconds he watched you with his blue eyes and you were looking straight back at him. "A minute has passed, let's go." Announcing he approached again. He waited for a moment to see if you would sit yourself up, but then he pushed you up and sat you himself.

„Allow me to grab your arm." You tried with all your might to pull yourself away, but he managed to get you to your feet. Placing his hand on your back he led you to the door. You whimpered and tried to back away, but he was too strong and it didn’t move him much, so you used your weight and simply sat down on the ground in protest.

„This is also completely fine." To your surprise Alois lifted you off the ground in his arms, bridal style. Despite kicking your legs and making short screams, he calmly moved towards another room that had much stronger lights that bothered you so much.

Flying eyeballs hovered around you, whispering words you didn't understand. You were more afraid of them than the strangely strong doctor who was carrying you. You buried your face in his white sleeve and groaned repeatedly.

„Are you tired of protesting?" he asked rhetorically. A few steps later, you were standing in the room where you were usually served your food. Alois sat you down in an armchair and bent down to tie your legs. But you were faster and got up from the armchair and ran to the corner of the room. Alois straightened up and turned his gaze to you.

„Your hunched figure indicates fear." He slowly started to sway towards you. You walked around him and hunched in another corner. This time he didn't let you run away. He stood opposite the corner where you were standing and when you started running again, he stopped you with a quick movement of his arm. You tried to wriggle out, but it was difficult when your feet were no longer touching the ground. Sitting in that armchair again you didn't even have time to react when Alois tied your legs. He pushed you slightly with his hand and tied your torso with a leather belt.

„Today we'll do it like this, tomorrow we can try it without the restraints, okay?" He said and brought a mobile table with food and a drink. You frowned. "I have applesauce and mineral flavored water here," he announced, taking a spoon.

When he put it to your face, you threw your head back and hissed. „I doubt you don't like apples." His voice echoed off the yellowed walls. When he touched your dry lips with the spoon, you bit down on his fingers with all your strength, forcing him to drop the spoon. His hand was strangely hard... and the expression of his didn’t change, you held it tightly between your teeth and stared into his eyes. Those neon blue eyes.

After a moment, he pressed your cheeks with his other hand to loosen your jaw and free his hand. He picked up the spoon from the ground, placed it on the table, and took another one, dipping it into the applesauce. "Do not worry, Y/N, we can try again." He held the spoon in front of your mouth again.

You felt confused and your mouth was open. Alois took advantage of this and fed you a portion. You chewed in disgust, but eventually swallowed. „Thank you, for being good for me, Y/N." Alois praised you, making you feel heavy in your chest. This wasn't what you were used to.

„We'll do it like this: You eat five spoonfuls and I won't make you finish the rest. That was the first one, now I'm going to give you the second one, count with me." After a few nudges at your teeth, you opened your mouth and started eating. He praised you again.

„You are doing wonderfully." For the third spoon, you opened your mouth voluntarily. You were starting to like the way he praised you for your cooperation. „You're a sweetheart, you're doing great."

His sweet voice drowned out all the whispers and the eyeballs that were flying around disappeared for a moment. There was a pleasant silence between your chewing and his praises.

„Aaand that was the last one." You swallowed and Alois put the spoon down. You were startled by a loud whisper in your left ear, making you flinch. Alois straightened up and looked at you.

„..Uh.. Aahh." You muttered in a low voice. "What's the matter?" Alois asked you. You opened your mouth and stuck out your tongue a little. "Would you like to continue your breakfast?" You nodded your head rapidly. He started to spoon feed you again.

„I'm so glad you're eating well, the file says you have big problems with feeding. I'm very proud of you." The annoying whispering stopped again, but the flying eyeballs continued to observe.

You tried to focus on Alois, who was different from the other caregivers. His strength allowed him to withstand your twisting, he was abnormally fast and the structure of his hand was hard as stone... or metal. You examined his eyes. They were unnaturally blue, almost glowing. He didn't blink. His chest didn't rise from breathing. He didn't hesitate in his movements. He seemed to you like... a robot.

„You surely were hungry." Because all of your attention was on Alois, you didn't notice how fast you were eating. He put a straw in the glass of mineral water and put it to your mouth. Before you could finish the whole glass he stopped you. „Not so fast, you still have some pills to take." You hated those. However it meant you can spend more time with him.

You resisted the first pill, shaking your head from side to side, gritting your teeth. "Where did my good patient go, hm?" You narrowed your eyes at his words. You wouldn't tell him you were being disobedient because you wanted to spend as much time with him as possible.

When he was taking care of you, all the voices fell silent, those floating eyes stopped watching you, and the light seemed less aggressive. He almost never forced you into anything, he could convince you and make you cooperate of your own free will. You were afraid of what would happen when he left.

You took that pill. „Good patient, thank you." He put another one to your lips. Obediently, you opened your mouth and let him place it on your tongue. „I see you've gotten over biting... That's good." He let you drink from the straw again.

After a minute of swallowing and drinking the pills, the last remained. Once you swallow it, he takes you back to your room, where he ties you down and leaves you. You have to buy yourself more time. Opening your mouth you let him give you the last pill. Before he tossed you the glass of water you spat it out as far as you could.

Alois watched the trail of the pill before turning back to you and raising an eyebrow. „Testing me, aren't you?" Gulping, you tried to remain neutral, one corner of your lip betrayed you though, rising slightly into a smirk.

Alois rose from his chair and went to pick up the pill. You watched his every move. He was natural, but stiff. Others would have breathed in as soon as they stood up, but he didn’t even move his shoulders. He put the pill on the table and adjusted his coat. “I’ll get you another one, I won’t give you the one from the ground.” You started to panic as he turned and started walking away. With every step he took, voices got louder and more eyeballs were appearing around you.

„NOO!!-" You screamed as loud as your vocal cords could. Alois stopped and turned his head. „Count to ten." You were confused and didn't understand why. „I'll be back before you finish counting." he promised you and walked out the door. You didn't waste any time.

'One...' You could hardly hear your inner voice. 'Two..' you said to yourself more forcefully with your eyes closed. At the number five the voices started laughing. You kept counting and opened your eyes to see if Alois was coming back. But you were hypnotized by a huge eye in front of your face, much bigger than a human. You started to tremble, keeping to count despite it. The eye was getting closer to you, it was disgusting and pulsating like a heart. You leaned back in the armchair as much as you could, the eye was almost touching you. '..NINE!..'

You heard his footsteps. He was coming back. But you didn't have the strength to turn your head, that eye was too close. Alois pushed that huge eye away with his body as he bent down in front of you. That eye was still looking at you, but you focused on Alois. "You're crying..." Alois said and brought his hand closer to your red face.

You flinched and cried even more, your nose starting to run. "Shh... It's alright." he whispered calmly and wiped one of your hot tears with his cold hand. Even though it was so hard, it felt gentle and pleasant on your face. You sobbed and leaned your head more into his palm.

„You are very brave, I am proud of you. Tell me, did I come back before you could count to ten?" He asked with a smile, which you returned and nodded. After swallowing your new last pill, Alois announced; „Let's return to your room." His words stung you. You whined to show your disapproval. "I wonder if you're this attached to your other caregivers as well."

He untied your torso and your legs. You stood up on your own. Even though he was with you again, the eye balls didn't disappear and the voices rang in your ears. He placed his hand on your back and led you back to your room. However, there was another eye standing in front of the door, preventing you from passing through.

You stopped Alois by stepping in front of him. He observed you as you nuzzled his upper belly with your head. „What are you trying to tell me, Y/N?" He tried to figure out what you wanted from him, you appreciated it. You started jumping in front of him and bumping into him a little. "Do you want me to carry you?" „Uh-huh."

He carefully bent down to you and lifted you off of the ground like before, starting to walk again. To your astonishment, the eye evaporated into thin air as he passed through it with you. Alois acted as a shield, protecting you. You rested your head on his arm and sighed. Alois scanned your body and determined that your heart rate was back to normal. If your hands weren’t tied in a straitjacket, you would have surely wrapped your arms around his neck.

He laid you down on your bed and tried to tie your legs. You curled them up and stood up quickly, ready to run. Before you could take a step, Alois grabbed you and turned you towards him. "I'm treating you well, aren't I? If you're obedient, I'll show you respect. If you're disobedient, you'll have to face punishments." He was suddenly colder. "Will you be a good patient?" Then he loosened his grip on you. You sat back down on the bed and he propped your head up so you could lie down. He tied your legs without any problem this time.

„A.." In an attempt to interest him, you tried to speak. He was paying attention and trying to read your lips. "A-Al.." you stuttered. "Come on, you can do it." He encouraged you a little. "Al..oi-s..." you finally managed. He smiled at you and slowly placed his hand on the top of your head. "Correct, Y/N. I'll see you again in a moment." He stroked your hair and left.

Eyes and unfamiliar voices kept you company again. However, the medications that were starting to take effect had drugged you so much that you ignored them. 'I have to hold on for a while. He'll come back for me, we'll be together again.' You said to yourself to comfort yourself.

'My Alois... my guardian metal angel.'

part 2!

#x reader #x y/n #fluff #fanfiction #headcannons #fanfic #monster x reader #y/n #monster x human reader #m!android caregiver x gn! reader #android #android x reader #android x human reader #x gn! reader #x gn!reader

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softspace-fics · 9 months ago

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Masterlist!

Will be updated as i post new stories!

Requests can be made on my page. Fandoms you can request for are in my introduction.

Agere - 🍼

Romance - 🥰

Angst - 🥀

Fluff - 💖

Other - 👀

Marvel Loki Laufeyson 🐍 Its okay, Dada's here 🍼 🥀

It's hard. 🍼🥀 Loki helps his disabled little take a shower Thor Odinson ⚡ Doctor Strange🧿 Iron Man (Tony Stark) 💸 Heimdall 👁️ Captain America (Steve Rogers) 🗽 The Falcon (Sam Wilson)🦅 Winter Soldier (Bucky Barnes)🦾

No princess, your perfect. 🍼🥀 - Reader feels as if theyre not right for bucky (Plus sized reader!)

You mean to much.🍼🥀 - Reader feels embarrassed about their bad thoughts.

Comfort in food.🍼🥀 - Reader has a hard time regulating food due to comfort. Bucky doesn't mind. Vision🤖 Wanda✨ Hawkeye (Clint Barton)🏹

Bath time! 🍼💖 - Your baba and you have a fun time as you get your bath for the night. Wisdom ouchies. 🥀🍼 - Baba has to take you to get your wisdom teeth removed. Rhodes🦿 Star Lord (Peter Quill)🔫

Never gone 🥀🍼 Black Widow (Natasha Romanoff)🕷️ The Hulk (Bruce Banner)💚 Spider-Man (Peter Parker *Tom, Andrew or Tobey!*)🕸️ Too much 🥀🍼 (Andrew Garfield spiderman) - Sometimes your caregiver likes to jump scare you. Sometimes it doesn't go right. Multi-Character fics Stucky💞 Wind down 🍼 Stucky x reader Movie Night! 🍼 💖Stucky x Reader

Knowing 🥀 Steve Rogers x James "Bucky" Barnes

Shopping! 🍼💖 Asgardian brothers (Loki + Thor) x Little!plus sized reader

His to cherish 🍼💖 - Stucky x baby-toddler space gn!littler

Senses 🍼💖🥀🥰 - Stucky, but mainly bucky. Bucky learns to fully trust gn!reader

Cabin time! 🍼💖 - Who doesn't love some tea and cabin time?

Hurts. 🍼🥀 - Stucky lets disabled!little reader know that they'll be there even though reader has bad health.

Homework🍼🥀- Reader invoulintarily regresses due to homework stress.

Butterfly kisses 🍼💖🥰 - Stucky loves to give you and eachother butterfly kisses as your morning begins

Nightmares 🍼🥀 -Steve x Little!bucky, bucky had a nightmare and Steve helps him through it.

Pumpkin patch 🍼💖 - Dada and Papa take baby to the pumpkin patch!

Cookies! 🍼💖 - Baby and Dada bucky make cookies for Papa Steve when he gets home!

Christmas morning 🍼💖🌲 - What awaits you as the most magical day arrives?

Icky feelings🍼💖 - Sometimes emotions just can't be explained but yet they're still felt.

Dance party!🍼💖 - Cleaning turns into a Dance party that your caregivers just can't decline.

Strangetony❤️💛

Safe place 🍼💖 - Some never get a safe place, but you have yours. Flare up 🍼🥀 - Sometimes your joints flare up so bad you can't take it. Thankfully your caregivers are there to help.

Other mixes

Steve Rogers + Peter Parker + gn!little reader

Sickie🍼🥀 - Reader falls ill and their two cgs worry. (Platonic CGS!)

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eggcompany · 1 year ago

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Fanfic Masterlist (Oneshots)

Smuts are marked with 🔴 NonSmuts are marked with 🔵

ılıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llılıılıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llılıılıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llılıılıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llılıılıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llılıılıll|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|̲̅̅=̲̅̅|̲̅̅●̲̅̅|llılı

MultiChapter Masterlist

Supernatural

Mtf Castiel x Ftm Dean - Momma's Got a HUGE Cock 🔴

Cas and Dean get Deaged - Kids Who Were Never Children 🔵

Nonbinary Gabriel x Little! Sam 🔵

Little Cas (With Daddy Dean) 🔵

Gabriel x Nonbinary Sam - Getting Ready For A Date 🔵

High School AU - Dean x Benny - Dean x Cas 🔴

Trans! Castiel x Dean - Modern AU🔴

Transwoman Cas x Transwoman Dean 🔴

Sherlock

A/B/O - Omega Sherlock x Beta John 🔴

Catboy! Sherlock meets John's friend Lestrade 🔵

Sick/Comfort - Sick Sherlock x John 🔵

Little Sherlock x Daddy John - Brat Sherlock 🔴

Omega John x Omega Sherlock 🔴

The Witcher

Lactating Geralt x Jaskier 🔵

Modern AU - Chubby Jaskier x Fit Geralt 🔵

Sensitive Geralt x Jaskier 🔴

Stomachache Geralt x Comforting Jaskier 🔵

Hannibal/HEU

Adam x Nigel- Corner Store Peepshow 🔴

A/B/O - Female!Hannibal x Will x Adam x Nigel x Duncan 🔴

Female! Hannibal x Will- Pain In The Ass 🔴

Will x Duncan, Will x Adam and Nigel- A/B/O 🔴

Young! Hannibal x Will - Starlight Boy 🔴

Dogboy AU- Puppy! Will x Duncan 🔴

Dogboy Will x Hannibal 🔴

Sub Will x Dom Hannibal - Lingerie 🔴

Little! Will x Daddy Hannibal 🔵

Marvel

Little! Bucky and (Temporary) Caregiver Sam and Thor 🔵

Shy Sub Peter x Daddy Tony - Stealing Clothes 🔴

Bucky and Thor - Friendship - Tower Life 🔵

Sub Bucky x Daddy Steve 🔴

Omega Bucky Gets Helped by Doctor Strange 🔴

Tired Tony x Stephan 🔵

Trans Bucky x Steve - College AU- Does it Matter? 🔴

The Hobbit

Trans! Kili x Tauriel - Voyeurism - A Lovely Man 🔴

Sick/Comfort - Sick Thranduil, Caring Legolas 🔵

Fatherly Thranduil and Depressed Legolas 🔵

Legolas and The Hobbits - Cuddling 🔵

Thranduil and Legolas - Attention seeking Legolas 🔵

Hurt Kili x Curious Tauriel 🔵

Little (prisoner) Kili x Caring/Fatherly Thranduil 🔵

Castlevania

Virgin! Alucard x Trevor x Sypha - Wagon Fucking 🔴

Alucard x Trevor x Sypha - Trevor's Birthday Present 🔴

Trans! Alucard x Sypha/Trevor - Stomach Cramps 🔴

Gotham

Ed x Oswald- Trans! Oswald AU- Bleeding Gold, My Love 🔴

Ed x Oswald- Neighbors AU- Neighbors to Fucking 🔴

Ed x Oswald- Asylum Oswald x Office Worker Ed 🔴

Ted Lasso

Dog Hybrids - Roy x Jamie - What a Nasty Little Mutt 🔴

A/B/O - Alpha Roy x Beta Jamie 🔴

MHA/BNHA

A/B/O- Bakugou, Hizashi and Aizawa - Baby Bakugou's First Heat 🔵

Littles Are Known - Little! Bakugou, Hizashi and Aizawa 🔵

The Man From U.N.C.L.E.

Gabby x Illya x Napoleon - Big Baby 🔵

Illya x Sad Napoelon 🔵

Hurt/Comfort - Illya x Napoleon 🔵

The Umbrella Academy

Sub Diego x Dom Eudora - DIego's a Good Dog 🔴

Depressed Diego - Comforting Klaus 🔵

Teen Wolf

Drag Performer Stiles x Derek - Femininomenon 🔴

The Punisher/Daredevil

Hurt Matt - Comforting Karen - Poor Vigilante 🔵

Dead Boy Detectives

Edwin x Cat King - No Sex 🔴

Edwin x Cat King - Have Pity, Poor Kitty 🔴

Arcane

Jayvik- Viktor's First Orgasm- Between Buddies 🔴

Jayvik- Slip of Though- Viktor x Hexgems🔴

Zaundads- Facade- Young Vander x Silco🔴

Others

Pushing Daises - Ned x Chuck - Caught Masturbating 🔴

Alex Genya (Jon Bernthal) x Daryl Dixon - A/B/O 🔴

Twilight x Supernatural - Littles Are Known 🔵

NCIS - Littles Are Known - Little! Tony, Timothy, Ziva 🔵

#egg_company #fanfic #smut tag #masterlist #fanfiction #destiel #geraskier #hannigram #spacedogs #nygmobblepot #johnlock #sterek #stucky #starker #royjamie #dead boy detectives #twilight #jayvik #zaundads

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thatbxolivia · 5 months ago

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daddy!anakin short blurb

when strange situations occur, we’re often taught to ride the wave, see where the experience takes us. what happens when you never want to? when you want the same old life, when you crave synonymity? when logic fails to give to answers, might we turn to the macabre, to fantasy? and that’s where you had been these past weeks, stuck going through the motions of every day, but never really living.

“my love?” your daddy asked, hoping to gain your attention. he frowned at the glossy and dissociated look in your eyes. he found that no matter where you looked, you never quite could focus on the object or person. it was like you weren’t even there. “my love, please… i know the doctor changing your medicine is scary, i know you feel afraid, and many other things. but i promise you, i am here for you.” he said, grabbing ahold of your hand with one of his, the other grabbing your chin and forcing you to look at him. “i am always here for you.” he whispered and you began to cry. at what, you had no idea.

but that was often how depression worked. leaving you feeling vulnerable and reckless all at once, it was exhausting. you were so tired, you didn’t even know if you could form a sentence.

“anakin, i-“ you hiccuped and shook, unable to breathe. you kicked your legs out of frustration, you couldn’t even speak. you were nothing but a stupid, dumb baby-

“don’t speak about my little girl that way.” daddy said, using both hands now to cup your face and force you to look at him. “i’d never let anyone else say those things about you; not even you.” he confessed, kissing the top of your forehead. “do you need me, my love?” he asked the magic question. of course you needed him, but what he was really inquiring to was did you need him as your caregiver? and boy did you ever.

“i can’t do this anymore!” you yelled with frustration, kicking your legs more. you began your full fledged meltdown, kicking and wailing. “i don’t want to live like this! it isn’t fair-“

“it’s never fair.” he said, firm grips on your shoulders. “look at me,” he began. “it’s never fair. but that’s the secret of life, finding out how you’ll make it fair, for yourself and for others. now, i’ll ask again. do you need me?”

“i need you more than ever, daddy.” you sobbed, head in your hands. he sighed, rubbing your back.

“i know, baby, but you needed to come to that conclusion yourself.” he told you. you held your arms out and he picked you up, securing your bottom. you cried into the crook of his neck, sobbing at the emotional discomfort. he swayed back and forth, helping you calm and humming lightly. at around sundown, almost an hour later, you’d finally stopped crying, all thanks to him. you always had him, and you would never doubt it again.

#fanfic #archive of our own #star wars agere #anakin x reader #cg!anakin #daddy!anakin #anakin skywalker #star wars anakin #anakin x you

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littlespacereader · 1 year ago

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haii!!!!! can u do a story wher tony stark is cg an peter parker is litle on patrol ??? wifs mentions of captan amewica and or doctort strang bein othr papa(s) ??

Such a cute idea! I love me a cute fic with little and caregiver teaming up to save the world but the Cg is just worried about their little the whole time! Of course I have CG Tony Stark and to change it up I made the other CG Doctor strange! I literally love his character so much! I also based the villain off the comic book character and not the MCU version of the character. Anyway! Please enjoy this fic!! Thank you for the request!

On Patrol🕷️⚡️

Caregiver! Tony Stark, Caregiver! Stephen Strange & Little! Peter Parker

Tags - fighting (combat), passing out, tickling, cuddles, medicines, magic

Nicknames - Pete, kid, little bundle of joy, sweet one, little one, little spider, Dadee for Tony, Papa for Strange

“Mission Alert, 22nd street and 8th avenue. Reports says the Electro is making his way to the city’s power grid. Police are asking for the Avenger’s assistance.” Jarvis echoed through the Tower.

“A mission!!” Peter jumped from his bed. He threw his spider stuffie and spit his pacifier out before running into the other room.

“Jarvis! Keep me updated on the mission! I’m getting changed now.”

“Sir, do you think you’re in the right headspace to be going on this mission?”

“Of course! I’m big now. I just needed a little break and now I’m good.”

He quickly threw on his suit, grabbed his web shooters before leaving his room. Not without one extra hug to his stuffie though! If Jarvis had real eyes, he’d be rolling them.

Peter started running down the hall, then thought the doors to the balcony. With one big jump he swung into the city.

Peter began to talk to Jarvis through his suit’s technology, “Tell Da-…Tell Mister Stark-“

“Tell me what?”

Peter looked to his right to see Tony flying beside him. “Hey! I was just telling Jarvis-“

“Where do you think you’re going Pete?”

“I’m going on the mission.” Peter said, a bit unsure of himself. “You see, I just got back from school so I was just relaxing watching this old show called Gillian’s Island when Jarvis said the mission alert and since everyone else is away on the mission in Australia I thought I would cover it.” Peter said as fast as lighting. Was it all completely true…no.

“Huh? Really?” Tony didn’t sound too convinced.

“Yeah! And now that you’re here we can do this together! On patrol! Come on!” he tried to swing faster but Ironman was much faster than Peter’s swinging. Tony stopped him, the two just stood in the air, Ironman hovering and Spider-Man holding onto one of his webs.

“I think maybe you should sit this one out kid. I’ll take care of it.”

“But I can do it! He’s my villain anyway! Trust me I’ll be-.”

There was a sudden rumble with lighting flying into the air. The two looked at one another.

Tony sighed, “We don’t have time to argue. Alright, come on kid. As long as you’re not feeling Little…” Peter could hear the slight sternness to his voice.

“Nope! All good. Alright let’s goooo!” And before Tony could him question more, Peter continued to swing away.

Tony just sighed and followed after him. While Peter swung, Tony flied beside him. They were heading towards downtown near Chelsea market and the Flatiron building.

As they made their way Peter noticed all the different buildings, a new toy store, the Harry Potter store, plus there was probably a new toy stand at Chelsea market.

“Da-…Mister Stark? After we take down Electro can we go to Chelsea market? I wanna see if they’ve got a new toy stand, because the last time I was there with you and Papa I saw-“

“Kid look out!”

Tony grabbed Peter before a lighting strike could hit him. He set him down on a rooftop near by.

“Peter answer me right now. Are you feeling big or Little?” Tony asked in his angry stern voice.

“I’m fine! I’ve got this!” He shook his head and completely avoid the question entirely. Again Peter pusher past and over to Electro who was not happy to see the duo.

“The spider brought backup? It won’t matter!”

Electro began throwing lighting bolts towards Spider-Man and Ironman but the two dodge them well.

“You remember what I taught you last week?”

“The above and below trick?” Peter happily replied.

“That’s the one. Alright kid, let’s do it.” Tony flew below Electro. While he was distracted with Tony, Peter swung above, grabbing his arms in his webs perfectly restraining him.

“We got him Mister Stark! We got-.”

There was just one problem…Electro’s hand were still filled with electricity. So he shot above him. The electricity traveled up the webs and onto Peter, electrocuting him.

Peter doesn’t really remember what happened after that. He heard his Dadee call after him, then he remembers falling, then everything went dark as he passed out. Though he thought he remembered something red wrapping around him.

~~~

When Peter started to wake up he felt wrapped in a blanket. No…wait a minute.

Peter’s eyes fluttered as he started to regain consciousness. He looked down to see his whole body was wrapped in not a blanket but a cape, specifically Doctor Stranger’s cloak.

Peter’s body ached and his head was pounding but he looked around for his Dadee and his Papa too.

He realized where he was. Safe and sound in Papa’s mansion in Downtown Manhattan, the Sanctum Sanctorum.

Peter sighed and sunk into the very comfy bed. He always loved going to Papa’s house. Everything was so cool and mysterious.

Plus he always has the softest beds imaginable. He couldn’t help but close his eyes and fall back to sleep. Expect cloak started to tickle him! Peter began to giggle and giggle, the cloak was relentless.

The cloak only ceased its tickle attack when the door to the bedroom opened up. Peter looked to see Uncle Wong enter with a tray in his hands.

“How are you feeling little one?”

“I’m fine! Really!” Peter began to sit up but his pounding headache had him sink right back down. “Actually my head hurts, badly.” He whined holding his head.

Wong hummed in response, “I thought so. That’s why I brought this for you.”

Wong sat the tray down on Peter’s lap. On it, were little bottles with different colored liquids inside. Peter looked at Wong confused.

“Don’t worry it’s all medicines to help you feel better.” Wong started looking through the different bottles for the right one.

He picked up one and opened it up, black smoke started to pour out of it before he quickly plugged it shut.

Peter’s eyes widened as he looked at Wong with sheer horror on his face. Wong laughed nervously, “Haha, that was the wrong one.”

“Wrong one?! What is that?!”

“Nothing you need to worry about. Let’s see here.” Wong looked through the bottles until, “Ah ha! Here it is!”

He held up a glass bottle with a blue liquid inside. Peter looked at Wong worried, “What is that?”

“It’s liquid advil. I will help you feel better soon.”

“No thank Uncle Wong I’m gonna see Papa instead.” Peter began sitting up with the help of the cloak.

“I’m telling you Peter this will help you. It’s good medicine. I’m 78% sure.”

“78% sure?! What about the other 22%?”

“Well, they’re a chance that this could turn you into a fish or cure your headache.”

“A FISH?!”

“It’s only a 22% chance! Nothing to worry about!”

Peter’s heart was in his throat. He stood up on unsteady feet but thanks to the cloak he didn’t fall. He looked at the cloak and then Wong.

“Mister cloak, take me to Papa please.”

“Peter wait-.”

The cloak lifted Peter in the air and flew him right out the door, ignoring Wong. The cloak flew through the mansion in search of Strange, all while Peter was giggling, but thankfully it didn’t need to look far.

Strange and Tony sat by the fireplace. A coffee table with tea cups sat between their big chairs.

“I should’ve checked with Jarvis the moment I caught up with him in New York. I just had a feeling he wasn’t as big as he was saying.”

“It isn’t your fault Tony. It’s hard to tell when Peter is truly regressed or somewhere in between. I’m just happy he wasn’t badly hurt.”

“Sometimes I wonder if I’m a good Caregiver or I’m becoming my old man.” Tony sighed.

“Tony, Peter idolizes you. There’s really very little you could say or do to make him hate you. Don’t beat yourself up, that’s my job.” Strange smirked.

Tony rolled his eyes, “How did you even find us?”

“I was heading to Chelsea Markey to pick up something for Peter. Last time we were there I saw him looking at a toy stand and-”

The cloak carrying Peter flew into the room, knocking over the coffee table with their tea cups. The cloak deposited Peter in Strange’s lap with one plop.

Peter giggled and waved to the cloak goodbye. “Thank you cloakie!” The cloak waved back before disappearing into the mansion.

“My little bundle of joy delivered into my lap.” Strange chuckled.

Peter reach forward and hugged Strange, who recuperated wrapping his arms around Peter. “Peter, sweet one, how are you feeling?”

“My head hurts.” Peter mumbled in the hug.

He lifted his head up but held onto Strange still, “Uncle Wong tried to poison me Papa!”

Strange raised an eye brow, “Did he now?”

“Yeah! He brought in this big tray of bottles! One of them he opened had black smoke coming out of it! And another could’ve turned me into a fish!!”

“A fish?!” Tony stood up and joined the two, “We can’t have that happen! What will we do if our little spider turned into a little fish?!” Tony said as dramatic as possible.

“No Dadee! Don’t wanna be a fish!”

“Don’t worry kiddo, you’re not going to be a fish. I’m sure Papa has some regular medicine for you around here somewhere.”

“Come on,” Strange said lifting Peter into his arms. “Let’s get you some medicine and then it’s back to bed for you.”

“Noooooo wanna play!”

“Listen to your Papa Pete, you need all the rest in the world after that shock. I’m sorry this happened to you. I should’ve seen it coming and helped you.”

“It’s okay! I’m okay! See?” Peter smiled.

Tony smiled back, “I can definitely see that. Nothing stops my little one.”

“How about a cozy resting day? Just the three of us? That way you can heal and you won’t be without your Papa and Dadee. We can watch whatever movie you want. How does that sound?” Strange offered.

Peter smiled at his two amazing Caregivers, “Yes!! Just one thing?”

“Yes?”

“Can we invite Uncle Wong too. But make him promise not to turn me into a fish…please.”

The two Caregivers laughed, “We’ll make him promise not to turn you into a fish.”

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isfjmel-phleg · 11 days ago

Text

Colin Craven does NOT have rickets OR Munchausen by proxy: an examination of the character's medical history from the text

I saw it theorized a while back that Colin has rickets, that the text of The Secret Garden describes him as having it, and it gave me some pause. While at a glance it is not an implausible guess, I cannot find textual evidence to fully support it, so I'd like to clear up what the text actually has to say on the matter. I'd also like to address a popular theory that he has been subject to Munchausen by proxy--which is also unsupported by the text.

From what I've observed of the fandom and of adaptations' and retellings' approaches to Colin, there seems to be a lot of misunderstanding of the exact nature of his issues as described by Burnett. So I'm going to talk about

what the text indicates about Colin's medical history and symptoms

whether or not they correspond to symptoms of rickets or Munchausen by proxy

what we can infer from the evidence

Disclaimer: I do not have a background in medicine. Any conclusions about potential diagnoses are best guesses based on the resources I could locate. People who know more about this than I do, I would love to hear your perspectives on this!

According to the text, we know the following about Colin's medical history:

Born prematurely after his mother fell out of a tree while pregnant, not expected to live longer than a few days

Expected to inherit his father's spinal deformity (which developed in childhood), but there's no actual sign of this in his spine

Caregivers wouldn't let him walk and kept him lying down, although there's nothing wrong with his legs physically besides being weak from lack of use

Used to wear an iron brace to keep his back straight and "fretted so he was downright ill" after it was introduced

A "grand doctor from London" ordered the brace to be removed, said there had been too much medicine and too much letting the patient have his own way, told Colin's caregivers to put him in the humor to make up his mind to live, and advised the patient to do as he was told, not give way to temper, and stay out a great deal in the fresh air

Weakened immune system (catches cold easily)

Coughs and colds that nearly killed him two or three times

Rheumatic fever

Typhoid, which almost killed him

Once thought he had "rose cold" (i.e. a type of pollen allergy), a condition he had read about in a paper, after being taken outdoors and started exhibiting symptoms of it

The actual physical symptoms that the text confirms that he exhibits are:

Headaches

Back aches/general body aches from exhaustion

Generalized pain triggered by thinking of illness

Easily exhausted

Fevers after tantrums/crying

Difficulty sleeping (sometimes is given bromide, a sedative)

Poor appetite

Frequent stomach upsets from certain foods

So, with all that in mind, let's look at the symptoms of rickets and see if the text confirms that he exhibits any of them.

Rickets is a disease that causes children's bones to soften and weaken, usually as a result of Vitamin D deficiency. It is certainly possible that Colin could be Vitamin D deficient since he does not go outdoors, although there's no evidence that he doesn't get at least some exposure to sunlight (a major source of Vitamin D) through windows. He objects to windows being open because he's afraid of fresh air, but the extreme of boarding up the windows of his bedroom as depicted in the 1993 film is not in the book. When Mary comes to see him the day after their initial meeting, she sees the room in daylight, which indicates that the curtains are open even if the window itself is not. Another contributor to Colin's likeliness to develop rickets is his premature birth, which can result in an infant's not having received enough Vitamin D in the womb and thus being deficient.

Rickets symptoms include:

Delayed growth (No. When Colin finally stands, he is described as "strangely tall" and continues to be described as tall for his age for the rest of the book.)

Delayed motor skills (Yes but no. He does not learn to walk until age ten, but this is because he has prevented from doing so, not because he lacks the physical means to. Besides not walking, he does not show signs of being unable to move or use other muscles.)

Pain in the spine, pelvis and legs (Probably not. Colin speaks of "pains everywhere" when he thinks about illness, but otherwise, specific pain is not indicated.)

Muscle weakness (Yes. But this is attributed to lack of use.)

Bowed legs or knock knees (No. Very much no. Colin is so indignant at the suggestion of it that he stands up for the first time in his life to prove that his legs are not crooked.)

Thickened wrists and ankles (Not indicated.)

Breastbone projection (No. It is confirmed in the text that Colin does not exhibit any skeletal deformities; he's just initially very fearful of developing them.)

Based on this criteria, I would conclude that Colin does not show any signs of rickets. His condition does improve with exposure to sunlight and consumption of nutritious food and drink, including milk, which would be beneficial to someone recovering from rickets, but this isn't necessarily an indication that rickets was what ailed him--these are things that are good for humans in general.

Next, let's look at the criteria for Munchausen by proxy, which is properly called factitious disorder imposed on another. This disorder occurs when someone falsely claims that someone else who is in their care is in need of medical care. The diagnosis is given to the perpetrator, not the victim of this form of abuse.

The DSM-5's criteria for factititious disorder imposed on another are as follows:

Falsifying physical or psychological signs or symptoms, or creating an injury or condition in order to deceive someone. (No. Colin's father, doctor, and caregivers all sincerely believe that Colin is genuinely ill, and he has indeed had some legitimate health problems. No one is falsifying anything about his physical condition; they just don't understand how to help him. Preventing him from walking is a deeply misguided but genuine attempt to prevent him developing spinal deformity, not a means of making him appear ill when he is not.)

One person presents someone else (victim) to others as ill, impaired or injured. (No. This is not what is happening.)

The deceptive behavior happens without obvious external rewards. (No. No deceptive behavior is occurring.)

The behavior isn’t caused by another mental health condition. (No. See above.)

Colin's caregivers are "ignorant and tired of him" and have failed him in many ways, but no one is actively lying to him or anyone else about his being ill when he is not. He is the victim of overanxiety about his health after a difficult start in life, not deception.

(If anyone's wondering, the Munchausen by proxy theory is often applied to Colin as portrayed in the 1993 film, but it doesn't hold up there either. The Medlock of the film is overprotective of Colin, but she sincerely believes that he is ill and that she is doing the best thing for him by treating him. The details play out differently from in the book, but it's still a case of ignorance rather than deception.)

So if Colin doesn't have rickets and isn't the victim of factitious disorder imposed on another, what exactly is the nature of his condition, based on what the text tells us?

First of all, there are legitimate reasons for there to have been concerns about Colin's health at the time of his birth. He was born prematurely. We don't know how far into her pregnancy his mother was when she gave birth, but it must have been just enough for him to be able to make it with the state of medical care circa 1901. Even with current medical advances, there are still a lot of risks associated with being premature, including, in the short term, problems with breathing, regulating temperature, eating, etc., and in the long term, a greater likelihood of problems such as asthma, cerebral palsy, vision and hearing problems, learning disabilities, etc. Additionally, there's the risk of damage to him from the fall.

Colin as an infant is apparently "such a weak wretched thing that every one had been sure it would die in a few days." He surprises everyone by surviving, but he is still expected to develop deformities and die young. His father believes this, and so do his caregivers. Martha tells Mary that "he began all wrong. Mother said that there was enough trouble and raging in th' house to set any child wrong." Babies do indeed pick up on the emotional atmosphere that they're surrounded by, which can't have helped. This intense anxiety regarding his health is passed on to Colin, defines his upbringing, and will become a deeply-rooted part of how he understands himself.

A major factor of this anxiety is the fear of developing the same spinal deformity as his father. This is something that Archibald Craven predicts in his extreme grief immediately after his wife's death. In that context, it's more or less the grief talking rather than an informed medical opinion, but Colin's caregivers' concern for Colin's back might not be completely out of nowhere, even if it is overblown.

Archibald is frequently said to be a "hunchback," but whenever an actual physical description of him is given, his appearance does not seem to indicate kyphosis, the condition most often associated with that outdated term. When Mary meets him, she observes that he is "not so much a hunchback as a man with high, rather crooked shoulders." People he encounters during his travels perceive him as "a tall man with a drawn face and crooked shoulders." We also know that his condition is not congenital but developed when he was a child, apparently gradually. Many adaptations depict him as using a cane; the text neither confirms nor denies this, but he is apparently mobile enough to travel extensively, walk on the moor at least as far as the vicinity of the Sowerbys' cottage (five miles from the manor), and do a lot of apparently solo hiking in the mountains of Europe.

I wonder if Archibald's condition might not be kyphosis but rather idiopathic scoliosis. This would account for his crooked shoulders and the onset of his condition in preadolescence. And it just so happens that idiopathic scoliosis can be hereditary, which would make sense in light of everyone's fears about Colin's developing it. So the concern itself may not be unwarranted, but the extremity to which it ends up being taken is.

Colin's ultimate problem is not that he has inherited his father's condition but that he seems to have developed what is now called illness anxiety disorder (formerly hypochondria--Burnett even specifically refers him as a "hypochondriac").

The DSM-5 criteria for illness anxiety disorder are:

The patient is preoccupied with having or acquiring a serious illness. (Yes.)

The patient has no or minimal somatic symptoms. (Yes, mostly. He is primarily preoccupied with developing a deformity despite no physical evidence. He exhibits other symptoms like headaches and fevers, but these might have other roots, which I'll get to later.)

The patient is highly anxious about health and easily alarmed about personal health issues. (Yes.)

The patient repeatedly checks health status or maladaptively avoids doctor appointments and hospitals. (Yes. He actively refuses potentially helpful treatments and distrusts his doctor.)

The patient has been preoccupied with illness for ≥ 6 months, although the specific illness feared may change during that time period. (Yes. He appears to have had these fears his entire life.)

Symptoms are not better accounted for by depression or another psychiatric disorder. (It is possible that he also has depression, more on that later, but the above symptoms don't seem to be connected to that. It is also possible that he has somatic symptom disorder, which is similar but involves the presence of and fixation on existent physical symptoms.)

Either illness anxiety disorder or somatic symptom disorder would account for Colin's issues, which revolve around an extreme fear of developing a spinal deformity which he believes will result in his death. This is a learned anxiety but one that he will make fully his own by applying it in ways that his caregivers do not anticipate. His nurse is unaware that he thinks he's developing a spinal deformity. No one is preventing him from going outdoors; whenever he is encouraged to get fresh air, he's the one refusing to cooperate because he believes it will kill him. He starts exhibiting symptoms of "rose cold" when taken outdoors not because he actually has an allergy (there's no sign of it when he goes out with Mary and Dickon later) but because of his extreme anxiety. His reaction to having to wear a brace is "frett[ing] so he was downright ill," because it's a tangible symbol of all his worst fears.

But he's had actual illnesses too, so where do those come from?

His easily catching cold is probably because he's been isolated indoors and thus hasn't had opportunity to build up his immune system. Rheumatic fever results from improperly treated strep throat or scarlet fever--easier to develop in the days before antibiotics; it also carries a possibility of heart damage that can turn up later in life. It's probable that he could have picked up strep from exposure to someone in the household who had it, but it's more surprising that he manages to get typhoid, which is caused by contaminated food or water. There's no indication that typhoid is prominent in the Misselthwaite area, so it's possible that he picked it up during one of the times he's been taken to the seaside. A life-threatening illness immediately after such a trip would further reinforce his belief that the outdoors is deadly.

And what about his recurrent physical symptoms?

Well, the headaches, general aches, exhaustion, sleeping problems, poor appetite, and stomach problems sound a lot like physical symptoms associated with depression or anxiety. The fevers he gets after tantrums might be psychogenic fevers, caused by stress.

Given this evidence, my best guess is that Colin has either illness anxiety disorder or somatic symptom disorder. He might also have some degree of depression, which could account for his feelings of worthlessness and lack of interest in living.

#The Secret Garden

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aishangotome · 2 months ago

Text

Main Story Chapter 17 Card: Osborn - Free Fall (自由落体) | Light and Night 光與夜之戀

Episode 3

CW: Suicide.

♡———♡

6 Years Ago. Late Winter.

A fiery sunset dominated the sky, and on the vast racetrack, several cars sped through the twilight, vying for the lead.

The lead car pulled ahead, stopping first at the finish line.

Osborn emerged from the car, removed his helmet, and flicked the sweat from the ends of his hair. He swept a few stray strands of hair back from his forehead, revealing his sharp, piercing eyes.

Pu Ning: Osborn, you were on fire today! Did you break another record?

Pu Ning: We're heading to the front street for barbecue later, want to join us?

Osborn: No, I've got something to take care of.

Pu Ning: Got a date? Darn, someone beat me to it!

Osborn remembered leaving that morning, when the usually warm and smiling caregiver stopped him, her expression serious.

Caregiver: Osborn, do you have time tonight when you get home?

Caregiver: Mr. Ye's been acting strangely these past few days. I thought I should talk to you about it.

Ye Chuan's condition fluctuated, and Osborn had grown accustomed to it. He took a quick shower, stuffed his helmet into the locker, and called the caregiver.

Osborn: I'm finished here. I'll be home in half an hour. Could stay a little later? I need to talk to you about my dad.

Caregiver: Perfect timing, I just finished grocery shopping. I'll pick you up on the way. Wait for me, okay?

Osborn was surprised, but he didn't refuse.

Osborn: Okay.

On the other end of the line, he heard the low hum of a car engine starting, barely audible.

To make it easier for Ye Chuan to get around, Osborn had bought a used car, and the caregiver occasionally used it for groceries to save time, but this was the first time she'd offered to pick him up.

After getting ready, he stood outside the club, waiting for her. The sunset had faded from the twilight sky, and darkness was gradually swallowing the remaining light.

Soon, the car pulled up in front of Osborn, its doors bearing scratches from some neighborhood kid's stone.

He opened the passenger door, saw the ribs and greens in the back seat, and gave the caregiver a greeting.

Osborn: Thanks, Auntie.

Caregiver: It's no trouble.

The caregiver looked at him and gave a small smile, her face backlit, appearing oddly gloomy.

The car started again, and Osborn made small talk about dinner, his day, and Ye Chuan's condition.

Osborn: Has my dad been acting unusually lately?

Caregiver: Mr. Ye was fine today.

Caregiver: But a few days ago, I saw him secretly hiding his medication, throwing it away when I wasn't looking.

Osborn: What happened?

Caregiver: I don't know, he won't answer when I ask. You should talk to him when you get home.

Osborn: Okay, I got it.

Osborn frowned slightly and immediately called Ye Chuan's doctor to schedule an appointment. Outside, the sky was dim, and the streetlights hadn't come on yet. The car turned left at a traffic light, entering a side street.

Osborn: Auntie, did you take a wrong turn? This seems to be the opposite direction.

Caregiver: No... how could I make a wrong turn?

Her tone changed abruptly. Osborn turned to look at her, alarmed, and saw that her eyes were bloodshot.

Caregiver: This is the road you always take to the underground racetrack, right? Have you forgotten?

Osborn's heart sank, and the car's accelerator was suddenly floored. The old car shuddered, making a sound like it was about to fall apart, and lunged forward.

Osborn was thrown back into his seat, the scenery outside blurring. The memories he had tried to bury from six months ago came flooding back.

He saw his own reflection in the window, being swallowed by darkness, falling into a deep, icy vortex.

Six months ago, as a rising star, Osborn won several championship titles in quick succession, attracting the attention of the entire racing world.

With his exceptional skills and wild style, he was sought after by major media outlets. But this mysterious racer refused all interviews.

Beyond his name, people knew nothing about him. Rumor had it that he was the son of a business tycoon, hence his incredible talent. Only Osborn knew that it all stemmed from a deal.

Flowers, applause, fame, and fortune... those glamorous things were too distant to erase the heavy burden on his shoulders.

After signing the contract with Merodach, Osborn received his first "deposit" and paid off Ye Chuan's outstanding medical bills.

He underwent a year of intense training, pushing his physical limits, learning racing techniques, and participating in various programs. He often collapsed from exhaustion, suffering from spasms and vomiting.

With Merodach's influence, he quickly obtained an international racing license.

All of this was in preparation for fixed races—his real job for the bounty guild.

In the underground racetrack betting pools, money was merely an intoxicating number, driving countless gamblers to madness.

As Osborn's fame grew, more people bet on him. With a little manipulation of the results, the guild easily won vast sums of money.

Every racer craved victory, but that desire and pride were not insurmountable for Osborn.

Initially, he thought he would resist, but in that split second, he gently turned the steering wheel, deviating from the optimal line.

People thought he was unlucky to have a tire slip, but he was simply claiming his share of the reward. That dirty money could buy the medication to keep Ye Chuan alive.

When he received the money, he found himself strangely calm, even faintly pleased. Without a conscience, he felt no guilt in any action.

By day, he practiced on the track. By night, he competed in the underground races. To the public, he was a prodigy racer, barely an adult. To the guild, he was a member moving in the gray areas.

His young life oscillated between day and night, constantly crossing the lines between black and white.

Occasionally, when Ye Chuan was lucid, he would look at him with worried eyes.

Ye Chuan: Why are you so busy all the time? You look exhausted.

Osborn: I'm fine, just working a couple of jobs. I get bonuses if I work a little harder each month.

Ye Chuan: You don't have to push yourself so hard. I still have some savings.

Osborn opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Ye Chuan didn't know that his meager savings were long gone.

Ye Chuan: You're still young. What if you ruin your health?

Osborn: What could happen to me? You know I'm as strong as an ox.

Osborn: Once you're better, I'll go with you to your hometown to see the snow, and you can stop nagging me.

Ye Chuan: The snow in my hometown is beautiful, like goose feathers. I haven't seen anything like it since coming here...

The nostalgia in Ye Chuan's eyes glowed warmly. Since falling ill, he'd been constantly talking about the snow he saw as a child, as if he feared forgetting it entirely.

But Osborn had already etched that image deep into his mind.

He would take Ye Chuan to see the snow, to see the beautiful scenery he'd missed in his youth, while he still could. He was willing to sacrifice a lot for that.

The days blended into each other, and the growing fame became an even heavier burden of guilt.

Osborn silently isolated himself from everyone, except for the sufficiently outgoing Ke Yang, who became his only "friend" in the guild.

Ke Yang was only a few years older than Osborn, and had an unkempt, weathered look. He always wore a smile, making him seem approachable.

The first time Osborn went to the bounty guild, Ke Yang forcefully put his arm around his shoulders and dragged him to a roadside food stall.

Under dim lights, the rickety tables and chairs bore a layer of indelible grease, and the smoky barbecue hung thickly in the air.

Two men who couldn't scrape together a few bucks ordered the cheapest fried rice. The greasy fried rice wasn't exactly delicious, but it was devoured down to the last grain.

Ke Yang kicked back comfortably, sipping tea from a disposable plastic cup, boasting to Osborn as if he were a knight-errant discussing matters of the martial world over a large bowl of wine.

His life was always spontaneous. When he was broke, he’d eat a few dollars' worth of fried rice, and when he had money, he’d drag Osborn out for fun.

He knew when the city's bars threw out recyclables, and with the money they earned from selling beer bottles, they bought a used electric scooter.

After becoming motorized, they’d go for rides in the suburbs, pick fruit, skip stones on the water, and sneak into someone's fishpond to fish—mostly things that earned them glares.

Occasionally, Osborn envied this carefree life, but in reality, everyone was a rootless duckweed, tossed about in the wind and rain, eventually stumbling back into the dust.

Ke Yang: Why don’t you have other friends? Why do you like hanging out with me?

Ke Yang squatted on the roadside, rattling off the makes and models of the passing luxury cars. Osborn, asked this question for the first time, watched the car lights disappear like sparks in the night.

Osborn: Do cars count?

Ke Yang: Cars are inanimate objects, they're not friends.

Osborn: Then I don't have any other friends.

Osborn concluded. He thought of the people he met at Yuda Academy, and of the more distant past, those blurred shadows. But they were long gone.

Ke Yang: Do you want to leave the guild?

Osborn paused at the question. He had no real choice.

Osborn: Why did you come to the guild?

Ke Yang: I owed a lot of money. My family pawned off everything, except for my little sister. So, I pawned myself off instead.

Ke Yang: You shouldn't get involved in places like this, if you can help it. Especially since you’re still young, and you're in school.

Ke Yang: I didn't tell my sister. I found a good boarding school for her. I just want her to grow up happy and innocent.

He became earnest, shedding his usual nonchalant demeanor, but his eyes revealed an underlying helplessness.

Children understand everything. Hiding things from them is pointless. Once they understand, they won't be happy. Osborn opened his mouth, but then swallowed his words.

Osborn: I don't want to leave. I'm fine here.

Osborn: I know what you mean, but I've thought it through. Don't think of me as an innocent kid forced to come here.

Osborn: Even without all this, I'd still end up here.

Osborn looked at the passing cars, his cool evening breeze sweeping into his pale green eyes, as Ke Yang looked on in surprise.

Osborn: Someone like me was a mistake from birth. I hit teachers and principals in school, and I've been locked up.

Once a clean white paper has a stain, it's dirty.

Osborn: I belong here.

Ke Yang: That's nonsense! You’ve been influenced by those trashy movies and novels.

Ke Yang shook the beer can in his hand.

Ke Yang: What's that saying? To err is human, everyone gets confused and makes mistakes.

Ke Yang: Even a dirty white paper has correction fluid.

Ke Yang: The fact that you think this way proves that you know you've done wrong, and admitting your mistakes is good.

Ke Yang: I believe if you could start over, you'd do anything to make up for it.

Ke Yang: So, you have to forgive yourself.

Osborn: But can mistakes be forgiven? Will people trust him again?

Ke Yang: Of course, they can. Come on, hit me.

Seeing that Osborn didn't react, Ke Yang grabbed his hand and slapped himself.

Ke Yang: That hurt a bit, but I forgive you.

Osborn: ...

Ke Yang: Don't think of people as that stupid.

Ke Yang: We can tell the difference between intentional and unintentional, and we can tell when someone is genuinely sorry, or just pretending.

Osborn: What if—just what if—I was born evil? Without a kind heart?

Ke Yang: If you don't have one, you’ll grow one. Won't it just come out eventually?

Ke Yang: No one is born knowing to respect the elderly and love the young, or to stop at red lights and go at green lights. We're all taught.

Ke Yang: If you don't know, learn. Society will teach you.

Ke Yang: Don't always listen to the news about antisocial personalities. Do people with antisocial personalities always become criminals?

Ke Yang: Then they might as well do an ultrasound and check. If there's a problem, don't have the baby. See if they dare to implement that.

Ke Yang: If society didn't always label them as antisocial, and didn't deliberately lead them that way.

Ke Yang: If their parents were a little nicer to them, they would become good kids too.

Ke Yang stood up, his voice loud.

Ke Yang: Your life is long.

Ke Yang: Look ahead. Once you save enough money, stop gambling on races. Go enjoy your future openly and honestly.

That "open and honest" future seemed to be slowly coming true. The debts were gradually paid off, savings started to accumulate, and he won more and more races.

Osborn discovered he was very successful at fixing races, as if he had an innate sense for it, leaving no one suspicious.

He found a hidden sense of purpose in it. What should have been shameful, he did with ease. Until that incident.

That day was like any other. Osborn, holding the race winnings, was preparing to go home. It was raining heavily outside, the downpour drowning out all other noises, and the streetlights cast a hazy glow in the night.

Out of the corner of his eye, Osborn saw a man walking despondently in the rain. He had no umbrella, his gaze vacant and numb.

He looked to be in his forties, but his hair was completely gray, his thin frame hunched. One hand tightly clutched a crumpled racing bet slip.

Instinct told Osborn that the man had lost in the race earlier, and he followed him, almost against his will, hearing the muttered words carried on the rain.

Middle-aged man: I was so close to winning, why did I lose... How am I going to pay back the money I borrowed? I can't even afford treatment now...

From his words, Osborn pieced together the story: the man was seriously ill, had borrowed money to bet on the race, and had lost everything.

The man suddenly stopped at the bridge, turning to look at the cold river below. Osborn felt a sense of dread.

But it was too late. In the blink of an eye, he had vaulted over the railing and plunged into the water.

His action was decisive, as if he had nothing left to lose. The dark river was like an abyss filled with despair.

"Clunk"—the speeding car jolted over a speed bump, throwing Osborn high in his seat, only to be snapped back by the seatbelt.

The rationality in his mind quickly overcame the momentary negativity caused by the memory. He reached out to grab the steering wheel from the caregiver.

But, as if she had anticipated this, she pulled out a knife, thrusting it straight at him. There was no room to dodge in the cramped car.

Caregiver: It's all your fault! It's all because of you!

The knife plunged into Osborn's hand, bringing searing pain. He gritted his teeth, seized the knife, and pressed it against the caregiver's neck, while using his other hand to forcefully grip the steering wheel.

Osborn: Stop the car!

The car's front slammed into the roadside barrier. Osborn struggled with her erratic steering wheel, swerving aside just in time.

The car screeched along the barrier, finally grinding to a halt.

Caregiver: You ruined my entire family! May you rot in hell!

Osborn: ...You're Zhou Jianping's wife.

Hearing the name, her eyes blazed with even greater hatred. Ignoring the knife at her throat, she spat each word through clenched teeth.

Caregiver: Do you know how desperate he was?!

The rushing river swallowed the man in an instant. Osborn stood still, the rain hammering against his umbrella, like blows to his heart.

If the underground racing bets were exposed, everything he had built would collapse. He didn't care about his reputation, but he feared losing his income, feared he couldn't save Ye Chuan.

He kept telling himself: Just walk away, pretend you saw nothing. There are many unfortunate people in the world, you can't save everyone.

He walked forward step by step in silence, the splashes soaking his trouser legs. Suddenly, he stopped.

Without knowing why, Osborn dropped his umbrella and ran back, leaping into the river.

The river water instantly submerged him, the biting cold freezing all consciousness and senses, everything becoming distorted and surreal in the swirling water.

Cold, suffocation, silence, despair. For a moment, he thought he was back at Yuda Academy, undergoing punishment.

His limbs began to convulse involuntarily. He tasted the metallic tang of blood, and something sharp seemed to have cut his instep. The surging malice dragged him down into the depths, but his consciousness still seemed to be struggling to call out.

His hand closed around a fish, and he squeezed it with cathartic force, finally regaining his sanity.

Osborn opened his eyes and saw the man slowly sinking. A faint light emanated from him, seemingly from a phone screen lighting up.

He struggled towards that flickering light, like chasing the only glimmer of hope in the darkness.

He laboriously dragged the semi-conscious man to the riverbank and stuffed the entire reward into his arms.

As he did this, Osborn felt a wrenching emotion—his darker self resisting and mocking this ridiculous act.

After using a passerby's phone to dial 911, Osborn left the scene, thinking it was over.

However, when he went to the hospital the next day, where the ambulance had taken the man, he suddenly heard several terrified gasps.

No one knew how the man had opened the locked door to the rooftop. He fell from the sky like a broken kite, drifting down...

Such cases were not uncommon in the hospital. When people were terminally ill and unable to afford treatment, they chose death to avoid burdening their families.

And this man, Zhou Jianping, ultimately chose to leave that unexpected money for his wife and children.

Osborn retched into the trash can for a long time, the scene before him blurring and distorted, the world seemingly shattered into countless pieces.

Zhou Jianping's wife gripped Osborn's neck tightly. Perhaps fueled by despair and resentment, the woman's strength was such that he couldn't break free.

Caregiver: Die! Just die!

Osborn's vision began to blur, and the approaching death filled him with a strange fury. The knife in his hand moved uncontrollably.

For a moment, he had the urge to kill, a surge of malice. He forcefully pried the woman's arms apart and slammed her head against the car window.

Car audio: Little boat gently swaying in the water...

Someone had accidentally hit the button, and a children's song suddenly filled the car, the child's voice as clear as a spring.

Car audio: A cool breeze blows towards us...

Osborn felt the grip on his neck loosen slightly.

The sudden surge of malice vanished, and he abruptly released her, realizing he had just done something despicable.

"Why didn't you kill me?" he murmured.

Only silence answered. The hatred had gone from her eyes, making him feel even more ashamed.

Caregiver: Go. Consider that you've repaid him with your life.

She looked down at her bloodied hands and finally covered her face, crying out in grief.

Osborn was pushed out of the car. Listening to the woman's wailing, he felt an inexplicable premonition—perhaps she wouldn't survive for long.

The wind howled like a desperate cry. Osborn looked at the blood on the knife in his hand, a glaring red, like a spreading stain on the ground.

He suddenly raised his hand and slashed at his own neck, but the sharp pain brought no sense of relief.

Only more suffering.

The sound of sirens approached, but his consciousness was already drifting away.

Woman: Osborn? Osborn, are you alright?

Osborn frowned, his eyes snapping open. He was sitting in a car, and a gentle-faced middle-aged woman was looking at him with concern.

Osborn: Sorry, I must have fallen asleep.

His mind still held fragments of the earlier scene. Osborn rubbed his throbbing temples, clearing his head.

Woman: You must be exhausted. You can't overexert yourself at your age.

Woman: Zhou Zhou talks about you all the time. He'll be thrilled to see you. You're his role model.

As if to confirm her words, the school gates across the street opened, and a boy came running.

Zhou Zhou: Osborn-gege! Did you bring me a gift?

Osborn: Yes, but only if you've been good.

Osborn reached out and ruffled the boy's hair, seeing the shadows of his parents in his features.

Zhou Zhou: I've been very good! I help Mom with chores every day, and she rewards me with half an hour of soccer!

The woman smiled warmly at the boy and reached out to stroke his fuzzy head.

Osborn: No wonder I heard you only scored a 79 on your math test. You're spending all your time playing soccer.

Zhou Zhou: You used to run off and play all the time too! Don't talk about me.

Osborn: I got perfect scores when I was a kid.

The boy pouted in protest, but eventually, he awkwardly took Osborn's hand and ran toward the table tennis hall, demanding that he fulfill their promise from last time.

Zhou Zhou: You didn't finish the story last time. What happened to the uncle who lost the bet?

Osborn moved his fingers, the ping pong ball dancing nimbly between them. He lowered his eyes, a self-deprecating smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Zhou Zhou: That uncle got the money and got better. They lived happily ever after.

The real story had a different ending. After Zhou Jianping's departure, his wife, the woman who had worked as a caregiver at Osborn's house, silently succumbed to exhaustion one night.

When Osborn arrived at the impoverished home, only the young boy sat on the floor, bewildered.

That look of not understanding what had happened was disturbingly familiar.

For a moment, he seemed to see his younger self.

In the boy's clear eyes, Osborn suddenly confronted the truth he'd been running from.

He eventually took the boy in, finding him kind and gentle foster parents.

He kept everything hidden, but the stain remained, etched into his life, never to be forgotten.

The car parked at the curb, and Osborn got out. Zhou Zhou, holding his gift, waved happily.

Zhou Zhou: Goodbye, Osborn-gege!

Osborn: Goodbye.

Osborn watched the car drive away, exhaling a puff of white breath.

A cold touch landed on his cheek. He looked up and saw that it was snowing.

Ye Chuan: You're back?

The familiar voice rang out behind him. Osborn turned around and saw Ye Chuan waiting for him in the yard.

Ye Chuan: I heard the car, knew it was you coming home. Didn't expect it to snow this early. Are you cold?

Osborn: I'm fine. Why are you out here dressed so lightly?

Osborn let Ye Chuan's warm, rough hand take his, and they walked toward the house like they always did.

The snow in the yard fell heavier, drifting down as if to bury and cover all the filth of the world, offering a chance for both good and bad to start anew.

He went back to the yard and stood with the withered trees for a long, long time.

The snow kept falling, and perhaps when he woke up tomorrow, everything would be pure white.

5 Years Ago. Spring.

Osborn: It's me.

Merodach: Come in, have a seat. Send him out first.

Merodach: What'll you have? Whiskey or cola?

Osborn: Nothing. I'll be leaving right after I speak.

Merodach: Right, at this hour, you should be prepping for the race.

Merodach: A star racer suddenly showing up, something I should know about?

Osborn: I came to tell you I'm pulling out of the fixed race.

Merodach: That's mighty principled. Why agree to it in the first place? Suddenly your conscience kicking in?

Merodach: Xiao, didn't you once say you weren't the moralizing type?

Osborn: You're overthinking it. It's not about conscience.

Merodach: Is that so? Or do you think if you back out, the fix is off, and no one loses money?

Merodach: Well, listen up. Even if you don't do it, there are plenty who will jump at the chance.

Merodach: Besides, it's not like we're doing anything truly evil. We're just nudging the odds a little. No need to turn down a ton of cash.

Osborn: I'm just tired of driving like that.

Merodach: A reason, but not enough to convince me.

Osborn: I don't like being controlled. Driving with your restrictions is pointless.

Merodach: Osborn, you came in here all guarded the first time. Now you dare to talk to me like this.

Osborn: I've never been afraid of you.

Merodach: You afraid? Is there anything you fear in this world?

Merodach: Knew it. You're an untamable wolf cub.

Merodach: If you're not racing, how does the guild make money? This isn't a charity. We don't take freeloaders.

Osborn: You can have the bulk of my earnings from legit races.

Merodach: Not nearly enough. You think a single rigged race doesn't multiply the payout by a huge amount?

Osborn: I can do other things, like being a bounty hunter for the guild.

Merodach: Bounty hunting isn't just dirty work. It's risking your life.

Osborn: I'll trade my life for money.

Merodach: Ambitious. But beyond your current reach. You mess up, and no amount of fixed races can cover it.

Osborn: I'm not that weak. Most of the guild's hunters can't touch me.

Osborn: They've gotten too comfortable, like a pack of wolves with their teeth pulled. I just need experience, and that comes with time.

Merodach: Not bad. A lot of those losers are worse than you, kid.

Merodach: But we're a legitimate guild. We don't hire kids. Not interested in being a guardian.

Osborn: I don't recall those restrictions.

Merodach: Now you do. Come back and talk to me when you're an adult.

Merodach: Since you find the fixed races so dull, go do something else.

Merodach: Keep an eye on that conscience of yours. Don't let it grow back.

A Few Days Later

Wen Wan: Brother Xiao, this is the place.

Wen Wan: The files say he owes ten million. He promised to pay it back within a year. It's almost time, and he's only paid the interest.

Wen Wan: I asked around. They say he's a tough customer, slick and hard to deal with. How do we collect?

Osborn: Simple. Be more ruthless than he is.

Osborn: Open up! Chen Rongsheng!

Wen Wan: Xiao... Brother Xiao, don't force it. These guys will kill for money.

Osborn: Chen Rongsheng, don't pretend you can't hear me!

Chen Rongsheng: What do you want? You can't just barge in...

Osborn: Fine, I'll stand here. You have three minutes to pay up.

Chen Rongsheng: I'm a bit short right now. Give me another month, please. I'll definitely pay then!

Osborn: A month, huh? Have you written your will? I can give you an hour to do it.

Chen Rongsheng: No, no, no! Let's talk this over. Sit down, sit down.

Chen Rongsheng: You look a little unfamiliar. What's your name? You don't know, it's not that I don't want to pay, I have my reasons.

Chen Rongsheng: It's so hard to do business these days. Every company, every industry has delayed payments. Who can say they've never had cash flow problems?

Chen Rongsheng: They owe me for months too. What can I do? Look at me, I barely have rice left at home!

Wen Wan: Osborn, he really does seem to be in a tough spot...

Osborn: Really? I heard you bought a new car two months ago. You could get 850,000 for it if you sold it now.

Chen Rongsheng: That... that's my friend's car. I borrowed it. You need to drive a nice car for appearances in business.

Chen Rongsheng: I'll show you my bank texts. The funds are already in process. It's the honest truth.

Chen Rongsheng: I didn't mean to delay payment. I just need a little more time. I'll pay it all next month!

Osborn: I don't have time for your nonsense. If you don't have money, use something else as collateral.

Chen Rongsheng: What are you trying to do? Don't do anything rash! I have old folks and kids at home. You can't afford what happens to them!

Chen Rongsheng: Thief! There are thieves here! Robbery in broad daylight!

Osborn: Let's go.

Wen Wan: Osborn, wait for me! Where are you going?

Chen Rongsheng: You think you can mess with me, kid? You don't even know your place. Still wet behind the ears. What's with the crying? Shut up.

Chen Rongsheng: Still barking? Shut your mouth. I feed you, give you water, and you whine like that when I kick you? You want me to boil you?

Chen Rongsheng: You... what do you want?

Osborn: What do you think we want?

Osborn: You need more time, right? You need to put something down as collateral. Your legs look pretty good to me.

Osborn: What's wrong? Weren't you having fun kicking that dog? Pick one. Left or right?

Chen Rongsheng: This is a society with laws...!

Osborn: Don't worry, we'll find someone who will not tell. Besides, we are not afraid.

Osborn: First month, two legs. Second month, two arms. What's left for the third month?

Chen Rongsheng: I'll pay! I'll pay right now! I'll go get it!

Osborn: Did you count it? Does it match the amount?

Wen Wan: Yes, it's all there.

Wen Wan: Osborn, you're amazing! He paid right away!

Osborn: I've dealt with plenty of scoundrels like him. Let's go. Time to report back.

Wen Wan: Osborn, that yellow dog from his place is following us.

Osborn: Walk faster.

Wen Wan: Okay.

Wen Wan: Osborn, it's still following us. It's been following for almost a kilometer. What's up with this dog? Does it think you're its master?

Osborn: Tsk.

Osborn: Hey, go back. If you follow us again, I'll boil you and eat you.

Wen Wan: Haha, it's still following you. It's really taken a liking to you.

Wen Wan: It's pretty cute. Maybe... we should take it back and keep it?

Osborn: I don't have those kinds of hobbies. Walk faster.

Wen Wan: If you don't want it to follow, we can take a taxi. It's so skinny, it won't be able to keep up.

Osborn: Why do you talk so much? Walk faster.

Wen Wan: I am walking fast, I was waiting for you...

5 Years Ago. Early Summer.

Stay away. My dog bites.

Wen Wan: Osborn, you're here?

Osborn: He's inside?

Wen Wan: Yep. I've been watching. He's been hiding in there the whole time.

Wen Wan: Should we go in now?

Osborn: Do nothing. Just hold onto the dog.

Dog: Woof woof!

Wen Wan: Lucky! You're here too! You've gotten so fat!

Osborn: What did you just call him?

Wen Wan: Lucky. Look, Osborn, ever since this dog started following us, we've never failed to collect a debt. What else would he be?

Wen Wan: You never gave him a name, so I just started calling him that.

Osborn: I'm not his owner. Why would I name him?

Osborn: Lucky? Tsk, how awful. Can't we change it?

Wen Wan: What should we call him then? I'm not good at naming things. I'd have changed my own name by now if I could.

Osborn: Where are the debtor's files?

Wen Wan: Here! This old guy is in a bad situation. His son died from illness, his daughter-in-law is gone too. He already had a mountain of debt, and now his only granddaughter has brain cancer.

Wen Wan: I don't know if it's benign or malignant, if it can be operated on, if she'll recover. She's so young, how could she get a disease like this?

Wen Wan: This old guy works on construction sites during the day and sells fried noodles at night. He fell recently, and he's too afraid to even go to the hospital.

Wen Wan: This is the eighth one. We've collected debts over ten times, and we've run into eight people in situations like this.

Wen Wan: Why does suffering always target poor people? The rich are living just fine.

Osborn: Debts need to be repaid. That's how it is. There are a lot of pitiful people in the world. Except for gamblers, almost everyone who is driven to the edge is pitiful.

Osborn: Besides, this guy used borrowed money to buy illegal lottery tickets and lost a lot.

Wen Wan: He probably doesn't know those illegal lotteries are scams played by rich people to take money from the poor.

Osborn: You, knock on the door.

Wen Wan: Li Xinguo, open the door.

Li Xinguo: Who is it?

Li Xinguo: You... Who are you? Hey, don't come in...!

Osborn: Hold on. Don't touch him yet.

Wen Wan: Li Xinguo, it's been half a month past the deadline. When are you planning to pay back the money you owe?

Li Xinguo: I... I don't have money right now. Please have mercy. Can you give me a little more time?

Osborn: Do you think we came here to negotiate?

Osborn: You have money to buy illegal lottery tickets, dreaming of pie falling from the sky. You're not afraid of choking on it?

Li Xinguo: I didn’t… And that was only a small amount. And what if I win!

Osborn: Do you know that's a scam?

Li Xinguo: How could it be a scam? I had a customer who made 500,000 from the lottery. He even taught me how to pick the numbers.

Little Girl: Grandpa!

Little Girl: Grandpa, you haven't taken your medicine.

Little Girl: Who are you? Are you doctors?

Li Xinguo: Nannan, why did you come out? Don't be afraid. Grandpa's fine.

Osborn: How old is she?

Li Xinguo: Eight… Eight years old.

Osborn: Get the child out of here first. You don't want her to see this, do you?

Li Xinguo: Sigh... Nannan, be good. Grandpa has something to talk about with these two big brothers. Go play in the yard for a bit, don't go too far.

Little Girl: Okay, I'll be good. Bye, mister.

Osborn: Now, where's the money?

Li Xinguo: I... I really can't. Nannan's medical bills are a bottomless pit. I'm old, no construction site will hire me anymore. I can only do odd jobs.

Li Xinguo: As you can see, everything in this house that could be sold is gone. All that's left is my old life.

We're not running a charity!

Li Xinguo: You're different from the others who came before... Can't you understand my family's hardship? I'll pay it all back eventually.

Osborn: You're mistaken. I'll be even harsher than them.

Osborn: This house is still worth something.

Li Xinguo: No! This house isn't worth much. If I sell it, I don't care about sleeping on the streets, but what about my Nannan? She's only eight, and she's sick...

Li Xinguo: Please, give me some more time! Please, good people! After her surgery, I'll give you my life!

Li Xinguo: You can take my organs and sell them! I know a kidney can sell for 700,000!

Osborn: Your life isn't worth much. A poor person's life is worth the least, don't you know that?

Osborn: Wen Wan, guard the door.

Wen Wan: Got it! Osborn, do you need any help?

Osborn: No. He's just an old man. It'll be quick.

Li Xinguo: Please, please don't hit me! Don't hit me! I really don't know what to do!

Osborn: Take this money.

Li Xinguo: You...?

Osborn: Go to the hospital. See if the kid needs surgery. If she does, do it as soon as possible.

Osborn: If I find out you've used this money to buy lottery tickets, consider it payment for your life.

Osborn: Understand?

Li Xinguo: Yes, yes! I won't waste a single penny of this money! Nannan and I will repay you in our next lives!

Osborn: Don't even think about running away and dodging the debt. You know the consequences.

Dog: Woof woof!

Little Girl: Haha, good doggie, don't lick my face!

Osborn: Stay away. My dog bites.

Little Girl: But, but he didn't bite me.

Osborn: Hold out your hand.

Little Girl: Ooh... What's this?

Osborn: Candy. Throw it away if you don't want it.

Osborn: Go back inside. Your grandpa is waiting for you.

Little Girl: Thank you, mister.

Osborn: Coming? We should go back.

Wen Wan: Right, Osborn!

Dog: Woof!

5 Years Ago. Midsummer.

After reaching adulthood, Osborn took on the profession of a bounty hunter.

Although this gray area operated outside the bounds of established order, and he faced numerous life-threatening situations, he established his own set of rules, ensuring that at least the money he earned was clean.

Certain past emotions had long since ceased to surface. His violent tendencies seemed to have significantly lessened as his life gradually moved onto a more stable track.

During this time, he received an acceptance letter from the Maritime Academy.

Ye Chuan was overjoyed for a long time.

The Maritime Academy employed a semi-military style of teaching and management. To accommodate Ye Chuan, and considering his need to practice racing, Osborn arranged to be a day student.

On the first day of military training, during roll call, the instructor shouted Osborn's name through a megaphone for a long time without any response. Eventually, they discovered that his military training uniform had not been collected, and he hadn't shown up.

Thus, Osborn's name became well-known among all the struggling, newly arrived trainees.

However, he remained unaware of this until his homeroom teacher, who had been unable to reach him, located the racetrack by using the information on file.

Pu Ning: Osborn, someone is looking for you!

Osborn's car had just stopped when he heard Pu Ning's boisterous voice. Pu Ning winked and nudged his head, signaling him to look behind him.

Standing there was a stern, old-fashioned middle-aged man with a ramrod-straight posture, exuding the cold, rigid air of a military man.

Man: You must be Osborn. I'm your college homeroom teacher, my name is Wu.

Osborn: Oh, hello, Mr. Wu. What's the matter?

Osborn took off his helmet, thinking it strange: Why would college require homeroom teachers to make house calls?

Mr. Wu: Because we couldn't reach you by phone, the school was worried something had happened. That's why I came to check.

Mr. Wu: The school started organizing military training for new students yesterday. Were you notified?

Osborn: Probably. I'll apply for an exemption.

Mr. Wu: May I ask why?

Osborn: I don't have time, and I don't like that kind of formalistic stuff.

In the academy, he’d been forced to participate in that kind of barbaric and useless training multiple times—Osborn curled the corner of his mouth in impatience, looking at the man before him.

But, contrary to his expectations, the man didn't seem angry or critical; he even smiled gently.

Mr. Wu: I can allow you to skip military training, but you have to participate in tomorrow's cross-country race and get first place for our class.

Mr. Wu: If you can't, I'll deduct your academic credits according to school regulations.

Osborn: Just a cross-country race?

Mr. Wu: Yes, tomorrow at five in the morning, meet at the school's main track and field.

He looked at Osborn calmly, seeming sure he wouldn’t refuse. Osborn tapped his helmet with his finger, weighed his options, and nodded in agreement.

Osborn: Alright, I'll be there tomorrow.

Osborn: I still need to practice, so I won't see you out.

After saying that, he put his helmet back on. Before climbing into the driver's seat, he heard the man behind him compliment him.

Mr. Wu: You drive very well.

The answer he received was the roar of the engine, the speeding car leaving a heat wave in its wake.

At five o'clock the next morning, as dawn was just breaking, the Maritime Academy's parade ground was already filled with organized formations.

Osborn silently strapped on his weighted vest and fell in at the back of his class's line. Some people curiously glanced at him, while others attempted to strike up a conversation.

Osborn ignored everyone, putting on his headphones to block out all approaches.

A 60-kilometer weighted march was nothing to a real military unit, but it was a daunting number for newly enrolled students.

This cross-country race was organized by class, and no one was allowed to fall behind. By the halfway point, most people were exhausted, reaching their breaking point.

The first person in the line who couldn't keep going finally appeared. His legs buckled, and he was about to collapse backward when Osborn grabbed his backpack strap and pulled him up.

Classmate: Th-thank you.

To the other person's surprise, Osborn took half of his weighted vest and added it to his own shoulders.

Osborn: What are you looking at? Keep moving.

He gradually moved to the front of the line, silently leading everyone. His steps grew heavier, but were exceptionally firm.

In the end, due to too many deducted points, he still only managed to get second place and reluctantly took the military training uniform from his homeroom teacher.

Homeroom Teacher: Osborn had some family matters to attend to these past few days, which is why he didn't participate. He'll be training with you from now on.

Murmurs arose from the students below, and several who had lagged behind during the cross-country race blushed and apologized to him.

Classmate: Sorry, Osborn, we held you back earlier. Otherwise, we definitely could have gotten first place.

Osborn: It's fine. It was just a race.

Osborn's attitude was aloof, but it couldn't stop curious classmates from coming up to talk to him, either with enthusiasm or friendliness, which he found somewhat overwhelming.

The college life he had thought he would simply endure seemed to start changing from that moment on.

After military training, Osborn still made time to attend classes when he had them, practiced with the racing team the rest of the time, and went home to take care of Ye Chuan in the evenings.

One day, Osborn made a slight error while practicing with the racing team.

His right wrist had been injured a few days prior during a mission, and the pain was magnified while driving, affecting his control.

The wheels of his car swerved at a turn, and if he hadn't corrected it in time, the car would have crashed head-on into the wall.

The wheels left deep skid marks on the ground. Osborn rubbed his throbbing wrist, a hint of anxiety surfacing.

He explained the situation to the coach and was about to leave when he noticed a few familiar faces peeking furtively through the entrance.

Classmate A: I told you, Osborn is the genius racer!

Classmate B: No wonder he rarely comes to class. If we get close to him, can we come watch the races next time?

They didn't realize they had been spotted until Osborn approached. They awkwardly scratched their heads and then began praising Osborn's driving skills.

Osborn: Non-staff members aren't allowed on the track.

Osborn frowned, wanting to scold them, but the excited and admiring looks of his classmates made him hold back.

Osborn: Keep it a secret, got it?

Classmate A: We will, we will! I'm Chen Nuo, can we get your contact info, oh great one?

Classmate B: I'm Li Yu!

The boys immediately took out their phones and exchanged contact information with Osborn.

Gradually, Osborn realized college wasn't as dull and boring as he'd thought. Without realizing it, he had even made a few friends.

Some were there because they admired him as a racer, while others came to challenge him and were subdued by him.

When race season came around, Osborn would temporarily put his schoolwork aside and focus entirely on racing.

The thrill of the racetrack not only made him feel free, but also earned him maximum leniency from the school's leadership.

When Osborn got home after a race, he heard Ye Chuan talking to someone. He stepped into the courtyard and saw Li Yu holding a thick folder.

Li Yu: Osborn, Old Wu asked me to bring you some stuff!

He handed the folder to Osborn, who squeezed it and roughly guessed what it was.

Osborn: You didn't have to bring it all the way here. I could have picked it up.

Li Yu: Heh heh, I had some free time anyway. Oh, and don't forget the exams start next week.

Li Yu: Also, good luck with the race! I'm off!

Ye Chuan: Going already? Why not stay for dinner? I just bought a fish.

Li Yu: No, no, we have a study session tonight, I need to get back to school!

He waved his hand and dashed out the door.

Osborn: Thanks.

Ye Chuan, watching the faint smile on Osborn's face, looked relieved.

Ye Chuan: You rascal, saying you didn't want to go to school, but you seem pretty happy about it.

Osborn: You make it sound like I'm a kid in kindergarten who doesn't want to go to school.

Osborn opened the folder and found, as expected, photocopies of the exam key points for each subject, making him lightly click his tongue.

Ye Chuan: I've noticed you've really changed a lot since starting college. You're not as solitary as you used to be. Look, you even have classmates coming to see you...

What he really wanted to say was, "You're finally willing to tell classmates where you live, instead of never inviting anyone home like you used to." Seeing the satisfied look on Ye Chuan's face, Osborn gave a rare response.

Osborn: College's alright, I guess. It's not bad.

Ye Chuan: Since you're getting used to it, why not live in the dorms next semester? That way, you can experience the full college life.

Osborn: Nah, what kind of experience is it, crammed in with a bunch of people? This is fine.

Seeing his firm stance, Ye Chuan didn't push it and switched to another topic.

Ye Chuan: How's the racing team going? Have the races been going well these past few days?

Osborn: It's going great. I can buy you a condo downtown anytime.

Ye Chuan smiled, the lingering worry in the wrinkles around his eyes softening, as if he were young again.

Ye Chuan: Ah, life is really getting better.

Ye Chuan: Things are great as they are. Don't push yourself too hard, and don't enter races that are too dangerous!

Osborn: I know, just lay off the nagging.

College life had become much more interesting. Occasionally, when Osborn had time at school, he would be dragged to play basketball against other classes as a "secret weapon."

His excellent physical fitness and strong reaction skills made him unstoppable on the court, occasionally reminding him of the times Ye Chuan would drag him to dominate the neighborhood basketball courts.

Osborn nimbly dodged a few defenders, leaped high, and dunked the ball, turning to high-five his teammates who ran up to him.

Osborn: I should head back now.

Chen Nuo: Come on, it's still early! Let's go grab some barbecue!

The snack street outside the school was a melting pot of food from all over, attracting many students.

Chen Nuo: It's the weekend tomorrow, the school won't care! Come on, let's drink till we drop!

After the clink of beer bottles, the cold beer washed away the heat from the previous exercise.

Chen Nuo: Osborn, I really admire you. You seem to be good at everything!

Li Yu: Except for exams. He always barely passes, like he can automatically avoid the right answers. Old Wu thinks he's doing it on purpose.

Osborn: I'm not aiming for a scholarship. Let someone else have it.

Sitting at the food stall, the summer breeze felt warm and intoxicating, and the relaxed laughter around him made Osborn feel completely at ease.

The bubbles in the beer bottles rose and burst, making tiny popping sounds. The enthusiastic calls of street vendors mixed in, blending with the fragrance of food carried on the warm breeze.

Under the orange glow of the streetlights, everything seemed so lively, joyful, and full of vibrant life.

On the way back, a few people had gotten drunk and were loudly singing on the empty nighttime sidewalk, their tune completely off-key.

Chen Nuo: Osborn! Drink!

Chen Nuo held up a can of cola and clinked it against Osborn's phone, took a swig, and then complained that the drink tasted wrong.

"Buzz"—Osborn looked down and saw a text message he had just received.

Ye Chuan (SMS): What time are you coming home today? I'm waiting to play a round of the newest Minesweeper with you.

Osborn chuckled, pressing a few buttons on his phone to reply.

At that moment, he suddenly had a feeling that he was living his life in this world earnestly.

He no longer felt like a passerby or someone who always stood on the opposite side of everything. Osborn's name seemed to have a weight of its own.

He was being called by people with anticipation, praise, enthusiasm... with all sorts of different emotions.

In these calls, an Osborn utterly different from his former self was emerging into the world.

Chen Nuo made a shooting gesture and tossed the empty cola can into the trash, putting his arm around Osborn's shoulders and saying loudly.

Chen Nuo: I never thought I'd have such a brilliant racer as a classmate!

Chen Nuo: Osborn, you can't forget about us in the future... I'm going to ask for your autograph!

Osborn listened, thought for a few seconds, and suddenly felt like confiding in them.

Osborn: Maybe I won't be racing anymore in the future.

Chen Nuo: What, you're not racing? Why?!

Everyone seemed surprised, asking him in unison. But Osborn, under their gaze, was calm.

Osborn: No one races forever. There's always retirement.

He said it casually, as if he wasn't the internationally renowned and promising genius racer, but just an ordinary enthusiast.

Osborn: I never planned to race for that long anyway. I just like the feeling of driving, but that doesn't mean I'll be a racer forever.

Osborn: More than leaving the track, I dislike being bound by one thing.

Osborn: When racing becomes a constraint, I'll naturally leave.

Osborn: There are so many interesting things in life I haven't experienced yet.

Li Yu: What do you plan to do in the future?

Osborn: Haven't thought about it yet.

Osborn grabbed a leaf that was blown off by the wind and tossed it back into the breeze.

Osborn: It probably won't be one fixed thing. Like sailing at sea, you can't see the destination, but you keep moving forward.

Osborn: You can try everything along the way.

Li Yu: I really envy you, having the means to decide your own future.

Li Yu: Me, I studied this major because of my parents' expectations. I actually wanted to go to music school.

Li Yu: But my dad... Well, you can always chase your dreams again. Some things, once lost, never come back.

Li Yu stopped talking, looking ahead with a somewhat lost expression, as if he were also drunk.

When Osborn got home, Ye Chuan was still awake. Judging by the game time in the corner of the TV screen, he must have been stuck on a level for a long time.

Ye Chuan: You went out to play with your friends from school? Come on, you take this level.

Osborn took the game controller and deftly maneuvered the character on the screen, jumping, dodging attacks, and moving forward.

As he played, he asked Ye Chuan.

Osborn: Have you ever had anything you wanted to do?

Ye Chuan: Things I wanted to do? There were so many.

As if a dam had broken, Ye Chuan started rambling about his dreams, big and small, from childhood.

Ye Chuan: When I was a kid, I wanted to be a soldier, but I failed the vision test in the physical exam.

Ye Chuan: When I grew up, I didn't have much of an education, so I went to work at a fiber factory. I wanted to learn a trade and open my own shop, but I was laid off during the big wave of downsizing.

Ye Chuan: I noticed the breakfast shop at the entrance of the neighborhood is really popular, and I kind of want to open one myself.

Osborn made the character double jump over blocks, picked up a few gold coins, and replied casually.

Osborn: A breakfast shop requires you to get up and prepare at three or four in the morning. Your body can't handle that.

Ye Chuan: Then I'll open a mahjong parlor! Open at noon after I sleep in!

Osborn: You'd have to ban smoking, or you'd give in to your nicotine cravings.

Ye Chuan glared and slapped Osborn's thigh.

Ye Chuan: You're even more long-winded than me!

Osborn's hand shook from the slap, and the character on the screen fell off a cliff, displaying "GAME OVER."

Osborn: Tsk, if you want to open it, then try it.

Ye Chuan: Huh? Are you serious?

Osborn quickly found a location, completed the procedures, and when Ke Yang and Pu Ning had time, they would come over to help. With everyone's assistance, the mahjong parlor opened its doors in no time.

The shop wasn't large, with a dozen machines arranged in a simply whitewashed room. To alleviate Ye Chuan's workload, Osborn hired additional help.

Ke Yang, standing on a chair, hung the price list on the wall, adjusting its position according to Osborn's instructions.

Ke Yang: Uncle Ye, why are our prices set so low?

Ye Chuan: We can't do things that take advantage of people. If we earn a little less, so be it. The people living around here are all ordinary folks!

On opening day, both the guild and the racing team sent flower baskets, lining nearly half the street, creating a festive and lively atmosphere.

Initially, business was decent, with many people coming in to play. While the revenue was considerable, the profit after expenses was not very high.

Ye Chuan: Why does it feel like we haven't made much money?

Ye Chuan stared at the messy ledgers, feeling both a headache and bewilderment.

Osborn helped him go over the numbers and found that the parlor's operating costs weren't low: machine investment, utilities, labor, and Ye Chuan frequently giving discounts to neighbors.

Ye Chuan: I didn't expect to work so hard for months and still lose money!

Seeing that the mahjong parlor was unsustainable, Ye Chuan had a new idea.

Ye Chuan: How about opening a beverage shop? I see those are very popular with young people.

Osborn remained noncommittal. He transferred ownership of the mahjong parlor to someone else and helped Ye Chuan find a new storefront.

A month later, the bubble tea shop opened, but the location wasn't great, far from the commercial district, and it quickly became unprofitable, closing again after a few months.

After repeating this several times, even Ye Chuan stopped thinking about new business ventures.

Ke Yang: Osborn, I don't think Uncle Ye is cut out for business. Are you planning to keep doing this?

Osborn: I don't mind the losses. It's not a big deal.

Eventually, even Merodach couldn't stand it anymore and called Osborn in for a private meeting.

Merodach: I have a few shops you can practice running.

Merodach waved his hand, and someone immediately placed several shop contracts in front of him.

Osborn glanced at them and saw that they were all front locations for the guild, normal businesses on the surface, but they could also be used for client meetings or hideouts.

Osborn: Why are you giving me these?

Merodach: Word of your little endeavors has reached me. You're making me lose face.

Merodach impatiently tapped the table, his eyes full of disdain for Osborn's money-losing ventures.

Merodach: Profit sharing as usual, 80/20. Pick one and take it.

Osborn: If you're willing to give it, I have no objections.

Osborn: This one, then.

Osborn chose the bar; the simple reason was that Ye Chuan wouldn't come to such a place.

The previous ventures had taken their toll on Ye Chuan; his condition was showing some signs of relapse. Osborn decided to have him stay home and rest, go for walks, and play chess.

Merodach: This one suits you well.

The bar reopened after a few days of minor adjustments. The bar had a stable customer base, and Osborn spent his free time there.

Having worked in nightclubs before, he was well-versed in this kind of business and handled difficult drunk patrons with ease.

Initially, some people tried to cause trouble, seeing that there was a new owner. But after Osborn effortlessly took them down one by one, no one dared to cause trouble anymore.

However, even with the small number of customers, the bar's existing staff was struggling to keep up.

Pu Ning: I'm exhausted! I told you, you need to hire some more people. We're swamped in here.

Osborn, looking at the staff shortage list, had an idea.

Osborn: No rush to hire from outside. I'll find a few people.

That evening, Osborn found Li Xinguo at the hospital, taking care of his granddaughter. The little girl's surgery had gone smoothly, and she was about to be discharged.

Li Xinguo worked at the bar doing odd jobs in the back, with flexible hours that allowed him to take his granddaughter for follow-up appointments.

Occasionally, he would bring his granddaughter, letting her watch cartoons on the side. The little girl was a bit afraid of Osborn, but always obediently called him "Osborn-gege."

Osborn: You can head out first. I'll finish up the rest.

Osborn completed the remaining tasks and went back to the front. It was almost closing time, and only a few people remained in the bar.

Osborn noticed a young man in the corner, passed out drunk on the table, and went over to tap the table.

Osborn: Hey, wake up, we're closing.

The young man struggled to sit up, blinking his bleary eyes at Osborn for a long moment before suddenly shouting.

Youth: You're... Osborn! I recognize you!

The young man was gaunt, his eyes bloodshot, with a jagged scar running down his arm.

Osborn vaguely dredged up a familiar figure from his memory, a classmate from the Yuda Academy. What was his name—?

He was about Osborn's age, but looked much more defeated than Osborn remembered. His faded, worn clothing suggested he had not been doing well in recent years.

Osborn: I didn't know you could drink this much.

The young man stiffened and gave a bitter smile.

Youth: My family kicked me out.

Youth: I haven't been doing well mentally since I got out of that place. I can't concentrate on studying, and I can't find a job.

Youth: Who would accept someone with a tainted past...

Youth: How about you? You look like you're doing pretty well.

Osborn didn't answer the question, but sized him up.

Osborn: Do you want to work here?

Youth: What?

Osborn, too lazy to explain further, grabbed his collar, dragged him to the door, and called him a cab.

Osborn: We're hiring here. Clean yourself up and come for an interview tomorrow.

After that, the bar gained several new employees who looked like they were not to be trifled with.

There was the seemingly frail young man with a horrifying tattoo revealed when he rolled up his sleeves, and a burly man with a scar over his left eye...

They had all made mistakes in their youth and faced social stigma, struggling to fit into normal society. Osborn gave them a chance.

Occasionally, people felt indignant on Osborn's behalf. He was a promising racer with a college education, yet he was bound by the bounty hunter guild.

Everyone yearned for the bright side of life, placing their hopes on Osborn.

But Osborn didn't care. Being in the mud didn't necessarily mean getting dirty. The depth of life was not only determined by fleeting moments of color.

Now, he not only went to school, competed in races, and worked as a hunter, but he also managed a bar, and Osborn found life interesting.

The days that had once been filled with irreconcilable conflict, like an endless dark tunnel, were finally leading to the light again.

4 Years Ago. Early Winter.

Everyone has a monster living inside them.

When I worked at the nightclub, I once encountered a customer who, even when drunk, didn't cause trouble. He just sat in the corner, repeating the same phrase over and over: "Everyone has a monster living inside them."

Weird, right? Not at all like the kind of things people say when they're drunk. But back then, I was focused on making money and didn't pay much attention. Besides, having worked in that kind of place, I'd seen all sorts, nothing surprised me.

He usually left a few minutes before closing, leaving money under his glass. This happened week after week. He seemed very quiet and out of place, which made me somewhat curious and sympathetic.

One day, I was the last to leave. As I locked up and was about to go home, I saw him huddled under the eaves, drenched in rain.

I remember it was very cold that day, more like sleet than rain, so I hesitated and asked if he wanted to borrow my umbrella, he could return it tomorrow.

He turned around, his face looking utterly defeated. His face was nothing like I imagined. I guessed he was in his early twenties, but he looked much older. He called me "boss," put on a smile, and asked if I needed a ride. He happened to be a taxi driver.

As it turned out, it got even colder later, and snow drifted in through the car window that wouldn't close, soon coating my face and clothes. He was very apologetic, cursing the malfunctioning window and offering me plastic bags, saying they'd help if I put them over the window.

I didn't take them, just told him to drive faster. When we arrived, he asked for thirty, saying the meter was originally thirty-two. I guess he thought I would try to haggle, but I gave him thirty-two directly.

He looked at me incredulously. The quietness he had in the bar returned. He hesitated, seemed like he wanted to refuse, but in the end, he embarrassedly accepted. I didn't say anything more and turned to go home.

Before that, I was debating whether or not to tell him I knew he was taking the long way, but in the end, I chose to say nothing. I think I understood where his world-weariness came from.

Later, I heard from the head waiter that he had gone to jail for fraud and had used all the family's valuables to pay back the debt. His parents had gotten sick from the stress and passed away within a few months. He was driving a taxi aimlessly.

Not an uncommon life. I never saw him again, but later I heard he had started scamming people again.

This world has so many things that can bring out the devil in people. Before they see its power, people always think they won't change.

This unreasonable confidence wraps around people like an invisible umbilical cord, and no one can break free.

I forgot about this incident until I stood on the ship's railing, when that long-forgotten phrase suddenly popped into my head.

That was my first time at sea with my classmates after entering the Maritime Academy. I wasn't prepared at all, as if it was destined, I got on the ship without thinking.

I had left many things behind, with only wind and sunshine ahead of me. And the boundless blue sky.

I think that's the purest color in the world. You know, that was when my perception of the world completely changed.

It wasn't just watching TV or hearing someone say it, but experiencing it with my eyes and body. I realized there was beauty beyond the filth, and I was moved.

However, that vast scene abruptly ended when the sea surged. The lifeboat hadn't arrived, and the ship was already being pulled into the whirlpool.

My classmates had all jumped off, urging me to do the same. The waves were getting bigger, and I realized I would die if I didn't jump.

But for a moment, I really thought about giving up. I thought, let it end here. For me, life had never been about survival, but about punishment.

Until the seawater submerged me, those deliberately forgotten memories surged back.

Every time my hair was pulled until my scalp hurt by the "teacher," I had to take a deep breath to save enough oxygen. I knew what was about to happen: my mouth, nose, and eyes were sealed against the relentless water pressure.

I would struggle to release quick bubbles like a fish until the oxygen in my chest was exhausted. Water would enter my body with each weakening breath, burning my nostrils and throat, as if every second was on the verge of drowning, yet I couldn't even consciously choose to die.

I survived again, luckily. The bright lights of the infirmary welcomed me, not cold water, but concerned greetings. And Ye Chuan's worried eyes.

He didn't believe me when I said I was fine, and kept asking me questions on the way home until I had to change the subject to divert his attention.

The monster inside me had awakened, but Ye Chuan didn't need to know, and no one else did either. Because I would deal with it. No one could destroy what I had, not even myself.

When I got home, I brought in a washbasin, filled it with water, took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and prepared to plunge my head into the water—for a second, I even felt the physical pain.

I suddenly opened my eyes, staring at my reflection on the water's surface. His eyes were full of hatred.

It's okay, I can do it. But again and again, I couldn't face the cold water. Ye Chuan was always watching me from a short distance away, his worried eyes reminding me of spring nine years ago.

As I took another breath, the washbasin was snatched away, and Ye Chuan angrily emptied the water. I hadn't seen him so angry for a long time, so heartbroken.

But, I've been a gambler for eighteen years, there's no reason to stop here. I'll win, you have to believe me.

I found a new tool. The smooth, mirror-like water reflected the images on the screen. Furious roars, scarlet blood, and dismembered limbs after a fight flew across the phone screen.

I felt a sharp pain in my eyes, my stomach churned, and my cold limbs and the blood in my whole body began to boil angrily. The long-lost memories of that "academy" were injected into my veins again.

Not enough, not enough, even if my head was splitting and my heart was about to explode, I had to stare at all the pain, adjusting my restless breathing bit by bit. No one was pulling my hair anymore, I deliberately buried my head in the cold water.

After countless moments of dizziness, I was finally able to sink calmly to the bottom, letting the water cover my hair, my heart rate as steady as if nothing had happened.

I won. So what if the situation was terrible? I still managed to kill the monster inside me. Nothing could bind me anymore, nothing.

Why does greater madness lead to deeper regret?

Upon graduation, Li Yu declared his intention to embark on a voyage along an uncharted course, a route where legend held that one could find the end of the rainbow. The end of the rainbow... I recalled seeing it last in a children’s cartoon book.

His aspiration for romance resonated strongly, and his proposition received unanimous support. We immediately set sail on our most familiar yacht.

Over the four years at sea, I witnessed nearly every visage of the ocean: boundless blue skies on clear days, vast swaths of dark clouds blotting the sky when it was overcast, and even the sudden onslaught of storms no longer filled me with the terror it once had.

Yet, a storm arrived, its towering waves an overwhelming force. Instinctively, I lowered the sails. As the tempest became unavoidable, their hopeful eyes turned to me. I clutched the mast, waving my arm emphatically behind me, urging them to follow my direction, to confront the waves head-on. I knew I had to guide us to safety.

In the midst of the tempest, I felt as if I had become one with the ship. Despite our desperate struggle to survive, the capricious sea might still prevail. I couldn’t help but wonder, what if this was our end?

Then, I was suddenly reminded of the supposed day of the world’s end. It seemed everyone had lost their senses, engaging in all the forbidden acts, the things we would regret never having done. But why does greater madness lead to deeper regret? Li Yu asked me this question.

The relentless rain lashed against us, and I watched as the bow of the ship cleaved a white path through the waves, our yacht moving like a swift arrow. As the end grew ever clearer, long-forgotten memories surfaced.

The smiles of our teacher and Ye Chuan as we departed, the bright sunshine over the sea after a storm, flying fish leaping from the water, an uninhabited island in the Pacific...

Humans, in essence, desire a life of interest, and the world’s intention is that one must personally navigate life’s ocean, where storms are inevitable. But if the journey is sufficiently magnificent, then even a devastating conclusion becomes less of a regret.

We finally emerged from the storm clouds, collapsing onto the deck in exhaustion. Someone lamented the missed opportunity to see a rainbow, but Li Yu countered that after such a tempest, a rainbow seemed trivial. They began preparing for our return.

I raised the sails once more. Seagulls glided past, and a distant echo carried over the sea. In my mind’s eye, I could almost see a rainbow arching across the horizon.

I hesitated, then announced my intention to continue the voyage. Abandoning it midway was not my style. Though we might encounter more storms, perhaps I truly could find the end of the rainbow.

However, the journey was not as idyllic as imagined. The sea offered only unchanging vistas. Then, a distant shape appeared at the edge of my vision. At first, I dismissed it as a hallucination, but the dark spot grew closer, revealing an elderly man waving enthusiastically.

Perhaps it was the rarity of encountering a fellow traveler on the vast sea that prompted him to chat. Hearing of my quest to find the end of the rainbow, he, despite never having seen it himself, readily agreed to join me.

He shared his maritime experiences, and I learned of his terminal illness. I inquired why he still ventured forth, though I knew the answer. Were I in his position, I would have made the same choice.

He explained, “I’ve grown accustomed to this perpetual voyage. Stasis is fleeting, but the road is eternal. Just as your love for sailing compels you to discover what lies beyond the sea, rather than idly wondering, it is better to set out and explore.”

He smiled, increasing our speed. In the midst of our playful race, we found ourselves in completely unfamiliar waters. Looking up, I suddenly saw a rainbow.

Truthfully, I was momentarily disappointed. It was no different from any rainbow appearing after rain, beautiful yet ordinary. The end of the rainbow was merely the end of the rainbow, the romance residing solely in my imagination.

Still, I gazed at it for a long time, realizing that even disappointment was not so terrible. The world was indifferent to my feelings, and even if I abandoned my journey, it would not try to entice me with what I desired.

With this realization, my resentment towards disappointment dissipated. I discovered that I possessed something that transcended it: fellow adventurers who shared my risks, and a kindred spirit who understood my unspoken feelings.

I felt as though the experiences that had shaped me over the years had become faded markers along my course. I had navigated through storms of gossip and whispers, and wherever I looked, light filled my eyes.

When my body finally succumbs, I will remember this moment.

PHONE CALL

Osborn: Can you hear me?

You: I can, but it's a bit choppy...

Osborn: Is it? Give me ten seconds.

Osborn: How about now? Can you hear me?

You: Yes! So, your signal's a bit poor over there?

Osborn: Yeah, I've been in the mountains these past few days, signal's not great. This rooftop is alright, though.

You: Rooftop? And it's been bad for days? Wait, but your calls the other day were crystal clear!

Osborn: Oh, the day before? I was at the foot of Lumen Mountain then.

Osborn: I know that area pretty well. There are a few spots on the hillside with good signal, so I went there when I had some free time at night.

You: Wow, Lumen Mountain is a wilderness! You went up there at night? You're not afraid of running into wild animals?

Osborn: Don't worry, even if I did, they wouldn't dare mess with me.

You: Then... what about yesterday?

Osborn: Yesterday, after I finished a guild mission, I stayed in a local tribe's village.

Osborn: The northeast corner of the village has a plaza. There aren't any tall buildings, but I found it was the closest spot to the nearby cell tower.

Osborn: So, yeah, it was passable. I drove my off-road vehicle there and stood on the roof.

You: That sounds... okay, I guess. But why did you hang up so abruptly yesterday? I was worried sick.

Osborn: About that... I found out this morning that the plaza is actually a sacred site for the tribe's rituals.

Osborn: I was talking to you, and halfway through, they came to chase me away. Axes, torches, the whole shebang. Quite a spectacle.

You: Osborn!

Osborn: I'm here, I haven't cut out, have I?

You: No, you haven't... Ugh, that's not the point! Stop calling me from such dangerous places!

Osborn: I thought we had a deal before I left, some little goofball and I promised to hear each other's voices every day. I can't break that promise.

You: But I didn't know the conditions where you were going were so harsh! You could have just sent me a text...

Osborn: No way. I want to hear your voice, too. You can't take that away from me.

You: I'm serious. You can call anytime, but your safety is what matters most.

Osborn: For me, talking to you takes top priority. And as for safety, you need to trust in Boss Xiao's abilities.

You: ...Seriously, it's like I can never win an argument with you.

Osborn: There are plenty of things you can win against me in, just let me have this one.

Osborn: Speaking of which, your voice sounds a little muffled today.

You: Well... I'm calling you from the bathroom, so I'm trying to keep my voice down.

Osborn: Looks like your choice of location is just as questionable as mine.

You: It's mostly because I sneaked out of a meeting to take your call—

Osborn: Looks like I'm a bad influence on you.

Osborn: You used to be so serious in meetings, hardly even looked at your phone.

You: My top priority is the same as yours, isn't it?

Osborn: Of course. I kinda get what you were feeling now.

Osborn: How about this: you focus on work, I'll focus on my mission, and when we meet tomorrow, we'll focus on nothing but each other.

You: Okay, it's a deal. See you tomorrow!

Osborn: Yeah, see you tomorrow.

TEXT MESSAGES

Osborn: Are you free this weekend? Pu Ning somehow got two tickets to a craft fair, wanna go? You: Of course! Do I need to prepare anything if we go? Osborn: You'll need to prepare payment for my "chauffeur fee" when I pick you up. Osborn: Just kidding, you don't need to bring anything. The fair has a super-light clay DIY activity, and they'll provide all the materials. You: Perfect! I've been thinking your car is a little bare, and I've wanted to decorate it. Let's make an ornament together! Osborn: Sounds good. It feels quite full when you're there, but it definitely needs an ornament when you're not. Osborn: If I make any beginner mistakes during our collaboration, please don't laugh at me, great designer. You: Don't worry, Boss Xiao, I've got this! Osborn (Voice Message): So reliable. In that case, to make sure you're not overwhelmed, Osborn (Voice Message): I'll take on the extra responsibility of bringing you tea and water and keeping you entertained, so you can enjoy your crafting even more. How does that sound?

TIMELINE POST

Osborn: A certain slowpoke said that my car playlist is full of her favorite songs.

You: Not just my favorites, but every single song is one I shared on my social media!

Osborn's Reply: The songs you share are quite suitable for driving. Do you have any more exclusive recommendations?

Chapter 18-01

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#Osborn - Free Fall (自由落体)#light and night #light and night translations #light and night chapter card #osborn #xiao yi

8 notes · View notes

littlest-nightingale · 1 year ago

Text

Cg Eleventh Doctor headcannons bc he's a silly goofy guy:

It takes him a while to figure out how to be a good caregiver

He's trying really hard! But he's.. getting used to it

Sometimes he forgets that you're regressed and gets confused (sometimes even frustrated) when you aren't as capable as you are when big

On the opposite end, sometimes he babies you too much, to the point where it feels demeaning

Sometimes, if he's especially stressed (like if there's an immediate threat) he'll snap at you. He doesn't mean it, but that's not an excuse and he always feels so bad afterwards

He's very receptive when you confront him about these things, and he's trying to fix it, but he's far from perfect (and that's okay!)

It gets rocky sometimes, but there are sooo many positives =D

He'll take you anywhere you want! (As long as it isn't boring, of course!)

He always keeps fun bandaids on hand in case of boo-boos

Forehead kisses!! So many forehead kisses!!

Talks to your stuffies and gives them fun voices

Picks you up! As often as possible! He loves carrying his little one around

Plays "doctor" when you rip your stuffies- a previous incarnation learned to sew, and he remembers how to, so your stuffies are in good hands!

Lets you play in space, just outside the TARDIS. You have a little backpack with a leash that's tied inside so that you can't go out of the oxygen bubble

At some point he learned to make balloon animals. This has proved strangely useful on days when you choose to stay in.

He converted one of the rooms in the TARDIS to be a little nursery for you, with a little bed and all sorts of toys and necessities

Listens to you babble and pretends to understand, making up the funniest conversations to make you laugh

You two are still finding new rooms on the TARDIS. Did you know there's a McDonald's -esque playplace in there? And a giant sandbox?? (He's 90% sure the TARDIS is making these rooms for your entertainment)

Sometimes he just. Looks at you. Not in a bad way. But he just stares at you like you're the most fascinating thing in the whole wide universe

Sometimes he just doesn't pick up on any of the signs that you're small. Not in a bad way, but he'll just continue on as normal for like twenty minutes before being like. "You're small, aren't you? Ah. Sorry about that, love."

#he's a bit. silly #sfw age regression #agere #doctor who agere #Eleventh Doctor agere #fandom agere

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braveclementine · 10 months ago

Text

Chapter 34

Warnings: 18+readersonly, teasing, threats of brat taming

Copyright: I do not own any Marvel characters or locations. However, I do own a few OCs like Elizabeth, Katherine, Stacy, and Jessie. I do not condone any copying of this.

Elizabeth, Jessie, Katherine, Pietro, Vision, and Hogun all got married three weeks later. It was a beautiful ceremony where Jessie wore silver, Katherine wore light pink, and Elizabeth wore white. Pietro wore silver as well, Vision was in human form wearing red, and Hogun was wearing a deep blue lined with black and silver.

The bonding ceremony was beautiful, though shorter than your own. In the end, Elizabeth, Pietro, Vision, and Hogun got a wave symbol for their soulmate bond. Jessie and Pietro were a simple flower while Katherine and Pietro got sun symbols.

Eventually they all dispersed after the ceremony- Wanda included.

Time seemed to pass afterwards. They still stayed with you, even after the wedding, as they were preparing to buy their own house- without Tony's help. They had decided that they would be moving to Florida, and by the time our children were born, they would be leaving.

It was only a month after the wedding that both Elizabeth and Jessie got pregnant. Jessie was obviously carrying Pietro's kid, but Thor let the others know that Elizabeth was carrying Hogun's child.

Elizabeth was ecstatic. I mean, they all were. Everyone was happy and everything was great.

Nothing had changed in your family dynamic- which was fantastic. You were still rotating through everyone, though you did spend just a bit more time with Fury, T'Challa, and Bucky.

Bucky had some fears about being a child, especially with his soldier serum coursing through his veins. And though he had been cured of being the winter soldier a long time ago, there was still a part of him that feared it might come back. That he might relapse. That his metal arm was a danger to any child that we had.

A few sweet, honest words and he was settled back down though. Shuri's surgery had worked and there was possible way for Bucky to become the winter soldier again except by choice. Not to mention, it had been a few years since Thanos, so the only bad thing was his nightmares.

As Rhodey and Bucky had predicted, Alpine did have kittens. Tony made sure that F.R.I.D.A.Y. captured Fury's reaction- which had been priceless.

"Guess what?" Bucky had asked, walking into the kitchen, holding Mini Loki.

"What?" Fury grunted over his cup of coffee, eyeing Mini Loki with dislike while Maria rubbed his shoulder soothingly next to him.

"Alpine had kittens! Isn't that wonderful!"

Fury spit his coffee out. "Maria, we need to get out of this house! There's um- a shopping center that just opened up and I want you to um, take a look at it!"

He grabbed her hand, slamming the cup of coffee down and basically ran the two of them out of the house.

Tony laughed once Fury exited. "F.R.I.D.A.Y., please send that to my email and make sure to save that in my favorite videos. I'd like to post it to YouTube later."

"He will kill you." Coulson and Steve said together, not bothering to look up from the breakfast table.

The months were slow but steady. Around the fifth month, you were quite large. Stephen became your main caregiver, just as he had a lot more experience in the medical field with this sort of thing. Not that he had ever been a birth doctor, but he had gone through medical school and knew more than the others.

Of course, none of this stopped the others from having sex with you. In fact, you even seemed hornier just by being pregnant. And they were all more than willing to satisfy your needs.

Stacy had her baby. A little boy that her and Jackson named Alexander Drake Portolio. He was a sweet little thing with Stacy's green eyes and Jackson's red hair. It was a strange mix on the little boy with freckles already dotted across his face, but he was cute.

You rolled over, coming face to face with Rhodey as you woke up one morning. "Hey hot mama." He mumbled sleepily, running his hand through your hair.

"Hi Sugar." You smiled, closing your eyes again to rest your head on his chest. It was hard to lay on your side anymore- especially now that you were nearing the nine-month mark.

"How are you feeling about the baby shower today?" James asked, running a hand along you're protruding stomach.

"Nervous. I can't wait to know what the genders of the babies are though." You said. "I wonder what Elizabeth will do with the cake, since its' triplets."

"Something Harry Potter themed probably." James joked and you laughed. "How about a bath this morning?"

"That sounds good." You said, sitting up while James slipped from the bed, running a hand over his hair as he made his way to the bathroom, flipping on lights. You could hear the water running in the bath while you stretched your arms above your head.

You picked up the glass of slightly stagnant water from last night, drinking the rest as your throat was still a bit sore.

"It's ready Hot mama." Rhodey said, coming over to help you to your feet. He grinned down at you, brushing your lips together, which you met with eagerly. He chuckled, pulling away when you let out a needy moan against his tongue. "C'mon, bath. You need to relax."

You didn't want to relax, you wanted to ride him, but you reluctantly let him lead you to the bathroom. He helped you over the bath edge and then helped you into a sitting position before climbing in with you.

"Hair or body first?" He asked, motioning to the shampoos and soaps on the tub edge.

"Hair." You said, scooting forwards some so that he had plenty of room behind you.

You always loved when one of your boys did your hair, especially if it was Fury, Sam, or Stephen. They seemed to have rather magical hands when they did it. Bucky was the only one who didn't want to wash your hair- afraid he'd use to much strength with his metal arm, or that the armor plates would retract and your hair would get stuck between the joints.

He was a bit better with the vibranium arm of course, no joints there, but he was still rather careful.

Rhodey's fingers seemed to almost massage your scalp. You smiled a little, finally relaxing like he wanted you to.

Rhodey grabbed the nozzle, rinsing the soap out of your hair. You conditioned the ends of your hairs, rinsing that away, while Rhodey grabbed a blue bar of Dove soap, rubbing soothing circles all over your body.

"James." You mumbled as he finished washing his own body.

"Damn Y/N." Rhodey muttered, a small smile on his face. "Last night wasn't enough?"

"It's never enough with anyone." You grumbled, being a slight brat. "I don't know why I'm so horny all the time."

Rhodey just chuckled, helping you to your feet again and handing you a towel to dry off. "We have to get ready for the baby shower. Later all your needs will be satisfied."

You grumbled a little, but didn't argue because- god damnit- he was right.

You dressed in a F/C maternity dress with flat, sturdy white sneakers for support. Wanda helped you pull back your hair, tying it up in an elegant knot with white ribbon.

"Thanks Wanda." You said with a smile.

"No problem Y/N." Wanda said, fixing up her own hair now while you started on the makeup.

"Has Elizabeth finished the cake yet? Cause none of us are allowed downstairs till she has." You said.

"She's putting the finishing touches to it right now." Wanda said. "She said she'd text when she sticks it in the fridge."

"How are you feeling about the upcoming move to Florida?" You asked. They'd decided they wait. Give birth here, and then that was when they would move.

"I'm kind've excited." Wanda said sincerely. "It will be far away from you guys, but its' not as far, especially with magical portals, no?"

You smiled, "Very true."

Wanda's phone lit up with a text from Elizabeth giving us the all clear. Rhodey knocked on the door to let us know that he was heading downstairs.

"Is everyone else here?" You asked.

"Nat and Bruce are the only ones left to show up." Wanda said. "Even the Guardians got here quicker than them. But," She smirked, "they probably had a late night."

You giggled, "Very true."

Oh right! The Supreme Court had made some changes to the law. Those medically unable-like Nat and the widows, or Vision- were not required to have children. The rules had lightened up a bit- including the penalty for not having enough children- and things were a bit more relaxed now.

You got up, leaving the bedroom with Wanda. Wanda went down the hall and down a set of stairs that led to the guest wing, while you took the main staircase to the kitchen.

Elizabeth looked tired, like she had been up for hours. Her own baby bump was rather large, though nowhere near as big as yours.

"Morning Y/N!" She said cheerfully enough, setting out a plate of eggs, sausage, and a bowl of fruit in it. A small piece of avocado was on your plate as well, making you wrinkle your nose.

"Oi!" Elizabeth scolded, pointing the spoon at you. "I hate avocado too but you are carrying three babies! Eat healthy!"

You let out an exaggerated sigh, eating the nasty green vegetable- fruit whatever- first, rinsing the nasty taste out with a mixture of milk and delicious sausage.

"What time is it?" You questioned Clint next to you.

"Ten in the afternoon. The official baby shower starts at twelve though."

"Where is everyone?"

"Peter and Gamora are showing their daughter around town. Nebula and Kraglin might be with them, although I don't know where the tree and raccoon are." Clint said with a shrug before eating more of his oatmeal. "Thor is probably with them. Bucky is probably wherever the racoon is not."

"He keeps trying to buy my arm." Bucky grunted, coming into the kitchen. He was wearing a leather jacket and a glove was covering his metal hand.

You hid your smile as Bucky grabbed a bowl of apple jacks to eat, leaning against the kitchen counter with his back to the wall so that Rocket couldn't sneak up on him. His eyes continuously roved the kitchen.

"Hey T!" You called over to T'Challa, "Does Shuri still have Bucky's old metal arm?"

"It is possible, why?" T'Challa questioned, confusion written all over his face.

"To give to Rocket." You said with a shrug and a grin. "Might get him away from Bucky's arm he's using now."

"Yes, give that to him." Bucky groaned. "Please!"

"I will let Shuri know." T'Challa said with a bit of a smile.

"You locked up all of the guns, right?" Clint asked everyone in the room, "Cause Rocket will take whatever guns he can get."

"Shit!" Tony jumped up from the table, "My lab!"

He raced down the hallway towards his lab.

"Yeah, Rocket would definitely pillage that." Clint smirked.

"Yes, Steve, Sam, and I locked everyone's guns up safely." Bucky grunted.

"I don't think that would stop him." Loki deadpanned at the table.

The breakfast table banter continued while Elizabeth slaved away at the stove, dishing out plates and plates of food, though you didn't actually ever see her eat anything herself.

"Tony should start paying you." You smirked as Elizabeth set another bowl of eggs in front of us, the boys immediately digging in, though you could've sworn that they'd already had three plates of food.

She just shrugged, a small smile on her face. You knew she really didn't mind. This was exactly what Elizabeth wanted in life. A peaceful life where she cared for her husbands and children. This was just a practice for her- and she was damn good at it. She would be a fantastic mother you were sure.

Twelve o'clock came sooner than expected and things were moved outside, under a large canopy. The Guardians were back. Bucky sat tensely by your side while Rocket sat on the other side of the table, his eyes never leaving Bucky.

"Can I stun him?" Bucky muttered under his breath.

"No." You muttered back, smirking. You knew that he and rocket had actually made a really good duo back during the war. Unfortunately, Rocket had grown an obsession over his arm and it was all he could think about now.

Bucky sunk down in his chair while Steve took a seat next to him, hiding the smile on his face.

"It's not funny punk." Bucky gritted out of his teeth.

"I didn't say it was." Steve said mildly.

"How are you, my Nkosazana?" T'Challa asked, coming up behind you to hug you from behind. He rested his hands on your stomach, feeling the babies kicking inside. "They are extremely active today."

"They've been active all week." You said with a little laugh. "They want out."

"Well Stark did just finish off their rooms." Fury said, sitting on the other side of you. Maria and Coulson sat down on the other side of him, both of them in deep conversation about something.

"Really?" You asked, surprised. "Everything? Without even knowing their genders?"

"Well, he did say that the probability of them being all girls or all boys were very slim so he made two rooms up that could fit two of both genders in them, technically more, but he's prepared." Fury smirked.

Elizabeth brought out the cake, setting in front of you, winking. "It is a bit. . . unconventional, I admit."

You couldn't see anything wrong with the cake. There was a plain, white frosting on the outside of it, not unlike the frosting that had been layered on Steve's cake. The decorations on top were very simple, just a black eyepatch, a small black cat, and a red star.

Elizabeth cut the cake directly down the middle, sliding the two pieces aside. They looked liked two halves of a different cake. On one side, there was a double layer of chocolate cake, and blue frosting in between each chocolate layer. On the other side, it was only layered once, white cake and pink frosting.

Everyone looked at Elizabeth, who was blushing slightly. She pointed the knife at the chocolate and blue. "Fury and T'Challa are having boys." She turned the knife towards the vanilla, "Bucky is having a girl."

You started to laugh, realizing the colours of the chocolate were the skin tones of your boys and the frosting was the gender of the children.

"So, remember, when you do her cake, you have to make the cake yellow." Sam whispered in my ear, making me laugh even harder.

It was all light humor and then the cake was passed around. Presents were given to the four of you- well really your babies.

Once the baby shower was finally over- about six hours later- and the party was cleaned up, you couldn't wait to get someone to take you upstairs. You had been badgering the others for a long time.

"You know what Stevie is?" Bucky asked darkly in your ear, arms wrapped tightly just above the baby bump. "He's Captain America, he's the golden boy. He's an agent, a killer, a lover, a husband, and he'll be a father. But I swear above everything else doll, Stevie is a brat tamer."

Steve and Sam were the only ones who overheard this, cracking smiles. Steve winked at you and you whimpered, feeling the need to be filled intensity with Bucky's last words and Steve's just utter hotness.

"Please." You whimpered, not even caring how many people were surrounding you.

"Y/N!" Tony shouted, running over to you, eyes bright. You nearly started crying on the spot. "C'mon, I have something I want to show you beautiful."

You let him lead you upstairs and down the unused hallway where he opened up the doors to reveal one of the bedrooms.

"Whoa." You said, horny thoughts banished to the back of your mind. "Tony this is-"

"I want our little girl to have the best." He said, smiling over his shoulder at you. "I can already just imagine her in here. Sleeping under there with her stuffed animals. I can picture you sitting next to her, reading her bedtime stories. I can imagine her during the day, running up those stairs and squealing as she slides down the slide. Of course, she's in the crib for now-" He pointed to a lovely, same shaded pink and white crib that was pushed up against the wall.

Everything was a rather overwhelming pink colour, admittedly. But it was also adorable and very princess like.

"I do need to fix the flooring a bit." Tony admitted, "More carpets. I don't want her running on this hard floor until she's a bit older."

You loved how Tony was calling her his daughter, even though she was biologically Bucky's. You were glad that he was seeing them with any difference of his kids.

"I love you Bubba." You mumbled, kissing Tony's cheek.

He chuckled, "You haven't even seen the boys room yet."

You laughed, taking his hand and let him guide you to the boys room. Upon opening the door, you gaped.

It was definitely larger than the girls room. But at the same time, it felt much smaller as there wasn't as much open space as the girls' room.

It looked as though there was a tree growing in the room, with a house on it. There was a ladder that would take them up and down the inside of the tree. The house opened up to show there was one small bed in there, perfect for a kid up until perhaps the age of 12 or 13, depending on how tall he was.

There were rope bridges on either side, that led out into the bedroom. Tunnels connected beds to other beds, while the bridges led to these beds. There were also two hammocks that were hanging near the tree in case they wanted to sit down and read.

There was a large bookcase as well, already stocked with little kids picture books on one side of the room. Behind the beds was what seemed to be a more open area, with large chairs and couches. A TV was there- although you couldn't see a remote. There were more toys over here with boxes full of huge lego blocks and wooden blocks. Small toy cars and those foam mats that you had to put together like puzzle pieces.

There were also toys for a girl, and you realized now that there was a set of double doors that connected the girls room to the boys. And another door that led to the bathroom.

The biggest feature was another tree house, that was more like a club house. It was attached to the ceiling, the only access was a rock wall, as well as another ladder. A blue slide came down the other side.

There was a window seat with pictures that you hadn't looked at yet, as well as a small rocking horse. Your kids would never want anything, that was for sure.

"What do you think?" Tony asked, gesturing around.

You just gaped, taking in everything. "I'm thinking, 'where was this when I was a kid'."

Tony chuckled.

You looked at the pictures by the window seat and started to laugh, "I love these!"

They were different superheroes with positive phrases on them. Although, it was a bit disconcerting to see a DC character among your Marvel husbands- and the kid of course. Not to mention an X-man.

"Although," You finally said, taking a look around the room, "There's no crib."

"Oh right." Tony said, leading you out of that room.

"There's another room?" You asked with surprise.

"Yep!" Tony said, "Don't worry though, this is the simple nursery."

He opened a door opposite the other two rooms and led you inside. True to his word, it was much simpler, and definitely more calming than the other rooms.

It was mostly white, though there was some black and light blues tossed in there. There was a love seat for you to sit on, lots of pillows, carpets, blankets, and rugs. There were quite a few stuffed animals everywhere as well, along with a few picture books.

It was a much smaller room, probably only a quarter of the boys room. It was divided into two half- rooms. One was obviously where you would play with the kids, and the other was where they would lay down to take a nap. There was also a light, wood changing table in the back corner, right near the black crib. There was a white fringe crib mobile above it. A rocking horse to the side.

"Oh Tony. . ." You mumbled, leaning into his side. "I love it. I love all of it. Thank you."

Tony kissed the side of your head, "I can't wait for the kids to come. I can't wait to have even more kids, although I am sorry that you're in pain so often."

You smiled as the two of you left the bedrooms. Stephen was walking down the hall, his hands in his jean pockets. "There you two are."

"Have you seen the bedrooms?" You asked in excitement.

Stephen smiled a little, "I have. Was he to overboard?"

"No, she wants one too." Tony said, winking at you.

You laughed, "I wouldn't have minded having either bedroom when I was growing up. They both seem so fun. Although I will want to keep an eye out on the kids when they move into the jungle room."

Tony nodded, "Don't worry, we can always alter it to make it safer till they're older."

Suddenly, you felt the slightest tickle of wetness sliding down your leg. You blinked.

'Did my water just break?'

You didn't voice it aloud, afraid that you might be wrong. It certainly wasn't how they described in the books with your water splashing to the floor, spraying everyone. It was just a trickle.

"I'll be right back." You said with a smile. "I need to go to the bathroom."

"Alright, do you want to come back to our room when you're done?" Stephen asked, wrapping his arms around Tony.

You smiled, "Naturally."

Tony smirked, nudging Stephen in the ribs before you waddled upstairs to your own room.

Though you rarely slept in here, there was a calm ambience to your room. It was a very simple room, not a lot of stuff as most of your things were scattered in the several other rooms you spent your time in.

You pulled your pants and knickers down in the bathroom, trying to see if there was any clear sign that your water had broken.

Unable to tell, you pulled out your phone, searching how you could figure it out.

Seeing a suggestion, you pulled on a pair of clean knickers and laid down on your bed, setting a timer for thirty minutes. However, you could literally feel the wetness pooling in your knickers and you didn't even need to wait thirty minutes before you knew- your water had broken.

A strange nervousness, yet excitement, seemed to build up in your core. You also felt strangely calm at the same time.

"F.R.I.D.A.Y." You said. "Can you please alert Nick, T'Challa, and Bucky that my water has broken?"

"Yes Miss Marvel." F.R.I.D.A.Y. replied.

You stayed laying there, in wait.

And then you heard a yell from downstairs that sounded like it was from Bucky.

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