#disaster fatigue

[electrosquash]

Plugging this one again because it's a banger and also i love this dude's style somehow?

[tsianphiel]

Disaster Fatigue

It probably hasn’t escaped anyone that the TV-series based on “The Last of Us” has premiered. I haven’t seen it. The reason I haven’t seen it is because I’m frankly totally exhausted from all the real world disasters that are still ongoing. Covid-19 is still marching across the globe. Unless we act, we’re facing a climate disaster, and honestly no one seems inclined to act. Russia has gone to war…

[kimdokjas]

We are alive. And we will continue living. So long as you remain by my side.

[whentherewerebicycles]

everything is still so good!!! heartbeat is super fast and strong and is now firmly in the upper band of healthy/normal. behold the little seahorse (now less seahorse-y because its tail is almost gone) floating around in there attached to its little yolk sac inner tube!!

[patrice-bergerons]

I keep thinking about Ianto interacting with some alien artefact shortly before Reset in S2 which shows him the future: specifically the show canon future up to his death in CoE.

And it's even better if the human mind is not supposed to behold that much info all at once so it puts him into a ~week long coma.

It would be SO interesting when he wakes up. Obviously they have got to prevent all the tragedy (and yay! Happy ending! No deaths!) but it also means Ianto now suddenly knows about all these dark corners of Jack's past - and he has to share that knowledge back with Jack if they are to prevent what is to come. He also now suddenly knows all the ways in which Jack would not let him in in CoE and the fact that his dying ily was met with "don’t". He knows what it feels like to die.

Consider Ianto suddenly a little distant and Jack thinks it's bc, just like he thought, Ianto can't look at him knowing the things he has done, but in fact Ianto is simply wondering what he wants from life and whether he and Jack could even ever have a future together. (And how having almost lost Ianto might shift Jack's perspective on their relationship a little.)

It would also be such a compelling way to explore Ianto’s relationship by Owen -- both by hurting Ianto a little thus activating Owen’s doctor mode, and also maybe bc there is a genuine conversation to be had not just about where self sacrifice meets self destruction. Maybe someone who has lived thru the horror of losing Owen twice needs to make it clear to him just how much he matters. Maybe they need to remind one another.

[thedeathwitchescats]

Dont you just love when your chronic illness chronic illnesses

[lovelyisadora]

may have to get another incomplete again, they really need to make academia easier for disabled people. even with accommodations i’m struggling big time

[tooanxiousforrivers]

gotta spend 40 hours a week looking at the No Fun Screen so I can spend my leisure time looking at the Fun Screen. sometimes as a treat I switch over to the Large Screen, but ultimately I am cheating on all of these with the Tiny Screen. why yes my eyes are in shambles how did you know

[brokenbutunbowed]

We've already gotten over half a foot of heavy wet snow the last few days, and every single one of our birds pens has been damaged.

The inner dividing walls of the pheasant pens caved in, and my yellow golden rooster was crushed to death.

The chicken and duck pen (which are next to each other and use the same fencing/ roof netting) had a complete failure of their netting and the netting actually ripped off the walls and collapse into the pens. Had to lock up the chickens in their coop and move the ducks over to the second duck pen.

The turkey pen was still partly under construction, but the netting on one side collapsed so much it was on the ground and the t-posts holding the doorframe caved in and is leaning at a 45 degree angle. It took so long to clear the snow off the net yesterday that I kept having to take breaks to lay face down in the snow because I thought I was gonna black out. Got the turkeys safely locked in their coop as well for safety.

All that to say.... we have another 10-15 inches in the forecast for tomorrow morning through Saturday and I'm legit terrified of what's going to happen. It's already difficult navigating the yard and I know the nets are all gonna cave in again if I'm not out there constantly clearing them off (they never used to be this bad, I'm not sure why they do this so much now but I'm already brainstorming modifications to add to the pens in the spring to prevent this stuff from happening next year). It's supposedly going to start snowing at like 9 or 10am and I'll be off work at 7am, so hopefully I don't have to drive in it. Might have to switch my sleep around and stay up throughout the day is I can so I can keep an eye on everything.

If work actually cares about us, they'll at least call off first and second shift tomorrow. I doubt we'll get called off because work starts in 2.5 hours for us and we'll hopefully be done before the storm, but still.... if I was still on first shift I'd be using my one singular allowed unpaid sick day to call in tomorrow.

[microcroft]

one thing ive seen happening is people demanding that those explaining and sharing what is happening to palestinian civilians to condemn hamas over and over. Also if someone analyzes the situation and explains how hamas came about and how it didnt just happen out of no where, just as every other extremist group rises, it is somehow supporting hamas. if analyzing and explaining the elements of how these groups and their actions come about is supporting said violence then damn we really need to get together and stop the biggest pro-crime and pro-terrorism groups out there: forensic psychologists, criminologists, historians and sociologists.

[ohposhers]

★POPZONE AU★

AU Idea made by and belongs to @bulliestrolls im just moral support and he never uploaded it so it's my job to upload his AUs for him cause he is on break rn ooo go give him love

So the Popzone AU is pretty much the idea that Brozone decides to do a Reunion tour after the events of Trolls 3 both for nostalgia (before JD fucked shit up) and so Branch actually gets to experience performing with his brothers in concert without it ending in disaster Only issue is due to the mental and physical abuse he endured during his captivity Floyd is too physically fucked and terminally fatigued to perform properly or for extended periods of time SO ★THEY ALL DECIDE TO HAVE POPPY FILL IN FOR HIM AS THE PINK BITCH OF THE GROUP WOOHOO★

I'm not gonna go into detail about the AU cause that's Bully's job when his gay ass comes back from break I just wanted to make some unofficial shitposts and concept art, if you want to know more about the AU go spam Bully with asks and shit ;)) Anyway Poppy getting way too enthusiastic about being a Brozone Bro so she cuts her hair cause i said so

[This AU only works if we all collectively agree that the whole Kismet end scene never happened (Floyd being fine enough to perform, Branch asking Poppy to join the band, etc) its not real you never saw it and neither did i ok]

[chaosandmarigolds]

Dad!Simon who insisted you go on the vacation, because of course he can handle his baby girl and his six year old (almost six, but Ollie rounds up)

Simon who knew he had it in the bag....

for about two hours

Simon who made bagels for dinner; wassss this close 🤏to making Ollie eat dirt because WHAT DO YOU MEAN you don't like bagels now you were begging for them in the store!

Simon who made it about forty hours before he gave him and called Johnny

Simon who had no idea why Ollie was being so gosh darn annoying

Simon who had previously made a bet with Price that he wouldn't need help so therefore he would rather die than call Price even though Ollie idolizes his 'grandfather'

''s Johnny, missed ya but leave a message at the lil' beep."

"John MacTavish I swear to god if you don' call me back in ten minutes I will personally post thos' pictures of ya in Afgan."

two minutes later-

"ya know that's a real low blow-"

"I need you to take Oliver to th' park- Tessie isn't goin to sleep with him 'roun."

"Call the capn, he's closer to ya."

"I will not do that."

"Ugh, fine- lemme tell my girl then'll be there in twenty."

Simon who told Oliver to behave for his uncle and then happily sent them away- which finally he would be able to put the exhausted newborn to sleep

Simon was finally able to doze off on the sofa, the baby happily snoozing away on his chest and everything seemed perfect with the world

"MISTER RILEY UNCLE JOHNNY IS IS-HES-" The thundering slam of the door being swung open not only woke up Simon but the baby who aptly began to sob to the sudden change of pace, Oliver however did not care "UNCLE JOHNNY SUCKS."

Uncle Johnny told Ollie not to kick the ball into the river

Simon who is flabbergasted because even Johnny looked shook to his core, sure they had been at the park for about five hours but like-???

John MacTavish...brought down .... by Simon's six year old

Simon who, after ten minutes of the baby screaming for their mother and refusing to take their bottle with disgruntled wails of pain and Ollie so tired he can't think straight so he's also a sobbing and angry disaster and Johnny's just standing there by the door waiting for answers and everything is so loud-

"Capn?"

"Oh! Hi, sweetheart," John's wife answered the landline and he could hear her voice call for her husband, "Hi, how are you and lil' ones?"

Simon looked at Ollie who was currently in time out for stealing his sisters binkie for the tenth time, "Not great."

"O-"

"Simon." Price's voice cut in and it took about five seconds to get everything account for, "Ya already called Johnny right?"

"Yessir."

"Did you try Kyle?"

"No sir, he's on his honeymoon."

'"Ah-that's right, that's right."

Silence

"Sir I would like your help."

"Ha! Knew it! Alrighty, missus and I'll be there in...i dunno- you boys hungry? She made that-honey whatcha make?" indistinct conversation, "Ma'am said it didn't matter, she'll bring it anyway. Forty minutes?"

Simon looked at Johnny, who was on 'keep ollie in said time out' picking up the kid whenever he would try and run off. "Can you make it twenty, sir?"

Simon and Johnny who, out of habit, stood at attention as soon at the captain let himself into the house

Simon who looked a bit worse for wear, even with his non existant sleep scheulde in the military he had never looked so fatigued

Simon who had the baby out of his arms by Price's wife within two minutes of them being there

Simon who loves his son, he loves him (internal mantra) but he is making him look bad to his captain so the little twerp better get his act together.

"Riley."

"Yessir."

"How long is your block?"

"Two kilometers around."

"Two laps."

faltering silence through the house, Simon stared at the captain as he helped Ollie tie his sneakers by the door. The silence did mean Tessie had finally fallen asleep but he was- "I'm sorry?"

"Two laps, you, Johnny, and Oliver." Price looked to the kid, who looked more angry at the world than anything else, "Go. Dinner will be ready when you get back."

Simon was about to argue but Ollie beat him to it, "I don't want to run."

"You don't want to run?"

Oliver seemed a bit taken back, "No. So I'm not going to."

"Okay. You can clean the entire house- including your sisters nappy's, for a week, yeah?"

A pause.

"Fine, i'll go on the stupid run."

Simon who might as well be walking with the pace Oliver chose to keep

Johnny who took off sprinting because lord knew that man was starving and Mrs. Price's food was heaven on earth

Simon who sat down on the side of the road when the little guy was out of breath

Simon that mostly ran in silence until Ollie broke it

"Why did mom leave?"

huh?

"What?"

"Mom she-she just...she left us, wh-"

"Whoa-whoa whoa, mum didn't leave-mum didn't leave us wh-whoa, Olls," he had collapsed to his knee when the boy started to speak just to look at him in the eyes and he tried to read the boys expression, "Mum would never leave you, she loves you so much."

"Then where did she go?? Why didn't she say goodbye?"

"She's with her friends, and her flight left 'fore you woke up, Olls. Laddie, she wouldn't leave you."

Simon who had called you, even though there was time difference as everyone was sitting down to eat dinner

"oh...wow the gang's back together," You grumble as you rub your eyes, having been dead asleep, only for the camera angle to change suddenly and it was just a close up angle of your son's face, "Hi baby."

"Mom guess what Uncle Johnny did."

"EY, LET'S NOT TELL YER MOM BOUT THAT."

"Hey mom?" The boy was easily distracted and then looked down at the phone again.

"Yeah baby?"

"Never go on away again, dad said so."

You stay silent for a moment, blinking, because in all three years you and Simon had been together Ollie had never referred to him as 'dad' or anything remotely close. "Your...right, yeah-I'm pretty bored here anyway."

Simon, who was fine with you going on little getaways just not anymore how dare you try and leave him alone

"You sure it's okay if I stay a few more days?"

With a short laugh he looks over the living room, where Johnny and Olls were fast asleep watching some cartoon he didn't know the name of while John and His wife had chosen to stay in the guest room for the night. It would hell if you stayed for a few more days.

"Of course, luv, I got the boys an' Tessie needs to learn who they are anyway."

"I guess. Okay, the ride is here. I love you."

"I love you more."

(annnnway that's it <333 any comments you wanna leave or anything like that makes my day!)

[heartysworld]

Racing Hearts // LN4

Lando Norris x Reader

The one time Lando thinks everything is going accordingly to plan,things take turn for the worse.

W.C: 2.5k

MASTERLIST

The sun was just starting to set over the Silverstone Circuit, casting long shadows across the paddock. You stood in the garage, watching Lando as he chatted with his team. It had been a grueling day of making final changes on the car on top of qualifying, and you could see the fatigue in his eyes despite the smile on his face.

"Hey, love," you called out, walking over to him, your arms wrapping around his shoulders as you placed a kiss on the base of his neck. "Ready for tomorrow?"

Lando turned to you, his smile growing wider. "Do you even have to ask me,baby? Home race, lots of pressure, but I'm feeling good."

You nodded, trying to match his enthusiasm, but there was a flicker of worry in your eyes. "Just... be careful out there, okay?"

He wrapped an arm around your shoulders, pulling you close. "I will, babe. I promise."

You leaned into him, feeling the warmth of his embrace. "I know you will. I just can't help buy worry about you."

Lando kissed the top of your head. "And I appreciate it. But I've got something really special planned if I win tomorrow. Trust me, everything's going to be perfect."

Your curiosity was piqued, but you didn't press him for details. "Alright, I'll hold you to that," you said with a playful smile.

He grinned, giving you a wink. "Just you wait and see."

The morning of the race, the sky was a dark, menacing gray. Rain was forecasted, and the tension in the air was palpable. The pit lane was a hive of activity, with engineers and mechanics rushing around, making final adjustments.

You stood by Lando's side as he donned his helmet, your heart pounding. "Good luck, and please be safe," you whispered, squeezing his hand tightly.

Lando looked at you, his eyes full of determination. "I will, love. I promise."

He pulled you in for a quick kiss, the familiar feel of his lips calming your nerves, if only for a moment. "Stay strong for me, okay?" he murmured against your lips.

You nodded, swallowing hard. "I will. I love you, Lando."

"I love you too," he replied, his voice filled with emotion. "Now go find a good spot to watch me win."

You watched as he climbed into his car, the roar of the engine sending a shiver down your spine. As the race began, you found a spot in the garage where you could see the screens, your eyes glued to the unfolding drama on the track.

Despite the worsening weather, Lando was in the lead. His car seemed to glide over the rain-soaked asphalt, his skill and precision evident with every turn. Your heart soared with every lap he completed, pride swelling within you.

The team cheered him on, the tension in the garage almost unbearable as the laps counted down. You exchanged excited glances with Lando's dad, both of you on edge but hopeful.

But with five laps to go, disaster struck. L Max's car began spinning right behind Lando's, catching both of them in a death spin. You watched in horror as Lando's car spun out of control, slamming into the barrier. Your breath caught in your throat, your hands covering your mouth as you fought back tears.

All you could hear was Lando's engineer trying to get a hold of him on the radio, but he got no response back.

"Lando, are you okay?" his engineer's voice crackled over the radio, but nothing. Seconds felt like hours as you waited, the silence deafening.

Then, finally, you heard Lando's voice, weak and strained and barely comprehensible due to the damage of all of the car's electronics. "Baby, the drawer..." And then, nothing. All eyes fell on you as you trembled with fear. Nothing made sense at that moment.

You felt your knees go weak, and Lando's dad caught you before you could collapse. "He's strong, he'll be okay," he said, his own voice trembling.

You nodded, clinging to that hope. "He has to be."

The drive to the hospital was a blur. Lando's dad was sitting beside you, equally shaken. As soon as you were allowed to see him, you rushed to his room, your heart heavy with fear. The sight of him lying there, sedated, broke your heart.

You sat beside his bed for what felt like hours, holding his hand gently. "Lando, what did you mean?" you whispered, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "What drawer, baby?"

Your mind raced, trying to make sense of his words. Suddenly, it hit you—Lando had been oddly protective of his bedside drawer for the past few weeks. No matter where you went, your shared Monaco apartment, Lando's childhood home, the hotels you were staying at, the moment he saw you near his side of the bed he would go crazy, pulling you as further away from it as possible and finding countless distractions for you.

When you got to your hotel room, you rushed to Lando's drawer, your hands trembling. Inside, at the back right corner, your hands found a velvet box with a beautiful ring and underneath the box,a piece of paper with what seemed to be Lando's proposal speech written on it.

From the moment I first laid eyes on you, I knew my life was about to change in the most incredible way. Over the past five years, we've shared countless memories, faced numerous challenges, and celebrated countless victories. Each moment with you has been a blessing, and I can't imagine my life without you by my side.

You are my rock, my confidante, and my greatest supporter. Your love and belief in me have given me the strength to push through the toughest times and the courage to chase my dreams. When I'm on the track, I drive not just for myself, but for us, for our future.

Today, as I stand here at my home race, I realize there's no better time or place to take the next step in our journey together than the the one where our story began.

My love, will you marry me? Will you be my partner in life, my teammate in every race, and my forever love? I can't promise you that life will always be easy, but I can promise that I will always love you, stand by you, and fight for our dreams together.

Tears streamed down your face as you read the words, realizing his plan. He had intended to propose if he won the race. With shaking hands, you slipped the ring onto your finger, feeling a mixture of joy and sorrow. "I’ll wear it always, Lando, no matter what" you said, kissing the ring that now laid on your ring finger.

You sank onto the bed, clutching the letter to your chest. "I promise you, Lando. We'll get through this."

The next day, you returned to the hospital. As you entered Lando's room, you found his parents already there with their nacks towards you Your heart raced as the worst passed through your mind.

However, seconds later, them having noticed your presence and moved aside, you were met with the same eyes you've been loving for the past half a decade. Lando sat on the bed, smiling at you as much as his injuries allowed him.

"Lando?" you whispered, stepping closer.

His parents watcjed as Lando, now awake, was looking at you with a weak smile. Tears filled your eyes as you rushed to his side.

"Lando, you’re awake." you sobbed, clutching his hand.

His eyes fell on the ring on your finger, and a smile spread across his face. "You found it." he whispered, his voice hoarse.

"I did," you replied, tears of happiness streaming down your face. "I’ll wear it forever."

Lando squeezed your hand, his eyes shining with love and relief. "I love you, baby."

"I love you too, Lando," you said, leaning in to kiss him gently. "More than anything."

Lando's parents stepped out to give you a moment alone. You sat on the edge of the bed, holding his hand. "You scared me so much," you admitted, your voice trembling.

"I'm sorry, baby," he said, his thumb brushing over your knuckles. "I never wanted to put you through that."

"I know," you replied, sniffling. "But we're here now, and that's what matters."

Lando reached up to touch your cheek. "Did you like the ring?"

You laughed softly, the sound mingling with your tears. "It's perfect, just like you. I can't believe you went through all this trouble."

"You're worth it, love." he said softly. "I wanted it to be special. I wanted us to start the next chapter of our lives in the best way possible."

You leaned down, resting your forehead against his. "Every moment with you is special, Lando. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you."

He kissed you gently, his lips soft against yours. "Neither can I.Neither can I."

As you sat by his side, holding his hand, you knew that despite the challenges, you would face everything together. Your love was stronger than ever, and you were ready for whatever the future held.

MASTERLIST

[ghostofskywalker]

More Than The Persona

Tyler Owens/Fem!Reader

Words: 2,248

Summary: Tyler Owens is the poster child for storm chasing, his videos often leading to viewers glamourising these drastic weather events. As a first responder, you're no stranger to the death and destruction that tornadoes leave in their wake, so the two of you don't exactly click the first time you meet.

Note: i saw twisters yesterday and i was pleasantly surprised with how much i enjoyed it, since i also love the original 1996 one. as far as why this was written, i’m procrastinating writing zine fics right now and that's the only explanation I can offer lol. i'd love to write more twisters fic in the future though, i did have fun with it

As you stepped out of the ambulance, you could see destruction wherever you turned. Countless houses were razed where they stood, their contents strewn all across the street. Even the structures that had been lucky enough to only get clipped by the tornado were still damaged beyond repair, in some cases with their entire facades ripped off, now laying somewhere smashed on the ground. No matter how many times you had seen scenes like this, the gravity of the situation never got lighter. For almost all of these people, recovering would take months, if not years. 

Crowds were just beginning to collect on the streets as some emerged from storm shelters, but you knew there were some who hadn’t been afforded that luxury. You shared a knowing look with the other members of your team as they began to step over the debris in search of those that might be trapped under rubble. 

By the time more pickup trucks pulled up to the scene, you had set up outside one of the ambulances, hard at work treating the wounds of those who could make it over to you. The crates of water bottles next to you were quickly diminishing, but the line of people in need of medical care never seemed to, which was a sitaution you were unfortunately used to finding yourself in. 

As the newcomers fanned out through the area, you weren’t the only one who stared. Although not a fan yourself of the self-appointed “Tornado Wrangler,” you unfortunately recognized the man who led a small group down the street. Resisting the urge to roll your eyes, you turned your attention back to the person in front of you. There was nothing you could do about the fact that some wannabe celebrities were trying to profit off of the disaster by getting in the public’s good graces, so you would just have to suck it up and hope they eventually get bored enough to leave.

Hours later, you were still in that same spot, and there was still so much to do. Some of the ambulances had left temporarily the scene, taking those whose injuries were more intense off to the closest hospital. Right now, your priority was getting immediate medical aid to those who needed it, even if you could feel your eyes drooping with fatigue. As you gently bandaged up the arm of a young girl, someone tapped on your your shoulder. “Take a break,” and you could hear the sound of your best friend’s voice even if you were looking at him. “I can tell that you need it.” 

You shook your head as the little girl walked off in the direction her mother was standing. “Don’t worry about me Isaac, ‘m fine here.” 

“I don’t believe that,” he responded. “At least get some water and take a few moments to eat something.” 

After a few more passes back and forth, Isaac practically shoved you from your post. With a water bottle in your hand, you wandered around the area, mind racing as you tried to find a way you could help once you had taken a few minutes to yourself. But of course, you were not granted solitude for long. Right as you had raised the bottle to your lips, a voice interrupted your thoughts. “Need anything?” 

Tyler Owens was standing a few paces away, a small box in his hands. The cowboy hat on his head looked pristine, a stark contrast to the way that your work clothes were already too grimy for your taste. “I’m okay,” you said, sending a tight-lipped smile his way and hoping that he would get the message that you weren’t interested in conversing right now. “Thank you.” 

“Are you sure?” he asked, clearly not having picked up on the signs. “You’ve been out here for hours and this is the first time you’ve stopped for any kind of break.” 

Your gaze hardened slightly as you regarded him. “And how would you know?” He was correct of course, but you had no plans to admit that, especially not when he acted as though he knew everything about you. 

“It was just a guess, but I can see that I’m right,” he said, a smile crossing his face that you hated to say that you found attractive. Why did the best looking people have to act as dumb as they did? 

By the grace of the universe, a colleague called you over to them right as you opened your mouth to respond, and Tyler didn’t follow as you headed over to help once more. The whole time, you found yourself thinking about him and his team. What were they even doing here, besides getting in the way of those actually trying to help? 

***

After that time, it felt like you ran into Tyler Owens at least three times a week. He and his team showed up to the sites of destruction with their video cameras out as they surveyed the damage. Multiple times, you had to shoo them away from you as you worked, tirelessly bandaging cuts, scrapes, and other lacerations that people had suffered from the winds of the storm. Despite the fact that your initial conversation with Tyler had lasted less than a minute, he apparently felt that it was enough to bother you again, and to act as though you were much closer than you were. 

This time, you were bandaging up an older woman when you heard his voice interrupt your focus. “Hey medic!” 

Resisting the urge to sigh, you turned to look at him. “What are you doing here?” 

Unfortunately, the smile on his face didn’t shift at your tone. “Helping, of course.” 

“And how exactly is annoying me while I’m just trying to do my job considered helpful?” 

“I’m convincing you to take a break,” he said. “I’ve seen how hard you work, and the way you put others first so many times. Sometimes you need to take care of yourself to take care of others.”

Sighing, you finished gently wrapping gauze around the woman’s leg before speaking. “Nice try, making it seem like you have any concern,” you said. “But I don’t have any interest being on in your  YouTube videos, and I can take care of myself perfectly fine.” 

His smile dropped slightly as he registered your words, the first time it’s happened since you met. Every other time, your words seem to pass right over him, no matter how annoyed you sounded as you spoke, but not this one. He mumbled something you didn’t quite catch before stepping away, and you felt your heart sink slightly in a way you didn’t expect. 

“He’s right you know,” the woman you had just bandaged said as she got up from the chair in front of you. 

“What?” you asked, still trying to wrap your head around the conversation with Tyler.

“You need to take a break at some point. If you’ve been out helping like this after all these recent storms, it’s going to take a toll on you.” 

You nodded, knows that both her and Tyler were right. “I will, I promise.”

“Good,” said. The woman left after giving you another knowing smile, and you flagged down Isaac to take your place for a few minutes. 

It always felt strange, to sit down on the ground and look at the tornado’s destruction. Children’s toys, blankets, and even the skeletal remains of furniture were on the street now, no telling which homes they had once belonged to. You stared out as the wind picked up a photo and pushed it away from you, before it was eventually grabbed by someone. 

As you took a sip of the water bottle in your hands, Tyler appeared from the crowds once more, his hands up in mock surrender as he approached you. “I see you took my advice.”

“I see you’re still dead set on bothering me wherever I go,” you said, but the tone was halfhearted. 

“It’s not my only goal in life, but it’s one I get to work on often,” he said, sitting down next to you. 

“Why?” you asked, finally gathering up the courage to voice the question that had been swirling around your mind since you first met him. “I don’t know you. No offense, of course.” 

A small snort of laughter left his mouth. “I don’t know, I think at this point we could be longtime friends.” You raised your eyebrows at him, and the smile on face grew as he realized that this was once again lighthearted teasing. “I keep bothering you because I can tell you need someone to tell you when to stop.” 

Immediately, you got a little defensive. “No I don’t.” 

“Come on, I think the only time I’ve ever seen you take a break is when someone else said something, and I doubt it’s ever done without some kind of denial.” You looked down at the ground, slightly embarrassed that he had hit the nail on the head. “People all across the community are going to be incredibly grateful for the hours you put in to help them, but it wouldn’t matter as much if you’re neglecting your own care.” 

You stopped, staring once more at the destruction in front of you. “Just because I’m not smiling and laughing for the camera doesn’t mean I’m not taking care of myself.” 

“Going hours without even a sip of water doesn’t exactly back that statement up you know.” 

“Fine,” you admitted. “Maybe you’re right, but it certainly doesn’t help when people like you show up to these scenes to sightsee all the destruction and try to get some clicks out of it.” 

His face changed in an instant, growing more somber than you’ve ever seen before. “Is that all you think we’ve been doing?” 

You nodded slowly, not sure what to expect from his change of attitude. 

“I suppose the way you’ve treated me makes sense now.” 

You stopped. “So you’re not just here for fun?” 

“Half of what we do can usually be considered stupid, I’ll admit that,” he said, looking over at you. “But it’s not all fun and games, I promise. See over there?” He gestured to where a group of people were standing around a table outside his team’s camper van, the reason for their presence obscured by the growing crowd gathering there. “A portion of our our t-shirt sales is put towards disaster kits, and my team over there is handing them out. Free of charge of course.” 

As your eyes focused on the scene, you could see he was right. There was no exchange of money as the team of people handed out boxes of food and bottles of water. You could see a stack of T-shirts sitting to the side, but even those were being handed out to the those that asked whenever requested. 

Immediately, you were overwhelmed with embarrassment at the way you had always perceived him, when all this time he had been doing so much to aid those who just had their lives disrupted. Maybe if you had taken the time to look past the thrill-seeking attitude you could have seen that, but instead you had been so wrapped up in your own life and work. “I’m so sorry for the way I saw you,” you said, turning towards Tyler with a sincere look on your face. “You want to help just as much as I do, and I let my opinion the ‘Tornado Wrangler’ persona get in the way of understanding that.”

He smiled in a way that was more genuine than any of the others you had seen on him. “Thanks,” he said sincerely. “But don’t worry about it, you’re not the first person to make the assumption, and you probably won’t be the last. I willingly drive into tornados for fun, it’s not exactly something you do if you’re not a little bit crazy.” 

You laughed. “Yeah, as a medical professional I really can’t condone that.”

“Most people would probably agree with you.” 

The two of you sat there for a few minutes more, a comfortable silence enveloping the air before you had to get back to work. There was still so much more to be done, and the daylight hours were slipping away. 

But as the two of you got up and you began to walk away, Tyler’s voice stopped you. “Hey.” 

Turning around to face him, a quizzical look overtook your face. “Hmm?” 

“I’ll see you around, alright?” 

You smiled, the cautious fluttering of tiny butterflies taking hold of your stomach. It was only a matter of time before this happened, you supposed, but you tried not to let anything show on your face. “Yeah,” you said, a genuine smile breaking through any attempt you made to remain nonchalant. “See you around.” 

***

That night, as you laid on the couch watching TV, you saw a text pop up on your phone from a number you didn’t recognize. 

It’s Tyler. Before you get mad at me, Isaac gave me your contact info. 

You playfully rolled your eyes, making a mental note to confront your friend later, that perceptive bastard. 

Do you wanna go out for drinks sometime? I don’t wanna have to wait for another tornado to see you. 

Sure, was the response you typed out and sent off, but on the inside, you were a lot more excited. 

Okay, maybe you didn’t have to be that hard on Isaac.

- the end -

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[a-lexia11]

Ungrateful

Leah Williamson x reader

Warning: angst,Leah’s ACL

Words count: around 5k

Every morning began before dawn. I would slip out of bed quietly, so as not to disturb Leah, who slept on the bed with her leg propped up on a mound of pillows.

Her ACL tear in April had left her unable to walk, and the crutches leaned against the wall seemed like a cruel reminder of her helplessness.

I started my day by preparing breakfast—Leah’s favorite scrambled eggs with crispy bacon and freshly squeezed orange juice. I wanted everything to be perfect, hoping that my efforts might bring her a little comfort during this difficult time.

Leah had always been strong and driven, but seeing her struggle with something as basic as moving around was heart-wrenching. Despite my exhaustion from training, I did everything with a smile, determined to make her recovery as comfortable as possible.

The routine was a blur of laundry, cleaning, and cooking. Leah’s clothes seemed to accumulate in heaps, and each evening, after an intense training session, I would come home to find more mess—dirty dishes piled in the sink, crumbs scattered on the coffee table, and wrappers strewn across the floor. I would clean up, even though I was physically and mentally drained.

——

One evening, after another grueling training session, I walked into the kitchen to find Leah sitting at the table, tapping away on her phone.

The kitchen was a disaster—crumbs from her snack littered the counter, and empty food containers were haphazardly thrown aside.

“Hey, what’s for dinner?” Leah’s voice cut through the silence.

“Chicken stir-fry,” I replied, trying to keep my tone upbeat despite my fatigue.

Leah barely glanced up. “Make sure it’s not too spicy. You know how I don’t handle spice well.”

I forced a smile and started cooking. As I chopped vegetables, I glanced around at the mess Leah had left behind.

The crutches were lying in the middle of the floor, making it difficult to navigate around the room. I took a deep breath and focused on making the meal as perfect as possible.

When I finally brought the food to the table, Leah was still engrossed in her phone. “Finally,you took your time, I’m starving,” she said, barely looking up.

I put the plates down with a clatter, trying to mask my frustration. “I’m doing my best, Leah. I’ve been working hard too.”

Leah’s eyes flicked up, and she gave me an annoyed look. “Well, maybe if you weren’t so busy complaining, you’d actually be able to get things done faster.”

Her words cut deep. I was trying my best to support her, and it felt like all my efforts were being ignored. “I’m not complaining,” I said, struggling to keep my voice steady. “I’m just saying it’s been hard for me too.”

Leah’s irritation flared. “If you can’t handle it, maybe you should just leave.”

The words hit me like a physical blow. I felt my tears welling up, but I refused to let them show. “Maybe I will,” I said, my voice trembling with hurt and anger.

Without waiting for a response, I walked out of the room, slamming the door behind me.

I took refuge in the bathroom, the cold tiles offering no comfort as I sank to the floor. I turned on the shower, letting the hot water cascade down.

The steam enveloped me, and I let the tears fall freely. The bathroom, normally a sanctuary, became a place of silent suffering. The sound of the running water masked my sobs, allowing me to cry without Leah hearing.

My heart ached with the weight of feeling unappreciated and used, and I felt utterly alone despite my attempts to be there for her.

——

A few days later, Leah’s attitude showed no sign of improvement. One afternoon, as I was organizing the laundry, Leah called from the living room. “Can you get me that book from the shelf? I’m too tired to reach it.”

I was in the middle of sorting through a mountain of her clothes, but I walked over to the bookshelf and retrieved the book. When I handed it to Leah, she barely acknowledged me. “Finally,” she muttered.

That evening, as I was cooking dinner, Leah’s frustration with her recovery seemed to be taking a toll on her mood. I found her snapping at me again. “Why does this food always seem so bland?” she complained, poking at her plate with a fork.

I tried to ignore the sting of her words. “I followed the recipe, and that’s what you like but maybe your taste buds are just off because of the medication you taking for the pain”

Leah rolled her eyes. “Or maybe you just don’t know how to cook properly.”

I could feel the frustration bubbling up inside me, but I kept my composure. “I’ll try to make something else.”

The next day, Leah’s demands escalated. I came home to find the apartment in disarray. The crutches were strewn across the hallway, and the living room was cluttered with Leah’s belongings. I set to work cleaning up, but Leah’s voice interrupted me.

“Can you fix the TV? The remote isn’t working, and I can’t watch anything.”

I sighed, setting aside the cleaning to troubleshoot the issue. It turned out to be a simple problem with the batteries, but Leah’s impatient tone made it feel like a monumental task. “It’s fixed now,” I said, handing her the remote with a forced smile.

“Finally,” Leah replied, barely looking up from the screen. “I was getting so bored.”

As days went by, the emotional toll of Leah’s ungratefulness became increasingly apparent.

One evening, after I had cooked dinner, Leah complained again. “I don’t understand why we’re always eating the same things. Can’t you make something different for once?”

My heart sank. I had tried to make meals that suited her taste and dietary needs, but it felt like nothing was ever good enough.It’s always the same… always complaining about food.

——

One night, Leah’s frustration with her recovery came to a head once again. We were sitting in the living room, and I was trying to relax after a long day. Leah, however, was in a foul mood. She snapped at me over something trivial—my supposed failure to fold her blankets properly.

“This is so sloppy,” she said, throwing the blanket aside. “Can’t you do anything right?”

That was the breaking point. I stood up, my hands trembling with anger. “You know what, Leah? I’m doing everything I can for you. I cook your meals, clean up after you, and try to make things as comfortable as possible. And all I get in return is criticism. I’m not your servant. I’m your girlfriend.”

Leah looked shocked. “You think I’m not grateful? I’m just tired of being stuck here. It’s frustrating!”

“Well, guess what? I’m tired too,” I shot back, tears of frustration blurring my vision. “I’m tired of feeling like my efforts don’t matter. I’m tired of being constantly berated. I’m doing everything I can, but it’s never enough for you!”

Leah’s face flushed with frustration. “It’s not about you not doing enough! It’s about me being stuck here and feeling helpless. I’m taking it out on you because I don’t know how to handle it!”

“Then maybe you should try expressing your feelings differently,” I snapped. “Instead of making me feel like I’m failing you, maybe you should appreciate what I’m doing. I’m doing my best!”

Leah stood up, her voice rising. “You don’t get it! You have no idea what it’s like to be so dependent on someone else, to feel like you’re losing your independence. I’m frustrated, and I’m taking it out on you because you’re the only one here!”

“And I’m supposed to just take it?” I shouted back. “I’m not a punching bag! I’m trying to help, and it’s hurting me to feel like I’m not appreciated!”

The argument left us both drained, standing in the middle of the living room, our faces flushed with anger and hurt. Leah’s eyes were filled with tears, and my heart was pounding with the weight of our confrontation.

I stormed out of the room, needing space to collect my thoughts. Leah slumped onto the couch, her face buried in her hands, and the silence that followed was heavy with unspoken pain.

——

In the following days, Leah seemed to realize the gravity of her actions. One evening, she made a concerted effort to mend things. She spent the entire day planning a surprise for me.

I came home to find the living room transformed into a romantic setting—candles flickering softly, a table set with care, and gentle music playing in the background. Leah, looking nervous but determined, had prepared dinner herself.

When I walked in, I was taken aback. Leah greeted me with a tentative smile. “Hey,” she said softly. “I wanted to apologize for everything. I know I’ve been ungrateful and difficult. I’ve been thinking a lot about what you’ve done for me, and I’m really sorry.”

I sat down at the table, touched by the effort she had put into this gesture. The meal wasn’t perfect—there were a few burned edges and unevenly cooked parts—but the sentiment was clear. Leah had tried, and that meant more to me than any grand gesture.

As we ate, the silence was thick with unspoken words. Finally, Leah broke it. “I’ve been reflecting on how I’ve treated you. I want to be better. I want to show you how much I appreciate you. You’ve been my rock through all of this, and I’ve taken that for granted”.”

My eyes filled with tears, not just from the pain but from the relief of hearing Leah’s sincere apology.

“Thank you, Leah. It’s been hard for me to feel like my efforts aren’t valued. I just want us to be able to support each other, not tear each other down.”

Leah reached across the table, her hand finding mine. “I promise to do better. I want to be the girlfriend you deserve, not someone who just takes from you.”

The sincerity in Leah’s eyes and her commitment to change melted some of the ice that had formed around my heart.

We spent the rest of the evening talking about our feelings, our hopes, and how we could improve our relationship. It was a difficult conversation, but it was necessary.

Leah made a conscious effort to be more considerate and appreciative in the days that followed. She started taking on small tasks within her limited mobility and expressed gratitude for everything I did.

Though there were still moments of tension and frustration, we were learning how to communicate better and support each other more effectively.

I knew that the road to healing wouldn’t be smooth, and there would be setbacks. But for the first time in a long while, I felt hopeful.

Leah’s effort to make amends showed that she was committed to changing our dynamic. And for me, that was the first step toward rebuilding the trust and love that had been strained.

FIN