#i need like a week where i don't see *anyone*

[halfwayhearted]

Hii! Realy love your work!!!🫶🏻

Can you write for an fluff with pedri? the reader is a very independent person, as if she wouldn't ask anyone for help even if she was in a car accident 💀💀💀 and like pedri want help her in everything but she don't let him, she don't ask for help. But end of the day she's just grow up like this and she don't know how ask for help and she just start cry and maybe pedri comfort her???? It would be cute☹️

Yo Quisiera — Pedri González.

Pairing: Pedri González x Fem!Reader

Summary: Where all he wants is to be there for you.

Word Count: 850+

Disclaimer/s — Not much, slight angst (not really), + comfort!

A/N: HEY SO. Well, first of all, THANK YOU SO MUCH??? AND second of all, sickening, but I loved it, I hope you did too! ^_^ Listening to AOT openings and endings, wow just kill me now

It wasn’t your fault that you were unable to ask for help, nor was it his. Yet, for some strange reason, you still felt completely hopeless about it. He’d told you countless times that he’d always be there for you if you needed anything. Pedri was patient, so very patient, while you were left feeling… guilty.

And so here you were, standing outside his house with your hands fidgeting together. It’s been a horrible week, and all you need right now is him.

You don’t know how to do it, though. All your life, you’ve been told to just suck it up and that you can do it all by yourself—and they were right! You didn’t need anyone to do anything for you. Truly.

But now? Now, you’re not so sure.

Picking up the pieces came naturally to you. This feeling you’re feeling is temporary, right? You’re fine! Yeah, you’re totally fine. More than that even.

With that in mind, you let out a sigh and lift your fist, ready to knock when the door swings open.

Your eyes widen instantly; it’s almost comical.

Pedri offered a smile. “I knew you were here. Nilo was whining,” he tells you, holding out a hand, slowly grabbing your wrist, and pulling you inside.

“Sorry, I was just about to knock.” All he does is hum in response, placing a kiss on your temple and shutting the door. “So… how was practice?”

“Good-ish. It’s getting hotter.”

“Ish,” you echo with a laugh, nodding your head.

“How was work?”

Oh, sore subject unfortunately. “It was ish.” That was your way of joking through it, even with the swarming thoughts that kept clouding your mind.

Though he can tell something’s wrong. The way your smile wanes slightly when your laughter subsides. You’re like an open book to him, but he wouldn’t tell you that anytime soon. He tilts his head and utters your name. “Are you alright?”

Lifting your head, your eyebrows furrow. “Hm? Yeah, why wouldn’t I be? Just wanted to see you.”

Of course. Pedri should’ve been expecting that.

“Just wanted to see me,” your boyfriend repeats, taking a step towards you. “You can talk to me.”

When you don’t reply, he continues, “Let me in?”

Let me in, his words make you avert your gaze. It wasn’t that easy, was it? You don’t even know what to do. Well, you didn’t think you did, at least.

Apparently, the only response you can muster is letting your eyes well up with unshed tears. Fuck.

This really wasn’t what you wanted to do.

The sight of your glossy eyes is enough for him to cup your face. “Hold on. Hey, hey, what’s wrong?”

Your brain is short-circuiting. “I don’t know.”

“Talk to me, cariño,” he whispers. “I’m right here.”

Why would he say that.

That’s when you feel the tears start to trail down your cheeks, and you can’t stop them from falling. A small sob escapes your lips, and he immediately embraces you. One hand rests on your head, fingers running through your hair, while the other holds you close, chin resting on top of your head.

“People suck,” you finally manage to get out.

He already knows what that means—your job. You must’ve dealt with a ton of rude customers, complaints, and who knows what else. “…yeah?”

Yeah. You wrap your arms around him, nodding against him, not trusting your voice to sound completely steady. Tears still wetting his shirt.

After a couple more minutes, when Pedri notices your sniffles are becoming less frequent, he pulls back. His expression is so soft it almost makes you want to cry more, but you don’t. Yeah, don’t.

“Okay, take a shower, and when you come out, dinner will be ready, and we can watch whatever. Wind down. How does that sound?” He asked.

You nod. “Do I smell or something?”

“What? I never said that! It could be relaxing.”

“I’m messing with you,” a pause. “Thank you, Pedro. Really. Oh, and I’m sorry. For your shirt.”

The man looks down. “It’s okay. It’s just a shirt. Don’t worry about that. Plus, it’s proof you let me in,” he grins, doing his utmost to lift the mood.

Yeah, you guess it is.

Before you could, he raises his hands and wipes your eyes tenderly. The action makes you grasp his wrists, and you lean up to place a small, lingering kiss on the corner of his mouth, causing his smile to spread even wider. You feel better.

“I’ll be here when you’re done.”

Here. Both literally and figuratively. It’s enough to make your lips quirk up slightly. “You’ll be here,” you chirp, brushing past him. “I’ll be super quick.”

“That defeats the whole relaxing purpose.”

“What? I can’t hear you!” And with that, you hear his laugh and can’t help but smile—actually smile. You didn’t exactly ask for help, but you know that if you did—when you do, he’d be there for you.

And Pedri hopes that you realize just how deeply this moment will forever replay in his memories.

Likes, reblogs, and comments are always appreciated ^_^.

DT(s) — @pedriache + @spidybaby + @iovepoem + @ferrarifudds + @levidazai + @gadriezmannsgirl + @sakashq + @joaoflms ! ౨ৎ

[fizzyapplecandy]

Ateez as Romance Tropes

The one where you fall in love for real

Other members

Genres and warnings: fluff, best friends to lovers, fake relationship, wedding guests, mature language, some angst, suggestive content, happy ending

Word count: 4.9k

When you tell a lie to save yourself from the judgement of your family, you need Yunho to play the part of the perfect boyfriend. For some reason, he does it so effortlessly you wonder if there is something more underneath.

"I did a thing."

"I'll go find a shovel, but tell me who it is? It's your ex, right?"

Your mouth dropped, going over to punch your best friend in the guts.

"You idiot! Why would that be your first thought?"

Yunho laughed, rubbing at his stomach.

"Because you really hate the dude? Come on, lighten up."

"I can't, I really can't."

You sighed, throwing yourself on the couch and pushing your head into a pillow. Yunho ran over to you, kneeling down and placing his hand on top of your head.

"Hey, honey, what's going on? You only get this depressed when they don't have your favourite cookies in the store. And... What did you do?"

There was no easy way to explain your poor decision making to him, but you knew he'd understand. He may not like it much, but he'd follow along. Or at least you hoped he would. Sighing again, you turned your head to look at him.

"You know how my cousin is getting married in two weeks?"

He nodded. "Yeah, the one you don't like, but your parents do. Why?"

"Well... She made fun of me when I went to dinner with her and our families. She said how I'm going to be single forever, and I don't have a date for the wedding."

You paused, not able to look Yunho in the eyes. He urged you to continue.

"So? Come on, Y/N, spill it."

"I told them you were my boyfriend and I'm bringing you as a plus one."

After rushing the sentence out, you smashed your face into the cushion again, not wanting to see his face. His chuckle made you lift your head again.

"Is that it? Oh, honey, that's cute. We're going to a wedding!"

You shot up, scaring him slightly.

"Cute? Do you know what I've done? My mother won't leave us alone, my cousin as well, because they don't believe me! I had to convince them for half an hour before they stopped laughing straight at my face. They'll make us... I don't know, do couple shit."

"Okay, breathe! Slow down, chill out and just breathe."

You rubbed your eyes, trying to keep the tears at bay. Yunho took this all way too lightly that he was supposed to, but that was his nature. He was always the casual one in your friendship.

The friendship that you two built over the years, going strong after so many ups and downs in college to adulthood. At twenty six, you were sharing an apartment and trying to tackle everyday obstacles. You wouldn't do this with just anyone.

"Why are you not mad? You know how my family is, and you know they'll be annoying us the whole time. We'll have to be all lovey dovey."

He smiled, plopping down on the couch and throwing an arm around you. You naturally gravitated into his embrace, letting him run his fingers through your hair.

"Why would I be mad? I love you, and I'd do anything for you. Nothing will change after one or two days pretending to be your boyfriend. You're still my Y/N, my best friend, right?"

You turned your head to look into his eyes, a bit confused by his expression. Yunho was always the fun one, the free spirited one, but why did he look so serious now? It almost felt like he was hiding something, but you didn't want to make this situation even more complicated.

"I love you too, Yun. Thank you, you're a lifesaver."

Ah, there it was, the face of your goofy friend. His grin was wider than ever, and before you knew it, his arms were strongly wrapped around you in a soul crushing hug.

"You love me? My, my honey, I haven't heard you say that since I got you two boxes of those cookies you like and couldn't find for a whole week!"

"Oh, shut up."

.

.

"You cannot wear that, absolutely not."

"But Y/N it's-"

"Bright green and ugly! Stop messing around, we have a family to impress - my family."

Yunho pouted, taking off the vomit coloured blazer and reaching into his closet for something else.

"I don't know why you're so obsessed with what I'm wearing to that shit show."

You sighed, feeling guilty about antagonizing your best friend when he was blindsided with your poor attempt at salvaging yourself.

"Look, all I'm trying to do is save us from any heavy judgement, you know how my mother gets. Lisa is even worse."

At the mention of your cousin's name, he shivered, making a sour face.

"Okay, okay. I'll look for something normal."

Yunho rummaged through his closet some more, before gasping excitedly.

"This is it! My 'boyfriend' armour! Yeah!"

"Whatever do you mean?" You questioned, already afraid it might be something ridiculous. But you were stopped in your tracks when he pulled out a sleek black suit. The one he wore on your graduation day.

Or as you remember it - The day you officially fell in love with Jeong Yunho.

"It's perfect, isn't it? You can't say no because you already complimented me when I wore it, if you weren't lying."

Even if you hated it, you couldn't say no to that happy expression of his. You just nodded, a lump forming in your throat.

"Y-Yeah, I think that will do."

"Oh, by the way, what are you wearing?"

You were quickly snapped back to reality with his question.

"Don't. Just don't ask me that. I'm a bridesmaid, per my cousin's request. The dress she chose... I'd rather not look at it until I really have to."

He winced.

"That bad, huh?"

"Worse."

"Okay, but knowing you, you'll manage to pull it off. You're just..." He stopped, suddenly averting his eyes from you.

"What? I'm just, what?" You urged him to continue, but he turned away to place the suit back into his wardrobe.

"You're just that beautiful."

For a moment, the world stopped. Yunho has always been the more affectionate one in your friendship, but you've never heard him sound so sincere. Without a word, you stood up from his bed and went over to where he was standing. He still hasn't turned around, rummaging mindlessly through the closet. You put your hand on his shoulder, standing on your tip toes to place a gentle kiss on his cheek. Instantly, his ears turned bright red, and he looked at you with wide eyes. You only smiled in return.

"Thank you, Yunho."

He shrugged, trying to brush you off like it wasn't a big deal.

"Yeah, yeah... So, what's for dinner tonight?"

.

.

"Y/N, dear! What on earth are you wearing?"

"We've been travelling for three hours mom, I just wanted to be comfortable."

Your mother made a disappointed face, and you could feel the judgement oozing out of her. Suddenly, her whole face lit up.

"Oh! Yunho! What a surprise!"

Yunho, ever the polite gentleman, offered your mother a handshake before placing his arm so casually over your shoulders.

"Hello. Sorry we're a bit late, traffic was terrible."

She waved him off. "Don't be silly, you're right on time! The rehearsal dinner doesn't start for another two hours, Y/N will have enough time to be presentable. I'm quite surprised by the sudden turn of events, I must say."

You sighed. "What do you mean?"

She gestured between the two of you.

"Well, this. The relationship. I thought you were just friends? You've known each other, what, over five years?"

Oh. Maybe you hadn't really thought everything through, like explaining how you got into this supposed relationship. Luckily, Yunho's brain always worked overtime, and he was quick to answer.

"Well, it took a lot of courage for me to confess my true feelings to Y/N. But I did it. This girl here... I'm a lucky guy. I still can't believe she's finally mine."

Your head snapped towards him, surprised by how casually he came up with an explanation. One you almost believed as well. It seemed like your mother bought it without trouble.

"Isn't that wonderful! Maybe you'll finally be able to tame that little firecracker. Please, go unpack your bags in the guestroom, and try to be ready on time Y/N."

"Yes, mother."

Anxious to run away from your judgmental family, you took Yunho by the hand and led him towards the guest bedroom on the third floor of your house. The only good thing about the situation was the fact that you had the whole floor to yourselves. You don't want to hear your mother's shrill voice first thing in the morning.

"Your mom's as fun as I remember her."

"Shut up. She couldn't wait to criticize me. I'm so glad I'm not alone in this."

Yunho closed the door behind you, throwing himself on the queen sized bed. The only bed in the room.

"Oh God, how are we going to sleep? We can be in two rooms, they'll immediately figure us out."

"Don't be dramatic, the bed is big enough for both of us. You won't even feel me beside you."

You watched as he rolled around the mattress, almost purring like a cat.

"How are you this calm about... All of this? And what was that before with the speech? You really gave your everything."

He froze, leaning up on his elbows, but you could tell he was a bit more apprehensive now.

"I had to be convincing, don't read too much into it."

"Right..."

Silence overcame you, so you decided to unpack your things to keep yourself busy.

"Do we really need to go to that dinner?"

You sighed, feeling sorry about putting him through the whole ordeal.

"We do. It's the big rehearsal before the wedding, and I'm a bridesmaid. Although, I don't know why Lisa chose me in the first place. We've never been particularly close."

"Maybe she had a change of heart?"

You chuckled, glancing at him, seeing he was now in his stomach staring at you.

"Yeah, no. That evil spawn has had it put for me since we were kids. Do you know she chopped off my hair when we were seven? I had to get a bob. A bob! I looked like a sauce pan. Don't laugh!"

You threw a shirt at his head, but his laughing only got louder.

"Cut it out!"

Before you knew it, you were headed towards him, trying to silence him. Yunho grabbed your hands, and you toppled over him. In a mess of limbs, you somehow landed on top of him.

His laughing was cut off sharply, the grip he had on you tightening slightly. Your eyes met, and you were confused by the way he was gazing up at you.

Almost as if... No, no way. Yunho was your friend, and this was an awkward situation.

"Yunho?"

"Yeah?"

"I have to get up now."

"Oh!"

He let go of you, trying to sit up himself. You were now next to him, staring off in front of you. No words were said by either, so you slowly got up and continued rummaging through your things.

"I'm.. I'm gonna go take a shower and get ready. You... I don't know, do something. We need to be there in less than two hours, so don't fall asleep."

He nodded, avoiding your gaze.

"Got it. No sleeping. Off you go."

Leaving him be, you rushed out of the room and into the bathroom, all of your clothes in hand. You'd rather eat mud than have to walk into the room in just a towel. No way.

It took you an hour to get ready completely, and by the time you re-entered, Yunho was fast asleep.

"Silly boy."

You reached over to pat him on the back since he was sleeping on his stomach.

"Yunho? What did I tell you about falling asleep?"

The tall man jolted up, eyes still closed.

"I'm awake! I was just resting my eyelids. Yes, just resting."

"Well you have under an hour to get ready so I'd suggest you hurry it up."

He saluted you, eyes shut, and saluted you.

It took him a minute, but once he finally came to, he let out a gasp. His eyes were wide as you turned to look at him, mouth open.

"You... Wow."

This was the second time you found yourself questioning Yunho's expressions aimed at you. His eyes, usually full of joy, had a different glint in them.

"Oh? This? It's just an old dress I've never bothered to wear before."

"I can see why. You can kill a man with your looks honey. It's dangerous."

The blush on your cheeks was instantaneous.

"Stop that. What's going on with you?"

He laughed, grabbing his things to head out and get ready.

"I'm only speaking the truth. I think your cousin won't be happy when you outshine her tonight."

Yunho didn't give you a chance to reply because he was out the door in a second. You chuckled, going over to the floor length mirror in the corner of the room.

Your reflection was never something you appreciated enough, but Yunho always managed to make you feel special. Right now, you were gazing at yourself with another set of eyes, a set you were so familiar with. His words made you fall in love with the way you looked tonight. He just had that kind of charm.

You lounged around and waited for Yunho to get ready, your nerves starting to get the best of you, again. The door opened, and in came your best friend, dressed to the nines. Yunho somehow pulled off the checkered blazer and causal jeans combo like he got straight off the runway.

"What do you think? Too plain, or too weird? I really can't be bothered to wear slacks tonight."

Your heels made you a couple inches taller, but he still towered over you as you stood in front of him. No words were said from your end, and you grabbed the lapels of his jacket to straighten them out.

"It's crazy, you know?" You whisper.

"What?" Yunho looked confused, trying to decipher what you meant.

"How handsome you are, but you don't even realize it. You just make it all look so... Easy. So casual."

His eyes softened, placing his large palms over your shaking hands. The touch grounded you, making you aware of how close you were. If you just stood on your tip toes, if he just bent down a bit more...

"Y/N! I told you to get ready on time, we're going to be late!"

Your mother's shrill voice pulled both of you out of the trance you were in, separating like you were caught doing something naughty.

"Let's go. I can't stand her nagging me the whole night about not being on time."

He only nodded, following after you like a lost puppy.

"Oh just look at you two! Yunho, I'm impressed! You could pass as a model. How did my daughter get herself such a handsome man?"

Of course she would try to put you down in any way she could. You were about to burst, but Yunho beat you to it.

"I'd have to disagree with you. I think I'm the lucky man who got to have this beauty by his side. I'm still wondering how I managed to do that."

Your mother looked taken aback, not used to people taking your side. She quickly pulled herself together, and a smile appeared on her face.

"Well then... Both of you can consider yourselves lucky. Come on now, let's get going."

You just mouthed a silent thank you in his direction, and he winked before taking your hand in his and walking out of the house.

It wasn't a weird gesture, you two always held hands, but your brain was too jumbled to notice the tingly feeling you got in the moment.

"I think you should take up acting, you know?"

Yunho chuckled, buckling up and starting the car.

"And why is that?"

"Come on, my mother is smitten by you. I'm sure the rest of my family will be, too. You just saved my sorry ass from explaining why I've been single for so long."

He was silent for a while, and you thought you might have said something wrong, but then he reached over to take your hand again.

"You know, it's not all acting."

"What do you mean?"

"The things I say about you... I really mean them. You're special, Y/N, and I'm angry when I hear other people brushing you off."

"Yunho..."

You squeezed his palm tighter, not believing how you managed to get yourself a man like him. The little crush you had only grew bigger every time he opened his mouth in the past week. Something was up, but you didn't want to get your hopes up too much. This was still your best friend, doing you a major favour.

"I'm just being honest. This isn't as difficult as you made it out to be. I'm just being myself, and everything I say is completely honest."

He glanced at you briefly, giving you one of his smiles that made your knees weak.

"You're going to make a girl so lucky one day, I'm actually jealous."

You said it fleetingly, trying to sound casual.

"Oh..."

"But not like that! No, hey. You're my man. I mean, not mine, but you know? My best man! My friend! Yeah..."

Taking a deep breath, you close your eyes to stop rambling. Yunho chuckled, raising your intertwined hands and placing a light kiss on yours. You froze, looking over at him. His eyes were on the road, but his ears were now bright red.

"You're my woman, too. Best one."

The rest of the ride was mainly silent, both of you blushing like crazy after the confessions. The restaurant your cousin chose for the rehearsal soon came into view, and you took a deep breath to prepare yourself.

Yunho parked the car before getting out and walking over to open your door. You just smiled, used to it by now. Ever since you became friends, you haven't opened a single door by yourself.

You said hi to a few people out front before entering the restaurant. From your left, someone shrieked.

"There you are! You're late! We have to start, come on, move it!"

"Hi Lisa, good to see you too."

Your cousin Lisa was in a short white dress, heels higher than you ever dared to wear, but she looked like she was about to have a break down.

"No time for that! Is this your boyfriend? He seems strong, he can help the others to rearrange the tables. Let's go."

You glanced at Yunho, ready to apologise, but he only shook his head and went over to the group of men in the corner.

"You got yourself a hotte Y/N. Who would have thought? Honestly, is it the sex? You must be good at it if he's still around."

"You're as classy as ever."

Lisa scoffed, grabbing you by the arm and dragging you over to the buffet.

"I'm just curious. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure you have your qualities, but him? How did you manage to snag that?"

Honestly, sometimes you wondered how you did that as well. Yunho was charismatic, friendly, and not to mention drop dead gorgeous. You were... You. That's why you made peace with the fact that he would always be your friend, nothing more.

"I'd rather not talk about my relationship right now. It's your day, isn't it?"

Your cousin smiled, nodding immediately.

"You're right! We'll talk about it some other time. Now, I don't like how they placed the flowers, so do something about it."

"You know this is just a rehearsal, right?"

Lisa gave you a look, making you cower slightly.

"It has to be perfect. Now, do as I say."

She turned around and stalked off to yell at someone else, and you sighed in relief. Glancing over, you saw the men in your family talking to Yunho. They seemed to be having a good time, regardless of the fact that they had to move ten tables around. He just had that kind of charm, you thought.

As if sensing your gaze, he turned around and winked. You smiled, knowing this whole event would be slightly more bearable with him by your side. With another sigh, you made your hands busy with the roses and carnations in front of you.

.

.

"And she had the audacity to mention my failed science project! I know I may have ruined our kitchen table, but I was proud of that volcano, you know?"

"What a jerk!"

"And then, she said how she couldn't believe I had a boyfriend because I was "too plain". Plain? Is she serious?"

"Y/N, I was there, I heard her."

You huffed, crossing your arms and leaning into the passenger's seat. The rehearsal was over, and you couldn't wait to get home. Yunho was the main attraction, and everybody loved him. You knew it would be like that, but you hoped your cousins would leave you alone for once.

Instead, she threw jabbs at you throughout the whole dinner, but you ignored her for the sake of your peace and sanity.

"Honey, whatever she said, and she talked a lot, wasn't true. Sure, you may be clumsy and sometimes awkward, but that's you. I love the way you are, and I'd never change your personality."

You glanced at Yunho, surprised by his sudden confession.

"You really mean that?"

"I really do."

You reached your home, noticing your parents' car wasn't there. Your mother mentioned going over to Lisa's house to sleep there before the big day so that she could be available for her at any second.

For some reason, you felt a bit sad. Yunho noticed how your mood changed, but he didn't want to make it worse by questioning you, so he just followed you to the shared room.

You took off your heels, sitting on the bed and holding back your tears.

"Hey, are you okay? I know tonight was crazy, but you seem so... Devastated."

He knelt on the floor in front of you, grabbing both of your hands. With him looking at you with those big eyes, full of concern, you broke down.

"I just can't take it anymore."

The first tear fell, but the second couldn't follow because Yunho instantly reached for your cheeks to wipe them away.

"Oh honey... Don't waste your tears on them. I know you love your family, you're just that kind of person, but I can't stand the way they treat you."

"It didn't bother me before, you know? But my mom never talked about how she couldn't wait to see me get married, it was always about Lisa. Am I that bad? Is it so impossible to imagine me in a wedding dress?"

Yunho stood up, crowding you in his embrace. He gently lifted your legs to place you into his lap, squeezing you to his chest.

"You want to know something?" He whispered.

"What?"

"I always think about how you would look in a wedding dress."

Your head snapped up to look at him, and his eyes were already on yours.

"You?"

He nodded, placing his forehead on yours. His gaze was now darker, and you noticed how his hands trembled while holding you.

"Me. You know what else? The person you are walking towards is always me. Standing there at the end of the altar, waiting patiently for you to come."

"Yunho... What are you..."

His hands cupped your cheeks again, face so close you could count his eyelashes.

"Those people... They don't know how much you are worth. You're the most beautiful person I have ever laid eyes on. You're funny, so smart and witty it's not even real. You..."

His lips, the ones you've been dreaming about for a while now, were a breath away from yours. He hesitated, trying to decipher your emotions. You didn't want to let him get too into his head, so you grabbed the lapels of his jacket and pulled him in.

Your lips smashed together, and Yunho finally let go.

The kiss was different from any other you've ever had. After all, it was Yunho kissing you instead of someone random. Yunho, the man who stood by you through thick and thin.

Yunho, the person you turned to when your bad thoughts took over.

Yunho, messy, lovable Yunho, who talked about you like you were his lifeline.

Your lips danced together, his hands squeezing your cheeks as if you would disappear at any moment. Yours were placed on his sturdy chest. The chest you loved cuddling to when you watched sappy movies.

The air grew hotter in seconds, and you had to stop for a second to take a breath. As you detached yourself from him, you were surprised how natural everything felt.

There was no awkwardness, no doubt.

You just kissed Yunho, your best friend, and it felt as natural as breathing.

"Now that... That was super hot."

It took you a second before you burst out into laughter. Leave it to Yunho to say something a frat boy would in a moment like this.

"Yeah, it was. You're such a dork, oh my God."

"But I'm your dork, right?"

You looked into his eyes, seeing how serious he actually was.

"Do you... Want to be?"

"I thought I already was, but let's make it official."

Before you could respond, Yunho got down on one knee in front of you. Your eyes widened, and you panicked slightly when he reached into his pocket.

You soon realised there was no need, because he only took out his wallet. Strange, but okay.

"I know this is so sudden, but I always knew we'd end up together. I was just too shy to do anything because I'm me, and you are incredible. And so sexy it's not even real."

You gasped, knowing there was no chance Yunho could do a standard, normal, romantic confession.

For some reason, you loved him even more for that.

"Look at this."

He took out a piece of paper from his wallet, giving it to you.

There, on a random sticky note, was your writing. It only said "gone out, eat breakfast you idiot!!! love you"

"It's funny, but when I looked at the note you wrote about six months ago, I couldn't help but wonder. Do you love me in the same way I love you, or was it just something you said because we've known each other for so long. I realised I had to step up my game, so I tried to be obvious. But you... You are as dense as honey sometimes."

Your eyes widened.

"Is that why you..."

"Call you honey? Part of the reason. You're just the sweetest person I've ever met, so it fits. Do you get it now?"

You nodded, realising he was still down on one knee. You pointed at his position, raising your brow.

"If you propose to me on my cousin's wedding day we might as well be exiled from planet earth afterwards."

Yunho gasped, seemingly realising himself how this might look to you.

"No, no! Don't worry, I plan on proposing, but not today. I need to figure out where I can rent a unicorn."

"You do know those aren't real? And why the hell would you need a unicorn?"

"Doesn't matter. Let me get back to my point. I love you, and I want you. Do you want me?"

The two of you looked into each other's eyes, not knowing whose smile was bigger.

"I love you, and I want you. Come and kiss me again."

"Yes ma'am!"

.

.

"We totally broke your bed."

"Let's hope we did not, because my mother would freak out."

Your back was pressed against Yunho's front, his arms wrapped securely around you. The position wasn't foreign to you, but the state of undress you were in was.

After his grand confession, Yunho couldn't keep his hands off of you. Soon enough, you were tangled in the sheets of your old bed, your moans making the sweetest melodies.

"You know, we can skip the wedding if you want to."

You turned to glance at him, totally unprepared for the suggestion.

"We can't do that. My family would... You know, I don't think my family would mind much."

"Do you want to go?"

"No! No, I don't! You're a genius."

He laughed, placing a kiss on your hair.

"I pride myself in having a big brain. I don't think that's the only thing that is big abo-"

"Okay! We get it."

You turned around in his arms, placing your hands on his cheeks.

"I love you. Thank you for going through this hell with me. And thank you for pushing me to do something I want, but don't have the courage to."

He leaned down to place a gentle kiss on your lips, his arms strengthening their hold on you.

"You can always count on me. You deserve to be surrounded by people who worship the ground you walk on."

"There aren't that many."

Yunho smiled, chuckling afterwards.

"There's me. I will be there, for as long as you want me."

"Somehow, I think that will be more than enough."

The two of you enjoyed the feeling of finally being together for some more, before you silently packed up your things and headed out to the car.

Finally, you were able to escape the horrible behaviour you'd been exposed to since you were little.

Your heart didn't feel so heavy anymore, and with Yunho's hand covering yours, you knew it never will.

.

.

.

[its-not-nothing]

i am SO HOPEFUL for a buddie kiss in 8x18 but i am just totally not getting the vibe from eddie and i wish i was 😭😭😭 (but i am so happy to be proven wrong!)

Hey anon! So, I don't want to give anyone false hope or anything, but this is what I believe right now, and I'll explain how I came to this conclusion. Tim and the network definitely want buddie canon to break the internet, right? They want tons and tons of articles written about it, everyone and their mother talking, screaming and losing their minds about the show, and it attracting the bigger media outlets. They basically have one shot at doing that. As much as I would want it, if they decide to write a slow queer arc for Eddie that leads up to a feelings realization that leads up to some pining... at what point exactly does buddie break the internet? By the time they kiss, it'll be expected. Remember this is supposed to be a will they/won't they, not a when will they?. And if Eddie's confirmed queer, well, buddie becomes inevitable and even the GA will see it coming from a mile away. In order to get the biggest impact, they need one big, unexpected, earth-shattering moment, a true seismic shift if you will. A kiss would absolutely be the best way to do that, especially since Eddie's sexuality and feelings are not confirmed and he's still seen as straight. This is what they did for Buck in 7x04.

What I believe we could get is: both Buck and Eddie getting parallel feelings realizations during the episode, because of the building explosion (possible small NDEs?), Buck realizing that he should accept and embrace the changes in his life instead of resisting them, like Pepa said, and Eddie realizing that he can't lose Buck because he's home, he's family to him. So Eddie comes on the scene to save Buck (maybe one of them blurts out some feelings there?), everything ends well, and in the end they have a scene in their house where Eddie tells Buck that he decided he wants to move back home, and I don't know who makes a confession or who makes the first move... but that scene ends with a kiss. Cut to black, roll credits. I believe this is possible because they're both finally at the right place in their lives for this, they both had their own journeys during the last 7/8 seasons leading up to this moment. It would even be poetic that they arrived there at the same time, and once they know, they know, and there's no point in waiting or pondering over it any longer. It's actually gonna be the easiest thing they've ever had to do.

As for Eddie, what vibe are you missing, anon? I would advise you to rewatch the season. Eddie's vibe in 8x17 alone screamed in love with Buck to me. How vulnerable he let himself be in front of Buck only? How emotional and intense that fight was? That's definitely not platonic. And how many times did we see him make heart eyes at Buck/Buck and Chris? He acted straight out of a romcom basically the whole episode. The vibe is definitely there for me. 🤷‍♀️ Once again, if Eddie's side is confirmed before they kiss, they lose their one shot at surprising the audience and at buddie breaking the internet (well, we all know it would still break it, but maybe less so). Rewatch 8x06, 8x09, 8x10, anon, and tell me you don't feel a vibe from Eddie.

Again, this is pure speculation on my part and I may be completely wrong, but I really feel like we'll get buddie canon in 8x18, and the best way to do it on all accounts (unless you want fanfic levels of storytelling, but that's just not what this show is) would be with a kiss. If not, we'll definitely get some feelings realizations, but I don't see why they wouldn't just go straight to the kiss. Not to mention they're definitely in need of something big happening in 8x18 to get people to tune in to season 9.

Sorry for yapping so much, I didn't think I would have this much to say. I actually feel like I've barely scratched the surface! Anyway, let's just enjoy this last week of theorizing and the amazing content/interviews we're probably gonna get, and as always, my ask box is open if anyone wants to scream about buddie with me! 💓

[ravennaortiz]

Hello Loves!

This is the event page for my December 2025 event! These stories will come out in December. The plan is for these to be darker more out of character stories for our guys.

I will accept requests until 5/24/25 for this event!

When sending in your request please include that it is for the Dark Days event, character name and the prompt! Please feel free to message me with any questions! Below you will find Characters and the prompts! Please feel free to elaborate on them if you wish! I am also open to other ideas if you cant find a prompt that works!

Curious as to what to expect? Click here to see past Dark Stories!

Who You Can Request!

SOA

Chibs

Clay

Half-Sack

Happy

Jax

Juice

Kozik

Opie

Tig

RatBoy

Mayans

Angel

Bishop

Bottles

Coco

Creeper

Ez

Gilly

Guero

Manny

Nestor

Prompts!

Running doesn't matter. I'll hunt you down if I have too

You were beautiful in the photos I took....but even better in my arms.

No one else makes me feel this way! I can't lose you!

I did this out of love. I'm doing this for love!

I'd cut your tongue out if it would stop you from flirting with anyone else.

I'll let you know when you've learned your lesson.

Who were you talking to?

Give me your phone. I'm going to go through it.

Don't cry. He didn't love you like I do and he never could. Let me help you heal.

You are so cute when you are asleep

Don't worry, the blood isn't mine.

I will mark/claim you in front of everyone.

Why are you crying? Aren't you happy to be with me?

I claimed you with this tattoo.

This hurts me more than it hurts you babe.

Beg.

You think it’s funny to flirt?

You really should have known better.

You can trust me…..I would never hurt/lie to you

I wouldn’t have lost it if you didn’t push me! You make me act like this—do you even hear yourself?

Oh, so now I’m the bad guy? Typical. You always twist things to make yourself look innocent!

I made you who you are. Don’t forget that.

You’re overreacting. It wasn’t that big of a deal.

No one else would ever put up with you. You should be thanking me

If you really loved me, you would do this for me.

I noticed how long you spent getting ready today. Who are you trying to impress?

Oh, so you had time to hang out with your friends, but not with me? That’s cool… I guess I’m not that important anymore

Why is there a stranger in my bed?

You’re no longer of use to me

Do you know how easy it was to get inside your house?

You were screaming too loud. I had to make it stop.

Don’t bother calling the police. I cut the lines ten minutes ago

Guess what? I can see you

I’ve been watching you for weeks. You never even noticed, did you?

Let’s play a game… how fast can you run?

You scream, you die. Understand?

Do you think locking the door will stop me?

You’re not seriously wearing that out, are you?

You don’t need to go out with them tonight. Stay with me instead.

Don’t you want to make me happy?

Everyone thinks you’re a whore.

I could be gentle, but where’s the fun in that?

Oh? Are the handcuffs a little tight?

Run. Please. I do love a good chase.

I’m in control here

Did you move my things?

I should kill you for what you’ve done.

A little girl shouldn’t be roaming around here by herself

I need to know where you are at all times.

Say that again, and I swear I won’t hold back this time.

Come out, come out, wherever you are.

Killing you would bring me nothing but joy

This would be much easier for you if you just held still.

This will be the last time you lie to me.

What do you mean you kissed them?

How dare you speak to me like that!

That's right, princess. fight back. make it difficult... give me a reason to get rough.

You're mine, and if you ever forget that, I'll remind you.

You will always be my property.

You look so pretty when you're helpless.

Why did you stay out so late?

If I can’t have you, no one else will.

Who keeps calling you?

I paid a good sum of money for your body tonight.

You belong to someone else. I know that. It doesn’t matter because you will submit tome tonight.

[fallandfigs]

Oh, that's really interesting! I have a slightly different read but I think a lot of it's in the same vein.

I've been doing some research around the point system for fic purposes and was playing around with ways Henry and Trapper might have been sent home while Hawkeye still needed more points. My goal was really just trying to see if there was a way for Trap and Hawkeye to have enough of a point differential to account for Hawkeye still being there for the point increase in Peace on Us and that research has kind of influenced how I think about Trapper's experiences.

The sparknotes version of the point system for Korea (which was different than the point system in WWII) essentially assigned points based on posting. Close combat postings (such as an infantry attachment, medic posting, or aid station) would get you 4 points a month. Rear-echelon would get you 2 points a month, and other Asia postings got you 1 point a month. There was also some kind of carryover point system (which Henry probably benefitted from as he has a WWII occupation medal on his Class As) but I'm still researching how that works. Officers needed 55 points to be eligible for rotation home.

Anyway, back to Trapper. On the assumption Trapper was drafted first (and ignoring that actual drafted doctors didn't show up until 1951 the earliest), I tend to think his first posting was actually a close combat designation. He could have served 2-3 months there before being rotated into the 4077th and I've found a few accounts of actual MASH doctors who had similar positing situations. This would actually give Trapper a meaningful point boost over Hawkeye. Just 3 months in active combat posting would give Trap a full year up on Hawkeye point-wise. Playing that forward, if Trap has 2-3 months close combat he would be rotating home around Summer/Fall 1952 which actually lines up well-ish with the dates given in late S3/S4.

I don't think this disturbs any dialogue we have either as Trapper could be rotated in to the 4077th, where Frank is already posted, and then Hawkeye follows a few weeks later. I think it can also add some color to his compartmentalization, potential disassociation, cynicism, and provides additional basis for those nightmares he seems to have whenever someone wakes him up. Plus it adds a little color to the hypothermia story in Bulletin Board as that was apparently an issue that came up a lot for frontline service medics (although still researching that to better understand the issue).

Either way I do agree, when he gets to the 4077th it's a lot of just...not really being present. If you take Frank at his word that they got along, I think it's more likely that Trapper was just too burnt/tired/withdrawn to bother engaging in anything more than pleasantries regardless of how he felt about Frank (which probably not great lol). But I'm still working through/refining all my thoughts here...

I was actually debating a proper post on the point system at some point. TBD on if I ever get around to it and/or if anyone is interested haha

I’m really interested in what Trapper’s experience in Korea was like before Hawkeye because we sort of pick up in the middle, right? When the show opens, all the major players are at the 4077 and Hawkeye and Trapper are already friends. And over the course of the show, we get to see how important that friendship is. And then Trapper leaves and we, the audience, get to see what Hawkeye’s life is like after. We get to see the space Trapper leaves in Hawkeye’s life and even the differences in the friendships that follow. But presumably if Trapper goes home first, he was in Korea first (or, at a minimum, at another posting for at least some period of time where he could have racked up rotation points). But we never get to see that. To actually see the impact Hawkeye’s presence had on Trapper. And I find the idea of who Trapper was in Korea before Hawkeye endlessly fascinating because I’m firmly planted on the hill that “you made it bearable” isn’t just about how Hawkeye leans on Trapper, but about how Hawkeye showing up might have brought Trapper back to life.

[karespocketboyfriends]

𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚍

Chapter Ten

A Love and Deepspace Fanfiction (Sylus X OC)

Warnings -> Major violence (murder/death, blood, gun violence)

<- Chapter Nine

An original fan-fiction for Love and Deepspace. I appreciate reblogs but reposting to Tumblr or any other site is not okay with me.

The hour drags more slowly than it ever has before, the thin hands on the giant ornate clock mounted to the wall refusing to budge and end my suffering. I've nearly chewed my bottom lip raw, my nails picked at and bitten until they're short. It’s a habit I thought I broke free from years ago. Apparently not.

Finally, the massive black doors open. Luke and Kieran stroll inside, their black outfits splattered with dark stains that make my stomach drop. Neither Sylus nor Mephisto follow them in.

“What happened? Are you two hurt?” My question is rushed as I dash up to them.

Luke stretches his neck from side to side while his twin rolls his shoulders. “Nah, this blood isn’t ours. The sucker who was stationed in your apartment though…”

Kieran pushes his brother’s chest. “Let’s not give her the details on that, okay? She’s already paler than a ghost.”

They’re okay. It relieves my worries a smidge. Just a smidge, though. “Where’s Sylus?”

“Tracking down your brothers.” Luke replies, patting my shoulder in what I take is his way of showing comfort. I’ve never needed to be comforted by them before. “The chairman of Eternity Jewels is holding them hostage to negotiate with Sylus.”

My mind, which has been racing all night, goes quiet.

Kieran nods, reaching for my other shoulder but squeezing it instead. "Don't worry. Boss man is hard to kill. He'll be back with your brothers in no time."

Guilt tears into me like a shark, a pit opening in the bottom of my stomach to swallow everything that I am and rip it to shreds.

"Is this my fault?" "Let's wait and see who's behind this before assigning blame. But, no. This isn't your fault."

"It's my fault." I whisper, a fresh batch of tears making my eyes sting. "I begged Sylus not to kill him. I... I didn't want anyone to die because of me."

In the hour that I've paced this room, waiting for news or for my brothers return, it did cross my mind that Vincent could be involved. He was the most likely suspect, given that only a week ago, we ran into him at Miss. Natalia's event. Before that, Sylus brought down his company, and before that, we ruined his horrendous auction. Sylus warned me that keeping him alive could very well be an invitation for him to take revenge, but I wanted to put my faith in mercy. Wanted to believe that showing him kindness would be enough to keep him out of our hair.

I was wrong. I was stupid and naive and just wrong. Sylus isn't a cold-blooded killer; he was planning to put an end to Vincent to stop something like this from happening. He didn't go through with it because I asked him not to. He put his trust in me on this, and I've let him down.

If there was anything in my stomach, it would have come up right then.

"I'm sorry." I choke out around a sob. My head drops, arms wrapping around myself tightly as if that would be enough to keep from shattering into a million pieces. "I'm sorry."

Luke curses quietly. "Kieran, she's crying. What do we do?"

Kieran awkwardly rubs my back. "P-Please don't cry, Little V. It'll be okay! Boss will get your brothers back!"

I shake my head, catching the next sob before it can escape and swallowing it down. It hurts, like swallowing a rock, but crying won't get us anywhere right now. I know that, yet I can't stop thinking about how I've failed everyone. "People are gonna die tonight because of me - someone already has. My brothers and Sylus could get hurt because of me."

I caused this. I should be the one answering to it.

My mind made up, I tilt my head towards the ceiling and give it a shake. "Where are they? I'm going, too."

"Woah, hey there, slow down." Luke raises a hand as if to say 'stay there'. "You're not cut out for the things that are going on over there, Little V."

"Besides," Kieran steps in, moving his body to block the door. "Boss sent us here to make sure you don't wind up in trouble. So, no can do."

So, this is the game we're going to play?

"Fine." I spin on my heel and return to the couch. Sitting down, I keep my arms folded and cross one leg over the other. "Can you two at least do a quick sweep of the base? I feel like I'm being watched and it's freaking me out."

Kieran nods. "Of course. Sit tight, we'll be quick."

The twins check the base thoroughly, looking in every room, every shadowy corner for anyone who didn't belong. They came up empty handed, and now certain that it's safe, return to Sylus' personal wing to reassure their friend, big sister figure, and one day they hope, future boss lady.

They throw open the doors and bow dramatically, hoping their antics will ease her nerves a little. "We've come to report that the base is... Evie?"

The couch she was sitting on is empty. Sylus' laptop rests on the lavish cushions, open and paused on a video that appears to be recorded surveillance footage. The location of the video is the messy apartment they were at earlier, the figures in the frame easy to identify. The twins can see themselves, the man they took care of tied to a chair, and Sylus.

Kieran presses 'play', and man in the chair recites the address he gave Sylus. On another tab, Mephisto's tracker flashes a bright red at a particular building in the warehouse district.

As his personal assistant, Evie has the passwords and access codes to everything within the base. It appears Sylus has even given her access to his personal electronics as well.

"Uh oh." They say in unison.

Eternity Jewels' former warehouse is structured more like an office building on the inside. Hallways upon hallways, room after room, it's a maze to navigate. Sylus moves as though he knows exactly where to go despite having never stepped foot in here before.

To be fair, Vincent isn't exactly trying hard to stay hidden. The goons standing outside welcomed him and told him where to go upon his arrival.

He thanked them with his Evol.

On the second floor, in the furthest room from the concrete staircase, he finds Vincent. The room appears to have been a staff lounge, plush couches and a small kitchen with a fridge, microwave and coffee maker. Vincent is sitting on the couch that faces the door, loading four silver bullets into a pistol. His movements are slow, casual, but the gleam in his eyes are more unhinged than it was a week ago. He looks more like a petty gang member than a business man now, dressed in a white tank top and torn cargo pants. Both of his shoulders are wrapped with bandages, still healing from the torture Sylus inflicted on them.

The fact that he's not bothering to hide them is a testament to his mental state.

"Mr. Sylus!" Vincent's grin is sinister. "Not who I was expecting, but I'll accept it." He waves the gun towards the couch in front of him. "Go on, take a seat. We're both busy men, so let's get right to my terms, shall we?"

Sylus' fingers twitch as red and black mist spills from his palm.

"Ah, ah~" Vincent sings, extending his arms to rest against the back of the couch. He doesn't drop the gun. "Do that, and the boys are dead. I've got eyes and ears on this room, Sylus. Act out of line, and my men will put a bullet in their heads. I imagine your poor assistant would be devastated to learn that her precious brothers lost their lives because her knight in shining armor couldn't control himself."

"Knight in shining armor?" Sylus chuckles and sinks onto the other couch. Only a marble coffee table separates them. "You're not giving her enough credit. She knows what kind of monster I am."

"But does she know what kind of monster she's tamed?"

Sylus' eyes narrow, the muscle in his jaw ticking.

Vincent's eyes shine with wild amusement. "She's got you wrapped tightly around her little finger, doesn't she? I never thought a day would come where someone would tame you, Sylus, and if I had to guess... you're not happy about it, are you? You're trying to resist her, but she's got her hooks in you too deep to escape now." He chuckles and shakes his head. "I knew she was a siren the moment I set eyes on her. Innocent little things like that call to the ugliest monsters, don't they?"

"You're going through all this trouble to negotiate, so negotiate."

"Oh, I'm not here to negotiate. I'm making demands. One for each brother." Vincent leans forward. "I suggest you agree to them all if you want all four to walk out of here."

Sylus' glare hardens, but he waves his hand as cue for the other man to continue.

"It's quite simple, really." Vincent settles back against the couch and props his feet up on the coffee table. "The first thing I want is for you to surrender part of your territory to me. Second, you are to fund the rebuilding of my company until it's back to what it was before you destroyed it. Third, I want your word that you will never lay a hand on me, or meddle in my affairs again."

The terms are easy enough to fulfill. He can easily claim territory to make up for what he'll lose, has more then enough money to get Eternity Jewels back on its feet. As for staying out of Vincent's way, he can abide by that so long as Vincent stays out of his.

But there's one condition missing, and Sylus isn't about to agree without knowing what it is. "And the fourth?"

The way Vincent tilts his head and smiles made his blood boil. "Hand the woman over. I had a buyer that night who was very interested. He's still willing to pay big bucks for her."

Sylus' hands clench into fists. His Evol hums beneath his skin, presses against his insides in a fight to escape.

Vincent chuckles. "You can't do it, can you? Would you like to pick which brother gets the bullet? Or shall we invite Miss. Evie over to choose?"

If he gave her the choice, Sylus knew that Evie would hand herself over in a heartbeat. She's sacrificed everything, has lived her life for her brothers. Would give her life for her brothers.

It's time someone sacraficed for her.

"You say you're not willing to negotiate, but I have a better deal in mind." Sylus says, and continues without giving Vincent a chance to decide if he wants to hear it. "Instead of selling her off to the highest bidder, why not take my life instead?"

Vincent blinks. Perhaps it's Sylus' casual delivery of the deal, or the fact that he never thought he'd witness Sylus offer up his life in exchange for anything, but he can't hide his shock.

"Think about it." Sylus calmly urges, tapping his temple. "If you take my life, not only will I be unable to interfere in your plans, but you'd get Onychinus and all it's wealth, too. Killing me would make you far richer than selling a woman."

He can see Vincent teetering. Knows he needs to make one more big push to get him to accept.

Sylus goes for the finishing blow. "You'd never have to worry about your wife's medical bills again."

Vincent turns angry, exactly as he wanted. Sylus remains seated as the other man stands, doesn't close his eyes or look away as the pistol is aimed at his chest. "She died months ago, you rotten bastard."

He pulls the trigger.

The impact pushes Sylus into the back of the couch, fire exploding in his chest from the heat of the bullet. Fired at such a close range, the bullet had enough momentum to pass through cleanly, paving way for blood to spill from both his chest and his back. Every inhale comes in sharp and pained, his lungs burning from the damage.

The door swings open, crashing against the wall like thunder. "Sylus!"

Vincent looks up, the look in his eyes crazed. "Have you come to join us, Evie?"

'I'm too late.'

I don't pay Vincent any mind - don't have the ability too. My eyes, my ears, my intent, it's all focused on Sylus as I rush to his side. He's bleeding profusely from the wound in his chest, blood splattered across his neck and face, too.

Sylus inhales sharply. "Sweetie-"

I shush him, pressing my hands over the wound and applying as much pressure as I can. Vincent is saying something behind me, but I can't make out the words. It's fading into white noise as time seems to slow down, my own heartbeat pulsing loudly in my ears. It syncs up with the rhythm of Sylus' heart beneath my hands.

My hands that are warm and slick with his blood.

Spots appear in my vision. My head feels like static. I don't feel like myself as I lift one of my hands from Sylus' chest, turn it over until I'm staring at my dark red palm. The world around me goes from light to dark, light to dark, again and again and again. I see fire and carnage whenever it goes dark, my heartbeat replaced by the sound of an ancient bell tower. The ding-donging of the bell pulls me into a trance.

Someone hurt my dragon.

I'm not in control of my body as I grab the gun from where Sylus hides it beneath the coat hanging off his shoulders. Not in control as I twist and point the barrel at Vincent-

A bang goes off, and his body drops. The gun falls from my hand, clattering to the floor as I turn back to reapply full pressure to Sylus' wound, static still lingering in the corners of my mind.

"Luke and Kieran got my brothers out. They'll be here soon." I say. Even I can hear how robotic I sound.

The twins caught up with me not long after I slipped out of the base. Instead of dragging me back, they shrugged their shoulders and decided it would be best to come with me for backup. They must have also been worried about Sylus, despite their upmost confidence in him.

His voice sounds stronger now. "Evie-"

"I know." I can't bring myself to look at him, or to let him finish, but I know what he's going to say. "I won't regret it."

What I will regret is Sylus dying because of the choice I made.

He wraps one large hand around both of my wrists and pulls my hands away. I open my mouth to argue, to tell him that now isn't the time for a tough guy act, but the sight of his Evol swarming the wound silences me. When the mist vanishes, the bullet wound is gone. Healed perfectly as if it never happened.

Shocked, I sit back on my heels and look him in the eyes. "You just... How did you...?"

"Don't worry. Boss man is hard to kill. He'll be back with your brothers in no time."

A breath of air escapes me. "You... can't die?"

Sylus shakes his head. "I can die, but only by the hands of a single person."

A sob of relief rattles in my chest. I'm throwing myself at him before I realize it, arms wrapping around his shoulders as I bury my face in his neck. My entire body trembles as I cling to him, a fresh cascade of tears rolling down my cheeks. "I'm s-so sorry, Sylus."

I don't ask for his forgiveness. I don't feel that I can.

Sylus’ arms wrap around me like a security blanket. I think his lips brush against my hair, but I'm not certain. "There isn't anything for you to be sorry for. He did what I wanted."

I pull back just enough to look at him, his figure blurry through my tears. "Why would you do that?"

"To stop him from taking you." Before I can say anything more, he gently pushes my head into the juncture where his neck meets his shoulder. "Don't look."

Then, as if he hadn't just suffered an injury that should have been fatal, rises with me in his arms and carries me out of the room.

Several days pass, and I haven't left the apartment once. Sylus ordered me to take some time off, to rest and be with my brothers after the ordeal. I haven't been able to look at them without being consumed by guilt. Even worse, they haven't been as harsh with me as they should be. Of course, I got an earful for taking a job at Onychinus and not saying anything about it for months, but when it comes to the abduction, no one is blaming me for it.

And it sucks, because I wish they did. It would be so much easier to deal with the guilt if they were angry with me about it.

"It's just part of living in the N109 Zone, Evie." Mateo had said the other day with a casual shrug of his shoulders. "Sooner or later, we would have gotten jumped. If not by someone you associate with, then it would have been someone we do. Or random."

But we weren't supposed to. We moved to this building because it was supposed to be safe, and now we're stuck here for the remainder of the year until our lease is up.

Someone knocks on my bedroom door for the seventh time today. Or, I guess, the first time this morning. "Guys, I'm fine. You need to focus on healing your own trauma."

I haven't gotten out of bed all night, nor the day before. Haven't had much of an appetite lately, either. My brothers are concerned, I know they are, and I'm being a massive coward for hiding, but I just can't face the world yet. I haven't been able to eat without remembering how it felt to have Sylus' blood coating my hands, and remembering that reminds me that I have Vincent's blood on my hands, too. I haven't wanted to touch my books, either, fearing the blood that's long been washed off will suddenly come back and stain the pages.

The door opens, but I don't look to see which one of my brothers it is. "I see you've decorated more since I was last here."

That voice does not belong to any of my brothers.

"Sir?!" I exclaim, shooting up in bed with wide eyes.

My boss is, in fact, standing beneath the doorframe. He's dressed in a black windbreaker with a leather jacket on top, red and white decals that look like vines of thorns going up his arms and across his shoulders. He's also got on a pair of fingerless leather gloves, tall leather boot and... my god, are his pants leather too?

Hands tucked into his pockets, Sylus leans against the wall and surveys my room. His eyes snag on something, and when I follow his gaze, I'm left looking at the dragon sun-catcher hanging by the window. Having caught the light of the full red moon that hangs above the N109 Zone, the little red dragon glows brightly. It reminds me of Sylus' eyes.

I turn my attention back to my boss, who should not be in my apartment at all, let alone at five-thirty in the morning. "What are you doing here? How did you get in?"

He shifts his attention back to me. "Your brothers called me."

My eyes narrow. "I wasn't aware they had your number."

"I gave it to them in case of an emergency. You have a tendency to attract trouble, kitten." His playful demeanor drops. "Get dressed and meet me outside. You have ten minutes."

He turns and disappears down the hall. I sit in bed for a solid minute, going back and forth on whether or not I should do as he says, or ignore him and go back to hiding under my blankets. I take another minute to think about what he'd do if I actually did ignore him. The answer I came up with is that he'd probably drag me out looking like the mess that I am right now.

I spend the next six minutes rushing around, throwing on a form-fitted dark green top and jeans, brushing my teeth and working the tangles out of my hair. That took the most time. All the tossing and turning I've done has created some nasty knots.

For some reason, all four of my brothers are awake when I sneak into the main room. Drew is at the coffee maker, Mateo pouring a bowl of cereal at the counter, Simon and Troy digging into their own bowls from where they're sitting at the table.

'Duh, Evie. Someone had to let Sylus in.'

I cross my arms and glare at them. "What are you all planning?"

"Nothing." Drew tosses me a cocky smirk and waves his hand. "Have fun."

I point at them. "Just you wait till I get back."

Mateo rolls his eyes and playfully flips me off. "Get going before your boss storms back up here and throws you over his shoulder."

Troy swallows his mouthful and smirks. "I bet she'd like that."

"I don't know how he does it. I could never work with someone so thirsty." Simon says with a shake of his head.

"You all suck." I huff, then grab my brown spring jacket and rush out the door before Sylus really does come to get me himself.

The elevator arrives quickly and takes me down just as fast. The new security guard on duty nods his head as I appear, but doesn't say anything. Guilt stabs me again, the memory of Elijah greeting me whenever I left and came back too fresh to not be painful.

As promised, Sylus is waiting outside. I find him leaning against a sleek black motorcycle that's parked on the side of the road. I open my mouth to ask him what all of this is about, but before I can get a word out, he's plopping a helmet on my head.

"You're not serious?" I ask, my voice muffled. "I got carsick the last time I rode with you, and now you want to put me on something that goes even faster?”

I can see him smirking through the visor as he helps me adjust the helmet to make sure it fits properly. “Why not? Consider this practice in case we ever have to make a quick getaway.”

Still dumbfounded, I watch as he puts his own helmet on before climbing onto the bike. His head turns towards me, and when I don't make a move to join him, he takes matters into his own hands.

In the blink of an eye, familiar red and black mist lifts me off the ground and plops me down on the seat behind him. The engine rumbles beneath me, and I'm left with no choice but to lean against his back and wrap my arms around his waist as tightly as possible.

"Hold on tight." Sylus' slightly distorted voice comes through a radio installed in the helmet, filling the space as if he were actually speaking inside my head.

Then we take off. I squeal at the sudden speed, snap my eyes shut and hold him even tighter. "A warning would have been nice!"

This is just as terrifying as I imagined it to be in real life, and yet not as bad. Sylus has expert control over the motorcycle, the ride smooth despite the turns he makes throughout the city streets. His body blocks most of the wind, the helmet muffles the roaring of it whipping past us. As the minutes pass, I start to feel less afraid. My arms don't loosen, but they do relax a little.

And then I start to feel it, a rush of adrenaline that excites me. It's like my mind and body have come to terms that I'm safe, that Sylus has this fully under his control. I find the courage to slowly peel my eyes open, and am left breathless by the view. Somewhere along the way, we left the dark, depressing streets of the N109 Zone. Tall trees full of green leaves look like a massive blurry screen as we zip past them, the road ahead empty but lit with streetlights every couple of yards. We're on a higher elevation, I realize, as on the opposite side of the wall of trees, far out in the distance, is a harbor. Linkon's harbor, I assume, as they're our closest neighbor.

It takes me a second to realize that the sound filling my helmet is my own laughter.

Sylus starts to slow down and pulls up to a viewing point off the side of the road that overlooks the harbor. He kills the engine and stays seated, letting me off first. My legs are shaking a little from the ride, but not enough to throw off my balance.

"That wasn't so bad now, was it?" Sylus asks, his voice crystal clear now that I've taken off my helmet.

I shake my head and tuck a lock of hair behind my ear. I can only imagine how badly the wind has tangled it. "No, it wasn't."

Once again, I go to ask about what we're doing and, once again, I'm not given the chance. A beam of light suddenly breaks overhead, pink and yellow creeping in to push away the inky night sky. I move to the railing and lean my arms on it, watching the sun at it starts to climb over the ocean. The water sparkles as the first waves of a crisp, morning breeze kiss my cheeks. I can sense Sylus beside me, and it brings me back to Dyamond City, where I watched my first sunrise in years. He was next to me then, silent and steady, just like this.

I don't look at him as I speak. "I'm guessing my brothers got you involved because I've been worrying them, right?"

The feeling of his eyes on me is strong. "They're right to be worried. It sounds to me like you're letting guilt over someone else's poor decisions eat you alive."

My hands clench into fists. "I made the call to keep him alive-"

"And he stomped on your mercy-"

Finally, I turn away from the sunset. "And then I murdered him, Sylus."

Murder is murder, no matter what the reason behind it is. If I could go back in time to the moment I asked Sylus not to kill Vincent, I'd keep my mouth shut. I'd let Sylus handle him in whatever way he originally intended. I'm sure I'd feel guilty for not trying to stop it, but if Vincent had died that night, my brothers never would have gone through what they did. Elijah never would have been killed. Sylus never would have gotten hurt.

But is it fair to let Sylus have that on his conscious? To let someone rob another of a life for my own benefit? If I'd be guilty by association, then wouldn't it be less harmful to just do it myself?

Sylus studies me for a moment. What he's searching for, I don't know. I don't have the energy to guess. "Do you regret it?"

That's the question, isn't it? I don't know what came over me, how I was able to aim and shoot a killing shot despite my complete and utter lack of understanding when it comes to firearms. That encounter feels so fragmented, my brain having already done its best to black out as much as possible. All I remember is that Sylus was hurt, I thought he was dying, and I wanted to protect him.

My eyes sting, but I refuse to let tears fall. "I'm devastated that I took someone's life, but I'd never regret trying to protect you."

Sylus makes a breathy sound as if I surprised him.

My phone pings just then. I almost ignore it, until I register that it's not my personal cellphone, but the one Sylus gave me for work.

I quickly fish it from my pocket and open the email. What I read makes my breath catch in my throat, makes my eyes widen as I look up at my boss. My friend. "When did you buy my apartment building?"

Smirking, Sylus dusts something off his shoulder. "While I was waiting for you to get dressed. You really could have picked a place with better security, sweetie."

Now I'm the one who releases a breath. "Why?"

The sun is halfway into the sky by now, the light casting the shadows away from Sylus' face. There's no hiding right now, for either of us.

"Why?" He parrots, taking half a step closer to me. "Because you've become someone valuable to me, Evie."

I blink, heart constricting in the confines of my chest. I don't know why, but the racing of my heart doesn't feel like it did when we were on the bike. This time, it feels like true panic. "As an employee, right?"

Sylus blinks as if he's just broken free of a trance. He shakes his head and steps back, creating a little more breathing room between us. "Yes. As an... employee."

I nod, trying desperately to ignore the burning in my cheeks.

I'm a liar on top of a murderer, because apparently, there is a shadow looming over my heart that I can hide behind.

Masterlist

Epilogue - Act One ->

Tag List:

@xxfaithlynxx @angelafinstone @mysticcollectionvoid @greatmistakes @chuppiechanchan @softlycandescent

[fanficmanic]

I've finally watched 8x16 and 8x17

Just to be safe cause I don't want anyone coming at me with pitchforks and fire - spoiler alert for 8x16 and 8x17

Oh, and probably long post ahead - be warned. I need to let this off my chest and vent.

For 8a, I didn't watch any of the episodes live. I didn't have a source for that at the time, and I always kept an eye on here to sort of give myself a heads-up of what happened in each episode. Then 8b came and I found a website to watch live - which is 12 pm Friday where I live, meaning the episode airs while I'm at work.

Still, I kept watching each episode live, and put in live reactions, and went nuts over predictions and obsessed over possibilities.

Then March 31 happened, and nothing was the same again.

A week later, I went on vacation (still in that vacation as I type this - got 5 more days), where episodes air at 3 am local time. I watched 14 the day after cause I was jet lagged and couldn't wake up for it, then I watched 15 live and cried so hard to the point that I woke up my husband and he freaked out. When I explained what was going on, he just hugged me and asked if I wanted him to stay up with me to vent (this is important for another point I will be making below). I'm kinda glad that all of this was happening while I was busy seeing friends who I haven't seen in years, cause otherwise, I would've driven myself insane during that one week hiatus before 16.

Still, I couldn't find it in me to wake up for 16 and watch live. I wanted to, I really did, but I just couldn't do it. Then I read all the negative feedback and I was like, nope. Not doing this. So I found a clip of the funeral, watched that, and called it a day. This, for someone like me who hasn't gotten so hyper-focused on a tv show in years, is so OOC. I still didn't watch it, even after 17 aired, which I didn't watch live either (not for lack of wanting, but the website I use is blocked where I am currently).

This morning, I woke up to an insane amount of posts here about 17 - and my fandom bestie whose opinion I treasure the most (looking at you @cathcer1984) said that I have to watch it. So, I downloaded 16 & 17, and only was able to watch them now.

Here are my thoughts on 16 (better late than never, I suppose):

No matter what Gerrard does, and no matter how he acts, he'll always be an asshole to me.

Hen and Chim were phenomenal. Their acting was out of this world, and the makeup department deserves awards cause it felt like Chim had aged 10 years.

Buck, who has a chronic case of abandonment issues-itis, was clearly barely holding himself together. He was putting on a strong mask because Bobby told him that they'll need him, and he'd die before disappointing Bobby even through the great beyond.

Eddie only being there for a few minutes pissed me off, but man did he do an excellent job. That single tear that trickled down his face when they saluted Bobby broke me.

Athena's dealing with her grief by working the dead child's case was so in character that I wasn't even upset.

Even though I had watched the funeral scene last week (and cried), I still cried again - and once more, my husband just hugged me and wiped away my tears.

I'm kinda conflicted about Bobby being buried next to his first wife and kids. I mean, it's a beautiful move and very emotional, but that doesn't give people a place to visit him and talk to him. I'm also kinda pissed that Buck, Eddie, Hen, and Chimney didn't get on that plane with Athena, May, and Harry.

Now, like I said, I woke up today to insane posts around here, and I was so confused that at one point I thought I'd be watching Buck and Eddie throwing fists at each other.

However, now that I've watched the episode, I'm starting to wonder if I'm watching the same show as everyone else is - particularly those who are calling Eddie abusive.

Again, the acting was phenomenal, the cases were typical 9-1-1, and the team work at the end kinda showed that the team might still be grieving, but they still work together seamlessly.

The talk that Eddie had with Hen and Karen proved to me that they actually don't know what Bobby told Buck - that they'd need him. I don't think they'd be annoyed by it if they did. On the contrary, I think they'd be working on helping him unburden himself from the heavy load Bobby (unintentionally) put on him.

As for that kitchen scene, I honestly think it was incredible. The acting OS and RG pulled was crazy, and I could feel their grief and anger and helplessness as if it was my own. Again, I don't think Eddie knows what Bobby told Buck - he's still not over the fact that he wasn't there with the rest when the worst happened. And he's lashing lashing out - justifiably so. And this brings me back to what I was saying about my husband earlier.

See, the thing is, we all know that Eddie was brought up to the notion that showing any sign of emotion is weakness. He's repressed and feeling guilty on top of mourning someone who has literally saved his life. In all the past seasons, we've only ever seen him cry when he had that meltdown - and he did that behind a locked door that Buck had to break down. We actively saw him hold back his emotions and become completely stoic: when Shannon died; when he thought Chris was dead during the tsunami (even if it was for a few minutes); when Buck was struck by lightning, during Bobby's funeral, and so on. Yet, we see him try to hold back his tears when he's talking to Buck in the kitchen after pointing that menacing finger at him (can you hear the irony?).

This brings me to what I mentioned about my husband earlier. My husband and I have been together for almost 16 years - married for 14. We've been through so many different things that have caused us immense pain and resulted in one of us lashing out at the other. Our most recent issue is related to my health, which has been going on for about 3 years now, and if you ask anyone who knows me, they'd tell you that I'm ok - managing but ok. They never see my frustration and my pain and my tears, only my husband does, because he's my safe space. I know I can vent and express my frustration in whichever way I find helpful at the time, and that he'll always hold me, help me up, and support me.

This is what's going on with Eddie. He said that he couldn't cry when he received the news because he didn't want to freak out his kid. We saw him with his clenched jaw during the funeral. Still, maybe on an unconscious level, he knew that, standing there in front of Buck in his old kitchen, he's safe to let go of everything that's been eating at him regarding Bobby's death.

On a not-so-different note, Chimney punched Buck and everyone is a-ok with him (even though it's been years since), yet, here we have people calling Eddie abusive and toxic.

Then we've got Buck, who has a chronic case of abandonment issue-itis, and who (even before Bobby died) always wants to help his family and fix things. He's going around rating people's grief so that he can figure out how to help them - it's the only way he know how to do things. But he can see that they don't need him, not the way Bobby said they would, and he ends up in a confessional booth trying to contact Bobby (may I suggest a Ouija board next time?).

But even though Eddie lashed out at Buck, and even though Buck called Eddie a jerk after reading his note, Eddie (who can barely afford anything by being an uber driver) flew his son over to cheer Buck up, and Buck - the man with a heart bigger than the universe - accepted that with the good faith that it is because Eddie gave him what he needs (his family) without him having to ask for it. Because Eddie saw that Buck was trying to help everyone BUT himself, and he stepped up to do that.

Was Buck making everything about him again? Maybe, but then again this is the same person who has had to spend his entire childhood working on getting his parent's attention. Nothing makes sense about grief - like Karen said: you're grieving, fair can go fuck itself (she didn't say that, but she might as well have).

Anyway - if you've gotten this far, I thank you for reading my rambles and venting. I needed to get this off my chest because I've been feeling like I want to scream at my phone all day after reading all the different posts. Like I said in an earlier post - the amount of people I've unfollowed after the last two episodes is a lot.

[icewindandboringhorror]

I occasionally wish to reach out to old friends/acquaintances I haven't spoken to since high school/some other even earlier time in my life, but I have SOOO little social energy even for required tasks (like making dr phone calls or etc), I never have any leftover for extra ones, and it would be very odd to message someone I haven't spoken to in like 5 years out of the blue but then take 4 entire months to respond back lol.. My natural curiosity with nostalgia/collecting details of the past/etc. (literally if I were born a little earlier I would definitely do scrapbooking or something lol) is very strong, but, alas, not strong enough to beat out the Social Issues Demons apparently

[aeolianblues]

I'm not an extrovert. At all. In everyday life, I'm a yapper, sure, but I need someone to first assure me I am okay to yap, so I don't start conversations, even when I really want to join in sometimes! It's just the social anxiety acting up. God knows where from and why I lose a lot of my inhibitions when it comes to talking to people about music. I don't know where the confidence has suddenly sprung from. I've made a crazy amount of friends in musical circles, either just talking to people about common music or (since it is after all in music circles) talking to bands about their own music. I let out a sigh of relief any time an interaction goes well, because in truth it's going against my every instinct. I wish I could do that in everyday life

[rawliverandgoronspice]

not dipping back there again after this, but my opinion on where the discourse re: us politics is heading is not getting any nicer.

[zooblesbutchpuppygirl]

So crazy how I can go from having a great day to all of a sudden remembering an upsetting dream I had last night and it just. Instantly ruins my mood </3

[beanswithbones]

.

[tardis--dreams]

Some of those doctors make hating oat milk their entire personality. I hate them. Cannot pretend to find them funny or like i give a shit. Fucking pretentious assholes

[queenangst]

like every day i get closer to understanding bachiko during the whole thirteen crowns thing. literally relatable queen

thats LITERALLY how i feel

[kkusuka]

pt. 2

your roommate was a strange man.

can you even really call him a roommate if he's only home for one week every few months? but when he is home, simon riley is a pretty good roommate.

he fixes the heater that's been broken for two months, he replaces the faucet after it drenches you for turning it on too quick, he even takes a look at your car when you mention how your breaks have been squeaking. but other than his penchant for whiskey and the color black, you really don't know much about the man you've been living with for more than a year.

he's in the military, you know that for sure. he works with a team because he tells you that you have a striking resemblance to a man names "soap"? you take that as a compliment even if he didn't really mean it to be one. he wears combat boots even when he's off, you buy him a pair for his birthday that he doesn't take off until soles wear out. but all of these are merely observations, you don't actually know anything about him.

and it's not like you don't try to find out more things about him. you search his name on google- nothing. you ask him about his social media- 'don't got any'. you never ask about family because he never brings them up. all you have is a phone number and the license plate on his beat up dodge charger.

so, getting a call in the middle of the night, three months after you'd last seen simon, about a mission taking a bad turn and simon taking a bullet for an american private. all you really manage to catch after that was the hospital's address and a room number to ask for.

you feel like you're in a trance as you pack yourself an overnight bag, then move to simon's room and just start grabbing the softest clothes you can find and a bunch of snacks from his side of the pantry, then you're off.

you didn't want to see desperate or overly worried about a man whose favorite song you don't know but you're pushing into the high 90s on your way down. and your mind isn't clear until you're standing in front of a tired looking nurse in sanrio scrubs.

"um, i need to get into room 1206?" you barely choke the words out before she's getting up to lead you, "oh! mrs. riley, they told me you were on your way."

"oh-i'm, well" and if you hadn't watch so many hospital shows where they don't let anyone but family into the room you would have just told her the truth, but you just shut your mouth, give her a tight smile, and follow her down the hallway.

the room doesn’t take long to get to, but the door is shut and you can hear the people inside talking. but the nurse doesn't even hesitate to swing the door wide open, "mr. riley, your wife is here."

and then there are four sets of eyes trained on you, but all you can look at is the hulking figure of your roommate sat up in his comically small hospital bed. and all you can muster up is a slight smile and a small wave in his direction before the bags you're holding fly straight onto the floor.

"oh, shoot- i'm sorry. i didn't know if you needed anything so i just grabbed some things from your dresser- and some of those granola bars you like, and there should be a gatorade somewhere in there. and, oh my god, i'm sorry, how are you? i came as soon as they called, and they said you got shot, and-"

"calm down, sweetheart, or yer gonna be the one that needs a hospital bed." ok, simon could still speak that was good, and he was conscious and remembered you.

"i'm sorry. i just got worried, and-" simon knew you well enough to know that you'll worry yourself to death if he lets you keep going, "nothin' to worry about, sweetheart, pull up a chair, you've 'ad stressful few hours."

you practically fell back into the chair that the man with the kindest brown eyes you've ever seen pushed towards you. and for the first time since you arrived, you took a deep, long breath. hand clasped in your lap as you take simon in.

"feeling any better, mrs. riley?"

"she's fine, garrick." 

'garrick' seems utterly unphased by your roommate's- husband's? you can address that later- tone and just continues to smile at you.

"c'mon simon, we just wannae ken 'bout the bonnie lass yer hidin' from yer pals. ye 'aven't even introduced us." you're glad the scot waited until you'd calmed down to start speaking because it took you at least 30 seconds to realize he was even talking about you.

"sweetheart these are the boys, boys this is sweetheart, now fuck off before you scare 'er away"

they didn’t seem like they were going to leave until the older man practically dragged them out saying something about the heaping loads of paperwork they had to do. so will a little wave and a cheeky smile, they were gone.

"so, um, ho-how are you feeling? they, uh, said that you got shot?"

" 'm fine, sweetheart, better knowing i've got a bird at home who'll come runnin' cause she thinks 'm hurt, yeah wife?"

yeah, maybe you'll let the mrs. riley thing go on for a little bit longer.

idk i just really like the idea of simon just picking someone random and being like 'yeah this is it, you're mine now' and they have literally no idea

[derinthescarletpescatarian]

wait, Derin how did your leaving make the hospital shut down?

I used to work as a live-in nanny for a pediatrician.

Now, the thing about hospitals in my country is that they are massively understaffed and massively underfunded. This is especially true outside the major cities. The staff are worked to the bone and receive little to no help in things like finding accommodation or childcare, making working in rural areas a very uninviting prospect; staff come out here, get lumped with the work of three people (because there's nobody else to do it), burn out under the workload and leave, meaning that those remaining have even more work because that person is gone. It's unsustainable and the medical staff are doing their best to sustain it, because people die if they don't, so to the higher-ups it looks like everything's getting done and therefore everything is fine.

My friend (and boss) worked one week on, one week off, swapping out with another pediatrician. This was necessary because it would not be physically possible for one person to handle the workload for longer periods of time. The one single pediatrician had to hold up the entire pediatrics ward, which was not only the only public hospital pediatrics ward in our town, but also the one that served all the towns around us for a few hours' drive in all directions. I regularly saw her go to work sick, aching, tired, or with a debilitating 'I can barely make words or see' level migraine, because if she took a day off, twenty children didn't get healthcare that day, and some of these kids' appointments were scheduled weeks in advance. She'd work long hours in the day and then be called in a couple of times overnight for an hour or two at a time (she was on-call at night too, because somebody had to be), and then go in the next day. Sometimes she would be forced to take a day off because she physically could not stay awake for longer than a few minutes at a time, meaning she couldn't drive to work.

Cue my niece's second birthday coming up in Melbourne. I'd been working for her for about 3 years, and she (and the hospital) had plenty of advance warning that I (and therefore she) needed one (1) Friday off. That's fine, we'll find someone to work that Friday, the hospital said. Right up until the last week where they're like "oh, we can't find a replacement; you can come in, can't you?"

No, she tells them; I don't have anyone to watch my kid that day.

Oh, surely you can hire a babysitter for this one day, they say. Think of the children! We really really need you to work that day. I know we said it'd be fine but we need you now, there's no one else to do it.

There are no other babysitters, she told them. Unless you can find one?

That's not our responsibility, they said.

But I'm not changing my plans, she's got plans by now as well, the hospital knew about this one day weeks in advance, and with absolutely no reserve staff they're forced to reschedule all pediatrics appointments for that Friday. Not a huge deal, it happens on the 'physically too overworked to get out of bed' days too. I go to Melbourne, she goes back to her home in Adelaide for her recovery week, all should be on track.

My niece gives me Covid.

This was way back in the first wave of the pandemic, and there were no Covid vaccines yet. The rules were isolate, mask up, hope. I had Covid in the house, and it would've been madness for my friend and her toddler to come back into the Covid house instead of staying in Adelaide. There was absolutely no way that a pediatrician could live with someone in quarantine due to Covid and go to work in the hospital with sick children every day. And no support existed for finding another babysitter, or temporary accommodation, so the hospital was down a pediatrician.

The other pediatrician wasn't available to do a three-week stint. They were also trapped in Adelaide on their well-earned week off.

Meaning that the only major pediatrics ward within a several-hour radius had no pediatricians. They had to shut down and send all urgent cases to Adelaide for the week. To the complete absence of surprise of any of the doctors or nurses; of course this would happen, this was bound to happen, it presumably keeps happening. But probably to the surprise of the higher-ups. After all, the hospital was doing fine, right? Of course all the staff were complaining of overwork and a lack of resources in every meeting, but they could always be fobbed off with the promise of more help sometime in the future; the work was mostly getting done, so the issue couldn't be too urgent.

It's not like some nanny who doesn't even work for the hospital could go out of town for a weekend for the first time in three years, and get the only public pediatrics ward in the area shut down for a week.