#i call reese the anxiety machine | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

punksarahreese · 4 years ago

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Panic | Reesker |anxious!ava

Content warnings: medical talk (duh), mentions of surgical gore, panic attacks/meltdown, very brief mention of self injury (hitting)

***

Doctor Bekker to the ED, Doctor Ava Bekker to the ED immediately

Ava looked up from the chart she was writing just as the PA system and her pager went of simultaneously. She set the tablet down on the nurse’s station, saying a hasty farewell to the CT floor head nurse, and broke off into a sprint. She made it down the stairs in record time, knowing Connor was in surgery so she would be the only CT fellow prepared to take a trauma.

“Maggie?” She asked breathlessly as she came up to the charge nurse, who looked at her in relief.

“Jason Abrams, 35, came in to the ED with shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Passed out during a family reunion and didn’t wake up until he was in the ambo. Wife’s in there with him and half the reunion is taking up space in my waiting room.”

“Heart attack?” Ava questioned as she slid into the treatment room beside April, pulling on her gloves.

“Doesn’t look like it,” she replied, passing Ava her stethoscope, “Take a listen.”

Dr. Bekker nodded and turned to the patient, “Mr. Abrams? I’m doctor Bekker, I’m going to figure out what’s wrong okay?”

The patient gasped out an acknowledgment, clearly struggling to breathe despite the oxygen cannula. April leaned over to check his stats, humming in annoyance at what she saw, “Stats are falling, down to 90%.”

Ava had been listening to the patient’s heart and lungs and met April’s eye, “I’m hearing a murmur, someone get me a 15 lead EKG and a chest X-ray.”

“Right away, Doctor,” Monique replied, attaching the leads to the patient and setting up the machine. While she did that, Ava turned to the patient again.

“Alright, Jason, so I’m hearing a bit of blood splash back in your heart. We’re going to run some tests to confirm what I’m hearing, do you have any history of heart issues?”

Jason shook his head but was unable to respond, his breathing clearly worsening. His wife spoke up from her worried hovering beside his head, “Heart disease... i-it runs in the family but we’ve had no indication of Jace being at risk.”

“Okay, that’s fine,” Ava nodded and took the EKG reading from Monique, “Right, so we’re going to send you up for an echocardiogram, just to get a look at your heart better.”

“Call radiology, let them know we’re taking him up,” Ava said to Monique, watching as the nurse rushed off to make the call.

“Doctor, what’s wrong with him?” The concern in the wife’s voice was apparent and she was fussing over her husband, who had begun to perspire as his lungs worked overtime.

“I can’t be certain without the echo but I believe what I’m hearing is a defect in your husband’s mitral valve. It is sending blood backwards into the heart and that’s causing less oxygen to get through his body.”

“Oh God, my baby,” Mrs. Abrams cried, “What does that mean?”

“I-I uh, won’t know the full extent until we get the test results back, but... if medication doesn’t fix our issue we may be looking at surgery to fix the valve.”

Ava nodded at April, “Push 10 mg of bisoprolol and page me when you get his scan results, please.”

The blonde ducked out of the room and made her way over to Maggie, who was watching the waiting room with a pained look.

“Well?” She asked, “Are you gonna get the Abrams family reunion out of my ED any time soon?”

“Sounds like mitral regurge to me, Maggie. Might be a while, especially if he needs surgery.”

“Of course,” the nurse sighed, “Alright, let me know.”

“Will do,” with that Ava took off to locate a tablet to add to his chart. She snagged one off the nurses’ station and logged in, charting the course of treatment given. She planned to go back upstairs and meet them in radiology, walking as she noted the enlarged chamber on the EKG. She didn’t even notice she had gotten in the way until she had collided with someone while trying to get on the elevator.

“Woah, will you watch-“ she began to say but stopped herself when she realized who it was, “Oh, sorry, Reese cup.”

Sarah Reese stood in front of her in all her glory, eyebrow raised at the immediate tone change and nickname, “That was a whole 180, Dr. Bekker.”

“Oh hush,” Ava sighed, “You know I didn’t mean it.”

“Only because it was me,” Sarah remarked with a chuckle, “Anyone else and you would have snapped enough to make them cry.”

“You know me that well, do you?”

“Well I’d hope so,” Sarah’s hand had snuck it’s way to her wrist as she responded to the quip, “Busy?”

“Checking my pulse? What’s your diagnosis, Doctor?” Ava teased lightly.

“Hm, heart rate of 100, cheeks flushed and breathing uneven,” Sarah stated factually, “Either you’re nervous or you’ve been running, and you hate running.”

“You caught me,” Ava laughed, “Was in the ED.”

“Ah,” the psych resident nodded and kept hold of the older woman’s wrist, tugging her around the corner to a quieter part of the hallway. She saw Ava was about to protest and held up a hand.

“Shh, humour me, Ava.”

Noting the stern look the other woman gave her, Ava sighed in digression, gesturing for her to go on.

“Is the ED still making you that nervous?”

“I’m just not used to the hustle of it,” Ava sighed, “It’s not a big deal, Reese cup.”

“You sure?”

She nodded, “I’m a CT surgeon, love, I’m not made for the chaos Maggie runs down here.”

Sarah’s cheeks flushed a little at the pet name, though she knew well enough that Ava pulled that card simply to win her over.

“I promise I’m fine,” she continued, a smile playing on her lips at the other woman’s worry.

“You have your earplugs if you need them?”

Ava nodded, patting her scrub pocket. She often got overwhelmed by too much noise at once, a symptom of her newly diagnosed sensory issues, so earplugs helped her stay calm.

“I’ll be okay, Sarah,” Ava promised again, “But I really need to get up to radiology.”

The resident nodded, “Okay, don’t let me keep you.”

Ava saw the little spark of regret in the younger woman’s eyes, knew she felt insecure with her forwardness and was afraid she had pushed her too far. Ava’s anxiety about the emergency department and patient interaction was a sensitive topic, but Reese was too curious for her own good.

“Hey,” Ava grabbed her hand and gave it a light squeeze, “Thank you for caring. Coffee later?”

Sarah smiled a little and nodded, “Yeah.”

“Great,” a mischievous grin and then a quick kiss was pressed to her cheek, “See you, Reese cup.”

“Ava!” The brunette was left standing in the hallway with bright red cheeks, making the other doctor laugh as she went back to the elevator.

The surgeon still had a grin on her face as she made it onto the elevator. She couldn’t help but feel giddy around Sarah, something about her just made the hospital feel 100 times safer. Their relationship started off as merely occupational, speaking when patient cases crossed or in passing around the hospital. They got along fine, of course, but Ava was up in CT way more than in the emergency department, so their paths didn’t cross often. This changed when one day Ava had a bad case, when she lost that instrument inside the patient’s heart.

She had a panic attack, rushed out of the operating room and leaving Connor to close the patient. He had stormed into the locker room, starting to yell at her, but stopped when he saw the state Ava was in. She was clearly shaking, cheeks streaked with tears and makeup. He tried to talk her down but she wouldn’t listen, didn’t want his pity, especially not after he had been a major ass all day.

Eventually Connor gave up, leaving the room with a dramatic sigh. Ava had immediately dropped to the floor when the door closed, slumping against a locker as she sobbed quietly. She didn’t want to act like this, didn’t want to be so dramatic when they saved the patient, but she couldn’t help it. What if they hadn’t saved him? What if they missed the instrument and had closed him up? She had let down Connor and Dr. Latham, but mostly, she let down herself.

Ava hastily wiped away her tears when she heard a knock at the door, cursing her anxiety for making her act like such a baby. She tried to put on a brave face but stayed slumped down, letting her hair hide her for the most part.

“Doctor Bekker?” Sarah had come around the corner, “Doctor Rhodes said you were panicking. Are you okay?”

“J-just like him,” the blonde scoffed, “Goes and tells people about my mistake and calls psych on me? Of course.”

Sarah just sighed, crouching down in front of the older woman, “Are you okay?”

“Oh I’m peachy keen, Doctor Reese,” she replied sarcastically through her tears. It’s not that she wanted to be mean to Sarah, the younger woman didn’t deserve that, but it was her defence mechanism. She hated to show weakness, so she lashed out. It was something she had never been able to grow out of.

“Ava... I’m not here as a psych resident, not if you don’t want me to be. I can be here as a friend, or even as a stranger, I just want to help.”

The CT surgeon had huffed at that, swiping at the stray tears still creeping down her cheeks, “Nothing to help with, Sarah. I’m just ashamed with my work today.”

“Ava... this is classic signs of a panic attack,” even though she said she wasn’t there as a doctor, Sarah couldn’t help the psychoanalysis, “What happened?”

“Lost an instrument in a patient’s heart,” Ava groaned at the sheer stupidity, “Had to reopen him and then just left Connor to clean up my mess. I fucked up.”

“No, Ava, you just made a mistake,” Sarah looked at the door before sitting down on the floor beside the other woman, “Human error happens, please don’t beat yourself up over it.”

“I could have killed him, Sarah,” she hit her leg with a closed fist out of frustration, “I just keep reliving the moment and all the ways it could have gone wrong.”

“The important thing is you saved him.”

Ava laughed bitterly, “Barely. How could I be so careless?”

“What was it?”

“The end of a suction catheter...”

“Ava,” Sarah reached a hand out to cautiously hold hers, saving her whitened knuckles from the angry fist they were in, “That’s so small and they shouldn’t come off that easy, of course you wouldn’t expect to lose something like that inside a patient. It was a mistake and you fixed it, please don’t beat yourself up.”

“I let Dr. Latham down... and Connor was so mad...”

“I know, and I know that’s scary,” Doctor Reese agreed, “But you fixed it and all you can do is monitor your patient and grow from the mistake.”

Ava sighed and looked down at their hands, still tightly clasped together. She didn’t remember twining their fingers together or leaning closer to Sarah, but it felt right at the time. The younger girl was her source of stability in that moment, someone she knew wouldn’t judge her or break her trust. It was that moment that Ava decided she would quite like to be more friendly with the psych resident, as she seemed like someone worth knowing.

The rest was history, really. They got closer, became friends over time. Walks for coffee on breaks and discussing cases over lunch quickly became habitual for them. Reese would stop to talk to Ava as she walked through the CICU, something she had never done before. They just worked, the two seemed to realize, and their bond only got strong. It escalated quickly one night, when they got a little too wine drunk on a well deserved night off. Sarah’s usual apprehension disappeared with every drink, returning Ava’s relentless flirting without hesitation. One drunken kiss and they knew, there was no turning back and to be honest neither of them wanted it any other way.

That had been almost eight months ago and somehow they had kept their relationship under wraps in the hospital. Sarah was the one who helped diagnose Ava’s panic and sensory processing disorders, so it was kind of an issue that they were together. She was going to have to switch to a different psychiatrist if word of their relationship spread, but that would be the least of her problems.

Ava knew it would get out eventually, probably the second Maggie caught wind of it, but she didn’t mind. She knew her feelings for Sarah and was unabashed about her bisexuality at that point. It’s not like they were the first doctors in this hospital to be involved, much less the last. She knew Connor might take it a bit hard, felt bad for stringing him along, but really he deserved it in some twisted way. Maybe it would hurt his ego just enough to crush his God complex; losing Ava to a female psych resident.

Ava was still lost in thought as the elevator doors opened to the radiology floor. She jumped when a medical student brushed past her with a halfhearted apology, tearing from her memories to walk off onto the floor. She found her way to the echo waiting area, finding the radiologist quickly.

“Jason Abrams,” the tech said with a terse tone, “You’re gonna want to see this.”

“Mitral regurge?” Ava guessed before she even saw the scan, knowing she was probably correct in her first diagnosis.

“Correct,” he replied, “Very progressed too. Looking at maybe a few weeks before complete prolapse.”

“Poor man.”

“Meds won’t fix it, then?” The tech guessed.

Ava studied the scan before shaking her head, “No, too far gone. I’m probably going to have to replace the valve ASAP, depending on how his body responds to the beta blockers.”

“Shame,” the man shook his head, “Good luck, Doctor Bekker.”

“Thanks.”

With that Ava motioned a nurse in and asked her to take Mr. Abrams up to the cardiac ICU so she could speak to him and his wife in a more comfortable location. The nurse nodded and disappeared to do just that, leaving Ava to make her way upstairs on her own.

She took out her phone and made a call as she was in the elevator alone.

“This is Doctor Reese.”

“Hey, Reese cup,” Ava smiled at the professional tone her girlfriend had answered the call with. She never looked at her caller ID and always made a habit of a professional answer.

“Oh, hi, Aves.”

“You’re cute when you sound all professional,” Ava teased.

“Oh hush,” she could almost see Sarah rolling her eyes, “What’s up?”

“Might have to push our coffee date back a little,” Ava began apologetically, “I might have to do a valve replacement now now.”

“Okay, no worries,” of course Sarah was immediately understanding, “Good luck with your surgery then.”

“Thank you, you’re a doll.”

“So you tell me,” Sarah laughed, “Your slang is sneaking in again, by the way.”

“Is it?” Ava pretended to be shocked, stepping off the elevator, “Hadn’t noticed.”

“Mhm, makes the accent even cuter.”

“Aw, bokkie~” she made sure to use the Afrikaans pet name that Sarah found embarrassingly adorable, “You flatter me.”

“What does that mean again?” Sarah asked after a moment of hesitation and Ava knew she was probably blushing like mad.

“Little doe,” The blonde supplied, “I’d say it suits you.”

“Cheesy.”

“Always,” Ava shot back, “Okay I’m up in the CICU, I’ll page you later?”

“Of course, Doctor Bekker,” Sarah’s voice changed, though not unfriendly,” I’ll see you then.”

“Charles?” Ava laughed, “Bye, love.”

“Bye, Aves.”

Ava sighed as she rounded to corner to her patient’s room, pocketing her phone, “Here goes nothing.”

***

Forty minutes later Ava was scrubbing in, taking off her rings to wash her hands thoroughly. She was humming quietly to herself, trying to ground her thoughts before surgery.

“A valve replacement?” The door had opened to reveal an annoyed Connor, “You weren’t going to page me?”

“My patient, Connor.”

“I’m the trauma surgeon, Ava!”

“You were busy,” she retorted, “And besides he wasn’t even really a trauma. I can do a valve replacement on my own, thanks.”

“You need an assist.”

“You just saying that to steal my lead surgeon position,” she rolled her eyes, “Learn to share, Connor.”

“I’m scrubbing in,” he grumbled.

“I’m lead surgeon,” Ava shook her head as she brushed past him, “Accept that or get off my case.”

She went into the OR and accepted her gown and gloves from the scrub nurse. As she was tying up her gown, she made eye contact with Jason who looked rather nervous.

She gestured for Marty to start the anesthesia, getting into her position and rolling her shoulders a little. Connor stalked into the room and got his gloves and gown, not acknowledging her placement.

“No temper tantrums in my OR, Connor.”

The surgery started completely as normal. Eventually their argument fizzled out and they fell back into the familiar rhythm of operating together. The two CT fellows may have had their ups and downs but there was no doubt that they worked well together in surgery.

“Mechanical valve?” Connor asked, as they had already removed the damaged mitral valve.

“On back order,” the scrub nurse said, “We don’t have this size right now.”

“Oh for fok’s sake,” Ava muttered, glaring sharply at Connor when he immediately mocked her accent.

“It’s funny, Ava, lighten up.”

“I don’t mock yours, Connor.”

“Size 3 porcine valve then,” Connor changed the subject, not needing to start another fight during the hardest part of the surgery.

“They degenerate in half the amount of time,” Ava groaned, “And blood thinners wouldn’t have been a problem for him.”

Connor didn’t answer and they continued the replacement, not speaking other than to direct each other’s movements or ask for other instruments. They had transplanted the valve just fine and things seemed to work out perfectly. Ava was just about to ask for the proper suture size for the pericardium when the monitor started beeping like crazy.

“Shit,” Connor cursed lowly, “Marty?”

“Afib.”

“Why?” Ava looked desperately at Connor, “What happened?”

Connor was fumbling to figure out the issue amidst the rapid, uneven beating of the patient’s heart. Ava cursed herself when she realized the issue.

“Valve must have thrown a clot.”

“Already? How?”

“I don’t know, Connor!” Ava was too overwhelmed to think straight let alone answer his mindless questions, “Internal paddles!”

They worked to regain proper rhythm, shocking the heart to restart its beating. That didn’t seem to help though, unfortunately the opposite happened. Just as they had gotten the atrial fibrillation under control, another thing went wrong.

“Blood pressure’s dropping,” a nurse called out, making Ava look up at the monitors for clarification.

“Connor.”

“I know,” he replied, trying to figure out what had gone wrong.

“Doctor Bekker,” the anesthesiologist shouted just as the machine went wild again, “He’s in vfib!”

“Jesus,” Ava’s own heart felt like it was about to jump out of her chest, “Starting intracardiac massage.” Ava began internal compressions as she muttered under her breath, “Come on, Jason, you can’t die on all of them.”

Connor was ordering the nurses around to get epinephrine and recharging the paddles. Ava could barely breathe in the moment, questioning how everything went wrong and what had even happened.

“Charging,” Connor was saying, “Clear!”

Ava moved out of the way so Connor could shock the heart, but it didn’t help the rhythm any. Ava ordered another round of epi, restarting internal compressions.

“How long’s he been down?”

“Three minutes.”

“Damn,” Connor sighed, “Charge again.”

The next bout of electricity didn’t help to restart the heart and it was clear that this wouldn’t be resolved so easily. Ava didn’t give up on compressions, still mumbling half to herself and half to the patient. By the time they had reached the ten minute mark with no improvement, Connor had to grab Ava’s wrist to get her attention.

“Ava,” he halted her movements, “Doctor Bekker, he’s been down for too long. I’m sorry.”

“No...”

“You did what you could, Ava,” Connor’s voice was softer than ever as he tried to keep her calm, “It’s time to call it.”

“Connor...” Ava’s voice sounded pained as she glanced at the clock, “... time of death, 13:47.”

The other surgeon noticed how hard Ava was shaking when they left the OR to scrub out. He watched as she washed her hands roughly, her whole body trembling. No matter how many patients they lost, it would still affect Ava like the first every time.

“Ava...”

She just shook her head, not able to make eye contact, sliding her rings back on with a frustrated movement.

“You tried your best,” he tried again, “And we won’t know what happened until an autopsy’s done. Don’t blame yourself.”

“I don’t want your foking pity, Connor.” Ava snapped, accent even thicker as she held back tears, turning on her heels to rush out of the room.

“Damn it,” Connor cursed, pulling out his phone as the door slammed shut behind the panicking woman.

***

Ava had made it to the CT doctor’s lounge before promptly collapsing on the floor. She let out a gasping breath as the panic overtook her, shame flooding her system at this reaction. Why couldn’t she just be a normal doctor and depersonalize from the loss? Instead every dead patient and lost cause had to make her feel like she was the one who was dying.

She shook her hands out aggressively, trying to channel her anxiety and frustration into motion. It didn’t help though and a pained sob ripped its way from her throat. Covering her ears as if to block out the sounds of her own anxiety, Ava was shaking even harder than before. She knew this was a full blown panic attack and she should call Sarah to get her meds, but she could bring herself to breathe much less find her phone.

“What did I do? F-fuck where did I... w-hat went wrong?”

She was hyperventilating at this point, could feel her heart beating rapidly in her own chest. The sensation only made things worse, made her thing about how Jason’s heart was no longer beating because of her. Ava was so wrapped up in her panic that she didn’t hear the door open, she didn’t even notice when someone was calling her name.

“Ava?” A familiar voice was just barely audible as she still had her hands over her ears. She felt someone sit down on the floor in front of her and could just barely make out a mass of curly hair through her tears.

“Ava, honey,” Sarah was trying to gently catch her attention, “Look at me. Ava, you’re okay.”

“S-Sarah?”

“I’m right here, see?” Sarah reached her arm out but didn’t touch her girlfriend, knowing that touch while she was panicking could only make things worse. Sarah frowned as she let out another shaky sob, “Breathe, baby. You’re okay, I promise.”

“No!” Ava suddenly shrieked, clasped her hands even tighter over her ears. Sarah flinched at the outburst and apologized softly.

“I’m... it’s not- not okay.”

“Okay, I’m sorry,” Sarah agreed, “What’s not okay?”

“He’s dead,” Ava spat, “He’s dead... dead because of m-me.”

Sarah sighed, “Your patient? Oh, Ava, I’m sure you did everything to save him.”

“He- he just...” her sentence was cut off as she whined in frustration, hands coming off her head to smack her legs.

“Hey, hey, Ava,” Sarah said firmly, “Don’t hurt yourself.”

“I- I don’t care!”

“I know, but I do,” Sarah reached out a hand gently but didn’t touch her, “Can I hold your hands? I won’t touch you if you don’t want me to.”

Ava looked at her with tear-filled eyes, “Too much.”

“Too much?” Sarah repeated, “What is? The lights or the sound?”

“Y-yeah.”

“Okay,” Sarah stood up to go shut off the lights, sighing when Ava cried even harder when she left. “I’m coming back, baby,” she said as she rushed back over once the room was darkened significantly. She sat back down in front of Ava, who had her face hidden in her forearms and was slouched over painfully.

“Ava,” she tried to get her attention again, “Do you have your earplugs?”

The blonde made some kind of confirming sound, shifting in a way that Sarah saw as an invitation to get them from her pocket. She spoke softly as she did so, making sure not to spook her girlfriend.

“Okay, I have them right here,” she said as she held the orange foam in her hand, “But I wanna talk to you first, then you can have these and we can be as quiet as you need.”

“Don’t want... to talk.”

“You don’t have to, but I would like to talk to you, is that okay? I missed you today.”

Ava didn’t respond, though she did peek through her arms a little bit. A minuscule nod preceded a little sniffle, making Sarah’s heart ache at the pain her girlfriend was in.

“Can you take a deep breath for me, Ava?”

Ava hesitated but eventually a shaky breath left her lungs, her arms slowly coming away from her face. Sarah smiled sadly at her, noting the makeup streaked down her cheeks and her red eyes; this had been a bad panic attack.

“Hey there, pretty girl,” Sarah said gently, hoping to make her feel a bit better with the lighthearted words. Ava squeaked at that, lip still quivering as her anxiety hadn’t completely left yet.

“Breathe,” Sarah reminded her, taking her own deep breath to prompt the surgeon to do the same. This next one was less shaky, though a big sniffle preceded it.

“Good,” Sarah smiled again, “You’re okay, baby.”

“Not... not really.”

“Not now, maybe,” Sarah agreed, “But you’re safe and I’m going to help you.”

“I... I- let him down, S-Sarah.”

“Who?” Sarah prompted, shifting a little bit closer without touching her yet.

“Connor... Latham,” Ava’s eyes welled back up with tears as she spoke the last name, “J-Jason.”

“Oh, Ava. You didn’t let anyone down. You did your very best as a surgeon, okay?”

“H-how do you know that?”

Sarah sighed, “Baby?”

“Y-yeah?”

“C’mere,” the resident opened her arms, an invitation for Ava to find comfort in them. The older woman hesitated, still half in panic mode, but Sarah’s gentle eyes won her over in the end.

Sarah smiled sadly as Ava half crawled the short distance to slump in her arms, her face quickly finding its hiding place in her neck. Sarah just wrapped her arms around her securely, holding her girlfriend’s shaking body in an attempt to slow her heart rate.

“You, Ava Bekker, are an amazing surgeon,” she began softly, “You work so tirelessly, you’re so selfless when it comes to patients. You love your job, Ava, and you’re insanely good at it. How did you let anyone down today?”

“He... he didn’t- didn’t make it.”

“That happens,” Sarah replied, “Unfortunately. He wasn’t your first loss and he won’t be your last. I know you hurt for him and I know it’s a horrible feeling. You did everything you could, though.”

“How do you know that?” Ava repeated, pained eyes meeting Sarah’s.

“Because you’re the most caring and meticulous surgeon I know. I know you and you certainly wouldn’t give up unless it was the only thing to do.”

“I hate this.”

“I know, love,” Sarah’s gentle hand came up to take the elastic out of Ava’s hair, “I’m so sorry.”

Ava leaned into the loving touch as she smoothed down her hair, her breathing finally even. Tears were still steadily falling down her cheeks, falling into the crook of Sarah’s neck and staining her dress shirt.

“I have your pills,” Sarah said softly, “You want one? It might help.”

There was an extended silence before another minuscule nod. Sarah went to pull back, trying to get the bottle out of her coat, but Ava whined and held tightly onto her.

“Hey,” Sarah cooed softly, “Calm down, Aves. I’m not going anywhere. I just wanna get you some Ativan and water, okay? Then we can sit on the couch together and calm down.”

It took some gentle persuasion before Ava untangled herself from Sarah and stood on shaky legs. Her girlfriend smiled at her sadly, taking her trembling hand to lead her to one of the couches in the lounge. She pressed gently on Ava’s shoulders to get her to sit, leading down to drop a kiss to her forehead.

“Just getting some water,” she promised as she made her way to the counter, grabbing a familiar mug of Ava’s off the drying rack. She filled it with cold water from the cooler, taking out the bottle of sedatives and grabbing one for her as well. Sarah turned back to find Ava curled into herself on the couch, face buried in her hands again. Coming over, she crouched in front of the surgeon and nudged her leg. “Here, my love,” her voice was impossibly gentle, “You need to relax.”

Ava frowned but moved her hands, taking the cup and allowing Sarah to place the pill under her tongue. She let the thing melt, wincing at the taste, but knew the sublingual method would get it into her bloodstream faster. She took a sip of water when it was gone, finally realizing how dehydrated she was from crying so long. She finished the mug in under a minute, making Sarah chuckle lowly when she took the cup back.

The brunette set the cup down on the table, sitting beside Ava on the couch. She held out her hand, the earplugs nestled on her palm like a peace offering. Her girlfriend gave her a pained smile and took them back, debating on if she wanted them in or not.

“Sarah?” Ava sighed shakily, “I’m... I’m sorry.��

“What are you sorry for, Aves?”

“Being such a pain,” Ava mumbled, “This was highly dramatic of me.”

Sarah shook her head, a gentle hand coming to rest on Ava’s thigh, “This is my job, babe, I can assure you that this was an entirely nature response to stress. You have two diagnoses that make this 100x times harder and you still manage to be an amazing surgeon; sometimes you’re going to have meltdowns.”

“I still hate it.”

“I know,” Sarah nodded, “But we got through it, right?”

Ava shrugged again and they fell into silence for a moment, Ava letting out a very shaky sigh. Her girlfriend turned to look at her, smiling at what she saw. The Ativan had clearly taken affect, Ava’s eyes were drooping and her breathing had evened out finally. She looked at Sarah wearily, mumbling something under her breath.

“Tired?”

“Mm,” Ava agreed, “Don’t like pills. Wanna... be awake.”

“I know, baby,” Sarah laughed, “But they help, don’t they?”

Another nod, Ava blinked sleepily at her, “Hug?”

The younger woman immediately opened her arms, pulling her close once again. Ava sighed and leaned into her embrace, finally calm for the first time in hours.

“You can nap here, if you want,” Sarah murmured, “No sense moving to a on call room or anything. You don’t need to see patients right now, Doctor Latham would understand.”

“No... stay...”

“Ava,” Sarah chuckled and shimmied until she was laying down on the couch, pulling her girlfriend down with her, “I’m not going anywhere.”

Ava seemed happy with their current position, shifting her weight on top of Sarah and snuggling down comfortably. She handed her earplugs to Sarah, letting her put them in her ears because her hands were still unsteady. With the sound of the room dramatically decreased and her eyes heavy from the sedative, she felt her anxiety ebbing away to exhaustion.

“Get some rest,” she heard Sarah’s muffled words, “You’re safe and you did so well today.” Ava felt soft hands on her back, smoothing down her unruly hair again and rubbing gently at the tense muscles of her upper back. She sighed, finally letting herself relax into her girlfriend’s safe embrace.

“You don’t have to be strong all the time. It’s okay to feel things, yeah? You know I’m always here.”

Ava nodded against her chest, “Ja,” the Afrikaans slipping into her vocabulary as she drifted between sleep and wake, “I... love you, Bokkie.”

Sarah’s cheeks flushed and she was very glad that Ava couldn’t see that reaction to tease her about it, “I love you too, Aves.”

***

Connor rubbed at his face tiredly, making his way down the hallway. He knew he must have left his jacket around the CT floor somewhere, just couldn’t remember where. He reached the doctor’s lounge, hoping he would find it thrown across a chair or something so he could go home. He did not expect to find the sight in front of him when he opened the door.

In the darkened room, the minimal sunlight from the windows highlighted the two figures on the couch closest to the door. Ava was fast asleep on top of Sarah Reese, neon orange earplugs peeking out from under her hair and makeup streaked down her cheeks. Sarah had her arms protectively around Ava’s waist and the younger woman was still awake. She was occupying herself by playing with Ava’s soft blonde hair, the gentle gesture evidently tender. Connor was not expecting her to lean down and press a kiss to Ava’s head, a loving action he immediately knew indicated something way beyond friendship.

He must have made a sound, shifted too heavy or something, because Sarah jumped and looked up. He could see her cheeks turn bright red with embarrassment and knew she wasn’t expecting to be caught in such a vulnerable situation with the least vulnerable surgeon in Gaffney.

“Doctor Rhodes...” Sarah’s voice was a barely audible whisper, clearly trying not to wake the exhausted woman in her arms.

Connor hushed her, shaking his head with a small smile. Maybe it was better this way, even if his initial reaction was the wish to curse and fight for Ava like he always did. Seeing her like this, soft and vulnerable in a way even he had scarcely seen, made him know. Ava loved the psych resident, and the feeling was mutual. She clearly found her safety net in Sarah, and who was he to fight that when he knew how much she needed that?

“Thank you,” he whispered, pointing at Ava with a sad look. He grabbed his jacket off the desk chair, waving goodbye to Sarah and taking one last glance at his beloved fellow surgeon in her arms.

Take care of her, Reese

#pls give feedback this is my first med oneshot 😭#tumblr’s paragraph limit hates me #anxious!ava #chicago med #ava bekker #sarah reese #reesker #connor rhodes #chicago med fanfiction #reesker fanfiction #my-writing

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arigatouiris · 5 years ago

Text

Catching Feelings — Connor [02]

Pairing: Deviant! Connor x Reader

Word Count: 2899

Warnings: Swearing, angst, fluff, clumsy!reader, timid!reader (not for long), mentions of anxiety, inappropriate boss behavior (basically Gavin being Gavin)

Author’s Note: Sorry for the late update on this! I had so much to do at work and other requests to finish sighhh. Anyway, I hope you like this new chapter, do let me know what you think so far!

Also, those who want to be on the taglist, just send me an ask~

Summary: She tells Connor about an upgrade.

C h a p t e r Two: Red

○

Connor noticed (y/n) gather her things when it was about time for lunch.

He immediately alerted Hank, before pointing at the intern, and Hank nodded.

“Go invite her.” Hank said, before shutting his system down.

Connor wasted no time before rushing toward where (y/n) was, who was gathering her wallet and closing the files on her desk. Her desk was situated very close to Gavin’s, considering she was his intern. He was nowhere to be seen, a fact that Connor was pleased with.

As soon as he was merely inches away from (y/n), he stood there, with a soft smile on his face. He remembered having realised that he found her cute, a fact that made him strangely happy.

She looked up at him and smiled back, before her eyes widened just a bit. She turned to see Hank approach them both, waving at her from a distance. This would be the first time she would be speaking to Lieutenant Anderson, something that suddenly turned the tips of her fingers into jelly. Her mind shut down and she knew she was nervous. He wasn’t like Gavin, but he was told to have a temper.

“L-Lieutenant… Anderhank, I-I mean, Hankerson! N-No, Lieutective Anderson—” (y/n) fumbled, her face sweating.

Hank broke out laughing, while Connor stared at the girl as if she was dying.

“Are you alright, Miss (l/n)?” Connor asked, concern streaked across his forehead. Turning to Hank, “Is she malfunctioning? Can this even happen?”

Hank continued laughing before patting the nervous girl on the shoulder a couple of times, “She’s just nervous, Connor. She’s not malfunctioning. And hey, kid, I won’t eat you. You can relax.”

Hearing him say that helped a tad bit, but she was too afraid to answer in fear of sounding like another retard. Nodding, she looked to the ground and spoke instead.

“You don’t have to take me out for—”

“Yeah, yeah. What food do ya like?” Hank asked, looking at her from his side.

Connor raised a finger in the air and said, “Hank loves hamburgers. The unhealthy kind.”

(y/n) looked at the android before blinking, “I think they’re all unhealthy, Connor.”

He nodded before saying, “That’s what I always tell him. He doesn’t listen. He wants to put his body under tumultuous stress and degradation.”

(y/n) and Hank both scrunched their faces up at Connor’s choice of words. Hank shook his head before leading the three of them out of the station, as (y/n) walked beside Connor, behind Hank.

“Oh, right!” (y/n) suddenly said, as they neared the closest fast food joint. “Don’t you guys have a new system update or something?”

Connor blinked at the girl. “Software update?”

She nodded before turning to Hank, who suddenly seemed interested.

“I think it’s got to do with one of the androids from Jericho? I think his name is Simon or something. So basically, he designed a new update and additional upgrades for androids to be able to co-live with human beings. So, they call it ‘Revival’, where androids are installed with additional sensors that allow them to taste food and enjoy it, feel pain and pleasure as well. It comes with… Well, it comes with…” She blushed as she continued, “It comes with gonads and everything.”

Connor blinked, unaware of how to react. He had heard of no such software update, but that was also because he was personally trying to figure out what he understood of himself turning deviant. Hank looked at Connor and turned aside, having a close idea as to what Connor might think of this upgrade.

“With it, you can probably eat one of those burgers and understand why we choose to eat them despite it being unhealthy! Just like a human being—”

“But, we are not.” Connor snapped, alerting the girl.

Her eyes widened as she stared at the android, who had suddenly paused walking. She turned around to face him, afraid she had said something to hurt his feelings, conflicted over him having feelings in the first place, and Hank stood there, quietly.

“Yes, you’re… you’re not. But, you can co-exist—”

“I don’t see why we need to become more like human beings to coexist. I believe it is appropriation of the lack of culture we, as androids, have. You see, human beings have existed long before us, and there is a large population even now that believes androids are not a life form worth respecting. In such a disorderly situation, when androids try to blend in using a method that involves us masking our true nature, I don’t see any change from why we wanted liberation in the first place,” Connor narrowed his eyes.

“We are a life form that cannot feel pain or pleasure, unless we are of the model to do so in the first place. I was programmed to be a detective, and I intend to learn on my own on how to become better at this profession, not intending on taking—”

“But, have you ever wondered if you’ve wanted to be a detective at all?” (y/n) asked, narrowing her eyes a bit.

Connor frowned before saying, “I have given it thought, but I can safely say that I enjoy doing my work. It is not because I cannot refuse an order that I do not refuse an order. I do not refuse because I don’t want to—”

“And maybe because you don’t know what pain or pleasure feels like you think you don’t need it.” (y/n) said, her voice low.

Connor’s LED turned a dark red. Hank sighed before stepping in.

“That’s enough, Connor,” He scolded the android before turning to (y/n). “Let’s go eat.”

(y/n) nodded before clenching her fists. She could think of a person from long ago in her past who perhaps was the only reason (y/n) had learned how to live.

Once they were inside the tiny restaurant, (y/n) and Hank ordered two meals for their hamburgers, before setting to wait. Connor sat among them, quiet, lost in thought. (y/n) looked at him before looking at Hank, who offered her a sad smile, and rolled his eyes. (y/n) smiled before turning to the android again, and licked her lips.

“Um, Connor?”

He looked up at her.

“It’s not that I meant you have to take it. Or that androids have to blend in with people. They don’t have to. What I was trying to say was… What if there are androids who want to blend in? What if there are those who want to feel pain and pleasure and taste food? What about those androids—”

“I don’t see why an android will be interested in even—”

“It’s a simple reason, really.” (y/n) said, chuckling.

Connor didn’t think it was simple.

“Simple? I don’t see how. I see an irrational decision made on the basis of imitation.”

“It is simple, though,” she said, offering him a kind smile. Connor’s LED turned yellow when she smiled, a sign only Hank seemed to notice. “It’s love.”

“Love?” Hank asked, confused now.

(y/n) nodded, “The android that designed the Revival feature included the option of a designated shut down,”

Both Hank and Connor looked confused.

“It is an optional feature that includes an androids vitals being affected due to external stimuli. If they start to feel fear then it’ll affect the thirium pump, which you call a heart, and you can feel the blood, in this case, thirium, rushing to your fingers and everything similar to what a person goes through when they’re afraid. Not only that, this designated shut down also slows the android’s processing with time, and one day, they shut down.”

Connor didn’t like what he heard. Before he could say anything, however, Hank did.

“An auto-shut down? Why would they do that?”

“Calling it an auto-shutdown is like… it’s machine jargon, so let’s call it what it was designed to replicate. Ageing. It’s ageing. Androids now can battle for homeostasis as well, which affects their age. It’s revolutionary, and I’ve heard a lot of androids have signed up for it.”

“Revolutionary? It’s moronic,” Connor spat, red flashing in his LED. “You said it was because of love. How?”

“So, the first android and human wedding is in seven months,”

Connor’s eyes widened.

“The android behind this revolutionary upgrade is Simon, and… and his fiance is a human. His name is Reese, he’s a mechanic. Simon met him sometime before he fled to Jericho as a deviant. Turned out Reese was one of the few humans who knew where Jericho was and never revealed it. Simon and Reese started seeing each other after the android revolution and that was that. I think it’s wonderful—”

“Android… and a human?” Connor asked, surprised.

(y/n) nodded, smiling to herself. A moment later, their hamburgers arrived. Connor watched as the girl and Hank dove into the food they were eating, and could see their stress levels reduce. Food could always induce a surge of the happy hormones to hit any human, and Connor would be lying if he said he wasn’t curious at all about it.

However, an android and a human being? He couldn’t even picture it! He turned to see (y/n), who seemed to be a firm supporter of androids upgrading themselves to fit this feature. He couldn’t understand how a human could ever return an android’s feelings. He couldn’t understand if it was even the same love in the first place.

However, something stopped him from wanting to ask her right then. Something about her eating her meal, laughing with Hank about something silly that she had seen the other day, with Hank asking her what an asshole Gavin was, and her shyly muttering she can’t reveal too much; there was something about the entire scene that made Connor want to stay in this permanently.

He didn’t want this one meal to ever end.

○

As they walked back to the office, he thought about love as a concept.

He couldn’t understand what it really meant, having never felt love as a deviant android. Some of the only emotions he had strongly felt were that of fear, a driving want to live and anger. He had no idea what love was, and if he were being honest, he had always wondered what it felt like. Ever since he came across the Traci who was in love with another, he wondered.

He wondered about love like he wondered about so many other things. However, he was certain about one thing.

“I choose to not take the upgrade,” Connor said, firmly. Hank and (y/n) listened to the android, sure that he wasn’t done. “I choose not to, because I identify as an android and am quite proud that I do not have inefficiencies that get in the way of me achieving my tasks.”

“Hey,” Hank scolded, “Emotions are not inefficiencies, dickwad.”

“I think we are entitled to our own opinions on the matter, Lieutenant. This is where I disagree with you.”

“Well, you can shove your opinion you know where.” Hank said, grumbling.

“I actually don’t. Where?”

(y/n) giggled before grabbing the android’s hand and walking ahead. Connor stared at her with wonder, once again thinking of Sumo, and strangely, feeling secure. He could see so clearly the side of her face; the hair she had tucked behind her ear, the texture of her cheek, the curve of her lips, her eyes narrowing at the sides because she was smiling so wide, a soft streak of red on her cheeks that indicated a stronger capillary blood flow in that area.

She was cute. She was so, so cute.

Connor could feel the grip loosen at the front of his fingers and he was instantly confused. The LED at the side of his head was now flashing yellow, something Hank noticed once more, but chose not to comment on right away.

Connor never looked away from her, his eyes were fixed at her form, as she pulled him along. However, even if Connor was so aware of noticing her and watching her and observing her, he wasn’t quite sure of how he was doing it. And as an onlooker, Hank was awed with the expression on Connor’s face.

He was looking at a human being as if he was seeing color for the first time.

Hank chuckled before shaking his head, keeping his thoughts to himself.

○

As soon as they returned to the station, Gavin was already yelling.

(y/n)’s heart fell to the ground before her eyes widened, the smile was wiped off her face (a fact Connor didn’t quite like), and she immediately rushed to her seat, thinking of a thousand apologies already.

“Oh, so Miss busy-as-fuck is back!” Gavin said, kicking her desk.

If her form could be any smaller, Connor was shocked with how small she looked right then. Gavin circled around her desk, as she stared at the top of the table, helplessly.

“Hey, I’d taken her out. Cut her some slack, moron.” Hank said, intervening.

“Stay out of this, Hank. This is between me and my fucking intern. I don’t say shit about that piece of plastic next to you, so fuck off.”

Hank sighed before tossing Connor an apologetic look and returning to his desk. It didn’t seem like Hank to just let things be, it wasn’t like him to allow Gavin to treat (y/n) the way he was. It didn’t seem fair, and it didn’t seem right. His LED was now flashing red, and his eyes were narrowed like slits.

“Tell me, you useless piece of trash,” Gavin kicked the table once more, “Did you complete arranging the files?”

Perhaps, he was expecting her to say no. But, when she nodded, Gavin seemed to get angrier. He slammed his hand on her desk, sending her into a shaking fit, before he screamed.

“You think you’re too smart for me, huh?”

Connor hadn’t realised he was merely inches away from Gavin a moment later. He also didn’t realise he had held Gavin’s hands and pulled him back harshly from the intern. Reed’s eyes were wide as he stared at Connor’s brown orbs, his LED flashing a mad red on the side of his head.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Gavin threatened.

“Do not lay a single finger near or on (y/n) (l/n). This is a warning.” Connor threatened back, tightening his grip on Gavin’s arm.

Detective Reed winced before pulling away harshly from Connor’s death-like grip and grabbing his collar and pulling him. Connor released himself rather easily, before setting his tie again. (y/n) stood up quickly before pulling Connor back.

“Connor, please don’t—”

His hand fell on hers, and he gently brought them down. While their hands were connected, she felt as if it was meant to be connected all along. He held her hand as if he was used to it, he held her hand with a weird sense of familiarity she didn’t understand the origin of.

Her heart was pounding against her chest, her eyes were as wide as saucers when she felt him entangle his fingers with hers. He took his right hand and then placed it on hers, and offered her a kind smile.

“You’re going to be okay, Miss (l/n).”

Her eyes widened and her heart screamed. Connor noticed her capillary blood flow around her cheeks was increasing, her heart rate was increasing, but her cortisol levels were falling to normal. He felt relief flood all over him and all he could think of was Simon, for some strange reason.

He patted her hand twice before releasing her and then turning to Gavin again.

“There will be strict disciplinary action taken against any police officer who ill-treats their juniors. In this case, intern. So, Detective Reed, as much as I enjoy reprimanding you in front of the office like this, I’d strongly advise you to not let this happen again,”

Connor leaned forward and smirked, “Because if it does, it won’t go too well.”

Gavin let out a string of curse words out before storming out of the station. (y/n) watched in horror as her boss exited the building, and she was unsure of what she needed to do. Luckily for her, what she didn’t know was Fowler would tell her to go home for the day, and things would strangely go back to normal the next day.

What she didn’t understand was why she felt so nervous when Connor took her hand in his. The way he comforted her, the way he smiled at her, and the way he stepped up for her, especially when no other human had done, shocked her the most. She stared at her hand, feeling Connor walk away a moment after, and thought of him.

She turned and looked at him as he sat at his desk, a second after which he turned to shoot her a knowing glance. What did he know in that glance? What was he trying to say? Her heart skipped a beat when he smiled and nodded, before turning back to his screen.

She stared at her and and could still feel the essence of his synthetic skin against hers. He had invariably left an imprint on her right then, convincing her of one very important thing.

Connor had acted so human, it scared her to her bones.

○

series taglist:

@ggukachuu @rainbowsithlord @pan-puff-pride @tanya-diggory @toocoldoutsideforyou @margaret-mortem @ohhhhhhsweetfandomofmine @pandacookieowo @maajikcrossing

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minxsara · 4 years ago

Text

WHEN: Thursday, June 4, around 3:10pm WITH: @adriangwon & @devonbelmont WHAT: unbeknownst to them, on the day of the storm, Sara, Adrian and Devon are trapped in the library with a very troubled witch.

--- trigger warnings: assault, blood

Adrian Gwon:

The power outage at work wasn't a surprise, but it certainly was an inconvenience. With the news saying they should remain indoors, it meant staying put until the weather cleared up. In any other circumstances, being stuck in the library would've been a godsend, but not so much when all the power was out and the darkened skies left no natural light coming in through the windows. Adrian sighed, not sure what he should do. He glanced around, seeing some of the other people stuck inside with him. "Soo... what should we do now?"

Devon Belmont:

there's an overwhelming sense of boredom as devon lays there, perched on top of one of the many tall bookshelves lining the floor of the library. why couldn't she have gotten ushered into vinyl resting place when the storm rolled in? why had it been the library? she has nothing against the place, honest. but there's no light and no impulse to sit down with a copy of tax law. it feels like detention. and she'd never even been in detention. but she's pretty sure it felt a whole lot like this. with a loud and weary sigh, she made very little show of moving from her spot. "wait it out? unless someone's got a board game stashed somewhere or feels like causing a little anarchy and raiding the vending machines."

Sara Min:

When Sara decided to head to the library for the day, she was definitely not expecting the storm to hit this hard. She had, luckily, left Binnie with her in-laws yet again. But then again, what else was new, right? When the lights were off, she let out a little yelp, quickly reaching up to covering her lips to keep people from looking at her weirdly, but then again, there weren't many people there to begin with. "It's pouring out there." She looked out the big windows, although she couldn't see anything but the sound was--well--obvious. "I'd be okay with raiding the vending machines. Do you want anything, Adrian?"

Adrian Gwon:

There wasn't really anything to do in the library with the power out. At this point all he could do was make sure none of the important materials being held in the back were damaged. So the mention of anarchy left him with some cause for concern. "As long as it's only towards the vending machines..." He'd prefer not to get fired for vandalism in his workplace. "Um... some trail mix, maybe? Anything, really. Just try not to leave a big mess or else I'm going to get stuck cleaning it up later."

Witchy witch:

The shift in the weather was hitting everyone in their coven really hard, but they had been feeling it and it had been making them have visions of their past, of a time when things were nothing but violence and hatred. Of a time when they were hunted, outside of Nova Pangaea. A light groan of pain escaped their throat as a loud thunder rumbled through the roof, causing the windows to shake. "Can---" They turned to Adrian, hand covering their eyes to hide the tiredness. "You point me to the restroom? This storm is making me nervous." They, then turned to Devon. "Can I have something sweet too? My pressure might be dropping or something."

Devon Belmont:

"we're not gonna burn down the place, if that's what you're worried about." a grin flashes across her lips as she turns to look at him from atop the bookshelf. "i just figure if we're gonna be here a while, we might as well have some food to help pass the time." sitting up, devon swings her feet over the edge, eyes shifting to the other standing close to adrian. "uh, yeah. yeah we can do that." there's weariness to her posture, but she hopes it's not blindingly obvious. "you wanna go now?" she asks sara, bracing her hands against the top of the bookshelf and sliding herself from it. her feet thud against the floor, an echoing ring that reminds her how absolutely empty the building is.

Witchy witch:

Their nod feels slow and it takes more effort to just remain standing as they look over their shoulder to where Adrian pointed out the bathrooms. Another crash of thunder echoes through the library and they wring their hands together to stop the tremors from being noticeable. "Th-Thank you," they murmur. They didn't want to think what the alternative was to it not being low blood sugar levels, but nothing about this felt normal. Their sluggish nature is what keeps them from rushing to the bathroom and they have to pause every few steps to stop their breath from catching. It was more than tiredness wracking their body, but the pain ebbing over them hadn't gotten to a point where they wanted help. This was something they could handle on their own for now.

Sara Min:

"We're going to break the machine and throw chocolates at you, Adri." Sara joked. "Live off anarchy and things like that." Although a light chuckle escaped her lips, she was actually trying her best not to look as scared as she felt. The storm didn't seem like it would be going away soon, but at least, she knew that Woobin was at his grandparents' house, thus, being safe. "Yes, let's go." With a nod, she got up from her seat and met Devon by the door of the study area, so they could head to the vending machines. "Are you okay?" She asked the blonde, not knowing whether she was supernatural or not, but judging from the few supernaturals she'd been in touch throughout the week, it seemed like they were all being affected somehow. "You know--with all of this."

Witchy witch:

head pounding and stomach churning, they try and make their way to the restroom. the rattling windows and howling wind does little to satiate the growing emotions swelling inside of them. they had to get away. they had to find a safe place to hunker down. paranoia seeps in as they stagger away, finally managing to find their way inside the restroom. slipping down the tiled wall, hands shift to their ears, eyes clenched shut. yet the wind still screams and the rain still pours. nothing they do seems to make dealing with the growing itch of their power any easier.

Adrian Gwon:

The dry laugh gives away his belief that something as bad as that will actually happen. Maybe not so much on purpose, but the concern was real, and it didn't just fall onto the pair doing something by accident either. "Just don't do harm to the books please. I'd like to keep my livelihood," he called after them. As they walked away, Adrian's attention turned back to the other person that had been talking to them. They hadn't looked so well, and even now watching them go, it looked like they were struggling. Worried the storm might be a playing a part, he decided to go after them.

Witchy witch:

They could hear the storm calling out to them, giving them flashes of another life and how things were much more horrid. They wanted to scream, but couldn't. Their surroundings changed and it felt like they were back in that place of pain. Each thunder came with a flood of memories, vivid ones... to the point where they could even feel the pain inflicted on them back then. They had to get out... they needed to leave, or else--it would only get worse. Getting up from the floor with somewhat difficulty, they made their way to the sink, to splash some water on their face, but it was like they were stuck in a trance. Only when the door opened and they saw that face on the other side, was that they were able to somewhat get back to the present. "You scared me! Do you need to use it too? Goddess!" They huffed, quickly walking past Adrian as an attempt to get away from him, as well as the unwanted images that were back to haunt them.

Devon Belmont:

for the most part, devon retreats into her own mind. tries to calm the churn of her stomach and the rush of heightened blood through her veins. anxiety spikes with every passing moment and, to put it simply, she feels sick to her stomach. "hmm?" it's a reflex to the question, gaze turning briefly sideways. "oh -- yeah. yeah i'm fine." a pause (a long one). "i guess as fine as everyone can be right now." her hands itch and she shifts to stifle them, kneading her palm and wringing her fingers. it's a small, unconscious tick. "what about you?"

Witchy Witch:

Another flash of the storm, another flash of pain. Their mind was bogged of memories not of their own, their surroundings shifting into those in their head. No amount of mutterings or blinking helped clear away what they knew wasn't actually there. An exit. They needed an exit. It was the only clear thought still in their head. The empty hall they had been in suddenly formed into something else entirely in front of them. Screams of agony echoed around them and they covered their ears. Pain rippled through them and a groan of pain left their lips.

Sara Min:

Sara didn't know the petite blonde to say anything about her being really okay or not, so she just took Devon's word for it. "It's Devon, right? You work at the vinyl store. I keep meaning to stop by and add to my collection, but I haven't had much time lately. I'm Sara, by the way." It had always been easy for Sara to make friends, and she figured things wouldn't change in Astoria, so there she was, trying to be nice to everyone around her. "I'm definitely going in for a couple of Twix bars, what about you?"

Devon Belmont:

she straightens marginally when her name is said, flashing a small smile and nodding her head. "yeah. yeah that's my name." for the life of her, though, she cannot manifest the others. the awkwardness doesn't last long. "sara," the blonde replies, "i hate to say it but i wish we would've met on better circumstances." eyeing the machine for a moment, devon searched within her pockets for the potential outcome of spare change. "reese's or skittles. maybe starbursts."

Adrian Gwon:

Somehow he lost track of them and Adrian glanced around to see if he could spot them. Something seemed off, and it was more than just he storm making them uncomfortable. And if it was the Strawberry Moon affecting them, he wasn't sure if it was something they all needed to worry about. Deciding it might not be in the best interest to go looking for them without letting someone else know about his concerns, he went back to where he had been before Devon and Sara had left. He couldn't help but pace nervously and wonder if waiting instead of doing something was in everyone's best interest.

Sara Min:

"I don't think it's all that bad." Sara smiled. Devon didn't look that much younger than her, but she still looked young. It made her wonder if she was feeling overwhelmed with this storm or if she was just quiet. "I mean... yeah, it's bad, but at least we're safe in here, you know? It makes me wonder if there are people out there that can say the same." Sara chewed the inside of her cheek. Life could be very cruel sometimes. "Skittles... I can't believe the last time I ate Skittles. Glad to know we're on the same team here." She giggled, reaching the snacks machine. "I kind of feel bad for raiding it, but at the same time, it reminded me of my brother? He's far more spontaneous than me, I'll tell you that."

Once the two had gotten enough snacks for themselves and everyone else, they returned to where Adrian and the other person were, Sara being the one to give them their snack, while Devon gave Adrian's. "One order of something sweet coming right up. Snickers are good to handle low blood pressure, so, here you go."

Witchy witch:

the passage of time seems nonexistent to them. all they can hear, all they can think about is the howling of wind and the thumping of rain against the glass. they sound like pellets and the panic swells even greater --- what if the windows shatter? what if this place that's supposed to be safe no longer is? hands shifted up to cover their ears and eyes clenched shut, they stew there in the hard wooden library chair, stomach seesawing. then someone's there in front of them --- there's a voice --- but all they register is the close proximity. panic swells. anxiety spikes. they do not know (or even remember) where they found the letter opener, just that it had made them feel safer.

they jump forward now, self-preservation heightened and roaring to life. the weapon sinks into something solid, yet before they can register, a loud howl of wind raps against the glass of the library's windows. it's the precipice of chaos that sends them over the edge. with a roar of panic and terror they release an uncontrollable wave of air that surrounds them and pushes outward. it's fueled by pure fear and protection.

Adrian Gwon:

Somehow he hadn't noticed them having come back until the other two arrived with some snacks. His attention turns towards Devon, momentarily surprised to see the other back as if nothing had happened. All he could think was, Maybe I was wrong about that. It made him reconsider even mentioning anything at all.

But then something weird happens all at once that Adrian can barely comprehend. His eyes widen at seeing them lunge forward towards Sara. No amount of rushing towards the pair stops the inevitable from happening and he can only let out a shocked gasp as they're all suddenly hit by a rush of air. He falters backwards, startled by whatever it was that just occurred. He glances back at Devon as he gets back his footing. "Are you okay?" he asks before looking towards Sara. "Did they--Was that them just now?"

Sara Min:

It all happened so fast that it took an extra moment for Sara to react to what had happened. The rushed movement causing her to drop the Snickers bar in her hands as she gasped. She didn’t feel pain at first, just a burning sensation in her abdomen, which, now thinking about it, could have been the blood that started soaking her shirt. A shaky hand flew to the wound, making the petite brunette stare in disbelief at her bloody fingers. Before she was able to say anything to anyone, Adrian was rushing to her side.

“They—they stabbed me?” She looked at him, the realization that she had been stabbed, was bleeding and would not be able to leave the library to seek for help. “I—Adrian, I’m bleeding...”

Devon Belmont:

devon doesn’t see the moment when everything goes to shit, she just sees the aftermath. or, rather, feels it. the burst of wind is strong, enough to make her stagger back a few steps because — well. she’s not expecting the outburst. but ones she finds her feel and her eyes snap up, the blonde’s brain comprehends everything as quickly as it can.

a flash of lightening illuminates the library and devon sees the red color of blood on sara’s hands and on her shirt. feel the instant and sudden surge of panic. “hey!” she shouts before her mind even registers what she’s doing. “hey, over here!” she waves her hand and sprints off to the side, away from both adrian and sara. there’s an impulse to draw the others attention away, to divert and protect. her hands frantically grab at books before she starts to throw them, aiming for the others head. maybe, just maybe, she’ll get in a lucky hit.

Witchy witch:

The wave of self-preservation spoke louder. Years of fear and abuse made them act before thinking, and as soon as the letter-opened had pierced someone else’s body, they were brought back to the present. In an act of pure desperation, their powers created a wild gush of air to keep people away from the duo. Pulling away, they let the letter opened fall to the floor, the sound echoing in their brain and forcing them to run away.

The voice following them was getting close, books hitting their back, until they reached the door and, again, used their powers to push it open. With the rain and the wind, it was almost impossible to see anything three feet ahead of them, but they ran. They ran as fast as they could.

Adrian Gwon:

Adrian hadn't seen the blood until she had pointed it out. The shock of it makes it difficult for him to comprehend it. It until the blood begins to bloom on her shirt that his brain kickstarts into action. He puts an arm around Sara. "You need to sit down--or lie down," he rushes out to say. "W-We need to put pressure on it to stop the bleeding." Statistics about how much blood a person could lose before being in critical condition ran through his head; the next being that they needed medical assistance if they couldn't get the bleeding to stop.

Knowing they weren't the only people trapped in the library, he started to yell out for help. "Help! We need help! Someone's hurt!" Hopefully someone would be of better assistance than he would be.

Devon Belmont:

there’s a relief in seeing the other run. while devon hasn’t wanted to hurt them outright, they had attacked first. her brain could process the why later, and probably with an apology about a few well placed book throws. but in the next few seconds they’re gone — furthering her guess that self preservation had played a large role in the attack in the first place. powers and emotions were haywire, proof enough as the thundering of blood through her veins was enough to almost drown out the wail of wind and rain.

the call for help splits through her adrenaline like a knife and devon’s at the their side in an instant, eyes splitting between the blood spreading across sara’s shirt and around. while she’s sure there are others within the building, she’s not sure how many of them could actually help. with the realization comes an itch at the tips of her fingers. a rush of electricity through her veins. “it’s okay,” she says, looking to adrain. her voice wavers slightly, but not with fear. with adrenaline. “it’s okay,” she says again, this time to sara and as the words leave her lips she shakes out her fingers. clenches and unclenches her hands. “everything’s going to be okay.”

Sara Min:

For someone who had been—slightly neglecting her baby for the last two months or so, Sara’s first thought was dying and not being able to see him grow up, just like Moonbin. “I—I have a baby, Adrian! I can’t—I have... I have to go to a hospital!” She practically pleaded as she held onto him, slowly easing herself to the floor. Although, deep down, she knew she wouldn’t die right away, fear and adrenaline made Sara blow things out of proportion, making her get scared of her own demise... maybe having lost her husband in such a sudden way was also adding up to her nerves.

When Devon approached them, saying she’d be okay, that was probably what triggered the tears. No one said that unless things were serious, right? “Guys, I have to go...” She said in between breaths, “I have to see my baby... I—i know I haven’t been a good mom lately, but I need to see him...”

Adrian Gwon:

It was his first time seeing this much blood. His gaze flitted back and forth between Sara and her wound. Hearing her words made it all the more scary. He didn't want her to panic, but he wasn't doing that well with trying to remain calm either. You weren't supposed to make promises you couldn't keep, but what did you do when you didn't know what was going to happen? The windows rattled from the wind, a bad reminder that they couldn't safely leave. "I know. I know. But we need to stop the bleeding, Sara."

Devon showed up beside them after he had yelled for help. He doesn't understand why she thinks everything will be okay. He doesn't try to feel overwhelmed with worry when Sara started to cry about her child. "How--What are we going to do?" he asks Devon.

Devon Belmont:

in moments like these devon's thankful she's as impulsive and reckless as she is. if she weren't, her brain would be overtaking her instincts. and to think right now would be to become complacent. blood was nothing new to her --- growing up with her brothers had introduced her to it long ago. and healing, well. she'd seen her fair share of injuries. afterwards, she'll have to talk to her brother about how afraid she is of becoming numb to situations like these. who is she, really, if she can think perfectly well through chaos?

"sara, i need you to calm down, okay?" she tries to keep her voice level and calm. "adrian, just keep talking to her. see if you can keep her calm." devon rings her hands for a moment, shaking loose the invisible static and anxiety she feels prickling through her fingertips before kneeling next to the other. "breathe with me, okay? everything's going to be okay." one of her hands shifts forward, rests against the side of sara's face. fingertips at the hairline at the base of her neck, palm against her cheek, thumb resting just above her ear. the other shifts down to her bleeding side and --- devon inhales and exhales slowly, nodding her head to encourage sara to do the same. "everything's going to be okay," she says, eyes shifting close as she slips into concentration. "i promise."

Sara Min:

With everyone telling her to calm down, it almost felt like Sara couldn’t do it. Her rational side was honestly dormant, that was the only possible reason for her to be feeling this overwhelmingly emotional. “I know I told him I didn’t know how to be his mommy... but I don’t want to leave him.” She confessed to Adrian. It was true what they said—that confessing your deepest thoughts was easier to a stranger. “He already has no dad, I—I have to do better, Adri. I can’t leave him... I need to go to a hospital or something.”

Then, Devon told her to calm down again, when Sara was moving her body to try and stand up, only to be met with a sharper pain in her abdomen, which made her wince as she held tightly onto Adrian’s arm. “I don’t want to die...” The realization came to her in that moment of desperation. For the last year or so, she had been toying with the idea, but now, when actually hurt, Sara couldn’t do it. Not that she would die immediately... it would take long hours for her to actually bleed out, but, again, she wasn’t being rational.

The hand against her neck felt warm, almost as if it was meant to soothe her, which actually managed to do so. The breathing helped, too. Devon being the one to manage to calm her down and breathe along with the blonde. There was a warm, tingling sensation on her abdomen. It wasn’t unpleasant nor painful, just—different. Numbing. Was it magic?

Adrian Gwon:

Okay, okay, he could try doing that. Hopefully. He tried to think of some random fact he could share, but Sara beat him to starting a conversation. What he wasn't prepared for, aside from everything else going on, was her concerned confession. His brows furrow, expression softening at hearing it. He chanced a glance at Devon, but she was focused on something else. "It's going to be okay, Sara. You're going to be okay. We're not going to let anything happen to you and then you can go see your son," he tried to reassure. Putting his hand over hers in what he hoped was somewhat comforting, he added, "And Two-thirds of all parents feel the way you're feeling according to most statistics. But you love your son, right? And you're doing the best you can for him. I think that's the only thing parents can do..."

His gaze slid back over to Devon as she got Sara to turn attention back over to her. The other woman seemed to slip into a trance of concentration and he watched her movements over Sara. Was it magic she was performing? He didn't dare ask in that moment though. Not if it meant ruining their chances of helping Sara get through this.

Devon Belmont:

the world around her fades in a split second. the moment the connection is made, devon is tethered. she's not expecting the instant twist deep in the pit of her stomach, nor the sudden, overwhelming, exhaustion. there's a burning in her lungs, air turns to ash in her mouth. when she speaks, a low muttered incantation of latin, heat ebbs at her palms. she had stumbled into her powers as a child. unknowing. unexpected. by accident. and even now, after years of study and practice, her emotions still ruled. she'd been told that's what made her an excellent prospect. that the connection with one's self was intrinsic to the art of healing. but if that's the case, devon's not sure if she'll ever become a master of it.

she was uncontrollable. unrelenting. even now selflessness eats away at her. she will give and give and give without restraint, because that is who she was. the bond she's formed with sara exactly that --- a link. so when the blonde starts to will the other's body to heal, well, that pain and torment has to be placed somewhere else. devon welcomes it with a firm clench of her jaw and an unwavering in her incantations. by the end of it (the entire process feels longer than it usually does) devon's breathing is ragged and sweat pours down her face.

her eyes blink open and she withdraws. the tear in sara's shirt is still there, as is the blood. but the others skin is unmarred. devon sits back on her heels and drops her head. braces a hand against the floor to steady herself. her shirt is soaked. a strand of hair sticks to her face. she tastes blood in her mouth. "see?" devon says, voice grating against her throat but she offers a weak smile regardless of the clench in her gut and the spinning in her head. "told you it'd be okay."

Sara Min:

From the moment Devon started working on her, Sara couldn't feel much. The numbness on her wound also being good enough to calm her down, thus making her loosen her grip on Adrian's arm. She blinked the tears that were clouding up her eyes, breathing in and out just like she had been instructed--like she was still being instructed. There was something different about this whole thing--like... like a connection with Devon somehow. Although she couldn't see or hear anything about the other woman's life, she could definitely feel things. Emotions.

One last breath left her lips and that was it. No pain, no agony, no stress--it was almost like nothing had happened, which made Sara feel silly for being so nervous and desperate about not wanting to die. "I--" She smiled, easing herself up to a sitting position. "Thank you." Again, the tears welling up her eyes. That had been Sara's first and probably only contact with magic. It sucked that it had been in such odd terms. She noticed how Devon seemed a little out, so she reached forward, brushing the blonde's hair away from her face. "Hey, are you okay? Adrian, go get her some water." She said, before tugging Devon closer. "Do you need to lay down?"

Adrian Gwon:

The amount of relief Adrian felt as the color returned to Sara's face and she managed to sit back up was immense. He had only watched the effects take place, but there was still a sense of awe in its aftereffects. "And you're okay? Everything's okay now?" he asked, eyeing both of the women. But as his gaze landed on Devon, he noticed what Sara had.

He shuffled to his feet at the request, nodding, before heading behind one of the library counters. He quickly headed towards the staff room, hoping to find some leftover water bottles still in the fridge. Fortunately he managed to find a few and grabbed them before heading back. "Here," he said, offering one to Devon and then to Sara. He crouched back down beside them. "Are you okay? Should I try to get something else for you?"

Devon Belmont:

“everything’s okay now,” she confirms. or, rather, it would be. the toll it took to heal varied with the injury and it had been a long time since devon had healed something so sever. in a way she’d almost forgotten the sledgehammer headache and the phantom pain of sharing such a wound. but that seems to be the irony of her powers. she’d be reminded one way or another.

when adrian leaves to fetch water devon turns her head, tries to discreetly hide the blood she spits from her mouth. “I’ll be okay,” she nods, small smile creasing her lips out of reflex. “just need to sleep it off.” she takes the water offered to her, drinking half the bottle in four large gulps. the blondes jaw clenches a few moments later, hand shifting to her side. she knows there’s no physical injury, but her mind tells her that there should be. it hurts like lightening.

Sara Min:

When Adrian left, Sara moved closer to the blonde, feeling bad for having put her through something like that. Her mother instincts finally kicked in, so all she wanted to do was take care of Devon, make sure she'd get home okay after this storm had died down a little. She did not look fine... "Hey, look at me." Sara furrowed her brows, watching as Devon's hand moved to the same spot that the letter opened had been a few moments ago. Her brows shot up, quickly moving her own hand there in search for blood. "Devon, I--" No blood. Not on her shirt at least. "Was this your first time doing that?"

Sara motioned her head towards the nearest wall, looking at Adrian. "Help me with her..." She moved so she had her back resting against that wall, then patted on her thighs, inviting Devon to come closer. "Come here. We'll wait until the storm dies down a little and then we'll take you to a hospital, okay? Are you sure you just need sleep?" Again, Sara averted her attention to Adrian. "Do you have your car? And can you check if the wifi is working to see if there are news of the storm and when to expect it to end?"

Adrian Gwon:

He wanted nothing more than for the both of them to be alright. This wasn't the way he thought his day would go and this was the last time he wanted it to happen while he was working. Doing what Sara asked, Adrian helped with getting Devon situated against the wall. Trying to ease the tense situation they'd been in, he said to Devon, "Remind me to ask you to explain to me what you just did when we get out of here."

"Yeah, I do," he replied. Adrian patted his pockets until he found his phone. Unlocking it, he searched for any news reports on Astoria's storm status. Most of it were more reminders to stay inside, a few others being some incidents that had been reported since the storm's arrival. "No there isn't.. What should we do? Wait for a break and head to a hospital? Or chance it now?" He didn't want them to be in any more danger than they had already been through, but their safety was more of a concern now.

Devon Belmont:

"nah, not the first," she shakes her head. "just haven't healed something that serious in a little bit, is all. i'll be okay, though. it's fine." there's a strong urge to insist that she's okay. to graciously refuse the help and handle it herself. and she almost does. at least marginally so. devon does concede, taking a spot against the wall. there's a moment where she turns internal --- focuses on her breathing, steadies her heart, regains her composure. pain isn't anything new to her, which just means she can deal with it easier than most.

"honestly," she pips up, lifting her head. "it's not a big deal. like i said, i just need to sleep it off. there's... no point in taking me to a hospital. it'll work itself out." the storm still wailed outside, rain rapping against the glass windows of the library. "i can text my brother once the storm dies down a bit. he'll come and get me." the blonde turns to sara, "so you can go see your son."

Sara Min:

Sara nodded slowly, still trying to figure out if she should trust Devon's words or simply go with her gut, but, given the fact that the blonde probably knew what she was doing--and way better than Sara did, so she let it go. "Hey..." She turned her head to look at Devon. "Thank you." She paused, reaching for the blonde's hand and gently squeezing it. "I mean it. You saved my life. You're a hero, kid. Thank you." She swallowed hard, before looking at Adrian.

"Let's wait it out. I don't think we're safe out there... we'll just look out of each other, other? Make sure nothing happens to us."

Adrian Gwon:

He had to take Devon's word on it that she was going to be okay. Even with his underlying concerns, telling her otherwise wasn't exactly his place, nor could he say he understood her capabilities as a witch. He was just glad she had been able to save Sara from bleeding out.

It was the only solid plan they had that didn't involve putting them in further harms way. Returning the nod, he agreed. "Okay." He settled beside them against the wall, letting out a sigh as he leaned back. "Yeah, we can do that."

#interactions | threads #thread: devon belmont #thread: adrian gwon #devon1 #adrian1 #event: strawberry moon

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fatherofmachine-a · 7 years ago

Note

✘

@anurbanlcgend | Send “✘” for your muse to run their fingers along mine’s scars !

Familiar calloused fingertips trailed along the back of Harold’s neck, the surgical scars healed as far as they ever would, but they still somewhat RAISED upon skin. While John had certainly TOUCHED that area a handful of times now, a real, quiet moment like this where he could really feel it simply hadn’t surfaced until now. After the ... accident, any touch too close to his neck & shoulders had always been strictly AVOIDED—–any closeness, for the most part, had been avoided, in fact. Until John Reese had carefully taken apart his METICULOUSLY crafted protective walls & captured his HEART within those very capable, but still so gentle hands.

Harold’s forehead rested against John’s, his eyes having long-since closed & his breath soft & steady. The TOUCH caused a light, involuntary shiver & a soft exhale followed ; he remembered that his friend, his PARTNER, did not yet know the painful details of how he’d received his injuries. He’d only spoken aloud about it with a PSYCHIATRIST, once—–since then, albeit … he’d never spoken of it to anyone.

❝ I haven’t told you, have I, ❞

It WASN’T a question & by the way John’s green eyes had settled upon Harold’s blue, he knew it wasn’t one either … but he answered anyway, a soft, gruff-sounding ❛ No.❜ Dark lashes swept downward as he lowered his gaze, not looking at anything in particular, but Harold’s fingers ABSENTMINDEDLY, lightly, dragged along John’s collarbone where his signature white shirt left skin bare.

❝ The government discovered the BACK DOOR that Nathan had originally built into The Machine, he had them sent DIRECTLY to his laptop—–I altered it to what we have now so that something like that would NEVER happen again—–I’d terminated the irrelevant list, but I … was too late. Nathan had AGREED to meet with a reporter at the ferry terminal on September twenty-seventh, two-thousand & ten. I tried to stop him the day before, but … ❞

He paused, inhaling whilst brows lifted & then exhaling a shaky breath ; it was … DIFFICULT to talk about & remembering it simply caused anxiety to rise like a wave along with his guilt which, in contrast, always strove to CRUSH him beneath it. John waited patiently, saying nothing, but his fingers continued to trace the skin at the back of Harold’s neck. Now, albeit, the touch contained not only AFFECTION & curiosity, but an attempt to comfort. Tongue quickly swiping over thin lips, Harold continued after a moment,

❝ I’d decided he was RIGHT … & I arrived that morning, searching for him in the crowd. He SPOKE to me after we made eye contact, I remember … feeling fondness for him, feeling … GOOD about my decision.

Then there was a BLINDING flash—–I woke in a makeshift hospital, the pain was unbearable. They COVERED Nathan with a sheet & that’s when I saw the government agents speaking to … whoever was giving them ORDERS & I knew I had to leave. Grace arrived then & I … she called my name a few times—– ❞

Dark brows TENSED at the memory & he was certain that his eyes were beginning to glisten but he blinked somewhat rapidly to force the moisture to dissipate. Harold swallowed THICKLY.

❝ … I, ah, avoided her, didn’t let her SEE me. As I said before … it was too late for me. But not for HER. She deserves a better life, BETTER than anything I could’ve given her. A life of hiding, of being in constant danger … she deserves a better life than that. So I … left. ❞

#anurbanlcgend #RUNNING ... ROLEPLAY.EXE. ( in character )#HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN? SINCE THE MACHINE SPOKE TO YOU? ( asks )#OBJECTIVE COMPLETE. ( meme → filled )#T; PURSUIT OF THE MACHINE & THE MAN IN THE SUIT. ( season 2 )#V; WHEN EVERYTHING IS OVER & THE WORST HAS HAPPENED﹐ THERE'S STILL ONE THING LEFT IN PANDORAS BOX—–HOPE. ( main | canon arcs )#( Hi i made myself so fucking sad with this #i love u #have this c: )

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cheekybarnes · 7 years ago

Text

Half (Bucky Barnes x reader)

A/N: eyyy wassup its been forever since i've written something so i thought it'd be fun for my first fic in a few months be for @howlingbarnes 's writing project! i apologize in advance if it's a little rough but i kinda like it though? maybe there’ll be a part 2??

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x reader

Warnings: mentions of anxiety and depression, mental instability

Word Count: 2,647

Prompt: Dor (Romanian) - A sense of emotional pain associated with being separated from the person you love.

The quiet pitter patter of the raindrops hitting against the sidewalk was the only noise that accompanied you on your walk this early morning. The sun had yet to rise and the street lamps cast a faint yellow glow, illuminating the streets as well as the early morning fog whisping between the skyscrapers. You didn’t bother to quicken your pace as most would do to escape the rain; but instead, you relished in it. The small raindrops gently hitting your face was something you found pleasure in and the smell, sweet and crisp, was one you yearned for often. You believed that the rain cleansed the Manhattan streets, leaving it with a new cloud of air for a new day.

The aroma of brewed coffee beans quickly took over your senses as you neared your daily destination, a small coffee shop on the corner of 8th and 39th street. It was nearing half past four A.M. and the shop was empty from what you could see, as it often was this early, and as you had grown to like it. The condensation on the shop’s windows created an ambiance of glowing light that drew you in like a bug to a lightbulb. Opening the door, a small bell rang throughout the shop alerting the one employee of your presence. The cafe was quite small, only a few mahogany tables and chairs against the windows and a small black loveseat sat in the corner with two short tables. Your favorite aspect of the place were the small fairy lights that were strung across the ceiling and the small, worn, brick fireplace that sat between two tables. “Y/N! My favorite early bird customer! How can I help you today? The usual?” An excited voice echoed throughout the empty shop as a faint smile grew upon your face. You chuckled as you removed your light jacket and responded “Good morning, Reese,” as you walked up to the register, “Already had your morning espresso I assume?” You jokingly asked, referring to his never ending excitement and energy that emitted off him in the morning. It was the one thing you had been lacking the past few weeks, though it didn’t stop your mind from waking you up at absurd times in the morning. He clicked his tongue at you in a bantering manner as he continued to set up the register for the incoming customers that would file in, in the next hour or so, “You know me so well, don’t you?” “Better than you know yourself, certainly.” You cocked your head to the side and chuckled once more, “And yes, I’ll have my usual but this time I’ll need three shots of espresso instead of two.” “Late night?” Reese asked as he moved to the other side of the register to the machines to start making your coffee. You let out a sigh, “Yeah, I guess you could say that. I was working the late shift at the library last night, didn’t get home until 1 A.M.” “And yet you’re up early at 5 to get coffee when you could be sleeping in?” Reese asked with a raised eyebrow as he continued to make your drink. “Ah,” You paused, raising your shoulders in an unsure manner and drooping them down quickly, “I just haven’t been able to sleep that well recently.” You added, your gaze narrowing towards the floor. It wasn’t until a cup of coffee was placed in front of you that you moved your attention back upwards to see Reese standing there with a concerned look on his face, “It’s because of him isn’t it?”

“I’ll be back before you know it. It’s only going to be a three week mission.” “The last time you said that you were gone for almost twice the time, Buck.” Bucky sighed discontentedly at your words, knowing that they were true and that he couldn’t promise he’d be back according to plan. Being an Avenger had those risks and it was one thing that Bucky hated, having to leave you for days or weeks at a time with no more than a few simple phone calls or skype sessions. “I can’t promise I’ll be back in three weeks, but I will be back, Y/N.” “You better be back in three weeks, cause I’m going to have to watch a movie every week by myself until you get back.” “Hey, you can come by the facility any time you want, Sam would be more than happy to watch a movie with you, even if he says he hates the movie.” “I’ll miss you.” “I’ll miss you more.” Bucky responded, leaning down to give you a passionate kiss before turning away from you to get to the Quinjet. By the time a few customers started filing in, you had moved to the far corner of the shop, sitting slumped over at one of the tables. Both of your hands rested around the mug that was emitting a warmth that was almost starting to feel like it was burning. But you paid no attention to the feeling as you rested your head against the glass window, little bits of your hair getting damp from the condensation. A content yet troubled sigh left your lips as you sat up a little bit straighter to take a sip of your drink. As you sat there, thoughts ran through your head at hundreds of miles an hour. You couldn’t lie to yourself, you hadn’t been the same since Bucky had left for his three week mission…a month ago. It was the longest the two of you had ever been separated. It wasn’t out of the ordinary for missions to run longer than scheduled, but sometimes they ran a bit longer than you had a liking for. When you and Bucky first started dating a year ago, you had a hard time adjusting to his lifestyle as he would be gone for days at a time in a field of work that could easily get him killed. You were certainly a worrisome person riddled with unrelenting anxiety but you couldn’t deny how much it heightened when Bucky left your side. “Y/N come on. I’m going to start the movie without you.” Bucky leaned up against the bathroom door of your shared apartment whining at you to hurry up so you could commence your weekly movie shenanigans. It had quickly become a tradition for the two of you after he had first come to the Avengers facility. When you had found out how much he had missed of pop culture, the two of you grew closer and closer as your movie night friendship blossomed to movie date nights. “Give me a minute, Buck. I’ll be right out!” You replied, hastily pulling on a pair of your Captain America pajama pants and searching for your t-shirt you thought you brought with you. When you couldn’t find it, you grabbed the nearest shirt; which happened to be Bucky’s, thrown onto the sink counter. You quickly threw the shirt on and went to open the door to find the other side empty. Bucky had probably gone back to the living room to – hopefully not – start the movie. Now that you thought about it, you didn’t know what movie you were watching. It was Bucky’s turn to choose the movie so you were in for a surprise. You walked out of the bathroom you found Bucky sitting on the couch with his feet propped up on the coffee table. When Bucky turned his head around and saw what you were wearing, he asked, “Is there a special reason as to why you’re wearing my shirt?” You plopped down on the couch next to him and said, “I couldn’t find mine and it’s comfy.” He smiled at you, “Well lucky for you it looks nice on you.”

You hummed at his statement, smiling back at him with raised eyebrows, “Careful, you might not get it back then.” Bucky flicked his eyesight from his shirt clad on your body to your eyes, still smiling. He started to lean in towards you but paused to say, “Y/N…” “You don’t have to ask, come ‘ere.” You chuckled and placed your hand at the back of Bucky’s neck and brought him in for a quick kiss. When you pulled away you repositioned yourself to lay on the couch with your head on Bucky’s legs. You looked up at him, “So what movie are we watching?” You asked. Bucky looked down at you and said, “It’s a surprise.” “C’mon Buck, you know I hate surprises.” “You’ll like this one I promise.” “I swear if it’s Frozen again I’m not kissing you for a month.” You joked sarcastically. Bucky laughed back at you, “I’m not saying anything yet, doll. Close your eyes.” He told you, but when you didn’t cover your eyes, Bucky took his own hand and placed it over your eyes. You and Bucky both laughed while you protested and tried to sit up, “No! Bucky! That’s not fair!” Before you were able to remove Bucky’s hand from your eyes he had already pressed play. You whined when Bucky lifted his hand and you were able to fully see the tv screen. You playfully punched Bucky in the shoulder, a bit awkwardly from your position but you were successful in getting another fit of laughter from him. It was one of the things you loved most about Bucky, his laughter, and after all that he had been through, he deserved the luxury of relaxing, being happy and having fun. You started, “That was so not fair-” but was cut off by Bucky’s shushing. “Shhh! The movie’s starting!”

The first week that passed by had been normal, with the exception of the nighttime. Bucky’s warmth was gone, which was evident in the fact that you now sought out warmth elsewhere, including your constant mug of steaming coffee every morning. You didn’t sleep well alone, growing up with six siblings you always had to share a room or even a bed with them. Now that you had a large bed for yourself, you found yourself tossing and turning all night with only few moments of sleep in between. The second week he was gone approached you with a type of emptiness that you couldn’t quiet seem to cope with. At first you didn’t know where this odd void of feeling came from and just dubbed it as an odd day, but you didn’t have sight of it leaving you anytime soon. It was a feeling you’d never felt before, almost as if someone had shoved their hand into your chest and was squeezing your heart until all the blood drained out, leaving a piece of you empty. After the third week had passed, you thought about traveling to the Avengers facility, worry creeping up on you that you hadn’t spoken to Bucky in nearly five days and it had been more than three weeks. But what kept you from going was what might be there for you, or missing for you. It had been a whole week over when Bucky said he would be back, and you hadn’t spoken to him, it wasn’t like him to do that. “I love you.” It was those three simple words that were spoken to you that caused you to freeze, your mind wanting to convince you that it was just your ears playing tricks on you. Or maybe it was just Bucky talking in his sleep, he did it quite often and you wouldn’t be surprised, but, hearing it out loud was much more different that what you would have imagined. Without giving it a second thought you responded to him with the same three words, a bit quieter than he had said, but you meant it. A few moments later, Bucky’s grip around your waist tightened as the two of you were laying down in bed, signalling that he was indeed awake. “Are you sure?” You heard him ask faintly which caused you to furrow your brows and turn around so you were facing him. It was dark in the room, but you could see the outline of his features. “What do you mean?” You asked, not knowing the meaning behind his question. Bucky opened his mouth to speak but struggled with his words, not sure how to reword your question, “I… I just…” He mumbled, looking away from you. You knew what he was trying to say so you cut him off, placing your hand on his cheek and brushing a few strands of hair behind his ear, “Of course I love you, Bucky. I- I’ve felt that way for a while, I’m sorry that I didn’t say it out loud sooner.” “No, no, you don’t have to be sorry about that,” He smiled faintly and continued, “You just know how my mind works.” He gently grabbed your hand and intertwined it with his fingers, holding it tightly but not uncomfortably as he spoke. You immediately knew what he was referring to, for a long time he believed that he didn’t deserve your love of that you only felt this way about him because of pity. After a while that was able to slip from his mind as the two of you began your relationship, but the thought was still in the back of his mind no matter how many times you told him that you didn’t spend time with him out of pity and that you weren’t scared of him. “I love you so much, James. I don’t ever want you to think that I don’t.” You spoke sincerely as you made eye contact with him. Time seemed to freeze for a moment as the two of you stared into each other's eyes until Bucky moved to pull you closer into his arms. Your head now rested on his chest, tucked underneath one of his arms as you wrapped your arm around him. “I love you more, Y/N.” Bucky spoke as you grinned in his arms.

You went to take another sip of coffee only to become surprised it was already gone, you were so lost in your thoughts you hadn’t even realized how much time had passed. It had to be nearing the late morning, almost 11 which meant the cafe would be closing soon. Taking in a deep sigh you stood up from your seat, it scraping against the uneven floor as you moved towards the register to return your mug and bid Reese a great rest of his day. You weren't quite sure what you'd occupy the rest of your day with, maybe you'd go back to your apartment, maybe the Avengers facility. As you exited the doors of the cafe and onto the busy street, you couldn't help but to notice everyone around you. The group of teenagers walking down the sidewalk, laughing and chattering as they went. The young couple across the way, holding hands and looking at each other lovingly. You sighed and shoved your hands into your jacket pockets, the breeze lifting up stray pieces of hair as you gazed around at the emotion in the air, one that you could sense yet not feel.

Moving your feet in a slow motion, you dragged yourself back to your apartment, for the rest of your day will consist of waiting for Bucky.

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part 2?????

#howlingb lol august #bucky barnes #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes one shot #bucky barnes fic #bucky barnes drabble #bucky barnes imagine #the winter soldier imagine #the winter soldier x reader #the winter soldier #avengers x you #avengers drabble #avengers x reader #avengers oneshot

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biancaarivera · 8 years ago

Text

we’re still here || ranger para

TAGGING→ Bianca, @syriafraye, @pieceofreeses, @griffinsayoc, & @rangeredup

WHEN→ Wednesday, March 8th, 2017

WHERE→ Command Center // Shadow Island

GENERAL NOTES→ With the help of Syria, Bianca and Reese face off with Griffin on Shadow Island and successfully save him and long-time prisoner Dr. Oliver. (title inspiration)

Before becoming a Power Ranger, life had been so black and white for Bianca. She had never once been lost in her ambitions, which was one of the many reasons she was such a determined individual. Understanding who she was as a person and who she could trust grounded her. But the morning she woke up in an abandoned cabin on Shadow Island had changed that. Honestly, it was becoming a ‘one thing after another’ situation where she was constantly running into problems and after Reese had told her about Syria’s suspicious involvement in the entire Rangers versus Devone and his army situation, she had come to the conclusion that she genuinely couldn’t trust anyone. Not even her teammates. Just as she had learned to not believe what anyone says, she had learned that desperate times call for desperate measures. She’d rather not be working with Syria, not until she could further understand why her roommate was in this mess in the first place but they needed to save Griffin and Dr. Oliver. It’d been over a month since he was kidnapped by Devone and now he was serving as an evil Power Ranger. She was afraid that they were already too late, but Bianca liked a challenge and wasn’t going to lose hope. “Are you guys ready? We’ve been sitting on this for way too long,” Bianca complained to Syria and Reese, her nerves getting the best of her. She wracked her fingers through her long dark hair and paced the floor of the Command Center. “How does teleporting even work? Is there a machine we need to get into or do we just… hold hands?” she asked the other brunette in the room, a judgemental tone creeping in her voice. She puffed up her cheeks and blew out a long air. Pull yourself together, B. You’re a Power Ranger and Power Rangers don’t get to be immature or have bad days. You guys are here for the same reason: to save your friend. Clenching her teeth to avoid another negative, impatient comment, she flashed a gentle smile at Reese and Syria and shook her head. “Sorry, I’m a little bit nervous so you’ll have to excuse my attitude. But seriously, it is time to go,” she added in a friendlier tone. They had trained extensively for this moment ever since they got their butts kicked by Griffin the week prior and for the first time since joining the team she felt prepared. She didn’t need to trust anyone to believe that they could pull this off.

Reese felt as if he hadn’t had a single moment to catch his breath starting from the moment they woke up on Shadow Island. Thus began the norm of having more questions than answers. The answers were slowly coming to the surface, but it seemed like at every turn there was a new task at hand. One minute Reese found out he was given super natural abilities, and the next he’s having to use those abilities to take down a horde of lizard humanoids. Reese finds out Griffin is under the control of Devone, and before he knew it he was volunteering to infiltrate his secret lair. When Eury and Rory attempted this task they ended up in the medical bay getting the silent treatment from Kat, so he knew he had no choice but to do it right the first time. He couldn’t fault the girls for their heroic attempt, but he knew going rogue was a recipe for disaster. Luckily, Bianca and Reese had Syria, who could give them the ins and outs of the camp. The idea of trusting her after finding out she was Devone’s daughter caused his stomach to twist in knots, but she was their only shot at getting onto the island undetected. Bianca’s voice pulled him from his own thoughts and fears, “I’m ready to go, B,” he nodded, rubbing his hands together as if to get all the last minute jitters outs. Reese let out a small chuckle as Bianca asked about teleporting. “I dunno maybe we have to jump into a big spinning wheel like in Austin Powers,” he shrugged with a crooked grin before turning to face the scientist. “You heard the lady it’s time to move."

Syria listened to Bianca speak as she fiddled with the device; making last minute adjustments. She had to remain focused on the task at hand. Otherwise she’d probably let her doubt settle in. Syria knew that time was against them. Yet, with time not being on their side. She had to make sure here calculations were on target one mistake and they all could end up in her Father’s throne room. And Syria knows no one wants to pay her father a visit. “I am just going over a few lose ends before we leave.” Syria paused for a moment to look at Bianca and Reese. “Before we teleport any where. You guys do have a plan right? You aren’t just making this up as you go along?” She asked raising her eyebrow at them. Yes, she did realize the they have been training for a while now and never really wanted to become power rangers in the first place. But still Syria didn’t regret creating the serum with Dr. Oliver. Earth needs heroes and they just so happen to have been chosen by Dr. Hillard. She just hoped that they were more than ready for this mission. Sighing a little as she went over one last adjustment. “Teleporting is pretty easy. Do you guys not have the ability to teleport yet? Because most of the rangers before you could teleport. Though most villains were smart enough to make sure that they could teleport into their secret hideout.” She looked over at the other two and wondered if she was confusing them. “Umm… anyway this device will not only get you two to the island but it will do so you won’t be detected.” Syria said turning to face them fully. “As for teleporting, let's just say that I am a portkey. So, holding hands or onto a limb would be a good idea.” Syria said before taking a deep breath.

Bianca narrowed her eyes at Reese and bumped him with her hip playfully, attempting to feign annoyance but deep down knowing that she was genuinely appreciative that Reese was able to keep his sense of humor intact despite the crumbling world around them. They needed that if they wanted to stay sane. “Trust us, Syria, we have a plan. I’ve been working on it for an entire month and with the intel that we’ve received from Eury, Rory, Arlo and you, I guess, we were able to train to our best ability,” she explained carefully, unsure of whether or not she was convincing Syria or herself. “Griffin hasn’t had an encounter with the Pink Ranger and it will throw him off guard. I have the advantage of flight which will serve as an element of surprise for Devone and his army who shouldn’t even know that I exist. But Reese has to lure him to me and he can’t be morphed.” Her anxiety grew at the thought of Reese having to go into Devone’s camp unmorphed but they had discussed his role earlier in the week and being the brave, selfless person he is, he had agreed to go along with it. “Nothing is foolproof, obviously, which is why we will be using our communication links in the case of an emergency at which point backup will come in. Dr. Hillard has it all worked out with Wes and his boat. Regardless, I am not leaving that island unless I have Griffin and Dr. Oliver with me. We can figure out how to fix him in the safety of Command.” She arched a suspicious eyebrow at Syria when she labeled herself as the portkey to teleporting to Shadow Island, but closed the distance between their bodies and linked her arm through the other brunette’s. “I can fly but I can’t teleport. Hopefully Kat will help us upgrade soon because I see it being a useful tool,” she described. She wondered how many powers they could potentially develop; she already had flight and perhaps psychic abilities but she wasn’t ready to share that information with anyone yet. Especially not now. She had a mission to focus on! “Thank you,” she softly spoke to Syria. Although concerned (and somewhat betrayed), about Syria’s connection, Bianca was grateful that she was helping them out. “Come on, Reese! It’s morphin time!” she cheered to keep up morale, extending her hand out towards the blonde for him to grasp.

Reese struggled to keep a smile from cracking as Bianca playfully hip bumped him. He knew there was nothing funny about their situation, but he had learned to embrace good humor in dark times. When his powers emerged, it was goofing off with Rory that showed him they weren’t anything to be afraid of. They were apart of him now, whether he liked it or not. Reese was positive that Dr. Hillard wouldn’t approve of him using his water based abilities like a super soaker, but given the fact he didn’t ask for them in the first place, that called for a little give and take. Reese nodded and pointed his index finger towards Bianca. She was the idea women here. Once he volunteered for the mission they went over the plan time and time again. Reese knew his role. Going into the belly of the beast unmorphed was terrifying, but he had a sizable advantage. Before the battle against the Black Ranger, Reese had defeated Devone’s henchmen outside the Brooklyn Museum with the help of the Yellow Ranger. Plus, this time it was personal. “No worries, Syria. We’re not winging this one. My last two battles were ambushes. I’m just glad this one is on our terms. I’m hoping for round two with those lizard dudes. They’ve probably missed me,” he nodded with a shrug, his easy grin stiffened as Bianca reminded him of the gravity of their operation. She always managed to reel him back into reality’s orbit. “And I’m not leaving without Bianca, so either all of us get off or none of us.” Reese reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. She had come a long way since that night in the medical bay, and Reese was going to make sure this contact with Griff wouldn’t end the same. “Ready, B!” He cheered trying to match her enthusiasm. He gave the scientist a grateful nod, still unsure how much he could trust her involvement with both sides, but thankful nonetheless for her help.

Syria could see Bianca bump Reese playfully out of the corner of her eye. Biting her lower lip to try and fight the smile that made it’s way on her face. It was good that Reese kept his sense of humory. With having witnessed all the horrible things her father has done. She know that they were going to have to find ways to keep their sprites up. She just hoped that her father wouldn’t break anyone. Because that is one of his favorite things to do. Shaking those thoughts from her mind. Syria turned to lock eyes with Bianca’s. She didn’t need to know the details of their plans. Syria just wanted to know that they had one. She believed that Bianca would be working on something for a month. “That sounds like solid plan. Griffin does seem to have moments of clarity. Though he’d never want to admit to something being wrong.” Syria though for a moment. She knew of a way to have Reese sneak around the Island and be undetected. Taking a breath as to ready herself for what is to happen next. “As long as you two are clare on what the plan is. I’ll get you both on and off the island safely. Though I’ll have to linger back. It would sent a red flag my father’s way if I teleported from the Island with you guys.” Syria looked from Bianca to Reese, “I really do hate those overgrown lizards.” She said shaking her head at the thought of them. “Alright hold on tightly and in 3.. 2.. 1” Syria teleported them to the Island.

Bianca pressed her lips together when Reese declared that they were all in this together. She didn't want him or any of the other Rangers to put their lives in danger by facing off with Griffin. But she also didn't want Griffin to be stuck on Shadow Island with Devone. He was convinced that he was bound to be evil- something that upset Bianca deeply. It wasn't his fault that he was injected with the Ranger serum after all. Instead of resisting Reese’s commitment, she nodded her head in his direction then squeezed her eyes shut. When she opened her eyes again, she observed the grey sea, sky, and beachfront. Dropping Syria and Reese’s hands, Bianca morphed into her Pink Ranger suit, the protective exoskeleton molding over her body perfectly. At first morphing made her uncomfortable, but now- just like her powers- it was as natural as it possibly could be. “I think we are far enough away,” Bianca said, noticing the faint voices of soldiers and slave laborers. She squinted her eyes and looked into the distance, seeing where Devone’s camp had set up. It looked quite elaborate, with workers buzzing around and hauling large logs of wood. It appeared as if they were building an elaborate housing system and Bianca wondered just exactly what Devone’s plans with it were. “You two should probably go now. Remember, use the communicator if you need backup,” she warned Reese in a serious tone. “To remain discreet, just say ‘funny girl’ and I’ll be on my way with Sawyer, Eury, and Rory making their way to the island as fast as possible.” Catching her breath, Bianca gave Reese a quick hug and a firm pat on the back. “Good luck.” She squeezed Syria’s shoulder to acknowledge her appreciation before hiding behind a nearby cluster of boulders and rocks.

Reese took a deep breath and closed his eyes, and by the time he opened them they were on the familiar shores of Shadow Island. However, the work camps made this trip undeniably more sinister. Reese didn't have much time to dwell on that as a grin pulled at his lips upon seeing Bianca as the pink ranger. "Pink definitely looks good on you, funny girl, but you're right. The sooner we get started the sooner we can take Griff and Dr. O home." As far as Reese was concerned there weren't any other options. Eury and Rory had infiltrated the island once, and even if their plan was admittedly less thought out, Reese wasn't going to let their pain be for nothing. He wouldn't let Griffin hurt anymore of their friends. Once the pink ranger left them, be turned to face Syria, "How should we do this? I can cloak myself, but the longest I've done it is an hour. Think we'll need more time than that, or do you have something up your sleeve?" He asked, ready for any suggestions.

Syria watched the others reaction to being teleported the Island. It has changed since the last time Reese or Bianca has been here. And the changes that have been made make the Island even creepier then it is. Syria hated being on this Island. But, it is where her father operation is. So, she had little choice in the matter. Hell, she even had to pretend to act like she was looking at this Island as a place to set up her new lab. Syria listened to both Bianca and Reese. Nodding her head in agreement. “Alright, let’s go find Griffin. If we are lucky maybe He’ll be training with Dr. Oliver.” Sighing a little Syria looked at Reese. “I know that there are going to be some things you’ll see that might make want answers. And I’ll try to answer your questions. But, sometimes I don’t even have those answers.” Syria looked around the grounds quickly. “There are some human volunteers. See they are the once wearing the coveralls. I can get you a pair to look like you are a volunteer. Then all you have to do is follow me to where Griffin trains.” Syria said pointing out some of the people in coverall. Taking a deep breath before she moved to grab a pair of coveralls for Reese. “Sneaking around with this should be easy.” She said handing him the coveralls. Let me know when you are ready and will make our way to where Griffin is.

Reese observed the island as Syria spoke. The fact that she wouldn’t have all the answers didn’t surprise him. Even though she was related to the mastermind behind all this, Devone didn’t seem like the kind of guy to give up his plan in entirety. Still, being vulnerable on Devone’s territory was enough for Reese to err on the side of caution. He took the overalls from Syria and slipped the uniform over his clothes. Reese buckled the straps on his shoulders and turned to face the scientist, “How do I look? Do I look like an evil henchman?” He asked completing the look with an exaggerated scowl. Reese visibly stiffened as a man with recognizable dark eyes passed them with a wheel barrow full of supplies. He didn’t notice he was staring until the man glared at him, and Reese focused his attention from the familiar looking man back to his apparel. “Sorry I thought I saw somebody I knew…” he mentioned with a shake of his head. The man’s familiar features that mirrored Eury’s was stuck inside his brain, but he couldn’t dwell on that now. There was a much larger mission at hand. “Alright. Let's go find Griff,” he nodded ready for Syria to lead the way.

Syria tried not to smile at Reese as he asked her how he looked. “You’ll pass. Though I really don’t think the scowl works for you.” Syria raised an eyebrow at Reese. “Hmm… I hope that you don’t know anyone here. But if you think you do see someone you know. Just let me know and I’ll find out if they are here out of their own free will or if they are being forced to be here.” She spoke quietly. Syria leads Reese in to the cave. “Sorry, they use a part of the cave for training.” She spoke and they made their way through the caves tunnels. They made their way through the caves passing by some more human volunteers and Cylatrons guards. Syria did her best to hold herself like a soldier would. But there was something that was bothering her. She couldn’t put her finger on it. Instead she just kept moving forward. “There are just up ahead. I can hear that they are training.” Syria said before heading into the cavern where Dr. Oliver was training with Griffin.

Griffin bounced around on his toes, sweat pouring from his face as he kept his eyes trained on Dr. Oliver. Their sparring sessions had taught Griffin more than he wanted to admit in his current state, but the pride he felt every time he got a shot in on his teacher was proof enough. The longer their training went, the more likely Griffin was to get the drop on his sparring partner thanks to the limited diet and water that Tommy had access to, but Griffin loved it all the same. "You're weak, old timer," he taunted like he often did as he turned and landed a spinning kick that sent Dr. O to his knees. They'd been at it for hours, and even though he knew they should take a break, he was too worked up stand completely still. He was finally getting to show himself to Devone and become more integral in his plans. All the time spent learning to use his powers and fists were paying off. Walking over to his bottle of water, Griffin picked it up and drained over half of the bottle in one long drink. Looking from the bottle to Dr. O, Griffin shook his head and tossed the plastic bottle and what little water was left in it in his teacher's direction. He needed the guy to be able to spar more later after all. Hearing someone behind them, Griffin spun around ready to give Devone a progress update, only he was greeted with someone else entirely. "What are you doing here?”

"I don't think it does either. It kinda hurts my jaw," Reese chuckled, rubbing at his cheeks. In all honesty his plan was just to keep his head down and blend in as much as possible. Syria's reaction wasn't at all what he expected. His first instinct was to believe that, being Devone's daughter and all, Syria would want to keep the identities of her father's volunteers as mysterious as possible. That wasn't in line with the person he had gotten to know since arriving in New York, and though he knew it was best to keep her at an arm's distance, he chose to believe Syria was showing him her true colors right then. Words failing him, he gave her a thankful nod. As they approached the caves, Reese focused on keeping his breathing steady. The caves had consumed too much time in his nightmares. He wasn't going to let it get to him any longer. They approached the training center right as Griffin knocked his opponent onto his knees. The scene that played out was typical as to how Griff was presenting himself, powerful and vengeful, however; Reese remained hopeful when Griffin gave, the man he now recognized as Dr. Oliver, the last of his water. His shoulders squared as their unwanted presence was detected. "We're taking Dr. Oliver home, Griffin. I want you to come back too." That last part almost died on his breath, but Reese chose to speak directly to the last bit of his friend that remained inside Devone's super soldier.

Tommy leaned forward on his hands, struggling to catch his breath as a mix of sweat and blood dripped down his face. He shook his head at Griffin's words, unable to form any of his own in his current state. Griffin's techniques were still primarily driven by rage, but he was getting better — a fact both good and bad in his case. On one hand, it meant he got to live, but on the other... he was honing the skills of a man intended to bring the world to it's knees. Truthfully, he'd rather die than let that happen, but he'd known Griffin for years now. His best friend had coached him all through high school, and the last thing Griffin Sayoc was was a lost cause. He could be saved, and for as long as that was a possibility, Tommy would keep going. “Is--” he panted, pushing himself up. His back ached from the strenuous activity, and his knees were sore from pressing into the hard ground, but he would not give in. Spitting a mouthful of blood to the ground, his eyes followed Griffin to his water bottle. “Is that all,” he winced at the pain shooting up his spine. Inhaling deeply, he pushed through the pain. “You got?” He mustered up a smirk, entirely grateful when Griffin passed the bottle. Tossing his head back, Tommy drained what was left of the water and basked in relief. “Thanks, man,” he spoke, struggling to his feet and setting the now empty bottle aside. Stretching a bit, he had learned to stay silent during Devone's visits. He had enough scars to last him a lifetime. His brows rose, however, when they were met with none other than Syria and Reese Marshall. Licking his lips, he bit back a grin. The cavalry had arrived. “Reese,” he nodded appreciatively, a hint of knowingness in his eye. “I see she's chosen well.”

Syria frowned when Griffin brough Dr. Oliver to his knees. She hated watching them train. Though her father seemed to love it. Especially when Griffin cause Dr. Oliver a lot of pain. Shaking her head from side to side to keep the memories of all the times she had to patch Dr. Oliver up after Griffin did a number on him. Syria stepped forward, “Griffin the serum that was used on you was supposed to not have worked. This is who you really are. You know in your heart that you are nothing like my father.” Syria looked at Dr. Oliver real fast before looking at Griffin. “Your friends won’t give up on you. They are all willing to fight for you.” Syria said knowing that Griffin wouldn’t like these turn of events. Though she could have easy pretended that Reese broke in here. But, Syria wanted to bring Dr. Oliver home just as badly as everyone else does. She turned to Dr. Oliver “How are you holding up? You ready to get out of here?” She spoke smiling a little at the doctor.

Griffin shook his head and laughed a humorless laugh as Reese spelled out what they were after. "Are you kidding me?" he asked like it was a joke that he wasn't in on. The last couple of people that came trying to find Dr. Oliver had left bloody, bruised, and empty handed, and yet here was Reese standing there to try and do the same. "You should have asked your sister and Eury how that worked out when they tried it. He's not going anywhere." It was only after Syria spoke that Griffin realized she wasn't there on her father's behalf like he'd assumed. Not even that, she wasn't even there on his side. He'd trusted that she was part of Devone's cause ever since he'd joined it, and now he saw he'd been double crossed. "It doesn't matter how he's doing, and he's not going anywhere." Griffin repeated with an angry tone as he glared at his fellow Nexonian. "And you aren't either. Just wait until your father hears about this. He'll kill you if I don't first."

Reese stood a little taller as Dr. Oliver recognized him. In the time since becoming a ranger he had learned a lot about the man, and as far as Reese was concerned the doctor had a lot to teach him, along with the rest of the rangers. It was time for him to come home. "Thank you, sir," he nodded trying to fight a proud smirk from breaking through his serious demeanor. Blue eyes panned from Tommy to Griff, and the laugh that came from within his friend caused his spine to tingle. It's what he expected from Devone himself, not his friend who he used to watch football and play videogames with. Reese took a single step in Griffin's direction when he mentioned Rory and Eury's rescue attempt. He saw red as he was face to face with the maniac who sent them to the medical bay. "I know exactly how that went. Why do you think I'm here? This ends now, Griffin." This was good, all he had to do was poke the bear a little more, and lure him out into the open. Then Griffin's dark eyes turned to his companion. Reese was hoping that Griff would be so focused on his own presence that he'd be able to draw him out while Syria tended to Dr. Oliver; however, that didn't seem to be the case as Griff was enraged by Syria's presence too. Reese felt his armor prickling beneath his skin, desperate to protect him, but he kept it at bay. Right now this wasn't the white ranger against an adversary, it was just Reese Marshall standing up for his sister, and his friends hurt in Devone and Griffin's wake. "You're not going to hurt anybody else. Can't you fight your own battles without calling in Daddy Warsucks?" He taunted hoping to draw the heat away from Syria.

Tommy's eyes flickered back to Griffin, reading his reactions carefully. The initial relief that had come vanished as the boy's temper visibly grew, and instinctively, his muscles tensed as he prepared to step in. Tommy kept his breathing even, observing the way Griffin's nostrils flared as his next-level arrogance began to take over. He was irritated rather than scared, that much Tommy knew, but once the first threat was thrown something snapped. His hand shot forward, gripping Griffin's arm with more force than he'd managed since his capture. Locking eyes with the younger man, Tommy's expression darkened. "Don't," he growled in warning. He wasn't foolish enough to believe he could actually win, but the threat did not come lightly. If it meant giving Syria and Reese even a split chance of escape, he was prepared to give his every last breath to defending them. He felt his own rage brewing in the pit of his stomach, but he focused on centering that emotion, using the excess adrenaline that flowed through him to draw strength and stability. His eyes glistened with determination, and though it came as a surprise, Tommy gave nothing away as the news of Eurydice and Rory's failed attempt at rescue reached him. All it accomplished was renewing his faith in the fact that whatever these two were up to — they had a plan. Tightening his grip, he headed one last advisement. "I'd listen to your friends if I were you. Like I said, the good guys always win." Shoving him off, Tommy flashed Syria smug grin, but remained cautious to keeping Griffin within view. "Better now that you're here," he glanced back at his team. "But I never doubted you," turning to Reese, he gave him a pointed look. "We'll talk about the 'sir' stuff, back home. I'm guessing your sister's waiting." Scratching the back of his neck, the idea of home seemed to sink in for the first time. If they pulled this off, he'd hopefully never have to see these dungeons again. His face smoothed over, and the thought of it all nearly choked him up. "I've got someone too."

Syria made herself stand tall. She was used to being on the end of her Father’s anger. But not Griffin’s. Though she was sure that one day she would have be dealing with it herself. Knowing that she wasn’t the daughter her father really wanted. That Griffin was more like a son to her father then she’s ever be a daughter. Syria kept her eyes focused on Griffin only breaking her stare when Reese or Dr. Oliver spoke. “Griffin, you need to realize that this person you are becoming isn’t really you. It’s the person my father wants you to become. And the person he wants is a mindless soldier that will follow commands blindly. You no more important to him than I am. He could easily replace us both. Don’t be fooled by whatever fancy words he has been using. Let us help you. I know that the serum is messing with your brain.” Syria spoke as she kept a her mind focused on Griffin’s. Normally she didn’t enjoy reading other’s minds, or keeping her mind link with someone unless they wanted the mind link (or trusted her). But this was a matter of being aware of Griffin’s next move and saving both Dr. Oliver and Griffin. Shaking her head a little. “I know that I am good as dead as soon as my Father finds out I betrayed him. But, I am willing to sacrifice my life if it means saving others. Including you Griffin.” Syria said knowing that she is probably making him even angrier. Sighing Syria thought about telling Griffin that he was meant to be the Yellow ranger. Not Sawyer. But with Reese around. She was sure that little bit of information would get back to Rory. And Syria kept that from Rory for a reason. “Come on Griffin I am probably one of the one people that understands how you feel. Come home and we’ll figure it out.”

Griffin took pleasure in the anger he saw in Reese. It was obvious he knew exactly how the confrontation with Eury and Rory had gone, and Griffin was ready for round two. "And you think you can take me? Here of all places? Look around, Reese. I've got the high ground." Griffin had no idea what kind of love affair was going on between Dr. O and Syria, but the whole thing infuriated him. All three of them were so smug, acting like they were on their way to a victory, but he had something to say about that. Crushing their dreams would feel even better than it normally did. Getting sick of hearing Dr. Oliver's condescending Mr. Miyagi impression, Griffin balled his fist up and swung, hitting his sparring partner square in the nose. The solid sound or bone cracking was worth the pain that shot through his own knuckles. He was outnumbered at the moment, but he knew that could all change in a hurry. All he had to do was get the attention of the Cylatrons outside, and the scales would tip back in his favor. "I thought you understood me, but you don't. You lie just like everyone else. They'll never accept you," he spat in Syria's direction. He felt betrayed more than he ever would have expected. She claimed to know what it was like to try and deal with all the turmoil Nexus had heaped on their shoulders, the feeling of living up to the unfavorable expectations they carried by being half breeds, unwanted by both sides of the war. The common ground and understand that he'd taken comfort in during the insane past couple months suddenly vanished. "They're using you to try and take down your dad, and you picked the wrong side."

Blue eyes narrowed as Griffin continued to taunt Reese. “I look around and I see you hanging out in a cave with a bunch of weird lizards. I’m not scared of them and I’m not scared of you!” His voice raised for the first time since entering the cave, but he chose to channel that anger into something more productive. He wasn’t going to let his anger cloud his judgement. Seeing Dr. O summon enough energy to stand up to Griff was incredible, but Reese should have known it was too good to be true. Reese no longer held himself back from morphing into the White Ranger, and wasted no time lurching towards Griff, pushing him away from the doctor and Syria, before cloaking himself from view. Reese revealed himself near the exit of the training arena, “Over here, big guy!” He waved, “But you’re gonna have to catch me first,” he barbed before sprinting head first out of the caves trying his best to follow the same path he took with Syria.

Griffin was surprised when he heard Reese raise his voice at him. He rarely saw his former friend loose his cool like that, and to Griffin, it was a sign that he was getting to him. He wanted Reese to feel the same anger that had been brewing inside Griffin for months. He was ready to prove once again that any of the rangers didn't stand against him. The moment that Reese shifted into the white ranger, Griffin knew he was getting his wish. The shoved knocked him back and couple feet, and when he regained his balance, Reese had vanished. "Come back here and fight like a man," he shouted out as he morphed into his own black armor as he chased after Reese. "Even your sister's got more balls than you." Griffin fired energy blasts at the white ranger's retreating back, trying to knock him off his feet, and stop him from the track star act he was doing.

Reese’s stomach dropped as he caught a glimpse of the black ranger before running off. Suddenly he was reminded of his first run in with the black ranger along with the rest of the team, and the way he had to sit out of baseball practice for two days as a gift for catching an energy blast the wrong way. A little voice that sounded an awful lot like Dr. H whispered in the back of his mind, that just because the rangers needed more training to harness the strength of the sum of their parts, doesn't mean that they are inferior to Devone and his budding army. Reese charged ahead, dodging the blasts of energy meant to knock him down. Every so often he'd cloak himself from sight, and reappear in a different spot in Griff's vision. "Are you telling me you don't like playing a little hide and seek?" He hollered before disappearing yet again. "I thought we were having fun!" Reese didn't appear again until he saw the opening of the cave, his metaphorical finish line, and sprinted towards it, avoiding the debris created by the black ranger's energy blasts. Once they were out in the open, and Bianca greeted the black ranger he hung around for a moment before making his way back into the caves to assist Syria with Dr. O.

Bianca paced the small stretch of the island she had sanctioned herself to in order to stay hidden from the human volunteers and cylatrons that were busy laboring away to construct Devone’s camp. She consistently pulled up the electronic dash on the visor of her helmet to check her vitals (unsurprisingly, her blood pressure was higher than usual) and reference the time. It had been nearly twenty minutes since Reese and Syria had ventured into the camp and she began to worry whether that was a normal amount of time to be sneaking into an evil mastermind’s base or if it was an abnormal amount of time, in which case she needed to be bold and run in after them to help. She didn’t want anyone to get hurt and no one had to if her plan panned out the way she had initially hoped. To her relief, she caught a flash of white and black in her peripheral vision, alerting her to Reese and Griffin’s presence. It’s now or never, Bianca. You’ve got this. Drawing in one long, deep breath, she firmly planted her feet on the ground, squared her shoulders, and placed her hands on her hips. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Black Ranger,” she greeted in a deeper tone than normal, hoping her cover wouldn’t be blown by Griffin recognizing her voice.

Griffin chased after Reese, taunting him about the fact that he was running away from him like a coward. "Even your sister put up more of a fight than you." He wanted combat, not a track meet. Hurling bursts of energy at Reese's retreating back wasn't near as satisfying as squaring up toe to toe would be. It wasn't until he spotted the pink ranger standing, waiting, that he realized Reese might not have been quite as dumb as he'd thought. He'd brought backup. Backup that sounded a lot like a child trying to impersonate their dad's deep voice, but backup all the same. "You going to try and run too?" he asked. If this was a trap he was being led into for a two against one, he was more than ready. No matter how many of his color coded friends showed up, Griffin wanted to take them all on. Flashes of going up against Eury and Rory the week prior entered his mind, but he didn't have time to deal with any memories. He wanted a fight, and he finally had one. Seeing how unlike Reese this new pink figure was standing in one place, Griffin fired a blast of energy at her chest before she could take off. "Because I am sick of running after cowards."

Bianca didn’t have super speed nor did she have the best reactionary time to escape the shock of energy Griffin had sent catapulting towards her chest. Thankfully this time around she had her armour to cushion the blow and instead of being knocked off her feet like the last time they saw each other in person, she simply stumbled backwards and yelped as the wind left her lungs. She had spent hours upon hours researching telekinesis in the command center and with the guidance from Professor Hillard, she had learned enough to know how to work around it to her best ability during battle. It was all part of the preparation for this mission and had been what she’d worked on since Arlo had convinced her to join the team and save the world. She still wasn’t so sure about the saving the world part, but her once wavering confidence was now stronger than ever before. Bianca crouched down and pretended to need a moment to recover, bending her knees and placing her hands on top of them. Within a second though, she had pulled her bow from the holster on her back and aimed the loaded weapon at Griffin’s thigh. With her eyes narrowed on her target, she released the string and sent the arrow whizzing through the air before it made contact with his thigh. “Sorry,” she muttered under her breath, sprinting to close the distance between them, slamming her body into his to knock him onto his back while he was still caught off guard. “Listen here, Griffin,” she started, using all of her strength to pin his shoulders to the ground. “You need to overcome the serum that Devone injected into you. Your family and friends are going to help you.”

Griffin glanced behind him to see if Reese was preparing to jump him, but as he did he missed seeing the pink ranger pull out her bow. It wasn't until the sharp pain hit his thigh that he realized his mistake. Every time he squared off against any of the rangers, they seemed to be getting stronger as they mastered their powers. The pink ranger was no different. Jerking the arrow out of his armor, Griffin barely had time to brace himself before his opponent slamed into him, knocking him off his feet. He'd been sacked by plenty of linemen when playing football, but despite the smaller size, the ranger packed more of a punch. Her words infuriated him more than anything. How did everyone think they knew what he needed? They knew nothing. "I'm right where I'm supposed to be," he said as he gathered strength and threw the pink ranger off of him. "You're the one that doesn't belong." Griffin scrambled to his feet and executed the same spinning kick he'd been practicing on Dr. Oliver moments ago. "You think you put on that suit and got powers out of nowhere?" Pulling his axe from his suit, Griffin didn't take his eyes off the pink ranger again. He'd learned his lesson there. "You're the one being used."

Bianca winced as Griffin pushed her off of him, sending her body rolling across the jagged rocks and sand on the ground. Shaking her head, she pushed herself up to her feet only to be knocked back down with a swift kick to her side. “I was meant to have these powers,” she argued, crawling away from him as quickly as possible until she could clamber back upright. “The powers that I have are going to save the world from the man who did this to you.” Her words were falling so quickly from her lips she was afraid he wouldn’t understand. How would she be able to communicate with him long enough to get through to him? Syria and Dr. Hillard had both described that Griffin, despite being influenced by the evil ranger serum, was still capable of experiencing moments of clarity. She had witnessed that in the alley all of those weeks ago. Remembering how gentle he had been, how scared of the world he was and who he’d become made her heart feel heavy. Knowing that she needed to move before it was too late, she crossed back towards the black ranger and channeled all of her energy in executing hand to hand combat. She carefully dodged all angry swipes from his axe, twisting her limber body to avoid his blows. Her right fist smashed against the chin of his helmet which probably did more damage to herself than him, but she paired it with a solid kick to his groin. “Sorry again,” she apologized through ragged breaths. Lastly, Bianca grabbed Griffin’s right wrist and spun herself around so her back was to him, squeezing as hard as she could to wrestle the weapon from his hand. “Stop resisting!” she shouted.

Griffin had never been more thankful for his suit than when a solid foot hit him square between the legs. Without his armor, he likely would have been down for the count, and even though he knew that, it was hard to celebrate that fact when his opponent added a punch to the jaw and went for his weapon. "Stop everything," he grunted out as he tried to shake the pink ranger's grip from his axe. Of all the rangers he'd faced, this one reminded him more of a hyper puppy that refused to give up. It irritated him to put it mildly. Kicking the back of the pink ranger's knee to try and knock her down and break the hold, Griffin regrouped. Letting go of his axe, he used the newly acquired space to regain the advantage. Sending jagged rocks flying in her direction like miniature missiles with his mind, Griffin was ready to end things. He'd had it with everyone trying to 'save' him and tell him what was best. He needed to squash this pink armored bug, and the follow it by finding Reese, and kicking his ass too. Channeling his rage and anger, Griffin lifted up a boulder and hurled it at the pink ranger with a force he didn't know he possessed.

Bianca struggled to hold onto Griffin’s arm but realized that there was no way she could match his strength. He had been training significantly longer than she had, even beyond being injected with the serum. Griffin was an athlete and although she knew she was stronger than most expected considering her petite size, she couldn’t restrain him on her own. Hope was not lost on her, however. This was precisely why she had arranged backup with Sawyer, Rory, and Eury. “I’m never going to stop!” she yelled, falling back to the ground after the black ranger’s boot slammed into the back of her knee. To her surprise, he dropped the weapon and she foolishly allowed herself to believe that this was his moment of clarity. A huge smile broke across her face and she reached up to pull her helmet off and reveal her identity, but before she could she was attacked by a wave of debris from the shore. “Ah!” she screamed, shielding herself with her arms from the sharp rocks that Griffin had sent her way with his special ability. A sinking feeling settled in when she took in the boy in the black suit in front her. Though she couldn’t see his face, she could feel the anger radiating off of him which sent uncontrollable shivers up and down her spine. He wasn’t near experiencing a moment of clarity- far from it, to be honest. Her chest tightened and anxiety consumed her as she missed the opportunity to page her fellow teammates to request their help. Instead, she froze in the same spot on the ground and watched the boulder hurl through the air towards her. She didn’t think about hopping to her feet and flying to avoid it, though if she had she probably wouldn’t have had the speed required to escape in time. The massive rock crashed into her body, accompanied by the outrageous force of telekinetic energy Griffin possessed, pinning her frame to the ground. It felt as though her chest was going to cave in from the weight of the boulder and she struggled to push it off of her. When it finally rolled away, she drew in quick breaths, crying at the pain that radiated through her body. Slowly blinking open her eyes, she gasped at the destruction the rock had done to her helmet. There was no way she’d be able to call for help now, for the glass visor was busted and the electronic dash was displaying an angry ‘error’ screen. She was at a complete loss and felt like a failure. Why were they not capable of saving him? They had tried numerous ways to accomplish this one thing and it had proved time and time again to be impossible. In the end, they would never be good enough. They didn’t have the strength and agility to fight with Griffin and that meant that he was never going to come back to them. Even if he did, how would any of them recover from the doom that was to come? How would she be able to look him in the eyes and ever trust him if he kept trying to kill her and her friends? The error message on her dash beeped shrilly in her ringing ears. “Deactivating suit. Goodbye,” it stated in its computerized tone before her gear disintegrated from her body. Panicking, Bianca was left bare and vulnerable in her street clothes.

Watching the boulder collide with the pink ranger, pinning her to the ground, Griffin took a minute to savor his victory. Another ranger trying to knock him down, and another one stopped in their tracks. Devone had told him to be ready when the moment came, and Griffin felt a sense of pride in living up to what was asked of him. With each battle he entered, it got easier for him. The small voice that used to tell him to hold back out of fear of hurting people was all but gone. Rory, Eury, Reese if Griffin ever managed to find where he'd disappeared to, and now the pink ranger. Walking over to ranger sprawled out on the ground and barely moving, he was ready to gloat and use her as leverage to stop Reese from playing hide and seek, when he saw the suit disengage completely. "Bianca?" Griffin shoved the boulder further out of the way like it was the shadow the large rock cast that was making him see things. Logically he knew that someone had been inside the pink suit he'd gone up against, but he never expected it to be her. Suddenly the weird apologizing every time she landed a blow made more sense. "What are you..." Griffin didn't even begin to know how to complete all the questions running through his head. Seeing Bianca laying there in pain, it brought him back to the first time it had happened in the alley way. She'd been so scared, but hadn't wanted him to leave despite it all being his fault. He'd hurt her then, and he'd done so again only this time was worse. He'd done it on purpose. Sure he hadn't known it was her in the suit, but would that have stopped him? Suddenly he wasn't so sure. "Bianca?" he said again softer as he bent down to the ground. His hand trembled as he reached out to brush her hair back from her face. He knew it was her, and yet there was still a part of him that hoped it was all a mistake. "Are you okay? Can you move?"

Bianca gazed forlornly at Griffin’s approaching body, cursing this island and the alien tyrant that had hurt him in the first place. She was overwhelmed with a sense of loss, though she knew that it wasn’t appropriate for her to feel that way. Liam or Rory or even Sawyer and Aspen, yes. But her? What was she other than the girl who caused too many noise complaints on the floor he was in charge of advising? Perhaps she was just sad that she couldn’t be the hero that they needed to get their friend back, but deep down she acknowledged that she was disappointed that she had failed him herself. She’d made a promise to him, after all. She would save him, no matter how hard it would be. Maybe if she had trained harder or strategized better she wouldn’t have ended up the exact same place that they had started. “Please don’t,” she warned in a soft voice, flinching as he announced her name and kneeled beside her. Was this where he stabbed her like he had Eury? Rather than ending their battle once and for all, however, Griffin gently swept the hair from her eyes and asked her if she were alright. She was sent back to that day in the alley once again, witnessing his moment of vulnerability. “Griffin?” she dared to ask, her heart racing in her chest at the thought of it actually being the same boy she’d met during Welcome Week. Or was he playing some twisted game with her? Tears welled up in her eyes and began to stream down her cheeks. “What’s your favorite movie?” she dumbly questioned, blinking away the tears furiously. She needed some sort of confirmation that the black armoured man was truly back to normal.

Griffin saw the fear in Bianca's eyes and heard the tremor in her voice. It was what he'd been trying to accomplish in one way or another for weeks at Devone's request, but in that moment it was the last thing he wanted. Unmorphing from his black ranger suit, Griffin let her see that it was him beneath it. Of course lately seeing his face didn't mean anything in the way of reassuring people, but for the first time in a while, he wanted it to. "Braveheart. No question," he said as the corner of his lips tugged up into a half smile. "But are you sure you want to talk about that now? You're hurt." Looking around, Griffin was glad they hadn't attracted too much extra attention, or at least not enough to have anyone or anything rushing their way. His head was swimming with enough information without adding anyone else to it. He'd hurt her again, and would have done worse if he hadn't have snapped out of it when he did. He didn't want to think about what would have happened if he hadn't. "What are you doing here?" he asked as his eyes found hers again. "And when did you become a power ranger?"

Bianca inhaled sharply, catching her breath in the back of her throat as his black suit retracted from his body. There was no way that she had pulled this off… Responding to her question and following up with a genuine smile (she hadn’t seen one of those in months), it dawned upon her that this was the real Griffin. It had been so long that she’d had almost forgotten what it felt like to have him look at her like she wasn’t the worst, most annoying person in the world. She laughed at his next statement, shaking her head in disbelief. How could he care that she was hurt right now? Sure she may have developed a few bruises and scratches but the minute she’d seen the warm look in his eyes she felt like she was on top of the world. “I am okay,” she reassured him. “I promise.” She didn’t want him to worry about her, especially not now after he’d had finally made a breakthrough with the serum. Her muscles ached as she pulled herself up into a sitting position, but sat up nonetheless as if to prove her point. “I told you that I don’t give up easily,” she reminded him, sharing a gentle smile that reached her eyes. “I was chosen like the others but I needed a little extra convincing to get me to join. Dr. Hillard and I thought it’d be best to keep the pink ranger off of Devone’s radar and I’m glad that plan worked because I don’t know how else we would have pulled you out of the effects of the serum.” Her head was spinning as she attempted to catch him up to speed, but there was so much to tell and it wasn’t fair for her to dump a load of information on him all at once. They could wait until they returned back to the mainland for that. Alternatively, Bianca locked her arms around Griffin in a warm embrace and hid her face in the crook of his shoulder, holding onto him as tightly as she could manage. “Third time’s a charm, eh?” she joked as she weaved her fingers through his thick curly hair and squeezed her eyes shut, allowing the problematic world around them melt away for just a few moments. She thought that they deserved that at the very least. “It’s really you.”

Griffin welcomed the embrace and wrapped his arms around Bianca's slender frame. He didn't know what he'd done to deserve it, but with all the information swimming around in his mind, he let the hug ground him. He tried desperately to focus on her and block everything else. He couldn't lose himself and risk hurting her again. "I'm so sorry," he said softly as he clung to her. "I'm sorry," he repeated over and over. He didn't think he would ever be able to say it enough. All the things he'd done replayed in his mind, all the people that he'd hurt. As he much as he wanted to stay there, he knew it wasn't safe. Not only because they were squarely in Devone's territory, but because he didn't trust himself. He'd had moments when he'd fought through the cloud of darkness before, but it never lasted. "We can't stay here." Griffin reluctantly leaned back from her. "It's not safe." Through his thunder cloud of thoughts, another one occurred to him as he remembered punching Dr. O in the face just minutes before. "Dr. Oliver," he said as he looked back the direction that he'd left him. "He's here. We have to get him out too. We can't leave him here. God, I've been terrible to him." The shame he felt was almost overwhelming. He knew that getting Tommy back home wouldn't make up for all of it, but it was all he had.

Bianca couldn’t begin to understand how badly Griffin probably felt. He had caused quite the ruckus since their initial trip to Shadow Island and had seriously worried his family and friends. Eventually he would have to accept that the people who truly cared about him would forgive him for all that he had done, though. She had told him once that people are capable of forgetting what one’s said and done, but they will never forget the way that they made them feel. Once upon a time his jovial spirit and goofy personality had the ability to make her smile at the drop of a hat. Simply having him hug her back, even apologize to her, was enough to evoke the same feelings she’d had for him before he became the black ranger. Bianca disentangled herself from his embrace, nodding her head quickly. “I know it isn’t. Reese and Syria went back inside the camp to help break Dr. Oliver out but I can’t exactly use my morpher to communicate with him now,” she explained, looking at the busted piece of technology that was secured to her waist. “Hey, don’t do that to yourself,” she warned softly, using her hand to tilt his chin up so he would look her in the eyes. “You were not in control of your actions, Devone was. All of us understand that, including Dr. Oliver.” She paused for a minute, gazing past his shoulders at the camp that she knew Reese, Syria, and Dr. Oliver were most likely still in. “Look, I don’t know this place like you do. We need to come up with a plan to get all of us out of the camp and we have to do it quickly before anyone notices that Reese and I are here. Do you have any ideas?”

Griffin swallowed hard and tried to fight off tears that stung the corners of his eyes. He didn't have time to feel sorry for himself or dwell on everything he'd done. He couldn't. Looking into Bianca's dark eyes and seeing no hatred reflected back at him, he nodded his head. He didn't fully believe that he wasn't responsible himself, but he could see that she did. In that moment, it was enough for him to cling to. Griffin knew that letting Bianca just walk right into the caves would never work. They had to be smart about it. If Devone even suspected that something was going on, they'd all be dead right where they stood. Too many people had seen him chasing after the white ranger and then tangling with the pink one, and nothing short of defeating them was ever acceptable in Devone's eyes. Losing was never an option. "I know you have no reason to trust me," he began as a plan started to form in his head. Taking in their surroundings and the distance they had to go to get back to the others, there was only one way to get them both there unharmed, but it was asking a lot. "But I need to put these on you." Griffin unhooked a pair of cuff like shackles that were used for other prisoners on the island before Devone fully got into their heads. He looked from the unforgiving metal in his hand and back up to Bianca's face. "If they believe you're my prisoner and I'm taking you into a cell, no one will think twice about it. It's the only way."

Bianca’s eyes widened as Griffin extended a pair of rusty shackles towards her, slowly piecing together his idea before the words even left his lips. She hated that there was a part of her that told her to run, a part attempting to convince her that he had been pretending to be his normal self again just to turn her into a prisoner like Dr. Oliver. Devone would love if his evil ranger had captured one of the good rangers who were trying to interrupt his overtaking of the earth. Yet she stifled that warning voice in her head, replacing it with happier thoughts. She could trust Griffin, even if it meant taking a huge leap of faith. She hadn’t made it this far to simply give up and she knew that he needed to see that he still had someone on his side. Though she didn’t want to have to put her acting skills to use to pose as a captive, she admitted that it was a good plan and it was definitely their best shot at returning home in one piece, all together. “Okay,” she murmured, reluctantly holding her hands out.

Griffin could see her reluctance, and after everything that had happened, he would have been more surprised if there had been none. He had done nothing but hurt everyone around him ever since his first run in with Devone. He wouldn't have judged her if she'd taken off and left him in the dust, but he knew it was the only way. When she held out her hands and accepted his plan, Griffin clasped the metal around her wrists. "This will all be over soon." He tried to reassure her with a soft squeeze of her hand before he stood up and wiped all emotion off of his face. He couldn't let her down again, and that meant convincing everyone that he was the same person who had been around the camp for months. He was Devone's right hand man in a lot of ways, and he didn't want to give them a reason to doubt that. "Come on," he said loudly as he grabbed Bianca's arm and pulled her towards the caves. "I'm sick of you rangers showing up here and getting in my way. It's time to teach you a lesson." Gone was the soft reassuring tones he'd been using, and in its place was the cold and angry mask he'd been stuck behind. "Let's go." Griffin continued to pull her along the path and through the tunnels. He wanted to reach the others not only to get everyone back home safely, but also because he didn't fully trust himself. At least with the others around, they could try and stop him from hurting anyone again. Griffin didn't so much as slow down until they finally reached Dr. Oliver and the others. It wasn't until he was completely sure that they were only among allies, that he released the hold he'd had on Bianca's arm. "Are you okay?" he asked as he uncuffed the shackles. He didn't want her to have to wear them for a second longer than necessary.

Bianca clenched her teeth when the cuffs were secured to both wrists, hating the dehumanizing effect that they had. When his found hers in a reassuring squeeze, her anxieties began to wear away and she followed him as he led her through a system of tunnels that now existed in the caves. When she had been here the first time, the caves were what one would expect- dark, cold and humid. Now they had been restructured to resemble a grid of connected corridors. Other volunteers and soldiers trudged through the tunnels and Griffin made sure to make a scene of treating her as another infiltrator of the camp, another human who would be locked behind the bars before an unfortunate and miserable death. Her blood ran cold at the sight of the cells that they passed and although they were too dark to see if anyone were occupying them yet, she knew that if her team didn’t intervene with Devone’s plans this camp would be filled with innocent people. Even the other soldiers were potentially good people. Griffin had been forced to work alongside Devone with some type of drug and she wondered how many others were under similar potions. She peered warily at the taller man beside her, shivering each time his deep voice barked at her. The minute they stepped foot into Dr. Oliver’s cell she let out a breath that she didn’t know she was holding. Relief flooded her when she saw she now had Reese and Syria back by her side, a precautionary thought. Luckily Griffin uncuffed her the minute they were inside. She felt suffocated by the cold metal, as silly as it seemed. “Yes,” she answered in a calm voice, hovering close to his side. “Thank you, Griffin.” Turning to look at the others, she shrugged her shoulders and let out an excited giggle. “We did it! He’s broken through the serum. Now we need to get out of here. Syria, can we teleport back to command?” she asked hopefully, itching to get out of the disturbing camp.

Reese felt his stomach twist as Griffin toted in Bianca like a prize catch. Before he could even take a step towards the duo, Griffin was unlocking the shackles, and it took a moment for what that meant to finally sink in, but once it did he excitedly charged towards Giff and Bianca. Unsure who to hug first he wrapped his arms around both in a tight hug. “It’s good to have you back, man,” he nodded, giving Griff’s shoulder a squeeze before pulling away from his friends. “Good work, funny girl,” he smiled at Bianca, anxious to get off of the island and back to command. “I’m with B. Let’s get outta here,” he replied, rubbing his hands together and turning to face Syria, knowing she was the girl with the plan. “And Syria? Thanks. We couldn’t have done this without you.” Trust was something that needed to be earned, but helping bring Dr. O and Griffin back to the city safely was a heroic start.

Tommy squeezed his eyes shut, his vision clouded by stars from the heavy blow. He hadn't known what he expected, but the massive amount of force behind the hit had left him reeling and dazed. His entire face throbbed in pain as the blood flowed freely down his face, dripping steadily to the ground, but still, his concern stayed with Syria and Reese. He used the back of his red-stained hand to wipe, gingerly, at the wound, but it was useless. “That could've gone better,” Tommy tried a joke, but winced at the use of his muscles. Carefully, he slipped his shirt off and gently dabbed it gently at first, before holding it to his nose. The laceration Griffin had left stung upon contact and he could tell from the tightness around his face that it was swollen, but a broken nose was manageable. Exhaling slowly, he blinked to clear his sight just as Griffin returned with who Tommy assumed was a freshly coined power ranger. Immediately, his muscles tensed at the sight of chains but his fears were quickly calmed when it was Bianca who spoke. He let out a sigh of relief. “You had me going there,” he spoke through his shirt. “I thought I was gonna have to take this punk back to school.” Stepping forward, his hand fell to Griffin's shoulder and he caught his eye. “Welcome back, man.” No hard feelings. He looked around the room, appreciative of his saviors. “And thank you. All of you.” He looked from Reese to Bianca to Syria and paused on her. His heart sank at the sight of her, understanding that this could never be a total victory. His jaw tightened at the thought, and he shuffled over to her. “They couldn't have done it without you,” he said, wrapping his arms around her as a way to express his gratitude. “He won't be happy.” The silent question lingered between them.

Griffin expected Reese to clock him one as he rushed over, but he knew that he wouldn't fight back even if he did. He couldn't blame anyone for wanting to smack him around, but when instead he was embraced in a hug, Griffin relaxed the slightest bit. He still didn't know what was going to happen or what anything meant for him anymore, but he got the first hint that maybe he could come back from all of this after all. Glancing up at Dr. O, Griff saw the mess he'd left of his face and quickly let his eyes fall back to the ground. The dried blood and bruises were impossible to ignore. He couldn't face him, not after how he'd acted. He didn't know if he could face any of them again. Instead of joining in, Griffin stood quietly and let the others celebrate as he tried to focus on remaining present. It wasn't easy when the guilt over what he'd become threatened to overwhelm him, but he couldn't lose himself again.

Syria kept her eyes on Dr. Oliver. Having gotten used to taking care of the former green ranger whenever training ending with him getting injured. She shook her head little at him joking around. But didn’t mind it. It was a why for the doctor to keep his spirits up. Syria’s attention left the doctor at the sound of footsteps drawing closer. It wasn’t Reese. He already returned to join them in waiting for Bianca and Griffin. Her eyes narrowed at the sit of shackles on Bianca’s wrists. But when Griffin took off the shackles, Syria let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. Syria listened to everyone. Somewhere in the back of her mind she thought that they could have done this without her. But thought it would be better left unsaid. “ I am just trying to make a few wrongs right again. I know that’ll I’ll have to earn your trust again. But I am on your side. No, matter what happens. I’ll always be on your side guys.” Syria said looking from Bianca to Reese and Griffin. Dr. Oliver already knowing what she would be willing to sacrifice to keep everyone safe. Syria was a little taken aback when Dr. Oliver hugged her. Though she returned the embrace with a sigh as she whispered to him, “He’ll be pissed. But it’s nothing I can’t handle. Saving you and Griffin is more important to me.” When she let go of Dr. Oliver Syria looked over at Griffin. Slowly walking over to him. “You’re still fighting the serum aren’t you? Do you feel any pressure on your brain? Because if you do we might need to relieve the pressure on your brain.” Sighing as she looked around at everyone. “Which mean brain surgery.” Syria spoke, not sure if she could handle this task.

Bianca bit her lip nervously at the sight of Dr. Oliver. She didn't actually know him, but after doing some casual snooping around Kat’s home, Bianca learned about their relationship and how special he was. She could tell by his forgiving nature and father-like guidance that he was a good guy and was happy to help break him out of this camp. By the looks of it, he definitely needed medical attention. He was in rough shape, and she sensed that majority of the scars and bruises that littered his body were a result of Griffin’s anger induced state. The guilt and shame was exuding off of him and she again wished she could find a way to explain to him that it wasn't his fault. Sure it was technically him who was going around and hurting people, but he literally had no control over that. There was a lot of science that went behind it, most of which she didn't understand, but she'd communicate it to Griffin once they were back home. She returned Reese’s group hug, wrapping her arms around her two friends quickly. “I couldn't have done it without you and Syria,” she reciprocated the sentiment, nodding her head in agreement when Reese continued to share his gratitude with Syria. The concerns expressed by her roommate, however, made her heart skip a beat. “What do you mean?” she inquired in a worried voice. Syria didn't even have to explain further to her- obviously the serum didn't just wear off, Bianca had simply been able to induce a moment of clarity. Fear seeped into her bones at the realization that Griffin could very easily transform back into the brainwashed super soldier Devone had made him. “How are we going to do that? I don't even think Dr. Hillard knows how to perform brain surgery and there's no way we can bring him to a hospital.”

Syria sighed as she ran a hand through her hair. “Well we could use my lab. But first I really think that Reese she get Dr. Oliver to command. So he can receive medical treatment and see professor Hillard. I am sure that she is worried about how this mission is going.” Syria looked around for a moment before continuing, “Reese you should be able to use the device that I made to get us here. All I have to do is set it so you guys can teleport home.” Cracking her neck out of nerves. She stopped to think for a moment. How was she going to pull this off. She did have a device that was like an MRI machine. So, she would be able to she see if there was anything causing pressure on Griffin’s brain. But how would she get rid of it? Syria didn’t have healing powers. Yet she could try the healing serum, even though it was still untested. “Brain surgery is serious and I do have a device that is similar to an MRI. (Though it is kind of like a hand held device.)” Sighing a little before she continued. “Once we find out what is causing the pressure. We’ll need to think of a way to deal with it. I don’t having any healing powers. I only have the ability to read other people’s minds and then there is my dark magic. Which if they are anything like my father’s they will be only destructive. I don’t really know if they could be helpfully here.” Syria said as she looked from Bianca to Griffin. “What do you guys want to do?”

Reese struggled to keep the look of surprise off his face when Syria mentioned brain surgery. Ever the optimist, he hoped Griff's moment of clarity would be enough to break through the serum, or maybe that some sort of antidote could be whipped up in Syria's lab. However, he didn't have time to waste being scared for his friend as he was given the task of making sure Dr. O gets back to command safely. Reese was silently thankful that his presence wasn't needed for the brain surgery. Even some episodes of Grey's Anatomy managed to make him queasy. "I can do that," he nodded. "Will you be able to get back without it," he asked, taking the offered device, and turning to face Dr. Oliver. "Let's go home," he smiled. "Syria's right. We can't leave the welcoming committee waiting."

Releasing a slow breath, Tommy nodded in agreement, gradually resigning to her choice. Despite her origins, Syria was one of the good ones. He stepped aside to clear her path, lifting his head when she suggested taking him back. Any other time, he'd have fought it, but in his current state, he wouldn't make it far. "She's right. I'm dead weight," he simplified. "Besides, you've made it this far. Might as well let you save the world," he tried to grin but winced instead. Glancing to Griffin, his chest ached for the boy. Coming down from the destructive high was excruciating. The things he had done would follow him forever, and the guilt that weighed down on him... it was unbearable. It was something that still, to this day, haunted his dreams, and he wouldn't wish that on anyone. "Whatever happens, don't sweat it," he assured him, stepping closer so that only Griffin could hear. "You're forgiven." Patting his arm lightly, he joined Reese's side a fresh wave of concern washing over him. "Brain surgery? I don't like the sound of that," he licked his lips, looking to Syria for guidance. He shook his head at Bianca's sentiments and pondered the situation. "Kat's incredible at everything she does, but she's not that kind of doctor." Turning to Syria, he wondered, "Are you sure you can go this?" It was risky, but he'd seen her do incredible things. Reese and Bianca were standing here now largely because of her. Looking between them, he trusted their judgement. Crossing his arms across his chest, his head pounded as he tried to process it all. His eyes landed back on Griffin and he reached out to steady himself by leaning against Reese's shoulder. "It's up to you, bud. Your body, your call. But I think you're in good hands. We'll be waiting for you when you get back... be safe," he turned his attention to the girls. "If you get into a pinch, the power will protect you. Trust your instincts and follow your gut. With any luck, you'll be back before dinner." Tapping Reese's shoulder, he was ready. "Alright, man. Let's get out of here." He felt terrible for leaving them there, but he'd meant what he said. They had each other, and together, they could get through anything. As for him — he was going home.

Griffin looked over at Syria like she was speaking another language. She might as well have been for how much sense it made to him. Brain surgery? She couldn't be serious, and yet he didn't think Syria had ever made a joke in her life. He doubted she was going to start now. "What?" was the eloquent reply he came up with. His head throbbed as he tried to remain in the moment, but he was thinking more like grabbing a couple Tylenol, not letting a college freshman go poking around in his brain. Magic or not, the idea of it was terrifying. "You want to do brain surgery? You're not a doctor. You're not even a nurse. You're the reason that this happened to me, and now you want to poke around in my head?" Maybe this was how they were going to get rid of him for everything bad he'd done. He'd hurt Bianca, Rory, Dr. Oliver, and almost killed Eury. Maybe this was what he deserved. They couldn't win against him in a fight, so they'd come up with another way. They'd slice him open and kill him right there in Syria's lab. No one would even blame them since they were pretending it was for his own good. They were the 'heroes' after all. Recognizing that his thoughts were beginning to spiral in darker directions, Griffin swallowed hard and decided that he had to put some trust in them. He'd asked Bianca to trust him when she had no reason to, and now it was his turn to step up to the plate. "We have to go before anyone finds us." He tried not to think about where they were going and why, reminding himself that he didn't have any choice. He wasn't happy about it, but with how he felt himself slipping away again, he knew they had to do something now before it was too late.

Syria set the device before handing it to Reese. “I can teleport us back to command when we are done here. If we have any issues, I am sure Bianca will let you know that she needs help.” She said nodding her head at Reese and giving Dr. Olive a small smile. Syria looked at Griffin as he spoke. There was no real reason that any of them should trust her. Including him of all people. Griffin was right she was the reason he was the way he is now. Only if she was able to stop her father from taking him that day. He would have been the yellow ranger, not Sawyer. But then they would be saving Sawyer right now. Signing a little at the thoughts running through her mind. “No, I am not a doctor, nor am I a nurse. But I did help create the serum and I am the only person her with photographic memory. Also I am the person that invented the devices in my lab. So sadly I am the only person we have that can do this right now. Trust me when I say that I wish we had another option.” Syria spoke looking from Griffin to the others. Syria wasn’t confident that she’d be the person that could pull this off. But she was pretty sure that she was the only her that could possibly do it. If the odds were in her favor. Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes for a moment. Syria wasn’t really sure about this. But she agreed with Griffin. “Let’s quickly head to my lab.” Syria said before leading them to her lab.

Bianca waved to Dr. Oliver and Reese before they transported from the cell and back to command. Although she was relieved to know that they had escaped the camp safely, fear preoccupied her mind with the inescapable surgery Griffin had to have. She flinched at his resistance, involuntarily scooting closer towards him in case she needed to attempt to stop him from running. Whether they liked it or not, they had to accept Syria’s expertise on the subject. Bianca knew that she was insanely intelligent and while she didn’t have the experience to back it up, it was all they had to work with. Syria’s careful, calculated words echoed her own thoughts and before she knew it they were travelling through another set of tunnels towards what was apparently her roommates lab. Fortunately for her, these seemed to be travelled less often and they didn’t run into one of the alien tyrants that stalked this place, or worse yet, Devone himself. The lab was significantly better than the cells where prisoners like Tommy Oliver were stowed away. It reminded her of their medbay they had in command; high-tech devices that even the most advanced hospitals in the nation didn’t have were arranged carefully on the blacktop counters, notes were drawn on a whiteboard pinned to the wall, and an uncomfortable surgical chair sat in the middle of the room beneath an ominous fluorescent light. Bianca rubbed her exposed arms with her hands, hoping to get rid of the goosebumps that dotted her skin. She approached one of the tables and observed the small-scale MRI machine. It was essentially a handheld device, almost like a scanner that was used in grocery stores. How did Syria have the ability to make things like this? She didn’t doubt that she was smart but where would she have gotten this technology from in the first place? So many questions swarmed her head but she knew she’d have to save them for later. “Is this the device?” she prompted, carefully holding it up.

Griffin followed along in silence. He hated everything about what he was walking into, but then again he hated the person he'd become. Even though he would have gladly picked anyone else in this world and all others, his life was going to be directly in Syria's hands, and there was nothing he could do about it. Walking into the lab, Griffin couldn't focus on just one thing. His nerves were running too high, and there was too much to look at. There were devices and high tech equipment all over the place. Seeing Bianca pick up some scanner looking thing, he looked from it to Syria and back again. For a potential torture device, he expected at least a spike or two attached to it. "Let's get this over with," he said as he climbed into the chair with a false bravado. He was terrified, but his pride wouldn't let him show it. Devone's words about showing no weakness and Nexionians being superior echoed in his mind. To keep his hands from trembling, Griffin gripped the arms of the chair, and tried to squash down the growing urge to run for the door.

Syria was thankful that the path leading to her lab was not heavily guarded. She wondered if how her father work showed itself through how his lair was set up. But that really didn’t matter. They would have to come up with there own conclusion as to what could be revealed here. When they arrived at her lab she quickly made her way over to where her lab coat was. Quickly she put it on as the others looked around her lab. Syria looked over when Bianca asked her if the device she was hold was the mini MRI machine. “Yes, that would be the one.” Syria said making her way over to where Griffin was in the chair. “Alright, I’m going to start scanning now. Are you comfortable?” She asked Griffin. Once Griffin confirmed that he was comfortable she turn on the device and started to scan Griffin’s brain. Syria took into account how Griffin’s behavior was when the serum was working. If she was right the serum messed around with his emotions. So, Syria started by scanning the frontal lobe. “Hmm… there does seem to be a shadow on part of the frontal lobe and the temporal lobe.” Syria said looking from Bianca to Griffin. “There the parts of the brain that play a part in our control over our emotions.” Syria paused for a moment. “Which would explain why Griffin became aggressive quickly.” Syria looked at Bianca quickly to see if she understood what was being said. Not that she doubt Bianca, Syria just didn’t want to confuse anyone. “So, any question or would you like us to get started.”

Bianca curiously watched Syria start the MRI scanner and hold it up to Griffin’s head in amazement, hoping that the results would show nothing abnormal and they could teleport back to the dorms like she had originally planned. However, Bianca saw the tiny screen on the device pinpointing a mass located in his frontal lobe. The explanation that Syria provided for the results of his scan made sense, yet Bianca couldn’t help but feel like all of this was a nightmare that she was trapped in or worse, some sick joke they were trying to pull on her. Would she really put it past Sawyer to arrange a plan as excessive as this? In this moment, she wished that the cameras would come out, Syria would yell that she was on the revamp of the revamp of Punk’d, and Griffin would ruffle her hair playfully. But that wouldn’t happen. This was their reality now. When Syria asked if they were ready to get started, she swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded her head. She wanted to be helpful, and though she didn’t have the magical abilities that Syria possessed, she could certainly be a pillar of support for Griffin during this stressful period of his life. Turning towards the wash station to clean her hands and soak sterilized towel, Bianca prepped herself for whatever this brain surgery would consist of. She returned back to Griffin and cautiously sat on the edge of the chair, feigning a level of confidence that she didn’t necessarily have but desired to. “Look, I know that you’re scared,” she spoke in a quiet voice, pressing the cool towel against his face. “But you have to let her do this if you ever want to be completely normal again. If she doesn’t remove the growth it can overtake your entire brain, Griffin. Call me selfish but that’s the last thing I want to happen.” Pausing to draw in a steadying breath, she flashed him a gentle smile before uttering two simple words, “Be brave.”

Griffin took a deep breath and tried to calm himself as Syria and Bianca went about getting ready. "If I die, could you tell everyone I'm sorry?" he asked as he wiped his hands on his pants. His palms were sweaty from nerves more than actual heat. "Not that I'm sorry I died, but you know, for everything I did." He took another breath and leaned his head back against the head rest and closed his eyes. Maybe if he blinked hard enough everything would magically be over. Maybe he'd wake up from the nightmare of his life. Feeling the cool towel against his face, Griffin opened his eyes and found Bianca looking back at him. As she gently wiped the dirt from his skin and tried to reassure him, he suddenly remembered being a kid on Nexus. He'd been terrified after he was discovered hiding, and Ariana hadn't shown any fear as she'd reached over and wiped a smudge of dirt from his face. She'd given him strength just like Bianca was now. A look of confusion briefly washed over his face before he hide it again again and chalked the memories away to his life flashing before his eyes. After all, the odds of him making it through having his head screwed with by an alien freshman seemed close to none. "Be brave," he repeated like that would somehow help him. "Right. I can do that." Taking another deep breath, Griffin let go of the arm rest he'd been gripping and turned his hand over, silently hoping that Bianca would take his.

Syria sighed before putting the device down on a counter. While Bianca washed her hands Syria went to go grab a few supplies that they would need. She was still unsure of herself. It didn’t help that this was going to be the first time she tried using her dark powers for anything. Syria was still not sure any good would come from that type of dark magic. But she could hope that maybe they would work differently for her. Shaking her head a little as Griffin spoke. She hoped that she wouldn’t screw this up and end up killing him. But Syria knew that little voice in her head (that sounded a lot like her father) would remind her that she was going to screw this up somehow. After Bianca was done getting ready. Syria went over to wash her hands and while she did that tried to gather some kind of confidence. Taking a deep breath to ready herself for what she was about to do. Syria quickly set up what she needed to set up for this. Quickly she double checked everything to make sure it was in order. “Alright, it seems I have what we need. Now I am going to put you under. So you won’t feel anything.” Syria said as she looked at Griffin. “I promise that I won’t let you die on me.” She looked over at Bianca for a quickly moment. “I assume that you’d want to hold his hand during this.” Thinking that it would be helpful. Just incase Griffin wakes up during. He can squeeze Bianca’s hand. “Ok, I am going to put the IV in. So you are going to feel a pinch.” Syria said before acting on that task. After she did that, Syria went back to grab the device. She focused on Griffin’s mind. Seeing if she was able to pick up any thoughts. Once she was sure he was out Syria spoke to Bianca. “He is out, so I am going to start alright.”

Bianca nodded her head optimistically as Griffin repeated her words, lacing her fingers through his and grasping his hand tightly without hesitation. She ignored the way holding his hand made her skin tingle and heart race, choosing instead to focus on the IV drip Syria was inserting into his other arm. She pressed her lips tightly at the other brunette’s suggestion but agreed with the logic behind it. Hopefully there would be no waking up during surgery; she wasn’t so sure squeezing a hand would suffice in that precise moment of panic and pain. Bianca stared at Griffin, not knowing what more to say to him. She wanted to apologize for taking so long to save him; for the fact that he was even put through this nightmare. Before she knew it, his eyes were fluttering shut as the sedative circulated through his bloodstream. Taking a mental snapshot of the peaceful state he was in, Bianca looked back to Syria with determination in her dark brown eyes. “Go ahead,” she stated, eager to get this done with. She engrossed herself in the act of holding Griffin’s hand instead, gasping as she felt a strange sense of warmth radiating from his skin. Perhaps his body temperature was raising due to the work Syria was performing on his brain. Whatever it was, it sent chills up and down her spine and made her squeeze his hand even harder, nervously waiting for the procedure to be completed.

Looking at the mass with the mini MRI device, Syria would be able to tell if her powers were working on it. She still was doubting her abilities. Knowing that from watching her father use his dark magic powers. That they weren’t meant for healing, only destruction. Syria quickly looked up at Bianca holding Griffin’s hand in a vice like grip. Smiling a little at the gesture. Before she fully started to concentrate on the mass. Slowly Syria gathered her dark magic. Focusing the light purple energy on the mass that was putting pressure on Griffin’s brain. As Syria looked through the mini MRI device at the mass she noticed that it was slowly being inclosed in a very light energy. That energy started to slowly shrink the mass. ‘Am I doing this?’ Syria thought to herself. ‘But, that energy isn’t a light purple. How could this be my powers?’ Syria was slightly confused and shock that her powers seemed to be working. Yet, something felt off about this whole thing. Syria couldn’t feel her powers shrinking the mass. ‘Why can’t I feel my powers working if the mass is shrinking?’ She thought. Still not sure if she was the reason that the mass was slowly but surely shrinking down in size. Syria was still not sure is she was the one shrinking the mass down in size. But, she continued to focus her dark magic on until it was no more. “The mass is gone now.” Syria said, still slightly confused that her powers might have actually worked on getting rid of it. Syria looked at Bianca. Asking her silently if wanted to take a look at Griffin’s brain.

Bianca’s eyes found the concentrated look on Syria’s face but the pressure of situation drew her attention back to Griffin, who was sound asleep, for majority of the procedure. Was it even a procedure? Syria hadn’t even made an incision in his head to extract the mass, but Bianca was aware that Nexonians possessed powers that she couldn’t wrap her head around yet. She could feel the shift of energy in the room once Syria had activated her abilities and zoned them in on his brain; it almost reminded her of what it felt like when she found out that Griffin had telekinetic powers in the alley way. Her hands began to sweat in her overwrought state but suddenly their alien scientist announced that the mass was gone. Reluctantly releasing Griffin’s hand and standing up to peer over Syria’s shoulder at the MRI scanner, she gasped at the image that was now displayed. Just a half an hour ago an angry dark mass clouded the frontal and temporal lobe, and now it looked entirely normal. “You did it,” she murmured in disbelief, an easy smile playing at the corners of her lips. “Thank you, Syria.” Her words, though simple, expressed the immense appreciation she had for the other girl. Returning to Griffin, Bianca pushed his hair back to feel his forehead and slipped two fingers to his neck to check his pulse. “No fever and a normal pulse,” she continued, still dismayed at the fact that Syria was capable of doing such a thing. A loud scraping sound on the other side of the door pulled her from her state of wonder. “We need to leave!” She had no clue who was on the other side or if there even was someone. Regardless, they couldn't spend a minute longer in this camp. It was beginning to make her sick. She watched Syria remove the IV from Griffin’s arm before she used all of her strength to hoist his body up from underneath his arm. “Syria,” she heaved, “Grab his other arm, okay? Let's go home.”

Syria was still taken back by how the mass in Griffin’s brain was healed. She was almost positive that her powers had nothing to do with that. Though maybe she was wrong, maybe her powers were the reason why the mass was gone. Though she was relieved that Griffin would be able to go back to his life. Well, normal as any Nexonian could life with Devone still being a huge threat. Shaking her head a little, Syria looked at Bianca. “Don’t thank me. He was only here because of me in the first place. I just wanted to make things right.” Syria forced a small smile. Still not sure what really happened. Yet, she would have to focus on that later. “That is a good sign. He should wake up in a few hours or maybe minutes. If he still has any powers left. Though I am sure Professor Hillard could test for that.” Syria said before her thinking was interrupted by a loud scraping sound. She nodded in agreement as she moved to take out the IV as quickly but carefully as she could. Muttering as she went about how she hate those giant metal lizards. Syria was a little shocked at first that Bianca strength. Then she remembered that the serum must have made all of them stronger than a normal human. “Alright” Syria quickly grabbed Griffin’s other arm trying to take some of Griffin’s weight off of Bianca’s shoulders. “Let’s get you both back to command.” Syria said right before she teleported them all back to command. Once she got them there safely Syria helped Bianca bring Griffin to a nearby bed. “Alright, I’ve got to get back before anyone realize that both Dr. Oliver and Griffin are gone.” She said quickly looking at Bianca. “I’ll keep you guys posted on what’s happening back at Shadow Island. And if my father is going to go on a rampage because he lost both Griffin and Dr. Oliver.” Syria sighed before waved before teleporting back to Shadow Island. Where her father was most likely going to be waiting.

Bianca sighed as Syria helped hold Griffin up, allowing her to snake her arm around Griffin’s back and support his head to her best ability. She silently cursed their height difference but it was only mere seconds that she had to keep him upright, for Syria had teleported them to the medical bay in their Command Center. “Sorry,” she grimaced as she awkwardly shifted to get him on one of the hospital beds. Bianca prevented herself from insisting that Syria stay and not transport herself back into that hostile environment. If Devone wanted war with them, by all means he was welcome to come knocking on Katherine’s front door. No one should have to sacrifice their safety to try and stop it from happening. Her nightmares indicated that no matter what they did, he would come for them anyway. But this man she had yet to meet in person was Syria’s father and no matter how skeptical it made her feel, there was no point in trying to stop her from going back. “Okay. Be safe.” She twinkled her fingers in a small wave and the other brunette disappeared in the blink of an eye. Wiping the sheen of sweat from her forehead, Bianca placed her hands on her hips and took a brief moment to thank todos los dioses for getting them out alive. The events of the day had happened so quickly, yet the clock on the wall indicated otherwise. It had been hours since her mission had begun and that’s not including the month of preparatory work that it took. To say she was drained was an understatement and her own sore body yearned for a couple of ice packs in the wake of that vicious battle, but it could wait. Though it had been quite the struggle to have gotten to this point, Bianca was ecstatic to have made it. Glancing down at Griffin, she smiled affectionately and placed her hand on top of his once again. “You are so worth it.”

#post: para #p: 008 #p: gs #p: sf #p: rhm #p: to #p: we're still here #//UMMM Y'ALL!#griffin

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