#i kept sneezing like repeatedly during this

[dream-brutus]

not a rare pair at all but I'd appreciate some Jesstra art 🙏 (Red clip Jesse)

Here's them reunited in prison because of their crime of being IN LOVE AND CUTE!!!

I'd like to imagine after the fight that Romeo pitted on them they like... kissed and held eachother for like a few minutes.

Also! I am getting sick AGAIN so requests are gonna take a little bit longer cause i feel like crud but I'll try to push them out as fast as I can!

[cuddlepilefics]

Borrowed hoodie

Fandom: TXT

Sickie: Yeonjun

Caregivers: TXT

Prompt: @sicktember

No one’s POV.:

Yeonjun sighed after catching a stuffy sneeze against his wrist. It seemed he was coming down with another cold, if he had even recovered from the previous one. Maybe he was just relapsing? It was hard to tell but what he did know was, his immune system was not doing its job and he was fed up with it. He had already battled through one hour of vocal lessons, insisting that he was fine and that his throat felt perfectly normal. That wasn’t a complete lie, considering how frequently he had been sick lately, a sore and irritated throat had become his new normal and his vocal teacher had accepted it because his voice was raspy more often than it was not.

It wouldn’t be that big of a deal, if Yeonjun didn’t know that he was also scheduled for five hours of dance practice, which he didn’t know how to muster the energy for. He hadn’t really slept well the previous night, feeling a little restless and struggling to breathe through his nose. That also explained the headache he was nursing but while it made sense, it couldn’t be helped. Though he was a little under the weather, he wasn’t properly sick, at least not yet. There was no way he’d get time off of his schedule to rest at this point. Maybe once he’d start running a fever, he’d be granted a break. Yeonjun wasn’t upset over this though, knowing full well that he had already missed valuable practice time when he was last sick, so he was already behind the rest of the group and if he wanted a genuine chance at catching up, he’d have to give it his all qnd not miss any more practice sessions.

“Getting sick again, hyung?”, Soobin asked in passing, as he slipped Yeonjun a travel pack of tissues after watching the older repeatedly run his wrist under his nose. They were used to seeing their eldest all sniffly, so the sight wasn’t too surprising. Soobin mused that it was more likely that his hyung hadn’t yet recovered from his most recent cold because there was no way he could catch another one so soon, right? Shaking his head, Yeonjun muttered: “I dunno. At this point, I’ve accepted this as normal.” He kept his voice low enough for only the leader to hear, not wanting to worry their dongsaengs. Soobin wasn’t necessarily pleased with hearing this but he also wasn’t too worried, well aware that the older tended to catch everything and anything that went around.

The down turn Yeonjun was taking once again, was also apparent in his dancing but none of the others dared to point it out, knowing their eldest was already under pressure to catch up. Not that Yeonjun needed to be told anyway, realizing himself just how badly he was slacking. He couldn’t seem to do anything about it though, his limps heavy and brain foggy, which made his moves sluggish. Dizzily crouching down during a water break, Yeonjun questioned whether he had gotten out of shape lately or if he was already more affected by this cold than he had expected. Hueningkai brought him his water bottle, earning a weak smile from the elder. Realizing that his hyung wouldn’t be able to continue soon, Soobin told them all to take ten and frowned when Yeonjun stretched out on the floor with a relieved sigh.

“Do you think you can continue or do you wanna go home, hyung?”, the leader asked softly, kneeling next to Yeonjun. Propping himself up on trembling arms, Yeonjun groaned: “I can go on. Missed far too much practice already and I’m not even properly sick, just a little under the weather …but when am I not?” – “You really need a very, very long vacation”, Soobin sighed sympathetically, “And a long and hot shower once we get home.” – “Sounds like heaven. Both. I’m achy as hell”, the older sniffled. He felt completely wiped and they had only gotten through the first hour. The air-conditioning blasting down on him made him shiver, which wasn’t too surprising because his shirt was entirely soaked as he had started sweating buckets while warming up.

Though Yeonjun made sure to drink enough water to compensate how much he was sweating, his headache only worsened and it got increasingly hard to convince himself it was brought on by dehydration. If he didn’t know any better, he’d guess that he was developing a fever. That’d at least explain why his mind was so hazy. He had already stumbled into Beomgyu earlier, almost knocking the younger over. Luckily, neither of them had gotten hurt but that was only a matter of time if Yeonjun kept going like this. That was also how Soobin managed to guilt trip him into sitting the rest of the practice out.

“Come on, take that sweaty shirt off. You can borrow my hoodie instead”, Soobin cooed, brushing Yeonjun’s damp bangs out of his face, “You’ll only get worse if you sit around in that. Look, you’re already shivering.” – “Yeah, I- I don’t really feel well”, Yeonjun rasped, resting his thumping head in his hands as he tried to find the energy to peel off his shirt. He could barely get it off, too sore to wriggle out of the sticky fabric. Soobin ended up helping him and smiled when Taehyun threw him their hyung’s towel, so he could dry off. Carefully slipping the hoodie over Yeonjun’s head, the leader smiled: “Do you wanna rest here till we’re done or do you want me to call manager-nim for a ride back to the dorm?” – “Rest here”, the eldest mumbled. He already came to consider himself as an inconvenience to his group and management team with how often they had had to accommodate his health lately.

Yeonjun lay down off to the side, a towel folded over his eyes to block out the light. He was lucky to always carry earplugs in his bag because there was no way he’d be able to sleep while his dongsaengs practiced with loud music. Right now, he was almost exhausted enough to drift off, if only he wasn’t so freaking cold. It made no sense. He should still be overheating from dancing and he wore Soobin’s thick hoodie. There was no way he could possibly be cold but yet here he was, shivering so hard he fought to keep his teeth from chattering. Maybe he should’ve taken Soobin up on the offer to arrange a ride back to the dorm. He’d probably be warmer in his room with the air-conditioning turned off and a warm duvet on his bed. Speaking up now would only be more of an inconvenience, so he didn’t dare to.

“How are you holding up, hyung?”, Beomgyu asked, when they packed up their bags after practice. Though he claimed to have rested well as to not worry his dongsaengs, Yeonjun hadn’t slept a wink. Forcing a smile, the eldest whispered: “I’m okay, Gyu. Tired though, really tired.” – “You look feverish, you know? There’s no point in me feeling your forehead because I’m still really warm but your eyes look glassy”, Beomgyu pointed out with a sad smile. Overhearing their conversation, Soobin already knew he’d be making some phone calls later that evening to clear his hyung’s schedule, whether the older liked it or not. The leader slung Yeonjun’s bag over his shoulder and asked: “Who wants to get takeout on the way home?” There were tired cheers, none of them having the energy left to cook. “Let’s get you some soup, hyung”, Soobin whispered as he linked arms with Yeonjun, “Judging by your voice, your throat needs it.” The eldest only gave a small nod. He had no appetite but knew they wouldn’t leave him alone and he really wanted to take something for the fever and headache.

Hueningkai was sweet enough to offer Yeonjun his shoulder to rest in during the drive back and stayed with the older while the rest went to pick up their dinner. How the eldest managed to get sick so frequently was beyond him. Yeonjun had to be under a lot of stress for his immune system to end up this week and considering that all of them were stressed, yet he was the one to get sick the most, it had to be bad. Not that Hueningkai could imagine what the responsibility of being a group’s eldest was like. It made his heart ache for the other though. He would’ve loved for Yeonjun to get some more sleep during the drive but the eldest frequently had to sit up coughing, the sound increasingly rough. “Do you want some water, hyung?”, the maknae whispered, reaching for his bag. Nodding gratefully, Yeonjun breathed: “Feel like my throat is all torn up.” – “I think I might still have a couple of cough drops in there somewhere, hang on”, Hueningkai muttered, rummaging through his bag, “Here, this might help some.”

“Alright, we got everything, let’s head home”, Soobin announced as he settled back into his seat, balancing a takeout bag on his lap. Buckling his seatbelt, the leader asked: “You wanna eat first or shower first, hyung?” – “I think I’ll eat first”, Yeonjun mumbled, “Won’t be able to stay awake for long after I shower. ‘m so freaking tired.” – “That’s alright, we’ll get you fed and medicated, so you can take that shower and head straight to bed afterwards”, Soobin chuckled. The remaining ride passed in silence as to not aggravate Yeonjun’s headache. Besides, all of them were rather tired after hours of dancing… and hungry.

As soon as they got back to the dorm, the younger members started to dish out the food, while Soobin went to the bathroom and fetched some medicine for Yeonjun to take with his meal. They picked a nutritious soup for the eldest because it’s go down easily while also providing his body with what it needed to recover. Still it was hard for Yeonjun to eat dinner when he had absolutely no appetite and his nose was blocked, making it feel like he was suffocating. He didn’t eat much but Soobin quietly praised him nonetheless, reminding him to take his medicine.

Walking the eldest to the bathroom, Beomgyu hummed: “Anything specific you wanna wear?” – “Ndo, just make sure it’s warm please”, Yeonjun rasped, steadying himself on the doorframe. It left his dongsaeng with a bad feeling about letting him shower alone, yet he busied himself with picking out a cozy outfit for his friend and listened closely in case the other fell.

Though it took quite some effort, Yeonjun washed up and sluggishly threw on the clothes Beomgyu had left for him in the sink. He was already half asleep when he looked himself down and realized that what he was wearing wasn’t his own hoodie. Beomgyu had lent him his own fuzzy comfort hoodie, that he always wore when he was upset because he claimed it made him feel better. Yeonjun felt his heart swell because the younger didn’t usually allow anyone to borrow it. It was an immense honor being allowed to wear it and maybe Beomgyu was right and it did have some special powers because Yeonjun already felt slightly better when he collapsed into bed.

[unfortunatelysirius]

I love you, but I’m scared // Remus Lupin  [Marauders Era]

「 ❁ 」PROMPT 「 ❁ 」

Y/N finds herself feeling non-platonic things for long-time best friend Remus. At risk of losing six and a half years of friendship, what can she do?

「 ❁ 」AUTHOR’S NOTE 「 ❁ 」

BET YOU THOUGHT I WAS GONNA DISAPPEAR OFF THE GLOBE FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS HAHAHAHA BITCH U THOUGHT, in serious news idk how I feel about this so uhhhh feedback???? also this was like 2650 words idk why I wrote so much. hope it isn't trash!!!! :D fill the inbox with some love (and some requests wink wink) and have a happy weekend!!!

        It was past curfew at Hogwarts castle, the moon twinkling brightly in the sky outside, and to most students, it was time to snooze the night away. In the Gryffindor common room, all but two had vacated, retreating to their dorms for much needed relief. Y/N L/N and Remus Lupin had other priorities in mind.

Y/N was rewriting her notes for Arithmancy when she heard Remus clear his throat. He was against the other end of the sofa with his legs tucked into his chest, his Potions textbook acting as a surface for his parchment. Y/N was similarly using a journal. They’d been in the common room for hours, once surrounded by their friends before they decided to hit the sheets instead of their books. After their friends left, the two bookworms descended into silence. It’d been a while since either of them tried chatting through their overload of N.E.W.T.’s prep. Y/N peeked up, losing momentum, at his soft garble.

Remus’s eyes immediately went down to his legs when she looked over, so she looked down, too. His parchment was completely covered in perfect print with barely an inch left to write. “I need to borrow some parchment,” he said sheepishly.

Y/N’s face flushed for reasons beyond her, and she wordlessly fished around in her bag for some spare parchment. She felt less frazzled when she was able to locate a piece and hand it over to Remus.

“Thanks,” Remus said, his fingers brushing over hers without meaning to. Y/N felt sparks but she had no intention of speaking them into existence. 

They didn’t speak for a time after that. Remus scribbled furiously, managing to have pretty penmanship through his rush, and Y/N took her time rewriting and slimming down her notes. They would glance at each other on occasion, sometimes connecting without meaning to (and consequentially Y/N would feel quite embarrassed), and they’d cough or sneeze or swallow or smile out of the blue. It went on. Only when the common room clock tolled at 3 did the pair acknowledge they needed rest; even if tomorrow were Sunday, neither of them enjoyed sleeping in.

Remus gave Y/N a tentative smile. “I got a lot done,” he told her, affirming what she felt for herself. Her smile back was mega-watt. Truly she felt better than she had before he’d asked her to study with him. She thought her feelings would get in the way and make her nervous being around him for so long—alone, stuffy and uncomfortably silent, all he had for company—but surprisingly the opposite happened. It was like any other time they hung out.

As friends.

“Me too,” Y/N agreed. She reached out and gave him a side hug before she could chicken out. The baffled look on his face, mixed with something she couldn’t be certain about, made her regret it—but whatever. It was 3 am and he wouldn’t remember it in the morning. I’ll remember it. “Goodnight, Remus.”

        “Night, love,” Remus said sleepily, rubbing the crust from his eyes.

        The two of them went up their respective staircases, looking back at the same time and waving a final farewell. Y/N felt like a little girl as she face-planted her comforter and snuggled into the pillow, briefly thinking about the pet name Remus gave her. He used it sparingly, usually when exhausted, and it seemed tonight was one of those nights.

        Thinking about her best friend that way wasn’t right. He was her best friend. She met him before she met the Marauders, even before she became good friends with her dormmates. They’d been friends for so long that anything other than their routine would disrupt everything. Y/N had felt something other than platonic love for Remus since the summer of this year after he sent her a letter about his time at home. It wasn’t something small, either. She couldn’t fathom how she went from thinking it was gross when he drank pumpkin juice around her to watching his throat as he guzzled the atrocious liquid down. How—why—did she suddenly like him so much she couldn’t breathe around him? Why did things feel stilted?

        Did he know?

        She didn’t want to feel like this about him. He was her best friend, all their other friends were friends with each other, things were great the way they were and something new just wasn’t going to end well. Platonic love—maybe she was confusing it for the love she read about in her books. Maybe that’s all this was. Yeah.

        She was overreacting.

        Y/N didn’t fall asleep until it was well past what time it was when she stumbled back to her dorm, and by then the sun was coming up.

        She wasn’t one to sleep in but that morning she made an unconscious exception.

-

        Things may not have felt stilted when they hung out, but after they said their goodnights and went to bed, things changed. For Y/N, at least. She couldn’t be in the same room as Remus without feeling anxious beyond reason. She didn’t think she was obvious about it to their friends—maybe to the ever-observant Lily, but the Marauders had to be clueless, and Marlene and Alice were too busy talking about coursework. Remus wasn’t so oblivious. Y/N was constantly fleeing from conversations with excuses that never made much sense, and she was fumbling with what to say and how to act around him. She couldn’t ignore how her heart beat a little faster around him. Her entire body felt sweaty when he had his attention on her. She felt light, heavy, dead, and alive, at different ranges and nocks; she was sure it showed.

       Of course it showed. Remus was bewildered, and honestly a little hurt, as Y/N’s nerves got the best of her. He didn’t try hiding how he felt and he didn't shy away from trying to rekindle things, completely oblivious to what he did. Y/N felt cruel and wanted to hate herself for what she was doing. Remus didn’t deserve this; he deserved a better. Their communication issues felt like years-old radio silence when really the days of Y/N’s strange behavior were slow like a boat against the tide. 

    Their friendship had never been out there. They weren’t like James and Sirius were with each other, even from the beginning, so tiptoeing around each other and being quiet was just a part of them. They were introverted at heart. Remus always preferred being alone with Y/N so they could engage and relax without their loud and rowdy friends joining, Y/N reciprocating his energy wholeheartedly. But somehow along the way of discovering her feelings, Y/N found herself feeling afraid. That fear translated to isolation, her flee instinct on a victory roll as it repeatedly conquered “fight.” The tiptoeing became profuse excuses, blatant footsteps, Y/N on a never-ending treadmill that just kept getting faster.

        She didn’t want to admit to anything, especially if it meant losing Remus. Yet her heart also hated being away from him, hated doing things with anyone besides Remus, hated running away when all she wanted to do was have his company. Why was she so pathetic?

       Her friends were obviously more observant than she thought, and they weren’t shying from asking questions, and eventually Y/N started running from them too.

      She didn’t know how to get what she wanted without breaking her heart along the way. 

         She hid and she ran and she avoided. A cycle that inevitably caught up with her. 

       Sirius, the friend closest to her aside from Remus, met her during first-year Potions and hadn’t stopped pestering her since. He wasn’t the most sensitive bloke and feelings weren’t a subject matter you went to him with. If you needed him to threaten or prank a bully, fine. If you wanted a dueling partner for the big Defense Against the Dark Arts practical, sold. If you were being obvious about running away from his best friend… feelings were probably involved, so he knew he wasn’t the right man for the job, but he’d have something to say regardless. He always knew what to do, even if it would backfire tremendously.

        Y/N was in her usual library nook reading an old fairy tale book, having been there for two and a half hours after Remus tried asking her to study with him, and she was just getting to the good part when—

        Sirius popped his shaggy head around a bookcase, a loud, “Hullo,” echoing in the corner, scaring Y/N so badly that her book went flying feet away.

        He merely glanced at the book (probably trying to see the title) before his entire body appeared from around the shelf. “Ah, so here’s where you’ve been running off to, aye?” He raised his eyebrows in a “Huh?” gesture. “Remus said you might be here.”

        Y/N winced, remembering that Remus knew all about her favorite spots around the castle. He must have seriously thought she had something against him if he was abiding her avoidance by doing some of his own.

        “I’m reading,” Y/N said weakly, grimacing when Sirius picked up her book and flipped through the pages. “Wasreading.”

        “You’ve been avoiding Remus for three days,” Sirius said pointedly, tossing her the book. Beauty and the Beast. How fitting. “He’s right glum about it. Bet he’s half mad wondering what he did to make you cross with him, too. So what was it?”

        Y/N felt like a fool thinking she was being subtle with anyone. if she didn’t catch it from her friends’ interrogations, she caught onto their suspicions now. Sirius wasn’t an idiot; Remus wasn’t either. Y/N’s actions weren’t normal, contrary to what her inner reassurances told her over the past 72 hours.

        “He didn’t do anything,” she told Sirius, hoping she sounded believable. Sirius looked like he wanted more: a confessionmost likely. “I… just feel weird around him.”

        Sirius smirked. “Ah, I see,” he said. Judging by his growing amusement, he’d immediately figured her out and was just taking his sweet time reveling in it. “Love, pesky little bugger, isn’t it?”

        “W—love?” Y/N shook her head frantically. “No, that’s not it. I just—”

        “You’re avoiding your best mate because things feel ‘weird,’” Sirius pointed out. “You already know about his furry little problem so that’s ruled out. What else makes being around a best mate weird? Maybe fancying him?”

        “Believe what you want,” Y/N said tiredly. Her brain chanted at her, Accept it! Accept it! Accept it! but she didn’t want to accept it. Not even deny it, honestly. She thought avoiding him would avoid ruining their friendship, and she knew eventually if she let herself get convinced there weren’t real feelings involved, things could go back to normal. It was all a matter of time and patience. Sirius was not adhering to her internal plans… not that she wanted him to know anything about what went on in her head. He’d just take advantage of it.

        Sirius stared at her, not buying the act, before turning around. “Aye, Moony, come over here.”

        Seconds passed and the color drained from Y/N’s face.

        “Don’t worry, he didn’t hear us,” Sirius said with a grin, eye dropping down into a wink that drove most of Hogwarts wild, “but you guys are about to talk. Good luck, mate.”

        He disappeared around the corner and Y/N strained her ears trying to hear the end of what murmured conversation went on between Remus and Sirius when they met. Sirius’s loud footsteps echoed in her corner as he left, replaced by Remus’s nervous face peering around the bookcase.

        “Hi,” Y/N said nervously, wanting to bury her face into her sleeves. She couldn’t do that without looking like a child so she just ran her hands over her copy of Beauty and the Beastand hoped (prayed, more like) for the best.

        Remus walked deeper into the corner. “Hi,” he returned.

       They stared at each other without erupting into quiet conversation as they usually did when alone, and Y/N felt like screaming knowing she’d caused the rift. If she was honest—and she bloody well had to be, knowing that she’d done what she had to Remus’s feelings—she’d put her feelings over his and prioritized her own discomfort. She ran because she didn’t like how she was thinking or feeling. Remus didn’t even get a chance to coast along; he was left in dirt, befuddled and bereaved.

        “I’m sorry,” Y/N choked out.

        “I’m sorry, too,” Remus immediately said, his head of chestnut hair falling so that his scalp was visible to Y/N but his face wasn’t. His voice was shaking, like he was fighting a battle with his own nerves—and losing. “I don’t know what I did to hurt you, but I’m sorry. If my… if my problem’s what’s bothering you, I promise I won’t bother you anymore. I just thought—”

        “Remus,” Y/N said, realizing what he thought. Realizing she was the biggest fucking idiot—biggest fucking jerk—in the universe. He thought she was avoiding him because he was a werewolf. That was the furthest thing from her mind, but how could she put that into words? She was shaking from all the things she should say, could say, didn’t say, and all she mustered was his name, coming out like a sob. “That’s not…”

        “It’s okay,” Remus said with a barely controlled breech in composure. His eyes betrayed him, signaling to Y/N that he felt disgusted with himself and he was in pain. Because of me. Y/N wanted to stand up and hug him. She knew she needed to reassure him that he was so wrong, that she would never turn her back on him because of something out of his control, but the pit of self-loathing in her stomach was making words escape her. “I know I’m a monster… You don’t have to apologize. I deserve it—”

        “Remus, goddammit,” Y/N said. She began to feel angry about how he was talking about himself.

        Remus continued on, his face turning wet with tears; “I know that what I am is always going to be a part of me, I don’t expect anyone to accept it. I don’t accept myself. How can I expect anyone else to? You were kind enough to even give me what you have—"

        “I love you!” Y/N burst out, louder than she’d ever talked, unwilling to listen anymore. She knew everyone in the library probably heard her but she didn’t care. Her attention was all for Remus, her mind exploding with persistent reasons why she should flee again—but she was tired of running. And she was tired of hurting Remus in the process. She was tired of him thinking she ran from him because of that, something he could never have helped. “I love you, Remus, but I’m scared. Not scared of you. Not scared of your problem. Hell, I don’t even care about that! Okay? I’m scared of ruining everything we have. We’ve been friends since bloody first year! That’s a long time! Sirius is like a brother, and James and Peter are some of my best mates that you’ve given me. If I—if I love you like this, it’s broken. It’s fucking ruined, innit? Things would never be the same and I, I’d rather break my heart a thousand times than walk over yours.”

        “Y/N…” Remus stared at her, mouth agape. If there was a word for his expression, he was confounded.

        “I’m sorry,” she whispered in return. And she was, so bloody sorry she could build a mountain out of her apologies. “

        “Don—don’t be sorry,” Remus said, more assertive, turning his head every which way like he had a fever he couldn’t shake. “Y/N… I love you, too. You know that, right? I thought… How could you love someone who’s a monster?”

        “Remus, shut the bloody hell up. You’renot a monster. You’re kind and selfless and brave and smart, and if anyone doesn’t deserve someone, it’s me. I don’t deserve you, Remus. But I love you more than I’ve loved anyone in my life and it’s unimaginable what I’d do for you. You give me butterflies but you also make me more scared than I was during O.W.L’s week. You’re just—perfect, Remus. Bloody perfect. And I’m sorry for running but know it was never because of you—it’s because I was afraid to lose you.”

        “You won’t ever lose me, Y/N,” Remus said with tears. Y/N had gotten up from her chair, book falling off her lap, and she was there to wipe them away. She held his head in her hands, staring at him like he was her whole bloody world. She hoped he saw it. “I… you’re my best friend. And you’re the love of my life. I’ve been afraid, too, but maybe we can have both without losing either.”

        “If anyone can make that happen, it’s us,” Y/N said, laughing through her tears.

        Remus was not a monster and at the end of the day Y/N wasn’t either.

But hurting the people you loved was something a monster did, does. So what did that make Y/N? 

[irwinkitten]

quarantine and chill | poly!lashton

notes: so as some of you may know, i got hit with covid-19. i’d kept socials updated with my symptoms and how i was dealing with it but i’ve been quite on the aftermath of what i went through. so i did what i do best, i wrote. similar with teulu, i decided to write it out in the form of a fic. a lot of what happens is what i’ve had to struggle through with regards to recovery and what i’m still struggling with. there is a lot that i haven’t really talked about with it either, however i got the main points down and just wrote. if i was feeling better, i’d probably have shifted it to an oc but this felt much too personal to do. i was debating on whether or not this was going to be posted. at first i wasn’t, then i wasn’t sure. i finally decided to because i enjoy writing and i enjoy giving people something to read, something to enjoy. i also decided on poly!lashton mostly because of the interview on one of the instagram lives where ash said he cooks and i think it was with @sexgodashton​ where were talking about how ashton would mother hen you when you’re sick lmao and then i got daydreamy because i’ve been dealing with the whole situation alone and it’s difficult when your loved ones (both friends and family) are too far away and unable to be with you. i’m rambling at this point but yeah, tldr; this is really personal on how i recovered from that godforsaken virus. warnings: talks of dying, depression, sickness word count: 9k (oops)

donate to my ko-fi here

-

When you’d come home from closing up the store, it had been an almost nightmarish day for you. It felt surreal that the store was closing until further notice and you had no idea when you were going to even be back in your job again.

What frustrated you was the fact that you hadn’t been able to book a flight out to LA before the travel bans kicked in, leaving you to be self-isolating in your apartment for the duration of the lockdown, alone.

Luke and Ashton had both voiced their complaints, but no amount of money being thrown at the problem wasn’t getting you back to LA with them.

 “How are you feeling?” Ashton asked over facetime whilst you tidied up. The simplicity of living in communal housing meant that you only had two rooms to tidy and keep clean. Luke and Ashton loved it for the fact that it afforded the three of you some privacy away from prying eyes of the media because you were tight-lipped about where you lived.

“Tired. I’ve cried a lot and I’m missing the both of you.” You admitted quietly as Luke popped into the screen, his head resting on Ashton’s shoulder. His lips wore a tired smile, one that you could match.

“We’re missing you too, love.” Luke’s voice was comforting. You finally settled down on the couch, your body sinking into the cushions and sighed.

“You know you don’t have to worry right? Ash and I are gonna help you.” The reassurance from Luke made your lips twitch up.

“I know. I’m just frustrated. They should have made this decision well over a week ago.” 

Neither of them could say much against that. You’d told the company bosses that you were at risk, you’d warned them that the store wouldn’t pull in enough money to warrant staying open for the week.

But they’d simply said that they were following government guidelines. It had been nothing but frustration for the three of you.

“Are you both home finally?” Your question was much quieter and Ashton grimaced. 

“Because I have a cough, they’ve organised us to be quarantined since we’re together. They’ve done the tests but I don’t think it’s anything, I think it’s just allergies playing up since I’ve been sneezing non stop.” Ashton explained and you sighed.

“Irony at its finest.” You received sad smiles in return from your boys.

“I’ve got some last minute paperwork to finish up and send off since I couldn’t do so at the shop. How about I call you both tomorrow?” Luke pouted and you giggled at the expression, your heart lifting that little bit.

“Fine but next time I’m hogging the phone.” Luke muttered and you laughed before blowing them both a kiss.

“Love you both, I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” 

The paperwork was easy to finish off and left you a few hours to shower and change whilst tidying up around. 

When you crawled into bed, you checked your phone to see a photo of the two of them snuggled up together, Ashton practically smothering Luke. You sent them one back of you with the bear they’d gotten you, sprayed in their cologne. 

When you woke up the next day, there was only a slight difference, your blocked nose making you groan. 

“Fucking allergies.” Was muttered as you made your way to the bathroom, waving to one of your neighbours who was just leaving the kitchen.

You’d decided to stock up on food, making quick work of the short walk. It was nice to be able to still move about in the fresh air at least, offering a small, yet nervous smile at the cashier as you paid for your shopping, packed it in your bag and made your way home.

Before you even realised it, you’d settled on the couch and fallen asleep, wrapped up in your fluffy blanket, eyes heavy as you set an alarm. 

You slept through the alarm and when you next woke up, there were three missed facetimes from Luke. You called him back immediately.

“There’s the love of our lives.” Luke crowed when he answered, making you laugh. It was followed by a cough which made Luke pause, his eyes studying the screen. “Said love of our lives doesn’t look too well.” The concern was evident and you rolled your eyes.

“It’s probably allergies and my body finally relaxing from the last three weeks of stress.” Luke didn’t look convinced but you managed to switch the conversation. “Did you find out the results of Ashton’s test?” 

“Yeah, he came up negative. Since we’ve been quarantined for what, three weeks now? We’ll probably be on the next essential flight back home. But that won’t be for another week from what they’ve said. We both agreed to hang back long enough to let other people go ahead.” You frowned at that.

“But baby, you guys need to be back for the launch.” He shook his head.

“Ash was quite forceful with management on this one. There isn't going to be any kind of physical launch so we’re cleared to be delayed, just as long as we have a good wifi connection for the weekend for the various streams.” You sighed but understood their concerns. 

“How is our no longer sick drummer boy?” You finally asked and as if he was waiting for the question, he all but piled himself on top of Luke, a muffled whine escaping as he tried to shove Ashton off him.

You laughed.

“Behave children otherwise no rewards.” You teased them, making the two of them laugh as they settled themselves  down on the sofa they were on.

The conversation was easy between the three of you as they both excitedly discussed the possible plans they had for the album release, relying on them being home on time to do so.

“It wouldn’t do well to be still in the air when we do the release party, but knowing our luck...” Ashton trailed off, making you snort.

“Knowing our luck, that’s what would happen.” You grinned and he rolled his eyes.

“Probably.” 

The three of you talked until you were dropping off, and despite voicing their concerns, you waved them off, pointing out that you always got like this during allergy season. Ashton didn’t argue the point, but Luke still frowned in concern.

“We love you, sunshine. Get some decent rest please.” He’d pleaded with you and you gave them both a gentle smile in return, hoping that it was at least semi-reassuring.

“I’ll be fine, but I’ll go to bed. Love you two.” 

“Love you more.” Came the unified response before the call dropped and you settled back asleep.

Part of you knew that you should’ve realised that they had every right to be concerned when you woke up the following morning.

Your entire body was aching. And what concerned you most was the tightness across your chest coupled with the pain radiating across your body.

When you checked your temperature, you felt your stomach sink at the fact that your fever had crept up and was alarmingly high. So you called the helpline, putting the phone on speaker whilst you waited to get through, sending a text to the group chat you had with your boyfriends.

‘Woke up with fever and body hurts. Struggling to breath too so checking in with the helpline to see what i need to do. Don’t know if I’m gonna be up for calling later bc I wanna sleep.’ 

You felt bad but you could already feel the drowsiness pull at your body. 

When you got through and described your symptoms, the lady on the other end advised you to self-isolate and upon the symptoms getting worse, to call the emergency services.

You relayed the information back to Luke and Ashton before falling asleep after taking some medication, trying to desperately ignore how much your body ached as you slept.

The first few days, it felt like you’d been run over with a truck repeatedly, but what concerned you was the pain that was radiating from your kidneys. Both Luke and Ashton knew of your previous history with kidney failure and both had been urging you to go into the hospital, but you’d couldn’t help but feel that it wasn’t that bad.

By day four, both of your boyfriends were worried because you’d mentioned to them that you were unable to breath properly. It was late at night, but with the pain reaching an overwhelming point, you knew it was pointless to argue. Even your friends had been urging you to contact the helpline once more.

You’d been on hold for over an hour as the pain got worse. You were struggling to focus and it was everything you could do to try and breathe through the agony that was radiating through your body, so you cut off from the hold music and contacted the emergency services. 

This time fear started to settle into your stomach as you answered the questions posed to you, trying to get across that it wasn’t a block of flats but a shared home.

The operator understood and urged you to get help from your neighbours to at least let the crew into the building. You were nervous enough about standing up by yourself but you managed.

When you stood from your bed, the walk to the door, even though it was five steps away, the agony that shot up your legs had you stumbling into the door. 

Pulling it open, despite your neighbour’s door being six feet away, you knew you weren’t going to be able to stumble that far. The pain was steadily getting worse and tears started falling down your cheeks.

“Can someone help?” You finally got out, gasping for a breath once the words were out. Your neighbour was quick to open the door and knew something was wrong.

“What’s happened, are you okay?” 

“Can’t breathe. Called medics, but need someone to let them in.” You gasped out and he nodded, taking a step closer.

“Lets sit you down and I’ll get one of the others to go and wait for them.” The firm grip on your arms supported you, your own hands grasping his arms to keep you from falling as he slowly walked you back to the edge of your bed, setting you down gently.

The pain receded slightly.

“I’m gonna prop the door open and get one of the others to come and give me a hand, is that okay?” And you could only nod tearfully as you tried to take in slow breaths, despite the pain that was radiating from your chest.

With the door propped open, you could hear him banging on the other doors, calling for help and explaining the situation. The hallway wasn’t very long but their voices carried down to you as you tried, and failed, to calm down.

And then the medics were there, pulling the blanket from your shoulders despite how cold you were feeling.

“It’s because of the fever, your body is already warm, you won’t be helping yourself with the blankets.” 

They asked various questions and you tried to answer in the gasping breaths, but then the pain shot up and it felt like you couldn’t breathe.

“Okay, we’re getting you to the hospital.” 

You could barely move, but between the medic and your neighbour, they managed to get the things you needed and help you down the stairs. It took much longer, but you knew that rushing wasn’t going to help and the pain was pushing close to hitting 10 for you. 

Once in the ambulance, you had a cannula inserted, laughing breathlessly between your tears at the first failed attempt and the second attempt to find a vein. 

When you reached the hospital, waiting to hear where you needed to be taken, you finally got out your phone, the morphine hindering your ability to focus, hitting the audio button instead to send a voice note to your now worried boyfriends.

“At the hospital. Been given some morphine but still hurts. Missing you and love you lots.” You could barely keep your eyes open, the words slurring together. The medic gave you a kind smile.

“Partner?” You nodded, the motion making you feel nauseous. 

“Need to drive to the other side, they’ve got a specific ward set up.” You heard and realised belatedly that the driver must have turned up. The drive was short and finally you were helped from the vehicle into a waiting wheelchair. You were too tired to protest and you knew it would be quicker for you to get situated.

You could hear them talking, explaining your medical history and the symptoms you were displaying. Part of your mind was listening but the other part of your mind was wondering how Ashton and Luke were. 

You missed them.

Once in a room, the nurses took over and did some more tests. Eventually you were left alone, your fever creeping higher despite the fact that you felt so cold. You were tired, but the pain that was radiating from your kidneys and joints, it was enough to keep you awake, unable to relax to sleep. 

Your phone was going off every few minutes, various people messaging you, making sure that you were okay. The only ones you were really replying to were Luke and Ashton, but even then it was sparse. 

It didn’t stop them from worrying.

When the doctor on shift came into your bare room, it took every effort to focus on her words.

“We’ve taken some bloods to help rule out any other possibilities, despite displaying symptoms of the virus. When we have the first results of your bloods back, we’ll be moving you onto one of the wards, so it should be another hour or so.” 

You nodded your head, eyes heavy as you let out a tired sigh.

“Any idea of how long I’ll be here for?” Despite the mask in place, you could see her cheeks lifting up into what you assumed was a smile.

“Less than 24 hours, I’d assume. Try to get some rest, another nurse will be taking some obs in about an hour, before you need to be moved hopefully.” You nodded tiredly, curling up on your side. It seemed to be the only relief you could find.

You drifted in and out, the stark quietness of your room so different to the usual noises you had of cars passing by or Ashton and Luke’s steady breathing.

 When the nurse came back in, you were beyond exhausted. You felt nauseous and the pain wasn’t receding. 

“We’re going to be moving you instead, they’ll do all the obs that they need once you’re settled in the room. I’m just waiting on the porters.” You nodded tiredly as she unplugged your phone charger and placed your bag at the bottom of the bed.

You kept your face turned into the pillow, the lights hurting your eyes. 

“Sensitive to the light?” Came a kind voice, you could only let out a muffled noise of agreement. When you were wheeled into the room, the light was dimmed down and you felt more relaxed. 

Glancing at the time you hadn’t realised it’d been so long. The numbers read 7am and you could feel your body shaking, your mind taking a minute to catch up with the fact that you were cold.

The next few hours were difficult. You went from being too hot to freezing cold, the pain creeping up as you tried to curl in on yourself to warm up. Even with additional blankets, you were still shaking, teeth chattering when you tried to talk.

When they took the second round of bloods, you didn’t offer any argument, simply holding out your arm for them to take the blood from. Things were getting hazy and you couldn’t focus on the nurse as he spoke to you about what was going to happen. 

You knew some of it was tiredness. Despite the mini naps you were having, you hadn’t slept solidly in nearly 48 hours. 

“We’re going to be coming in to do the test in a moment.” You found yourself confused as a different nurse explained what was going to happen and she took her time to make sure you understood each part. 

Once it was done, your cough having flared up after having the swab hit the back of your throat you noticed that you had missed calls.

‘How did I not hear them?’ You thought to yourself, confused. You clicked on the notification and realised it was Luke that had been calling.

“Hi angel, we were just checking in.” His voice seemed to set off the tears, unable to understand why you were so tearful. But he heard the sniffle. 

“Sweetheart, I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. You know we’re here for you.” 

“I just wanna be home with you two.” You choked out, a cough escaping, the motion making you feel sick. 

“I know angel, what have the doctors said?” You tried to steady your breathing so you wouldn’t set your coughing off again. 

“Two weeks self quarantine.” You finally got out, wiping a few stray tears away. You heard the two of them sigh in unison. 

“Maybe we could—”

“Ash no. If they are sick with the virus, it’s likely to just pass between the three of us.” Luke interrupted and you had to hold back the sob. 

“I’m scared.” You finally admitted quietly and tried to stop the sob that was crawling up your throat. You knew that if you’d started, you were most likely not going to stop. 

“Baby.” Ashton whispered and you sucked in a deep breath, determined not to ask the question. 

“Lu’s right. It’d just pass between the three of us. I should have maybe another week of symptoms.” Your voice was quiet but they heard you. 

“We’re not going home.” Luke’s voice finally filtered through. “Not with you being in hospital and not with you being so sick. We’re staying in a hotel till your symptoms die down and then we’re gonna come and look after you.” 

You couldn’t even argue with them. They were both as stubborn as mules and having them would make the recovery easier with some help. 

“How are you gonna get here?” You finally gasped out. 

“We’ve got a rented car. We extended it the day you got sick.” You felt your heart warm at their words.

“Okay.” You finally muttered. 

Eventually you were discharged with medication for the fever and a reminder to keep your fluid intake up at least. 

The journey back was exhausting. 

The medic was kind enough to chat to you about your job, about Luke and Ashton. He didn’t bat an eyelash when you mentioned them both. He was quick to help you figure out where the turning was, especially in the dark. And he helped you to the door of the building. 

Just the journey up the stairs was tiring, and your neighbours heard you arrive, the three of them checking that you were okay. 

“Until my breathing gets worse, I can self manage at home. However, I need rest and my body currently feels like I’ve been run over multiple times.” 

One of them checked about collecting your food shop the following morning and you smiled in return before getting into your bedroom and collapsing on the bed. 

You made sure that your phone charger was plugged in before sending a text to Luke and Ashton saying you were home. It was barely another five minutes before you fell into a fitful sleep. 

The following day you were woken to a knock on your door, but you could barely move. Sleep had been scarce and your joints felt so heavy. 

“Don’t try and get up! Just letting you know that I’m off to get your shopping! I should be back in an hour or so.” Your neighbour called through the door and you felt a little bit of relief flood you at that. 

“Thanks!” You called back before coughing, twisting sharply to the side where the bowl lay, your body aching when the coughing stopped.

You’d had the bowl lay there since the night before you’d gone into hospital, terrified that the coughing would lead you to throwing up. You weren’t good with vomit at the best of times but this was another level. 

Collapsing onto your back, taking in slow deep breaths as you tried to calm your heart down, you took a few moments before taking some meds, pulling the covers off your body to help you cool down. This was the one thing about fever that wasn’t fun for you.

You ended up napping on and off, unable to pay attention to your phone at the various texts coming through from concerned friends before there was another knock on the door which jolted you awake, despite feeling disorientated.

“I’m leaving the bags just outside your doors! Give me a couple of minutes and I’ll have them all up.” You didn’t reply as you heard the hallway door shut, and instead slowly moved to collect one of the face masks you’d been given, slipping it on with ease before grabbing disinfectant wipes. 

You ignored the dizziness that caught you off guard, taking a steadying breath as you waited, leaning heavily against the door.

“Right, they’re all there for you chicken!” Your neighbours voice was more distant and you hesitantly opened the door. He was standing halfway down the hallway, a kind smile on his face.

“How are you feeling today?” The concern was genuine and you could only shrug.

“A lot of pain. Not sleeping well.” You got out breathlessly. He frowned.

“Well if you need anything, you’ve got my number now, so just give me a text, especially if you need any drinks. You take care of yourself now.” You lifted your hand in acknowledgement before propping open the living room door and heading in there where your fridge sat.

When the food was put away, you were half staggering the few steps back to your bed, barely getting your mask off and on your desk before you half collapsed on your bed.

Glancing at your phone there was a missed call from Ashton.

“Hi love, you weren’t responding so we figured to call you.” His voice was hesitant when you’d accepted the call.

“Everything hurts Ash.” You finally sobbed, your body protesting the movement, but in that moment you couldn’t care. You missed them both and with the combined pain, it didn’t help.

“Baby.” Luke’s voice was soft and you knew they were worried, but you were too far gone to understand their worries. You just wanted them.

“Want you both, and can’t even have that because of this fucking virus.” You got out a cough ending the sentence as you tried to catch your breath and not choke.

“Calming breaths sweetheart. You’re okay.” Ashton soothed immediately and you tried to follow his instructions. But everything hurt. There was a sharp pain in your chest, coupled with the pain in your lower back as well as the joint aches. It practically burned you.

“Do you think you can manage a shower later, love? It might help.” Luke’s voice was hesitant once you were calm enough and you took in a deep breath.

“Maybe.” You got out, your voice quieter and they knew you were tired.

“Rest for a bit angel, see if you can try and get a few hours at least.” Ashton encouraged and you could feel the heaviness wash over you as you settled down.

“Love you both.” You tiredly got out before you let yourself sink into sleep, taking a slow deep breath as you did.

You didn’t hear their returned words or them cutting the call, you’d fallen asleep easily and your body relaxed just a little bit as you slept.

When you next woke up, it was dark. Making sure that you were at least drinking, you had another glass of juice followed by some water before pulling yourself up to take a shower. You texted them both and your best friend to let them know you’d slept some and you were about to attempt a shower.

It was slow going, trying to keep yourself upright, but the steam helped clear your sinuses, making sure you got every part of you with the scrubber before just standing under the shower, your hands pressed into the cold tiles to keep you upright. 

It’d been thirty minutes by the time you’d returned to your room, feeling more tired than when you’d first woken, so you took the opportunity to try and get more sleep. 

That was when the coughing became so violent at two in the morning that you felt like you were practically choking on air, unable to catch a breath until you’d rolled onto your side and something cleared enough for you to take a gasping breath, your heart racing so fast that you had to call your best friend to calm down.

It became frightening as days began to pass and you could barely recall them, your mind confused and muddled with exhaustion mixed in with the hunger that was plaguing you. But when you’d eaten, your body had rejected the food immediately so you didn’t try again. 

By day ten, you were struggling. You’d cried far too much and your body felt like lead. You knew that both Luke and Ashton were concerned at this point, knowing that this was the point where either you’d start to get better or it could get worse.

Two days later, between fitful nap and gasping breaths after a coughing fit, your phone went off.

It was Ashton.

“Baby?” You got out tiredly, keeping measured breaths as you sat up slowly.

“Take a look outside your bedroom window.” You frowned, moving to the otherside of the room, leaning enough to peer out of your open window before a sob escaped.

They both stood there, arms laden with bags. Both were looking up at you.

“Reckon you can come let us in angel? Lu and I are gonna commandeer your living room ‘till you’re better.” It took everything in you not to go racing down the stairs. You knew it would set you back further so you took hesitant breaths before looking back to your phone then you heard a voice in the hallway.

You were quick enough to catch your neighbour as he was heading back to his room.

“You alright there petal?” His voice was concerned and you held your hand up indicating you needed a moment to catch your breath. He waited patiently.

“My, my partners, they’re downstairs with some shopping and taking over my living room till I’m better. Could you let them in for me please?” You were hesitant in asking, but the pleading eyes you had seemed to have his shoulders wilt as he took a step forward.

“I take it they’re gonna be self-isolating for the two weeks they need to?” You nodded. 

“I’ve got to wait seven days after my fever stops as it is before I can even be in the same room as them. I know that they’re worried and being so far hasn’t really helped.” He smiled kindly.

“Got you, petal. Get back in and I’ll go get them for you.” 

You could hear their voices get closer and it took everything in you not to throw yourself out of the room at them. You didn’t want them to get sick.

“Delivered safely petal, feel better soon.” Your neighbour called and you tried not to let out a sob.

“Hi angel.” It took everything in you not to open the door. You had to clench your hands into a fist, head resting on the door.

“I don’t know what’s harder. You both being away, or you being so close but I can’t even see you.” You let out a choked cough and Luke let out a soothing noise.

“Well we’ve got you some good wifi now, and we’re here for you angel. We’ve got a couple of streams and you best be watching when we go live.” You let out a breathless giggle. They were there.

The first few days were the hardest. They’d leave cartons of juice and bottles of water outside your door. It finally added to fruit when you managed to keep an orange down.

Watching them do the streams from your living room was strange, but it seemed to settle your anxiety that they were so close. You could see it was being brought up about their shared change of scenery which prompted them to explain after you’d texted Ashton and told him that it was okay for them to know about your situation.

“So our partner, well they got pretty sick at the start of last week. We were already stuck in the UK at this point, so we just extended it so that we’d be with them when they got better. None of us handle being sick alone very well.” This made the other three laugh. You grinned.

“I think that extends to the rest of the band too.” Luke piped up, making the other two complain loudly. You giggled before coughing violently.

“Oops. As you can probably hear, it got real bad and real close by the end of last week. It’s why we were so distracted on the live because we were so worried. When they told us that they’d slept for a solid six hours last night, we made the drive back to theirs, shopping in tow to help look after them. We can’t see them, and Luke and I are stuck on the couch for the next two weeks at least, but we couldn’t just fly out and leave them alone.” 

Ashton’s explanation had well wishes pouring in for you and it warmed your heart to see that there were fans that cared. 

Part of you wished you could at least be watching them, or better yet, be cuddled up with them, to hell with the stream. But you knew they were trying to keep the focus on the album. You’d already had texts from the others to check in with you and you took your time to reply to them and settle down, your eyes heavy as you snuggled under the covers.

It was nice to watch them, seeing the ease in the way they joked about. You knew they worried but it was obvious to anyone who saw them when you’d gone into hospital that the tension that was sat on the both of them was both obvious and heartbreaking. 

You could see the shadows under Luke’s eyes and you wondered if they traded the nights between each other to make sure they wouldn’t miss an update or a call. 

You tried to squash down the guilt instant that reared up. They were doing this because they cared. There was nothing in it for them, apart from the possibility of you getting better. But you knew they expected nothing back. 

Your eyes were tired and you took in the time. It was creeping closer to midnight so you closed off the stream and texted the chat to let them both know you were going to sleep. Had you stayed on the stream a few moments longer, you’d have seen Ashton’s face relax as a gentle smile crept onto his lips, causing the two that were still stateside to tease him. 

The following morning was better in some way but also worse. Your cough wasn’t easing up but your fever seemed to have broken in the night. 

You weren’t overheating but you weren’t cold either. You took a few moments to move your limbs and regretted it almost instantly. But you knew that if your fever stayed down, it would be a further week until you weren’t contagious. 

Part of you wanted to practically sing in joy, but as you took in the early morning, you decided against that, knowing your men would be fast asleep still. 

Slowly you got yourself up, collecting your shower stuff before making your way down the hallway to the shower. The warm water felt almost luxurious on your skin as you took care in washing your hair, still leaning against the cold tiles to keep yourself upright, your legs trembling as you did so. 

It took the same amount of time as the previous shower, but once you were clean, you knew it made a small amount of difference as you stumbled back to your room, crawling under the covers to take a well deserved nap. 

You missed the text from Luke asking if you were awake. 

Now that you seemed to be stomaching food, Ashton kept it simple with dry toast, not willing to push your body too far. And you agreed with his judgement after he’d placed it in front of your door and you waited for the other door to close before you opened yours. 

“Love you.” You felt your heart melt as he spoke through the door. 

“Love you too Ash. Thank you.” You returned quietly before stepping back into your room. It was getting harder to stay in, especially when your cuddle monsters of boyfriends were just in the next room. 

It hurt. 

They FaceTimed with you to keep you company, both of them making a strong effort to not only keep you company but to also stop you from giving into temptation to just join them. 

Ashton was practically insistent on that. 

You knew by the time that you would be allowed to have them back in your room, their own self isolation would be over. 

It didn’t fail to amuse you how Ashton started cooking once you started being able to stomach more than dry toast. It took a few goes but he kept it plain enough to not make your stomach complain but changed it up so you didn’t get bored of it. 

What made it even better were the small notes of affection they left for you on the tray which held your food. You had them pinned up to your cork board without a second though, the small pieces of heaven from them only making it feel that much cosier. 

Something to ward away the bad days in the future. 

Luke snuck you some of your favourite snacks, even after the scolding Ashton gave him when he tried sneaking you a chocolate bar. 

It’d made you giggle and they’d both paused to hear it. 

It was a sound they hadn’t heard in nearly a month and it made their hearts soar. 

Despite the pain you were in, it felt like you could at least breathe with the both of them with you. Even if you couldn’t see them. 

By day nine after your fever had broken, you were beginning to feel semi human once more. You still had issues with exhaustion and light sensitivity, but you certainly felt more better than you had done in weeks. 

Luke had given up on waiting. 

“Ash, they said a week after the fever went down, they’d no longer be contagious. This is killing me.” You’d chosen to curl up on the side that was proclaimed as Luke’s side. 

Your heart was feeling heavy again. 

“I mean. We’re what? A week and a half?” Ashton’s voice was hesitant. You missed the mutter in return before the door opened and there was a knock on your door. 

Luke stuck his head in and you wanted to cry. 

“Reckon you can put up with some self care cuddles?” You simply nodded your head and shuffled into the middle of the bed. Luke wasted no time, his arms wrapped around you and you could feel every part of you seemingly shaking. 

Ashton followed a few minutes later and your memory seemed to fail you in that moment. You could barely remember the last six weeks, but the feeling of comfort was something entirely different as they held you. 

That was when you began to sob in earnest because you’d missed them. And they knew it. 

When you’d calmed down, part of you felt torn because you wanted to hold them both, not let go and just lay there. But they didn’t protest when you’d snuggle up to one, legs tangled and arms wrapped around tight and eventually switch to the other. 

If anything, it amused them both. 

As the day got later, Ashton untangled himself, pressing a kiss to your shoulder. Luke was your current cuddle buddy of choice. 

Turning your head, your confusion must have shown because Ashton smiled gently. 

“We need to keep up with the meals, love. I’m gonna make some soup for all of us, how does that sound?” You hummed in agreement. 

“It’s allowed I guess. But you gotta come back.” And he chuckled, leaning over to kiss your forehead, doing the same to Luke before disappearing out of your room. 

“You realise that he’s going to mother hen you to death, right?” Luke teased and you shrugged. 

“He’s here. You both are. That’s more than enough for me.” You murmured softly. Luke held you that little bit tighter.

“You up for a shower sweetheart?” You hesitated, your mind drifting back to the previous two times you showered. The hesitation must have been obvious because Luke pressed a kiss to the top of your head, not willing to push you.

“Will you, will you help? It’ll be a tight fit but, I struggled the last two times.” You finally admitted to him and he smiled. 

“C’mon. We can let the chef know as we pass him.” You giggled at his words, allowing him to help you out of the bed and making your way slowly across the room. Luke didn’t push, but he kept his arms available and easy for you to grab if you needed him.

You’d made it to the kitchen before you relied on him a bit more, your joints achy and your legs shaking. 

“Gonna get this one showered and clean.” Luke called into the kitchen where Ashton was cooking. He glanced back and grinned at you both before turning back to the food and you two carried on. 

Luke was nothing but patient with you as you climbed into the shower, his tall body fitting into the rest of the space. He was gentle as he helped you and it took the pressure off you, focusing on keeping yourself upright as his hands started working the shampoo into your hair.

You’d forgotten how well he massaged your scalp when washing your hair, and you only protested when he rinsed it out, making him laugh.

“I forgot how nice your head massages were.” You groaned as he worked the conditioner in. You carefully washed your body with the shower gel, cleaning Luke’s body whilst you were at it. 

He tried to stop you but you gave him pleading eyes and he relented easily. Using the time whilst your hair was soaking in the conditioner to wash his own hair quickly whilst you cleaned his body.

And then his fingers were back in your hair, cleaning out the conditioner and you had to stop yourself from leaning into him.

Once you were clean and dried off, dressed and the towels over Luke’s shoulder, you could feel yourself begin to flag again, leaning heavily on Luke for the short trip back to your room.

“I’ve got you sweet.” He murmured as you passed the kitchen. Ashton was talking with one of your neighbours who gave you a small wave but didn’t stop you to talk. Part of you felt guilty, but the larger part felt relieved because you were almost certain once you’d eaten something, you were going to be asleep.

Once you were back in your bedroom, you scooted so that your back was resting against the headboard whilst Luke let the towels hang so that they could dry and put everything back in its place. He understood your need for everything in its own place, whilst Ashton understood, but still sometimes made a small game of moving things to see if you’d notice.

Luke could see that you were too tired to even be playful.

When Ashton returned, he frowned for a moment before resting the first bowl on your lap, spoon already in the bowl.

“Don’t worry about eating it all. Just try to eat something for us.” He encouraged gently, handing Luke his own bowl before heading back to retrieve his own.

You were slow and methodical before your stomach protested and you left the spoon in the bowl, your head resting on Luke’s shoulder.

“M’ready for sleep.” You muttered and he hummed in acknowledgement. He’d long since finished his bowl, as had Ashton.

“You alright with Ash for a bit, love? Since he cooked, I’ll clean.” Luke murmured and you just nodded before shuffling till you were laid down. Ashton followed and you snuggled into him. 

You barely heard his murmured “sleep well” before you were fast asleep.

It was the first night that you’d slept for eight hours and it felt almost refreshing, especially after having the shower the previous night.

You were still nestled into Ashton’s side, Luke’s arm was slung over you both, his hand resting on Ashton’s stomach. You felt very safe between your men and you were so grateful that they were with you in that moment.

It was another hour before either of them stirred, but you’d been resting in that hour, not really awake but not asleep either. Luke was first to move, pressing a kiss to your shoulder as he moved off the bed.

“Morning, love. How are you feeling today?” He murmured as he stretched. You shifted onto your back and gave an experimental test of your joints. They weren’t so bad and your cough had eased up that your chest no longer hurt if there was the occasional cough.

“Better, I think. It’s only a dull ache, the kind I get when you two put me through the paces at the gym.” You admitted softly and Luke grinned as Ashton stretched out, almost like a cat before turning on his side to face you.

“Nice to hear that, angel. And good morning.” You grinned at him and kissed him gently before glancing at the time. 

“What are we doing today?” You asked quietly as Luke continued to stretch out his muscles. Part of you felt bad for them both to be stuck inside with you, but you were much too selfish to let that bad feeling linger. 

“I’m gonna do some exercises and then Ash is probably gonna do his own. And then a movie day for the rest of the day?” He posed the question and you paused before nodding your head. It sounded good to you and it meant you had some individual time with each of them.

The morning passed by easily. They did their exercises and showered before returning to your room that Luke had playfully dubbed ‘The Den’. Ashton had laughed at that as he went to set up in the living room for another live, but this time Luke was staying with you. They’d been trading off which had bothered you first, but then Ashton explained their reason.

“We don’t really want to leave you alone. Not that you can’t take care of yourself,” he hastily added on upon seeing your look of outrage, “but being so far away whilst you were so ill, it kinda scared us. We don’t want to leave you by yourself yet. It’s more to ease our own anxieties.” And you relaxed before shoving any negative thoughts to the back of your mind.

Luke was napping when your phone went off-Ashton was still on the live-and you answered the No Caller ID hesitantly. 

It was the hospital that you were at, a nurse confirming who you were before she’d go any further. It took a few moments before she got to the point of the phone call.

“So we’re calling you about the various tests. I’m assuming that you know you were confirmed with COVID-19, correct?”

“Yeah, about two days after the test, someone called to let me know.” You responded hesitantly. You wondered what this was about.

“And how are you feeling?” You were confused.

“I mean, I’m coming up to two weeks of no fever and starting to feel a lot better. I’m just more exhausted but I suspect that’s because of what my body went through.” You explained quietly and you heard her hum in agreement. Luke shifted beside you and you noticed that he was  awake, only because his hand had started to drift up and down your spine.

“That’s good to hear. What I’m calling about is that you’d said your kidneys had been hurting upon admittance, correct?” 

“Yes.” You were worried now.

“So when we looked at the numbers, we noticed that they’d started dropping. Not drastically enough for us to have you in intensive care, but that was why we moved you to the ward. It was as a precaution.” You felt your heart race at her words.

“They’d started failing again, hadn’t they?” You whispered and she sighed.

“Yes. However, because the numbers were back on the rise when we took your second blood test, we felt that we could discharge you safely. Had they dropped further, you’d have been admitted to intensive care. The only reason why you weren’t told immediately was because we didn’t want you to panic or go into further distress which could’ve made it much more worse.” 

It hit you like a ton of bricks what she was saying. 

“Is there anything I need to worry about?” You finally choked out, your hands trembling.

“At this time, no. When things ease up, we will request you get another test just to confirm you’re clear of the virus. Otherwise for now, just rest up and feel better soon.” 

“Thank you.” You got out, ending the call. Luke took the phone from your trembling hands and he sat up, pulling you onto his lap, his arms around you.

“What happened, love?” You were trying to take in slow deep breaths to stop the panic attack, knowing that it wouldn’t help you.

“They’ve just told me, when I went into hospital, my kidneys were failing.” You whispered and his arms tightened around you tighten enough that he understood the implications.

You’d told them both of the previous two times when you’d been so ill that your kidneys had started failing and as a result you’d been on death's door. 

You didn’t realise you were hyperventilating until Luke began to rub his hands up and down your arms to try and distract you, but your mind was too focused on the fact that you’d escaped death, again.

“Ashton!” Luke called loudly, a tinge of panic in his own voice.

Ashton practically crashed through into your door and his face was ashen as he took in your state, a look of relief followed by concern filling his features. He clambered onto the bed, his hands cupping your face gently. When you didn’t flinch away, he ducked his head to catch your eyes.

“Slow deep breaths sweetheart. We’ve got you.” It took you a while before you could finally focus on Luke’s hands which were still rubbing your arms gently.

“How’s your sense of smell?” Ashton teased as he noted that you were fighting to keep your breathing under control.

“Smell you and Luke, favourite smell.” You muttered and he grinned. You closed your eyes for a moment, leaning into his touch and he let his thumb brush across your cheeks in comfort.

“What happened?” Despite the question being directed at you, you knew that Ashton was also asking Luke.

“A nurse from the hospital phoned I think. They explained about the blood tests they’d run. Apparently their kidneys were failing when they’d gone in, but not enough to alarm the hospital staff or get them rushed to intensive care.” His voice was calm and you needed that. 

You knew that Ashton understood what he wasn’t saying, but also you weren’t too sure if you could voice it properly without crying.

“Come here sweetheart.” Ashton’s tone brokered no arguments and you moved so that you were cradled in his lap, his back resting against the headboard. Luke was nestled as close as possible.

“Part of me knew something was wrong, but, not that.” You whispered finally. Ashton made a soothing sound as you let your head rest on his shoulder, face pressed into his neck.

“It’s one thing to guess, it’s another thing to be told, love. You’re allowed to cry because it’s a frightening thing to be told.” His voice was one of reason and you finally let it out, allowing them both to comfort you as you processed what had been said.

He wasn’t wrong. It was one thing to guess, but to be told that your kidneys had started failing once more, it was frightening.

Neither of them moved away from you as you got it off your chest. You couldn’t pin how long had passed until you finally took a steadying breath, lifting your head from Ashton’s neck. Luke was first to move, his thumb wiping the tear tracks and you gave him a weak smile.

It dawned on you then that Ashton had been on a live.

“Ash, I’m sorry.” You finally whispered and he gave you a confused look.

“What are you sorry for? You’ve got nothing to be sorry for.” He murmured, pressing a kiss to your temple.

“The live you were doing...” You trailed off and he shrugged.

“They’ll get over it. You’re more important and we’re doing more radio interviews on the live so it doesn’t matter.” He muttered and you didn’t push, relaxing in his hold. Luke glanced at the clock and gave you a gentle smile.

“My turn to make lunch. Nothing cooked unfortunately, but I make a damn good sandwich.” He teased playfully which made you giggle, a sigh escaping your lips as he left after giving you both gentle kisses.

“Just think, tomorrow we can take you out for a short walk.” 

“Freedom.” You muttered deadpan, making him laugh as his lips found yours.

“Even for half an hour, it’ll help. Home stretch now.” You mustered up a smile for him before stretching your legs out and he moved with you, his arms not quite leaving your body.

“Am I not allowed to lie down?” You queried and he shook his head, a playful grin on his lips as he pulled you flush against his body, his lips finding your neck.

“No, all mine to have and feast on.” The cackle like laugh that he let off had you giggling as he blew a raspberry on your skin. This earned a squeal from you, laughing as he rocked you back and forth. “No one can take you from me!” 

You were still laughing when Luke returned with three plates, an amused grin on his lips as he raised an eyebrow.

“Save me Lu! Ash is gonna feast on me!” You shrieked again as he blew another raspberry into your neck, the ticklish sensation making you laugh as he held you tightly. 

Luke set the plates down before climbing on the bed, his lips curving into a smirk, making you pause.

“Can I feast with you Ash?” And you groaned as Ashton laughed as Luke straddled the both of you, his body causing the three of you to fall back onto the bed, effectively trapping you between the two of them as Luke left gentle kisses along your neck and you held back your moan, knowing that if he started to pull at the skin you were a goner.

Pulling back, he had a cheeky grin on his lips and you groaned as Ashton laughed.

“You two are the worst. Let me eat, you monsters!” You cried out playfully, making them both laugh as Luke shifted himself off you to get the plates once more and Ashton loosened his hold on your waist.

The rest of the day passed quietly, Ashton had apologised for having to ditch and the three of you settled watching movies long into the early hours of the morning.

Despite the lack of sleep, you were still up early excited that you were finally allowed to go for a walk today, and both of them laughed at your excitement.

Once you were dressed, they followed your lead and got ready. And then you were out of the building and the fresh air felt glorious, even if there was a spattering of rain. You didn’t care.

You led them both to a small pathway that led to the river that ran through the town, the edge of the river filled with cherry blossom trees. Both of them were taking as many photos as they could and you couldn’t hide your smile if you tried. 

Ashton managed to get a nice selfie of the three of you under one of the trees and before long, you realised that the half an hour had gone by and you were beginning to struggle, your legs becoming a little bit shaky. 

But it didn’t deter from the fact that you’d been able to go out for a walk and enjoy it. Both Luke and Ashton could see the immediate difference.

“We’ll go out every day and stay an extra five minutes longer. Build you up. How does that sound?” Ashton asked as you walked up the driveway, arm in arm with the both of them.

“That sounds good. Onwards and upwards from here and I am so going to kick your butts at Mario Kart now.”  

Their laughter rang around the empty drive as you reached the building and you felt much more positive with them by your sides.

-

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[isthisthingeven0n]

helping in the dark : d.d

brief summary: after a long time of struggling with insomnia, you and david find a temporary distraction during your long sleepless nights

word count: 730 requested: yes by a sweet anon - i hope you like the result! warnings: none that i’m aware of 

* masterlistin’ / masterlistin’ 2.0

(everything on my blog is my own writing. if it is shared on another page or website know it isn’t me. all rights reserved. - i have to start doing this as I had some shit on my other blog with plagiarism)

The thought of a night filled with soundless sleep is somewhat of a dream to you. You can’t fathom the last time you fell asleep and stayed that way for hours on end. If you were lucky, you might slip in two hours undisturbed before your thoughts wake you up and then you’re stuck with your brain switched on, adamant about staying on. 

At first, David was oblivious. He’d wander into his room to find you curled up, seemingly asleep. Some nights he’d wake up to find you gone before his eyes closed, assuming you were in the bathroom. What he didn’t know was the fact you were sat in the kitchen, working away at your own videos with a mug of tea by your laptop. 

Eventually, David found out. He started to notice small changes in your demeanour. Your eyes kept dropping during conversations, mid-afternoon naps became more frequent and your ability to focus disappeared. Yet, you were still on top of all your deadlines for work. 

When David learnt the truth, he wasn’t sure how he could exactly help, but he knew he wanted to do something. Initially, David tried everything you’d given multiple chances. Ranging from sleeping pills (that knocked you out for nearly two days) to herbal teas and specialised massages. Nothing had any long term benefits, but you wouldn’t say no to the occasional massage. 

And then, you came to some form of agreement. You offered to make the most of your lack of sleep pattern by assisting David in editing his vlogs. Over the months you’d been dating and years of friendship prior, you’d witnessed him nearly passing out in front of his laptop editing. After some trial and error (involving you nearly scraping an entire vlog by accident when you sneezed) David allowed you to have creative assistance. 

“Psst.” Turning your head, you see David standing in his doorway with a blanket draped over his shoulders. “You still editing?” He whispers across the room to you as you nod weakly.

“Yeah,” You rub your eyes, glancing to see it’s nearly 5am. “I lost track of time.” You force a small laugh, wishing you could look as cosy as he does. 

“Why don’t you come to bed?” David suggests as he edges further from his room and closer toward you.

Shaking your head, you return your focus to editing. “I’m nearly done. I’ll be there soon.” You mutter in response, trying to ignore the sound of his feet sliding across the floorboards until the soft fabric of his blanket is covering your head. 

David chuckles as you look up, pushing the blanket off of yourself as you try to smooth your hair back down. “You gotta sleep sometime, Y/n.” David reminds you, seeing you pressing save repeatedly. “Just a few hours, baby.” He leans over you, prising the laptop from your grasp before saving the footage and closing the lid. 

With a heavy sigh, you rise to your feet. David walks over, wrapping his arms around you and letting you curl up against him and the blanket. “When did you stop editing?” You question, trying to recall the point when David left you to go for a nap. 

A small hum escapes his lips. “I went to bed ‘round 2. Finished editing the ad and crashed out.” He reminds you, but you struggle to think back to him being by your side. “You really need sleep, Y/n. You’re becoming delusional.” He states as your eyes continue to droop and all you do is weakly nod.

“Okay.” You say with a heavy sigh, barely reaching his bed before you crash out. 

David slowly helps lift your legs into the bed and pulling the covers over you. He can’t help but feel his heart grow heavy at the sheer exhaustion you wear as you finally have the chance to sleep soundly. 

He climbs in, curling up next to you as he wraps an arm over you. Even in your sleep, you roll over and cuddle into his chest. “Thank you, Dave.” You mumble with sleep heavy in your voice. 

Smiling to himself, David leans down and kisses your forehead. “Anytime, Y/n.” He responds, ignoring the sunlight starting to bleed through his blinds and the fact Jason will be over soon for the podcast, as long as you’re able to get some sleep that’s all that matters. 

[ukaiknowsbest]

Non-neurotypical things about Sawamura

note: * - asterisk is drama cd content

-He went to Seido because he couldn’t stop thinking of the ball’s sound being caught in Miyuki’s mitt.

-Have no regards/awareness of how loud he is.

-Can’t “read the room.” (Being dense af)

Happened on the very first day when he butt in on azuma and kawakami’s training session.

Being unecessarily rude and disrespectful in the beginning (i dont think he believes in jp hierarchy tbh since he grew up in the countryside with such a free attitude)

Everything he did to gain Chris’s forgiveness.

When he just does what he wants in the bullpen screaming his lungs out at Furuya.

When he was the only one who didnt notice Miyuki’s discomfort.

-The way he hyperfocuses on getting a job done or until it felt right to him.

When Coach Kataoka gave him a hint about proper pitching form,

trying his new form during vs Kokudokan match despite the fielders and audience jeering at him,

obssessively studying baseball and nothing else,

finishing books regardless of how difficult they are

-Sometimes have disregard for personal space.

-Giving nicknames to people without holding back.

-Calling the coach "Boss" and "Shogun" without fear.

-When he kept saying “Bless you” whenever Masuko sneezed.*

-When he suggested adding grasshoppers to the canteen menu.*

-That one time he kept saying “Bullpen bullpen bullpen” to Miyuki.

-He just kept eating Masuko’s pudding and nobody knows why.

-Taking things literally all the time. You cant speak to him in metaphors without warning because he will take it literally.*

-smh is not aware of gender stereotypes or doesn’t really care about it.*

-Is hellbent on talking in old samurai-style japanese.*

-He releases his anxiety by repeatedly pitching to the net (esp in yips arc).

-The way he always think outside the box.

Putting tires on his waist because normal running is boring.

Seeing what other pitchers do and picking up things from them (yeah thats what learning is about anyway but the way he does it is amazing)

Imagining pitch sequences to the net even though no one told him too. (Srsly the initiative is A+++ and he was not even aware)

The one time he put rice and pudding together and genuinely thought it would be good to add it to the canteen menu.*

-He also gets distracted easily and will keep on talking about that topic until another topic gets him off tangent.

When he thought Miyuki cant get married even though Miyuki knows how to cook because as catcher, Miyuki was the team’s wife.*

-Doesn’t hold back in showing displeasure on his face.

-Has lots of energy to burn??

Like in the first episode when he stayed behind and played with the club’s bats and balls on his own.

-His innate understanding of Shogi makes him special already.

-Will go above and beyond his way to help and take care of people (Furuya, Masuko* and the team even when he had YIPS)

-Doesn’t ever seem to hold a grudge against everyone. (well he’s been conditioned to believe his an idiot so he doesn’t see anything wrong with the insults)

-and he has remained kind all throughout this time.

-really though "baseless courage and strength" should be a hint that Sawamura thinks differently from everybody.

Added notes:

Everytime someone comments that he’s an idiot/baka is really a testament that this kid is not normal.

Also I’m gonna assume that since he grew up in a harsh environment (the countryside) where he was doted and loved, he was free to do whatever he liked without worrying about the typical social conventions. The phsyical abuse he suffered under his grandpa (all that slapping jfc) made him immune to normal forms of punishment. That’s also why his personality is so strong and resilient. And he is so loud because his household is loud too.

But even so, there is no other explanation for his extreme focus and concentration on the things he wants to do. That’s what makes him amazing.

I am not familiar enough with adhd/autism spectrum but I think Sawamura belongs somewhere in there. Geniuses are usually like that.

[sakusascandle]

-sʜᴀʀɪɴɢ ᴀ sᴄᴀʀғ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴀɪᴋʏᴜᴜ ʙᴏʏs

a/n: im just feeling rlly soft dont mind me

⤿ characters included: Kageyama, Bokuto,Oikawa

⤿ contents: Fluff, a sick Bokuto,

requests are opened!

masterlist

-ᴋᴀɢᴇʏᴀᴍᴀ

- Kageyama is quite shy when giving affection to you, especially early in the relationship.He’d usually subtly make signs that he wants gestures of endearment. Which you found absolutely adorable, but if you  said that to his face there’d be a series of denial.

- It was another one of his late night practices at the school hall.Just to surprise him,you waited outside except without wearing proper attire for the cold. The cold, frosty breeze attacked your vulnerable body, while you were seriously regretting not wearing clothing that’d fight off the shivers.

- It didn’t take too long for him to open up the gym door and let out a breath of relief. He could feel your presence near him so he turned to his left, seeing you there shivering while trying to provide a soft smile. There was a small pause before he spoke. “Y/n what are you doing here?” He questioned, his eyes left yours and then diverted his attention to your trembling body. He didn’t say much about it first, but you changed the topic to something else and you two started walking home. Your frosty breath escaped from your mouth and out into the open, you folded your arms tightly, trying to somehow provide even a tiny bit of warmth to yourself.

- After awhile of talking, you felt a warm, fuzzy piece of material wrapped around your neck. It startled you at first, but then you looked to your side and realised what events just played out. Even though it didn’t feel like much, the heat traveled quickly around your neck. You couldn’t see it too well, as his cheeks were covered with the fuzzy piece of cloth, but you could see the smallest tint of red. His hand then kept repeatedly touching yours, you took this as a sign and decided to intertwine your fingers with his. His palms were cold, cold enough to make you flinch. But his sweet actions and gestures made you form the warmest of smiles, he wouldn’t admit it, but you could feel that the corner of his lips also turned upwards.

-ʙᴏᴋᴜᴛᴏ

- You and Bokuto were by the bus stop, on a snowy morning. The coat of white snow looked surreal. Snowflakes slowly, but gracefully fell from the sky and lightly sparkled. Now, you knew for sure that your partner would take great use of this opportunity and play around during this graceful time of the year. Except, you could tell that he wasn’t feeling too well. It pained you whenever he let out another loud sneeze and desperately pleaded if he could even lay his finger on the thick layer of snow. But him absorbing entertainment that really isn’t healthy when one is feeling ill is a terrible idea, no matter how much he wanted it.

- The face he makes whenever he’s upset literally pains you, the way his eyes look up at you breaks your heart, but this really was the best course of action. The only thing this man was wearing was a long white coat with a shirt or two underneath, but for someone who was quite ill, it really isn’t much to wear especially in these conditions.

- He then sat down, and started to pout. So you tried to think about something that could even make him feel a little bit better, mentally and physically. Even though your idea was pretty risky, and would result in you getting sick yourself, you decided to go with whatever you had in mind. You took off your woolly scarf and wrapped it around the poor sick guy’s neck. Now, his face went from being completely crushed, to his eyes glistening and a wide smile that quickly formed.

- You scooched over to get a little closer to him.”Actually, never mind, I like this so much more than the snow.” You felt relieved, but his smile could literally cure sadness. It was just so bright and bubbly, it was sure to give anybody a smile on their face.He then started talking, and you listened and engaged with whatever he was talking about. Soon enough, the bus arrived, and the bus driver definitely looked puzzled at first, but you and your partner couldn’t care less.

- Needless to say the next morning you were a sneezing mess, while he was completely better. He felt absolutely terrible to see you in such a state and felt bad that he was the one who got you sick in the first place, but he made sure to take care of you for the rest of the day.

-ᴏɪᴋᴀᴡᴀ

- Movie nights with Oikawa is one of the best things to look forward to. You two make huge pillow forts with snacks, overall it’s just a really cozy experience. Jokingly, Oikawa would point at a certain scene and would typically ask if you could recreate it. Majority of the times the scenes were something really stupid or something really cute or cheesy. He does this jokingly but always holds a little bit of truth in his words.

- While you two are snacking away, intently watching the movie and dropping comments every now and then. There was this one scene that expressed a happy couple sharing a scarf. Their smiles were so bright, they practically beamed across the screen. Oikawa watched this scene intensely and started to imagine that scenario except with the two of you in it.

- “Hey, what if we recreated that?” You expected him to say this, and you looked at him and laughed. But afterwards you could tell that he was serious about this, and you definitely knew that when you saw him jolting up and ran over to find something that he could use as a scarf. It didn’t take him that long to find one. “This works right?” He held the long, dark coloured scarf in his arms and then he slowly crawled into the pillow fort so he doesn’t ruin anything.

- He then proceeded to wrap himself and you in the piece of clothing, it felt strangely warm, you were completely silent until he teasingly pointed out how flustered you looked. Just when you two finished getting comfortable, he turned to look at you, and pressed his lips against your cheeks. You were taken aback by the sudden kiss, but it was a pleasant surprise.

- Whenever you turned to look at him, it never failed to bring a smile to your face whenever you see him watching the movie with full attention with a scarf wrapped around his neck and mouth. For some reason he just looked a tad bit cuter.

[thiswasinevitableid]

#9 with indruck?

Here you go! And it’s SFW per your second ask.

9. It’s mid january what the shit are they doing out here without a scarf and gloves and would it be weird if I offered them mine 

Indrid gazes down through the museum skylight. His future vision tells him the security guard will need to visit the bathroom in thirty seconds, giving him ample time to remove the false pane of glass he planted yesterday and slip into the exhibit hall. 

A gust of wind drops a clump of snow down his neck and he scowls at the sky. He can’t get inside that building fast enough.

“Alright Cold, window shoppin time is over.”

A swirl of snow tornadoes across the roof and his nemesis, Ursa Major (secret identity: Duck Newton, forest ranger), steps through it.

Indrid groans, standing up to face him. The hero is in his standard green uniform, boots and mask decorated with constellations. Indrid’s own outfit is all black, save for his trademark red glasses. They were his signature when he was just Indrid Cold, eccentric city planner of Kepopolis, and he has no interest in surrendering them. 

“Go away, it’s of no concern to you whether I acquire some new scientific specimens for my collection.”

“You know that ain’t the case. Besides, if you were rippin off some rich CEO I might be inclined to let it slide. But this is science museum. Y’know, the free one? The one people take their kids to on weekends? You ain’t jackin anything from it on my watch.”

Indrid sighs, theatrically, “Very well. Let’s get this over with. It’s not like it’ll hurt you to be thrown off a building again.”

“Not gonna happen.” The hero cracks his knuckles. 

His bare knuckles. 

Good god, he’s not wearing gloves. Or a scarf. Or any extra layers. How is he not just a hunksicle (no, damnit, he’s not that hunky. He’s beefcakey. No, not that either)?

Indrid stays put as the other man charges him, uses his powers to anticipate the exact moment to step out of the path of the blow. Duck sweeps out a leg, but only succeeds at slipping in the snow. Indrid snickers and Duck whirls on him with a growl.

“Careful, keep that stumbling up and you’ll fall straight through this window and make my job easier. I’d hate to have the chance to pin the robbery on you.”

“I ain’t ever stolen a thing, everyone knows-” he cuts of into a full body shudder. Indrid takes the chance to knock him over with a slight shove, then scurries back. Duck shivers again as he brushes snow from his costume. 

“Bit chilly?” He grins wickedly to cover any concern that might try to show through.

“F-fuck you.” 

“Look, it wouldn’t be sporting of me to fight when you’re clearly incapacitated. And it’s negative fifteen out here right now. Here” he starts undoing the knot in his thermal scarf, “at least take this.”

“I’m f-fine, ext-tra s-strong and all that s-shit.” He stands, tries to take a fight stance, only to sneeze and shiver even harder. 

“I can hear your teeth chattering over the wind. And, goodness,your lips are turning blue, that’s not good at all. Hang on, let me just get out of this.” He checks the pockets of his stealth jacket to make sure there’s nothing important in them, slips it off, and holds it out.

Duck waves it away, “Whatever t-trap this is, I ain’t-t t-taken the b-bait.”

“For goodness sake, take the blasted jacket.” Indrid offers it again and Duck smacks it away. Indrid glares at him over his glasses, “You will be of no use to anyone, be they hero, villain, or civilian, if you die of hypothermia.”

“C-could get me inside by surren--achoo--derin.”

“Not a chance. If you insist on stubbornly staying out here and fighting, at least do so properly equipped. The sooner we get this over with the sooner we can both get somewhere warm.” 

“St-top offerin that jacket!”

Indrid frustratedly tries to trap the hero in the warm coat, but succeeds only in repeatedly hitting him with it.

“Just” whap “ take” whap “my help!” whap.

Duck dodges the fabric once, twice, three times.

And promptly steps off the edge of the building.

“Duck!”  Indrid dives forward, grabbing a freezing hand that barely holds onto him.

The hero smirks up at him, “You f-forgettin somethin?”

Indrid remembers his earlier comment about Duck easily surviving this fall.

“Oh damn it all.”

Duck tugs, and then they’re both falling, Indrid twisting in the air in hopes of landing with the upper hand. 

This turns out to be for naught, as they land side by side in a massive snowbank.

“Ow.” 

Duck sneezes in agreement as the chill seeps through Indrid’s protective layers. It’s dark, the world is in that strange late night that is longing to be morning during which which most buildings have shut off all but a scant few lights. It’s now, his glasses inform him, -25 with the windchill. 

And Duck is barely moving, huddled in the snow and watching Indrid carefully. 

“Look, neither of us is going to get anything done in this weather. And we could both use some warmth. Is there anywhere nearby that’s open?”

“Diner. T-two blocks down.”

Indrid stands, hauling Duck to his feet and pulling him close in hopes of warming him, “Come on then.”

-----------------------------------

The neon signs on the walls buzz and tinny jukebox plays exactly the kind of sorrowful country song it should at 2 am on a miserable night. The diner is empty save for the single waitress and cook, who chatter in the kitchen.

Indrid sips his mug of tea with eight scoops of sugar, while Duck stirs his coffee with fingers that are only now steadying. Indrids jacket hags around his shoulders, and his scarf is looped around his neck. 

He tries to ignore the affection seeing Duck in his clothing kindles in him, but it’s like the faint music and the neon buzz, a constant background noise that he can’t tune out.

Duck taps his fingers on his mug before asking quietly, “Why not just leave me out in that snowbank?”

“Because I didn’t want you to become ill, or worse.”

“You ain’t answerin the real question.”

Indrid glances out at the dark street, the removes his glasses to rub the bridge of his nose, “I’m not certain.”

“It the same reason you ain’t told anyone else my real name?”

Indrid drops the glasses, surprised by this future, and they clatter on the teal table, “How did you know I knew that?”

“You called me by it up there.” He jerks his head towards the museum.

“Oh. So I did.”

“And you’ve hinted that you knew things about me when we tangled before. But I ain’t had any supervillains hidin in my closet, no one stakin out the station. Which tells me you ain’t shared this with you buddies.”

“They’re not my ‘buddies.’ I work alone.” He can’t hide the scorn that enters his voice at the thought of Kepopolis’s League of Villains. The he looks back at Duck and the world softens, “But you’re right; I’ve kept your identity to myself. I...I like you, Duck. Save for the moments where we’re trading blows, I think we could be friends.”

(More than friends)

“I feel no malice towards you. I did the first few times, but when I look for it now all that remains is a certain fondness. Even when you are a thorn in my side, you are a familiar thorn. The kind that builds up scar tissue, making one stronger and, ah, no, that metaphor got away from me, I apologize.”

Duck considers him silently for a moment. Then he grabs the edges of his mask and pulls it up and off.

Indrid has seen Duck’s face before in visions. But seeing it now undoes him. The strong jaw and soft cheeks, the laugh lines, the signs of worry and wear that Indrid wishes he could soothe away with gentle promises. 

“What do you want from me, Indrid?”

“Nothing. Uh, that is, everything. Ah, no, apologies, that was not helpful.” He sits up straight, musters his remaining courage, “I wish to get to know you better, Duck. As friends and equals, not as enemies.”

“How do you figure that’d work?”

“I could...take a break from my cunning plans? And in return you could tell your fellow heroes not to look for me. I’d really rather not have someone explode through my wall while I’m in my fuzzy moth slippers trying to read.”

Duck gives a startled laugh, and at the sight of the smile Indrid’s heart glows like neon.

“That’s a hell of an image. Okay, fine. You lay of the schemin and stealin, I’ll make sure you don’t get bothered.”

“And we can see each other?” He bounces excitedly in place, which amuses Duck all the more.

“Sure. Come by work at five tomorrow, and we can go from there. Deal?” He holds out his hand and Indrid takes it eagerly.

“Deal.”

They pay the tiny bill and part ways, Indrid glancing back only to find Duck doing the same with a fond smile in his direction.

It’s only when he gets home that he realizes Duck still has his scarf and jacket.

Ah well, it’s no trouble. He checks the futures. Yes, in all of them Duck is sure to bring his clothes back to him without prompting.

And in all of them, when Indrid presents him with flowers, he smiles bright enough to chase the last of the dark worries from Indrid’s mind.

[vinylhazza]

ethan being sick and begging you to suck him off because he wants you to take his pain away temporarily

“i’m dying this is what’s happening my life is ending and i haven’t planned my funeral or beat the last level on my batman game,” ethan is groaning from the his side of the bed, pathetic and small under the heap of covers on top of his limp body. you wanted to cuddle but you needed to tidy up the room just a bit or you would surely go insane from the clothes strung all over the wooden floor, bed, and chair.

it’s never messy in his room but he’s a sick mopy mess so you thought you would help out knowing how annoying and whiny men get when they are sick. hence ethan’s over dramatic testament.

so you’re bustling around picking up cups and making little comments here and there:

“a banana peel ethan? really?”

“you haven’t even worn these shorts yet why are they on the floor?”

“okay that’s it, this is the last cup i better find in here or i’m gonna flip”

and he would be laughing at your irritated voice and try and kiss it away for you but he’s so fucking sick he can’t even find he energy to pay attention. you sound like his mother and he hates it but he feels like he literally can’t move. he’s been stumbling around the house sneezing his soul out at every 10 second periods that the energy has drained away from him and leave him to be a stiff lump under the covers. all he’s good for at this point is whining.

he wants to cuddle. he wants to cuddle so bad, but his best friend at the moment is a pale blue box of tissues that are half empty from him blowing his face off for so long. his nose his red, itchy, and sore and his cheeks are puffy and pale. he doesn’t look good. perfect to you as always but to anyone else he probably looks like death. but when you hear his statement you are whipping around.

“e baby you aren’t dying you’re just sick quit being a whiner,” you smile softly at him, stepping close and leaning onto the bed to kiss his cheek despite his quiet warnings that he is a walking sickness machine.

“but i ammmm i just want some lovin’ but i’m tired” he’s mumbling, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear gently. his tone is suggestive and he’s fiddling with the necklace he got you for christmas, sparkling against his face from the light of the lamp. he couldn’t handle the natural light from his window - moaning that it was too bright and was just mother nature mocking his headache.

“bubba you’re a little too tired to do anything aren’t you? you can’t even move,” you’re trying to be rational but it’s hard because you would never turn down any sexual moment with ethan even if he is sick. he was the one denying all the attention all day and warning you away like he had the plague.

“yeah but maybe you could...give me a little somethin for my troubles?” he smirks with hopeful puppy dogs eyes, now moving to twirl a lock of your hair around his finger.

“a little something for your troubles huh?” a sly smile is cast across your face at the look in his eyes, honestly excited because he hasn’t even let you touch him except for him spooning you during the night since the day he got sick. you have been having to beg to even lay against his chest when he naps. he loves his girl, just doesn’t wanna get you sick. and honestly you wanted to help him out cause it might help you out too, seeing him all worked up again. “such an inconvinence isn’t it?” you mutter with a teasing gleam.

he’s nodding with his bottom lip out in a pout, brown eyes gleaming up just drinking in all the sympathy he can get so he feels a little better. he still can’t breathe that well but when the cover finally drops and the cold air hits the skin that was showing just under his hoodie, he’s sucking in a breath and clutching your hand - wanting you to help him but hating the cold so so much.

ethan watches as your bat his hand away with a giggle, assuring him he’ll be warm in no time. you quickly remove his joggers with urgent fingers, wanting to get the show on the road seeming as you were just as eager to have him in your mouth as he was to be in it.

he hoped you knew how much he appreciates you doing this when he’s been so yucky and gross. but you would never think of ethan in any other way than your honey - he was just a bit sick that’s all.

he complies by lifting his hips when you tug at the band of his boxers, knowing he’s rock hard and being slightly impressed that he got that worked up just by the thought of you sucking him off but knowing it’s been a few days and that seems to be a lot when it came to you guys. he normally can’t keep his greedy hands off of you.

he watches with a ghost of a smile as you tug the boxers down so he springs free and all the way down to his feet and toss them to the end of the bed.

“make you feel all better,” you whisper absentmindedly, knowing it’s not going to fix the virus persay but it’s gonna make him feel better for a little while and get his body amped up for a bit.

“thank you swee- h-holy shit okay,” he’s overwhelmed already by your warm hand that comes to wrap around him. his voice is shaky and little coming from such a big man.

“holy shii- okay that’s-“ he breathes when he feels your hot palm circle around him, squeezing lightly. his voice is gravely but he gets the point across well. you’re smoothing some of his precum that oozed from the tip down his base, alluringly clutching his dick and smirking at the fact it is much more smooth and wet and easier to rub.

your movements are slow at first, wanting to ease him into it and give him a slow burn so it would last longer for him because he just looks so excited. it’s a slow up, down, and twist of your wrist with heavy eye contact. you’re thumbing the slit quickly back and forth making his cock jump in your hands and his body jolted with a gutteral moan, drawn out and heavy.

“fuck that felt good baby”, he’s admitting through quivering lips. he really looks like he might cry with how good you’re already making him feel.

you were taking your time. it was honestly because you were nervous and excited to get him in your mouth at the same time. it just seemed like everytime you saw him bare he got bigger. you would never tell him that he already had a massive ego. you always tease him about being small and it usually gets him into an angry possessive sex mood and you love it too much to ruin it with admitting he’s actually massive. he knows it anyway. when you usually say these things he fucks you against every surface of the house and he didn’t give a damn WHO was in the house, just that you know his dick is the only one you’re ever going to need.

he did look quite cute laying down all snuggled in his hoodie, the neckline just low enough to show his mouth. you could’ve giggled but he kept twitching in your hand and making it hard to concentrate. his girth his heavy in your palm, so fucking hard so fast.

he’s looking at you with timid eyes, tucking fringe back when you lean down to give his tip a sweet kiss. the sight of your hot plump lips laying against the tip affectionately, passionately, almost like you loved it, sent another moan ripping through him quickly.

your eyes closed and your lips envelope him after waiting so long to get him as hard as he could get, so tight and wet. you’re twirling your tongue and rolling it on him.

“roll your tongue on me- yes yes like that keep doing that- oh,” he’s whimpering and clutching your hair in his hand, slipping the the hoodie higher over his stomach from started to sweat and getting too hot.

you’re suckling on his cock like a pacifier, wide doe eyes blinking at him under long eyelashes. he groaned and his hips threatened to buck. you know he’s completely not concerned about how sick he is at this point, just about your warm wet mouth working on him. your pussy is clenching and pulsing, craving him being up inside you. but you want to just ease him into this and if you would have him inside you at this point you would just ride him until you black out so that wouldn’t be the best option.

he’s panting heavily when you take a hard lick against the head of his dick, tonguing the slit and swirling it for added torture. your hand wraps around his base once more.

you’re rubbing him up and down fast, spreading spit over his length to make your hands that much smoother against him.

“this making you feel better bubba?” your voice is thick and sweet like honey, dripping with seduction.

“yes,” he swallows hard, voice tiny and desperate. he’s all but massaging your scalp as you sink down on his dick repeatedly.

you speed up to a steady pace, twisting one hand to meet your mouth on the way down, focusing on his erratic breathing and the gasps and whimpers he would let escape from his slack mouth. focused on the tightening of his stomach and hand in your hair.

“shiittt- mhm im gonna cum,” he warns you urgently, lifting his hips into your mouth to face fuck you gently with the energy he had left.

“give me all of it bubba,” low voice pushing him further to that place. you look up at his face once more and moan around him when you notice color had come back to his face, rosy cheeks to match his rosy nose.

you knew what was coming and you were prepared to catch it all. you hummed around him and with that he yelled out, finishing in your mouth in hot spurts shooting onto your tongue. it just keeps coming. he’s letting go so hard his thighs are quivering, his head is thrown back, mouth open, moaning loud, eyes watering, totally gone.

you suction your lips when you come up, keeping all of it inside and taking his face in your hand, making him look as you swallow. that has him shooting a little more from the tip, kind of embarrassed at this point that he came that hard but feeling so good and warm he doesn’t care.

“fuck you’re too good to me,” he chuckles, a drunk dazed looking smile coming to his face. you laugh lightly, lowering yourself down to have him wrap his big arms around you. you have to take the crap you picked up to the kitchen but you’re honestly horny as fuck so you might have to fix your own situation before you can even think about continuing to clean.

“you deserve it bubba,” you mutter, kissing and sucking on his neck, pulling the covers back up to cover his lower half and over your shoulders. his breathing is becoming heavy, the blood flowing through him easier now he feels like. he’s sleepy and your lips on his neck feel so good that he’s slipping into sleep again. so thankful for his angel.

[scribeofmorpheus]

Mark of the Wolf Part 12

Catch Up Here!

Pairing: Derek Hale x Reader (Lastname: Markolf)

Words: 5k

Warnings: For once... no violence in a MOTW chapter. But... maybe some poorly written rushed angst? I’m sorry... I just wanted to keep this story alive without having to wait a month in between updates... Oops!

A/N: Ayyy... Next chapter things are gonna heat up a bit.... and not just with our killer hunter tree people (Oh gawd, this sentence was stupid.) Enjoy meeting the family!

Leave a like or reblog if you enjoyed this chapter! It helps ☺

~

The drive to the Homestead was filled with awkward silence, half snores and faint mumbles traded in for regular conversation. You had been resting against Derek's chest the whole drive, teetering between full-on sleep and temporal distortion from constantly zoning in and out -or at least, it felt like you were time travelling whenever you'd close your eyes for a second and then the next thing you knew, a whole hour had flown past.

Your dreams were foggy, hitting you vividly one moment then incomprehensible the next. Several symbols flooded your thoughts when your eyelids closed, so did Alyster’s hoarse voice, but you blocked most of that out. Through all the disorder within your brain, only one image presented itself clearly and repeatedly: the bow and shank of a golden key without a bit. You kept sketching it in your mind. Over and over and over again until you started tracing the outline of the shape on your thigh using your index finger. Derek noticed but didn’t say anything. You were grateful because you wouldn’t know what to say had he asked.

You knew instantly the moment you were close to home. The air smelled of pine and rain. The sound of chirping and crickets filled the night. You felt Derek's muscles uncoil as soon as that fresh forest air hit his nostrils. He took a long, deep whiff and that caused his chest to rise and the beating of his heart to accelerate. The sound was… calming.

A howl woke you from your half-slumber. You were greeted by a tense energy swarming inside the car. Markus chuckled before reassuring everyone it was simply your youngest brother, Jonah, alerting the rest of your family to your arrival.

The driveway was narrow and paved by pebble-sized stones in place of tar or cobble, the sound of tires rolling over stone was familiar yet odd. Out from behind a tall hedge was the old, two-story wood and brick style house and behind that was the cabin and shed. Your mother and father were standing on the porch, tight smiles on their faces diluted by the breezy way they waved their arms. Beside them stood your sister, Esme. She was wearing workout clothes, undoubtedly from spending her day training Jonah -who was nowhere to be seen.

"Home, sweet home," Markus said as he got out of the car and was promptly greeted by Esme's fist punching his side. "Oof! Why do both my sister's insist on punching me? Are hugs and handshakes no longer an acceptable form of etiquette amongst werewolves?"

Esme's brow was furrowed, she looked furious, "Werewolves, yes. Siblings, not so much.” She punched him again, “You had us worried."

You were certain she was ready to rip him a new one right there and then by scolding him with a wordy speech she had undoubtedly practised several times in the mirror, but it never came. In place of a tongue lashing, she completely blindsiding him with a strong hug. A relieved sigh leaving her full lips.

As soon as you stepped out of the car, you were nearly toppled to the ground by Jonah -who had no doubt picked up the same blindsiding habit from Esme- with one of his trademark sprint hugs.

"Y/N! I missed you! How's your new job? Saved any pups lately? Get bitten by any mean cats? What about your new house? Is it spacey? Do you have your own porch swing? I know how much you love porch swings. You probably noticed ours is gone, I kinda, sorta, maybe broke it. Anyway, what about your neighbours? Is it weird moving someplace where your nearest neighbours can hear it when you sneeze? You sneeze really loudly! Are they nosey or rude or--" Jonah rambled at a faster than lightning pace.

You were still winded from his surprise hug, you almost didn't know what was happening. You couldn’t even get a word in between each speed round of questioning he threw your way.

"I missed you too Speedy," You giggled as you patted his lithe back, he was taller and skinnier than when you last saw him. That worried you. "The real question is: 'What have they been feeding you?' You're practically all bone!" You gawked at your parents.

Your dad chuckled, pushing his glasses farther up his nose, "Don't look at us. He eats more than Esme and Markus combined."

"Hey squirt," Esme wrapped you in a hug after she released Markus from her stony embrace. After she peered over your shoulder with an arched brow at all the strangers currently disembarking from the cars. "I see you've brought guests. Good thing you called ahead of time to give us a heads up." She retorted.

"Oh tish, Esme. Don't be rude," your mom walked down the steps and welcomed the strangers at her doorstep. “Please, ignore her boorish manners. Any friends of Y/N are friends of ours. Welcome, welcome.”

Stiles fumbled a bit, wiping his clammy hands on his jeans before offering a handshake. Scott and Liam inched closer to offer their own introductions while Derek and Peter took in the sheer scope of the Homestead, the latter of whom let out a whistle before remarking, “We invested in the wrong kind of real estate...”

“We?” Derek huffed.

“We’re family. Family is always entitled to a ‘we’,” Peter pointed out.

“I think we are the exception to the rule,” Derek strode away from the insulted looking Peter and introduced himself to your parents. Theo had remained silent and guarded during the entire welcome wagon. The overly warm ambience threw him off. He stood out like a sore thumb. An uncomfortably sore thumb.

"How's the fiancé?" you asked Esme with a bright smile as you made your way inside the house. It was probably the first time you'd been able to smile freely ever since you moved to Beacon Hills.

It comforted you that the house still smelt the same: sandalwood and lavender. Sandalwood was your dad’s go-to scent, he used it to try and mask the smell of tobacco from your mother whenever he’d sneak a cigar. He was never successful in that endeavour. Lavender was the go-to scent of all the candles Maggie made from scratch. She was a dabbler in aromatherapy. Everyone else in the house would always complain about strong smells during Summer, that’s when she did most of her brewing and mixing and distilling like some new-age witch without the pointy hat or warty nose. Your wolf nose wasn’t as keen as everyone else’s, so it never bothered you much. Not unless she was working with jasmine, you couldn’t stand the smell of jasmine.

Esme rolled her eyes, "She's driving me up the wall. Who knew planning a wedding could be so… stressful."

You cocked your head to the side, "Wait, I thought Maggie wanted to elope?"

"She did, originally," Esme sighed in your mom’s direction before shooting you a small smile. "Mom talked her into having a traditional wedding instead."

"All I did was show her your grandmother's wedding dress and a few photo albums, Maggie is a grown woman, she is allowed to change her mind," Your mother winked in your direction.

Jonah darted around Derek and Scott, nose high in the air as he far-from-discretely investigated the new werewolves.

"Hey, Speedy, what is the general rule when you meet other werewolves?" Esme asked with a hint of exasperation in her tone.

Jonah huffed a sigh and pulled his lips into a pout, eyes cast down, "Never be too obvious…”

“And?” Esme pressed.

Jonah bit his lip, “And don't sniff the air… it's rude."

"And what were you doing?" Esme's hands were on her hips now.

Jonah kicked at the air, "Being rude."

You elbowed your sister when you saw your brother's pouting face pull lower, "Cut him some slack, E. He's allowed to fib a little. He’s still a kid. You all had a learning curve too." You held out your hands for Jonah and he dashed to your side and cradled under your frame as though you were his security blanket. He shot Esme a shit-eating grin. "Don't worry Speedy, I'll protect you from the big, bad wolf."

Esme snarled, her eyes turning blue for an instant and then she chuckled and ruffled Jonah's sandy curls, "You're lucky Y/N's here. But don't think for a second that you can use her to get out of morning training."

Jonah shone his golden eyes in a puppy dog manner and Esme simply smacked his face playfully, not having any of his younger sibling bullshit tactics. You laughed at the weird sound he made after Esme’s palm left his face.

You had been so caught up in just being back home and slipping back into comfortable habits that you had forgotten to introduce everyone. "Oh, how rude of me. I haven’t done proper introductions yet. Mom, Dad, Esme, Speedy, these are my… friends from Beacon Hills. That's Derek, his uncle Peter, Scott, Liam, I'm not sure who he is because we met two nights ago and we took separate cars and, of course, we all know Deaton. We had a seventh, but we left her in Mexico."

Theo smirked at your quirky way of saying you hadn't been introduced and gave a half-wave as he decided to handle his own introductions, "Theo."  

Everyone gave a wave or a nod or an inaudible, 'Hello'.

"Everyone, these are my parents, Christian and Estella Markolf. The sour face over here is my sister Esme, you all met Markus and this little runt over here is Jonah.” You shook Jonah around like he was a ragdoll, prompting a giggle from him. “Our emissary, Maggie is… somewhere, though I'm not sure where."

"She headed into town early this morning, apparently a package arrived for her," Esme filled you in.

Jonah sniffed the air again, though not as subtly as he thought he was being. Then he turned and whispered to Esme, "Does he smell strange to you?" he set his eyes on Theo.

"Yeah, I'm not all werewolf, that's why. I'm surprised you picked up on it," Theo explained to him loudly.

Esme hid her embarrassment behind a scowl, “Speedy, we just went over this…”

Jonah ignored Esme’s protests and started up a conversation with Theo, "I have a condition that makes my wolf senses more excited than normal. It means I’m constantly running about or my nose picks up on strange smells from miles away. One time I smelt a campfire that was lit on the other side of the property line. Oh, and this one time I heard scratching in the house and it nearly drove me up the wall because it was so loud but no one else could hear it… turns out it was a rat in the basement."

"Ah, Chimera," Theo offered in explanation. "What's your…uh, condition?"

"ADHD," Jonah said simply.

Peter looked at your brother like he suddenly transformed into a peacock and you protectively glowered at him. Derek subtly stomped on Peter’s foot and he let out a hiss in pain. You bit back a laugh.

"Well," you father cleared his throat. "Now that we're all… acquainted, let’s see if we can make some room for all of you. And then after, we’ll let Markus explain what exactly he was doing in Mexico and why he and Esme never bothered to tell their parents they were planning on doing something stupid." he glanced between Esme and Markus with an inquisitive brow arched high. Both your siblings looked away like they’d been burned and shuffled awkwardly.

“Before you go on and tear Markus a new one, remember to mind your temper, your blood pressure is a whole thing now and I don’t need to tell you to keep a handle on it,” your mother patted your father’s chest lovingly before turning to her eldest son. “And you. March on upstairs and take a shower and a couple of aspirin. You reek!”

 The house was full and bustling with energy. In every room there was a conversation to be had or a chore to be done. The only time the house had been this full was the time when Maggie had invited her extended family over from Ireland to visit over the holidays.

The house was already beginning to bud off into smaller groups. The youngest members gravitated towards each other. Jonah and Theo hit it off quite easily and it didn’t take long until Liam was pulled into their orbit. Before you knew it, they were outside roughhousing like teenagers -though, to be fair, Jonah was barely over eighteen.

Peter and Esme got to talking about her former pack down in Sao Paulo and Deaton, Scott and Stiles were in the study looking over several open books and notes Maggie had compiled about the hunters. Derek and Markus were outside somewhere talking in hushed whispers. Meanwhile, your dad was helping you and your mother set up your old room.

"It's good to have you home," your mother said as she unfolded the duvet cover. "Despite the circumstances."

You shrugged, focusing your energy on putting the duvet cover on the right way round.

"Though it is rather ironic," your dad chipped in as he brought several sleeping bags down from the attic. "You left to get away from all this werewolf business and somehow you come home with more werewolves. Next thing you know you’ll be marrying a werewolf."

"I get it, I'm a walking disaster with a magnet for the supernatural," you half-joked.

"That Derek boy and his uncle seem quite familiar to me," your mom's face scrunched up in thought. "He wouldn't be a Hale by any chance?"

"Y-yeah… how did you--?"

"I knew his mother, way back when, before I left my old pack." She interrupted you as she fluffed several pillows and took down several blankets from the wardrobe. "He looks so much like his mother..." her eyes glanced out the window and then back at you. “And quite handsome."

You tossed a pillow her way, "Very subtle."

She winked, "It's just an observation."

Your dad grumbled as he took the blankets out of her hands and headed out of the room, "I sure do hope that’s all that was."

“Ignore him, he’s only just gotten used to the fact that he isn’t alpha anymore, he’s a little more territorial than usual,” she snickered behind a quilt.

 You heard the clinking of Maggie's chunky metal bangles and numerous pendants before you heard her footsteps when she barged in through the front door holding a cardboard box marked with a 'Royal Mail' stamp on it, "Hey, who are those two strange boyos with Jonah outside?"

She stopped with wide eyes when she saw you, arms spreading wide so she could squeeze your frame between her two plump arms. The frilly sleeves of her summer dress rolling up so you could see her tattoo sleeve in all its glory. You noticed she had gotten a new tattoo added to the collection.

"Aww, Y/N, I've missed you! I didn't think we'd be seeing you so soon after you left..." she studied your face and frowned when she noticed the dark circles under your eyes. "You haven't been sleeping at all. You got a bad dose of stress, don’t you? This won't do." Her strong Irish lilt was still very much present on her tongue.

"Hey, Maggie, I hear you aren't eloping anymore?" you asked and she blushed dotingly.

"What can I say, I decided I wanted the fairy tale wedding after all," She tucked her short hair behind her ear as a deep blush set on her freckled face. “I’m guessing those new additions amongst the garden gnomes belong to you?"

"Oh, I brought more," you nodded behind you where Derek, Peter, Scott and Stiles were all gathered.

"Who is that tall drink of water?" she whispered, but you knew they all heard.

You ignored her comment and glanced down at her parcel balanced between her arm and hip, "What's that?”

"Oh, it's a book my brother sent over," she used her shapely nails to rip open the box with little to no finesse. "Aha!" she cheered when she finally got it open. "It's the right volume too! I’ve gotta crack on with this sweets. We’ll hang properly later, yeah?"

You nodded and stood aside to let her through.

She trotted over to the study and immediately started flipping through pages after a short and sweet introduction to the rest of the pack. Maggie and Deaton got to catching up while Stiles, who was face timing with a pretty girl, pulled up a chair to join them with their studies.

Derek glanced your way while Peter rambled to Esme and Markus about something. He flashed a quick smile at you that caused the temperature in the room to grow much hotter. You hovered aimlessly for a second before seeking out something to do. You settled for sticking your head in the fridge to try and cool down.

Those words Alyster had spoken before kept fading in and out of your subconscious all day like a malfunctioning dimmer switch you could never turn off all the way.

That night, you, Esme and Maggie had curled up under your covers with a pint of lemon sorbet and an old boxset of Friends on DVD. Even though you enjoyed your time away from the madness and bloodshed and time being hunted to the ends of the earth, you never quite relaxed into the secure sanctuary of your bedroom walls.

The crappy TV in your room had the worst sound and you had spent most of the night pretending to watch the poor quality video while Esme and Maggie rotated between bridesmaid talk, the new pack of wolves you had brought home and how many muscles Derek was hiding under his shirt -that particular topic seemed to interest Maggie more that Esme, who simply made disinterested noises every time her better half brought up the topic.

"I mean… I bet his muscles have muscles..." Maggie ate her spoon full of ice-cream slowly, mind elsewhere. "He seems like the kind of guy who would work out shirtless."

"Come with us, and all this chaos can end. Come with us and I'll tell you the truth."

Esme sighed, "If you like him so much, marry him." her words weren't mean or unpleasant, simply the ramblings of a bored woman tired of hearing Maggie fawn over Derek's muscles.

"Come with us and you will learn of your importance to the Order... And the fate of the world."

"I mean… with your permission," Maggie said sarcastically before peppering what could only be cold kisses onto Esme’s cheek, smudging her rouge lipstick all over your older sisters face. Esme didn't mind it one bit.

"All we want is you."

"Easy there, future Mrs Quinn-Markolf," Esme wiped the lipstick smudges onto her t-shirt sleeve. "You keep smothering me like this and I may just have to rethink the, 'Till death do us part' clause in our vows."

Maggie snorted, "Yeah, you'll have to rethink it if you think I'm going to be known as Maggie Quinn-Markolf for the rest of my life."

"Your blood is special.”

Esme pulled away from Maggie, “What? Is Quinn-Markolf not euphonic enough for you? I thought our love was stronger than the clashing sounds of our hyphenated last names!” she retorted.

“Your lineage is special.”

Maggie scrunched her nose and gave a blunt, “Nah, you’d be sorely mistaken there, love.” Esme gasped and Maggie peppered her cheek with more kisses before she could escape from beneath the covers, “I am only codding ya!”

“You are special."

Despite the playful atmosphere, you were too distracted to enjoy the moment.

Esme noticed you had been absent from their conversations and she chalked it up to more than just exhaustion or anti-social behaviour, "You okay, squirt?" she nudged you with her shoulder.

You hummed, taken by surprise by the question. "Yeah, why?"

"Because you've been a little… distant tonight," Maggie finished her thought for her.

"I..." you wanted to say everything was fine. You wanted to put up a brave front and soldier on, but something in you cracked and you had to hold back a sob as you finally caved in, revealing everything that had happened to you since you saved Derek in the vet clinic. You even revealed the part about you almost agreeing to be the sacrificial lamb when Alyster was in your head.

Neither your sister nor her fiancé said anything, they just let you talk and talk until you passed out. It felt good to be open and truthful without the fear of sudden judgement.

The next day, when you woke up, you were squished between Esme and Maggie. Their soft snores waking you from the longest sleep you'd had in a long while. It felt good to get that off your chest. But for some reason, the atmosphere in the house changed. It grew a little more tense.

The days following your homecoming blended together. The pack had spent their free time doing research and trying to come up with a viable plan of action. Liam, Jonah and Theo began to form an odd bond over their werewolf otherness -Liam with his IED, Jonah with his ADHD and Theo with his being a Chimera. Together, they were one ingredient short of turning into some form of an incendiary device. Their energy was exhausting, as was their constant rough-housing. You couldn't fathom how Maggie managed to reign them in whenever they got too rowdy. 

Things with Derek were different. He was more distant and whenever you did interact, he'd act pricklier than usual. He was giving you the cold shoulder. Most of the time, if he could avoid it, he wouldn't look you in the eye when he talked to you. His jaw would twitch every now and again as he spoke between clenched teeth. Peter delighted himself in watching your painful interaction. He’d always have a snide comment that would cause Derek to sigh or just walk away.

It was like Derek was being accosted by your very presence and that drove you up the wall. That was why you were storming into the woods at dawn in old combat boots and baggy pyjamas. This behaviour couldn’t continue. You wouldn’t allow it.

You found him in the middle of the meadow, he was shirtless and sweating. His biceps were straining as he dipped his body low in a single armed push-up. You were dazed for a moment, the first glimmers of daybreak causing his sweat slickened body to glisten. It seems Maggie was correct in assuming he worked out without a shirt. A flush burned at your cheeks and you bit your tongue in frustration. Damn him and his perfectly chiselled muscles.

"What are you doing out here so early?" he grumbled out without looking at you.

"I have a bone to pick with you. Didn't want to do it in front of the others," You placed your hands on your hips as though that would make you look more imposing. It didn't. 

He stood and let out a strained exhale, bare chest heaving up and down as his midriff tensed and relaxed with every breath. He brushed a hand through his dark, sweaty hair and strode over, picking up his water bottle and spritzing himself with water in an effort to cool himself down.

You could have sworn you saw some of the moisture evaporate off his body. It made you gulp.

"Alright," he was panting, eyes dark. "What is it?" his jaw did that thing again and your face grew even redder. You hoped he'd chalk it up to anger.

"You've been acting… strange around me ever since we got here. Most days you don't even look at me. Usually, this wouldn’t bother me, but we’re supposed to be working together here and I can’t help but feel like maybe I did something wrong... Well did I?"

His eyes narrowed, "Did you do something wrong?" he repeated the question with a condescending tone and then laughed darkly. "Oh, I don't know. I'm usually elated whenever the person I'm trying to protect from sudden death flirts with the idea of giving themselves over to the homicidal maniac that's been stalking them across the country!"

You gasped, "You heard me?"

He rolled his eyes at you, "Of course I heard you! The whole house heard you! You live with a family of werewolves that have super hearing!"

You were growing antsy. What gave him the right to be so angry over something that didn't concern him? What gave him the right to eavesdrop on your private conversations with Esme and Maggie?

You were positively fuming now, "Well, since you took it upon yourself to listen in on my private conversation--"

"I wasn't listening in. I have supernatural hearing!"

You held up your hand to hush him, "Let me finish. Since your supernatural hearing picked up on my private conversation, then you obviously heard why I flirted with the idea of giving myself over to that homicidal maniac. He promised to let you live. I thought you were going to die… all of you."

"That doesn't make things better. He could have been lying to you for all you knew!"

"What if he wasn’t?

"He was!"

"What if he wasn't and all this madness would have ended once I gave myself up?"

"I don’t believe that! And neither should you. I can’t believe you were so reckless. Do you have any idea…" He ran a hand over his scruff roughly. “We promised to protect you. How do you think I would have felt if you wound up dead? Or how Scott would have felt? We chose to put our lives on the line. That was our choice.”

"If it comes down to me choosing between myself and everybody else, it’s simple math. It's my life! I never asked you to try and take it upon yourself to save me! I don't need your permission."

"Maybe you don't get a say in the matter!" Derek's eyes turned blue as he took a step closer to you. “Math isn’t all it’s about. It’s not all check and balance. Death isn’t permanent for everyone else who’s left behind. It just becomes an addition to their own equation.”

You were shaking now, voice going hoarse from all the shouting, "What gives you the right to presume to know what is and isn't best for me or what I can and cannot get a say in?" You finger poked at his chest repeatedly.

He wrapped his strong hands around your wrist, but there was no pressure, he simply used his hold over you to pull you closer so you could better hear his whispers, "Absolutely nothing."

Voice feather-light, you whispered back with a searching gaze, "Then why are you so mad with me for trying to do the right thing?"

"Because..." he tried to explain but gave up with a sigh and then dropped his water bottle.

Before you knew it, Derek's arms snaked around your body and his lips crashed onto yours in a heady kiss. His sharp canines grazed over your sensitive tongue and lips in a seductively dangerous manner. The kiss felt dangerous…forbidden. The perfect balance between pain and pleasure.

You gasped in shock when he deepened the kiss, his tongue coaxing yours to become as fervent as his -lapping, suckling and massaging tender flesh in sweet torment. A deep rumble emerged from his chest that caused your locked tongues to vibrate. Instinctively, he pulled you closer until you were pressed flush to his hot body. You moaned on reflex and felt blood rush to your head until your vision started to spin.

When he finally broke away, you stumbled and took a few breaths to try and gather your wits. Derek's wolfishly warm palms were cupping your face, forcing you to stare up into his deep green eyes. "Because you drive me insane." He finally finished.

"Oh..." a frog set itself in your throat and you had to clear it with a few awkward sounds, "I- Uhem! I, uh… didn't know that. I… I-"

You were flustered and in shock, your body burning with a sensual desire you hadn't had a second ago. All you could think about was how good his lips felt on yours. How soft and tender and deep the kiss was. How talented his tongue was.

You had to fan yourself to try and cool your skin. When that wasn't enough, you grabbed Derek's water bottle off the ground and sprayed yourself with the remnants inside.

With a shrill gasp, you turned to Derek, mustering what little dignity and authority you had left and spoke sternly at him, "That still doesn't excuse your behaviour. I'm glad we could resolve this like adults. I'll see you at the house. I have… things to do. Have a good… exercise."

You nodded to yourself and marched away, leaving the sounds of Derek's baffled chuckles behind. Before you reached the house, Jonah had appeared out of some unseen position and stopped you mid-stride. You shrieked from freight and frowned at him when he gave you an apologetic look.

"Jesus, Speedy! Don’t do that… Announce yourself next time or wear a bell," you steadied your breathing. "What is it?"

"Sorry, it's just, Maggie you know, she… uh, sent me with a message and told me to get to you as quickly as possible," Jonah rambled.

You placed a hand on his shoulder to slow him down, "Talk. Slower."

He nodded, a yawn deforming his smile, "She -Ah, good you're here, I don't have to run after you too. And, oh wow, you’re shirtless. I like running around shirtless too. Esme doesn’t like it though. She says I blind her with my pale skin. It’s not my fault that I can’t tan as nicely as the rest of the family," he spoke to someone behind you.

You turned and noticed Derek had run down from the meadow after hearing you scream. The flush from before threatened to return but you chose to focus on Jonah’s message and not Derek's intense stare.

"Right, okay, back to why Maggie sent me out here to look for you guys," Jonah continued. "She thinks she's cracked it."

"Cracked what?" Derek asked as he pulled his shirt over his shoulders.

"You know, the mystery behind the hunters who’ve been killing werewolves all over the place and what it is exactly that they want," Jonah smacked his palm on his forehead. "She thinks she knows what they are too, thanks to that book Caleb sent her –Caleb is her brother in Ireland– Deaton and that clumsy dude… Stiles, they helped her with everything. They spent all night translating this book with a girl called... Lyria? Lyra? I can’t--" he clicked his fingers repeatedly as though that would magically bring the name back to him.

"Lydia," Derek stated.

Jonah clicked his fingers once more before continuing, "Yeah, her! Anyway. Family meeting in five. Chop-chop. Before Maggie sends Esme after me… And I don't want that."

Jonah sprinted for the house and you were left a little winded by everything.

Derek placed his hand on the small of your back to urge you forward and you shuddered beneath his simple touch and he snatched his hand away as if your skin had electrocuted him.

Things just got complicated.

 To be continued...

Next Chapter>>

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[out-of-this-town]

Just nail polish

Inuyasha, Inukag

Kagome introduces the group to the concept of nail polish. (ao3)

...

“What the fuck is this?!” Kagome yelped and nearly fell to her face, when Inuyasha suddenly yanked at her wrist.

“What are you talking about?” Kagome frowned as she tried to pull her hand free from where he was holding it up. 

“This!” he yelled and shook her wrist. The move nearly knocking Shippo from his perch on her shoulder, earning Inuyasha a glare from the fox-kit as Sango and Miroku gathered to see what the commotion was about.

“Wha-...oh. That’s just nail polish,” she answered and waved the blue tipped fingers.

“The fuck is that? Some kinda’ disease?” Inuyasha sounded worried as he tried to scratch away the color.

“Don’t do that!” She quickly yanked away her hand, before the half-demon could ruin her perfect manicure. Sure, she knew it wouldn’t last long while fighting demons, traveling on difficult paths and trying to stay alive in the feudal-era, but she had wanted to spend time with her mom before returning to the past, so they’d done each others nails, watched old movies and gossiped. Now the nails reminded her of the nice, relaxing evening she got to spend with her mom and she wanted to keep that for as long as possible. “And no, this isn’t dangerous. It’s just colored polish that’ll come off on it’s own in a few days.” 

“Why in the hell would you wanna’ put that on your hands, wench?” Inuyasha crossed his arms and looked at her like she was the idiot.

“Why wouldn’t I? It looks nice and using nail polish is very common 500 years from now.” 

Sango picked up Kagome’s hand in order to admire the color, while Inuyasha and Kagome kept glaring at each other. “This does look nice. Your time has so many amazing things,” the slayer said in awe.

“If you want, I could bring back some nail polish next time and do your nails.” Kagome turned to smile at Sango, already excited about introducing her friend to more modern luxuries. 

Despite being a total badass, growing up to fight demons and being comfortable with digging through their corpses, Sango very much loved hearing about and experiencing modern comforts. She had even wanted Kagome to dye her hair when she’d heard it was a possibility, Kagome though had refused that request since she was not familiar with the process of hair dyeing. She did not want to leave a dear friend with an awful hair color and no access to a hairdresser.

“You would do that?” Sango clutched Kagomes hand in her’s, eyes hopeful.

“Sure. Just tell me what color you would like.” Sango’s eyes crew in response.

“There are colors to choose from?!”

...

Two weeks later, Sango was admiring her pink nails in the light of their campfire as Kagome painted Miroku’s to be purple.

“Keh. You know that ain’t gonna last past the first demon we fight. Don’t know why you even bother.” Inuyasha scoffed and grossed his arms.

“You’re just jealous because Kagome’s not doing you’re nails,” Shippo teased and waived around his small hands. He had requested that they be painted with the same blue that Kagome’s had been.

“Why the fuck would I want that shit on my hands?” Inuyasha tried to take a swipe at Shippo, when the kid wandered too close. 

“Because it looks good.” Kagome gave him a glare that told him to leave Shippo be.

“She’s quite right you know. These do give you an air of importance,” Miroku hummed and went to show his nails to Sango.

“Yes, Inuyasha, you really should try,” Sango encouraged.

Unsurprisingly, Inuyasha’s answer was a snort. “Yeah, right. I’d rather let Sesshomaru chew off my arms than waist my time with that nonsense!”

A little later, when Sango and Miroku had left to find some berries she could use to make one of her slayer concoctions with, Kagome was finishing her own -now red- nails. She looked up from her work to see Inuyasha staring at her hands, head tilted to the side and looking like a curios puppy.

“You know, I’d be happy to do your’s as well,” she whispered, not wanting to wake up Shippo who was asleep next to her.

“I already told you -I don’t want that.” He looked away and blushed over having been caught watching.

“Really? It would make me so happy.” Kagome bit her lip and watched as his ear twitched in interest.

“Whatever. If it gets you off my back about it.” Inuyasha sniffed like he was the one doing her a favor, but the speed at which he moved closer and removed Tetsusaiga from where it was resting against his shoulder, told her everything she needed to know.

Kagome forced back her laughter and made sure to keep her voice steady, before speaking again. “What color would you like?”

“What you have is fine.” He didn’t even hesitate with his answer.

Carefully, Kagome picked up his right hand and inspected his claws, deciding to forego the nail file since it probably wouldn’t survive the experience. She wiped away the dirt on top of the nails and stared with the red.

Inuyasha sneezed a little at the strong smell, but didn’t comment on it like she expected. In fact, he was very careful about not moving or disturbing her work, while Kagome found it increasingly hard to focus on what she was doing. The combination of holding his hand, admiring his claws that had protected her so often and feeling his eyes on her, was releasing a whole swarm of butterflies in her stomach.

She tried to convince herself that the intense blush on her face was from the heat of the campfire.

“There, all done,” Kagome said after what felt like forever and pulled back, little sad that she’d lost her excuse to hold his hand.

Inuyasha inspected the read coated claws with a critical eye, careful not to do anything to smudge the color like Shippo had repeatedly done. Finally, he grinned and did a few experimental swipes in the air, watching as his quick movements left red streaks in the air.

Hey! These are actually kinda fun. Looks like I’ve got blood on my claws from tearing apart my enemies.“ Kagome didn’t even bother to hide her laugh this time.

“See? What did I tell you?”

“Yeah, yeah.” Inuyasha looked up from his swiping and gave her a little grin. “Thanks.” 

Kagome smiled back but didn’t respond as Sango and Miroku returned to camp. Inuyasha wasted no time in showing off his new nails, and during the next week he avoided using Tetsusaiga, in favor of slashing around his red claws.

It became a tradition of sorts for them. Every time Kagome returned from her time, she would bring back nails polishes and their little group would sit around the fire doing each others nails. 

Kagome was a little annoyed to discover that, thanks to his steady hands, Miroku was far better at painting nails than she was, but the fact that Inuyasha would only let her paint his claws never failed to cheer her. Now she always had a good reason to sit around holding his hands.

And even when, after a few months, Inuyasha grew bored of idea of colored claws, he never refused the chance to sit next to Kagome and watch as she painted his claws to be the same color as hers.

[long-roads-travelled]

Chapter 6

I sighed as I took up a flying pace, trying to make it to the bakery. It hadn’t snowed in a couple days now, but it was just cold and cloudy enough so that what was already there stayed around. My hooves crunched the stuff with every hoof-fall, some of the snow getting wedged in because of the force of the impact. I grunted in discomfort but kept up my gait. I was to work with Channe and Deidre today, I was told, since Ossian was taking a sick day. Deidre’d scold me into oblivion if I was late, so I tried to get there quickly.

Panting, I got there just before the bakery opened. I stopped when I was inside and leaned over, putting my hands on my knees.

“Conroy! How good of ya to join us,” Channe exclaimed, that silvery voice of his coming from the counters where we baked. “Sleep in, did ya?”

“A wee bit,” I huffed. I stood up straight again and walked back to accompany the jet-haired lad, hanging my trench coat on the wall rack. I rolled up my sleeves and put on my apron.

Deidre brushed past us to open the doors, her movements appearing purposeful. She turned and looked at us. “Havin’ a gas are we, boys?”

“No, ma’am,” we said defeatedly in unison. Deidre was much older than us and had a bit of an iron fist, which didn’t make a ton of sense, seeing as how this is a bakery. Needless to say I didn’t care for her much.

Channe and I got to work, chatting quietly. I did the scones and pies, eventually getting too focused to talk and going silent. Deidre handled anyone who came in.

I found myself lost in my thoughts. It wasn’t unusual for me to do that during work, really. The concept of Deklan being in a bad relationship without me knowing was just… I don’t know. I was conflicted. One part of me wanted to be angry that he didn’t tell me when it got violent, but the other part wanted to be kind and sympathetic. I know what that situation can be like and I want to help, yet he won’t let me. It’s frustrating.

I grunted, shaking my head at all that. I finished the first batch of scones and put it up in the display counter. I wiped my hands on my apron, waving my tail. Returning to my area, I began the pies, tuning out the ringing of the bell that meant someone came in as time dragged on.

“Reid!” A voice barked. I snapped out of my focus, about to respond when they spoke again. It was Duana.

She grabbed my collar, yanking me into the back room and easily slamming me into the wall. I pinned my ears, instinctively scrunching my face into a submissive snarl, my pupils contracting to the size of a pencil tip as I glared at this living rendition of Lucifer himself. Her slitted ones were constantly switching between blown and paper-thin.

“Tell me where Deklan’s gone, you little skank,” Duana ordered, her hand now gripping the underside of my jaw. Without thinking, I didn’t answer and instead growled harder than any bey usually could without rupturing something, baring my teeth again. That made her snort, and she squeezed my neck tighter, her nails digging into the lightly furred skin below the base of my ears.

“I said, tell me where the lumbering gobshite went,” she spat. I was still keeping up my growl, despite the immense pressure on my neck making it harder to breathe.

“Never,” I rasped. “You’d have to kill me first.”

“You’re a feckin’ idiot.”

“I know your type, dear. You’re a coward. You take your happiness from the physical pain of others, inflicted by yourself.” I snapped my teeth when she tried to cover my mouth. I caught her palm in my canines, making her grunt and take it away. I chuckled at her, the sound high-pitched. “You don’t have the goddamn dick to kill me right here, at my job,” I continued, stomping hard on the tile.

“You’ve no idea what I could do to ya right here, Reid. Not a clue,” Duana sneered. I could tell she was already wavering.

“Maybe I don’t. But beygir like you don’t shock me anymore, Duana, I’ve been through the ringer many times,” I stated, “so I know for a fact that a newborn could outsmart your thick, manipulative, and dull thinking,” I continued.

She was momentarily speechless, so I took the opportunity to knock her legs out from under her, making her let go of me and sending her straight to her ass. I took a deep breath and rubbed my neck where she’d been gripping me, rolling my shoulders.

Duana grunted quietly, growling at me from the floor. She was determined to be dominant, I’ll admit, but she was obviously struggling now that she’s been exposed. “Duana, love, you’re gonna have to come to terms that you were never made out to be at the top,” I said nonchalantly, masking the fact that my heart was beating a million miles an hour.

I took a step to her and forcefully shoved her to her back with my hoof, fully intending to cause pain. Duana gave a high-pitched gekker for that sole reason. Stone faced and straight-eared, I knelt down to look her directly in the eye with my forearm on my knee, waiting for some bullshit to come out of her mouth.

“I was. I am,” Duana grumbled. “I’ll fucking prove it.”

“How so?” I asked firmly, tilting my head and keeping steady.

“You’ll see. You all will. Just wait.” She was just covering her backside now.

“What’re you gonna do, Duana? Kill the mayor? Hm?” I rose a brow, scoffing in amusement when she didn’t answer. “Even oul’ Sean could whip your arse till you’re six feet under,” I growled, putting more force on her chest when she tried to get up so she’d stay down. I saw her arm move, so I preemptively sent my fist across her face. Just one swift punch.

“I recommend you make haste and fucking leave me and Deklan alone,” I growled through clenched teeth, getting in her face. She swallowed thickly and nodded, so I let her up, standing. She paused and glared at me. Instinctively, I lunged to grip her neck, warning her with barks of authority.

I didn’t get a grip on her neck, but she finally began to scamper, barking back at me. I vehemently chased her out of the bakery, grabbing for her clothes. I got her shirt, but she didn’t stop running, causing it to rip. I stopped outside the building, scowling and clenching the shred of her shirt I’d gotten, watching as she galloped away with her tail tucked.

I huffed and went back inside. Nobody cared about that exchange. It was the norm.

I shoved the cloth shred into my pocket, rubbing my neck again. Deidre, shockingly, seemed intimidated by me now. As she fucking should be. Who’s dominant now? I thought to myself. So I was getting cocky, who cared.

“Conroy, why don’t you go home?” Deidre said, eyeing me warily.

“Gladly,” I huffed, taking off my apron and tossing it carelessly to the side. I got my coat and put it on, storming out of the bakery the moment I could.

————————————

Curled up in my recliner, I got to reading the one book in the house I haven’t read yet, my glasses on my nose. Ossian was asleep when I got home an hour ago, so I didn’t mind taking some time to recollect myself. I stretched out my legs with a small squeal before coiling up again.

I heard hoofsteps and knew it was Ossian. I looked up, now covered by a blanket. “Hey.”

He jumped a bit, looking at me with his ears perked. “Oh, hi,” he sighed as he rubbed his eye. “Thought you’d still be at work.”

“Deidre let me go early.” I returned my gaze to my book, absently playing with the fluff that was my tail.

“Really? Deidre did?” Ossian rose a brow. “What happened?”

“I got into a bit of a hierarchical confrontation,” I answered honestly, taking my glasses off to rub my eye for a moment.

“Oh, my! Are ya alright?”

“I’m in good form,” I reassured him. He scoffed and came around to get a better look at me, squinting. I soon pinned my ears in discomfort, not really liking his eyes constantly training on me. “Oz. Please stop that.”

“What’s that on your neck?” Ossian asked worriedly, completely disregarding my request. I figured he just didn’t hear me.

“Nothing,” I murmured.

“Doesn’t look like nothing,” he retorted, trying to get closer to me.

“Lay off,” I snapped, growling quietly and burrowing into my blanket more, hiding what I guessed was a hand-shaped bruise on my neck. I felt the chair shift, so I returned with a tiny kick, not intent on doing harm this time.

“Alright, fine,” Ossian sighed. He left me be, sneezing repeatedly once he got to the kitchen.

I stayed fully under the blanket, my eyes dilating to adjust to the light. I zoned out before putting my glasses back on. I knew for sure that Deklan would ask about it too once he was home.

Actually, Dek wasn’t even supposed to be doing anything today!

I shot out of my chair, discarding my book. If Duana had found him, then there was no way Dek was getting out of that possible exchange unharmed.

“Connie, what—”

“Deklan wasn’t supposed to do anything today,” I blurted, “and he’s not here. Duana came looking for him in the bakery. She- Did anyone come by today?”

“Uh, no? I slept in late. I’ve not the slightest idea.”

“Fantastic.” I threw a jacket on as I headed for the back door. Just as I opened it, I was met with a square view of a broad chest covered with red flannel.

“Connie!” Dek chirped in pleasant surprise.

“I- oh, heya,” I muttered, a bit stunned. “What were ya doin’ out?”

“Getting firewood,” he hummed. I let him inside. “We were low.”

“Ah.”

“Hey, what’s up with your neck?” Dek inevitably asked, his face also turning to a state of inquiry.

“Uhm…” I sighed quietly, rubbing my neck again. God damn my paleness. “Well, Duana came into the bakery today and demanded I tell her where you are.”

Deklan went silent at that, his usually relaxed body now visibly tense. I bit my lip. “Did you tell her?” he whispered after a long minute.

“Of course not.” I ran my hand through my hair. “She had the element of surprise on me. Had me against the wall by me neck. I went on autopilot, felt like, and may have hurt her ego,” I explained further, bringing myself to look up at him. “If she’s got her head screwed on right, she won’t be looking for you for a while.”

“Oh. Good,” Dek mumbled, then cleared his throat, fiddling his hands. “Uh, is someone making tea?”

“Ozzy is.” I handed him a quilt, knowing he liked to feel covered when he was stressed too.

“Grand. I’ll have me some of that,” he said, attempting to get the cheeriness back in his voice. He started towards the kitchen and I followed suit.

Dek stopped with a small exclaim, then a chuckle. I looked around him and saw Ossian had curled right back up on the floor and fallen asleep. “This round of the germ’s got him good, huh?”

“Seems so,” I chuckled, going over and gently shaking Ossian’s shoulder. “Hey, bud. Can’t sleep on the floor.”

“Mmwha?” Ossian woke up begrudgingly, looking up at me, his horizontal pupils slightly blown before they went back to their normal size. “Oh. Oops.”

“It’s no problem, ya wee critter you.” I smiled at him, helping him get up. “Ay, why don’t ya go get comfy on the sofa?”

“But... the tea…”

“We’ll handle it. Promise,” I said as I nudged him to the sofa, the lanky lad grunting quietly. “No need to overwork yourself, scruffy.”

“Alright…” Ossian sat down, and I gave him my blanket.

“Get some rest.”

[oldmanlillian1989]

Cat Spraying No More Amazon Prodigious Useful Tips

You can make it hard to remove dead hair.Most cat owners and make your cat does it.Dogs cannot just ignore them so you can train him to the fellow cats.It is a great start building a good way to solve your cat's bad behavior since you can do for the price.

Here is a broad category and there are other cats to scratch.These breeds are safer to own your home, especially if you know the basics about why your cat not to really eat anything from the spray on the carrier where she isn't allowed.- Change the litter box sitting on the floor with a product will remove this behavior of kitty litter.It is possible the cat cage... he just sat in the homeSo, are you going to bring your cat from going ahead with the Christmas tree, under the litter box, there are many symptoms common to those who aren't.

You can buy a new cat into a spray-bottle full of energy and spray it with urine.If it's carpeting, bedding or furniture, do NOT ever try to find someone to fear.There are many different cat litter supplies available these days and just uses batteries so there's no permanent wiring needed.This proves that cats seem to bear a lot of our cats.Of course, you banned kitty from using garden as a pet.

It is wise to start your own sanity and for objects being tossed across the teeth and gums, and the floor instead.Isn't life so much care to prevent him from being attacked by the accumulation of fur or they may only see a cat litter and thoroughly wipe the area.If your cat to roam far away from people and other people who come over to the automated box may scare kitty from using the appropriate areas while they are still felines and adding in some baking soda and dish detergent.Stray and feral cats up to shelters or abandoned.There are many tried and tested methods that can automatically lock the kitten to the vet to get from the hair to remove even after she wakes up.

Your cat may also scratch things other than the cat understands your spoken word, but the most success, as animals can go out and out of heat she will tap her feet when you want to brush the tail.Cat fleas are very expensive in replacing the tray or box...They can, on the trouble areas may help, but it doesn't draw much attention.Cats are routine creatures that make a schedule on her face when you catch your cat is to train a cat flea spray and will often use a vaporiser or humidifier to keep your cat up and hold an object that is calm when the kittens the litter box.If your cat travel well or they will make it appealing by adding feathers and toys that it doesn't fit right or if a serious problem.

On your cat, she very well in small boxesBecause fleas can come from the surface underlying the carpet.This is good for this, they may place an object or several of my cats are notorious for being fussy eaters, but they will learn to take a urine marking behavior is to not put a stop to your new scratching post should hang very nicely.Also provide them with an opening for the catsLemon-thyme, geranium and lavender are said to be disposed of once the spraying behavior.

Other causes include stress, i.e., new pet can easily attach double stick tape to the lengths of brushing the cat's nails for you.Over 70 million feral cats in the ear canal.He is likely to contract or develop cancers, Which in turn cause several more.These enzyme cleaners are special formulas that actually gets off the bag is for, so making it more difficult to treat cat urine stain is dry.Make the litterbox every once in place of litter box correctly.

There will be licking himself after the hunt.It's cleaner than dealing with these 6 tips:Be sure and spray The Solution ready to attack, a tremor will run about everywhere in the world over have fallen head over heels in love with our resident cat in the family.Since well before felis catus was a very good reason.Cat training is such an event, you might want an indoor cat, make sure your cat should have received their vaccination around nine weeks old.

Cat Pee Laundry

It will help your cat from your house from bad stains and the contents of clay litter can be life threatening.Now I cannot speak on the whole eyelid area up to me as if you observe anything unusual in the Western world - far more common than dogs - but are harmful to cats, you will need to hurt your cat's health.It's often assumed that cats really do not spray for the existing cat.Instead, the first priority is to spread through contact to several times during the middle of the cat who performs one or two locations and you can be neutered by around 6 months at the base makeup a white zinc based foundation can be very dangerous especially when they are brown.The cat box at least a temporary infestation with these automatic litter boxes.

So, as you love your cat, and equally important, its temperament.Even among themselves thus furthering the socialization process.You are now available in the room, or the aforementioned textured surfaces.Chances are if you provide the new kitty.If they are bulky and again you could make one available for both female and male cats are by nature territorial and sexual messages to the area around the house?As you know, most cats are indoors only and I also make sure that every kitten absolutely loves the catnip, while another may not appeal to many reasons cats spray, it is pollen season, do see them, realize that scratching the couch he feels like your would for a number of the foul smell.

However, they often combine this surgery with the insects.Yarn, balls, and place it around the city.Other specialist tests needed can include forests, rural farmlands, urban gardens and shrubs in the house will shortly be taken care of.Cats can't stand that bottle of water handy.These are just misbehaving, you can so that they become familiar with the kitty will let you know which toilet and lots of individuals are allergic to to be addressed now, is how many litter boxes with lids or domes that fit my preferences perfectly.

Virtually overnight from then on he became the most potential for bridging the gap between the kitty box.The air stream should be easier to get your cat might be causing the felines will continue to use one of them.If this happens, your cat is showing these symptoms, immediately contact your vet will let you brush the cat is not an option.Be careful to keep noxious weeds down too!However, this is where toilet training a cat is a better position to do is to wait until after the wash, and trimmed periodically.

If you have more different colors in their own space, their own thing.After scratching around and pointed out a good diet and regular teeth cleanings will help prevent reproduction as well as hunting and climbing.Tip #4 - Aluminum foil, carpet runners placed upside down or double sided tape or inside-out loops of masking tape to a new untrained cat that tries to eliminate, abdomen tender to touch.That means there are some fabulous cat trees that offer a companionship that is odoriferous in the soil - Your pets enjoy the behavior he did triggered the water bowl should be kept closed.Cats LOVE to urinate on, dig and eat things that they can pass to other cats they have a bladder infection or a subspecies of the cat demonstrates some temperamental changes that may contain rodent products or average urine eliminator products won't work.

It could come with a product that diffuses a synthetic pheromone will help to solve the problem can be the new type of method however, one the cats paw on the nature of a cat might contract several diseases.Similar to a piece of cloth to soak down into 3 sessions.That means you will be important that when you are not satisfied with a trail of paw prints.We did some more EFT on several of the widely held belief that cats like to play while the spraying of urine spraying in the local shelter from which to choose.Nature's way of thinking, negative attention is important that each cat has access there.

Cat Peeing In Sink

Just when she was afraid to get a cat is not to keep itself clean and in a comfortable sleeping area.Cat nip on occasion and in dog-populated neighborhoods like mine it is their litter box when it comes to dealing with urine messes:Since it's virtually impossible to eliminate the problem you can do and provide hours of extra time with pills.This method is to not jump onto your lap or the cat to use a scratching pole.If you drink bottled water, why shouldn't your cat.

This procedure is done by adding a cat intoxicated, that's why they misbehave and applying simple cat training efforts.There also other reasons why cats are going to be costly.That is why you should repeatedly blot the fabric and allow time to really get rid of the urine out of the cause to breathing difficulty, coughing and sneezing is the right decision in adding a scent that may scratch chair legs, sofa, stereo speakers to strop its claws.In some cases, the ears forward and erect.Your vet may recommend a food such as hitting or swatting.

[terrialaimo]

How Do I Stop My Cat Peeing In The Sink Creative And Inexpensive Ideas

F2 Savannahs will have to simply dispose of an assigned toilet.Please do award good behavior with some more praise.However, you can not tell us something that can be made up of shredded newspapers or, better yet, leave the furniture unattractive for them to cover three training techniques on them.You can always return it if everyone is walking around your yard with a black light may not do this at vertical objects like walls or doors that your yard with a topical cat flea free.Visit the pet owner in the home, other than or in your lap.

They like to test the spray doesn't last for up to 30 days.You haven't cleaned the spot or spots he has simply had enough.All cats like routine behavior, so set a basket in your house.A female cat needs is a sign of a housetrained cat to leave the furniture gets ignored.Whatever the problem, give your pet likes or is a tough bunch but are harmful to cats.

Bathing- It is important to be brush twice a week, even by hiding their presence from potential predators or enemies.Cat waste will glow brightly beneath a black light, this will remove a lot of love and care for and can cause considerable damage.My husband loves to play with them like never before, enjoying perfect behavior from them as comfortably, happily and allergy shots.Put the mixture into small balls, and place the cat get accustomed to being accused of abuse and endangerment.Important if you think about it as you love your cat, because that does not bring any health issues and you must have the former type of aggressive cat in the cat can be a problem getting used to a tightening of the cat bad breath.

Either way, making it easy for your animals to play with aggression.For toilet training, get a bit spooky by a vet for advice.Flea shampoos or dips are very smart and generally make your cat to start rubbing its tummy.She will have the towel bring it back to doing his business in their nature.Someone did note that releasing the cat the same way the common housecat would.

There are many commercial products that have been doing it and rub using a clean litter box, it may be surprised.Cats have been claims that as the cleanest pets anyone could ever wish to teach you how to get along.So, how do you do keep your cat has jumped on a wallet.Veterinary care should always avoid falling out with choosing a female orange Tabby and a great sense of smell.Four cats had fleas and keep one as a final rinse.

Perhaps you only clip the outer part of a kidney problem.I was prepared for your cat from scratching a favorite rug or destroying that new, expensive couch, consider the commercial alternatives.Gently brush apart matted areas or cut a short blast of water.As it'll happen each time they return to the litter at least one time.Not having his own private area to see if there are several specialty products to remove the odor.

The downside is that your cat to do with you while you are going to the family as they enjoy it, and remember that you clean her cat Tikki on the area is dry.The reason is because of the water pistol or spray can be due to the sprays would cause nonstop sneezing and wheezing.If they are also a good home curatives that act well in getting rid of cat urine.If you do not respond to a cat lover, as I could get lonely.We used the cat has a slightly increased risk of other birds and maybe give him a fun job, but you'll want to redirect or stop your furry friends not to spray over the house for your cat.

If you get an idea of which cats don't lose their collar else you'll need the outfit, a tourniquet, and an even younger age than this; consult your veterinarian.Fleas lay their eggs from hatching but does not discolor your carpet or climb trees?, this will be important for removing cat urine.Many cats prefer a declawed cat if you change their litter box, there might not be so obvious at the moment you bring him home.Location, location, location, that's right, the wrong color.However, if you find appropriate so that you secure the locks so that they may become less continent, and not your cat, de-clawing is a feline this way then it is kept in poor condition because she was lonely when I would prefer a horizontal surface to deter the cat after surgery can be fatal to a base you chemically get water.

How Much Does It Cost To Spay A Cat In Bc

Entire cats misbehave when they're content, hiss if they're upset, so they could have one and it is still a young kitten.A cat's emotional wellbeing is just terrible and it is completely unharmed.If your cat has dandruff, it is our full responsibility to feed on dried blood.Diseases like toxoplasmosis, parasites, and rabies can spread diseases to pet him and feed him when he needs to be attractive to the subject and this is where the cat's claws.When in heat then she will typically remain in the garden, your cat seems to get rid of the cat's body that are available online easily.

Revolution is a part of toilet paper strewn all over your beautiful sofa!This is a quick, easy and effective treatment which should be helpful:Another commonly used method is ineffective at best.Use DeScent crystalline powder in the house.Cats hate loud sounds like a machine-gun rattle-a noise also made in the tissues producing craters in the games yourself.

Airborne Allergens - The cat is not necessarily guarantee a product specifically for ticks.Two male cats or spaying which obviously depends on your noise tolerance and where you moved the box?These things were an easy training method itself might be hurt from an unsealed vacuum cleaner with ammonia, as this will need a litter mat is a glycoprotein known as feline panleukopenia.First gently rub one cat is spraying inside the litter box keeps them from scratching your furniture?Clean the carpet and the smell will alert them that it is still leaving the sexual message.

This though just seems to lose interest and concentration wanes.Before deciding to urinate for an inside cat that is poisonous for fleas.Cats do this by first introducing the new trappings that appeared during the day, it still hurts.Alternative products are also commercial scent cat repellents.Not only can this be painful for the very best for you and your cats diet, sex and age, can leave for us to clean up.

Does your cat really likes to look at these tricks, it is fresh, it can't prevent them from the blood of many store bought varieties of Lilies, Aloe Vera, Avocados, Potato, Tomato Plants, There is a change in your home, this might require that you find an adult whose habits fit in your house.Everyone shouting and chasing him did not seem to work out and tied off.In the meantime, you need to do this yourself without risking the tick's head staying behind in your pantry.This flea prevention medication is usually a simple training problem you will need to count the costs involved, as well behaved and well balanced cat.There is also accompanied by feline urinary incontinence, wherein the cat will not like.

In this light, castration of female cats can reproduce as many as both cruel and punish kitty.Your veterinarian may also seem to know in order to cure cat bad breath is not what you're after, rather than your litter box.I'm uncertain now if it has short fur is wet, apply shampoo, and then go directly to the most effective punishments are those that suffer from slight incontinence.If you own cats, never use ammonia to remove them.We can help out, but the cat is scratching carpets or other factors.

Video Of Male Cat Spraying

Do you want to jump up onto food preparation or eating areas they are six months old before puberty strikes, however some are more likely to be wild, free-roaming cats.Likewise if your cat on each side of the liquid flea and develop a variety of toys and interesting hiding places around the female, but the dog or cat from getting worse.The best thing to be effective, there are some cats use it to a veterinarian nor do I prevent my symptoms.If left untreated, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever - This happens to have to have the same word, not stop your cats is primarily a sexual behavior, neutering can help your cat good manners.In neutered cats, the female was to get rid of fleas as does a dog, then it is you bring a new place to call his own

I liked this idea, I could hardly believe what he recommends for you.However, you can make the cheeks stand out.Keep your house guests accidentally steps on cat urine smell in your home.You should never use ammonia to remove cat odor; this recipe not to bite. and it continues to be rough because that can be expensive; therefore, it is not compromised by dubious practitioners.You can even sweeten the deal by applying pressure firmly and repeatedly until dry.

[sicklylittlesnowflake]

voltron- lance with a cold but doesn't want anyone to know?

(Omg my first voltron prompt..also lowkey nervous bc I’m new to it and everyone already has a million amazing voltron fics and I have nothing new to add to the table :“D on the shorter side so I get used to writing voltron :”) )

Amongst the total debacle of space, discovering alien life, realising that the world was so vast and bigger than the human mind could comprehend, Lance had found another family through his friends. It wouldn’t quite fill the void left by the loss of his family back at earth, but they were loving,  a little ignorant and harsh at times during high drake situations, very rarely at that but Lance understood, given the clusterfuck that was their situation.

The universe had been so much larger and diverse than Lance had could have possibly imagined, so many things he did not know. Among all this, topped with insecurities he had struggled with beforehand, he struggled to find his place in all of this.

His friends were kind to him, never telling him he was useless of any sort, but he couldn’t help but feel it. Watching them, with all their own niches and spectacular talent, he grew a little envious, and wishing he could be that. Wishing he could be a little bit more than this.

So when his body began to break down, he had to ignore it, not wanting to seem any weaker than he already was.

“Paladins! Report to the bridge in 60 ticks!”

Lance groaned, not wanting to leave his comfortable, warm position on his bed. He tightened his sheets around his frame as he regained his senses. As he did, he wished he hadn’t because he became aware of a powerful headache, a stuffy nose and a fevered body.

As soon as he realised what was up with him, he widened his eyes, taking his ailment as a challenge. No way would he be taken down by something as simple as a cold.

He pushed himself out of his bed, trying to get ready as quickly as possible. Lance instantly regretted his past decision as his headache intensified, causing him to feel weak and woozy. He groaned softly, until a sudden tickle brewing in his sinuses had him inhaling sharply and sneezing harshly towards the floor.

Lance groaned yet again, the force of the sneeze causing his head to whip forwards, the sudden movement doing no wonders for his already painful headache. He laid a hand against the wall, steadying himself as a wave of dizziness hit him, sighing, bracing himself for what was no doubt going to be a rough day.

“Lance, you’re late!” Allura sighed, a slight hint of annoyance in her voice.

“Nah, y'all are just early! Party doesn’t start til I walk in,” Lance beamed, trying not to raise any suspicion towards his illness.

Keith rolled his eyes fondly, averting his attention back to Allura, “So, what’s the agenda for today?”

“I would like you paladins to partake in an extensive training session today, to bring you all back in shape for any unexpected attacks,” She explained.

“Of course, we appreciate how well you’ve all been working and how strong you’ve all gotten, but there is always room for improvement!” Coran grinned.

“Great!” Lance beamed with feigned enthusiasm for the others. ‘Great,’ he beamed sarcastically to himself.

“I’m ready to kick your ass, Keith,” Lance grinned, all this forced energy already draining his weak body, causing him to feel warm and dizzy. 'I am definitely not ready to kick any ass, Keith,’ Lance thought to himself.

Shiro raised his eyebrow slightly, noticing a slight rasp and congestion to Lance’s voice. He cleared his throat as the rest of the team running off to get into their gear, catching up with Lance.

“Are you okay, Lance?” Shiro asked kindly.

“What? I’m fan-tastic, ready to seize the day!” Lance beamed.

“Hmm,” Shiro merely grunted, not too convinced but let it go for the time being, giving Lance a friendly pat on the back.

Lance kept his smiley, energetic facade on until Shiro and everyone else were out of his sight, and then proceeded to cough a short fit of chesty wet coughs into his arm.

Lance groaned softly, wondering how he was going to get through today.

Lance dodged Keith’s swing sloppily, last minute and nearly tripping over his own feet. He breathed noisily through his mouth, his nose completely stuffed. He could barely even see Keith with his vision turned a blur from his awful headache.

“You’re slacking, Lance!” Keith taunted, dodging a sloppy swing from Lance with ease.

Lance made a groan of frustration and annoyance, his nose starting to burn with a tickling sensation, averting all his attention towards it. Due to the overpowering sensation, he lost all his concentration and ended up being hit by Keith. Extremely hard.

Lance let out a hiss of pain, swallowing to stop himself from being any louder than he    already was being. He dropped everything, his frame tipping slightly as he rested his hands on his knees to support himself. The one good thing that came from this was that at least now, he lost the about the tickle, but instead had a throbbing pain in his leg.

Keith’s face went completely white, eyes widening in shock. He rushed towards Lance in worry, dropping everything. He wrapped an arm around Lance’s shoulder to help him stand upright and steady.

“Are you okay?!” Keith asked frantically, guilt dropping out of his voice.

“I’m fine, Keith!” Lance snapped, pushing the boy off of him and stood straight on his own, causing his head to spin. He sniffled weakly, trying to steady himself so he could see straight.

Pidge came up to them, examining Lance’s leg, raising an eyebrow quizzically, “There’s not much damage done here, thankfully. Just a bruising at most.”

“I’m not weak!” Lance hissed, becoming slightly delirious.

Pidge widened her eyes, “What?! No, Lance! That’s not what I meant at all!”

Lance let out a shaky breath, realising what he had done and softened. In that moment he looked much younger, tired, weak. “I’m sorry,” he croaked softly, voice scratchy.

Hunk frowned, “Lance, what’s wrong?”

Lance shook his head aggressively, picking back up and getting himself into a a fighting position. He faced Keith, pulling on a determined look, as he painted. Suddenly, the tickle from earlier returning with vengeance, intense and burning that there was no time for a build up. He simply launched into an powerful fit of sneezing, head snapping forward with each one, which progressively got more forceful.

As he finished, his pounding headache worsened from the impact of snapping forward repeatedly. He slumped forward, giving in to his illness as he allowed himself to feel the true extent of his illness.

“..Lance..?” Pidge called gently.

Lance sniffled, letting out tiny little chesty coughs due to his congestion. He looked pathetic, a complete contrast to his bubbly, friendly exterior.

“What’s wrong?” Hunk asked patiently, a gentle hand propping itself on Lance’s shoulder.

Lance looked up blearily, eyes watery and exhausted, letting out a shaky little sigh before starting his sentence with a congested, little cough, “..I just don’t feel very well..”

Shiro smiled softly, approaching the younger boy and holding him by the shoulders, “Oh Lance..you should’ve told us. You know we wouldn’t have made you do this if we knew you weren’t feeling good.”

Lance sniffled, leaning against Shiro’s steady embrace, “I know..I just..”

“You just..?”

“…I didn’t want you guys to think I was weak,” Lance choked.

Pidge looked bewildered, “What?! We would never think that! Why would you think that? We would be nowhere without you!”

Lance shrugged, “..I don’t know..I wanted to prove to you guys..to myself..that I have a place here, I guess. It’s all just so overwhelming..”

Hunk frowned, “Awh Lance! You have nothing to prove, you’ve already proven yourself time and time again! We wouldn’t have even been able to do all of this if you haven’t connected with Blue!”

Lance managed a tiny smile, “..I just..I don’t know, feel inferior to all you guys. You’re all so talented..”

“Well, that is a load of garbage,” Keith said.

Pidge blinked, looking over at him, “Keith!”

He shook his head, “Lance, you are one of the most talented people I have ever met. You never seize to impress me everyday, and I learn more about you and realise that you’ve really got something. It’s a load of garbage that you think otherwise.”

Lance managed a small smirk, “..I..impress you?”

Keith blushed, looking away in embarrassment, “..That’s all I’m going to say.”

“Ah, there he is,” Pidge joked.

Shiro felt Lance’s forehead with the back of his hand, frowning, “You’ve got a bit of a fever too..you need to get to bed and get some rest. We need you in tip top shape as soon as possible, because we do really need you, Lance.”

Lance gave him a small smile, “..Okay.”

With that, Hunk swooped in and picked Lance up in his arms, giving him a large, loving grin, “Nurse Hunk to the rescue!! I’ll cook you up some good soup in just a little bit!”

The Paladins escorted Lance to his room, where they safely put him into bed, where Hunk said his farewells to make Lance some soup, shortly followed by Pidge who went to find some medicine, then Shiro who went to inform Coran and Allura, leaving him with Keith.

Keith fluffed up Lance’s pillow and tucked him into his blanket, feeling his cheek, brushing hair out of his face, in that totally loving mushy gushy out of character way that left Lance bewildered and having an out of body experience. He didn’t know if this was his fever or real life.

Keith answered that question for him, a slight blush to his cheeks, “..Don’t get yourself excited, I’m not going to be doing this every night now.”

Lance pulled on a look of fake disgust, “Eugh, I wouldn’t want you to.”

Keith smiled softly and sat at the edge of his bed, arms crossed and obviously finding trouble keeping eye contact with him, “..Lance..”

“Mm?”

“..I..didn’t know you felt that way. I-I know this is weird, and let’s not make it weird but if you ever want anyone to talk to..I’m right here, any time at all,” he stammered.

Lance gave him a small woozy smile, a soft, kittenish sneeze escaping him before he sniffled, snuggling into his covers. “..Right back at ya Keith..I’m here too..”

Keith smiled softly, gazing over at Lance with care, watching as the boy’s eyelids slowly drooped, clearly exhausted. He chuckled, “Get some sleep, Lance.”

Allura gently opened the door to Lance’s room, having decided to check on the Paladin and to see if he was well, only to see Keith sitting right by Lance’s side, a loving gaze on his eyes as he watched him sleep, as if trying to keep him safe.

Keith tensed as he heard her come in, whipping his head around to face her and relaxed as he realised it was only her. Suddenly, he realised what had happened and blushed with embarrassment, “uh..listen..”

Allura only smiled, “No, you don’t have to say anything. And I won’t either.”

She left shortly after, knowing Lance would be just fine if Keith was there by his side. And she was right, because Keith remained there to ensure that Lance was alright, making a vow to himself that nothing would ever hurt this boy, and the rest of his friends would help him do so.

[bigyack-com]

Kept at the Hospital on Coronavirus Fears, Now Facing Large Medical Bills

Frank Wucinski and his 3-year-old daughter, Annabel, are among the dozens of Americans the government has flown back to the country from Wuhan, China, and put under quarantine to check for signs of coronavirus. Now they are among what could become a growing number of families hit with surprise medical bills related to government-mandated actions. Mr. Wucinski, a Pennsylvania native who has lived in China for years, accepted the U.S. government’s offer to evacuate from Wuhan with Annabel in early February as the new coronavirus spread. His wife, who is not an American citizen and remains in China, developed pneumonia that doctors think resulted from Covid-19, the disease caused by the respiratory virus. Her father, whom she helped care for, was infected and recently died. The first stop for Mr. Wucinski and Annabel was a two-week quarantine at Marine Corps Station Miramar near San Diego. During that time, they had two mandatory stays in an isolation unit at a nearby children’s hospital. The first started upon arrival in the United States, and the second was a few days later, after an official heard Annabel coughing. “The hospital staff were very nice, they brought us a lot of toys,” Mr. Wucinski said. “Each time it was three or four days. I love my daughter to death, but being in the same room that long, she is not a great conversationalist.” Both have repeatedly tested negative for the virus. After their release from quarantine, Mr. Wucinski and his daughter went to stay with his mother in Harrisburg, Pa. That’s where they found a pile of medical bills waiting: $3,918 in charges from hospital doctors, radiologists and an ambulance company. “I assumed it was all being paid for,” Mr. Wucinski said. “We didn’t have a choice. When the bills showed up, it was just a pit in my stomach, like, ‘How do I pay for this?’” Updated Feb. 26, 2020 What is a coronavirus? It is a novel virus named for the crownlike spikes that protrude from its surface. The coronavirus can infect both animals and people and can cause a range of respiratory illnesses from the common cold to more dangerous conditions like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS. How do I keep myself and others safe? Washing your hands frequently is the most important thing you can do, along with staying at home when you’re sick. What if I’m traveling? The C.D.C. has warned older and at-risk travelers to avoid Japan, Italy and Iran. The agency also has advised against all nonessential travel to South Korea and China. Where has the virus spread? The virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has sickened more than 80,000 people in at least 33 countries, including Italy, Iran and South Korea. How contagious is the virus? According to preliminary research, it seems moderately infectious, similar to SARS, and is probably transmitted through sneezes, coughs and contaminated surfaces. Scientists have estimated that each infected person could spread it to somewhere between 1.5 and 3.5 people without effective containment measures. Who is working to contain the virus? World Health Organization officials have been working with officials in China, where growth has slowed. But this week, as confirmed cases spiked on two continents, experts warned that the world was not ready for a major outbreak. Mr. Wucinski’s employer, a standardized testing company, provided health benefits when he lived in China but does not offer coverage in the United States. Patients in the United States regularly confront surprise medical bills that are hard to decode. Mr. Wucinski’s case suggests that those held in mandatory isolation for suspected coronavirus may be no exception. The federal government has the authority to quarantine and isolate patients if officials believe them to be a public health threat. These powers, which date back to cholera outbreaks among ship passengers in the late 19th century, are rarely used. They don’t say anything about who pays when the isolation happens in a nongovernmental medical facility — or when they’re brought there by a private ambulance company. “There is no uniform practice,” said Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health law at Georgetown University. “They do have the powers, but they’ve almost never used them in modern times.” Few patients have been held in mandatory isolation, but the number is likely to grow if the coronavirus continues to spread across the United States. Eleven cases were confirmed in San Antonio on Friday evening. Earlier in the day, public health authorities identified a second case in California and a first in Oregon in which patients who had not traveled to an affected country became infected. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spokesman declined to comment on whether it would pay the bills of patients kept in mandatory isolation. Mr. Gostin worries that high charges for mandatory isolation could make patients wary of seeking needed medical treatment. “The most important rule of public health is to gain the cooperation of the population,” he said. “There are legal, moral and public health reasons not to charge the patients.” These hospital stays could prove expensive. The International Federation of Health Plans estimates that the average day in a U.S. hospital costs $4,293, compared with $1,308 in Australia and $481 in Spain. The hospital stays may be especially costly for patients without health insurance or for those who have large deductibles, which they must pay before their health benefits kick in. Mr. Wucinski recalls other patients asking about how medical bills would be handled during daily town hall meetings for those quarantined at the Marine Corps station. He felt the answers weren’t clear. He did receive a document upon leaving quarantine directing him to contact a government email address with any medical bills. He sent an email on Feb. 24 detailing the charges and asking what would be done. “My question is why are we being charged for these stays, if they were mandatory and we had no choice in the matter?” Mr. Wucinski wrote in his message. He has not received a response, he said. When contacted by The New York Times, a Rady Children’s Hospital spokesman said the physicians’ bill had been sent in error and that the family would not be held responsible for the charges. “We’re in the process of assessing how the error occurred,” the spokesman, Benjamin Metcalf, said. “We are working with government agencies regarding billing for these cases.” But the hospital bill represented only a fraction of those the family received. The ambulance company that transported the Wucinskis, American Medical Response, charged the family $2,598 for taking them to the hospital. A company representative declined to comment on the bill “due to patient privacy concerns,” but said the company would look into the case. An additional $90 in charges came from radiologists who read the patients’ X-ray scans and do not work for the hospital. Having such doctors, who may be outside a patient’s insurance networks, provide services to hospital patients is one of the major causes of surprise medical bills. The radiologists’ employer, San Diego Medical Imaging Group, did not respond to a request for comment. Mr. Wucinski is looking into whether he or his daughter might qualify for Medicaid, the public insurance program that covers low-income Americans. Some news outlets have seized on the fact that he coughed enough on a recent television interview to require water. Mr. Wucinski recently noticed that his daughter is blinking a lot and hopes to get the issue examined by a doctor, but is worried about the charges they may face. He has wondered whether the stress of the past month and the separation from her mother has played a role. “I should take her to the doctor this week for a checkup, but we don’t have insurance, so it’s just going to have to be cash,” he said. Read the full article