#i stay in the hospital they give me blood transfusion

[smoothpeanut]

Coloring with Cleo as an attempted distraction during Real Anxiety Hours ™

[steddieas-shegoes]

Requests: Steve adopting an abandoned child post earthquake in Hawkins after the spring break from hell. And him realizing all the ways he was hurt as a child due to his parents neglect. And how he overcomes it and raises his baby-child with gentleness, warmth, patience and love

OKAY GENUINELY I GOT SO CARRIED AWAY WITH THIS PROMPT AND IT STILL WASN'T AS MUCH AS I WANTED TO DO. FAIR WARNING: this is an emotional roller coaster. It ends HAPPY. But there are a lot of sad and bittersweet moments and feelings leading up to that moment. There is the mention of child neglect, and that can be difficult for some people to read, even with a happy ending, so please keep that in mind before starting this. Also, this is not how the law or CPS works at all, and it wasn't in the 80s either, but this is fiction and I do what I want. I hope someone can continue this idea somewhere because it is so special to me now. This is 6200 words of me not knowing how to wrap it up with a bow. I hope you love this my darling, thank you for this one. - Mickala ❤️

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Steve spent the last 12 hours pacing the waiting room floor at the hospital. He’d promised the kids he would stay until there was an update on Eddie and Max, and their parents had insisted they go home after they’d been quickly attended to for their minor injuries.

Max was stable, but not awake. They weren’t sure if she ever would be again. Steve passed that on to Nancy so she could call everyone.

Eddie finally made it out of surgery, alive, but barely.

He’d lost a lot of blood and they weren’t able to give him a transfusion until Wayne got there to donate.

It was touch and go for another few hours in recovery.

But things calmed down a bit, his heart rate settling at a normal rate, his oxygen maintaining where it should be with the mask on, the bleeding stopped and his blood regenerating on its own.

He wasn’t awake, but he was alive.

That was enough for Wayne and Hopper to kick him out of the hospital and make him go home.

“Shower. Eat. Sleep. In that order, Harrington,” Hopper said, the gruffness in his voice overruled by the concern.

He was up to speed on everything he missed, and he wasn’t thrilled about how much Steve had put on the line for everyone.

So Steve left, even though he wanted to stay, needed to have eyes on Eddie, on Max.

He had to trust that they were being taken care of.

He made it home, did two of the three things Hopper told him to. His shower was long and hot, finally able to wash away the blood and dirt and Upside Down particles that clung to his skin for the last couple of days. His dinner was quick and unfulfilling, but frozen meals usually are.

And then he did try to sleep. He tried on the couch first, his usual go-to spot after crises. Then he tried to go to his bed, hoping the weight of his comforter would help lull him to sleep.

But two hours later, he was still wide awake.

So he got up, put on jeans and a sweater, and made his way to the school, where emergency services had been set up.

It was chaotic, still very little organization amongst groups. The firefighters had been dispatched all over town, and most medical professionals had been called into the hospital or to help EMTs on calls. A handful of teachers had been put in charge of the check-in process here, making sure anyone who came through was on a list of survivors first, then sent to help where they were needed if they were able.

Steve was able, so he put his name on the list and was told to stand with a group at the far corner of the gym. Everyone in this group was waiting for a dispatch crew of firefighters to come get them to help locate survivors.

They were given vests, gloves, and helmets to wear, and given quick safety briefings. They were told not to move any rubble, that if they suspected someone was under some, to call for the professionals. They were just extra eyes and ears because everyone was stretched too thin for a disaster of this magnitude and help from local towns was slow to arrive.

Steve figured this would help him, if he stayed busy and managed to help people, he wouldn’t think about how helpless he was when it came to Max and Eddie.

The first location they were dropped at was a small neighborhood on the outskirts of town. Most of the homes had been completely demolished, cracks in the ground swallowing pieces of them. If there were any survivors here, they would be in desperate need of medical attention.

But after nearly four hours of searching, only one person was found, their leg trapped under a large wooden beam. The leg was broken, but they were fine other than that.

Steve felt relief that nothing more serious had happened there.

But the second area was worse.

It wasn’t a neighborhood, just a small wooded area surrounding two homes a good distance apart. Surprisingly, the homes were still standing, but everything around them was destroyed. Fires had been only recently extinguished, downed trees and power lines blocking most of the driveway and road in front of them.

“This should be relatively quick, both homes are empty and cars are gone, so we think everyone managed to get out safely, but we do need to be sure,” the firefighter in charge of this group said before leading them forward.

The smaller of the two houses was empty, though a mess, like the occupants had rushed to pack necessities and threw anything else on the ground as they rushed to get out.

The other home, though, was surprisingly clean. Kept up in a way Steve wouldn’t have expected for the panic most people showed while escaping town.

Everyone assumed maybe the occupants hadn’t even been home when the quake hit.

But Steve decided to go upstairs anyway.

Something was telling him this wasn’t normal.

It felt familiar in a way he didn’t want to acknowledge yet.

No one else followed him, all of the volunteers congregating in the living room area to discuss their next location before heading back to the school for a break.

Steve followed his gut, and his gut told him to check the bedroom at the end of the hall.

He opened the door, not surprised to see that nothing seemed strange at first glance.

Then he saw movement out of the corner of his eye, under the bed.

He would’ve checked there anyway, that’s where he would have hidden in this kind of situation, too.

“I guess this place is all clear,” Steve said, quiet enough not to be heard by anyone downstairs yet, but loud enough to be heard by the person under the bed.

“Wait!”

It was a kid, Steve figured as much based on the items on the desk in the corner and the poster on the wall.

The small boy crawled out from under the bed, panic on his face.

“Are you gonna take me to my parents?” The boy asked, lips wobbling.

“I’m gonna try. I’m Steve, what’s your name?”

“Elliott.”

“Nice to meet you, Elliott. How old are you?”

“Nine.”

Jesus Christ. Where had his parents even been? Why weren’t they looking for him?

He hoped they were on their way back and just stuck trying to get into town.

But a part of him had already known that wasn’t true. A part of him knew the moment they pulled into the area that he’d find someone left here, someone who shouldn’t have ever been alone.

“Alright, Elliott, let’s get you back to the school. We can put your name on the list so your parents can find you easier, okay? I can stay with you until they get here.”

“I don’t know if they will.”

Steve’s heart stopped for a moment.

Sure, his parents never came back after the Upside Down bullshit, but he’d been a teenager and adult. They probably assumed he wasn’t involved in any of it and was fine.

But Elliott was nine. Even his parents would have come back for him at that age.

They never should have left him alone to begin with, but even they knew the trouble they’d be in for leaving him at that age after a fucking earthquake.

“Of course they will, buddy. It’s just hard getting into Hawkins right now, you’ll see on our way back.”

He placed his hand on Elliott’s shoulder, not surprised when he tensed up under him for a moment before he relaxed.

Steve hadn’t been used to casual touch until he met Nancy.

But Elliott deserved to feel cared for right now, so he kept his hand there, let him get used to it for a moment, and then guided him out the door and down the stairs.

Most of the group had moved back outside, but a few people remained.

One of the few women in the group looked over at his entrance, her jaw dropping when she saw he had a child with him.

“Oh my God!”

Steve held his hand up, knowing Elliott probably didn’t want to draw a lot of attention to himself.

“He’s okay. He managed to find a safe place to hide. His parents might be looking for him though so we should get him back,” Steve said calmly.

No one crowded him, but the firefighter waiting by the van that was transporting everyone checked his heart and lungs, made sure he didn’t have any visible wounds or injuries.

Elliott didn’t let go of Steve the entire time, his hand gripping his forearm like he was terrified to lose him among the group.

Steve didn’t try to pull away, not once.

He knew Elliott needed someone. He could be that someone for him.

—-------------

When they arrived back at the school, they put his name on the list, and since he was a minor, they had him go to one of the classrooms that was being watched over by security while they tried to contact his parents.

He told them they left for a business trip over a week ago, he didn’t know when they would be back, and his aunt checked on him every morning, but he hadn’t seen her since the quake.

Steve stood by as he spoke to the responsible adults, not letting Elliott out of his sight.

Elliott begged for Steve to come with him to wait while they tried to locate his parents, so he did.

He realized pretty quickly that Elliott must not have slept last night; He curled against Steve’s side on the floor almost immediately and fell asleep, light snores making Steve smile to himself.

The floor was hard, the wall behind him was somehow harder, but he wouldn’t move short of another emergency.

They stayed like that for hours, kids coming and going as more were found and reunited with their families.

Elliott was the youngest one left in the room, all the other kids high school age.

When one of the men from the group he was in earlier came in the room to get another kid, he asked if there was any update on Elliott.

“Nah, they’re still trying to find them. The aunt um…” The guy looked nervously down at the sleeping Elliott. “She didn’t make it. Was on her way to try to get him when another crack hit the road she was driving on, car crashed. They contacted the dad’s business and were told he’s out of the country and won’t be returning calls until next week.”

“How long are they gonna make him stay here while they figure it out?”

“No clue, man. I’ll ask someone.”

But he didn’t come back and Elliott deserved something better than the floor to sleep on.

“Hey, buddy,” Steve said, gently nudging his shoulder to wake him up. “Sorry, just gotta run and ask someone something real quick.”

Elliott grabbed his shirt, holding it in his fist tightly.

“Don’t go! Please,” he begged, tears welling in his eyes.

Steve’s heart broke.

He’d been this kid for so much of his childhood, practically begging people to stick around so he didn’t have to be drenched in loneliness again.

He knew he would be right back, but to Elliott, especially after the quake, he probably felt like anyone who left would be gone forever.

“Come with me. We’ll find you some dinner while I find out how things are going.”

He stood up, his legs numb from sitting on the floor so long, and helped Elliott find his balance after waking up so abruptly.

They left the room, the security nodding them on when he saw Steve was with him, and walked down the hall to the cafeteria area.

They were serving ham and cheese sandwiches, bags of chips, and water for everyone. It wasn’t much, but it was enough for now.

If he could find a phone, maybe he could get Robin to bring him and Elliott more food.

Elliott shyly thanked the person handing out the meals, and Steve slowly guided him to an empty table while his eyes searched for anyone he recognized.

He almost did a happy dance when he saw Dustin and Claudia across the room.

“Hey, that’s actually my friend and his mom. Can you wait here while I grab them?”

Elliott nodded nervously, clearly only letting him walk away because he would be within his sight the entire time.

Steve ran over to them, wincing slightly when the bite on his stomach started pulsing. Probably should take it easier while that healed.

“Dustin!” Steve exclaimed as he got closer.

Dustin’s head shot around, smile lighting up his face as he realized it was Steve.

“Dude! Everyone’s been trying to find you for hours. Have you been here all day?”

“Kinda. I came to help with searching and I found a kid earlier. They’re trying to find his parents, but he’s been kind of attached to me.”

“Damn, I hope they find them soon. Phone lines keep going down. You seen Hopper come by yet?”

“No, has he gotten any sleep yet?”

“Doubt it. Ma, do you have any cookies left for Steve?”

Claudia came bustling over, digging through her purse as she walked.

“Oh, I’m sure I do! Hi, Steve, dear. Hope you’re doing okay in all this madness.”

“I’m doing alright,” Steve gave her a small smile as she managed to find the cookies and hand them over. “Hey, do you know the parents of Elliott Devers?”

“Oh, I know of them, sure. Only met them once, they never seem to be in town. He’s a sweet boy, his aunt seems to take care of him most of the time.”

Steve filled her in on what he knew so far, that Elliott’s aunt had died, that no one could reach his parents, that he’d been alone in the house for at least a full day before Steve found him.

That Elliott didn’t seem to want to be separated from Steve.

Dustin was watching him talk, eyebrows furrowing like he was trying to think of something.

“Wait, his dad’s the guy who was under investigation for tax evasion, fraud, and identity theft, isn’t he?”

Steve’s stomach dropped.

His brain made connections that only children of rich parents can in a matter of seconds.

His parents ran to another country on “business” because that was the only way they were allowed to leave while he was under investigation. No one could reach them because they gave fake information so they could go into hiding. Because he was guilty of all of the things he was under investigation for and didn’t want to lose everything and end up in prison.

Fuck.

Claudia must have realized the same thing, a deep frown settling on her face.

“Elliott is the boy sitting at that table?” She asked as she pointed towards him.

He was watching them as he ate, eyes wide as he kept glancing around the room.

Steve nodded.

“If they ran, and they aren’t coming back, where will he go?” Steve asked.

“I’m sure he’ll be placed with a family who can take him until they can figure out a more permanent place, but that may be hard right now with so many people leaving Hawkins. He may have to leave town,” Claudia said, though Steve could tell she was trying to figure out how to take him in, even if only for a few days.

“What would I have to do to keep him while they keep looking?”

“Oh, that’s a question for Hopper, sweetie. I’m not sure you’d fit the requirements, even though I think he’d be very lucky to get to stay with you,” Claudia touched his arm, giving it a gentle squeeze in comfort.

“Is he coming by?”

“Hopper? Yes, he just got done at the hospital handling some things for Edward,” Claudia said.

“Eddie, Ma, how many times do I have to tell you?”

“The tone! Watch it!” Steve said before Claudia could respond.

She smirked at Steve, then gave Dustin a look that said she wasn’t going to listen to him and walked away.

“I gotta go with her, she’s bringing dinner to Wayne at the hospital.”

“Is Eddie awake?”

“Not yet, but they think it could be anytime. They said the drugs in his system are heavy enough to keep him out for a while.”

“But he seems okay?”

“Yeah.”

“Max?”

He almost didn’t want to ask, but he had to.

“No news.”

Steve nodded once, acknowledging that Dustin didn’t want to talk about it right now, that it was tough to even think about how she was probably not gonna wake up anytime soon if ever.

“Hey, come by my house tomorrow, okay? We can watch a movie or somethin’.”

“Sure.”

Steve gave Dustin a quick hug before making his way back to Elliott, who looked like he might start crying any moment.

“Hey, buddy. Sorry that took longer than I thought, but…” Steve pulled the bag of cookies from behind his back with a smile. “I got cookies! Claudia makes the best chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. You’ll love them.”

Elliott relaxed a little, smiling up at Steve as he reached for the bag of cookies.

“Is she nice? She looks nice.”

“She’s awesome. She always brings me soup if I’m sick.”

“Is that what moms do? My aunt sometimes does, but she doesn’t know how to make the kind I like.”

Steve bit his lip.

“What kind do you like?”

“My favorite is tomato and noodles. She can only make chicken noodle. It’s okay, but sometimes it has a funny taste.”

Steve smiled at him, glad he was at least talking, even if what he was saying was heartbreaking.

“I’m sure Claudia can make you some tomato and noodles. I’ll call and ask.”

“But not now, right?”

Elliott’s voice filled with panic, his eyes widening.

“No, I’m staying with you right now. The chief should be here soon and we can figure out what’s going on, okay?”

“Like, the chief of police? You know him?”

“Yeah, Hopper’s nice. Don’t let his mean face scare you. He’s kind of a teddy bear.”

“Excuse you, I’m not a teddy bear. I’m a grizzly bear,” Hopper said behind Steve.

Elliott laughed, and Hopper tried to hide a small smile. Teddy bear.

“Are you Elliott?” Elliott nodded. “Can we go talk for a few minutes just us? I promise Steve can wait right outside the door.”

Hopper gave Steve a look that said he was about to ruin this kid’s day as if it didn’t already suck enough.

“Um, can Steve come in the room too?”

“If you want him to, sure.”

“I want him to.”

“Okay then, let’s go.”

Steve grabbed everything off the tables, throwing the trash away on the walk towards the teacher’s lounge area that had been set up for the cops to conduct phone calls and interviews as needed.

It was empty now, probably thanks to Hopper taking control quickly.

They sat down around a table, Elliott’s hand finding Steve’s quickly.

“Alright, Elliott, so I have a few questions and then I have some news,” Hopper started, his voice maintaining no emotion the way he’d been taught.

“Okay.”

“How long have your parents been gone this time?”

“I dunno. A week, maybe a little longer.”

“And you were alone that whole time?”

Elliott looked to Steve, like he needed help to answer, but Steve just smiled at him and mouthed ‘just be honest, you’re not in trouble.’

“Most of the time. My aunt came to check on me in the mornings and bring me food for the day.”

“Aunt Janice?”

“Yeah.”

“Bud, I’m sorry to tell ya this, but your Aunt Janice was in a really bad accident and didn’t make it,” Hopper’s voice started to show some emotion, but Steve squeezed Elliott’s hand so he wouldn’t focus on that.

“She died?”

“Yeah, bud. I’m sorry.”

“But who will bring me food in the morning?”

Steve couldn’t do this. Holy shit, he could not do this. How was Hopper able to do this?

“Well, we still haven’t been able to call your parents. Do you know exactly where they might be?”

“I don’t know. They don’t tell me where they go.”

Steve and Hopper looked at each other.

Hopper knew Steve had been in a similar position when he was younger, but no one checked on him. Hopper had often been the one to show up at his door during his early teens to make sure he had food and wasn’t hurt.

“What if he stayed with me until you find them?” Steve asked Hopper.

Elliott turned to him.

“I can stay with you?” He asked excitedly.

“Oh, I’m not sure about that. There’s a process for this kinda thing,” Hopper began.

“Then start the process. He’s staying with me,” Steve said firmly, not caring if he sounded rude, not caring if Hopper hated him for it, just wanting Elliott safe and in a house instead of a school converted to a disaster relief zone.

Hopper eyed him up and down, and the way Elliott was holding his hand and bouncing excitedly in his chair.

“Alright, fine. But it’s a week by week basis until we can get ahold of his parents,” Hopper said directly to Steve.

“Steve, do you have a microwave? I make popcorn so good, like so good. I can make it tonight even!”

Steve smiled at him, and then at Hopper, who was watching with a fond smile.

“I’m sure I have what you need to make some popcorn, buddy.”

“You wait here, I have to get the release from CPS. They’re in the front office.”

Elliott went on and on about all the things they could do while he stayed with him, and when he found out Steve had a pool, he didn’t even stop for breath as he explained that he was the best swimmer when they took a field trip last year to the pool and that he could probably even beat Steve in a race.

Steve just smiled and agreed.

—-----------------------

A week with Elliott went by, and it was easy.

Steve was terrified how quickly he just fit in.

He fit in at his house, making it feel like a home, with his rambunctious energy and nightly popcorn making.

He fit in with the kids, showing interest in D&D even though he’d never heard of it before.

He even fit with Robin, who kind of hated kids, but thought Elliott was probably the cutest kid she’d ever met.

One night, while Dustin and Mike were showing Elliott how to build a character, Robin asked him the question he’d been dreading.

“What happens if he can’t stay?”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m assuming they’ll find his parents soon, and when they do, he’ll have to go live with them again. Or at least his mom since his dad will be in prison for life at this rate. How are you gonna handle that?”

He had no clue. He wanted Elliott to have parents who stuck around, and who loved him, and let him pop popcorn every night.

But realistically, even if they did come back, that wasn’t what his life would look like.

His life would be a lot like Steve’s was, sad and lonely, and he didn’t deserve that.

“I’m gonna fight for him. I don’t know what that means yet, but I know that whatever is best for him is what I’m gonna make sure happens.”

Robin wrapped him up in a hug, her arms squeezing him to her.

“You’re gonna be a great dad someday.”

No one had ever said that to him before.

But maybe he could believe it.

—-------------------------------------

Steve was the first person to come to the hospital when Eddie woke up, Elliott excitedly chattering from the backseat of his car the whole way.

It was helping Steve’s nerves, but he knew he wasn’t giving Elliott the attention he needed.

“Sorry, buddy. What was that?”

Elliott was quiet for a moment.

“Are you worried?”

Steve smiled at him in the rearview mirror, his hands gripping the wheel tight.

“A little. You remember how everyone told you about Eddie? How he saved us all and almost died?”

“Yeah, he’s a hero!”

“He is. But he’s still healing and I’m just worried about how hurt he is.”

“Oh. So we can’t hug him or hold his hand to help him feel better?” Elliott groaned. “Oh man, I was gonna bring him popcorn!”

Steve laughed quietly to himself.

“I think he’s on a pretty strict diet right now, buddy. Maybe when he’s out of the hospital we can have him over for a movie and you can make him some.”

“When will he be out?”

“I dunno yet. I think it might still be a little while.”

“Will I still live with you then?”

Steve gulped.

“I hope so.”

“Me too,” Elliott said quietly, staring out the window as they pulled into the hospital parking lot.

His mood was a bit somber as they walked through the halls of the bustling hospital, going to the fifth floor in the elevator where Eddie’s room was.

When he got to the right room, he knocked on the door even though it was open, smiling in at Wayne.

“Hey, come in, Steve. Eddie, Steve’s here,” Wayne said as he turned to Eddie, who was awake, but mostly horizontal still in bed.

“Steve?” Eddie’s rough voice asked.

“Hey, Eds. Hope it’s okay I brought my buddy, Elliott, to say hi. He’s heard a lot about you and Dustin and Mike and Will have been teaching him D&D for when you get out of here.”

Steve walked close to the bed, holding Elliott’s hand. He seemed shy suddenly, which wasn’t like him, not since he was living with Steve.

“Hey, Elliott. You keepin’ Steve company?”

“Yes, sir.”

Wayne snorted.

“Oh, son, you don’t have to be formal with Eddie. He’s barely older than you in his head.”

Eddie glared at Wayne, but smiled at Elliott.

“Seriously, bud, just Eddie is fine. So you ready for a campaign?”

“I dunno. Dustin said maybe I can play with you guys?”

“‘Course you can. I have so many ideas when I get outta here.”

Eddie turned to Steve and gave him a smirk.

“As long as we can host at your place?”

Steve blushed, remembering the last time he had Eddie’s full attention on him, back when his words “make him pay” sounded a lot like “I love you.”

“Yeah. Yeah, we can do that. When do you get out of here?”

Elliott was loosening his anxious grip on Steve’s hand as the nerves wore off.

“They said not for a couple weeks, but I’m gonna walk right out of here the moment I can feel my legs again.”

Elliott let out a giggle and Eddie smiled.

“You can help me, right? I may need some support to run for it.”

“No! You have to stay until you’re all better, goofball.”

“That’s exactly what I told him, Elliott. You’re much wiser than he is,” Wayne said with a roll of his eyes.

Elliott moved closer to the side of the bed, his hands folded in front of him.

“Um. Could I hold your hand? So you feel better?”

Steve was going to cry.

Eddie kind of looked like he might, too.

“Yeah, I could use a hand to hold, bud. Thanks for offering. Wayne’s hand gets sweaty, but don’t tell him I said that,” he whispered the last part to Elliott, but loud enough so everyone could still hear.

Elliott held his hand, sitting carefully on the edge of the bed.

He told Eddie all about the character Dustin and Mike helped him build, about how they might run a practice campaign with him soon. He told him about the popcorn he would make for the first time he came over.

Steve watched fondly, realizing quickly that this wasn’t something he could lose.

Not Elliott, and not Eddie either.

—-----------------------------

Elliott’s parents were still missing.

It’s been almost a month, Eddie was released from the hospital a day ago, and Elliott was still living with Steve.

The longer he stayed, the more it would hurt if he left.

They got into a routine.

School had been canceled for the rest of the year, so they mostly just made breakfast together, went in the pool, hung out with the kids, visited Eddie, played basketball, and had popcorn every night.

Steve knew Elliott was happy, he knew he was happy.

He was terrified it would end.

They were hosting Eddie for a movie night, and Elliott was more excited than ever.

Steve was a nervous wreck.

He was in charge of making sure Eddie didn’t overdo it, making sure he took his nighttime medications, and getting him to bed at a reasonable hour. According to Wayne, his pills made him tired and he would fight sleep if you didn’t force him into a bed.

Steve spent the day cleaning, baking, and preparing.

By dinner time, when Eddie would be arriving, Elliott was starting to question it.

“What’s wrong? Do you not want Eddie to come over?”

“No! Of course I want him to come over.”

“So…why are you being like this?”

“I’m…”

“Is it because you love Eddie?”

Steve choked on air.

“What?”

“Or do you think Eddie doesn’t love you?”

“Elliott, gonna say a big kid word right now. What the hell do you mean?”

Elliott rolled his eyes.

“You want to make Eddie feel happy and safe here, and you always get this stupid look on your face when we visit him, and then when I asked Wayne if you two were boyfriends he laughed and said ‘probably soon.’ So you love him, right?”

Steve’s mouth was working open and shut, open and shut, no noise coming out.

“Two boys can be together, you know. Robin told me.”

“She what? When?”

“When she told me two girls can be together.”

Steve put his face in his hands and couldn’t help the laugh of disbelief he let out as Elliott touched his back to comfort him.

“Did you not know you loved Eddie?”

“Uh. I guess I didn’t know that other people thought I loved Eddie.”

“Oh. So are you gonna be boyfriends?”

“I…I don’t know, buddy. Maybe.”

“I think you should be. Then it might be like I have two dads.”

What?

What.

“What?”

Elliott pulled his hand away and suddenly seemed nervous.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that.”

Steve couldn’t handle the look on Elliott’s face.

“Elliott, look at me, buddy.” He waited for Elliott to look at him. “Is that what you think of me as? Like your dad?”

Elliott nodded.

“Come here,” Steve said, pulling Elliott into a hug. “You’re the best kid, you know that?”

Elliott nodded, and Steve let out a wet laugh.

“Uh, everything okay in here?” Eddie said from the doorway.

“Eddie!” Elliott let out, and despite the mood of the previous conversation, he was smiling from ear to ear.

Eddie smiled at him and pulled him into the least hurt side of him for a hug.

He looked at Steve with a questioning look. Steve just shook his head quickly, wiping the tears from his eyes quickly.

“Can I make popcorn now, pleeeeease?” Elliott asked, bouncing on his heels.

“Yes, fine. But only one bowl right now. You can make more after dinner.”

“Okay, dad!” he yelled as he ran to the popcorn maker.

Eddie’s brows raised to his forehead as he looked at Steve, who was crying buckets at this point.

“What’s that about, Stevie?” Eddie whispered as he came up to him.

“I um, I guess he just feels like I’m his dad,” Steve shrugged.

“Are you okay with that?”

“I just don’t want him to go.”

“Oh, sweetheart,” Eddie said, pulling Steve into a crushing hug that had to hurt him. Steve sniffled against his shoulder, letting himself cry for a minute. “Did Hopper say he may have to go soon?”

“No, but I mean, if they find his parents or if CPS decides he has to go to a real family, then he’ll have to.”

“Stevie, they wouldn’t just take him. Not when he’s safe here and wants to be here. I promise.”

“But what if he goes somewhere far away or to people who won’t let me see him?”

Eddie held the back of his head against his shoulder, placing a kiss to the top of his head.

“He won’t. We’ll fight for him to stay here, okay? He’s got a family here, with us. Right?”

“Us?” Steve asked as he pulled away.

“Yeah. Us. Sound okay to you?”

Steve could only nod as he wiped his running nose.

How attractive.

“Hopper still doesn’t have any idea where they are, right?”

“Nope.”

“They’ll give up eventually. I hate to say it, but they won’t put more effort into a kid who has a safe place to go when they have bigger problems. Like how half the town is still homeless because of a fucking earthquake.”

“That’s a big kid word!” Elliott yelled from his spot at the counter.

“I’m a big kid!” Eddie yelled back, smirking at Steve.

“But I’m not!” Elliott yelled as they heard the popcorn machine starting up.

“Fine!”

Eddie placed a kiss on Steve’s forehead, then one against his lips.

It was soft, chaste, barely a kiss at all.

But it was a perfect first kiss for them.

—----------------------------

Another month passed with no news.

Eddie was at Steve’s house almost every day, spending time with Elliott, spending time with the party, with Steve.

Steve had converted the main guest room into Elliott’s permanent bedroom, but was scared to think of it that way still.

Eddie tried to reassure him, but even he was nervous that no final decisions had been made and the case remained open.

Until Hopper came by one night, well after Elliott went to bed. Eddie was doing the dishes while Steve was prepping some fruit for Elliott’s breakfast before his first day of summer camp the next day.

“Hop.”

Steve felt his stomach sink.

They were going to take Elliott.

“Steve. Can I come in?”

“Yeah.”

Steve let him in, his face forced into casual calm, but on the inside he was already screaming and crying about what was about to happen.

Hopper sat down on the chair, gesturing for Steve and Eddie to sit on the couch.

“So.”

“You’re taking him aren’t you? He can’t stay.”

“What? No.” Hopper frowned. “No, Steve. The opposite actually. We’re closing the case. CPS said after interviews with him, even if his parents did get found or come back on their own, he wouldn’t be put back in their care.”

“But what about putting him with another family?”

Hopper sighed. He watched Eddie place a hand on Steve’s knee to calm him down.

“They’ve spoken in detail with him about his current situation. They believe that you’re the person he wants to live with and they aren’t going to disrupt his life any more than it already has been. If that’s alright with you, of course.”

Steve felt like he could breathe for the first time in his life.

“He can stay? With me?”

“He can stay with you.”

Steve let out a sob and fell against Eddie’s side. Eddie was crying too, but trying to keep more control so he could comfort Steve.

“CPS has to do a home visit to finalize everything, but if you’re good with it, you can officially adopt him. He’s been considered abandoned by his parents, and since it’s been 60 days, they relinquish all rights automatically.”

“How quickly can we do that?”

“We? Both of you?”

“I mean, can we both even do that?”

Hopper shrugged.

“Don’t know. But they’re probably expecting just Steve for now. They’ll call tomorrow to schedule everything and give you a chance to talk to Elliott.”

Steve and Eddie both nodded.

“I’m gonna leave you two to it, but call me if you need me. Congrats, Steve. I know you wanted this. I know he wanted this.”

“Thanks.”

Hopper saw himself out, closing the door quietly so it wouldn’t wake Elliott up.

“Eddie, did that really happen? Am I dreaming?”

“No, sweetheart, you aren’t dreaming.”

“I get to be his dad.”

“Yeah, you do.”

“And you?”

“What about me?”

“Do you want to be his other dad?”

“I would love to, baby. Let’s ask him tomorrow, though. It’s up to him.”

Steve nodded.

It was up to Elliott, but he knew what Elliott wanted.

He knew what he wanted.

They were gonna be a family. A real family. No more worrying about someone deciding to take Elliott away from him.

He could finally use this house that had been left to him by his parents for something other than being miserable. He could keep it filled with love and laughter and happiness and maybe the occasional stupid argument.

Maybe Elliott would make friends at school in the fall and want to have hangouts here. Maybe they could both save up some money and take him on a vacation somewhere. Maybe someday they could get married and Elliott could be the best man.

Anything could happen.

Steve couldn’t wait.

[cbrownjc]

Hi! I hope you don't mind getting an ask from me even though we've never interacted.

I have a question about Old Daniel in the IWTV series, but I don't know how to put it except: what exactly is his current health situation? He has Parkinson's disease (or at least they show us ha has some symtomps, and Daniel says it is Parkinson's), but in ep 01 of the first season Louis calls it an "autoimmune disease" (which Parkinson's is not).

They show us that Daniel keeps a bunch of pill containers on his table in his apartment, which makes sense with how Parkinson's would be treated, but then there's the "levodopa transfusion" scene which does not. (I could try to explain the pharmacokinetic reason if you're interested).

And then there's the meals, during which they keep filling his wine glass, the two Martini scenes. . . why do they keep giving him drinks?They arrange for a doctor to come and administer the "therapy" (I'm not buying that it's levodopa), but he can have all the alcoholic beverages in the world? When they most likely would interfere with the pharmacological therapy he's supposed to be taking?

It all seems a bit suspicious to me. What do you think?

(apologies for any mistakes, english is not my first language)

Hi! It's fine to ask me questions even if we've never interacted before, I don't mind. 🙂

So, as far as we know older Daniel on the show has Parkinson's disease for sure. Daniel pretty much confirmed he does because Louis said he had it and Daniel confirmed it in episode 1x01. And the shaking very much shows he does have it IMO. Because he was specifically shown to be shaking back in episode 1x01 when he was trying to put the Fall of the Reble Angles puzzle together.

Now, as many who read my blog likely already know, I've talked about how my mom had Parkinson's and I was her primary caregiver (before she passed away). So I know a lot already about how that disease works. And so when Armand -- as Rashid -- was talking about "levodopa transfusions" for Daniel being scheduled back in episode 1x04 I was very much "WTF?" about that. The whole idea of that is sus because I know from experience that Daniel should just be taking his levodopa via pills. The only time my mom ever got levodopa administered via an IV drip was when she was staying overnight at a hospital.

So I've long thought there is way more going on with that "levodopa transfusions" Daniel got, and have talked about it here and here. Though at the current time, the theory I talk about in those links might be outdated at this point, though I think there might still be a little something to them.

But, if you know the lore, Dr. Fareed -- the doctor who arrived back in episode 1x06 to administer Daniel's transfusion -- is not only a vampire himself but runs a clinic in the books where he looks into and does experiments regarding vampire physiology. And something else that caught my eye about that clinic he runs as I've been reading Prince Lestat, is that it is said in the book that Fareed and his vampire Maker (and lover) Seth, "ran a small clinic for mortal incurables."

And Parkinson's is very much "incurable."

So yeah, I think something is going on when it comes to Dr. Fareed giving Daniel that IV drip of levodopa. Because even when it comes to the idea of cloning, that's a lot to go through just to get something like a blood sample or something I think. But hey, there's really no saying when it comes to that I guess . . .

As to such as Louis calling it an "autoimmune disease" I just chalk that up to either a writing mistake or, hell just Louis being a vampire. He might just not know the correct medical term to use for it. That is also something that is going into in the Prince Lestat book -- how it can sometimes be very hard for vampires to keep abreast of tech and other things at any given time if they do not encounter it or use it regularly. (Lestat is always forgetting and losing his iPhones). As to the alcohol that, again, could just be the show not really looking too closely at such things (because outside of medical shows, many drama shows don't), or maybe Daniel only being allowed one glass a night and being given some okay about it we never saw. Who knows at this point. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[alaydabug2]

Tag list: @sparklenarniawizard @imobsessed123 @thoughtlescat @ilikebookssomuch

Broken heart/Broken mind

Chapter Sixty-two

(Human AU)

Sophie and Keefe met in the children's hospital when they were little. Because of how long they were confined to the four walls of the hospital, they became very close during their stay.

As the years pass, they wind up being in the same classroom together due to their physical conditions. This makes their bond deepen.

But are they able to handle when life gets tough, throwing problems and complications their way?

Sophie collapsed into the waiting room chair. She pulled out her blanket she brought and started to get herself comfortable.

Ro took the seat next to her with a sigh. She rubbed the center of her forehead.

"I'm taking a nap," she decided. "I've been up for too long."

Sophie decided that was a good idea. She curled her knees into her chest, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't make herself get drowsy. It was still dark out, but her anxiety kept her awake.

If she couldn't fall asleep, she took the next best thing. She pulled the covers up over her head and pretended that nothing else existed.

She wasn't sure how long she had stayed like that for, but when she didn't come back to the rest of the world until Ro's voice said, "I'm getting a coffee from the Starbucks down the street, Blondie. Wanna come with me?"

Sophie wiggled out of the covers, taking in a breath of fresh air. "Yeah, I'll go."

The drive there was painfully silent. They ended up stuck behind a car for ten minutes.

With the wait, Sophie asked, "How long will the surgery take?"

Ro pondered it for a moment. "Usually takes about eight hours without complications or anything unexpected."

"And if there are?"

"Could be a good while longer. I'm thinking it'll probably take nine hours, but it should go fairly smooth."

She glanced at the clock. It was eight am. Surgery had only been in for around an hour. It was going to be an extremely long day.

They made it back to the waiting room. Sophie decided to pull out her book and start reading. When lunch came around, her and Ro went downstairs to the Subway.

"Think he'll want a cookie when he wakes up?" Ro mused, staring at the baked goods.

Sophie shrugged. "Can always save it for later if he doesn't."

"Good point."

They sat down at one of the tables with their sandwiches. After a few minutes of eating in silence, Ro said, "I'm planning on moving back home."

That took Sophie by surprise. "Really? How come?"

She shrugged. "I just... wanna keep a better eye on Keefe. Especially while he's recovering. I'd never forgive myself if something happened to him and I could've been there to prevent it. Already talked to Bo about it. He figured it's a good enough excuse for his parents to accept it."

"How long do you plan to stay for?"

"Not quite sure yet. At least a few months."

Eventually, Sophie wasn't able to force any more of her food down. Her stomach was sloshy with her unspoken worries.

The two of them went back upstairs soon after. Sophie decided to give another attempt at sleeping.

It wasn't long after when a nurse had come into the room. Sophie was puzzled. It was only twelve thirty.

"Family of Keefe Sencen?" She said.

Ro raised her hand. "Yes? We're here."

The nurse turned in their direction, crossing the patterned carpet.

"Hello, my name is Livvy." She held a hand out. Ro shook it. "I wanted to inform you on your... son?"

"Brother," Ro corrected. "Fourteen years apart."

"Ah, sorry about that. Anyway, I wanted to give you an update on how surgery has been going so far. It's been more complicated than we were expecting." Sophie's heart dropped. "He's been bleeding more than anticipated. Needed a blood transfusion. He also flat lined on us for a moment a couple of times. Don't worry, we were able to get him back, but be prepared for waiting longer than originally anticipated."

The nurse turned to leave. Sophie tugged at her eyelashes. The thought of Keefe flat lining, made her lunch want to come back up. Tears burned her eyes.

Ro grabbed her hand. "Hey. He's alright now. They're taking care of him."

"I know," Sophie whispered.

"I heard what you told him before he went back earlier." Sophie froze. She hadn't meant for anyone else to hear that. "And I know you're worried, I am too. But he's made it this far. He won't go that easily."

She nodded.

Not much was spoken the next several hours. When Livvy came back to say they could come see Keefe, the surgery had taken close to twelve hours.

Keefe was still extremely drowsy when they were let back into his room. Sophie cringed when she saw the tube down his throat. The good news, however, was that he was awake and responsive.

Sophie hung back while Ro went to go see her brother. The nurses were working on him. When they were about to remove the tube, she came next to the bed. They started taking out a few of the IVs he had, one being in his neck.

One of the nurses loomed over him. "Can you tell me your name?"

He swallowed. "Keefe... Sencen," his voice was just above a rasp.

"Good job!"

A time later, the nurses finally dissipated, only checking in periodically. Sophie sat by his beside, massaging his scalp and holding his hand. Ro was running her hand up and down his arm.

Keefe reached out, trying to grab something. He whimpered a bit. Ro followed to where he was looking at.

"Water?" She guessed.

He nodded. She took the water and brought it down to his level. He drank it through the straw for a few moments before letting Ro take it back.

"I got a cookie for you earlier," she told him. "You want it yet?"

He shook his head.

After a while, he fell back asleep. Sophie curled up on the chair, trying her best to get comfortable.

"Do you want the pull out couch?" Ro offered. "I can sleep in the chair if you don't want to."

"I'm good," she assured.

Sophie pulled out Ella the elephant. She gazed down at her boyfriend. Her pulse felt like it was finally calming down now that she knew he made it through. The beeps of the heart monitor eventually lulled her to sleep.

[vithe-potato]

1st, 2nd, and 3rd

Wrecker x Fem! Reader

Warnings: Fem!reader, hurt/comfort?, First kiss, Making out-ish, kind of one bed trope.

Summary: Reader gets hurt so she can no longer sleep on the small couch, meaning she'll have to share a bed with Wrecker for the night. Will this result in a confession of feelings? (Duh)

Words: 2,297

Your eyes strained against strong fluorescent lights, the smell of disinfectants causing your nose to scrunch. You took in a deep breath, heavily moving your hand against the rough medical blanket. A droid was in your face as soon as you came to your senses, spewing information which was quickly cut off after being smacked away and replaced by one of your favorite people. “Mesh’la are you feelin’ okay?!” Wrecker's face enveloped your entire vision, not like you minded. 

Hunter's gruff voice came from the bottom of the bed. “Give her some space Wrecker, she just opened her eyes.” You carefully titled your head to look at him.

“How long have I been out?” The words slid out of your mouth, it felt odd, like you hadn’t said them. Your eyelids grew heavy again, memories of getting hit… stabbed? started to come back blurrily. “Did they give me drugs?” You whined out, frustrated with the off sensations.

“No? Just bacta…” Wrecker questioned, bringing his palm to cradle your face gently moving it towards him, “Are you sure they said she was okay?” He worryingly turned to his brothers while you faded in and out of consciousness. 

At the ready, Tech’s eyes look up from his data pad, “Her vital signs are within acceptable ranges, despite the blood loss. Typically individuals can survive losing up to 10-15% of their total blood volume without any major issues. She has lost 30% of her blood volume and is having trouble transporting oxygen.” Tech stares, waiting for a response. 

Wrecker was lost for a moment, “So she’s lost too much blood?”

“That is correct” Tech gave a curt nod.

“Y’know Tech, you could jus’ say that.” Wrecker’s nose scrunched up as he gave his little brother a sidelong glance, you couldn’t help but smile and let out a soft giggle at the interaction.

“Kriff, she is acting like she’s high” Echo sighs.

Omega looks up at him confused, “What does that mean?” Everyone looks at each other.

“Maker” Hunter whispered with his head in his hands, slumping back into his chair near the end of the hospital bed.

“She might have to stay another night here.” Echo said, crossing his arms and examining your state.

Tech looked up from his data pad where he was leaning against a wall near the door. “Incorrect, she has already recovered, we only have to wait for the medics to discontinue blood transfusion.” 

I face contorted in confusion “Where is here?... How many nights have I already stayed?”

“We had to take you to a hospital, there wasn’t a way to treat you with our resources.” Tech offered, typing away.

Echo noticed the unanswered questions on your face, “The mission Cid sent us on was… eventually a success. You ended up getting stabbed and nearly sliced open from your hip down to your thigh. You-”

“Wrecker had to carry you back to the ship.” Omega interrupted, you blushed at the fact. Trying to conceal it you glanced at Wrecker with a raised brow. He only nodded with pursed lips.

The silence was loud as you put your head back on the pillow with a soft grunt. Wrecker sighed, his hand still near you on the bed, “You gave us all a good scare, being here 4 days unconscious and all.” My eyes didn't widen, with the damage that supposedly happened, it sounds about the right amount of time to have been sleeping.

Hunter rose from his seat, ruffling Omega's hair who protested and shoved his hand off of her with a giggle. “We should head back to the ship for the night when you get enough blood back in you.” You nodded in agreement, You hoped the drowsiness would start to wear off as soon as you woke up little by little.

“Go back to sleep cyare, i’ll tell ya when we’re leavin’ okay?” Wrecker stroked your hair and with a whispered “Okay”, you couldn’t help but let your eyes drift shut again.

⸺

The trek back to the ship wasn’t horrible with Wrecker by your side, supporting you with an arm under yours and a hand around your waist. The contact made you blush, though you played it off as strain from attempting to walk. That wasn’t even half true with Wrecker practically lifting you off the ground, you didn’t really have any weight on your feet.

You made your way up the ramp onto the ship, one look at the too small couch that you usually slept on had both you and Wrecker cringing  on the position it would put your leg in. “uhm…” I looked around the ship as if something would randomly click into place and reveal a perfect place for me to sleep.

“You can sleep in my bunk?” My heart skipped a beat at his offer. My head started to shake in decline, but one more glance at the small couch forced me to reconsider.

“Okay..” I said, I swore I saw his eyes brighten for a split second. Wrecker Gently led me to get settled in his bed, and tucked strand of hair behind my hair. He picked up Lula and walked over to the couch I usually slept on, my heart clenched at his show of selflessness. “Wrecker?” I questioned, he hummed in response and stomach fluttered thinking about what I was going to say.

“You don’t have to sleep on the couch…” He raised a brow, “We can share, I’m cold anyway.” I gave him a reassuring smile, he gave one back. Wrecker was a big boy but tech had slightly modified Wreckers bunk to be slightly bigger anyway. He removed his armor and when he was down to his blacks, you felt his warmth seep into the sheets as he slipped into the bed.

“We’re going to run some errands.” Hunter said in the doorway, startling you. “We are down to nothing and you’ll need food to fully heal.” He explained, answering your questioning gaze.

“Meg’s going with?” I asked. 

Hunter chuckled, “Yeah, she insists it’s not her bedtime yet and she and the others want to stretch their legs after sitting in that hospital for so long.” He lifted from his lean against the door, slipping out. 

“Take care of her, Wreck!” Echo shouted from the front of the ship.

“Will do!” Wrecker shouted back with a chuckle, and they were gone, leaving you and Wrecker alone. You turned to face the wall, and closed your eyes to let sleep envelop you once more.

⸺

You woke to a tickle on the small of your waist from his hand coming into contact with it. You shifted a bit, his palm ⸺rough and warm⸺ half on your skin from the sleep shirt riding up slightly. It sent a tremor of nerves through your body. You didn’t know what he felt, was he touching an imperfection? You cringed. He whispered your name and you froze.

“Hey uh, are you okay?” His voice was gruff with sleep. You ignored how it sent a shiver down your spine and turned to face him, his hand didn’t move, now resting on the other hip.

Your breath hitched, his face was only a few inches away, “Yeah.” Your voice was quieter than you had hoped. Your eyes traced the lines of his scar to see how it blended into the corner of his soft-looking lips. You wanted to kiss him, butterflies erupted in your stomach at the thought.

“It was a tough day, r’ you still hurting?” You tried not to flinch as his fingertips gently traced over the bandage wrapped around your hip, down to your thigh.

You decided to brush it off, “I’ll live.” 

“S’ not what I asked.” His large hand moved from your leg to run the back of his fingers over your warm cheek. You couldn’t stop yourself from blushing as your eyes flicked up to meet his. Even laying down, he towers over you, his beautiful brown eyes ⸺one glazed over with white⸺ already on yours as he looked down at you. You were mesmerized by him, how sweet and caring he was, how strong and handsome and-

“Your eyes looked really pretty up close.” You blurted. Wincing, you quickly lowered your head to look down at your hands, twisting and pulling at the fingers. Wrecker didn't move an inch, he was frozen, like you had been a few moments ago, you’d hoped it was a good thing.

“Mesh’la…” He spoke so softly, like he was afraid you would run away. He dipped his head down, bringing his curled pointer finger under your chin to lift your gaze back to his.

Then you saw it, Wreckers beautiful, eye crinkling and contagious smile. A giggle started to bubble up in your chest out of embarrassment, bringing your hands up to attempt to cover your blushing cheeks. He let out a breathy chuckle which died into a sigh, his hands pushed yours away to reveal your face, he’s too strong for you to protest. He slyly slipped his hand into yours, bringing your intertwined fingers to your side.

You stared into his eyes again, but this time, they were focused on your lips. He leaned closer and your entire body buzzed. Your breath was starting to become heavy and your palms sweaty. Your mind blazed through every holodrama scene you could think of trying to pick your next move. You took a deep breath ⸺as quietly as you could manage⸺ and pushed off your shoulder to move up towards his lips, letting your eyelids flutter closed. 

Then his lips were on yours. Everything about him was warm and soft, his muscles relaxed as he leaned into the kiss. Your whole body was ridged and borderline shaking with nerves. You moved your free hand to run across the side of his head, but the constant nagging of your brain was reminding you that you didn’t know what you were doing.

He broke the kiss only for a second before he swiftly pulled you on top of him, making you feel absolutely weightless. You straddled his large thighs and sighed into his mouth when you felt his hand gripping the back of your un-injured thigh. He chuckled in response, his fingers threading into the hair at the back of your head. He was taking the lead and you were grateful. Both of your hands splayed out on his pectorals, not sure what else to do with him. You let him kiss you and it felt unbelievably wonderful. But it was still odd, and you were still quivering with nerves.

The both of you broke apart slowly⸺ he was perfectly happy, but his face contorted in confusion as he took in your expression. You looked like you were just struck by lightning, eyes a bit wide when they opened, eyebrows furrowed, lips pouted, and still trying to get a handle on your heartbeat and breath. He removed his hand from your hair, bringing it to rub the back of his neck. “That was okay right? Sorry ‘forgot to ask, I should’ve- it’s just- ‘thought you-” You interrupted him with another soft peck on the lips, sending a thrill through you. 

You smiled sheepishly at him, willing yourself to say something. “Nono, yeah, I-uh- I liked it.” You chewed at the inside of your lip, he moved his hand back to your face to gently pull it away. Your cheeks felt impossibly warm from his touch.

“Is somth’n wrong?” He asked softly.

“No! no. It’s just that- well-” You cleared your throat, scooting back to sit down on the bunk. “It’s just that I haven’t- It was my first kiss and all…” Your voice withered while his eyes grew. His expression quickly morphed from surprise to smugness. 

“I’m your first kiss, Mesh’la?” He wore a confident smirk that made it hard for you to hold back a smile. You nodded, knowing your words would probably fail.

“And technically second too…” You joked.

He paused to sit up, contemplating something before saying lowly, “Well, do you want me to be your third?” 

I swallowed, trying to clear my throat, yes, that’s exactly what I wanted. “If I wasn’t clear enough already… yes." I said with a small breathless chuckle. And with that confirmation, Wrecker leaned up to push hair behind your ear and with a gentle smile, he re-twined his hand into your hair and brought your lips back to his. Your stomach flipped when he broke the kiss to lay you onto your back under him, you flushed when you saw the muscles in his arm bulge as he braced it beside your head. 

He brought himself closer again, lips locking with yours. He was careful not to crush you with his leg between yours, slowly bringing all of the points of your bodies to touch. He felt like a warm weighted blanket on top of you, yet his lips and hands made you feel like you were floating. He nipped at your bottom lip and slipped his tongue through them when you gasped at the touch, you felt his smile against your lips as you gripped his bicep, your other hands nails digging into his shoulder. You felt the vibration of his grunt against your lips, only adding to the amazing sensation of everything. 

He broke away once more, staring into my eyes and sliding to the side of me. Wrecker maneuvered me to rest my head on his chest, I giggled at the ease in his movements. “Wrecker?” I asked softly, eyes drifting low from exhaustion. 

“Mesh’la?” He responded, only making my smile and blush more apparent. I rested my chin on his built, soft, chest to look into his eyes when I told him���

“I Love you.”

Guys any tips on making story's less shallow? Lmao i feel like I just loose patience and want to finish them. Anyway, I loveee this piece so much and I hope you did too! Please Like, Reblog, and/or Comment to support my writing! <3

Masterlist ~ Requests: Open

[seramilla]

So overlord Sera gets attacked one day by some goons who work for her parents. She wins the fight but is badly hurt and Emily is panicking trying to help Sera and going through some traumatic flashbacks of watching Sera get shot in life. Luckily Carmilla was coming that day to check on Emily and seeing what happened decides to stay top help Sera. She send a message to her girls letting them know they are in charge while she stays and heals Sera and both are pinning while being so close. Sera wakes up exhausted and delirious after medicine and blood loss and forgetting everything seeing Carmilla askes if she's an angel and when Carmilla says yes goes it makes sense only an angel can be so beautiful.

Normally Sera is made of better stuff than this. Whether she's losing her edge, or she's just having a particularly bad day, she's not certain. But when she's walking home with Emily and several goons attack them out of nowhere, not even her demon form is enough to protect her from the sheer number of them. She manages to kill them all, but leaves the scrap so battered and bloody, Emly freaks out, and tries to drag her to safety.

The angel is too small, however; Emily grunts and groans, but her sister is just too heavy. She tries to get Sera to stand, and put her arm around her shoulder, but Sera just collapses again. Emily looks around, frantic, trying to figure out what to do.

"Help!" Emily shouts. "Somebody, help!"

Thankfully, like some miracle from Heaven, Carmilla appears after a minute out of nowhere. She's stunned into silence, seeing Sera so beat up like this. She immediately takes off her outer robe, covering the beaten overlord with it, to keep Emly from having to see her sister in such a state. She asks Emily what happened; Emily explains, and Carmilla wastes no more time.

"I'll carry her," Carmilla says about Sera, stooping low to lift the taller woman onto her back like it's nothing. "Here's my phone. Call a hospital. You have those down here, right?"

Emily nods, and frantically tries to remember the number for Lucifer's community hospital. As soon as she gets off the phone, letting them know they are on their way with Sera, Carmilla asks her where it's located. Once Emily tells her, Carmilla opens a portal, and they're suddenly in the emergency room lobby. With one look at the Seraphim and smaller angel suddenly appearing in their lobby, the hospital staff give them all their attention. Carmilla demands Sera be seen right away. They wheel the overlord to the nearest empty bed, and get her hooked up.

Sera needs a transfusion, and the doctors tell Carmilla if she'd brought her there any later, she might have needed surgery, too. Thankfully, she doesn't; she just needs rest, they say -- lots of it. Carmilla is thankful. Emily also appreciates their help.

Sera comes to several hours later, initially not realizing where she is after the blood loss. When she tries to sit up, freaked out, wanting to get out of bed, Carmilla pushes her back down again, telling her she's all right, and that she's injured, but she's safe in the hospital. Sera calms down, letting her head fall back down onto her pillow. Her mind is spinning, and she's complaining of nausea.

Who is this person standing next to her, and holding her down? Why is she so beautiful, and what is she doing here, in her room? Oh, it's Carmilla. What in Hell is she doing here?

"Are you an angel?" Sera asks, without thinking, and then she blushes. Carmilla snorts.

"Don't laugh at me," Sera responds, unamused, but still holding her head like it hurts. Carmilla brings a cold rag to her face. Sera sighs in relief.

"Yes, I'm an angel," Carmilla says, teasing her. "I'm surprised you don't remember."

"I do remember," Sera says, trying to save face. "I was just messing with you, Carmilla. Don't think about it too much."

"Whatever you say,” Carmilla replies, putting the rag in the sink beside Sera's bed. "Now shut up and go back to sleep. Don't make me give you another sponge bath."

"Wait, what?" The blush on Sera's face increases one hundred-fold. Had Carmilla really...? No, she wouldn't...? Did she see…?

Then, mocking Sera's previous cadence from before, Carmilla says, "I'm just messing with you, Sera. Don't think about it too much. Go back to sleep."

Sera takes the hint, and shuts up, and lets herself get some rest, for once in her afterlife.

[sixhours]

bright spots - chapter 14

Series Chapter Index | Read on AO3 | In progress

Rating: Teen Words: 3.5k Series tags: The Last of Us, The Last of Us (HBO), Joel & Ellie, Joel Miller, Ellie Williams, Marlene, canon divergence, hospital AU, medical stuff, blood, hurt/comfort, angst, canon-typical violence, vomiting, implied rape/sexual assault, I've probably forgotten some so please let me know <3

Ellie

Ellie does not age fifty years after the blood transfusion, but she definitely perks up. It turns out anemia makes you feel like shit. Who knew? Her stomach is still finicky but she’s a hell of a lot less tired and achy and anxious.

There might be something to Joel’s whole “letting it out” thing, because she’s sleeping better, too. Sometimes she hates it when he’s right.

 They’re still stuck in the hospital, she’s back to being bored as fuck, and they haven’t been allowed outside because the horde trashed the first floor. It feels like she’s practically living in Joel’s pocket and she needs some fucking air. He’s kind of a hoverer, and if she thought it was bad after Colorado, the last few weeks have proven there is no limit to Joel Miller’s ability to worry. Ellie can’t sneeze without him looking at her like she’s made of glass, can’t so much as turn over in her sleep before he’s asking if she’s okay.

She wonders if he was like this with Sarah, and if so, how the hell she put up with it.

A week after the transfusion, she finds herself with a whole lot of energy and nowhere for it to go. Frustrated and restless, she huffs a sigh and jumps to her feet.

“I’m going for a walk.”

Joel looks up from his map. “You want company?”

“Nah, I’m good.”

“You sure? ‘Cause I can–”

“Dude, it’s just a walk.”

He gives her that look like he’s itching to get up and follow her anyway, and she rolls her eyes.

“It’s not like I can go anywhere,” she says, gesturing outside. “Just…down the hall.”

“Alright,” he says, that hangdog look still hovering at the corners of his eyes. “Be careful. An’ stay outta trouble.”

She fires off a salute and ducks out of the room before he can change his mind. And she really does intend to just go for a walk. There’s not much trouble to be had even if she went looking for it. What’s she gonna do? Poke the guards? Hide the nurses’ clipboards? Her options for mischief are pitifully lame.

So she wanders down the hall with no real purpose, looking for something to cut through the monotony. She draws her hand along the walls, tracing the zoo animals in the faded mural. There are no giraffes; she’s checked. She makes a mental note to go back for her crayons and add some to the landscape; not today, though, not when she’s finally out from under Joel’s wing.

She moves on and finds her favorite rolling chair, the fast one. Placing one knee on the seat, she kicks off, careening down the hall, using her foot to push herself along when she starts to lose speed. She remembers seeing kids in the QZ with skateboards–not FEDRA brats like her, just regular kids–and wonders how freaked out Joel would get to see her flying down the street on a piece of wood with wheels. The thought gives her a little thrill of pleasure, and she kicks off again, attempting to go as fast as possible until the chair crashes into an empty room at the end of the hall and throws her unceremoniously to the floor. She lands on her shoulder hard.

“Shit!”

One of the guards pokes his head in. “Uh…you okay, kid?”

“Fine!” She scrambles to her feet, gives him a thin smile and a thumbs-up.

“Should I go get your–”

“No! No, I’m fine. See? Just gonna…walk. Gonna walk,” she says.

She leaves the room before the guard can say anything else, ducking around the corner and out of sight, bullet dodged. If Joel saw that he’d probably wrap her in blankets and turn her into an Ellie burrito. The thought makes her giggle even as she rubs at her sore arm, wiggling it experimentally. It’s not broken, she decides, but it’s gonna bruise.

After a few lazy loops of the floor–on her feet this time–she finds herself lingering outside Marlene’s office. The door is open and the lights are on, but Marlene isn’t there. She looks around for the usual guards, but there’s no one except for the guy on the exit at the far end of the hall, and he’s not paying attention, head down and unmoving. Probably sleeping on his feet.

She promised Joel she’d stay out of trouble, but she figures it’s not really trouble if she doesn’t get caught.

Then she sees the filing cabinet in the corner and remembers her knife.

She’s carried the blade for as long as she can remember, one of the few things she owned that wasn’t handed down from some older FEDRA kid. She kept it safe, slept with it under her pillow the way most kids sleep with a stuffed toy. And though she knows it wouldn’t have made a difference with the horde, and she doesn’t believe in talismans or good luck charms or any of that woo-woo shit, she’s always felt safer with the blade in her pocket. Seated in the palm of her hand it was an extension of her body, now a missing limb.

She goes to the cabinet and tugs on the metal handles, unsurprised to find it locked. Glancing over her shoulder to make sure no one has seen her, she goes to the desk in the middle of the room. The lieutenant always kept his keys in the upper-right drawer. She pulls it open, but there are no keys–just old, dusty pens, loose staples, and paper clips. She tries the other drawers with no luck.

Frowning, she ducks and looks at the underside, checking for a secret hook or a glint of metal taped to the wood surface, but there’s nothing.

She scans the papers and files strewn on the desk. Ellie recognizes Marlene’s handwriting on many of them. There are lists of supplies, what looks like bookkeeping sheets, nothing interesting. Except…

No fucking way.

A medical file. Without thinking, Ellie reaches out and flips the folder open. It’s thick, filled with pages and scans and reports. Most of the handwriting is illegible, but Ellie can make out short phrases and words.

…compromised brain tissue…frontal lobe degradation…subject 1A unresponsive to treatment…

She swallows hard, throat suddenly dry as the paper in her hands.

…stem cells show no traces of immune protection…frontal lobe tissue inc. midbrain reacts positivel- to…

…tissue biopsy shows deep scarring, consistent with subjects…central heter-t-ophic matter…

At the back of the folder is a sheet of what looks like small X-rays. Held up to the light, she recognizes the shape of a human brain in the scans, multiple cross-sections of a skull with white tendrils within.

“What the fuck?” she breathes.

“What are you doing?”

Marlene’s voice cuts in from the doorway and Ellie drops the film, snatching her hand away with a muffled gasp.

So much for not getting caught.

“Ellie?” she presses. “I asked what you’re doing here.”

“I–I, uh–was hoping we could talk? About my mom. But you weren’t here…so…”

Marlene walks over to the desk and closes the folder with a snap. “So you thought you’d go through my things?”

“No. I mean…I thought I saw…something. The scans,” she finishes lamely. “What are they? Is that–is that my brain?”

Marlene ignores this. “You’re not supposed to be here. This is confidential–”

“Why the fuck would you leave it out, then?”

“Because I didn’t think a certain kid would take it upon herself to snoop,” Marlene says pointedly. “Lesson learned.”

“What does it mean?” she presses. “Am I–is that about me?”

Marlene picks up the folder roughly, looks at the label. “‘Subject 1A’ is one of the mice, Ellie.”

“I’m not stupid. Those scans aren’t from mice.”

“Well, then they’re probably in the wrong folder,” she sighs. “I haven’t exactly had time to sort through all this fuckin’ paperwork. Does Joel know you’re wandering around?”

Spoken like she’s a dumb little kid caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Ellie flushes. “He’s not my fucking keeper.”

“Right,” Marlene snorts. “Time to go back to your room.”

“What aren’t you telling me?”

“Excuse me?”

“I—I want to know what’s happening. With the vaccine. What do those scans mean?”

Marlene takes her by the shoulders, leans down until they’re eye to eye. “Have I lied to you?”

“No, but—”

“Have I done anything to suggest I’m not telling you the truth?”

Ellie bites the inside of her cheek hard. The new scar on her left arm itches as Marlene’s eyes bore into hers.

“Because I haven’t,” she continues, not waiting for an answer. “You need to trust me, Ellie.”

Her face burns with indignation and shame and behind it, a deep, unspoken fear. Because if Marlene’s plan and this stupid vaccine don’t work, then what the hell was it all for?

“I want my knife back,” she says, resorting to the whole reason she’d been caught in the first place.

Marlene remains infuriatingly calm. “I told you, you’ll get it back when you’re done.”

“But–”

“Out,” she says, pushing her toward the door.

“What about my mom?” she tries, stalling.

“Jesus. Ellie, you need to go . I have to be downstairs and that was five minutes ago–”

“Or…or what about my dad? You’ve never talked about him.”

“You’ve never asked,” she retorts, reaching for the keys on her belt loop. “We can talk soon, but not right now, and only if you promise to stay out of my damn office. Understood?”

Joel comes around the corner calling her name just as Marlene locks the door behind them.

“I believe this belongs to you,” Marlene says drily, nudging Ellie in his direction.

He frowns, looking between them before settling on Ellie. She’s expecting him to flip out, yell at her maybe, but his expression remains unreadable.

“Been a while,” he says mildly. “Was wonderin’ where you got off to.”

“She’s been snooping in my office,” Marlene supplies archly.

“Ain’t snoopin’ unless you got somethin’ to hide,” he says, and in that moment Ellie thinks she could not love him more if she tried.

Marlene doesn’t take the bait. “You–keep out,” she says, jabbing a finger at Ellie before she walks off, leaving them alone in the hall.

Joel glances at her again, then sighs and turns around. “C’mon.”

Ellie trudges behind him, face flaming. She wonders if this is the part where he chews her out for being stupid, but he doesn’t. They’re back in their room with the door shut before he speaks, and when he does, there’s no heat behind it.

“Told you to be careful,” he sighs.

“I wanted my knife back,” she scowls. “I was trying to get into the cabinet, but Marlene left all these papers on her stupid desk, and I…I saw some…stuff.”

“What kinda stuff?”

“I don’t know,” she swallows. “Medical papers. Scans, like X-rays. She said they were for mice, but…”

She’s twisting the sleeve of her shirt.

“You believe that?” he prompts gently.

There’s no trace of sarcasm in the question. Joel may be a pain in the ass and way overprotective, but when shit gets serious, he doesn’t treat her like a little kid.

“I dunno,” she admits. “I…want to. But sometimes…I don’t think she’s telling us everything.”

“Yeah…that’s smart,” he mutters, biting his lip. “Bit of skepticism is always a good thing when Marlene’s involved.”

She can’t help but feel a flush of pride at that. Smart.

“So…you’re not pissed at me?”

“Prob’ly should be,” he says, frowning. He looks troubled. “But honestly, kid, I don’t like not knowin’ any more than you do. She’s…I dunno if dangerous is the right word. But…things around here…they’re different.”

She nods, oddly relieved. He’s noticed it, too…that tension. The feeling that they’re on a precipice.

“Just be more careful, alright?” he says quietly, hand on her shoulder. “Desperate people do desperate things.”

Joel

“You want to do what ?”

Marlene has the gall to look surprised at Joel’s protest, as if he hasn’t been sitting in the same spot for every single one of these consultations.

“It’s not exactly brain surgery, per se. It’s simply another biopsy,” Dr. Anderson adds, as if that fuckin’ helps.

“You’re cuttin’ open her head and taking a piece of her brain. That sounds like brain surgery to me.”

“It’s not nearly as invasive as that–”

Joel scoffs, shaking his head, and the doctor sighs his tired sigh, talking as though to a small child.

“As you’re well aware, the cordyceps fungus grows in the brain. If we want a comprehensive picture, we need samples of the growth in her brain tissue,” he says. “We’ve held off as long as we can, but it was always going to come down to this.”

“No,” Joel says resolutely. “Not a chance in hell.”

“Joel–”

“No,” he snaps again, this time at Marlene. “I gotta draw the line somewhere, and this–this ain’t happenin’.”

“There are risks,” the doctor continues, speaking directly to Ellie in a rare moment of candor. “But they’re infinitely smaller than the risks you took getting here. It’s your choice–”

“She’s fifteen ,” he snarls, inserting himself between them. “She’s not old enough to agree to any of this shit.”

Marlene laughs. She actually fucking laughs . “What world do you think we’re living in, Joel? No one consents to being torn apart by infected. No one agrees to have FEDRA breathing down their necks. If we want things to change, we have to be willing to take risks.”

“ She has to be willing to take risks, you mean. That don’t give you the right to do whatever you want.”

“Joel, stop.”

Hand tugging on the back of his shirt, it’s Ellie, voice barely above a whisper. She’s not pleading, not even asking. It’s a command, plain and clear.

Here we fuckin’ go again.

“Need a minute,” he rasps, walking out of the room before she can stop him. He stalks down the hall until he can convince his fists to unclench, blunt nails leaving deep purple half-moons in his palms. He paces, tries to slow his racing heart. She has no sense of self-preservation. And as much as he wants to physically restrain her and take her away from this hellhole, he can’t. He’d be no better than them, forcing a decision that’s hers to make, and then what? She resents him for the rest of his life.

Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.

But fuck, it hurts.

By the time he comes back, everyone else has cleared out. Ellie is sitting cross-legged in her bed with a book in her lap, but she’s clearly not reading.

“Ellie–”

“I told you, there’s no halfway,” she says, as if he never left. “I have to do this.”

“I know,” he whispers, voice cracking. “But–y’can’t–at some point–”

“If you’re asking me to quit, I won’t.”

“I’m not–I’m not askin’ for that.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“How far are we talkin’? Where’s the limit, kid?”

“Whatever it takes,” she says immediately.

“That’s–that’s not–”

“How far would you go to save her? To save Sarah? Because that’s how far I’m willing to go.”

His jaw tightens, nostrils flaring. He swallows an anger he doesn’t want to admit to. “That ain’t fair.”

“None of this is fair, Joel,” she says in a tone that’s far too world-weary for her age. “It’s not fair that I got bit, it’s not fair that–that other people had to die and I didn’t.”

“That don’t mean you have to give everything. It ain’t on you to do that.”

“No one else can. And if that means they have to…I dunno, take a piece of my brain and study it or whatever…”

She shrugs, trailing off as she picks at her cuticles.

“Alright,” he says, reaching over and gently separating her hands. “I just…I want you to remember this. You don’t have to do any of this, y’know. I know you’re gonna say this is what you signed up for, but it bears repeatin’. And I’ll keep sayin’ it, because I don’t want you thinkin’ you’re locked in. You have a choice, Ellie.”

“I know,” she whispers. “And this is my choice.”

“Okay,” he breathes after a long pause, something inside him twisting and breaking. “Alright.”

~*~

The next morning, Ellie is awake early. She’s solemn, sitting in her bed with her hands folded in her lap. The surgical team comes in to shave a small area behind her right ear, marking the spot where they’ll make the incision, and to set her IV ports and monitors.

“It’s okay to be scared,” Joel says hesitantly when it’s just the two of them, left to wait.

She scowls, eyes darkening. “I’m not scared.”

“I know,” he breathes. Not because he believes it, but because she needs to.

I’m scared enough for both of us , he thinks.

“I’m not scared,” she repeats, her eyes glittering. “I’m not. So you can just fucking…stop…stop looking at me like that. I want to do this. I want to .”

“Yeah, I hear you,” he says. “You’re a hardass. But this is big stuff, kiddo. So...I’m here.”

“You’re so lame,” she says, but her voice is soft.

“Yep. Lame as fuck,” he agrees with a sigh. “Doesn’t change anything.”

“I know.”

“I’ll be right here when you wake up,” he says softly, taking her hand and squeezing it. “Right here.”

“Yeah. I know,” she murmurs, biting her lip. Then, more softly, “Will you wait with me?”

“Wouldn't be anywhere else.”

She sits back against the raised mattress, relaxing a fraction. He picks up his book and settles back in the chair, not really intending to read it, but he has to have something to do with his hands. After a minute, she leans over.

“Read to me?”

“Uh…it’s a western. Not sure it’ll be all that interestin’.”

“S’okay,” she sniffs, blinking over at him the way another kid used to, tucked into bed and eager for a bedtime story. “Better than anesthesia. You can bore me into unconsciousness.”

“Alright,” he chuckles, flipping the pages to start from the beginning. It’s not like he hasn’t read this one half a dozen times, anyway.

When they come for her, he squeezes her hand, holds it tight. “First face you see’ll be this ugly mug. Promise.”

That gets a smile, if a faint one. She nods, and they wheel her away, and the terrifying countdown begins.

~*~

He doesn’t know how long she’s away. He only knows she hasn’t been out of his sight for this long since Silver Lake, and he’s loath to remember the consequences of that separation. If he believed in a god, he would pray, but he doesn’t even know where to begin with that. All he can do is rub at the broken watch on his wrist until it’s practically chafing, and wait.

He’s on his feet before they’ve finished wheeling her bed back into the room.

“She did great,” the nurse says softly. “Should be coming out of it soon.”

There are monitors beeping and an IV line and a bandage on the right side of her head that looks far too big for the tiny incision they indicated they would make. But he’s barely aware of it because he can’t tear his eyes from her face. She’s still so pale, so small for her age, the difference even more pronounced in sleep. He finds himself willing her to wake up, knows he won’t feel better until she’s teasing him about his old bones or cracking a stupid joke.

He retakes his seat beside her, ready to continue his vigil. He takes her fingers in his carefully, wincing at the IV port still threaded between the fine bones of her hand, bruises blooming underneath the tape. Her fingers are icy, and he instinctively rubs them between his palms to warm them.

He’s still there when her eyelids start to flutter, limbs twitching restlessly under the blanket. She wakes with a soft groan, head rolling back and forth on the pillow.

“Hey, baby girl,” he whispers when her eyes open and her gaze finally settles on him.

“Who…are you?” she rasps, brown eyes searching his through slitted lids.

His stomach drops, clenches, fingers tightening imperceptibly around hers. “I–I’m–”

She grins then, a funny lopsided thing, slow and dopey from the medication, but it’s all Ellie. It makes his heart clench in his chest, makes him want to weep.

“Gotcha, dude.”

“You–Jesus, Ellie,” he gasps, pitching forward until his forehead is almost touching their clasped hands.

“Too easy,” she breathes, still grinning.

“Little shit,” he grates out, but it’s all relief, all affection. “Don’t fuckin’ do that to me.”

“Hey…Joel?” she whispers after a while, slurred and sleepy.

“Yeah, baby?”

“I think’m gonna puke.”

[roadkillxd]

if you’re still looking for requests could i please ask for smutshot of price w power bottom m!reader and price being a subby hubby just an absolute simp for reader like the kind of simping that he’d kneel before him if asked, he worships the ground his husband walks upon and obviously worships his body during the dirty, please just.. i’ve got a thing for big, strong and capable men kneeling at the feet of their partner, it’s a dynamic that got me by the fucking throat— thank 🫶

This got out of control honestly... it's kind of sad so I apologize for that. Hope you enjoy either way!

Price x M!Reader ↪ 1844 words — 18+ / SMUT & ANGST.

Content tags — cis male power bottom (combat medic) reader, cis male service top/dominant Price, unsafe sex, referenced/implied Ghost x Soap, crying, hospitals, description of injuries, referenced/implied character death, established relationship, penetrative sex, anal sex, fingering, oral sex, hand jobs, semi-public sex, tantric sex, body worship, probably inaccurate medical stuff. 

Soap’s stuck in the infirmary. Unconscious half the time and miserable. Fucking sepsis, blood poisoning, from toxic shock—some gas he inhaled too much of when his mask got shattered in CQC. Idiot didn’t remember the wet cloth advice you’d given him, obviously. You have nurses on shifts giving him blood transfusions every hour on the dot. The bloody bastard hates needles.

Ghost won’t leave his side—not since you told him the mortality rate for sepsis is anywhere from 30% to 50%. You had to pull the shrapnel from his leg and ribs while he sat in the bedside chair, hand twitching on the bed like he was keeping himself from grabbing for Johnny.

Gaz is the most well off. Just a nasty concussion from having his shit rocked by a juggernaut, though you still had to sit and check him over for wounds with how he was caked in mud and still high on adrenaline. He was more than happy to go take a hot shower and collapse into a medical bed (softer than the quarter’s beds) to let the nurses watch over him.

Price hasn’t spoken to you outside of barking orders since he pulled Soap heaving and choking out of the helo, Gaz barely supporting Ghost’s limping weight behind him. Since then you’ve caught glimpses of him moving around the infirmary like a shadow, watching over his team but never sticking around long once you catch his eye. 

He had a gash on his forehead leaking blood into his eye when he got off that helicopter. It was stitched up by the time you saw him again. You could tell from the shoddy craftsmanship that he did it himself, probably in one of the bathroom mirrors.

You gently swipe your thumb over it now, as he stands in front of you, looming ever so slightly. He winces at the sting, but doesn’t move away. You’re frowning, staring at the scar, and he won’t stop looking at you.

“I wouldn’t have changed your orders,” he says, voice firm.

“John—” you huff out, eyes rolling.

“Not for any of them.”

He’d made you stay. For the first time since you’d join the task force as the combat medic, he’d made you sit this mission out. Because it was too dangerous he’d said. Well, that was the bloody point, wasn’t it? If you’d been there you could’ve treated the sepsis earlier, reduced the severity, or you could’ve patched Ghost up properly so he wouldn’t have lost so much fucking blood, half-dazed as he was in that chair. Christ, you could've at least have given Gaz some ibuprofen, the poor fuck.

But Price made you stay.

“You would’ve been killed,” Price says, sounding almost offended as you glare at him.

“I would’ve been hurt, like them, but they’d be better off. That’s my job, Captain.”

The vitriol behind the title has Price caught off guard. You only ever call him by rank in private moments like this lightheartedly. 

“You almost got Johnny killed,” you whisper, and Price’s eyes squeeze close for a mere moment. When he opens them again he’s not looking at you anymore. He takes your hands in his and stares at them instead.

“I don’t want to argue,” he says, sounding so soft. So defeated. 

You don’t need an apology, or an admittance. You know that tone is as good as it gets with him, pride wounded as it is. Heart too. He knows he made a bad call, and yet you know he still wouldn’t have changed it. Not if it met sacrificing you.

“Hey,” you murmur, cupping his cheek to get him to look back up at you. The two of you stare into each other’s eyes for a short moment, searching. You don’t find anything other than blue. His eyes flutter shut and he leans in to kiss you. So, so soft. Chaste, almost, and slow. 

You know what he needs. What you both need.

You move your hand from his cheek to his short hair, petting him lovingly, encouragingly. He trails gentle kisses to the corner of your lips, your cheek and jawline, down to your throat and shoulder.

"Kneel," you whisper.

He lowers slowly with a low groan, knees resting carefully on the fatigue mat beneath you, looking like he’s about to pray. His head is level with your stomach, and he buries his face against the softness there. Both your hands comb gently through his hair now, nails scratching at his scalp, his noise of contentment so deep and rumbly like a purr.

His thick arms move from wrapped around your waist, loosening so he can glide his big hands up and down your legs, spreading wide over your thighs and squeezing before he leans back enough to unbutton your fatigue pants and zip them down.

He lowers to nuzzle against your bulge, pressing kisses through your boxers until he can feel you half hard and twitching beneath his lips. Your soft, rattling breaths above him make him content, humming and sending soft vibrations through your crotch. 

You lean back against the desk behind you, ass perched on the edge of it. You fumble through the drawers as he frees your cock and takes into his hot, wet mouth with another hum. You moan, fingers wrapping around a half-empty tube of lube that you set into his waiting hand.

He so slowly bobs up and down your prick, eyes caught between staring up at you half-lidded and fluttering shut in focus. He doesn’t even have his hands on you, both of them working open the lube with a click before squirting some onto his fingers. You push your pants further down your legs, careful not to jostle him, allowing him the access he works towards.

His thick fingers tease between your cheeks and against your hole. He stops moving his head, just acting as a gentle suction as he works the first slick digit into you. You moan softly, aware you’re still both in the infirmary—in your office, sure, but it’s thin glass and drawn blinds separating you from your nursing staff.

He pulls off of you completely, the cold air of the room causing you to gasp as his saliva rapidly cools around your cock. He sucks kisses into the fat of your thighs, nuzzling his furry cheek against you like an affectionate cat whenever he gets the chance. 

He slips a second finger into you, the angle too awkward for him to focus on your prostate, but pleasurable nonetheless, the feeling of being filled. The stretch feels good, grounds you like your groans do to him. Remind him he’s alive after the day he’s had, that he’s living and breathing and you’re still a warm body waiting for him to come home.

“Where do you want me?” you ask lowly, getting impatient. You can feel his smile against your thigh before he looks up at you, scans the office a bit before slipping his fingers free.

You let out a soft breath at the emptiness as he stands, his hands, one still slick, resting on your hips as he kisses you slow and deep, tongue licking into your mouth to explore. You moan around him, sucking on the intruding muscle. 

He helps you to kick the rest of your pants off before lifting you ever so slightly further onto the desk, and you don’t miss the way he winces. You break the kiss, eyeing him warily.

“Don’t—” he starts.

“Take your shirt off,” you cut him off, already pulling on the hem. He sighs, raising his arms with a grunt so you can slip it off and over his head.

He’s got bandages wrapped around his upper chest, looping over his shoulder. The center of the cloth is stained a light pink from what blood still waits to clot. You let a breath out through your nose, hands so gently skating over the covered plains of his chest.

“I didn’t want to worry you,” he rumbles, pressing closer, picking your legs up to wrap them around his wide waist as your crotches grind slowly against each other. You are worried, but the blood doesn’t leave the south. 

“Who fixed you?” You ask, and Price sighs again.

“Love—”

“Who?”

“Monroe, I think.”

You nod approvingly. You trust Monroe, he knows what he’s doing. There’s no point in arguing, not when Price is pulling his cock free, hanging heavy, blood flow not enough to keep it tall and proud like usual. He strokes himself a few times with his lubed hand, pressing the tip to your pucker and rubbing as he kisses you again. 

You want to cry, want to pull him close and never let him leave again. You want to tie yourself to him so he can’t go without you again. You wish you outranked him or, something, something. You know it’s too much for you to ask for him to be safe, but you wish he’d let you be there to keep him safe. That’s your entire goddamn job.

He can feel how tense you’re getting, hole resisting against him trying to slide in, your arms tight around his neck. He kisses the corner of your mouth, and realizes at the taste of bitter salt that you’re crying. 

“Breathe for me, love,” he swipes his thumb across your cheek and trails soft kisses along your neck.

You do so, and he slips into you on the exhale, making you moan and cling tighter to him. 

“You’re okay,” he murmurs, holding you close to him as he slowly rocks his hips, making you whimper, “I love you,” he says, and you sob.

“Love you—love you,” you say back, rambling, rocking your hips down onto his cock as he slowly takes you apart. Neither of you are going to last long, not with how pent up you both are, and the heartstring vibrating between you two—deep, deep connection.

"Harder," you growl, and he complies with only the slightest hesitation, hips slamming into you.

You pant against each other’s mouths, breathing each other’s air. He smells like smoke and lavender and whiskey and a fire in the summer and it feels like coming home. 

His big hand wraps around your dick, pumping you in time with his thrusts. It doesn’t take long for him to get you there, his thick cock grinding so perfectly against your prostate. You cum, wet hot splatters onto his stomach and dribbles down his fist. 

You clench so tight around him, flexing in waves around his cock. He groans so loud as he cums, grabbing the back of your head to pull you into a heated kiss, desperate and heavy as he fills you up, makes your insides all warm and sticky.

You whimper against his mouth, the two of you breaking free for air, catching your breaths. His head is on your shoulder and you try not to think about how his shoulders are shaking as you pet through his hair, the two of you still connected.

You’ll both be okay.

[drgaellon]

I know I have been largely missing from tumblr for several months. I also know I don't have a large following of people. Nevertheless, this is the story of why I've been AWOL.

Last fall, I started having back pain. I suspected it was related to disc problems, so, being a stupid doctor, I wrote myself a prescription for steroids. It worked for a while, then it stopped working, so I upped the dose. I did this several times until I achieved a dose which kept me functioning. In the meantime, I got an MRI and confirmed that I had four herniated discs in my lumbar spine. I went for an epidural, which helped with the residual pain.

However, I never stopped to consider just how much steroid I was giving myself. I started falling, repeatedly. At the beginning of February, I fell forward and landed on my outstretched hands - I would come to find out later that I dislocated my left shoulder and tore my rotator cuff. At the beginning of March, I fell and could not get up off the floor. I was alone in my apartment, so I had to call 911 and they had to force the lock. I decided I was unsafe to continue to stay alone, so I packed myself up and went to Florida to stay with my sister. I saw a doctor from the group she uses and started looking for outpatient physical therapy. I had given myself a steroid myopathy (muscle weakness from steroid overuse) - I had been taking the equivalent of 80mg a day of prednisone for months.

About 10 days after I got there, I woke up in the middle of the night with chest pain and shortness of breath. We called 911 and I went to the ER. A CT showed that I had bilateral submassive PE (large blood clots in both lungs). I was whisked off to the cath lab, where they successfully removed most of the clot. You can see the extracted clot in the picture.

About six hours later, unfortunately, I started bleeding from the catheter site and went into hemorrhagic shock, with my blood pressure at 70/40. I spent five days in ICU, where I got three units of transfusion, then five days in step down, then ten days in an acute rehab hospital. I returned to my sister's, where I spent another 3 months doing home PT/OT.

I got back to New York about 2 weeks ago, and I'm expecting to go back to work next week. I'm still using a cane and a walker, and my rehab doctor wants me to use a scooter in the hospital to protect the injured shoulder (using a cane or walker just transfers the weight from the legs to the arms).

It's been a rough year, but I seem to be getting through it.

[hamatosami]

Fire and Ice (a TMNT fanfiction)

Chapter 4: Twisted Tales

Notes: I am so grateful for the love on this story! Please note that all of my stories are 18+

(ALL OF MY STORIES ARE 18+ MAY OR MAY NOT CONTAIN SEXUAL CONTENT, LANGUAGE, VIOLENCE, GORE, DARK THEMES) PLEASE READ RESPONSIBLY 🫶🏼

👈🏼 previous chapter here!

“My loneliness engulfed me and my fear held me in shackles”

I continued to hold her hand until Donnie came. If anyone could help her it would be him. I checked for her breathing far too many times, making sure she was still alive.

Her body was shaking uncontrollably. She was hot and breaking a sweat. My hand slipped from under her to feel her head and she firmly grabbed my wrist.

I thought she was unconscious. Her eyes were too swollen to tell.

”Wh— ishhur nmm” she mumbled. Her hand shook around my wrist. She was so terrified that she tried to keep herself conscious enough for me to stay and lucky for me, her eyes were too swollen to see me.

I held her arm back. My hand propped under her neck to assure her there was someone there.

Talk to her Raph! You have to keep her talking.

”What did ya say?” I asked. She huffed hard. Breathing hurt her and she had blood dripping out of her mouth.

“Name.” She said barely opening her mouth. 

I was taken back. I knew she definitely couldn’t see me now.

”Raphael.” I answered finding my self getting more and more anxious at how much time she had left. I could be the last person… well creature she talks to. “As long as I’m here you’re safe. I promise.” I tried to comfort her.

She took another deep breath and became limp once again. My heart beat so fucking fast. 

A loud thump from the roof shook behind me.

Thank fucking God.

”Raph I’m here!” Donnie exclaimed and April hopped off his back. When April saw who it was her face turned into complete panic.

”Nooo!!” She ran faster than the speed of light.

”You know her?!” I asked now feeling a thousand times more guilt than I ever felt.

”I was just with her an hour ago… I don’t understand, how did this happen?!” Her face dropped.

Donnie ran to her side instantly checking her vitals.

”Foot clan members. The ones Leo told me to follow. I seen the one douche chase her out of that apartment.” I pointed. Her face went from upset to furious.

”Levi…he’s her boyfriend. Him and his friends at the college we go to I’ve been watching for days, I had suspicions they were clan members, that’s why I became friends with her, to get a lead. It turns out she’s one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. Her boyfriends an asshole.” She explained. My heart fell for this girl. I looked over at Donnie anxious to know her condition.

”Damn it!” Donnie rarely swears. My heart raced faster than ever.

“What is it Donnie?!” I said a little too rough.

”I think she’s bleeding internally. Her temperature is spiking fast. She needs a blood transfusion and fluids immediately. She needs a hospital I can’t do anything without an ultrasound and my equipment.” He stuttered frantically.

“Will she make it to a hospital?” April asked now crouching down to her friend.

“You’ll have to get her there now!” Donnie said as he was watching his watch. April aggressively called an ambulance.

“Hello?! I need an ambulance here stat!” April yelled into the phone.

——————————————————

Eve’s POV

Its been a few days since my attack. I was slowly but surly healing. No fractured bones. Just a lot of bruising and a mild concussion. April was by my side every moment. She went as far as contacting the school for me. As for my parents I made it apparent to her not to tell them. They would pressure me to go home if they knew.

I was getting close to being discharged from the hospital. Today my social worker and the police were here for me to give a full report on Levi. This was something I thought I’d never have to do. Part of me was relieved that I could finally continue living freely, but a shameful other part of me was feeling heartbroken that I would never see Levi again. I did love him. At one point… the connection to your abuser is something a lot of people don’t talk about.

He was the only person I had left.

Another part of me was nervous how things would be at school. Would his friends try to hurt me? How would my classmates treat me? I could hear it now. “Eve fakes assault to put Levi in jail.” I already knew those rumors would start.

My stomach twisted in so many knots. My loneliness engulfed me and my fear held me in shackles. 

“Whenever you’re ready, I’d like you to tell me what happened.” The social worker said. Her eyes painted on me ready to engorge my testimony.

I felt a lump in my throat trying to remember the very little I did know. April held my hand and nodded me to continue.

”Umm well I was coming home from the coffee shop around 8pm. I didn’t answer his text right away so he got angry and waited for me at the door. He wouldn’t let me in my apartment and got aggressive with me.” My voice started to shake remembering his hands around my throat. 

“What happened then?” She urged. My breathing became rapid now confessing of the things I would usually lie about. I knew the plain truth, but saying it was hard. I had become so accustomed to lying that the truth felt vile.

”He strangled me…” I whispered. My fingers trailed to my neck that was heavily bruised. I remembered the scent of his breath…

A tear poured over my cheek. I felt too numb to even wipe it away. I let my tear loosely hang at the bottom of my chin. My eyes zoned away as I dissociated.

”What happened after that?” She asked again. I zapped out of my darkened state and looked up at April again.

“I managed to get away. I spat in his eye and ran as fast as I could. I tried to call 911, but I fell. That’s when him and all of his friends hurt me. I don’t remember much after that.” I looked at April again knowing she was the one who rescued me.

”What happened again April?” I looked at her with honest eyes. She gulped and smiled to try and lighten up the atmosphere.

”I had forgotten that I asked her to hold onto my keys for me.” April continued for me. “As I walked back I saw her running from him. I tried to get there as fast as I could, but I was too late.”

”Wait.” The social worker took her glasses off and sat up a little more in her chair. “So you mean to tell me that you single handedly fought off 5 grown men by yourself?” She said disbelieving.

Aprils mouth slightly gaped. Her offense clearly spread through her face.

”Yes mam I did. I study mixed martial arts, and for the record I’m pretty damn good at it.” She sassed.

”Shes telling the truth.” I jumped in. The social worker averted her eyes back to her binder of all of my pictures and information. 

“Eve I need to to tell me every name you know that was there.” She said.

”Well there was Levi, his best friend Michael Stewart. I think I saw Malik Worthington and I don’t know what he looks like but I heard the name… Raphael I think and D-Don? Donnie?.” I said scratching my head.

April looked at me faster than ever. Eyes shocked as hell. I didn’t understand why…

”Well Eve I think I have everything I need. We’ll get that PFA filed and with my team I’ll make it sure that he never touches you again.” She said standing up.

”Wha- what about school?” I said nervously before she quickly tried existing. She turned around.

”I’ve already contacted the school officials. Him and everyone who was involved are about to be expelled.” My heart sung and sunk at the same time. I would never hear the end of this at school.

The next day I was discharged. April insisted on staying with me for a few days. This girl was probably the most giving person I’ve ever met. She barely knew me. No matter how much I tried convince her I was okay, I saw the guilt behind her eyes. 

We’ve become so close within the past couple days. It honestly felt so good to have someone genuine by my side. The school administrator said I didn’t have to go back until next week so after school April would come straight to my apartment. 

We found that we both REALLY loved watching the bachelor. The new episode aired tonight and we prepped all day for it. Plenty of assortments of wine and snacks along with some candles, fuzzy blankets and some cozy pajamas. It was the perfect way to spend the a rainy afternoon.

As the episode ended and we finally simmered down from all the drama we just watched. I was excited to show her what I’ve been working on for my current events project.

”Youre suppose to be relaxing.” She implied as I shuffled through my papers.

”Yeah, but I really think you’ll find this story cool!” I said. I handed her a folder of all of my research.

“Ancient Japanese operations featuring the Big Apple.” She said uneasy. I rolled my eyes.

”Yeah it needs a better title I know. But look at how interesting this is!” I flipped the page for her. “See? A lot of Japanese Americans in the city are reporting that a lot of crime in the city is coming from a secret clan of ninjas. I thought it was bogus at first until I looked at a lot of the evidence. See this? Remember that robbery that was all over the news a couple weeks ago? Look at the symbol they left behind.” I pointed.

Her eyes looked uneasy.

”And look here, I took these right outside of our campus.” I pointed again. April remained silent and I couldn’t help but notice the sudden shake in her hand.

I had a lot of time on my hands since I was lounging around all day. My research was impressive in my eyes, but the more that I showed her of this “Foot clan” the more silent and resentful Aprils energy was.

”So. What do you think?” I looked at her with hopeful eyes.

“Well.” April cleared her throat as she adjusted herself in the couch. She was oddly comfortable. “It sounds interesting, but isn’t this project suppose to be interactive?” She asked.

I shrugged my shoulders. “Well that’s where I was hoping to ask for your help.”

April raised an eyebrow.

”I was wondering if you were willing, to maybe let me interview your friends and ask them a few cultural questions.”

“My friends?” She but her lip nervously.

”Yeah… you said they were Japanese right?” I hesitated slightly. April scrunched her face and shook her head. Something was off with her and I had no idea why.

”Oh yes. Those friends.” She nodded. “I don’t know how to say this, but they’re not really… people-ly.” Her lips became tense.

”People-ly?” I repeated.

“Yeahhhhh.” She chuckled. “They don’t really do well with people.” She seemed like she was sugar coating everything. I started to gather that she didn’t really want me to meet her friends. I knew her intentions were pure, but I couldn’t help but feel a little left out. Maybe I wasn’t cool enough for her cool Japanese friends that teach her martial arts.

I decided to keep my follow up question to myself then. Since I was pretty much a coward and knew nothing about self defense, I was going to ask if her friends could teach me a few things.

I threw that idea out the window quick.

”It’s okay. I understand.” I said trying not to look hurt about it. “It just means I’ll have to interview some of the kids at school. Talking to new people is not something I’m good at, but I need the practice.” I said. 

April smiled and switched her focus to the TV. 

“Well it’s still raining, you know what movies go perfect with rain?” She said.

”What?” I asked pulling up my blanket.

”Twilight.”

THANK YOU FOR READING! IF YOU ENJOY, LIKE, COMMENT AND FOLLOW. IT LETS ME MNOW TO WRITE MORE!

“Please, please

Don't leave me be

It's not true

Take me to the roof

Told you not to worry

What do you want from me?

Don't ask questions

Wait a minute

Don't you know I'm no good for you?

Baby, I don't feel so good

And all the good girls go to hell

Bite my tongue, bide my time

What is it about them?

I’m the bad guy”

[kaymagicshop7]

Set me Free-

Chapter 4- Apologies🐆

Summary-

Jin runs a hybrid safe house to help those adjust into normal life again, coming from difficult backgrounds and to learn to live among humans again.

Jin has a sister who helps him out when needed. But he is a very protective over her, will he let her or himself be close to the hybrids.

What happens when 6 hybrids from completely different backgrounds end up in his care?

Will there be heart break?

Will there be fights?

Can everyone get along in the end?

BTS are their own person, anything that happens in this story is purely fiction and made from my imagination.

Warnings- Mention of violence, blood, fighting, pet names, protectiveness, mention of aggression, mention of scents, mxm, mxf, anxiety, panic attacks, epilepsy/seizures, strong language.

Jin POV-

It was agony to see my sister in so much pain again, I never thought she would go though something like this again.

When I arrived back I almost went feral seeing the way my sister was. How could they do that to her, Poppy has done nothing to them!

Nothing!

I was holding her hand with my head laying on the bed. My ears flickered to each passing sound, I was in a high state of protectiveness. I was growling at the doctors and nurses that went close to my sister or when she whimpered, I did give them an apologetic smile as I couldn't help it.

The doctors understood this.

When we arrived they took her away to surgery, as the claw marks went deep and she need a blood transfusion.

All these things bring back those horrible memories from that night.

She was now out of surgery and with me in the present. As my head was on the bed, I felt her hand twitch in my hand. Immediately I shot my head up to her "Baby? Poppy? Can you hear me?" I asked her I could see her start to move, I hit the button to call the doctor in. He came minutes later, he was doing his checks, she started to wake up "Miss Kim can you hear me?" He asked her, her eyes where slowly opening. "O-oppa..." she rasped out "I'm here baby, oppa's here." I said as I was stroking her head "Miss Kim, could you look at this light please." The doctor says, she was following the light, but I could see her pupils are slightly dilated due to medication. "Doctor h-how is she?" I ask my throat dry form crying for her.

He explained she will be sore around her neck area and that her throat will be a bit raspy and rough for a couple of weeks, the scratches where near her vocal cord. The doctor also said it was a close call for her, another 5cm over and she would have died.

The doctor gave me the all clear to take her home, he gave me her medication and told me to come with her in a couple weeks to see how it's healing.

If it was a small cut I would have lick the wound to heal it, as hybrid salvia has healing properties.

Poppy was very sleepy on the way back, to be honest I didn't want her to go in the house with those hybrids. "Oppa please don't be mad at them." She whispered, I couldn't reply to her I was very angry.

As we arrived I got her out of the SUV very carefully, I didn't want them any where near her. "Jin I want to sit in the living room... stayed in bed for too long." I was getting worried as she was getting breathless "Okay baby, we can go there."

I really didn't want her there with them, but I could see her point, she had been in bed for to long.

I pulled up to the house I looked over to my right and Poppy was completely knock out with sleep. My instincts were screaming at me not to put her in the lounge and just take her to my room, with my den so she could heal.

As I entered the house I could smell the tension in the air, so I decide to take her to the second living room where the air was neutral.

I don't need to go through the other lounge to get to this other room, they would already know I am here by my scent.

Poppy didn't even stir when I place her on the couch, I didn't want to leave her. But I needed to take a shower to get rid of this hospital smell, I will help my sister later, but right now she needed rest.

I looked back at Poppy, she was asleep on the couch. So I took this as an opportunity to take a shower, get this hospital scent off me and go back to her.

As I got out the shower I dressed myself in some comfy clothes, mainly joggers and a T-shirt.

I made my way down the stairs, I need to talk to them, even though my instincts were telling my not to. But I needed to know why he did it...

I walk into the lounge area to find them all sitting on the couch, as soon as I entered the lounge they were all bearing there necks towards me as I entered. I can't say I wasn't shocked, as they could probably sense my Alpha side was fronting at the moment.

"Why?" I ask looking straight at the leopard, my tail was angrily swishing behind me. He didn't answer me straight away which just made me more angry. I never raise my voice but I did in this instance "WHY! WHY DO YOU HURT HER! SHE'S DONE NOTHING WORNG TO YOU!" I couldn't help myself I needed answers.

Still no answer so I made a decision "If this is how you will react around a humans, you will be classed as feral..." I didn't want to scare them, but they probably would be better off around hybrids, just hybrids. "I will arrange for someone to come and collect you, to take you to a different safe house." I went to turn around to go and see Poppy when someone spoke out "But-but your our mate!"

I know they are my mates, I knew it when they first walked through the door... but my sister comes first... always.

"I know... but my sister comes first... always."

That's the last thing I said to them as I walked out towards Poppy.

Hoseok POV-

Jin was pissed when he came back from the hospital, what Jimin did was not right, he shouldn't have done that. He ask him "Why?" in a quiet voice, then he roared at Jimin when he didn't answer "WHY! WHY DO YOU HURT HER! SHE DONE NOTHING WORNG TO YOU!" I've never seen Jimin so scared in my life, I didn't want to get on Jin's bad side ever.

I could see Jin lost in his mind and what he said next just put me and then others in fear "If this is how you will react around a humans, you will be classed as feral..." we knew the risks but that's not what else shocked us was "I will arrange for someone to come and collect you, to take you to a different safe house."

No!

He couldn't do that we are all mates our final mate! "But-but your our mate!" I shouted at Jin, he shoulders sagged "I know... but my sister comes first... always."

He then just walked away, I could smell the change in everyone's scent, I didn't want to leave but... but my brothers come first.

I looked over to Jimin, he was crying silently. He knew what he done wrong, he knew he'd fucked up.

I know he had a hard time with humans, but she's just a child and to think she had already been through an attack by a hybrid was shocking.

In the moment something started to change in me, like I wanted to extend that hand to become friends with the girl Poppy. Taehyung has already started talking and slowly getting to know her, maybe I should as well.

After a while in silence and the only sound was ticking clock that was passing the minutes away. "Tae where you are you going?" I asked him as no one else was going to. "To see the girl... who has a name. And her name is Poppy." After that he left, so I decide to follow him.

I was still on Taehyung trail but I think we were getting lost "Hyung I know your there, why are you even following me?" He turned to look at me his ears twitched and tail swished behind him. "I want...want to try and make friends with that..."

"Her name is Poppy."

"Right Poppy, I want to try and make friends with her. I did say hi when we first came but after Namjoons warning growl I backed off." As we talked in the hallway, Jin appeared. We just froze as we didn't know what to do or say "Poppy..." Tae said quietly to Jin, Jin just sighed "She's... very sleepy at the moment..." There was a few beats of silence before he spoke again "Do... would you like to see her?" He asked us, Taehyung didn't say anything he just nodded his head and so did I.

Jin took us to the second lounge area as he called it. There she was laying on the couch asleep, but I will say when I walked into the room I could smell the hospital scent, it wasn't nice it reminded me of certain things.

"Sorry for the smell but she needs her rest at the moment, your welcome to stay... but just don't do anything... please." Jin sounded so broken and sad when he pleaded with us. "We won't... could... would it.." I couldn't think of the words to say, I wanted to shift to help her, help Poppy heal. But didn't want to overstep the boundaries "Can I shift to comfort Poppy?" Tae asked Jin, I could see Jin really think about this and then Jin just nodded at him. Tae went to the corner of the room to strip his clothes, his muscles rippled and skin turn to fur and he was in his tiger form.

Tae didn't go a sit on Poppy, he laid in the floor near her, I just sat down near Taehyung, I thought it would be a bit too much for Poppy if she woke up, to see another hybrid shifted. "I'm sorry Jin.. for Jimin behaviour..." I felt like I had to apologise on his behalf, it wasn't right what he did. She didn't do anything to him, Taehyung just said he was crying for her not because of her.

"You don't need to apologise on his behalf.. he just wanted to protect his pack mate. I would probably do the same if I was in his position." At least he is understanding "Why didn't guys say I was your mate from the beginning?" I had think about this question for a moment "I guess we were seeing if we could trust." He looked confused "Trust?" I nodded "Yeah it's just..." I looked over to Poppy. "It's just because she's human and your her pet hybrid." His face changed into something I couldn't read "I'm not her pet hybrid. I keep saying she is my sister, my real sister... we are..." I could see he was hesitant "Biological related." I was shocked he hear that, Tae looked at me, then towards Jin and then towards Poppy. "It's true, like you not many people believe me." He said lowly.

The conversation died down naturally, Jin's ear twitched like he was listen to something. He looked over to Poppy, I turned to see her starting to move, Jin immediately went to her, Tae got up and sat on his hind quarters watching. "Baby, you awake?" He asked softly, I could see she slowly open her eye. She didn't say anything, she looked at Jin, then she looked at me I could see her pupils dilated into fear, then she looked over to Taehyung and her pupils slowly moved back to normal.

Her eyes moved back to Jin all she muttered out one word "Bath..." it was barely above a whisper. "Okay baby I will give you a bath." Jin picked his sister up bridal style and carried her to the bathroom.

Taehyung followed Jin to bathroom but he told him to wait outside the door, so he came and sat by me and waited. His ears twitched to every sound he herd. But soon enough, after a while Jin came back out with his sister, instead of putting her back on the couch, he put her in an armchair that was in the room. "Snowy just stay in this one, while I clean the couch for you, hmm." He nuzzled on her neck on the side without bandages, he was scenting her.

Why did I feel I wanted to do the same?

Jungkook POV-

It felt weird without Hoseok and Tae, my foot was bouncing up and down nervously. I was also thinking about the girl Poppy, she is sweet and her scent smells really nice. It was getting hard for me not to trust this girl, there's was nothing to suggest that she had a second persona.

I made my decision I was going to try and be friends with her, if Tae can do it, then so can I.

I follow the scents of my two pack mates, I could smell fear and pain coming from someone else, it was probably coming form the girl Poppy.

The door to the second lounge was propped open, my nose twitch with the scents. I poke my head through the door, Tae was next to Poppy and Hobi was near her as well. Taehyung spotted me at the door and gave me a chuff, I took that as an okay I could come in. I couldn't see Jin-Hyung anywhere, but I could smell the anaesthetic smell. It was coming from the couch "Jungkook what are you doing here?" Hobi asked me "I wanted to see Poppy..." I really did "Is... is she okay?" Hobi looked at Poppy who look like she was in pain, she was awake but she looked very sleepy "I don't really know how she is, she looks in... pain.." the girl groan when she moved to get comfortable, Tae was up immediately, he nudge at her side.

Jin came out of nowhere and this scared me, he raced over to Poppy immediately, he had some cleaning supplies with him, but he placed them hastily down on the floor.

He was looking over her making sure she was okay "Where does it hurt snowy?" She didn't speak, but she pointed at her throat. "Okay sweetheart, I'm just going to get some medicine for you, okay? I'll be right back." He went away to get he medicine "Hobi-Hyung what are you doing?" He picked up the cleaning supplies, he doesn't have to do that "I want to, the couch needs cleaning. I can't stand the smell and neither can Poppy. She to weak to be moved upstairs at the moment Koo." He sprayed the couch down, I couldn't smell any chemicals, must be a neutral cleaning product. "Here baby take this." Geez I didn't even hear Jin approach, usually Yoongi is good at stealth but this is another level.

After Jin gave Poppy the medicine, she seemed to settle. She was looking at me, Jin seemed to notice who she was looking at. "Oh Jungkook is it? I didn't realise you were here." I just nodded "How..how is Poppy?" He gave me a small smile "She's quite sore and in a lot of pain. It's going to take some time for her to recover." Jin looked at his sister when he was speaking about her, his hand was rubbing her cheek.

She was looking at Tae and I notice she gave a small smile to him, which he just edge closer to her, but he looked at Jin first, then nodded his head to the other couch. Jin seemed to know what he meant "The couch needs cleaning first." He was about to get the spray but Hobi reached out as well and put his hand on the spray bottle on top of Jin's hand "I've done it... I hope that was okay?" Hobi immediately lifted his hand away like to hand been stung, he's cheeks went red.

"Thank you." Jin said to Hoseok as he lifted Poppy up bridal style, she groan when he moved her "I know sorry baby." As he nosed at her head, he walked a couple of steps and placed her softly on the couch.

As she was placed on the couch Taehyung went up to her and gentle nudged her hand "Hi..." Poppy rasped out, Tae let out a sad rumble, he nudge her hand again "He wants you to stroke him." I said softly towards her, I could see the fear in her eyes. That really pissed me off, what Jimin had done was wrong, he does get ahead of things at time.

My trust for the girl was slowly starting to build, there is nothing bad about her. I think the others should give her a chance.

I looked over at Jin and he looked exhausted "Hyung why don't you go and rest?" I said, he needed his sleep. "No, I'm fine. Poppy might need me." He said but then a small voice spoke "Jinnie... sleep you need...it." Tae gave Poppy a gentle rumble "She's right Hyung, go and rest. I know you lost your trust in us... but we can watch her. Taehyung will keep us in check, right?" Hobi Hyung said, Taehyung gave a chuff out in response. "Okay find, but if she needs anything just come to my room, its the last door on the right." He said and went away.

He really did look tired.

"Are you a... dog hybrid?" The girl asked me after a while, I jumped out my sink and my ears pinned back "Sorry" she whispered "No don't be sorry. Erm yeah I'm a dog hybrid, Doberman." She nodded her head at that "My name is Jungkook."

"Hi Jungkook... my name is.."

"Poppy I know, you said and your brother did." She let out a small oh "sorry just the last days are a....blur." I can't imagine how she is feeling.

"Hi my Hoseok, but you can call me Hobi or Hope." Hobi said with his signature sunshine smile. Poppy was stroking Tae on the head and under the chin "You know Tae. He seems to be loving them pets of yours." Hobi said with a giggle.

Taehyung was purring so loudly but then he suddenly stopped and went stiff, Poppy notice this and removed her hand from Tae immediately. Hobi's ears went flat on his head and my ears went back.

We all looked to the door to see Jimin standing there.

"I just want to... apologise..."

Author note-

I hope you’ve enjoyed chapter 4, hoping to get chapter 5 out on Monday.

Have a good day or night wherever you are in the world🫰🏼

Stay safe and stay well!

I purple you💜

[highwaytothedangerzone502]

Foxtrot Alpha Alpha - Chapter 41

Pairing: Hangman x Female OC

Word Count: 2440

Warnings: Swearing, pregnancy complications

Summary: Hangman learned his lesson a long time ago to never show his true feelings when someone's words or actions hurt him. To do so showed weakness that could be exploited, and Seresin men couldn't show weakness. Of course, there was an exception to every rule, and Jake's always came in the form of women, three in particular: his mom, Juliette Kazansky, and the girl whose name he could no longer bring himself to speak. She was the girl that got away; she was his biggest 'what if' and his biggest regret; she would forever be the ghost that haunted his dreams. Jake believed that's where she'd stay, for he would surely never see her again after what he did.

Or so he thought.

Notes: This is the sequel to India Lima Yankee; I'm using the same callsign for the Female OC as in Ghost Story because I just really like it, but they are different characters; chapters in italics are flashbacks.

Chapter Songs: Soon You'll Get Better Love You, Miss You, Mean It

****

Coyote

"What the hell happened?!" Phoenix demanded, giving a beat-up Maverick a quick once-over and assessing his injuries. She spoke the words Coyote couldn't find because his sights settled on an even worse-looking Ghost shuffling up behind the Captain. She had a nasty bruise on her cheek in the suspicious form of a handprint, a busted lip, some stitches on her left temple, and unfocused eyes.

"Annalise?" Coyote heard himself say as he moved toward her. Her eyes drifted to him in a daze, and she blinked.

"Javy?" She asked, tilting her head. "What are you doing here?"

"The hospital called me. I'm one of Hangman's emergency contacts. What hap-"

"Natasha? You are too?"

"Oh, uh, no," Phoenix replied, taken aback by Ghost's use of her first name. "I was hanging out with Coyote when he got the call. What happened to you two and Hangman?"

Maverick debriefed the pair of aviators on what transpired hardly an hour ago. Ghost stood by him silently, swaying slightly on her feet. Worry gnawed at Coyote, not only for Hangman- who was in surgery to sew up apparently multiple stab wounds- but Ghost, too. She had been through something traumatic, undoubtedly, but even when she had the accident with Ghoul a few years ago, Ghost had been coherent and talking. This... this Ghost was like a shell of herself.

Only when Maverick began listing the injuries of everyone involved in the brawl did Coyote finally understand why. Concussions were no joke, and his best friend had a nasty one. He slipped an arm around her shoulders to steady her, and Ghost leaned into him, mumbling a thanks.

"Is Hangman going to be okay?" Coyote queried hesitantly, afraid of what the answer might be.

Maverick nodded, and Coyote's shoulders sagged in relief. The Captain explained, "He lost a good amount of blood. He'll be receiving a blood transfusion once they stitch him up, but he should survive."

"And Juliette? Why did she start seizing?" Phoenix prodded.

"Her blood pressure had already been high when she arrived. The stress of the situation raised it even higher, and her preeclampsia turned into eclampsia, which caused the seizure. They're stabilizing her right now."

"What's the cure to it?"

"Once she's stabilized, she'll have to have a C-section. The only way to help her is to deliver the babies."

Phoenix crossed her arms. "They'll be premature... How's Rooster handling it?"

"Better now that Juliette is stabilized. I-" Maverick glanced at his phone, the screen flashing with an incoming call from Penny. "Excuse me, I have to take this."

He sidled away, and Coyote and Phoenix turned their attention to Ghost, whose eyes were half shut. But that's not what worried Javy. It was the clenching of her fists around her dog tags, the subtle but powerful sign of her pain.

"Phoenix, tell the Daggers what's happened," Coyote instructed, knowing full well they would need the group of hotshots to support both Ghost and Rooster. "I'm going to get Annalise somewhere quieter."

Phoenix nodded in understanding, squeezing his arm affectionately and reassuringly rubbing Ghost's shoulder before leaving them. Coyote then led Ghost to a quieter, darker area of the waiting room and helped her sit. She sank into the chair, braced her elbows on her knees, and covered her face with her hands.

"Talk to me, Annalise," Coyote said gently. "What do you need?"

"It hurts, Javy," she whispered, fingers curling into her dirty blonde hair. "My head is pounding, every noise... god, every noise sounds like nails on a chalkboard, and all I want to do is sleep, and I tried. But my headache stops me from sleeping, and Jake, he..." She trailed off, and a silence hung over them. Coyote waited patiently for her to continue. However, when he observed her body trembling and her shoulders moving subtly up and down, the horror dawned on him: Ghost was crying.

Not knowing what to say that would make her feel better, he simply sat there and let her cry. The tears only lasted a few minutes, but her voice still held grief when she said, "It's my fault. I should never have gotten involved with Kyle in the first place, let alone have Jake try and put him in his place. I should've- I should've at least locked the stupid door after Mav came."

"Speaking of Maverick." Coyote nodded at the Captain striding over to them, looking worse for wear but better than he had been earlier. He glanced at Ghost before locking eyes with Coyote and mouthing, "How's she doing?"

Coyote gave a slight shake of the head, answering silently, "Not great."

Maverick knelt in front of the female pilot, a softness on his face Coyote had never seen before. "Hey, Ghost."

"Hey, Dad," she mumbled, rubbing her temples. "Uh, Mav. Sorry, sir."

Coyote thought nothing of the misnomer and attributed it to the nasty concussion, but Maverick appeared rattled. Maybe out of concern?

"I just got off the phone with your mom. She's on her way with your sister. They should be here early morning," Maverick explained after regaining his wits. "Sarah Kazansky is with Jack and is about three hours away, but she's on her way too and-"

Ghost's head snapped up. She swayed a little in place, causing both Maverick and Coyote to reach out and steady her, but she ignored them and said, "The dogs! Raptor and Lightning! Jake and I were- we were supposed to-"

"Penny is picking the dogs up and bringing them to our house. Amelia is going to watch them while Penny is here supporting you and Rooster. Bob is on his way too," Maverick explained gently.

Ghost sighed in relief and sank back into her chair. She leaned the back of her head against the wall only to snap away from it and clutch it with her hands. A barely audible whimper escaped from her lips.

"You okay?" Maverick asked worriedly, placing a paternal hand on her knee.

Ghost nodded. "Yes, sir. I forgot I couldn't do that. How's- how's Hangman? And Juliette and Rooster?"

"No word on Hangman yet, but I think the surgery is going well so far. As for Juliette, they've stabilized her, and she's already gone in for a C-section."

"Isn't that risky?" Coyote queried, leaning forward and bracing his arms on his knees. "Wouldn't it be better to leave the babies until their due date?"

Mav shook his head. "It's high-risk either way, but the only way to stop her eclampsia is to deliver the babies as soon as possible."

"Why is it high risk to deliver them?"

To both Coyote and Maveick's surprise, Ghost answered, "She's already had a complicated pregnancy, which we weren't surprised she had it after reading who was at risk for it. Her mom had it, she's 35 years old and carrying twins, and it's her first time being pregnant. The kicker is that all her symptoms are also signs of a possible deadlier complication- AFE- but it's difficult to diagnose. We didn't tell Rooster most of that because he worried about her enough, but she and I did our research to keep an eye on her health and the warning signs. Looks like we still missed it..."

Coyote's heart lurched, not only in fear for Juliette's life but also in fear of what losing her would do to Rooster. Coyote had finally learned of the couple's history and what they truly meant to each other. Rooster had just gotten her back. If he lost her now...

Desperate to bring some lightness to the situation for both his sake and his companions, Coyote remarked, "I amazed you remembered all that with your concussion but still called Maverick 'Dad.'"

Ghost chuckled humorlessly. "That wasn't a necessarily mistake."

"Yeah, I guess we've all called him 'Dad' at some point but-"

"No, Javy. Maverick is my dad. You can confirm it with him, Jackie, Mom, or Jake. They all know." Ghost had continued massaging her temples during the truth bomb she so casually dropped on her friend, so she failed to see his mouth drop open or the look of disbelief on his face. She had to be joking. Or her concussion was really screwing with her thoughts. Maverick couldn't be...

But when Coyote turned to the Captain for confirmation that Ghost was the crazy one and not him, he did not receive it. Only a slight nod that she was, indeed, correct.

"How-?"

"Long story. Tell you later because I'm going to go to the bathroom and hurl. I'll be back." Ghost- ashen-faced- stood unsteadily but waved off both men when they tried to help her. She hurried to the bathroom nearby, covering her mouth as she went. Phoenix, who had just stepped foot into the waiting area, caught sight and diverted her course to take care of her friend.

"I'm assuming—" Coyote began hesitantly— "since not even Rooster and Princess know about you being Ghost's real dad, you want me to keep quiet about it?"

"It'd be appreciated." Maverick opened his mouth to say more but stopped when Penny entered the room, followed by not just Bob but Payback, too.

And Fanboy.

And Omaha.

And Harvard.

And Yale.

And Fritz.

And Halo.

All the Daggers had shown up to support their friends, and the sight warmed Coyote's heart.

___________________________________

Maverick

Penny paled at the sight of Maverick's injuries, greeting him with a tight hug. The Captain winced but made no sound. Meanwhile, the Daggers demanded to know what had happened, and Coyote conveyed a very short story that covered all the essential details. He also provided updates on everyone's well-being.

"What's everyone doing here?" Ghost's weak voice sounded from behind the group. In unison, the Daggers' heads turned to look at her, and Maverick heard Omaha breathe, "Oh, shit."

Penny spoke first, maneuvering her way over to Ghost to hug her. "We came as soon as we heard what happened. I brought you some clothes and toiletries. I thought you might like to freshen up as best you can."

Ghost nodded in agreement. "Yes, ma'am. Thank you. I'm going to find go a- uh, I mean, go find a place to change. I'll be back."

"Do you want someone to go with you?"

"No, no, that's okay. I'll be right back."

Without another word, she shuffled off with the clothes in tow. The group watched her go, each wondering if they should keep an eye on her but deciding it best to leave her be. If she wanted them around, she would've asked.

"So what now?" Bob queried, glancing around. "Do we just sit and wait or-"

"We sit and wait," Maverick confirmed, torn between the turmoil his daughters endured. For what seemed like an eternity, he watched staff and guests alike walk back and forth in front of the waiting room. How long would the surgeries take? How long would he have to wait for word on Juliette? On Hangman? How long would he have to see Ghost suffer in silent agony waiting for an update on her boyfriend and best friend? Should he comfort her? Did she want him to comfort her? Or did she want him to stay away from her? It's not like his conversation with Ghost had been exactly happy before they'd been interrupted. He'd hesitated to answer her last question and had never given her a response because, the truth was, he didn't know what he would've done had he found out about her sooner. By the time Maverick would've found out, Charlie would've been back with her husband, living a happy life with him and their daughter. How would Maverick have fit into the picture? Would being in Ghost's life confuse her? Would she have wanted Maverick in her life when Nathan Blackwood was such a great man and dad? Would-

The doors to the operation room flew open. The suddenness of the action broke Maverick's spiraling train of thoughts, but it was the group of nurses struggling to escort a frantic Rooster out into the hallway that launched him and the Daggers into action, all of them simultaneously recognizing that they needed to restrain their comrade before he hurt either one of the staff or himself.

"Let me back in there!" He shouted, pointing furiously at the nurses, straining against the strength of six of his comrades. "That's my wife, damn it! Juliette! Jules- let me back in th-"

"Bradley!" Maverick stepped in front of his son, sensing the frantic behavior could only come from one thing. "What's happening?"

"Jules, she- she's cod-" Rooster stumbled backward and collapsed into a chair, his whole body shaking. "She's coding. She's coding..."

A deathly silence fell over the group as the news sank in, everyone standing in a daze. Of everyone in the group, Juliette had been the last person they expected to lose. She had the safest job and life of all of them, and yet...

Maverick's heart nearly stopped beating at the mere idea of losing Juliette so soon after Iceman. Of course, what he felt could not touch what Sarah Kazansky would feel when she found out. Maverick wasn't sure Sarah could recover from losing her husband and her only daughter only a few months apart from one another. Maverick could barely fathom the possibility himself.

He had to call Sarah, had to let her know what was going on. With one final glance at Rooster- whose elbows were braced on his knees, hands clasped tightly together, and head bowed- he excused himself to make the dreaded call. Penny patted his back sympathetically as he left. Maverick stepped into a quiet alcove in the hallway, but he still had Rooster in his line of sight. The Captain pulled out his phone and was about to dial Sarah's number when, out of his peripheral, silent as a phantom, Ghost- now in fresh clothes- glided over to Rooster and sat in the vacant seat beside him. His son hadn't reacted to the reassuring shoulder squeezes by the Daggers nor their sympathetic comments, but the moment Ghost rested her hand atop his, Rooster looked helplessly up at her. An equally broken expression etched onto her bruised face, and Rooster enveloped her hand in his. A silent communication passed between them, an unspoken, unbreakable bond between two people who loved and supported each other and were experiencing remarkably similar situations.

Without relinquishing their grip on the other, the pair leaned back in their seats. Ghost rested her head on Rooster's shoulder, and with identical distant and glazed eyes, they waited for news on their significant others.

****

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[scratchandplaster]

Shepard, what would you do if Ben got injured or died?

Ben, what would you do if Shepherd got injured or died?

[Masterlist] | Ask game

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

Shepard's hesitation spoke volumes.  

"I have to say, Sam, this is getting very dark for an article about rural life," he finally said and let his brows furrow in concern.

"Well, my readers want to see just that from your perspective; and since you and plenty of your - What shall I call them? Tentmates? - decide to bring their children up in this environment, people will be curious," they explained, still trying to settle down comfortably on the cot, "If I remember correctly, safety is a big part of your project's appeal."

Always staying in control, Shepard crossed his legs, earning a lone second to reflect. Whatever the young reporter was trying to get to needed to be swept aside before any rifts in his carefully veiled cover formed.

"Injury simply is a risk of physical labor, a part of life," he sighed, visibly irritated like this was a topic often debated, "Enough of us are equipped for first aid care and if that doesn't suffice, our good connections to a rural physician do."

"Would you consider hospital care?"

"Naturally."

"What about blood transfusions?" Sam wasn't even giving him the favor of acting discreetly anymore, a fact that clearly wore Shepard out.

"Does any of your research indicate that life-sustaining measures have no place in alternative lifestyles?"

"Not at all, but-"

"Then you understand that I'd do anything to guarantee the health and safety of everyone on my property," he stated clearly, "To never endanger a soul."

Nowadays, Shepard should have added in all fairness, but chose to swallow it down. He didn't owe them a single drop of insight.

"No parent wants to think about their child leaving the world early, so forgive me if I won't. I don't enjoy drowning myself in these scenarios. I hope I'm lucky enough to go first."

--------

"Died? W-w-what do you mean died? What kind of question is that?!"

Just a minute ago, Ben and the triplets had peacefully sculpted little shapes and animals on a picknick blanket, but now his shocked face blankly stared at Sam. They, in response, awkwardly raised their voice again:

"I mean accidents constantly happen and he's not getting younger anytime soon, so I am interested in what kind of process the deceased-"

"What would you do if-if-if your grandma got hit by a car, huh?" he yelled at their sour face in a sad attempt to act quick-witted, "Yeah, thought so!"

"Slow down, it was meant theoretically."

"You can theoretically go and fuck yourself!" A hissed insult couldn't hide the tears in his eyes.

Oh man. Sam knew exactly the kind of domino effect this would trigger as they noticed the kids' soft gasps.

"Mama, Ben said a bad word!" the first one yelled towards the flock of people near the campfire site.

"Shh, be quiet!" another sibling tried, as if to hide a terrible secret.

"You have to say a nice word now, to make it even!" the third insisted and plucked at Ben's sweater.

Ben didn't even waste a thought on that, instead turning his back to the source of his sorrow and quietly disfiguring his dough pyramid beyond recognition.

Birdie casually walked over from her station, honey-blonde braids pinned up firmly, and wordlessly hinted at Sam to follow her.

Caught with my hands in the cookie jar. Though a transgression also bore new possibilities for them: How does Mama Bear resolve conflicts and which punishments are utilized? Sam tried to ignore the tightness in their throat.

"I was just asking in general terms," they spoke first, trying to cut the tension between them.

"It's alright."

"If I expected him to react like that-"

"Hey, it’s alright," Birdie assured softly, "I think we both know that our Ben is a sensitive one."

Oh. It was a nice surprise that at least one of them didn't walk on eggshells around the golden boy. Sam huffed: "You can say that again."

"It's a good lesson in compassion for my three little monsters too," Birdie looked back over to the blanket where the kids comforted a sniffling Ben; tiny sticky hands rubbed down his back and showed him a salt dough octopus with too many arms. "It's okay to cry, we are here for you," one whispered, just as Ben had taught them many times before.

A sight that made Sam cringe: "This is really embarrassing for me, sorry."

She led them to one of the tables near the campfire, wooden slabs on thick legs, resistant to every weather condition. Flour was sprinkled all over it: dinner was only in a few hours still many were already busy preparing it. On most days, Sam was lucky to have the energy to throw spaghetti into a pot.

Maybe they could find themself a Birdie back home...

"Don't worry," she waved, "we would take care of him."

"Huh?" Sam was ripped from their thoughts.

"If something happened to Shepard. That's what you asked about, right?" she stated, to which they only nodded, "and should nothing hold him here anymore, we'd buy the land and help him settle down in a new support system. Maybe with his brother."

"Speaking of which-"

Birdie shook her head, wearing a sad smile and throwing a ball of dough from one hand to the other: "You are quite nosy, as you're hopefully aware of."

"How can I not be?"

"There sure are topics you don't like to share with strangers."

Sam had to surrender, but only for today: "That's fair."

A blob of fresh bread dough was emphatically pushed towards them.

"You can apologize later, and please try to keep the kids out of it," Birdie offered caringly, "I don't want to know what other words he learned during his sabbatical."

・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・

[lovesosweeet]

better left unsaid // cth

chapter twelve

in which orion has leukemia, and calum doesn't know.

calum hood x fem!oc

read other chapters

august 1, 2018 los angeles, california orion

My moms come up from San Diego for my first chemotherapy appointment. While I’m grateful that they’re here, I hate that they’re just another group of people who want me to tell Calum. Emelia is working today. She had offered to take the day off, but since my moms are here, I figured she should go to work.

“Honey, do you need us to take Duke while you’re getting treatment?” Mama asks.

I sigh, not wanting to think about yet another round of logistics. I feel like I’m having to rearrange my entire life because of the diagnosis and Cal being on tour. Granted, I don’t even know how much of my life is worth getting into order. Does it really matter if I take my classes if I’m going to be dead in a year or two? Taking care of Duke does matter, of course, but he’s not a very active dog and I want him here while I’m living alone temporarily.

“No, I can keep him here. He’s already got a lot of changes with Calum gone,” I tell her. She nods.

“Of course. Let us know if you change your mind, okay?”

I nod.

We get ready to leave, prepping a cold bottle of water for me to have, along with a box of crackers and a bottle of fruit punch Gatorade. In the pamphlet that Dr. Harris gave me about my chemotherapy drug, it mentioned that I’d likely be nauseous after receiving the IV of the essentially poisonous fluid. I don’t think that they’ll do much to remedy the discomfort, but I want to at least try to dispel the symptoms.

Mom and Mama insist that I also bring a sweatshirt in case I get cold, and I just do what they say. I am not in the mood to debate anything with them. I bring one of Cal’s to have a piece of him with me at the hospital. It’s not the same as having him there to support me, but it’s the closest I’ll get to it.

We drive the short distance to the hospital. My appointment is at 9:00, but they’d woken up super early to be able to pick me up and take me to the appointment. I got a text from Calum at 3 am when they landed in Tokyo and I’m so thankful he didn’t call like he’d promised. I would’ve woken up and I’m already exhausted as it is. The chemo is about to make it all worse.

I check in at the same desk that I’d come to before, but this time I don’t see Russell. A young, pretty blonde nurse calls me back instead and she explains that they’re doing more tests to provide a baseline while we track the chemo’s progress over the next few months. The tests include another blood draw, and they let me lay down, but this time I don’t pass out thankfully. Once the initial dizziness wears off, we walk down the hallway into another room, but this one is far larger.

There are several sterile-looking arm chairs, some of which have patients sitting in them already, an IV hooked up to them. I am sad when I see the youngest patient is a boy who can’t be more than 9, bald, hooked up to the chemo transfusion, and reading a Magic Treehouse book. He's so young and he's already received a death sentence: a cancer diagnosis.

The blonde nurse directs me to my own chair, which has a table next to it that has a “WELCOME, ORION” sign and a bottle of apple juice and a pack of cookies. Wow, way to make a girl feel special while she's dying.

I take a seat in my chair, and my moms stay right in front of me, even though they have chairs available for guests very much available. Maybe I get it from them — the inability to accept help. I can't imagine that they'll stand there the whole time. We're supposed to be here pretty much all day.

Another nurse comes over with a cart of medical supplies. She's older, around my moms' age, and she greets us with a 'good morning' that I just ignore. It's not a good morning.

"Let's get you started. Any questions?" She's already grabbing my arm and wiping it with a disinfecting cloth, prepping it for an IV. The thought of an IV gives me chills, so I try not to stare as she puts it in and then hooks me up to the drip of the chemotherapy drug. I don't want to think about it.

"No questions," I tell the nurse.

She smiles at me and hands me a remote. "Press this if you have any issues. I'll be back in a moment to check on you."

I try to look anywhere except for the bend in my arm where she just inserted my IV. Mom opens her mouth to say something right as my phone starts to ring. It's Calum.

"Hello?" I answer instantly. I've been waiting to hear his voice. I know it's some ungodly early hour in Tokyo, but I'm sure he's got a completely messed up sleep schedule right now, and that won't be changing for a few weeks until they're consistently in the same time zone for a few days.

"Hi baby," Cal's tired voice comes through my speaker.

"How was the flight?"

My moms mouth to me that they're going to go grab coffee and I nod, appreciating the chance to talk to Cal without them eavesdropping.

"Long and boring. Ash kept snoring for most of it." He sounds so tired. I've never understood how they could tour like they do. The different time zones, constant busy-ness, late nights... it's exhausting.

"I'm sorry."

Cal laughs. "Don't be sorry, you had absolutely nothing to do with it. How are you? What are you doing today?"

My breath catches in my throat. I have to lie again. My stomach sinks and I feel guilty all over again, but I don't have time to dwell on that. I have to tell him something. "My moms are here. Probably just gonna take a short hike and get some food, maybe go to a museum."

I feel like I can hear him frown. "I wish they'd come before I left! I've not seen them in forever. Let them know I say hi?"

I nod even though he can't see me. "Yeah, of course. I'm sorry I didn't think to invite them up to see us before. My brain has kinda been mush lately."

"I know, it's okay. I'm excited to spend Thanksgiving with them again, though," he says. Last year we did Thanksgiving with my family and Christmas with his, since Thanksgiving isn't exactly a thing in Australia. We were talking about hosting his parents and Mali here in LA this year, but we hadn't finalized that yet.

"Yeah, that'll be good."

"Hey," Calum says, which makes me laugh. Why is he greeting me again in the middle of our conversation?

"Hey?" I reply, asking it as a question.

"We're one day closer to me coming home."

I smile at the prospect of having him back home and by my side. "Yeah, what is it? A couple of months ‘til you're in San Diego?" I think I'll still be getting treatment, and I'm not sure if I'll be able to cover my tracks with him being so close to home, but I try to focus on getting through things the way they are right now. He will be home for good in November. I can make it to November.

"Yep, two months. It's October 2nd. Oh! Maybe your whole family can come to the show! Would your moms let Eri come even if it's a school night?" His mention of bringing my brother to the show is cute. My little brother absolutely adores Calum. Actually, my entire family is obsessed with him, and I don't blame them.

"Maybe, I'll have to ask." I know for a fact that they would let Eri come to a show, regardless of date or time, but I'm leery to make any kind of promises at this point.

“Just let me know, I’ll put whoever on the list.”

“Yeah, for sure. How’s Japan? How’s everyone else? I wanna hear all about it.”

Cal then dives into the rundown of their arrival to Japan and going through customs, meeting fans at the airport and finally getting to the hotel. He said Matt is already tired of them, but, to be fair, Matt was tired of them after two days of rehearsals. Ash said that Kay’s grandma is back at home, so I won’t be running into her at the hospital. It hasn’t been a full day since they left but I feel like so much has happened. Hooked up to this IV, my cancer feels so much more real.

“I’m getting sleepy again, so I can let you go. Just wanted to hear your voice.” He yawns and I can only imagine how tired he looks. I'm tired too.

“Of course,” I say. “Sweet dreams. I love you.”

“I love you too. I’ll text you when I wake up again.”

We hang up — I’m not sure which one of us does it first or if we do it at the same time, but it seems like the silence comes instantly. The moment my phone goes quiet, I realize just how freezing I am. I remember the sweatshirt my moms made me bring and pull it out of. my tote bag that's on the floor, just as the two sympathetically smiling faces appear in front of me again.

They're carrying Starbucks cups from the food court, a third one in their hands that I presume is for me.

"We got you some mint tea — it's supposed to be great for nausea," Mama says, handing me the hot cup.

"Thank you," I say, wrapping my freezing fingers around the warmth of the tea.

"How's Calum? He's in Japan first, right?" Mom asks. She ignores the chair that's next to me that she could sit in, instead choosing to squat in front of me with her iced coffee in hand.

I nod and take a sip of my tea. I've always loved mint tea. Cal and I seemed to have a cup almost every night for the first few months of us living together. "Yeah, Japan. He's tired, but he'll be tired for a while."

Mom sets a hand on my knee. "So will you." She's right. I'm about to be drained and exhausted and sick and miserable. She smiles sadly at me.

Just like the drip in my IV, the next few hours go incredibly slowly. I'm so cold the entire time, the staff have to bring me a blanket, and I note mentally to bring one with me next week. My moms were prepared and both brought books to read, one of which they end up giving to me. Scrolling on my phone got old quickly, but I found some photos of Cal and the boys arriving in Japan and enjoyed that.

Once I'm done with my first full bag of the chemo drug, we get to leave. Walking out of the hospital and back into the sunshine is jarring, and I'm still cold, even though it's still very warm outside. My moms drive me back home, but once I'm back in the apartment, they have to leave to drive back to San Diego so they can have dinner with my brother. He'd been at a friend's house all day while they were here.

They offer to order me a pizza or something for dinner, but Emelia and I are planning on hanging out tonight. I know I won't feel well, but Em just wants to be there for me in case I need anything. She'll probably stay the night, too. It won't be as comforting as having Calum, but I will gladly take the company.

A few hours pass while I'm alone, and the nausea sets in quickly. I text Emi and ask her to bring food, even though the thought of eating makes me feel worse. I know I need to eat. I don't specify what she should bring, because nothing sounds good. She just says she'll be here in thirty minutes.

I text Calum in the meantime.

To: bass boy 💕 hi my love hope you're getting some beauty sleep i know i said don't bring me anything but actually can you bring me some kind of Japanese snacks pls i will love you forever and ever and ever i mean i'll do that anyway but i do want some snacks ignore me til you're awake was just thinking and thought of it and wanted to ask hehe oh and i know it's not til the v end but can you pretty pretty pretty please buy me chocolate special k in europe i will remind you dw

I think I've successfully pretended things are normal, and I do desperately miss the Special K in Europe.

A knock on the door is timed perfectly with the end of my texting spree, and I know it's Emelia, hopefully with food.

"It's open!" I yell out, not wanting to move from my comfy spot on the couch.

I hear the door opening and closing, followed by some echoed footsteps, and then Emelia is standing in the living room. She has on her work clothes — black leggings and t-shirt, nonslip shoes on her feet. She's not wearing the hat that they make her wear anymore, but her hair is still up in a messy ponytail.

"Hi, how ya feelin'?" She asks. She also holds up the bag of food she brought. It's the ramen from the place that's pretty close to here that I love.

"Pretty shitty, but I know it's only going to get worse."

Em frowns. "Well, have no fear. I brought ramen, and we can watch Girl Meets World all night."

My jaw drops. Everyone in my life knows how much I love Girl Meets World but judges me for liking a kids' show so much, so no one ever watches it with me. She really is such a good friend, willingly watching something that she knows will make me feel better.

"I love you," I tell her.

Then, she smiles, takes off her shoes, and puts the food on the coffee table, disappearing for a minute. When she comes back, she has glasses of water, napkins, and silverware. Emelia plops onto the couch next to me and takes the ramen out of the bag, setting it up for us.

"I got the curry and the mushroom," she explains. "I wasn't sure which you'd want today. I'm fine with whatever you don't want."

Both are normally delicious, but neither sounds appealing right now. The mushroom broth is lighter, so I go with that, thinking if nothing else, I can just sip the broth.

After a few hours of watching TV and pretending to eat my ramen, I suddenly feel Emelia's eyes on me. She's got a thoughtful look on her face, and I don't know what it is.

"What's wrong?"

She shakes her head. "Sorry, was just thinking. Do you know if you're going to lose your hair?"

I gulp. I'd looked into it. It depends largely on which form of chemo you're on, but also, it comes down to luck. "The drug I'm on is one that doesn't usually cause it, but there's still a chance I might."

Emelia nods, thinking. "Do you want to get a wig? Just in case."

I'd thought about it, but wigs that actually look nice are very expensive. Medical bills are already racking up, and my moms are going to help me, but it's a lot. "No, I think I'll just cross that bridge if I get to it."

"Do you want to cut your hair?"

It's relevant, but it catches me by surprise. I hadn't thought about that. I might lose my hair, but I've had long hair for so long. I've not cut it much shorter in so long. I'm also... dying. Why do I need to have long hair until I die? Why can't I change it up?

Isn't that what life is all about? Doing fun things?

I turn to her. "Let's do it."

I stand up and head straight for the kitchen, grabbing scissors from our junk drawer. I then go into the bathroom, switching on the lights. Emelia joins me soon after I start tying my hair into four sections, aligning the elastics at the same level, halfway between my chin and my shoulders.

Emelia doesn't say anything, she just smiles at me through the mirror and watches while I begin to saw off my hair. I don't know why I'm making such a sudden, big decision, but I've chopped a full ponytail off already, so there's no going back. Leave it to leukemia to stop me from overthinking every piece of my life.

Once I've cut off all the length, I take off the elastics holding everything together and have Emelia help me even everything out. It's not perfect, but if I'm about to lose it, it doesn't matter. If I don't lose it, I'll go see a hairdresser to fix it.

"OK, let me take a picture and then I need to go lay back down.

I take a mirror selfie, covering my face with my phone, just showing the lack of hair cascading over my green sweatshirt. I send it to Cal while I trudge back to the couch, flopping face-first onto the mountain of throw pillows and blankets.

"Want some Tums? Or Pepto?" Em asks.

"No," I groan. Why did cutting my hair suck all of the energy out of me?

"You okay?"

"No."

Em chuckles, and I feel the couch sink slightly as she sits next to me. "Can I get you anything?"

"A new body?"

She snorts. "Can't do that, sorry."

I let out a pained sigh, turning my head so it's not face down on the fuzzy blanket. "Thank you for being here."

"You have to stop thanking me. I know you'd be the first person holding my hand and bringing me food if it was me."

She's right. I'd probably let her move into our place so I could take care of her as much as she'd let me. I don't think she'd take me up on the offer to move in, but there'd undoubtedly be an offer. I'd do anything for her.

"I think I'm gonna sleep," I announce. My phone buzzes several times in my pocket. Hoping it's Calum, I pull it out.

From: bass boy 💕 UM EXCUSE ME MADAM YOU CANNOT JUST SPRING THIS ON ME IT LOOKS SO GOOD GOOD MF MORNING TO ME MY GIRLFRIEND IS A GODDESS can't wait to see it in person <3 and 1000% will get you snacks and special k anything for you

read next chapter

a/n: hi hi hi sorry sorry it's been a lil bit have been slowly working on this chapter :)

[specialagentlokitty]

Mr Evershed x Daughter!reader - to make you better

Can I have a request of Evershed and student Reader who is his biological daughter when she gets sick and needs a blood transfusion and Evershed volunteer to donate blood. - Anon💜

You wondered how long it had seen been since you had actually seen you dad, sure you sometimes called, but your mum and his wife didn’t get along, so eventually your mum moved your across the country.

Now you were here, stood in front the school you were told he worked out, and you found yourself nervous to go in.

“Can I help you with something?” A woman called from the door.

You snapped out of your head and shuffled on your feet as you watched her walk out.

“You can’t just linger on school property.” She said.

You sighed, nodding your head and you went to turn away.

“(Y/N)?”

You froze, and debated your options. You could either leave now, or you could stay.

“(Y/N) what’re you doing here? How did you get here?”

You watched as the man walked over and stood just in front of you, a frown on his face.

You looked up and gave a weak smile.

“Hi dad…”

“Jesus (Y/N), you look exhausted come on, come here.”

He wrapped an arm around your shoulder and lead you to the entrance.

“Mr Evershed you can’t just bring kids into school, especially not ones found in the street.” A woman scoffed.

“Oh bite it Sue, it’s my daughter. Can we used your office Mandy?”

The woman who first spoke to you quickly nodded and led the way.

“Course, of course.”

She left you two alone and your dad helped your into a chair.

He walked around and sat on the edge of the desk as he looked at you.

You looked so different, so warn out, exhausted and like you’d been travelling for years.

“What’s going on? How’d you get here sweetheart?” He asked softly.

You looked up at Mr Evershed and shrugged a little.

“Just happened to be in the area…” you mumbled.

He frowned.

“Well, do you have somewhere to stay? You can stay with us if you’d like?” He asked.

You shook your head and rummaged through your bag, pulling out some papers you handed them to him.

“Need you to sign these, foster home can’t.”

“Foster home? Where’s your mum?”

You shrugged again and he sighed, getting up from the desk, he crouched in front of you, holding up the papers.

He set them on the floor and looked up at you.

“I’m not signing anything until you tell me what’s going on, I haven’t seen or heard from you in years, I tried calling but you disconnected your number (Y/N). I was so worried about you.”

You avoided his gaze, trying anything to avoid telling him anything.

“Can you just sign the papers, please?”

“No, we’re talking about this. What’s going on with you?”

You said nothing, just slumped down in the chair.

Mr Evershed sighed and picked up the papers, flicking through them.

They were all hospital papers, and he slowly looked up at you.

“(Y/N) what’s going on?”

He felt worry build up in his chest, he didn’t want to read these papers.

He couldn’t bring himself to read them, because he needed to know what was really going on with you, why you were here, why you needed him to sign them, why you were in foster care.

He needed answers that only you could give him, but you refused to utter a single word to him.

“Well, do you want to come for dinner at least? It’ll give me time to read over them.”

You thought about this before you slowly nodded your head and he smiled, putting the papers back in your bag as he stood up and held out his hand.

Looking at it, you took his hand, holding it lightly as he led you out of the office, and to his car.

He told you to wait there and went back into the school, and a few minutes later he came back out and drove you to his house.

He brought you inside, and got you to sit down on the sofa as he made you a cup of tea.

“So, tell me what’s new with you, friends? School?” He asked.

You spoke to him, telling about some of your friends but you weren’t currently in school.

“Your home schooled?” He asked.

“No, I’m enrolled in school, just don’t go.”

“Sweetheart you know it’s important.” He sighed.

You shrugged a little, resting your head on his shoulder as you held his hand.

You missed your dad, words couldn’t express how much you missed him.

Mr Evershed smiled, looking down at you as he kissed the top of your head.

“I missed you dad…”

“I missed you too sweetheart.” He sighed.

He got up to go change, and left you on the sofa, so you laid down, and soon enough you fell asleep.

You didn’t mean too, but you were constantly exhausted, and you just wanted to sleep all the time.

Mr Evershed came back down, and when he saw you asleep he smiled and walked over, kissing your head he covered you up with his blazer.

“What’s she doing here?”

“Gaynor.” He said.

He got up and they walked into the other room to talk.

He spoke to her about what was going on and she frowned as she looked at you fast asleep on the sofa.

“And she won’t tell you why she needs them?”

“No, I’ve tried asking. I’m hoping maybe she’ll say something after dinner.” Mr Evershed sighed.

His wife nodded her head and looked at the papers in her hands that he showed her.

It didn’t make much sense.

“Hospital stay, blood transfusion, and possible surgery? And only you can sign them.”

“Me or her mum but apparently she’s not with her mum anymore.”

His wife nodded her head and they decided to let you sleep as they made dinner.

They warned the other children to leave you alone while you slept, and they did.

It was Mr Evershed that woke you up, and you slowly sat up, rubbing your eyes as you looked around the house.

“Dinners ready.” He smiled.

“I’m not hungry…”

He frowned and brought over your plate and his, and he sat down with you.

He started to eat, but you wouldn’t touch your food, instead you just leant against him, drifting in and out of sleep.

“(Y/N) can you tell me what’s going on? I want to help.”

He stopped eating and turned to face you, and you looked past him to look at his family then turned your attention back towards him.

“Can we talk outside…?”

“Sure, yeah of course come on.”

He lead you to the front door and you both stepped outside and you sighed.

“I.. I’m sick dad.. it’s why you need to sign them…”

“Sick?”

You sighed and you explained everything to him.

You had been sick in and off for the past few years, you knew what it was, and if you wanted the treatments you needed blood transfusions but you needed the papers signed so you could get started.

Your dad was in tears as he listened carefully for you to talk.

“(Y/N) why didn’t you tell me any of this..?” He whispered.

“Because.. you’ve got your family… I just need to be put on the waiting list…” you mumbled.

He placed a hand on your shoulder, looking down at you as he took a shaky breath.

“How long is the waiting list?”

You shrugged a little.

“Can be a while unless I know someone who’s a match.”

He nodded and looked at you.

“Right, we’re going first thing in the morning. I should be a match. So we’ll do the test and if we are you’re getting that treatment right away and you’ll be staying here with me now.”

“Dad…”

“No. It’s not up for debate okay? I’ve missed so much, I’m not letting you leave again, and I’m certainly not letting you go through this alone.”

So he talked to his wife and she agreed for you to stay as well, that it was for the best.

So they set up the sofa for you, and said they’d sort something better out soon.

Morning came around quickly, and you and your dad were straight at the hospital to get everything sorted.

He was a match, and he willingly agreed to do the transfusions for you.

He was going to be with you every step of the way, and he was going to do whatever it is he had to do so you would get better.

You were his little girl, his daughter, and he needed you to be okay. So if that meant him giving blood he would, if it meant him giving a kidney he would, he would give life and limb for you just so you weren’t sick anymore

[voiceoffenrisulfr]

Multitudes - Chapter Eighteen

Spinning and Stumbling...

𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 -> Clint Barton/Natasha Romanov, James "Bucky" Barnes/Clint Barton/Natasha Romanov, James "Bucky" Barnes/Clint Barton, James "Bucky" Barnes/Natasha Romanov, Clint Barton/Steve Rogers, James "Bucky" Barnes/Steve Rogers, Steve Rogers/Natasha Romanov, James "Bucky" Barnes/Clint Barton/Natasha Romanov/Steve Rogers

𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘 -> Aftermath and after-effects.

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓 -> 2261

𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 -> (E) Guilt, poor-self care, 'it should have been me' energy, passive suicidality, significant weight loss and talk of weight, threats.

𝐀/𝐍 -> Dead Dove: Do Not Eat. Please read the warnings, and proceed with caution. You know the drill. A surprisingly feel-good chapter in the end, though. Corresponds to Magic and Madness - Chapter Six. Masterlist can be found here.

Check it out below, or on AO3 here! The snazzy Black Widow divider comes from @/firefly-graphics and I love it <3 The Multitudes Universe one is our own!

<- Previous Chapter (17/72) Next Chapter (19/72) ->

Everything was a blur of white and red.

The evac came quick, but the blood had started to slow beneath my fingers, my tears getting heavier as his pulse got lighter. “Stay with me, Clint. You can’t do this – not now. Not when we’ve gotten so close. I said I’d give you a long and happy life, remember? You can’t be the one to break that promise. You can’t do this to me – to us. Widow owes you that date, right?”

“I will go on the date, Clint. If you stay with us, I will go on the date. I promise.”

“You hear that, hon? You’ll get your date. And then the two of us will show you the best night of your life.”

The quinjet felt cramped with Clint strapped to a bed, but at least I could touch him. At least I could hold his hand while Tony worked frantically to stop the bleeding.

But nothing was as torturous as being forced to wait in the hallway when Stephen rushed him into theatre at a hospital I didn’t recognise, with muttered assurances that he’d do his best.

Not ‘he’ll be fine’.

‘I’ll do my best’.

Waiting.

Endlessly waiting.

I curled up on the floor, refusing to move.

There was a rotating cast of Avengers, each trying to convince me to eat, to go home and get some rest – even to just sit on a chair.

No. No.

We should have been better. We should have been better.

We should have protected him. We should have protected him.

Five hours, thirteen minutes.

The whole time, we sat on the floor, pressed against the wall.

Our hand over the shallow would between my ribs-

Our breathing getting harsher and harder-

Our head getting lighter.

That bullet would have ripped through my lung if he hadn’t been stood there. That bullet would have ripped through my lung if he hadn’t been stood there.

It should have been me.

It should have been me.

“It should have been you.”

We looked up into Strange’s bleak expression, blinking. “… Wh… What?”

He nodded at our blood-streaked fingers, jaw set tight. “I said, ‘Let me take a look at you’.”

We blinked again, feeling nothing. “We’re fine. How’s Clint?”

Smiling wryly, he offered us his hand. “Let’s make a deal.

“Clint had a lot of internal damage. A lot. I’ve patched him up as best I could, but…” Stephen sighed as he slid the needle through our numb, cleaned wound, and we didn’t wince. “You’re lucky he was in front of you. You would likely have lost your lung, but instead it just broke the rib.”

“Lucky,” we scoffed, and he flinched.

“He’s not come around yet. He… We had to perform an ileostomy. There wasn’t enough intestinal tissue left to salvage. He’s been fitted with a bag – if he… That will be permanent.”

We winced, cutting our gaze to his. “Will he wake up?”

Stephen hesitated, his fingers shaking slightly against our skin. “We don’t know. He lost a lot of blood and sustained significant injuries. He underwent massive transfusions. The fact that he survived surgery is reassuring, but…” he sighed again, shaking his head. “I’ve had this conversation too many times lately.” We cocked our head, and he smiled weakly. “I said almost the exact same thing to Clint, when it was you that may not wake up.”

We sat in that plastic chair by his bedside.

We sat with our fingers in his, our head on the sheets.

We sat, and we cried.

We sat, and we begged.

We sat, and we prayed to a God we didn’t even know if we believed in.

Nick sent another therapist – someone to debrief us. To see where we went wrong.

Where I went wrong.

Where I went wrong.

We didn’t speak.

Bruce brought food – endless homemade meals and take-out.

We didn’t eat.

Wanda tearfully begged us to come home, to get some rest.

We didn’t move.

On the third day, someone stuck an IV in our arm, filled with sugar water.

We pulled it out. Again, and again, until there was no sugar. Only water.

We ate for him.

Why would we eat now?

There’s nothing left to eat for.

Nothing left to fight for.

Just let me die.

Just let me die.

When we were lucid, we spoke to him.

I told him stories about the farm he always wanted. I told him I’d been thinking about our future – two kids, three dogs, and a cat. Some chickens, but not for meat. There’s been enough killing.

Widow told him about their first date. That they were terrified, but so excited. That they trusted him not to hurt them, despite everything. That they were sorry for everything.

But then the walls came down once more.

There was no sense of time. No sense of anything but the steady beeping of his monitor, the hiss of oxygen through the tube in his nose.

I couldn’t watch when they fed him. I couldn’t watch when they changed his dressings, and the bag nestled into his hip.

Widow watched for me, their presence wreathed around me protectively, shielding my eyes.

On the twelfth day, I half-expected him to wake up. Poetically beautiful.

He didn’t.

It wasn’t until the thirteenth day that he coughed and spluttered, choking around the tube in his throat. My hand slammed into the button on the wall without thinking, desperate fingers finding his face.

He can’t breathe He can’t breathe He’s choking He’s choking Help him Help him

Tony’s arms found my waist, pressing against the wound in my side as he lifted me bodily from the room, kicking and screaming, straining to be back with him.

“He’s awake.”

My head shot up from where I was cradled in Tony’s arms, his gentle grip the only thing stopping me from barrelling back into the room. But at the nurse’s words I threw my head back, hearing the genius curse as my skull collided with his jaw, scrambling to my feet and down the hall before he could stop me.

“… Clint.”

“Natasha.”

Our name. Our full name – his indicator that he was speaking to both of us.

His voice was weak, vocal chords chafed by the tube, but he raised his arm to me, beckoning.

I fell into his side, sobbing uncontrollably, kissing his stubble-rough face with abandon.

He smiled weakly, his eyes meeting mine.

Clint. My Clint. My Clint. Our Clint.

“You’re too skinny, my love.”

“Thirteen days,” I whimpered, fingernails digging into his neck. “Thirteen days, Clint. I didn’t think you’d wake up.”

“Have you been eating?”

I recoiled, glaring. “…No. We haven’t been eating. Just like you didn’t when it was me lying in the hospital bed.”

He smiled weakly, his forehead touching mine. “I’m awake now, honey. Eat some damn food.”

I laughed softly, more tears falling down my cheeks. “Okay."

Steve dropped off a pasta salad, snorting about the bruise on Tony’s jaw.

I ate it while Clint was dragged further into an uncomfortable consciousness, closing the empty tub just as Stephen knocked on the door.

“How’s my never-ending pair of patients?” he joked with a weak smile, and Clint’s eyes cut to me.

“’Pair’?”

“The bullet that hit you-”

“Stephen,” I warned, glaring.

My archer paled, eyes scanning my available flesh desperately. “It got you? Where? Are you okay?”

I sighed, lifting the hem of my shirt, showing the small, rapidly healing scar on my ribcage. “I’m fine. Luckily, the mess it made of your insides slowed it down,” I quipped, and he grinned, touching a shaking finger to the mark.

“I’ve never been so glad to be shot.”

Stephen cleared his throat, and I let my shirt drop as I sat on the edge of the bed, our attention returned to the doctor. “Clint… You had extensive internal damage. We managed to repair most of the damage – though you may find complications arise over time.”

“…But?” Clint prompted in the silence, one eyebrow raised. I saw him surreptitiously shift his feet, and sigh with relief.

“But… We couldn’t save everything. You lost a significant of intestinal tissue. We’ve had to fit an ileostomy bag.”

My partner nodded, swallowing dryly. “How long?”

“For life.”

His jaw tensed as he nodded again, ever the stoic soldier.

“… You can be upset,” I prompted, turning to him with concern. “It’s perfectly understandable to be upset.”

He paused, then met my eyes steadily, his deep cerulean unwavering. “It sucks, Natasha. It’s going to be an adjustment. But no… I’m not upset.” My brow furrowed, and he smiled. “All this – the bag or whatever – it means that I’m still alive. I’m still here for our life together. Are you kidding? I’m ecstatic. I’ll take the damn bag with a smile for my future with you.”

It took five more days for Clint to be discharged from the hospital, with similar instructions to those I’d had – bed rest, daily check-ups, and taking it easy.

I spent every moment of my time by his side, telling him all the things we’d said while he was asleep.

Stephen examined his stitches every morning, and checked on his ileostomy bag. He said he was healing well, but I was still too scared to look.

Since the day after Clint came home, Bruce had been dragging me back to our morning vitals, with a pained grimace and a red wrist band as my reward for the first visit. Clint had flinched when he saw it, but I’d waved him off.

“It’s fine. I’ll get it back in no time.”

I’d stood in the bathroom not thirty minutes later, speaking to the ceiling.

“Friday, what’s my current weight?”

“I’m sorry, Ms. Romanoff. I am forbidden to discuss weight or perform calculations-”

“Override code – 2 1 14 14 5 18.” Banner.

“Your current weight is 92.2lbs.”

Four pounds below our lowest weight.

Don’t we… Deserve it? Isn’t this our punishment, for not being good enough?

I deserve all this, and more.

It was that day I started water loading before weighing in, making myself fat and heavy. First one litre, then two, then three. My weight hit 94 fake pounds, and Bruce relaxed a little.

Almost seven of those were not real.

I was officially in the danger zone, skirting the edge of reality and fantasy. The world moved around me now, and I left no footprints when I walked anymore.

Widow was quiet – even they could find no satisfaction in this. Not in the way our hands shook and we left curls of hair on Clint’s pillow when we stole from his bedside in the middle of the night, carefully keeping our heart rate low enough to not get caught. Not in the way our skin turned sallow, or in the way the hair from our head seemed to have resprouted on our cheeks.

This was not the glamourous, strong person they thought we would be. This was only pain, and vomiting until our throat bled, and muscles that screamed as they ate themselves.

Clint looked at us with pity in his eyes, but we couldn’t feel enough to care.

Bruce knew we were tricking him – doing something, somehow – but he couldn’t figure out how, his searches becoming firmer and more desperate the more skeletal we became.

93 (86).

92 (85).

91 (84).

90. 90 fake pounds, and 83 real ones.

But I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t let the pain seep back in, so I drank more. And more.

79lbs.

It was that day – the day my BMI hit 13.1 – that Bruce snapped, slamming his clipboard against the table, making my frail body tremble.

“I don’t know how you’re doing it, Natasha. There is no way you’re still 90lbs.” He ran a hand through his hair, taking in my ragged appearance as I weaved, fighting to stay upright. “How are you still doing this?”

“I’m fine,” I murmured, my voice cracked from lack of use.

Just let me die.

Just let me die.

My fault my fault my fault my fault my-

“Friday, please scan Ms. Romanoff’s weight.”

No.

Friday was smart. Friday didn’t include water weight. That’s how I knew.

“I’m sorry, Dr Banner. I am forbidden to discuss weight or perform calculations-”

“Override code – 2 1-”

“’Banner’ isn’t a very imaginative override code, Bruce.”

He turned to us with a horrified expression, and even Widow couldn’t take as much pleasure in his devastated realisation as they’d have liked as they smirked humourlessly. “What, you thought we would not remember? My my, Doctor. You underestimate us.”

“Override-”

“No, Bruce. I cannot let you do that. If you proceed down this path, you will regret it. We are still stronger than you realise… Strong enough to bring out your secret beast, certainly. But perhaps not strong enough to stop him from snapping us like a twig.” Their voice was cold and calculating, but only one thought echoed around our head.

You cannot take us from him. You cannot take us from him. Not yet not yet not yet not yet.

We promised him-

- the rest of our lives.

You will not take us from himyou will not take us from him.

“Natasha-”

“That’s enough, Bruce. I’m going to leave now, and I will not be coming back. Stay away from us. I am not your concern.”

Widow turned silently on trembling knees, air whistling through the space between our thighs, too desperate to leave to stop and change.

We didn’t even make it to the door.