#i went to a sleep doctor one time. showed them a year's worth of sleep records where my sleep was CLEARLY free-running.

[confinesofmy]

it's so funny how many therapists i went to when i was a kid when where i needed to be!! was in a sleep clinic!! because ofc i was mentally ill, 3/4ths of my life was spent in severe sleep deprivation! but insurance didn't pay for a sleep clinic, it paid for therapy. so. super cool that i wasted all that time i guess. 😑

[notlhecxzsa]

Accidents - Scarlett Johansson

Hiii, this is a very very sensitive fic and everything is not a real happenstance. Hope you enjoy!

WARNING ⚠️: Forced sex, super mean drunk Scarlett, physical abused, mental abused, hurt reader.

~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~°~

You never had a very good past relationships.

But, that was before Scarlett.

At the age of eighteen, you started having boyfriends who did nothing but to hurt you, mentally, and sometimes... physically. You had 3 boyfriends inside of 5 years, 18 to 23, and that was it, you are now 29.

You were done with love, you've always been saying that to yourself after the last relationship you had, which very far much more toxic that the two just broke you mentally, but the last one didn't just broke you mentally, he physically hurt you.

You were a broken chaotic mess for almost 3 years, not believing in love anymore and the other things along that word, but everything changed when you met Scarlett. Scarlett changed everything, so willingly, she badly wanted you to be hers, just as she will be yours that she didn't gave up on courting you even though it took her 3 years, almost 4.

You two met, instantly clicked on, became best friends till she caught feelings for you, which she soon confessed. She knew about your past relationships, hell, she knew about everything. She became your shoulder to lean on, and you became her new found hope to continue on living inside her dull world that is full of toxicity with having sex with random girls, or random artists and going off to the club as her rest.

To say the least, she understand why you were very scared on letting her in to you romantically, though, you would be lying if you said that you didn't caught any feelings for the woman. Ever since the two of you developed your relationship, you felt it, you saw it, you're not an idiot to not see her obvious movements and steps that is screaming the words; "I Like You."

You knew it from the start, and then she confessed, but you weren't ready for anything. But, Scarlett being the charming woman she is, and ofcourse, with all her wealth, she did everything just to get you.

She changed, for you.

She changed you, just like how you changed her.

She stopped sleeping around, she focused on her work, but the rest of her time was spent on you without fail. Though, being a doctor can be a really busy job at times, it didn't stopped Scarlett to woo you and was determined to wait hours and hours until you're free. Most of the timesz she would always find herself outside of your footsteps, outside the house that your parents brought for you for your 25th birthday, wanting you to stop renting. She would always have something in her hands that she brought for you, most of the times, it was foods and anything that she thinks you might like, or anything the she likes for you to wear.

God, everything she'd done for you.

You guys are now 7 months in a relationship, everything was going well, no fights or anything bad has happened between the two of you, fortunately. Until, now.

You went to a party, a friend of hers, she wanted you to tag along, she always wanted you to tag along, being this cocky woman she is, wanting to show everyone that she got the most beautiful girl, it was no lie though, you are a very beautiful girl, a worth giving everything up for.

Along the years, you glowed up, becoming into this woman that looks so well written by a goddess, everyone wants you but, mostly for pleasure, nonetheless, it was no lie that anyone could easily fell for you.

But, being described as that brought some cons to you.

Being sexualized here and there, recieving so many catcalls, some would get have the pass cards, but not when you're with Scarlett, who will definitely punch the shit out of them not even a second.

But, right now, someone's making you feel very, very uncomfortable, and Scarlett's not here, infact, she's nowhere to be seen, which you mentally cursed her for taking so long to wherever she went.

"Come on, don't be such a stranger, sweet face. Why don't we go and have some fun, I'm sure it's lonely to be alone..." A drunken, beefy man from your side, who is invading your personal space already, said drunkenly.

You wanted to get up, maybe punch his face if you would get a chance since he's been bothering you for what felt like an hour already, then run to Scarlett, and get enveloped in her beefy arms.

But, this man got you caged in his arms, almost caged in his arms. And you were scared, you're not really that good in socializing, and running from him would for sure will bring some audience to look at you, and Scarlett might come looking for you in just a few seconds already, so you just scooted as far as you can, only for the man to pull the stool you're sitting on closer to him, almost making tears welled up in your eyes, thankfully, you girlfriend is just in time.

"Hey!"

~~~~~~~~~

You don't know where she was going with her hurtful words.

She was a bit tipsy. A little bit tipsy for your liking.

It wasn't your fault. You know it wasn't your fault. You tried your best to make him go away, she might now saw that, but she saw how you scooted away from him before a fight between her broke out. Leaving the man's face bleeding before she practically gripped your wrist while her other hand went to your waist possessively.

She was almost carrying you out, she guided you to your seat in the red sports car she owned out of many. She slammed the door in front of your face, too harshly for your liking, it made you flinch, it made the beats of your heart became fast than it already was.

God, you know, it wasn't your fault. But, right now, it feel like it is. With all the words being thrown at you as soon as you both stepped inside the house, you following after her, wanting to know what's gotten her upset, wanting to know why she didn't hold you like she does whenever she sees you like this, in fear.

You were very scared.

Now, you felt more scared with her actions and confused with the way she's treating you right now.

Maybe, she wasn't just a little bit tipsy after all.

"I told you that I would get back immediately. I went to get us some drinks, but then you decided to whore yourself around behind my back. What were you thinking, Y/n?" She shouted, throwing the set of keys on the coffee table as you followed her to the living room.

You watched as she paced around the room, while you just stand there with your arms around yourself, as if it will protect you on what is coming. As if it would give you the comfort that you lack off, the comfort that Scarlett could only give.

She rubbed her face up and down with both of her hands, before the both of it raked her pixie hair. "Fuck, Y/n!" She stomped her foot on the ground, before turning around to look at you appropriately.

Her suit is messy and her sweats are a around the place. You don't know where she was being mad and upset about. Her words hurt. It was the first time she called you that, this was the first time she acted like this around you.

You didn't like the way she is acting.

The way she cursed your name in a harshly manner.

The way she was so mad at you for no complete reason.

"Wh-why are- w-what are you saying-" You couldn't even get to finish your sentence when she was again, shouting at you.

"Oh please..." She laughed as if it was funny, but now, tears were already streaming down your face as your heart started to hurt badly. She was drunk, maybe she can't see you clearly, she can't see the tears and how you started shaking so badly. "Don't act so innocent now. God, fuck!" She shouted once again, pacing around the room.

"How- god, Y/n. You don't- you don't know how that hurt me-" You couldn't help but to cut her off. What did hurt her? Did something hurt her the way you were hurting right now?

"What did? Did- did I do something-" Once again, it feels like you weren't allowed to talk when she cut you off, storming towards you that you couldn't help but walk backwards in fear.

"Who fucking told you to interrupt me?!" She was screaming straight to your face, before you felt her strong hands gripping your small biceps.

"Ah, Scar-" You whimpered, and she seemed to snapped out a little as she took her hands back before turning  around, her hands on her head as if she's going crazy.

You think so too.

She's going crazy.

She's hurting you.

You were sobbing when you heard her sniffles. 

She once again turned around to face you, there was something dark and dull in her eyes. You knew, in that moment, she's not the Scarlett you know. And, you could only pray to the gods above to bring that Scarlett back to save you from this woman in front of you.

She walked towards you until she was towering over you already. You couldn't help but to bow your head and tighten your arms around yourself.

"Do you know him?" She asked in a very darkened voice, you can't tell if it was just the alcohol speaking or it was really her. Your Scarlett.

"N-no, I don't..." This time you looked up at her, while you felt ome of her arm coming up to one of your biceps gripping it just as tight as earlier, that you tried to get away because of how much it hurts.

"The truth, Y/n. Tell me thr truth." Now, one of her hands was gripping both of your jaws, you couldn't help but to hold her wrist with both hands, but she was strong.

Much more stronger than you.

You couldn't get away because she was holding you bicep tightly.

Can't she hear your sobs? She once said it hurt her to see you crying, in pain, but now, she seems like a very different person.

Maybe, this was just a dream. A bad dream that you need to awake.

"It's the truth, Scarlett. P-please, believe me..." You tried to take deep breaths because you felt you chest tightening along with your anxiety starting to kick in. "Please..." You begged to the unknown shakily.

She only chuckled a little before harshly taking her hand off of your face, making your face turn to the other side, before she once again, dragged you up into the stairs, then to your room.

Your feet was barely touching the floor as you tried to keep up with her big and heavy steps.

"S-Scarlett, it hurts..." You tried so hard to take your arm back, but to no avail, you didn't. Your heart is beating so loudly, it feels like it wants to get out of your chest as your mind started to spiraling into the darkess unknown where you found yourself being into years ago.

You don't want to get back there.

Oh god, you don't want to go back.

Moments ago, you found yourself trying to be set free from her painful grasp, but now, you found yourself being so defeated that you just conceded to the defeat and just let her have you in ways that you didn't know she'll have you.

You found yourself being forced down on the soft king bed, both of your wrists were gripped tightly by one of her hand on top of your head, her other hand forcing one of your legs apart.

God, she was so strong while towering you over.

She was ripping you apart with her manhood, she already taken you while being bent over to the bed, your feet was barely touching the floor, it was now the second time that she forced a climax in you.

You felt your body getting in and out of consciousness as you continued receiving hittings everywhere her hands chose to land on.

You just know that tomorrow, you will be black and blue. Bruises will be littered on your skin. God, how did you go to this?

You pleas and begs seemed to be unheard by her. Your loud and broken cries was muffled by her bruising kiss whenever she would put her lips on yours.

"Scarlett! P-please... Stop! R-red! Red! I-I can't- I can't anymore. It hurts!" You started, only to be smacked in the face.

"Isn't this what you want? Huh? I'm giving you what you want, Y/n! Or, you like it more when it's that man who's doing this. Do you like that? I bet you do." There comes her sinister laugh, before you knew it, she was already throwing you to the floor before continued to rutting in you.

Your vision started to become blurry, until your voice started to become slurry. You felt wet liquid started to stream its way down on your face starting on your forehead down to the floor.

You were laying on your stomach, she was moving so harshly and so fast behind you. The pain was too much that you starting to feel numb.

You felt your chest becoming more tight, and before you knew it, darkness have already swallowing you over.

[misterbenzadrine]

hawkmetri headcanons !! (might keep adding on) (also a lot of this is me projecting on them)

demetri

queer/unlabeled

has adhd/add but not diagnosed

yaps and doesn't realize it's not always appropriate

raised by a single mom

his mom forced him to join soccer around six/seven years old but after he got hit in the face with the soccer ball all season and somehow got stuck in the goal net, she didn't push him to rejoin (or any other sport for that matter)

on that note, he seemed to get hit in the head a lot as a kid (softballs, kickballs, basketballs, volleyballs, soccer balls, etc.) so he definitely never picked up a sport before karate

some of his favorite characters include: hal jordan, the ninth doctor, obi-wan, padmé amadala, nyota uhura, and his fav pokemon is zubat

doesn't care for marvel and thinks dc shows are 100000000x better than marvel project BUT he does like reed richards and wanda maximoff (this doesn't mean he really cares to consume any marvel media, he just knows of them and likes their personalities)

became obsessed with watching the guild, dimension 20, and Rejected by don hertzfeldt on a loop fifth to seventh grade

really likes 1984 (the book and the movie)

listens to the beatles, the smiths, weird al, car seat headrest and weezer (not in an "i'm a loser" cool way, but in the most actual loser way possible) (it's just music his mom played when he was little) (he doesn't really care for music but he'll listen to it from time to time and think of her)

interested in physics, engineering, and robotics and MIT-BOUND BABYYYY

likes mel brooks movies (especially History of the World Part 1 and Spaceballs)

outside of hawk, he spends most of his time with sam, moon, and yas and is considered "one of the girls" (not that he particularly enjoys that title or the way the rest of the miyagi do guys make fun of him for it but he gets to spend all day with hot rich girls and they don't so joke's on them)

occasionally, tory and devon will join sam, moon, yas, and demetri for a girls' day. tory's not really enthusiastic but demetri notices that she does feel more included knowing she has friends outside of devon and robby. (she never remembers demetri's name though, he thought it was an ongoing bit but she genuinely doesn't seem to know who he is other than "the gangly kid that follows hawk around")

other than anthony and nate, demetri surprisingly has a great bond with devon. although she's closest with tory, she enjoys spending time with demetri and talking about debate structure and movies

the absolute gremlin that he is DEVOURS sour candy which definitely caused more than a few health problems in middle school but he still revels in whatever he can get his hands on

hawk

bisexual

autistic (got diagnosed right after his s4 buzzcut spiral and his mom thought a psychologist might help)

(i think this is like fanon atp but) his parents are rich and his dad is always away on business trips, leaving him alone with his mom more often than not

has a pretty short social battery and sometimes still slips back into pre-hawk eli who'd let demetri do all the talking

he likes being loud and social but he gets really tired after hangouts and takes long naps afterward (his whole time in cobra kai was exhausting and he's definitely grateful the miyagi do kids don't seem to mind when he goes a little nonverbal)

his parents tried to push him to join the other kids at sunday school but he just wanted to stick by their side

was raised catholic but catholic guilt is real and his hawk mentality was "if i'm already going to hell for existing, may as well make it worth it" before switching to miyagi-do and being content to just be atheist and undo his cobra kai AND catholic thinking

his parents consistently tried to sign him up for things but he either never went bc he didn't want to or he was scared of getting made fun of

nighttime stress and sleep enuresis persisted up until around sophomore year (right about when he "flipped the script") and shut himself down any time his parents tried to talk to him about it (not even just nonverbal, bro straight up would ignore them and walk away)

didn't want to admit it but he really liked bo burnham starting around 13

some of his fav characters: bruce banner, han solo, padmé amadala, war doctor, the tenth doctor (also really likes the eighth doctor), his fav pokemon are serperior and glaceon

doesn't really know dc (he feels like the characters are overpowered and oversaturated) but LOVES jason todd and conner kent (literally watched Batman: The Killing Joke so many times that his dvd started scratching and he had to replace it) (he also loved Young Justice)

(got this from a fanfic but it was perfect) LOVED the dead poets society

(also from a fanfic) fav episode of dr who is "the girl in the fireplace" bc it reminds him of demetri

liked the thirteenth doctor but still prefers moffat's writing

tried drawing throughout middle school, mainly to draw out his blueprints and dnd oc's but it didn't really go anywhere

interested in biochemistry, engineering, and architecture but not entirely sure what he actually wants to do

also likes photography but more as a hobby, not as a career

listens to nirvana, kendrick lamar, and mac miller (tried getting into guns n roses, metallica, and poison when he first joined cobra kai but didn’t really like 80s rock) (definitely credits miguel for getting him into kendrick lamar) (occasionally listens to tyler the creator and frank ocean, esp after coming out)

has meltdowns and when he was younger his parents never knew how to handle them, usually waiting for him to calm down on his own (which usually only made him angrier and more lonely)

other than anthony and bert, he gets along pretty great with kenny, both bonding with robby over their mutual asshole history and understanding each other as bullied kids turned assholes. they help each other work on their anger and hawk gives kenny tips on new moves

hawkmetri !!

watched the star wars prequel trilogy RELIGIOUSLY at almost every sleepover when they were little (though they recognize they maybe aren't the best, they're nostalgic for the films)

watched the new trilogy together (the rise of skywalker coming out around or after the sekai taikai which set a little damper on things) and they lowkey wondered why finnpoe wasn't a thing (though they weren't avid shippers) and they HATED the reylo kiss

they did however both feel a little heart skip when ben defected from the dark side to defend rey (deja vuuuu)

demetri dragged eli along for his journey through "the greatest films in history" which included a viewing of La Jetée and Dead Poets Society (which eli liked way more than demetri did), and 1984 and Chinatown (which demetri liked a lot more than eli)

they also watched Rebel Without a Cause but neither really cared for it and didn't get the hype

when they first met, eli didn't want to leave his parents' side (for normal child separation anxiety) and they worried how he'd get adjusted in school with his anxiety and surgery scar but demetri marched right up to him, only focused on his inaccurate episode five luke skywalker shirt that used a photo from episode four before he had the facial scars from the wampa attack (which then devolved into demetri, unprompted, explaining the behind the scenes reason for the wampa attack)

much to his parents' surprise and delight, eli opened up to demetri and was okay with them leaving for the day (both eli's parents and demetri's mom were relieved they were both able to make a friend their first day of kinder and stick by each other’s side even when school got harder)

eli spent a while coding a website for him and demetri to organize their dnd campaigns (which only ever involved the two of them)

demetri spent a lot of their time apart (both through cobra kai and the mit fight) going through the website to pass the time rereading the plots to their games (and if he silently wondered where this version of his best friend went, he never said it aloud)

sometimes while building their lego models, coding (at coding camp or otherwise), or building robots for the robotics team, they play a mix of midwest emo, indie alt, rap, and rock (not that they particularly listen to it or like it, they just need something that’ll blend in the background)

eli really likes mario kart (which he played a lot with miguel and the original cobra kai team) but demetri prefers super smash bros (where he mains kirby and king deedee)

demetri was THIRLLED when eli became hyperfixated on jason todd and conner kent and hoped this would be his introduction to dc. he later realized eli didn't really hyperfixate on the characters in their entirety as much as just Batman: The Killing Joke and Young Justice specifically (he was a little disappointed but he still got him the Batman: The Killing Joke graphic novel for his bday which was a very treasured gift)

they actually made another embarrassing binary bros video after the first one (just talking about something they coded together for like ten minutes) but hawk deleted it bc it was too embarrassing and he was mad at demetri at the time (he doesn't know demetri kept it on a flash drive)

they both had huge crushes on padmé amadala (a big motivator for watching the prequel trilogy so often)

star wars is so intrinsic to their relationship actually and every time they rewatch, obi-wan and c-3po remind hawk of demetri and luke skywalker and poe remind demetri of hawk

demetri mandated "rehabilitation-community service" for hawk to earn his trust back (they both knew demetri forgave him at the dec 19th fight but hawk went along with it bc he really did want to make it up to demetri and didn't want to waste any second he could spend with his best friend) in which he was "forced" to watch nerd stuff with demetri, including Lord of the Rings, Star Wars episodes 1-6, Doctor Who season 11, Batman: The Killing Joke, and Spaceballs (he makes sure to make an extra scene of the batman movie: "I know you HATE DC, but this one is OKAY. If you don't like it, we can just skip it. Matter of fact, you'll probably hate it. Let me just put on Justice League, WAY BETTER DC project if you ask me. You'll love it.") (eli knows demetri's messing around but he hopes he never forgets what he loves and who he is again so demetri never has to wonder where his best friend went again)

demetri wasn't the PERFECT solution to hawk's meltdowns but he did seem to have a sixth sense for when they were imminent and what hawk was feeling (and never really brought it up after the fact so as to not embarrass his best friend)

kid demetri usually tried talking him through his frustration then would try to make him laugh once he'd calmed down (which hawk GREATLY appreciated as a kid and as an adult bc demetri seemed to actually listen to his feelings and what he wanted)

teen/adult demetri is apparently more emotionally mature and has breathing exercises with hawk and tries to have a full conversation once the worst of the meltdown has passed (hawk thinks it's a little bullshit but he goes along anyways and it works every time) (demetri obviously learned this from sam, yas, and moon)

they both get along really well with anthony, much to everyone's surprise. with kenny, the four of them talk about dungeon lord, play super smash bros, and the two older teens even try to talk the younger ones into joining a dnd campaign with them

there's one day when miyagi do is training/hanging out at the park and somehow demetri and kenny agree to race each other. kenny narrowly wins and demetri argues that if they had raced when he was the same age as kenny, he would've been faster ("I was more aerodynamic then, I was a stringbean, of course I could run faster! This is ageism, it's not fair I'm one foot in the grave, he's still young and spry! No, I will not stop making a scene, Eli, you remember how fast I was at the mall, this is injustice!")

growing up, demetri definitely had a "i won't do that if there's a chance of it ending terribly" mentality (very pessimistic and stubborn) which kept him and hawk from trying a lot of things. this is why hawk was so surprised to catch up with his best friend before their senior year and find out how much he actually changed. ("Dude, what do you MEAN you went hiking with Miguel and the LaRussos? And you didn’t complain about mountain lions or falling rocks the whole time?" "Yeah, it's wasn't as bad as the time Yasmine tried to teach me how to surf." "...You went SURFING?")

hawk definitely feels a little possessive of demetri, as embarrassing as it sounds. he prefers to think of it as gatekeeping, since he knew how great he was before his lanky best friend suddenly got incredibly popular and has "i liked demetri alexopoulos BEFORE he was cool" written all over his face

despite this however, he's also really grateful for their whole group that protected and pulled demetri from his shell while hawk was in cobra kai (yes even robert patrick swayze keene, the smug bastard who definitely filled hawk's spot next to demetri during film nights)

hawk warns everyone to keep any sour candy away from demetri for his own health and their own sanity (think cat from victorious with bibble)

while demetri has dungeon lord comics in his reading rotation, hawk, kenny, and anthony only casually read, more often than not just stealing demetri's comics while they're over and quickly flipping through the pages. (demetri's only slightly annoyed that they dare to treat him like their supplier then act like they're not as big of dungeon lord nerds as him) (he never mentions it, lest the kid kick his ass or get embarrassed and avoid him, but demetri knows about kenny's dr. scribblebottoms cosplay and thinks it's unfair THAT isn't proof enough that he's just as big a nerd as demetri)

[triforce-of-mischief]

Patience and Grace

Summary: Link doesn't want to see any more kids live with the same fear he spent years learning how to overcome. His methods are… questionable, but worth it in the end.

Words: 2600

Warnings: childhood/medical trauma, child/medical abuse, some descriptions of needles, morally correct kidnapping

Notes: Post- LU and Overcome, Legend/Link is probably in his early-mid twenties

AO3

Please reblog to show your support! Likes do nothing on their own.

Even now, years after Link had gone through rounds of exposure and healing, visiting the Kakariko doctor’s office sent a shiver down his spine that had- well, almost- nothing to do with the stethoscope pressed to his back. He would’ve been more than happy to avoid the place for the rest of his life, but Zelda still pushed him to make infrequent visits for his mental and physical health. The next nearest doctor was too far away to be convenient, even if it represented less traumatic memories.

Link wondered if it had been this very room, where that group of callous adults had overpowered him in the name of efficiency. He imagined that he could still hear his own terrified screams.

The nurse’s ear twitched in the same direction as his, and he realized that, while they were not his, the screams were very much real.

“The walls are so thin,” the nurse sighed, then reached for an empty space on a side table. “Oh, for Nayru’s sake- I’ll be back in a minute, Link, I forgot your files.”

Link nodded, barely registering the words as all he could hear was the commotion from the other room. It was a kid for sure, growing more frantic by the second. Link’s heart twisted with sympathy and fear, and his hand absently went to the golden bracelet on his wrist.

If he walked out the door, the nurse would herd him back in an instant. He hadn’t planned on going back to old habits, but if he just sat around while the kid-

A crash and an adult’s shout answered that question before his mind had even formed it, and a flash of magic flattened him into the wall. He shimmied down the hallway and around a corner, popping back out in front of the door where the yelling was loudest.

Link took a deep breath- he only had time for one- and knocked on the door. The screams didn’t abate in the slightest, but a deeper voice called permission. It was all that Link needed, and he entered the room with a show of confidence that he belonged.

Just as he suspected- no less than four adults were crowded around the examination table, leaving just enough room for a nurse who wore a fresh bruise on their cheek and held a syringe in their hand. Link could barely make out the kid pinned under too many hands, gasping for air during the unexpected respite. Link tore his eyes away; he had to deal with the others first.

It helped that he was an adult now, too.

“Hey,” Link said with a little wave, all too casual. “Sounds like you need some help?”

The nurse glared suspiciously at him. “We have this under control, it’s a routine procedure. Aren’t you a patient as well?”

“Indeed I am,” Link replied. “I also happen to be the Hero, and I wanted to offer assistance in the way of magic.”

He pulled a simple ocarina from the pouch at his belt, holding it like it wielded great power.

“Why pick a fight when you can simply put them to sleep? All I have to do is play a short tune and your day will be so much easier,” Link said smoothly.

The kid gave another panicked cry, but Link kept his gaze on the nurse.

“He is more trouble than he’s worth,” the nurse agreed slowly. “All right, play your magic song and get this over with.”

“Gladly. Mind stepping out of the room for a minute? I can’t control the range of the spell and I assume that you would rather be awake to do your part,” Link explained.

The nurse shrugged and nodded, then gestured for the rest of the adults to file out of the room.

“I’ll let you know when,” Link promised, then the door closed and he was alone with the kid.

Finally, Link was able to take the time to properly see the kid. A small boy, probably younger than Link himself had been. Most of them were, he thought bitterly, but he shook the thought away. He was here for the kid.

The kid had, understandably, pressed himself to the wall and stuck his fingers in his ears, staring at the ocarina like it would leap out and bite him itself. Link smiled at him and dropped the ocarina back into the pouch. He plopped down on the floor and signed “Hello.”

The kid stared at Link’s hand and cautiously removed his fingers from his ears so Link could whisper out loud to him.

“Hello,” Link repeated. “My name is Link. What’s your name?”

“…Benji,” the boy mumbled through chattering teeth.

“Benji. It’s nice to meet you. Are you scared?” Link asked gently.

Benji made a face like Link had just asked if the sky was blue. Hesitantly, he nodded.

“Would you like to not be?”

Benji nodded again, more urgently this time.

“I’m going to grab a few more of my things,” Link explained. “They’re going to help me get you out of here, then I can help you not be scared. Is that okay?”

At Benji’s confirmation, Link flourished a bright red cape and and a pair of winged boots. He swapped out his ordinary boots for the magic ones as Benji slowly slid down from the table and reached for the cape.

“We’re going to have to be quick and quiet,” Link said. “I have to carry you for this to work, but you can tell me to put you down as soon as we’re safe.”

Link climbed onto the table to silently open the window above it. He made sure that the cape was secure around Benji’s shoulders (he knew because he could no longer see the kid) before he leapt back down and slammed the door open.

“He jumped right out the window before I could finish the song!” Link shouted, secretly pleased at his ability to fake a shortness of breath. “I had no idea a kid could even do that- I think he ran that way, through the village!” He pointed west, to Kakariko proper.

The adults scrambled to run outside and begin their wild goose chase, and Link allowed himself a grin as he turned to the seemingly empty room.

“Hurry now, come here,” Link said, holding his arms out for an invisible mass to barrel into him. Hugging the kid tight, Link sent a signal to his pegasus boots and ran down the hall, out of the clinic, and due east. Benji’s fingers dug into his shoulders as he ran, but he squirmed free of Link’s arms as soon as they reached his house.

“This is my home,” Link said, taking the cape to stuff it back in his bag. “We can’t stay for too long, but you’re safe here.”

He opened the front door and the resident feathery menace flew out to greet them. Benji yelped, then giggled as the little white bird immediately set to preening his hair.

“That’s Sheerow,” Link sighed. “Sheerow, since you’re here, does that mean-”

“Link? You’re home already? Did everything go okay?” Ravio called from inside the house, his voice growing louder as he hurried to greet Link himself.

Sheerow squawked as Benji ducked behind Link, hiding when Ravio came into view. Ravio put his hands on his hips, fixing a playfully stern glare on Link.

“Do my eyes deceive me, or have you brought another child to our home?”

“I didn't have a choice!” Link protested, his tone just as light. “You know how it is, Ravi, I can't leave them there frightened and alone!”

“Yes, I know,” Ravio agreed, stepping closer to kiss Link’s cheek. “I’m just worried that one of these days you’re going to get in trouble for kidnapping the village children.”

“It’s a morally correct kidnapping,” Link grumbled, but Ravio had already knelt to offer his hand to Benji.

“Hello there,” the merchant said kindly. “I’m Ravio, Link’s partner. It’s a pleasure to have you here.”

Benji looked nervously at Link, then with the help of an encouraging smile he took Ravio’s hand. Ravio stood, still holding the boy’s hand, and turned to lead him into the house. “I sliced some apples, Link, if you’d like to make a pie while you talk.”

Link caught Ravio’s face as he passed, pressing his own kiss to his partner’s nose. “Thanks, Ravi. You’re the best.”

“I know,” Ravio chirped, and took them all to the kitchen.

“Mister Link?” Benji said as they lined up to wash their hands. “I have a question…”

“Go for it, kid.”

“Why are you helping me when everybody else was mean?”

Link stared at the soap on his hands for a few moments too long. “Because people were mean to me, too. And I don’t like seeing kids hurt. The best way I can think of to help is to just… bring them here, for a chance to breathe. I wish we had longer, but I'll have to help you as much as I can as quickly as possible. It's easier to focus when you're not at the scary place, but I can't exactly keep you here forever.” He offered a towel to Benji, watching the kid dry his hands. “Does that make sense?”

Benji nodded. “Does that mean I have to go back?”

“Yes, it does. But first I want to talk, and know that I’ve helped you and that you’re ready.”

Ravio showed Benji how to roll out the pie crust while Link looked for the spices for the filling.

“Let’s start from the beginning,” Link said. “Did the doctor explain what they were going to do?”

“No. But my friends said that it hurt, and it was scary, and so it made me scared too. And it was scary not knowing what was happening, too.”

Ravio squeezed Benji’s shoulder, and the kid leaned into the comfort.

“Okay, that’s a good thing to start with,” Link said, stirring the apple slices to coat them with sugar and spices. “So, the doctor and your parents want to make sure you won’t get sick. You take medicine when you get sick, right, a syrup that tastes weird but helps you feel better? It’s like that, but so that you never get sick at all. And you can’t drink it, so they had to find another way to get it into your body.”

Benji had rolled the dough flat, and Ravio draped it over the pie pan. Link poured the filling into the crust, nudging Benji himself after he did so.

“They put the medicine in a little tube with a needle on the end. The needle is hollow, so they stick it through your skin and push the medicine right into your bloodstream. It does hurt, but it only takes a few seconds and you can learn how to make it easier for yourself.”

“Easy?” Benji sounded disbelieving, and Link chuckled as he and Ravio layered the latticed top crust.

“Remember, I used to be afraid too. I still am, a little, but with a lot of time and patience and help from my friends, I learned how to be in control of my fear. I can teach you what I know, and you can try it when I bring you back.”

“The pie needs to bake for an hour,” Ravio said. “That should be plenty of time for you both.”

“Yes, it will,” Link confirmed. “Do you want to sit in the living room, Benji?”

They settled on the couch, where Ravio joined them as soon as the pie was baking. Link tried unsuccessfully to shoo Sheerow away from where the bird was determined to make a nest in Benji’s hair. Sheerow glared at Link, but Benji didn’t seem to mind, so Link sighed and let the bird be.

“If it took you a long time to not be scared, how come I have to go back today?” the kid asked, shrinking into himself.

“If you learn how to be brave the first time, the next will be easier,” Link said gently. “That isn’t how it happened for me, and that’s why I don’t want to see more kids end up like me. It’s not easy to convince parents to wait for another day, so you’ll only have until I bring you back to the clinic, but it’s still more time than you would have had if you had stayed there.”

“Okay,” Benji said quietly, and Link held out his hand for the boy to hold.

“Let’s try breathing, first,” Link said. “If you take deep breaths and count them, your body will relax by itself. Breathe with me, one, two, three…”

Benji did well with the breathing, and they spent much of the hour planning out distractions and what the kid wanted from the adults in the room. By the time Ravio left to take the pie out to cool, Link determined that Benji was as ready as he could be.

“You’re gonna do great, kid,” Ravio said, ruffling Benji’s hair as he saw them to the door. “Come get some pie when you’re done, okay?”

“I will!”

Benji stayed in good spirits as they walked to Kakariko, but he quieted down as they reached the clinic. Link noticed and hugged the boy’s shoulders.

“You’re gonna be fine, alright? I’ll be there the whole time, and they won’t have to fight you anymore.”

“Okay. I trust you,” Benji said, and Link was very proud of the kid he had just met.

His father was waiting inside, and rushed over when Link brought Benji through the door. “You found him! I can’t thank you enough, sir.”

“Happy to help,” Link said. “We had a good talk on the way back. I hope you don’t mind if I join you again.”

“Yes, of course,” the man agreed. “Do you still have that ocarina on you…?”

“We won’t be needing that,” Link said firmly. “Your son is old enough to be reasoned with, so I see no reason why that wouldn’t be the case. He knows what he needs, right Benji?”

“Um… yeah. I can sit still this time, just… can you hug me, Dad? And tell me what’s happening so it’s not as scary?”

Benji’s father blinked in surprise. “That’s all?”

“You don’t conquer fear by ignoring it,” Link said. “You acknowledge it, learn from it, and find support to grow past it. Trust me, I know. It’s a pretty simple lesson, really. And Benji’s at a pretty good age to learn it.”

“Huh. I guess you’re right. Well… are you ready, Benji?” the man asked, and Benji stepped away from Link to stand by his father instead.

“Mhm. I’m gonna be brave.”

Only one nurse was needed this time, and everything went as well as Link could have hoped for. Benji’s father held him the whole time, talking the boy through every step of the process. Link was relieved to see how easily the man comforted him, reassuring Benji that he had been brave even as the kid needed an extra minute to recover from the sting.

“If I may, I’d be happy to invite you to my home,” Link said when everything was done and Benji was calm. “We can talk more, and I have a fresh apple pie that’s begging to be shared.”

“I don’t see why not. Thank you very much, sir,” Benji’s father said, and the boy cheered.

The nurse cleared their throat, and Link remembered belatedly that he had pulled his own stunt earlier that day.

“Right, sorry about that. You two go on ahead, I’ll meet you there.”

It was easy for Link to sit patiently, knowing that he had been able to help a young kid in need. One more person who wouldn’t have to live with that fear, like Link had for most of his life. Sometimes a hero’s job was small, but would still have a big impact.

[potionsprefect]

Where It All Began

Pairings: Ethan Ramsey x Victoria Clarke

Word Count: 860

Summary: Victoria makes a return to Hopkins

Rating: General Audiences

Category: Fluff

The view was still the same, the circumstances for her visit this time were however different. Victoria hadn’t been back to Hopkins since she had graduated but today, she was there to deliver a speech to future doctors.

It felt strange sitting in a hotel room when she had gotten so used to looking out towards campus grounds. But she wasn’t in Baltimore for long. It was only for two night and tomorrow, she would be on a flight back to Massachusetts and back with her young family.

Victoria hated being away from Ethan and Luke and Lily but she kept reminding herself that it was only for one night. The job was important but so was spending time with her family and Victoria always made sure to never prioritise work over what was the most important.

When the offer came to speak at her old university, she wasn’t sure if she should accept it but after discussing it with Ethan, she decided she could not pass it up. Whilst Luke and Lily were not old enough to understand the job, they were however, at an age where they would realise when Ethan and Victoria were not around.

Victoria pulled out her phone and looked at the pictures of her family on her phone, her smile growing wilder as she scrolled through them. She missed her family so much, the goodbye at the airport was hard but it would not be for long and that’s what she kept reminding herself.

She looked out towards the Baltimore skyline, tiny balls of light brightening up the city, the moon shining highly above the skyscrapers. This was her home for years and it felt like she had never left.

She was ready to inspire the next generation. Just like she had been all those years ago.

Victoria straightened her jacket and looked at herself in the camera of her phone. She took several deep breaths in a bid to regulate her beating heart. She kept reminding herself that this was a big honour and that opportunities like this do not come around often.

She thought back to all those times she was in and around campus. The early morning lectures, the late night study sessions, creative revision notes and trips to the library. Just being back here made it seem surreal that she was here to talk to those inspiring to be just like her.

Victoria recalled someone coming to talk to her intake once and how it had inspired her. She used it as motivation to get through the rest of her degree. And looking back now, it had all been worth it.

Victoria’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She saw Ethan’s name flash up on her phone.

Good luck! You’re going to smash it!

Victoria smiled at the message. With newfound confidence, she pushed through the double doors to the atrium.

“So how did it go?” Ethan asked.

“It went so well! Everyone seemed really interested and I got a round of applause!” Victoria smiled. She was currently back at the hotel, having had room service and was now FaceTiming Ethan.

“Nothing less than you deserve. Do you think you’ve inspired some people?”

“I hope so. I remember being inspired. I hope someone feels inspired by me.” Victoria replied.

“I have no doubt that you have. We’re all very proud of you.” Ethan smiled. He held the phone over the sleeping figures of Luke and Lily.

“I miss them so much. And you. How have they been?”

“Missing you. Lily is being extremely fussy. I think she knows you’re not here.” Ethan chuckled.

“I’ll be home tomorrow. And I’ll be looking forward to lots of cuddles.”

“We’ll have plenty for you. Did you talk about all the things you said you would?” Ethan said.

“I did. I mentioned how I was where they were. I wasn’t sure if I was scaring or impressing them. But I think the round of applause said it all.”

“It’s not an easy career but they knew that when they decided to take it on in the first place. Hearing from people like you will show them that the hard work and commitment is all worth it.” Ethan said.

“I agree. And who knows. We might just motivate those closer to home.” Victoria gestures to the twins.

“I thought we weren’t going to pressure them in the future to follow in our footsteps.” Ethan laughed.

“I know. It would be good though wouldn’t it? Do you ever think about what it would be like if we saw them doing what we did? It would be amazing.” Victoria said.

“I do. Maybe one day, they’ll be sat in the same atrium as us. Maybe we’ll be giving speeches to them.”

“If they do then I can’t wait for the speech.”

Being a doctor was no easy job but it was worth the late nights and early mornings. And if Victoria could inspire those to keep working hard then she considered herself doing a good job.

She was proud of all she had achieved and hopefully, upcoming doctors would also get to feel the same pride she felt.

Tag list: @ohchoices @swiftiexstarwarssimp @queencarb @genevievemd @choicesaddict5 @schnitzelbutterfingers @gryffindordaughterofathena @sophxwithers @romewritingshop @coffeeheartaddict2 @mm2305 @nikki-2406 @maurine07 @nishas-paradise @replayfootsteps @mainstreetreader @lsvdw-blog @kiara-36 @quixoticdreamer16 @headoverheelsforramsey @shanzay44 @itsjustamesshonestly @josiesopenheart @mysticalgalaxysstuff @custaroonie @ireneadlerisseggsy @takemyopenheart @kachrisberry @rookiemartin @jamespotterthefirst @a-crepusculo @natureblooms24 @jerzwriter @wanderingamongthewildflowers @rosebudde @lucy-268 @liaromancewriter @bex-la-get @writer-ish @toadfrog26 @tessa-liam @peonierose @cariantha @kyra75 @openheartfanfics @choicesficwriterscreations

[writingonesdreams]

Sortinghatchats - Doctor Slump

For details on sortinghatschats analytical personality system, see @sortinghatchats and @wisteria-lodge

Doctor Slump is about two brilliant doctors who used to be biggest rivals in high school. They meet again years later when they both hit rock bottom for different reasons and help patch each other up, falling in love on the way.

For it being a show with a very realistic depiction of depression, trauma, PTSD, insomnia, betrayal and forgiveness, it's incredibly heartwarming with lots of funny and fluffy moments.

Hannul Nam is such a fun Lion Bird. I have rarely seen on being a main character like this. Even funnier, she fits the Bird stereotype of being studious and smart because that'd her Lion goal—to study. Hannul enjoys studying, collecting, preparing and she loves it in such a feeling way, she adjusts her whole life around it. It's her ultimate goal without any higher noble or deeper motivation. She enjoys studying, being prepared, being the best with the grades, and aims for a professor of medicine career because that will allow it again—she will be studying and reading articles with all the prestige that comes with it.

While the acknowledgement seems to play a role for her on the surface, Hannul is willing to sacriface everything for her goal. Not just free time, hobbies, friends and sleep, but also her own self-respect. She is so blinded by her passion and what feels right, she is willing to let her supervisor steal her work, put her down and yell at her, if that makes her closer to her goal, her career.

Except she takes it too far for too long and burns herself down. The show excellently shows her depression, her realisation during an almost accident when she thinks she will die and scares herself with the sheer relief of it being over. When she goes to the doctor, she goes because the feeling is wrong. She can't explain it, she doesn't know when or what went wrong. It felt so right and it still does, so why is she so unhappy? Burn out and depression. It turns out to be too much, she ends up leaving work and works through it with her family that fame and success and respect indeed aren't as much as being in good health.

I think the feeling Lion primary makes the depression so confusing. Because Hannul trusts her gut, ready to back it up with her research and studying and prep. But what if she can't trust what feels right anymore? She burns her primary down at that point, unable to trust what she loves and feels.

That's when Jeong Yo comes into play. Her long year rival, goofy and childish and playful and overestimated teaser who couldn't take second place next to her...who is actually a Badger primary. While he was immature still back then, he was the only one actually capable of creating a bond with Hannul where everyone else failed. He didn't know what she wanted but he became what she needed. As her rival he was the closest and most caring about her at the school and the one who knew her the best.

Goofy and carefree as Jeong may be, he always puts people first. He became a famous as a doctor during his volunteering work in Africa and it wasn't for the fame, but because "people found me interesting for some reason so I rolled with it." They wanted interviews and YouTube videos of him working and inside info and for him to make ads for them, so he did it. He doesn't care about the fame or the money, he likes being what people need him to be.

Even in high school when he blacks out after Hannul beats him in maths for the first time, it's not his pride or excellence that takes a hit— it's his integrity. This is who he is supposed to be, this is what he understands his environment wants. Starting from his parents who demand excellence for him to have worth to his school teacher and his friends. If he isn't the coolest one around, who needs him?

But it's the most obvious during the lawsuit. Jeong loses a patient during a plastic surgery and gets sued for murder, that is all a setup, but that costs him reputation, money, his clinic and friends. And the first thing Jeong does when he realizes the full scale of the damage is to pay his coworker friends first, cause they will lose their jobs because of him. Car, house and clinic don't matter half as much as paying his sponsors and all the people that will lose as side-effect.

The lawsuit and false accusations turn out to be Jeong's personal hell only after he realizes nobody believes him. His integrity, his role in the community, what he was needed for suddenly...vanishes. Everyone blames him, turns him down or kicks him out and he takes it in quiet desperation. Hold out a facade till the last minute. Was it not for Hannul's mother's kindness, no one would have even let him rent a place to live.

Jeong lights up when he is with Hannul. Slowly worming his way to her, he knows instinctively what she needs and becomes this. It's his idea to go from former classmates to friends, it's him who realizes Hannul missed out on having a life and interests for her obsession with studying, and therefore works on giving it to her. Takes her to play games, karaoke, on an improvised bus trip. He does all the playful childish things with her and riles her up with the competitive banter from their teen years. He makes her smile and relax and feel stuff.

Hannul doesn't reciprocate until she realizes this is indeed the answer. This is helping. No one understood, nobody helped as much and as successfully as he did. Nobody understood that well what she needed even if everyone was trying. Once she feels herself getting better because of him does she start caring in turn. She becomes his biggest defender, studies his case - in her wonderful Bird secondary way - and finds him a crucial study similar to his own that helps him in court. She studies his sleep patterns and behavior and devises ways how to help with his insomnia and trauma and fears. He becomes a sort of her project, and she builds him up step by step.

For Joeng's secondary I'm guessing Snake. He is defined by change for me. His demeanor changes completely depending who he is with and with his feels about what each person or group around him feels and expects from him. It's quite powerful. He is the friendly doctor with shining smile from the ads. He is the serious and sad suspect on the trail. He is the polite and shy neighbour and renter, but he can switch to being the goofy high school rival in split second. The way he can completely change when around Hannul and then her family, with his friends vs other friends...and he is good at it. Enjoys it. It's playful and fun and creative and it depends on the situation. He is very expressive and emotional when he is alone, so he doesn't loose touch with himself or his feelings. The way he is helpful and always puts others first without realising he is doing it is so Badger, but the playful personality switching depending on what's needed or when he can relax and when he can't is so Snake.

Jeong tells Hannul to put herself first instead of just her goal. Hannul tells Jeong to think of himself and not everyone else and what they want from him. She often becomes the main defender of his interests. No, he won't take the interview, cause he finds it uncomfortable, even though he would say yes to the reporter if pushed. No, he won't forgive you that easily, although Jeong has a habit of forgiving about anyone who actually apologises (giving second chances is very Badger of him).

It's very fun to watch them take care of each other and be and say what the other needs as they slowly accept that for themselves as well.

In the end, Jeong gets a family in Hannul's family, forgives his friends that betrayed or were jealous of him (under Hannul's careful inspecting supervision) and Hannul learns to stand up for herself, even if it's not profitable for her goals. It feels good, in the end.

Hannul Nam - Lion/Bird

Jeong Yo - Badger/Snake

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

Restless Man (Part 3)

Summary: Things aren’t good when Frisch shows up at the station with some men but the reader isn’t going anywhere with him...

Pairing: Beau Arlen x reader

Part 1 Part 2

Word Count: 1,600ish

Warnings: language, angst, bodily injury, kidnapping, threats, mentioned minor past minor character deaths

A/N: Spoilers for Big Sky season 3! This will be the final part of this impromptu little series. Enjoy!

_______

To say things had gone to shit would be an understatement. It turned out a police station really wasn’t all that safe when there were no cops in it. Nearly every officer was at the craftsman on the way far edge of town. Frisch had definitely been staying there and planning to have taken you there. 

Unfortunately, with everyone gone, that left the station vulnerable which was exactly what he’d been planning on.

You, Beau and Pop were currently hunkered down in Beau’s office, you and Pop on either side of the door while Beau was passed out on the couch. He was out cold and was not waking up anytime soon. The doctor had prescribed a mild sedative to help him sleep and, well, his timing couldn’t have been worse.

“Pop,” you whispered as you heard Frisch’s hired goons search through the station. “Can you carry Beau?”

He stared at you disapprovingly, furrowing his brow. “Y/N, you can’t go out there.”

“He wants me. You and Beau? He’ll have no problem killing the two of you. If I go out there, can you get him out through the window?” 

“Yes but giving yourself up-”

“I said I’m going out there. I never said I’m going anywhere with him.” You winked and cracked open the door. If Pop could have stopped you before you stood, you knew he would have. Quickly you reached over to Beau’s bookcase, grabbing an item off the shelf. 

This needed to end before they got to Beau and Pop or the people in the back of the station.

You ducked outside with your weapon, three men before you. Two of them you didn’t recognize but smack dab in the middle of the room was Frisch. For some reason, he didn’t seem as frightening as he once did. Maybe it was fifteen years of aging or the training you had but all you saw was the man who tried to hurt someone you cared about. Again.

“Y/N-” You didn’t let him finish before you took a shot at the two men closest to you. The man on the right went down, Frisch diving behind a desk and just barely avoiding you. “You know, I was expecting you’d be angry. But you’re making this more complicated than it has to be.”

You held up the canister and pulled out the pin with your teeth before tossing it across the room. All three men groaned when the flashbang went off. From a far hall, one of the officer’s in the back ran out, helping you get a gun on Frisch and the other man. You kicked away their weapons, cocking your own when Frisch tried to move towards you.

“Why don’t you just do it,” he growled. “Get it over with.”

“You’re not worth the paperwork,” you said, narrowing your eyes. “You got no idea what kind of shit storm you made for-”

“Do it!” he shouted, reminding you for a moment of the man from your home all those years ago. You only cocked your head though and smiled.

“Nah. I want you to live, Henry. I want you to live for a very long time, knowing I love someone very deeply and that that person isn’t you.” Pop came out of the office, helping to secure Frisch before you went over to the man you shot, currently clutching his leg.

He glared at you while trying to put pressure on his thigh, his resolve breaking when you knelt down beside him. “You know he’s a sack of shit, right?”

“I didn’t know you guys were cops when I took this job, I swear,” he said. You nodded, pretending to mull it over. “I’m so screwed.”

“Probably. You talk, I’m sure some kind of deal can be made, though. Think it over while you’re in the hospital. That sicko’s going away for life. I’d advise not following in his footsteps.”

“You,” grumbled Beau. You stood, finding him partially sedated, leaning against the doorframe of his office. He huffed, slipping and sliding down to the ground, clutching his ankle in pain. 

“Better make that ambulance for two.”

“You’re so stupid,” muttered Beau for the thousandth time that evening. You just hummed, flipping through an old magazine in his hospital room. “This is all your fault!”

“I told you to use your crutches,” you sang song. He grabbed your wrist from the bed beside you, green eyes full of fury. “You’re just mad because I used your lucky flashbang.”

“I’m mad for a whole lot, missy,” he growled. You raised your eyebrows, smirking back at him. “Stop making that face.”

“I’m not doing anything,” you teased, still smirking as his nostrils flared. “I knew what I was doing. Risky? Yes, but so was letting three armed men run rampant in the station with people locked up in cells and you out cold. I made a call, the same one you would have made in my position.”

He grumbled and got in your face, hot breath fanning over you. “Never do that again. Swear.”

“I pinky promise.” Beau grumbled, kissing you roughly as he kept you close. He sighed when he inched back, closing his eyes. “I’m okay. Question is are you?”

“I’m better now that he’s locked up and not getting out,” he said as the doctor walked in wearing a frown not too dissimilar to the one Beau had been sporting. “What’s the verdict?”

“You fucked up your ankle, Beau, that’s the verdict.” You crossed your arms, Beau trying to brush it off.

“It can’t be that bad-”

“You need surgery. Then I’m shoving you in a cast until I know your ankle is healed. I told you not to walk on it and it looks like you’ve done nothing but ignore that direction since you’ve left. Your body went through a major trauma. You’re lucky you’re young and healthy and you should have no problem making a full recovery.” The doctor turned to you and sighed. “He won’t be able to stay by himself that first week. You said his home isn’t suitable for crutches?”

You glanced at Beau, seeing his puppy dog eyes. “Alright, Arlen. You can stay with me until you’re better. Don’t think this means we’ve moved in together or anything though. We’re still new to this.”

“Your surgery is planned for the morning. Do me a favor and don’t leave the fucking bed for the rest of today,” he said, his beeper going off. “I’ll be back soon to explain the surgery in more detail. And Arlen? Next time you damn well listen to me.”

Beau gave a mini salute, chuckling after the doctor was gone. “Surprised he wasn’t more pissed at me.”

“I’m guessing you know him based on that wildly unprofessional interaction.”

“Oh we go way back,” said Beau, scooting over on the bed. “Sit with me.”

You crammed yourself in, Beau sliding his arm over your shoulders. “So you’re all better cause Frisch is locked up, just like that.”

He shrugged, waggling his hand. “Maybe not all better. I promise when I am stuck at home on my ass or on desk duty because of this fucking ankle, I will make time and talk to someone too.”

“Good. I don’t want you to try and do it on your own like after what happened with your old partner. It’s not good for you,” you said, massaging his scalp, Beau’s eyes fluttering closed. “I’m going to stay tonight.”

“You don’t have to. I’m sure the station is going nuts.”

“They can survive. We need a moment,” you said, Beau absently curling into your touch. “So. I know last night’s dinner wasn’t amazing but if you could have anything in the world right now, what would it be?”

“Man, I could go for a greasy burger and fries. And a strawberry milkshake. And some of your mashed potatoes. Those were, despite what you may think, the best thing I’ve ever eaten in my life.” 

“You were literally starving for a week.” 

“But the were so good,” he laughed. “Would you mind running home and getting me some?”

“For you, bud? Sure,” you said, kissing his temple. “I’ll get your other food and bring you some clothes since I’m sure you’ll be here a few days. Apparently you’re a troublemaker who doesn’t listen.”

“I wonder who I got that from,” he teased, resting his head on your shoulder, closing his eyes. 

“Take a nap while I’m gone,” you whispered, sliding out from beside him, tugging his blanket up over his waist. “We’ll call Emily when I get back, okay?”

“Oh crap,” he said, running his hand over his mouth. “Is she okay? I haven’t talked to her-”

“I know. I called her yesterday after we found you, let her know you’re safe. As far as she’s concerned, you’ve been resting today and will call her tonight.”

“Thank you,” he said with a soft and sleepy smile. “You know your relationship with her will change when she finds out.”

“She has a mother Beau. I will be what she needs me to be. She’s old enough to make that decision for herself,” you said. He nodded, leaning back in bed. 

“I love that you care about her,” he said, almost as if to himself. You gave him a quick kiss, Beau smiling when you crossed the room for the door. “Hey, Y/L/N. Soon as I’m back on my feet, I’m taking you a proper date like a gentleman.”

“I’d like that,” you said, lingering by the door. “Beau?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m really glad you’re home again.”

“Me too, baby.” You shook your head, Beau laughing. “What I’d say?”

“New pet name, I don’t do baby.”

“Missy?” 

“I’m drinking your milkshake for that,” you said, walking out the door, gratefully to the sound of his laughter.

_______

[democracyunderground]

The Allopathic Complex and Its Consequences

luigi mangione's last words

LM

Dec 09, 2024

The second amendment means I am my own chief executive and commander in chief of my own military. I authorize my own act of self-defense in response to a hostile entity making war on me and my family.

Nelson Mandela says no form of viooence can be excused. Camus says it’s all the same, whether you live or die or have a cup of coffee. MLK says violence never brings permanent peace. Gandhi says that non-violence is the mightiest power available to mankind.

That’s who they tell you are heroes. That’s who our revolutionaries are.

Yet is that not capitalistic? Non-violence keeps the system working at full speed ahead.

What did it get us. Look in the mirror.

They want us to be non-violent, so that they can grow fat off the blood they take from us.

The only way out is through. Not all of us will make it. Each of us is our own chief executive. You have to decide what you will tolerate.

In Gladiator 1 Maximus cuts into the military tattoo that identifies him as part of the roman legion. His friend asks “Is that the sign of your god?” As Maximus carves deeper into his own flesh, as his own blood drips down his skin, Maximus smiles and nods yes. The tattoo represents the emperor, who is god. The god emperor has made himself part of Maximus’s own flesh. The only way to destroy the emperor is to destroy himself. Maximus smiles through the pain because he knows it is worth it.

These might be my last words. I don’t know when they will come for me. I will resist them at any cost. That’s why I smile through the pain.

They diagnosed my mother with severe neuropathy when she was forty-one years old. She said it started ten years before that with burning sensations in her feet and occasional sharp stabbing pains. At first the pain would last a few moments, then fade to tingling, then numbness, then fade to nothing a few days later.

The first time the pain came she ignored it. Then it came a couple times a year and she ignored it. Then every couple months. Then a couple times a month. Then a couple times a week. At that point by the time the tingling faded to numbness, the pain would start, and the discomfort was constant. At that point even going from the couch to the kitchen to make her own lunch became a major endeavor

She started with ibuprofen, until the stomach aches and acid reflux made her switch to acetaminophen. Then the headaches and barely sleeping made her switch back to ibuprofen.

The first doctor said it was psychosomatic. Nothing was wrong. She needed to relax, destress, sleep more.

The second doctor said it was a compressed nerve in her spine. She needed back surgery. It would cost $180,000. Recovery would be six months minimum before walking again. Twelve months for full potential recovery, and she would never lift more than ten pounds of weight again.

The third doctor performed a Nerve Conduction Study, Electromyography, MRI, and blood tests. Each test cost $800 to $1200. She hit the $6000 deductible of her UnitedHealthcare plan in October. Then the doctor went on vacation, and my mother wasn’t able to resume tests until January when her deductible reset.

The tests showed severe neuropathy. The $180,000 surgery would have had no effect.

They prescribed opioids for the pain. At first the pain relief was worth the price of constant mental fog and constipation. She didn’t tell me about that until later. All I remember is we took a trip for the first time in years, when she drove me to Monterey to go to the aquarium. I saw an otter in real life, swimming on its back. We left at 7am and listened to Green Day on the four-hour car ride. Over time, the opioids stopped working. They made her MORE sensitive to pain, and she felt withdrawal symptoms after just two or three hours.

Then gabapentin. By now the pain was so bad she couldn’t exercise, which compounded the weight gain from the slowed metabolic rate and hormonal shifts. And it barely helped the pain, and made her so fatigued she would go an entire day without getting out of bed.

Then Corticosteroids. Which didn’t even work.

The pain was so bad I would hear my mother wake up in the night screaming in pain. I would run into her room, asking if she’s OK. Eventually I stopped getting up. She’d yell out anguished shrieks of wordless pain or the word “fuck” stretched and distended to its limits. I’d turn over and go back to sleep.

All of this while they bled us dry with follow-up appointment after follow-up appointment, specialist consultations, and more imagine scans. Each appointment was promised to be fully covered, until the insurance claims were delayed and denied. Allopathic medicine did nothing to help my mother’s suffering. Yet it is the foundation of our entire society.

My mother told me that on a good day the nerve pain was like her legs were immersed in ice water. On a bad day it felt like her legs were clamped in a machine shop vice, screwed down to where the cranks stopped turning, then crushed further until her ankle bones sprintered and cracked to accommodate the tightening clamp. She had more bad days than good.

My mother crawled to the bathroom on her hands and knees. I slept in the living room to create more distance from her cries in the night. I still woke up, and still went back to sleep.

Back then I thought there was nothing I could do.

The high copays made consistent treatment impossible. New treatments were denied as “not medically necessary.” Old treatments didn’t work, and still put us out for thousands of dollars.

UnitedHealthcare limited specialist consultations to twice a year.

Then they refused to cover advanced imaging, which the specialists required for an appointment.

Prior authorizations took weeks, then months.

UnitedHealthcare constantly changed their claim filing procedure. They said my mother’s doctor needed to fax his notes. Then UnitedHealthcare said they did not save faxed patient correspondence, and required a hardcopy of the doctor’s typed notes to be mailed. Then they said they never received the notes. They were unable to approve the claim until they had received and filed the notes.

They promised coverage, and broke their word to my mother.

With every delay, my anger surged. With every denial, I wanted to throw the doctor through the glass wall of their hospital waiting room.

But it wasn’t them. It wasn’t the doctors, the receptionists, administrators, pharmacists, imaging technicians, or anyone we ever met. It was UnitedHealthcare.

People are dying. Evil has become institutionalized. Corporations make billions of dollars off the pain, suffering, death, and anguished cries in the night of millions of Americans.

We entered into an agreement for healthcare with a legally binding contract that promised care commensurate with our insurance payments and medical needs. Then UnitedHealthcare changes the rules to suit their own profits. They think they make the rules, and think that because it’s legal that no one can punish them.

They think there’s no one out there who will stop them.

Now my own chronic back pain wakes me in the night, screaming in pain. I sought out another type of healing that showed me the real antidote to what ails us.

I bide my time, saving the last of my strength to strike my final blows. All extractors must be forced to swallow the bitter pain they deal out to millions.

As our own chief executives, it’s our obligation to make our own lives better. First and foremost, we must seek to improve our own circumstances and defend ourselves. As we do so, our actions have ripple effects that can improve the lives of others.

Rules exist between two individuals, in a network that covers the entire earth. Some of these rules are written down. Some of these rules emerge from natural respect between two individuals. Some of these rules are defined in physical laws, like the properties of gravity, magnetism or the potential energy stored in the chemical bonds of potassium nitrate.

No single document better encapsulates the belief that all people are equal in fundamental worth and moral status and the frameworks for fostering collective well-being than the US constitution.

Writing a rule down makes it into a law. I don’t give a fuck about the law. Law means nothing. What does matter is following the guidance of our own logic and what we learn from those before us to maximize our own well-being, which will then maximize the well-being of our loved ones and community.

That’s where UnitedHealthcare went wrong. They violated their contract with my mother, with me, and tens of millions of other Americans. This threat to my own health, my family’s health, and the health of our country’s people requires me to respond with an act of war.

END

(posted without comment)

[cawdra]

Good question, @avvielalame-blog

GATHER 'ROUND, FOR I HAVE A STORY TO TELL ABOUT MY WEIRD HOSPITAL OPIOID TRIP THAT MADE ME HALLUCINATE NEW GOOD OMENS EPISODES:

Last year I went to the hospital. It was some cyst (idk the medical lingo), and it was painful af. They gave me some sort of strong opioid (again, no idea what the medical lingo is, but I think it was Buprensomethingsomething). Mind you, I was on antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds, but I hadn't taken them for almost a week, cuz I couldn't get out of my bed the whole time (before I eventually went to the hospital). I told them I was off that medication, and because the prescription is pretty old, they gave me the painkillers. TURNS OUT THE FUCKING MEDS WERE NOT OUT OF MY SYSTEM YET!!! So uhhh... yeah.

(If you don't know, mixing these two things can be very dangerous because they can raise dopamine levels too high or something, which is INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS!!! I'm a pretty large person, so this didn't hit me that hard (and also I was off the meds for longer than 24 hours), but if I was slightly less of a fatass and more of a responsible medicine taker, I might have actually been comatosed.)

Anyway, I was riding high that night. I didn't have anything else to do, so after seeing a good omens edit, my first thought was, "That seems gay. I'm in." So I turned on Prime and watched it all in one night. It's not like I was going to sleep in a ward full of screaming people anyway, so might as well make the most of it. The nurses told me to sleep, but I told them I wasn't sleepy, so they just gave me my antibiotics and, whatever else, took my temp and walked out. Did they care about the gay shit I was watching on my phone? No, they've seen worse.

Anyway, I watched the show, ugly cried for like an hour (harder than I did from the cyst that was torturing me for about a week), and then went to sleep at around 2 pm. When I woke up, I, as a responsible queer, decided to rant about it to my friends. After telling them all those things, one of my friends (who actually watched the show with his sister) said, "Are you sure the anesthesia didn't scramble your brain, cuz none of that happened lol."

When I tell you I was DEVISTATED!!! Literally a "You... you serious?" moment. Cried almost as much as I did at the ending.

Also, if you want to know: I had a dream about how the Ineffable Husbands teamed up with some nun (who was as much of a nun as she was a saint - only on a technicality) and they made her carry the Second Coming, which eventually got her kicked off the nunnery of whatever cuz 'These days, if you get pregnant as a nun, you won't be called ‘The Virgin Sarah’ or ‘The Virgin Linda’. You will be called ‘a common whore’. So much for being a virgin.' (Quote from my fanfic (and the weird opioid trip).

I don't know what the rest of the dream was because Mr. Party Pooper (aka my friend JK Juno ily (^з^)-☆) cut me off because I was talking nonsense.

Long story short, the painkillers got out of my system, I took my meds, renewed the prescription, and went on my still-on-going recovery journey.

Did I suffer two heartbreaks in less than 12 hours? Yes. Were they worth it? Eh. I mean, it inspired my fanfic, but wasn't THAT worth it. Did I enjoy my trip? No, I threw up, had diarrhea, and then constipation for two weeks.

I still get an awful surprise when I rewatch Good Omens for a specific scene, only to find out AGAIN that I was just hallucinating.

Moral of the story - don't do drugs and be honest with your doctors and nurses cuz you might actually die.

Anyways, TOODLES!!1!!111!!!

~ CAwdra

[phanfictioncatalogue]

Fics With Titles That Start With B (4) Masterlist

part one, part two, part three

Baby, I'm Yours (ao3) - katiemorag

Summary: Dan's parents are trying to set him up with their friend's daughter at a dinner, totally unaware that he's been sleeping with their waiter, Phil, for months.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside (ao3) - howell_slide

Summary: The heating’s out.

Or, Dan would do anything to get Phil to get his furry blanket for him.

baby, you put a spell on me (ao3) - orphan_account

Summary: Magic is common in Phil's world. But even spells and potions can't explain his seemingly supernatural affeciton for his roommate...

Babylon (ao3) - ottertrashpalace

Summary: Just a little story about two boys realizing that they can make their own rules, and even if it's hard, they are worth it.

Back to December (ao3) - trancelover99

Summary: Dan and Phil previously had a fight that resulted in a breakup, but after not seeing each other for a year, Phil agrees to meet with him in a coffee shop to talk things over. Will the two finally make up, or is their relationship done for good?

backstage, baby (ao3) - baroquen

Summary: Dan's a theatre kid doing his first show at university, Phil does theatre tech, and they fall in love backstage.

Backyard Bliss (ao3) - milfbilvy

Summary: Dan and Phil spend some time in the backyard of the phouse, enjoying some quality time together under the shade of their beloved cherry tree.

Bear (ao3) - Mysticallykai

Summary: As a child, Dan was easily frightened and needed comfort; that was when his Nana first gave him his Pooh Bear plush, as something that could keep him safe. Over the years, the plush became his absolute comfort, even into adulthood. When Phil comes into the picture, he makes Dan even more comfortable; through the good times and bad.

because none of it was ever worth the risk (ao3) - howell_slide

Summary: Dan arrives home from Phil’s, and the house is empty.

begin again (ao3) - damidragon

Summary: he just has to wait this out. sitting outside the doctor’s waiting room whilst his soul doesn’t so much as get pieced back together than it fades back in.

behind the curtain (ao3) - resurrectdead

Summary: Dan adores pink and is playing Satine in the school production of Moulin Rouge. Phil cherishes black and just happens to be good at doing some bombass makeup. Fate brings them together.

Benefits (ao3) - Misha_with_wings

Summary: They never talked about it.

"It" being those nights where one or both of them just needed a release and they helped each other out.

Maybe they both secretly wished they were more than friends, but friendship did have its benefits.

bet on love and let it ride (ao3) - jonsaremembers

Summary: For once in his life, Dan decides not to overthink it.

Better Off (ao3) - tellsfromhale

Summary: Dan's relationship with his family has been getting better, but when his mum drops the bomb that she's seeing someone and wants Dan to meet him, Dan doesn't know how to handle it.

Blonde hair and broken lamps. (ao3) - TheWolfWithinMe

Summary: If you've watched the mukbang, you'll know where this is going.

Blondes just wanna have fun (ao3) - harrysbabyboo

Summary: Phil just dyed his hair bleach blonde and this is how I think the conversation with Dan went.

Blood On Your Skin (ao3) - Absolutefilthimsosorry

Summary: Dan has something of a blood kink. After filming the slime crafts video, Phil decides to indulge him.

It’s fake blood smut y’all. Idk what else to say.

Boom Chicka Wow Wow Time (ao3) - Scuddleduck

Summary: "Phil wants skinny jeans back. Not me. Those things are hard to take off when it comes to the boom chicka wow wow time, you know what I'm saying?"

-real life Dan Howell revealing yet another thing about his and Phil's real sex life that I Didn't Need To Know

a skinny jeans mishap threatens to ruin boom chicka wow wow time

borrowed (ao3) - dan-whoell (infiniteseriesofhalfways)

Summary: Dan borrows an outfit to go down to the corner shop.

bragging rights (ao3) - wednesday_ukiru

Summary: A hot doctor sits down next to Phil as he’s coming off anesthesia.

Buffy Movie Nights are Life Changing (ao3) - angelicsam

Summary: Things get steamy between Dan and Phil during their nighttime Buffy streaming session in 2010; featuring a confident yet bashful Phil and a shy Dan who learns how to drive Phil crazy.

Burning Bibles (ao3) - cherryheartz

Summary: phil lester loved curly headed boys with tattoos on their arms and a joint made with torn bible pages between their soft lips.

and dan howell was exactly that.

but home is just a room (full of my safest sounds) (ao3) - blueshirt

Summary: In which things fall apart, and then back together.

Or, the one where they break up in 2012 and stumble across each other three years later. Featuring Dan as a radio show host and BBC presenter, and Phil as a weatherman on the Isle of Man.

[forest-hashira]

omg fallon!! i’m so dumb i mean to respond to ur reply but i would love some podcasts recs!! i like listening to scary stories ones (like personal anecdotes / folklore etc) and true crime ! or any just good nonfiction ones! i will say i can’t really get into the ones that are fictional >< ik a lot of people recommend some of the fictional horror ones, which is what i always stumble upon when looking for ghost stories… and then i get bummed they’re not real HHAHA. but if you have any suggestions i’m always open :)

AHAHA no it's ok!!! also i do want to say i saw this like right after you sent it but if this answer isn't up right away it's bc i went overboard with the recs whoops. but i have a friend from college who used to refer to me as "the podcast queen" and also i'm never chill about anything ever so. prepare yourself.

i'm gonna separate these into true crime & not, just for your ease of picking something! i'm also including the app(s) i use to listen to them. these are in no particular order btw

True Crime

Serial - this is probably one that you've heard of/had recommended to you before, but if so there's good reason. i've listened to season one, about adnan sayed, at least a dozen times. i skipped season 2 (about bowe bergdahl), and season 3 (about the justice system of a city in ohio, i believe it's cincinnati?) was lower stakes but still interesting. season 4, about guantanamo bay, is also really good so far. on spotify.

Cold - three seasons, each about a different case of different utah women who went missing and whose body has never been found. i've listened to season 1, about susan powell, probably 6-7 times. i never finished season two, about joyce yost, but as i'm typing this i'm listening to the season 3 finale, about sheree warren. seasons 2 & 3 include descriptions of sexual assaults in varying levels of detail, but the whole show is worth a listen. i love the journalist who narrates it. on amazon music & spotify (s1 & 3)

Beyond All Repair - about sophia johnson, who was accused & convicted of murdering her mother in law when she was 6 months pregnant, pretty much solely on the word of her brother. i won't say anything else so i don't spoil it, but it's a case i never would have heard of without this podcast. on spotify.

Dr. Death - about a spinal surgeon that really should not have been allowed to operate on people. i haven't listened to season two (about a different doctor), but season one is NUTS. another one i've listened to multiple times. on spotify.

Your Own Backyard - about the disappearance of Kristin Smart. the host was born & raised in the same area Kristin was from, and it bothered him that her disappearance was never solved. the show brought the case back into the spotlight and helped get convictions. on spotify.

The Clearing - about a woman who realized later in life that her father was a serial killer while she was a child. another one that's absolutely bonkers and i have listened to multiple times. on spotify.

The Shrink Next Door - same production company as dr. death, about a psychiatrist that completely took over a patient's life & finances, told by the patient after he got out of the situation. you can listen to episode 1 on spotify, but the rest has unfortunately been put behind a paywall 😭

Heaven's Gate - about a cult that committed the largest mass suicide in north america at the time (i believe it was pre-jonestown). on spotify.

Supernatural/Etc.

S-Town - same production company as serial, but only one season. about a small town in alabama and one man who lives there. sort of true crime, kind of not. on spotify.

Let's Get Haunted - they cover true crime occasionally, but mostly do conspiracy theories or stories about ghosts/cryptids/folklore. the hosts are hilarious. this is the podcast that helps me sleep at night and that literally got me through my last two years of uni. there's like. almost 200 episodes so if you want a few specific episode recs lmk i will dm them to you!!! on spotify.

Myths & Legends - the title is pretty self explanatory, but the whole show is about myths, legends, folklore, and fairytales from around the world. it's like if a friend read the story and then recounted it to you in detail, i love it, but i am Very behind. on spotify.

Lore - about various ghost stories & the history behind them, mostly in the usa but from other places too (mostly like. canada & europe from what i remember). i am also years behind on this one but i remember really enjoying it. on spotify.

National Park After Dark - about true crime cases/disasters/supernatural stories in national parks from across the globe. i've only listened to a handful of episodes but it's pretty good! on amazon music & spotify.

ok beyond that what i listen to is either fictional or it's not worth a recommendation AHAHA. sorry if this was overwhelming but i cannot sit in silence and you asked for recs!!! thank u for giving me an excuse to talk about this 💜💜💜

[north-blue-hearts]

Family Practice

CisFem Reader x Trafalgar Law

CW: sex, language, violence

Summary: Modern Mafia-coded AU starts in last semester of College

Chapter 7: Twist

The next couple of days you returned to the manor with Law. He and Pops talked for hours at a time, and you were the only one that dared to interrupt them with drinks or reminders of the time. It left you with plenty of time to visit with your brothers, and while Luffy was sad that Law was busy every time he came over, even your selfish little brother knew better.

Ace, Sabo and Luffy were playing a racing game in the living room while you, Marco and Thatch were tidying up after lunch in the kitchen.

“Really seems like he really is, doesn’t it?” Thatch prompts and you and Marco nod.

“I saw the picture yesterday morning.” You admit drying a plat and handing it off to Thatch, “His dad certainly took after the mother instead of Pops, but the resemblance is uncanny.”

“I wonder what they’re talking about, yoi.”

You snort. “So even you get curious.” You grin, teasing him a little. “I imagine they’re talking about the past. There was a whole side to his dad he didn’t know about, and I’m sure Pops also wants to be able to do as much as he can. I doubt Law will join the Family though.”

“Oh?” Thatch’s brows raise. “Straight arrow then?”

“Eh, I wouldn’t go that far. But he wants to be a doctor, he’s almost there, and the next step is opening his own clinic. Doesn’t really line up, y’know?”

“Well, hopefully he’ll let us at least help get the clinic up and rolling, yoi.” Marco says, finishing up the dishes and draining the sink. “You like him, and that’s worth more’n the blood in my opinion.”

Thatch raises an eyebrow after a moment. “Hmm.”

You can feel his eyes on you as you turn your back to the sink and keep an eye on the boys in the living room. “I can smell the gears in your head overheating, Thatch.”

“I just expected you to smack Marco,” He imitates a higher voice, “Oh I don’t like him like that!”

Despite yourself you grunt a laugh. “I’m not a teenager anymore, give me some credit.”

“Then… you do? You know, like that.”

“I mean, I wouldn’t turn him down.”

“But?”

“He’s in the last year of his doctorate. His stress has stress. I dragged him off campus in the hopes he’d at least sleep. Instead, who knows what this has done. Nothing bad, as far as I can tell, but… I don’t know. I had a plan.” You laugh a little and shrug. “I don’t know, maybe I’ll…” Your laughter fades as you realize that Law will likely start his clinic wherever Rosinante is. Some city, or some nation, far from the Metro. “Maybe I won’t think about it for now.”

“… woof.” Thatch ruffles your hair, but there’s a comfort to it. “He’s not from the Metro.”

“He’s not.”

“Chances are his clinic won’t be here either.”

“…”

“It’s a hard call either way, but if you decide to leave us over some tattooed emo doctor, we’d forgive you, yoi.” Marco assures you, and his choice of words at least makes you laugh.

“You guys know I can’t leave the Metro.” You say as your laughter fades. “Think about what Pops went through just so I could attend college outside of it.”

“I think you’d be surprised how much the underground would move if you decided to leave the Metro.” Thatch admits. “I mean, we say it as a joke, but half of the guests that showed up for Christmas would go to war if something happened to you. It’s that damned aura of yours.”

“So, you say,” you grin.

“Traffy!” You heard Luffy yell and leap out of his seat on the couch, practically launching himself off of Ace. There was swearing from Ace, laughter from Sabo and a wrecking sound from the game that lifted your spirits before you walked out of the Kitchen.

Law had adapted to Luffy’s admiration of him quickly. He managed to side step the initial lunge at him and was holding the youth at a decent distance.

“Stay a little longer and play with us, there’s room for one more in the game!” Luffy offers excitedly. He’s already trying to stretch enough to get a better grip before Law can shake him off again.

Law looks over at you and you shrug with a small smile. “We have to head back tomorrow by lunch time, so there’s no rush for today.”

There’s a defeated sigh that comes from Law as he stops trying to hold Luffy at bay. “Alright, Mugiwara-ya.”

Luffy drags Law into the living room, and a small squabble breaks out between Luffy and Ace over the younger’s earlier use of Ace as a springboard. Law starts up a new race while they’re still squabbling and Sabo laughs before catching your gaze and giving you a thumbs up before going back to the race.

“For better or worse, seems he’s already been adopted.” Thatch admits.

“I haven’t seen Luffy latch onto anyone like except you,” Marco adds.

“Haa… yeah, I,” you thought you had a better hold on your feelings and suddenly were feeling overwhelmed. “I’m going to step outside for a bit.”

“Ah, (Y/N), I didn’t-.”

“S’alright, I’ll be back.” You wave dismissively as you cut Marco off and head outside.

The cold air felt good against your face and after you got far enough away from the front door you let yourself just bawl. You weren’t even entirely sure why you needed to cry, but there was a strange relief from doing so, so you just let it happen. You couldn’t pinpoint what was causing it, but your mind wandered over a lot of things that caused more tears to overflow.

You didn’t have anything against crying, so it wasn’t like you had been holding in tears for years or anything equally silly, but your heart hurt. Like someone had reached in and just squeezed it.

After Duval you hadn’t let anyone who wasn’t already a friend or family member get too close. That wall had probably prompted Brownie to spike your drink even though the two of you were barely even officially dating. That event caused you to have to take someone’s life to protect your own, and after that you had practically sworn off all manner of letting new people in, friend or otherwise.

You had only helped Law because you didn’t want Nutmeg to turn desperate like Brownie had.

And now, here you were. Neck-deep in feelings for a guy who you probably weren’t going to see again after graduating. Sure, you’d call and chat or text and keep in touch, but you already had odd jobs lined up, and he was going to be opening his own business. Daily texts would become weekly, then monthly, then eventually you’d get a new phone and decide to clean up your contacts and his name would slide off with a dozen other numbers you hadn’t heard from in over a year.

Your tears had stopped as your mind had wandered and chuckled at yourself. Cold and jaded and not even old yet.

With a final sigh you head back in, taking a minute to pat snow on your face and cover up the traces of your outburst a little before heading back in. Pops was waiting for you when you came back in and the hug he gave you almost made you cry again, but he didn’t say anything and neither did you.

The afternoon rolled into evening, and after dinner Marco took the two of you back to your hotel. The car ride was quiet. Marco didn’t prompt anything, and both you and Law seemed to have something on your minds, because you were both staring out a window watching the world go by as your thoughts swirled.

Going from the hotel to the morning, back to campus by evening, the last 24 hours almost seemed to have gotten away from you. It wasn’t until you were at your apartment door, having been escorted by Law, that his hand on your arm pulled you into being completely aware of the world around you.

His fingers were hot on your arm, which was unusual – the few times you and he had any contact he always felt cooler than he should feel. Right now the tips of his fingers seemed to burn into your skin, or at least they were warm enough to pull you back into reality, out the haze of your own scrambled thoughts.

“(Y/N)-ya.” Law’s voice snapped you out of your focus on the feel of his hand on your arm. “You’ve been out of it for hours, are you okay?”

“Huh? I… yeah. Yeah, I guess my mind just wandered off and I didn’t realize. Sorry.” You apologize, and then laugh a little. “It’s a good thing you were around, I could’ve wandered onto the plane. I… don’t really even remember the flight. Wow, I was really zoned out.” Realization sinks in and you feel fully embarrassed. “I… can’t think of the last time I spaced out that bad, I’m sorry I must’ve been a handful.”

There’s a slight smile on Law’s face and he shakes his head. “Not really.” He lets go of your arm and his fingers slip across yours as he steps back. “I was going to ask if I could come in to talk about some stuff, but you should probably get some rest.”

“Ah, no, I mean, come in. The least I can do is listen to what you need to talk about after you basically babysat me all day.” You assure him, unlocking the door and stepping in. You made a face, reminded that your apartment was still done up in reminder of your lost bet.

“Besides, I didn’t realize how hungry I was, so I can order something.” You add, nodding toward the hallway. “Come on, you know the hookah vibe’s drawing you in.”

You catch the slight smile and grunt of a chuckle as Law follows you in. You don’t get far from the door after taking your shoes off and stepping up into the apartment when Law grabs your arm again. Stepped up from the entryway you’re closer to being at eye level with him.

“I have to say something now, before I can stay, because what I say might cause you to ask me to leave.” He says, and his bright golden eyes are holding your gaze. You can feel the heat rising in your face, and you’re having enough of an off day that you can’t think of some sort of snappy retort to break the building emotion.

You didn’t know what he was going to say, but some small part of you was worried that after three days of being around a Mafia family he had realized it wasn’t something he could handle. Something he didn’t want. Something that would hold him back, and you didn’t have a defense against that.

Even the best of relationships had splintered for far less.

“(Y/N)-ya. I want to kiss you.”

What.

“… huh?” You were certain you had heard him incorrectly.

“Even if it’s just once,” He continues, his voice less sure than before, his hand tugging you closer just a little. “I can leave if I’ve made you uncomfortable.”

You step forward, you mind is spinning, but you’re keeping up. “You don’t have to leave, I mean, I’m not uncomfortable, and… y-you can… but,” you let him pull you closer, the small smile playing on his lips catching your attention before you look back into his eyes. “why?”

“Why do you think, (Y/N)-ya.” Law’s fingers slip along your cheek before his hand goes into your hair, just under your ear, tilting your head a little as he pulls you in. You can’t think of an answer in your boggled state, but he doesn’t give you time enough to answer even if you could.

His lips press against yours and your eyes close as the soft pressure spreads a gentle pleasure through you. His other hand is around your waist, pulling you closer as your hands mirror his. One threading through his hair, the other holding onto his side. The soft kiss was enough of a rush, little lines of electricity stealing your breath, and you both lean back to catch your breath.

Law’s face is flushed, and he looks rattled, covering his mouth for a moment. “Sorry, I didn’t expect such a rush.”

“Did I take your first kiss, Pre-Med?” You muse, trying to mask your own reaction with a smirk.

“First one that ever felt like that,” He admits, kicking off his boots, and stepping up into the hall. You step to the side to give him room but not wanting to step away and feel the wall behind you. The brief ratted look is gone, and bright yellow-gold eyes are holding you in a sharp gaze. “Again.”

It’s not a request, more of a warning as he pulls you into another kiss. There’s another electric rush, a pleasure that floods down to your chest as your lips part and his tongue pushes into your mouth. You barely realize the moan that’s filled your chest until his hands flex against you pulling you even closer.

The statement that had started this had caught you off guard, but the passion coming from the usually cool and stoic soon-to-be-doctor was even more surprising. He had never talked about any past relationships, but to be fair, you hadn’t ever asked either.

The heat and taste of the kiss are making your head spin, and there’s brief moments of air before the kisses resume, but you’re not sure who leans into who after a while. You can only think that you want more, that the delightful sensation that keeps skipping through your heart is addicting and kissing hadn’t ever felt quite so good. It was almost scary to realize that you’d follow this sensation out of the Metro and into the desert if those golden eyes asked you to.

By the time you both stop you’re breathing heavy, your face is hot and you’re barely keeping your feet under you. Law’s breath is heavy too, and even though he’s turned away a bit you can see the red in his ears.

“Holy shit,” you huff, walking by him and going into the kitchen. You get a glass of water and down it in one go. “You want something?”

“I mean -.”

“TO DRINK – To drink, Pre-Med.” You interrupt almost laughing.

“Water’s fine.” You can hear the smile in his voice and hand over the glass you had emptied and refilled.

“I’ll, uh, make some tea, after… after I order some food.” You explain. You can feel your face heating up all over again, so you turn to the sink to get another glass and have another drink. There’s a soft clink of glass against the countertop and you realize that Law’s standing behind you.

There’s a tug that prompts you to turn toward him, so you set your still empty glass down and turn around. You aren’t sure what he’s going to do for a moment, until he lifts the glass and takes a sip before leaning down and kissing you. The extra bit of water feels like a flood you’re barely able to contain, cool against the hot kiss, and the small squeak of surprise is replaced by a moan as you’re holding onto the kitchen counter behind you to keep your feet.

Law’s hands are on the counter, caging you in place. You can feel his eyes on you even if you can’t pull your gaze up from his lips. There’s a strange sensation as he swallows before breaking the kiss, wiping the back of his hand across his lips before taking a step back. You swallow as well, but it has almost nothing to do with the bits of water left in your mouth.

“I…”

“Sorry,” Law interrupts, running his thumb across your bottom lip lightly before taking a step or two back. “You were trying to cool off.”

“Was… yeah… am.” You manage the words, putting an arm out between the two of you. “We have to talk this out.”

“I agree.” The knowing grin on his face is almost too much. “I just needed to do that first.”

[all-the-gory-details]

Whumptober Day 4

Cattle Prod / Shock / “You in there?”

TW: Electrocution, creepy whumper, objectification, torture

Alexei didn’t know when he decided Georgia would be staying with him for longer than most others. Perhaps he had known it all along, known it the first time they’d stayed up chatting online until the early hours of the morning. He didn’t usually put such a copious amount of effort in reeling in a catch, but for Georgia, it had always seemed… worth it.

The plan was solidified by the end of her first night in his basement. She made such cute faces when she was scared, such alluring squeaks and whimpers. He wanted to know what she sounded like screaming.

Years ago, when he had first started to capture, train, and sell his living playthings, he had distanced himself from the industry as much as possible, unable to see the joy people found in another’s pain. There had been nothing to his business but a fortune to be made. Even when he decided to take on a few permanent projects to offer to those who couldn’t afford to buy or keep their own toy, money was the only thing on his mind.

As the years went on, however, he couldn’t deny he was beginning to enjoy training sessions and punishments more and more. There was a certain allure to having another being fully under your control, whimpering under your touch, desperate and yet too terrified to do anything but wait for the next blow.

He paused as he unlocked the deadbolt on the door, savoring the anticipation. He had just finished mealtime for the trainees he was housing; there were 4 of them, at the moment; and his fingers flexed as the itch for action grew stronger.

He pushed the door open, and there she was. She was still seated in the corner, eyes blurry from sleep; she must have woken when he unlocked the door. He saw her moment of confusion, then the sinking realization and the fear that followed. He drank it in, leaning against the wall and turning the bolt again so the door wouldn’t close behind him.

“Morning, Georgie. Good sleep? Fever gone yet?”

“Al… Alexei.”

He clicked his tongue and shook his head. “That’s sir to you, love. I’ll let it slide this time, because you’re new.” She looked so confused, it made his heart pound.

“How… how long has it been?”

“Since you got in my car? A little over a day. I gave you something to help you sleep with the tylenol yesterday. Doctor’s orders and everything.”

She nodded, almost absentmindedly. He looked on with amusement as she tried to muster up the courage for another question. Finally, she cleared her throat.

“Why am I… here? What do you want with me?”

He smiled. “Would you like me to show you?”

She hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly.

It only took a moment for him to slip out of the room and find a suitable tool. This time, it was a cattle prod, charging on a rack on the wall. The power was about halfway, more than enough for what he had in mind.

It took another moment for him to return with the instrument of pain.

Another moment for him to watch as Georgia’s face changed from curiosity to fear.

Another for him to cross the room and crouch in front of her, placing the prongs of the rod on her sternum.

One more moment and Georgia was screaming.

The sound was glorious. It sent shivers up his body. One glance told him he had actual goosebumps. It had never been quite this strong with any of the others, but he wasn’t sure if that was due to Georgia’s personal qualities or his own growing addiction.

He didn’t care.

She was pressed against the wall again, trying to get as far away from him and his weapon as humanly possible. It was endearing.

“Wh-what,” she gasped, “the fuck-”

“Ooh, that’s not a very kind word, now is it?” Her eyes widened in fear and realization, right before her body convulsed once more.

She laid limp when Alexei spoke again. “Anything you’d like to say?”

She took a moment and a few deep breaths. “S-sorry.”

He smiled. “Sorry what?”

“Sir?”

“Wonderful, darling. You’re learning so fast. However, there’s one more thing I’d like you to learn today.”

Her breath hitched, but she stayed perfectly still, even when she felt the metal prongs, now slightly warm, come to rest on her back, now exposed from all her squirming.

Alexei took a moment to savor her shivering form, her obedient silence. He knew he had made the right decision. People would pay to see this, to cause this. But first, the girl had to be trained, and not only in basic respect.

He leaned closer to her, voice barely above a whisper. “Pain. You need to learn what it is to truly hurt.”

Georgia choked back a sob, and the fire continued. 

[limetameta]

Only a few people can understand that visceral disgust when you're looking at a person who's meant to mean you well and all you can see reflected in their eyes is the epitome of evil. If they could tear me apart and build me to be an exact replica of them, they would. If they could feed me acid day in and day out until nothing that makes me me remains, they would. If they could kill me and blame it on me and get away with it, they would. But of course, they hide their intentions behind well-meaning words and snide comments about how if only i changed one tiny thing, I would be worth more (it is never just one tiny thing) (and it is never just one tiny thing)

Like i am a commodity, and perhaps to them I am. To them who only see me as a tool that costs to maintain and doesn't give them enough value back, I am a dangerous thing to have. My words and my behaviour and my thoughts are much too ugly. They speak of a person they did not have a hand in moulding. In forcing into their fold. They see a stranger. Or worse. They see my mother in my stead. So they make sure to say how much I look like them. How if it were not for them I would not be half the person I am today. If one did not know them, one would believe they mean well. I know them. I know them well. If they could bill me for everything they’ve ever done for me, they would.

To feed me and to give me a place to sleep these four days proves too steep of a price so they must see a return and they must see one quickly. To see their only relative in so long, in ten years! It's only a reason to attack. Since they have to buy me a meal and since I'm not paying them to stay over in a stale bedroom with dusty decor, with claustrophobia inducing suffocation, then that means that I have to pretend to be their perfect replica. But my glasses are wrong you see I look so much nicer without them. I need to start wearing contacts. But my voice is too loud, why do I need to raise it? Why am I so annoyed? Why am I so neurotic? This is all my mother's fault. She poisoned me against them, yet why is it that they continously fill my blood with shit? Why is it that now that I am an adult and can see the situation clearly, they are even worse than what my mother shielded me from?

I went on vacation to visit a friend and then to be kind, to be polite and well behaved I only made the mistake of telling you. So you invited me to come, and I took you up on it, not thinking that every waking second would be an attack or a battle of some kind. Against enemies who, to be fair, have not changed at all since I was a child. Who, to be fair, still think I am that same child.

My friends made me sick. It wasn’t their words. The train to them made me sick. It wasn't their hate wrapped up in sarcasm. All intellectuals use sarcasm, of course, didn’t I know? But family is supposed to be kind. Where is your kindness, intellectual? Must my body resort to fever just so I can sleep and not listen to you? Must the only times you show concern be when I may die.

It keeps rising. It doesn't go lower. They don't mention the hospital or the doctor, because it might go down and it might not be another unecessary cost.

And the fever doesn't break and I keep hoping it'll last throughout the night and throughout the day and just so I don't have to hear them. That they can't infect me with their words, if they’ve already succeeded with their illness. And they are ill, because I saw a whole dresser shelf lined top to bottom left to right with medicine packages. But when it's time for them to give you medicine to lower your fever they deliberate, they debate, they all but fight between themselves because they have so few packages of the stuff. Can they waste it on you?

So you say, just barely, just hoping to survive one more night with them, hoping that your fever will break and you can go on your plane home: I'll pay for it. I'll give you money. Just get me meds.

Oh, they take such offence. Because you read them to filth. You know they would charge you the stale air they have if they could, but they are prisoners of politeness just as much as you are. So it is a crime and an insult to ask for someone to go buy you meds. They will buy it. They will give me everything they have.

The fever breaks after days. I am leaving tomorrow morning.

They are pretending to be sick now. That i have infected them. Yet you remember while you were sick how delighted they were that your plans changed. You had some friends you wanted to see in their city also. But you couldn't on account of dying. So they smirk and they laugh and they tease with words that sound so putridly villainous and cliche you think a child has written them: You wanted to see your little friends? You wanted to go out and have fun on the town? Well, you can't :) You're stuck here now, hee hee.

As if it's their greatest wish materialized. As if spending time with them 24/7 is what they crave. To hollow me out into a husk to burrow deep inside me and puppeter me. To steal my strength and my youth.

The fever breaks and I see them.

My lungs still wheeze. My strength is not yet back.

You have not had a problem with your lungs in ten years. The doctor is baffled as he conducts tests to check for covid and it's negative. Your blood is fine. Perfect. Your lungs are not well. Have you had problems with them in the past?

Only as a child, you answer. And what a surprise that is. That you were always at your weakest when they were around.

Cutting them off had been the smartest thing you'd done. Why did you come back? What possessed you to think that it was smart?

Oh. You think. Ten years had passed. I am an adult, perhaps they will see it as such, too. And we can mend our ways.

It's a victory to survive and to leave. Not really.

I have not won, but I have survived against your greatest attempts to kill me. I have left and I am home and I will never let you in. I will never file my teeth down for your benefit when your teeth remain, broken off because you are sick, you are decaying, you are old , sharp in my lungs. If you had only had more time with me, perhaps you would have even found my heart and you would have struck.

But I am home now. I am away. You send me messages telling me you miss me already. I am covered in sweat and blood and my lungs wheeze. And you say you miss me. But be sure, I am no longer the child who believes you. And i am no longer the adult that forgot what you were capable of.

I do not miss you.

[henrysglock]

finally got the time to read chapter 3 of ptolemaea…. MISTER NIFTY AND MISTER NEAT JSKSBSJSNS CRYINGGGG SOBBING

Bob and henry have my whole heart I love them so muchhhh and young Scott is exactly how I’ve envisioned him, I also love how u write henry in regards to his trauma n how it can warp your perspective of situations, I relate so hard to how he downplays or twists things in his head because of what he’s been thru like being excited by hearing that Scott liked him to deciding it must just be fascination or something and settling on that. And I like how u don’t hold back w him still being triggered by the actions/words of ppl who have good intentions, that’s v real. And his pang of fear at the mere mention of doctors, also v real.

I felt it IN MY SOUL henry would take to sleeping in an oversized t shirt that’s why I always draw him it one !!!! I started kicking my feet when I read that

THE WAY I GASPED WHEN THEY WENT TO THE LIBRARY AND READ THE EDWARD TIMELINE PAPER DJSKSNS not bob calling it all a big coincidence lol

I also just love the small touches of references from the show like Henry’s insistence on “it’s not safe” and a bunch of others I noticed while reading like that

The pacing of it all is rlly satisfying too Im so intrigued

<3<3<3 shsksnsj

THEY'RE A PAIR!!! DO NOT SEPARATE!!!

The Bob-Henry dynamic has been so fun because like. Bob's in kind of this Steve-like role? Where he's a teenager himself but he's just got this kinda batshit kid attached at his hip and he has NO idea what the hell is going on. but he's here for it 🫡 Which is kind of akin to his role in ST2. Mans has NO idea what he's getting into, but dammit he's going to be helpful!!

Young Scott is my sweetie pie pookie little guy. He's got so much enthusiasm. He's dramatic and a little over the top sometimes which...looking at the dramatics he uses in canon as an adult? Yeah. 15 year old Scott feels like an absolute goober of a kid. He puts so much energy behind his interaction with Henry, it's just natural for him to. He's kind of puppy-like in that way; he charges forward with so much enthusiasm, only to realize a bit later that he may have come on a little strong and that he needs to be a little gentler. He's learning how to interact with Henry in a way that isn't overwhelming, but he's doing it without framing that change as burdensome (like we see with Max in canon, when she corrects him on her name and he just goes with it like it's no big deal). I adore him. He's such a good kid.

Young Henry has been a joy to write honestly. There's a delicate balance between capturing the fact that he's just some snarky teenager and having that trauma come in with a steel chair every once in a while. Because like a lot of the time that's how it is with trauma. Henry's got baggage, sure, but it's not everything all the time. He can still be and think about so many other things outside of his experiences in the lab. It just means his perception of himself is a little warped and certain settings/phrases make the hurt kick up a little dust.

Like that's how trauma goes! It's the lights going on in the foyer, something Bob doesn't think twice about re: the Creels, and Henry being hit hard with the last time he was there. It's Henry having a nightmare about something that was done to him, or a mistake he made that had disastrous consequences, and that turning around to color his self worth, making him go from expressive and present to completely shut down in a matter of seconds. Like you said, it's Bob with the best intentions (Bob, who's 100% correct), trying to get him to see a doctor for his concussion and him getting snappy about it out of fear.

And that's something that follows Henry, too, into adulthood. His mother still haunts him. Brenner still haunts him. The self-esteem issues still haunt him. It all just happens less frequently/with less intensity. It never goes away, he just...gets used to it. He gets better at pushing it away.

But anyway moving on!! Yes!!! He's such an oversized t-shirt guy. Personally I was thinking about that John Mulaney bit about the ghost of the little girl vs him in the too-big sleep shirt, because that's SO Henry. (Was there ever a ghost? Or was it just me all along?)

And okay like. As one of the main timeline theorists on this hellsite, I had to include my baby Edward in here somewhere. Yes, he is going to be plot important. It may or may not end up being canon compliant. We'll see how it fleshes out!! But yeah Bob doesn't know what he's getting into lmao he's seeing the Surface. Hell, even Henry doesn't know what's going on with that, but he knows that every "coincidence" has something more to it, even if he doesn't know what that something entails.

Okay okay and finally. I'm a slut for direct references to canon. Henward/El/Will are all canonically very similar to each other, it's just that they're shaped by differing circumstances. That is to say, 15 year old post-lab Henry would react to things in a mixture of El and Will: shoving hurt down/turning it inwards while also taking matters into his own hands and refusing to let others help. So...I would die before missing chances to make references!! (there's also a Robin-Steve reference, in chapter 2, I think, about being friends with 15 year olds pfft)

Gougjhfghjf I'm so glad the pacing is coming across alright!! I have No idea how long this fic is going to be so I'm just. writing how it comes and seeing how far it goes!!

<3 <3 <3

[queenklu]

Okay, so. I was going to let this go but I woke up in the middle of the night thinking about it and I need sleep.

THE FOUNDER, who was yes absolutely bonkers, thought that cracking bones cured cancer, and also that it cured blindness, and that he figured out how to do it from a ghost, etc etc. Guy was crazycakes. That is established.

HOWEVER. Since then there has been a major shift to legitimate medicine and physical therapy among the majority of practicing chiropractors.

There are still nutjobs out there. Quackwatch, an alternative medicine watchdog, cautions against seeing chiropractors who:

Treat young children

Discourage immunization

Pretend to be a family doctor

Take full spine X-rays

Promote unproven dietary supplements

Are antagonistic to scientific medicine

Claim to treat non-musculoskeletal problems

Do not accept health insurance

What happened to @thebibliosphere sucks, no question. As someone who sees a chiropractor fairly regularly for the crime of being Tall in a world built for Not Tall, I have never, ever been made to sign any risk waiver for an adjustment. Ever.

I've seen three different chiropractors over my life, starting as a late teen when my hips started befuckening. Everyone in my family has seen chiropractors on and off. My grandma was able to stay in her house and mobile until she was 91 years old, and credits it largely to her chiropractor who kept her back from seizing up. I have been in two car accidents where I was rear-ended--one of them, ironically enough, when I was en route to a chiropractic appt. Both times, despite the crash not being 'major,' X-rays of my neck showed there was a noticeable skew from whiplash. In both cases, the other party's car insurance paid for my chiropractic care--in one case I needed over six months of treatment before my neck and back were no longer stiff or hurting.

I have no way of telling whether @thebibliosphere saw a legit chiropractor or a quack. Even the best doctors in the world fuck up sometimes, and even the shittiest get it right sometimes. Medical malpractice is defined as when a doctor "through a negligent act or omission causes an injury to the patient." For whatever its worth, @thebibliosphere would have every right to seek legal advice regardless of the papers they signed.

As for one more story in support of good chiropractors:

In middle school, my dad--whose self-owned business involved moving heavy appliances by himself--did something to fuck up his back, bad enough that it left him literally bedridden. My mom had to drive him to the doctor because he was in too much pain to see. The doctor said he would need immediate back surgery, which would permanently weaken his back and lead to eventually more surgeries, and this would ultimately end his business on the spot. The doctor told him this was the only solution. My dad went to the chiropractor. The chiropractor saw him twice a week for adjustments, and my dad was back on his feet in three weeks. He continued his business for 20 more years, is now nearly 70, and has never needed back surgery.