#i’m at the hospital waiting for the woman i’m observing the come in :3

[suappang]

i got a coffee this morning and idk why bc i don’t like coffee and it tastes soooo bad

[sweetimpurity]

I Think I'll Keep You 4

a/n: Thank you for your patience! More to come for this story, it's only the beginning! Finally got my new computer which will make writing much easier and more fun!! Love ya!

w.c.: 8.3k NSFW MINORS DNI rated p for plot

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3

His eyes widen and he has to fight back more tears right then and there. You’re taking him to the hospital after all he’s done? After all he said? “Oh…” He mumbles, standing there ready to follow your lead. He’d follow you anywhere at this point. “I couldn’t sleep so… and I assume you couldn’t either.” You comment softly. The exhaustion written on both your faces. With midterms and classes, bad sleep and the emotional tug of war this week, you’re both due for a nap. But his hand needs to be taken care of first. He can’t keep walking around in pain like that. 

“Does it hurt?” You ask as the two of you start walking down the hall. “No… it’s not that bad.” He mumbles, pulling his hoodie on and clenching his hand painfully in the pocket. “Don’t lie.” You say. Something you feel like you keep saying. Why is it so hard for him to just be honest? Even with himself. “It… it does hurt. A lot.” He finally says in a sigh, both getting to the elevator and going down in silence to get to the lobby. He’s looking down at the floor. Exhaustion etched on his face like yours. But you keep an eye on him. Observing his body language. All the things he’s not saying with words. He seems sorry. He seems heartbroken like you. But it’s hard to trust him after everything. 

The two of you get to the lobby, hearing the rain pouring on the windows. The white noise of the rain would be soothing if it didn’t mean you had to walk out in that storm. “My car’s on the street.” You pull up your hood, keys jingling in your pocket. He just looks up at your face, nodding softly. He just wants to hear that you forgive him. That you don’t hate him. 

You both head out, quickly marching down the walkway to your car. Each shielding yourself from the assault of pouring rain as you rush to the car already running. Finding warmth and safety inside away from the rain. As soon as you can see through the splatters on the windshield, you’re driving off, through the city streets to get to the emergency room. There’s no one on the roads this time of night. And you’re hoping there won’t be tons of people in the emergency room once you get there. 

“Hey so um…” He starts, after a bit of silence, driving through the city streets. “I… I’m-”

“Let’s just get there, okay? Let’s just go and get there and…” You sigh, the words falling off. Not wanting to cut him off but also not wanting right now to be when you both have this conversation. He swallows thickly, nodding and falling back into the quiet of the warm car. Clenching his fingers in his pocket and bouncing his knee gently in anxiety. You notice it out of the corner of your eye. You seem to notice everything about him. 

…

“...his hand, he’s been having swelling and bruising for a few days now…” You explain kindly to the receptionist once you’re both in the waiting room, standing at the front desk. Miguel standing a bit like a lost puppy behind you, listening to you talk to the receptionist there. “Alright, the doctor can take a look once she’s done with another patient. If you can just fill out these forms and have a seat, it should be about 30 minutes.” She smiles and hands you a clipboard and a pen. “Thank you. And could he please get some ice or something?” You smile and ask. The woman nods politely and going to grab an ice pack from the other room. You both start walking over to the waiting room area, looking over the form in your hands. Taking a seat by the fish tank and settling in to wait a little while. Miguel sits right beside you, running the good hand through his dampened hair from the rain. He glances down at the form in your lap. Then up at the side of your face. Wanting to reach out and touch your skin. Kiss your cheek. Remembering what it feels like to melt into your arms. Thinking of all the ways he can beg for, earn your forgiveness. Just as he’s about to speak- “Here you go…” The receptionist is there, an ice pack outstretched for him to take, breaking him out of his thoughts. He forces a smile, taking the ice pack and setting it over his hand. “Thank you.” He smiles gently. Watching the woman walk away. 

He looks back, watching you write down his name on the form. Thinking he can probably do this himself. Before he can interrupt you’re asking him for the information. 

“Birthday?” You ask, ready to fill it in. “You don’t have to do that…” He mumbles softly, reaching his left hand over to you. “You can write with that hand?” You ask him skeptically, raising your brow. It’s his right hand that’s out of commission. “We need this to be legible, I’ll just do it.” You wave him off and he sighs in sleepy defeat. Although he’s too tired to even care at this point. He’s more grateful that you’re even here right now, that he’s even here right now. That you’re helping him like this, let alone talking to him. 

“October 13, 2001.” He sighs, watching your neat handwriting fill in the little lines. “That just passed…” You mutter in realization, writing the date down. “Why didn’t you tell me when it was your birthday?” You sigh, looking up and gazing straight ahead at the empty chairs across the room. “That was like… two thursdays ago…” You grumble. “Sorry…” He sighs, not knowing what else to say for it. He didn’t tell you because he didn’t think it mattered. His mind is a mess. You look over at him, seeing the look on his face. That he really is defeated. Not his usual self. “It’s fine just…” Your words trail off. The silence heavy between you two. 

“You can tell me stuff like that.” You suddenly say much more confidently. Looking over at him, making him meet your eye. And he swallows hard, not knowing really what to say. “You were leaving the next day and I didn’t want to distract you…” He admits softly.

“Your birthday is not a distraction… it’s special.” 

Special? 

He nods, averting your gaze. Thinking to himself. There’s nothing special about him. 

“Place of birth.” You ask. “Uh… New York…” He replies softly, shaking those thoughts away, adjusting the ice on his knuckles. Bearing through the ache that comes with the cold on the hot swelling. You write down the information, continuing on. He’s quiet beside you, only answering when you ask him for information. Because his mind is occupied mapping out things he needs to talk about. He wants to apologize again, for real this time and explain himself. That’s the least he can do. Even though he feels like he’s 10 years old again for some reason. Feeling like you’ll be upset with him no matter what he says. No matter what he does. And he deserves all of it. 

“Emergency contact?” You ask. Distracting him from his thoughts. “Uh…” He sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. “Like your mom or dad or something…” You encourage, ready to write down whatever he chooses. “I… don’t want them to call my dad…” He admits softly, staring at the sheet on the clipboard. “So your mom then?” You assume, readying yourself for the contact info. “No…” He mutters, shaking his head, leaning back in his seat. Looking up from the form, you look at his face. Not quite knowing how to read it right now. You know he doesn’t like to talk about his parents at all. You’ve only heard about his brother and that’s it. But you didn’t think I’d be so bad that he doesn’t even want to call them in case of an emergency. 

“Okay… that’s okay we can figure out something else.” You offer softly. For some reason, instinctively, wanting to protect him right now from whatever it is he’s feeling. When it comes to his parents at least. “Yeah…” He mumbles, staring down at the ice on his hand and folding the corner of the plastic, fidgeting. 

You sigh. Not really wanting to get into everything right now. Just wanting to get back to your dorm and sleep. He needs sleep too. This week has been hell. So many weighted moments pass between the two of you. Silently sitting and listening to the bubbles in the fish tank constantly going. The bubbles disturbing the still waters surface and yet infusing the water with all the oxygen the life within needs. Disturbance pumping life into the already living. The living need disturbance to know they’re alive. 

He hears the sound of the pen scribbling on the clipboard. Tired eyes looking over to your lap. The emergency contact. A lump in his throat watching you fill in your name, your address, your phone number. All for him. All of this for him? How could he even begin to deserve it? He feels a huge rush of relief and watches the pen tip move across the paper. Until it gets to “Relationship:” 

“The doctor can see you now.” The receptionist suddenly says, bringing you both out of silence. Grabbing the clipboard, your keys, phone, standing up and ready to get this done and get out of here. Although there’s a part of Miguel that feels this is a last goodbye. Like things will never be the same after tonight. Maybe that’s a good thing. 

…

“Alright, so the fractures are here… here… and then a smaller one there. And we’re going to go ahead with the plaster cast so we can make sure everything lines up nicely.” The doctor says, pointing and gesturing to the x-ray on the wall. It’s been about half an hour now of x-rays and examinations. He has two broken fingers and part of his wrist is compromised too. 

“We’ll see how you do with the cast and have you come back in a couple weeks. There should be no reason for surgery if all goes well.” She says. Nodding to the two of you and grabbing some paperwork from the drawers in the room. 

“Will he have any sort of pain relief while this is going on?” You ask, concern on your face. Miguel can see it. It makes his chest hurt. You’re such an angel and he’s such a dick. 

“Yes, I’ll put in the prescription for painkillers and some antibiotics and you can pick it up tonight… I can send it to the 24 hour pharmacy pretty close to your campus if that works?… I recommend starting it as soon as you can and it will really help with the swelling.” She nods and writes down a slip for his prescription. “Thank you.” You smile and take the slip, Miguel soon following with his own quiet ‘thank you’. 

“I’ll be right back and then we can get this cast on, okay?” The doctor clicks her pen, taking her computer and leaving the room to go get the supplies to make up Miguel’s cast. 

If it were darker in this room, you’d be falling asleep. But the fluorescent lights blind you. Sitting in the chair next to the exam table, unable to resist resting your head on the table Miguel’s sitting on. Looking down at the almost finished document on the clipboard. Deciding what to write. It’s stupid, it shouldn't matter that much. It doesn’t matter so much if it’s just for his emergency contact; just that the information is in there. Girlfriend? No. Partner? Probably not. Where do you stand? More importantly… Where do you want to stand with him? It’s not just his decision at the end of the day and you’re trying to stop letting him call most of the shots. What do you want to be? Do you want to be his girlfriend? Do you actually want that? Or has his behavior over the past month and a half shown you that he can’t be a good partner even if he wanted to? It’s late; you’re tired; why must you make this decision right now when everything is still so fucked up? Closing your eyes, laying your head on the edge of the table, you’re playing a dangerous game. Will you be able to open them again once you pass the threshold? 

“I’m sorry.” He says. Coaxing your eyes back open, looking over at him. 

“Miguel-” 

“Please… I need to say something…” He insists softly. Not looking at you, staring at the floor, trying to keep that list in his head. “... a lot of things…” 

He sighs, rubbing his good hand down the fabric of his sweatpants, nervously. Like all the sentences he’s thinking are the most idiotic combinations of words strung together. You watch him a bit wide eyed, just waiting for the words to come out. 

“I’m sorry for the way I acted. What I said. It was the wrong way to go about this… everything.” He sighs. Trying his best to be honest and hoping you won’t throw it back in his face. Why is that always his first thought? 

“I was a jerk. And then when I tried to… apologize I just… was an even bigger jerk.” 

He admits. Glancing over at you to see your reaction. Feeling an odd sense of ease at the soft expression on your face. You’re really listening. 

“I was not drunk on Sunday. I promise you. I went to a stupid party and… had a few beers but nothing… major.” He explains. Checking off the boxes in his head. All the things that went wrong, all the things he needs to apologize for. You look down and back at him. Feeling both satisfaction from his explanation and regret over this entire situation. 

“And Dana… she’s… always hanging around me and… but I didn’t do anything with her on Sunday. I tell her no and she's still just all over me and... I’m not sleeping with her, I’m not sleeping with anyone. It was just you.” He says, looking in your eyes. And you believe it’s true. That’s the thing you regret. Jumping to conclusions the moment you smelled Dana’s perfume on him. That probably wasn’t right to do and there was no reason for it. But his response to it all was still uncalled for. 

“I don’t want you to hate me. Please… I don’t think I can take it. But I know I deserve it.” He whispers. Looking away, staring at the linoleum floor. 

“Can I tell you something… personal?” He suddenly asks. His eyes locked on the checkered pattern on the floor. 

“Of course…” You hum, giving him your full attention. This is a big deal. Getting him to share this much. Connecting with him like this after feeling so far away. He swallows hard. Thinking hard. Why must this all be so hard for him?

“I’ve never really been in a relationship before.” He admits softly. You’re shocked to say the least. He’s always been the player type and had girls all around him. But never a relationship? Not even in high school? Seems impossible for someone like him. “Hm…” You hum. Mostly to let him know you’re actively listening. And not judging. 

“My parents um…” He starts, fidgeting anxiously. “Ever since I was little… like since I was born… my parents always… cheated on each other?” He admits. You’re stunned into silence and he keeps going…

“It wasn’t like… an open marriage or anything…” Your face softens in sadness hearing his admission. Your heart snapping in two. “Now that I’m older I know the language but… as a kid I never understood.” He explains. A thoughtful look on his face like he’s thought all of these things a million times but never uttered a single word about it out loud. 

The correlation between the two admissions is becoming more clear. Never having a relationship because the one relationship he’s supposed to look up to, his parents, is filled with betrayal and distrust. “I’m not saying… that that’s an excuse I’m just… I-I don’t know…” He sighs, shaking his head. 

You just listen and watch him in silence. Feeling three things. Honored that he would share this with you. Responsibility to keep this information guarded. And heartbreak, thinking about that kind of pain, and that he feels the need to explain all of this. 

“You ever think about like… getting too comfortable and then… when everything goes to shit… that’s your own fault right?” He asks more directly now, looking over at you. Maybe he does want an answer. “Like when you tell yourself that someone really cares about you… and then turns out they don’t. Not as much as you think?” 

“No. I don’t think that’s your fault.” You finally speak now that he wants an answer. Genuinely. He looks in your eyes. You want to hear more. It’s the most he’s ever opened up to let you in his head. 

“I can’t let myself feel that way.” He sighs. Looking up at the ceiling and letting out a deep breath. You know this is really hard for him. 

“You think I make you… feel like you can’t be comfortable?” You ask softly, trying to clarify, trying to understand him.

“No you… make me feel… very… comfortable.” He admits in a sigh. Like the words keep getting stopped but he pushes through, forcing them out. The words would be impossible if not for his efforts. 

You pause, thinking about what he said. Remembering when he said you made him feel steady. That moment meaning so much more now. You make him feel comfortable but he can’t allow himself to feel comfortable?

“And when you started… trying to tell me how you were feeling…” He sighs. “I just panicked and…” His words trail off, you take a deep breath. Remembering Sunday night, asking him about Dana, about the beer, on the cusp of telling him you were falling for him. That confusion and anger. Remembering what he said about messy feelings, about not ruining what you two had. When he said you weren’t supposed to happen. It all makes a lot more sense now. "I don't know what I'm feeling... I don't think I ever really know."  

“I think that’s why I usually only… spend one night with someone and then… it’s over. I’m an asshole, I know… I wasn’t thinking of you that first night. At least not at the start.” He admits. Which makes sense. He feels guilty knowing he’s never been fair to his partners or himself. Plowing through any sort of feeling that might arise. But when you came along, that all became much harder. Not harder; impossible. His feelings for you were impossible to ignore. “But you’ve never left my mind since then.”

“You’re the longest I’ve ever… stuck with someone I guess. Or that you’ve stuck with me.” He says softly. Stealing glances at you, fearing your reaction just a bit. You’re shocked to say the least. A month and a half? He’s really never gotten closer to anyone else before?

Being his. That’s what you’ve thought of all this time. Because that’s how it always was. He would ask you to be his, tell you to admit it and you always said yes, you always complied. Because you wanted it to be true.

“Are you afraid that if you and I were together… that I’d cheat?” You ask, being careful around his feelings. Thinking he must be afraid to go back to those feelings brought by his parents. When they cheated on each other, they cheated him too. You want to treat his feelings with sensitivity unlike everyone else it seems. 

He’s silent for a few moments. Thoughtful. “Maybe. Probably.” He admits. Which is reasonable if he’s been dealing with those kinds of trust issues since he was a little boy. “But I think I was… just scared to lose you. Like losing you is scarier than not having you at all.” 

“But I couldn’t not have you. I couldn’t.” He sighs. “I was selfish and I’m sorry.” 

He stares at the floor, all regret and heartbreak. So many things laid out in the open. You almost don’t know what to say. Almost. 

“Miguel…” You address him, standing up and stepping around the small room for a moment. Then focusing back on him. 

“I forgive you.” 

He instantly looks up at you. He could cry. Relief in the purest form shot right into his soul. 

“I can’t relate to your feelings with your parents and… everything. But that doesn’t mean I can’t understand. Doesn’t mean I don’t want to understand.” You say softly. He nods in understanding. His heart feeling a lightness he hasn’t felt since… ever. 

“Being with you made me… feel confident and… wanted? I guess… no one’s ever made me feel that way before.” You admit. Sharing your own confessions. His eyes follow you every step around the room as you pace and speak. He’s surprised to have caused you anything but pain.

“I really liked you… even before all this started… even though I didn’t even really know you,” You sigh and chuckle softly at the thought. Knowing you fell in love with him when it felt like he wanted no one but you. And that might have been true but you were in love with the idea of him. The idea that someone like him would be in love with you.

“But I realized that the image of you that I have in my head is nowhere near who you really are. And I think you did the same for me.” You explain. He nods, knowing that’s exactly right. His first chapter with you is an unreliable memory. 

“So I forgive you.” You nod. And he just looks up at you in awe. Like his heart will explode. He’s never felt this way before. Ever in his life. Is this what it feels like to be in love? To fall in love? Has he been falling all this time and now he’s completely fallen? 

There’s a knock at the door. An interruption to this discussion but your words echo in his mind. And he never wants to forget them. “Okay, ready to get started? We’ll do this nice and quick and you guys can be on your way…” The doctor smiles, wheeling in a tray of materials and supplies. “Thank you” You smile and nod, moving over to make room for the doctor’s supplies; standing next to where Miguel is sitting to watch the process; mainly out of curiosity. You keep an eye on Miguel’s face. Seeing he’s still deep in thought. It’ll take more time to understand him, but tonight is a good first step. 

You watch the doctor start the process, absorbing the information she’s explaining, the instructions for care and the longer term things. Follow up appointments and such. You make sure to listen because Miguel doesn’t seem like he can listen very well right now. 

You watch his uninjured fingers still fidgeting with the hem of his pants. And for the second time you want to protect him. You want to make him feel… comfortable. You realize. That’s what he needs. 

You reach across, taking his left hand in yours. Causing him to look up, squeezing gently as his fingers eagerly lace with yours. And it’s like all of a sudden he can feel the table under him, he can hear the doctor’s voice, he can feel the sleeve going on his arm, he can feel the pain in his hand. To get out of his head and come back into the real world around him. That’s what you’ve always done. You’re like an escape and you didn’t even know you were doing it. He didn’t even realize. Imagine how things could be if he just opened up. If he wasn’t afraid of how you’d react. If you’d put him down, chastise him for his feelings. Like he alway has been all his life. 

“Miguel?” You hum, to get his attention after the doctor's attempts. The noise of his thoughts muting at the sound of your voice. “Hm?” 

“What color do you want?” You ask softly, gesturing to the doctor holding out samples of the cast wrappings. Your thumb rubbing gently over the back of his knuckles. He can feel that too. “Oh uh… I don’t know.” He shakes his head slightly, feeling so overwhelmed in both good and bad ways. Overwhelmed with his feelings of love and fear. “You could get blue for the team colors…” You suggest with a soft smile, thinking of his soccer uniform, looking over the options that the doctor has laid out. Treating him with tender care, wanting to do it, no matter the things that have happened. It’s all in the past now. He smiles softly at your cute suggestion. “Yeah sure, blue is good…” He nods a slight smile at the doctor's kindness and patience. She nods and gets to work. Wrapping his cast up and letting it all set and harden. The blue material going from his fingers nearly up to his elbow. 

“Alright, your 4 week appointment is all set, and you have the slip for the prescription. Come back if anything happens, or if you have any questions just call the non-emergency line.” The receptionist says. A kind smile on her face, looking up at the both of you, two kids tired out of their minds, hanging onto life and each other by a thread at this point. “Thank you very much.” Miguel nods with a smile. His injury now supported, already feeling less like it’s just hanging off his body. 

You hand over the clipboard. Realizing you never decided on it. The relationship. Because it’s complicated. And you figured a blank line is better than a scribble of eraser marks. 

“Have a good rest of the night… or morning I suppose.” She nods. Because yes, it is 4 a.m. at this point. 

Leaving through the automatic sliding glass doors, stepping out into the very early morning. A soft glow of the imminent rising sun lighting up the sky. But it’s still very dark out. The birds haven’t even started to wake up and beckon the morning. He walks up beside you as you both head into the parking lot to get to your car. It’s still sprinkling slightly, some far away thunder rolling. 

“How does it feel?” You ask, looking over and seeing the blue material on his arm peeking out from his sleeve. “Feels better than before… still hurts.” He sighs, taking a few longer strides and reaching the driver door first. Opening it for you. “Do you want me to drive?” He offers softly. “No, you only have one hand.” You quickly refuse. 

“I can drive with one hand… and you’re tired.” He insists gently. “You’re tired too. And you have broken fingers.” You smirk, winning this, getting into the driver's seat. He huffs out a breath of laughter and relents, closing the door after you and walking to the passenger side. 

“Take this…” You flail the prescription slip in front of him. His eyes blinking tiredly and he traps the piece of paper between his good fingers. Brow furrowing in focus and reading the information. It’s a bit blurry since he doesn’t have his contacts in. “Let’s go get that acetaprofin…” You sigh, turning the car on. 

“Wait, what did I say?” You look at him, a smile tugging at your lips. 

“Acetaprofin?” He asks with a smile. “You mean acetaminophen? Or ibuprofen. I think it says acetaminophen on the sheet.” He can’t help the giggles that erupt in his chest. Beyond exhausted, the both of you. “No! I said that! I said acetaminophen.” you giggle, looking over at him, watching him starting to lose it with laughter. 

“Nooo you didn’t…” He teases, wiping his eyes from laughing. “You said acetaprofin which is like… some acetaminophen and ibuprofen hybrid.” 

“No I didn’t. Gimme that!” You snatch the paper out of his hand and point to the drug name on the sheet. “A-ce-ta-min-o-phen.” You sound it out as he’s giggling, not even looking at the paper, he’s looking at you. “I know what it says. That’s not what you said.” 

Your eyes light up watching him smile and laugh. “Maybe not.” You admit, smiling. You can’t help but laugh yourself. It’s not even that funny, you both know that. But you’re both so tired, everything is funny. “Well science boy, maybe you should do your thesis on acetaprofin…” You joke. 

“Yeah, I’m sure Alchemax would love that. A thesis on combining two drugs that do pretty much the same thing…” He sighs, the both of you coming down from a laughing fit. Sitting in your running car, in the corner of the emergency room parking lot, in the middle of the city, at four in the morning. 

“Hah…” He sighs. That laughter was much needed. For both of you. “Y’know… we don’t have to go get it now. We can just go back to school. I can get it myself another day.” He says. Knowing you’re both exhausted and feeling bad for keeping you awake for so long. Although he does enjoy spending time with you again. Feeling like he doesn’t have to put his shield up. It’s harder to do when you’re not having sex. When he’s just being purely himself. It’s a new feeling.

He feels a little strange. Not just because he’s running on fumes but because of what he told you. But you don’t seem to be treating him any differently. If anything, it’s just making him feel a little closer to you. He’s never felt something like that before. Like you could be… someone he confides in. The first person on his mind. That’s what’s happened for the last month and a half anyway. 

“No way… we’re getting your damn acetaprofin if it’s the last damn thing I damn do.” You protest, putting the car in drive and pulling out of the parking lot. On a mission. A mission of pain relief.

“Picking up for O’Hara?” You say at the pharmacy desk, the old woman behind the register typing into the old computer to bring up the prescription. “Date of birth?” She asks, looking at the two of you over the edge of her glasses. Miguel steps forward to answer. 

“08/13/2001.” You state before he can. A satisfied smile on your face for knowing his birthday now. Even if he didn’t tell you the day it was happening. 

“It’s just been sent in… I’ll make it up for you.” The old woman says, her New York accent quite thick. And she moves around slowly to go make up his prescription acetaminophen and antibiotics. “Okay thank you.” Miguel smiles. The two of you having to wait some more this morning. 

… 

“Strawberry or Cherry?” You sigh, holding out two packs of twizzlers in front of him. The two of you migrating to the candy aisle and looking through the endless sweets. “Strawberry obviously.” He nods, pointing at the pack, keeping his cast wrapped arm close to his chest, a sign to you that the pain is in fact bothering him. “Obviously.” You nod. Totally agreeing. 

“Ha. I had to give my brother the heimlich once with one of these.” You cringe and hold up a box of Lemonheads. “Oh no, really?” His eyes widen, meeting your eyes. What if that had been Gabriel?

“Yeah, and then my mom banned them from all the kids…” You giggle, putting it back on the shelf and looking at another candy item. He grins at the thought, imagining what your family must be like. After all the little things you’ve told him. Your parents and siblings. It’s like a different world he’s never stepped into before. 

“This is Gabriel’s favorite…” He nods and points to a box of warhead hard candies on the shelf. “We used to have competitions” He smiles, looking at you. “Oh the ‘see who can hold it in their mouth the longest without spitting it out’ competition? I know it well…” 

“Mhm.” He nods, enjoying feeling like he can be similar to you in some way. He does love Gabriel a lot and hearing the way you’ve always talked about your own family makes him feel good. Even if his own family doesn’t feel like much of a family at all. 

…

“These lights are so bright.” You huff, crouching down and looking in the makeup aisle. Miguel leaning against one of the shelves and trying not to fall asleep standing up. “Which one… on my skin?” You sigh, grabbing two blush shades, standing up with whatever energy you have left. Holding them up to him. He blinks tiredly and takes the two small things from your hands, walking right up to you and holding them up to your cheeks. “What am I looking for?” He asks, holding each one on the sides of your cheeks. Your eyes closed. 

“Just for… which one matches best for my undertooooones…” You drawl with eyes still closed, feeling the backs of his fingers on your cheeks. “Undertooooones…” He echos softly and teases. “Hmm…” He hums, looking back and forth and then just looking at your face. Your lashes, your lips. Feeling like he could just kiss you right now. It would be so easy to just peck your lips. 

“So?” Your voice brings him out of his thoughts. “Uh I think this one… I don’t know. That one is pretty.” He sighs, ignoring the urge to kiss your lips. Knowing he probably shouldn’t. But he wants to. Your eyes flutter open, causing his heart to flutter at the sight. Your hands coming to grasp his wrists. The two products in his fingers. Looking down at the one he chose. “Yeah, I like that one.” You nod and he adds it to the small pile of candy and miscellaneous things you’ve both picked out around the store. 

…

“Mm this one is good…” Miguel holds a bottle of shampoo over to you. Letting you smell it. “Coconut Milk and turmeric…” You mumble, reading the scent on the bottle before clasping your hands over his hands around the bottle and smelling. The rim of the bottle touches your nose, getting some soap on there. “Ah- yeah it smells good” You giggle, shampoo above your lip. “Oh no sorry…” He laughs, the two of you deliriously tired. His other hand comes up to wipe the soap off, rubbing over the ridge of your lip and getting it off. All while you’re both quietly giggling among the shampoo selections. 

“Are we being too loud?” You giggle, whispering and looking up at him. There’s no one else in here it’s so late but still you’re both giggling endlessly in the aisles. “Probably…” He whispers, putting the shampoo back on the shelf. The two of you standing close, huddled next to the shelves and aimlessly looking around waiting for his prescription to be ready. 

…

 “I didn’t know they sell vibrators at the drug store…” You comment. Wandered into the aisle of sexual health and products. Staring up at the row of vibrators on the top shelf, kept in those plastic cages. Needing the employees' help to unlock it. “I guess… maybe people need it… for medical… things.” He sighs behind you. Like zombies, the two of you. 

“What kind of medical things?” You raise a brow at him, turning around to face him. He takes a closer look at the boxes, lifting one toy and reading the back of it. 

“Mm… neglected clit disease?” He jokes, looking up in your eyes. A smug look on his face and a smile spreading over yours. His eyes gleaming watching you laugh. “Stupid boyfriend syndrome?” He adds. “Yeah possibly…” You nod. 

“Boyfriend with broken fingers disorder.” He smiles a goofy grin, holding up his cast and shrugging. His poor broken fingers. Boyfriend. 

“Yeah you’re right… it’s on the rise…” You laugh softly and nod. He nods, reading the back of the box and turning to look at the other models on the shelf.

 Your eyes scan over the side of his face as he turns. Wanting to reach out and run your hands through his hair like you’ve done so many times before. But it’s never been like this before. Just the two of you like this. Like friends. But there’s something extra obviously because you’ve seen each other naked more times than you can remember. But being away from him was like rehab from an addiction. An addiction to him, the feeling of him, the way he can make you feel.  

You roll your eyes and smile. Turning to leave the aisle. He smiles that same grin. Watching you start walking, he looks down at the box in his hand. Piling the vibrator on the stack of items in his arm with a smirk on his face. Among the candy, makeup, shampoo and miscellaneous things you’ve both picked out, the sex toy like a cherry on top. 

…

He smiles watching you huff and sit down on the floor. Right in the middle a different aisle. Paper and stationary on one side and birthday cards on the other. Tilting his head and looking down at you on the floor. Sharing your exhaustion. “How does it feel?” You ask and he walks over, sitting down in front of you, criss crossed and facing you. Setting the items down on the floor too. 

“It hurts…” He admits, not feeling the need to lie about it. Not anymore. You nod and yawn. Looking over and seeing a pack of black sharpies. Leaning over to grab it. 

“Can I write on it?” You smile and brighten up at the thought. “My cast?” He grins and watches you. Your excitement. 

“Yeah a little message or a doodle” You pull open the pack of markers. Planning to just pay for them on the way out. “Fine, just no dicks, okay?” He teases and you feign disappointment at his request. He scoots closer to you as you hold out the sharpie for the blue material on his arm. “Hmm…” You think of what to write or draw for your masterpiece. Since he’ll have it on there for a few weeks you want to make it count. 

He’s just smiling, watching your pretty face as you think of what to write, his arm draped over your lap and your fingers dancing over his upper arm to hold it in place, pen in hand. 

You start shaking your head and he can tell you’ve thought of something. “What?” He grins. “No… nothing.” You smile, shaking your head. “Come on… do it. Whatever you thought of, just write it.” 

“No I can’t.” You smile nervously, looking up in his eyes. “Yes you can.” He replies in the same tone. Gesturing to his cast. “Write it.”

“Close your eyes.” You demand and he does so. His eyes fluttering closed. A smile on his lips. You debate it for a second. The thing you thought of was originally sort of supposed to be a joke but it could also not be a joke at the same time. You don’t want to make things awkward or more complicated. Shaking your head, you decide to just do it. Maybe he’ll laugh. The felt tip scratches on the hardened blue material. He waits patiently with eyes closed until finally…

“Done.” You sigh, already feeling embarrassed. But it’s on there and it’s permanent. His eyes flutter open, searching the cast on his arm. Eyes scanning over the black cursive letters. Just one small word. 

Mine. 

His eyes lock on the word. Reading it over. Over and over then looking up at you. After all that’s happened, all he said, all that went on. You know and he does too, that you’re being very generous with your heart. As you’ve always been. 

“I like it…” He hums softly, nodding and looking back down at the writing. After seeing that slight blush of embarrassment on your cheeks. 

Is this all he’s ever wanted? To be yours. And for you to be the one to make it so? All the times he made you his, all the times he claimed you, took you, those times don’t compare to this one. This little word, written by your hand, from your mind, your heart. He won’t take it for granted. 

“I should’ve just drawn a dick…” You shake your head and smile. The tension dissolving then. Meeting his eyes for a moment. Unable to hide the bit of embarrassment. You don’t want to repeat patterns of the past. But you also want to be honest about your feelings. “Fine, you can draw a dick.”

”Really??!” 

“No!!” He laughs. “I was just kidding!” 

“No, you said it so I can do it!” 

“No no no, I take it back!” He refuses with a smile, shaking his head and laughing, his eyes locked on your smile. Again, he just wants to kiss you. To kiss you again after feeling like it’s been forever since he’s had the chance. “Come onnnnn…” You smile and he shakes his head, wanting to take your face into his hands and kiss your lips. It almost makes his heart sore, knowing that he really shouldn’t do it. And he’s trying to be careful. Holding so tightly onto this olive branch. 

“Let’s go see if it’s ready now, yeah?” He suggests, needing to change the subject for his own sake. “Fine…” You whine, watching him rise, accepting his hand when he stretches it out to you to get up from the floor. 

…

You both watch the old woman scan the items and the prescriptions. Rolling your eyes at Miguel’s smirk when she scans the vibrator, taking off the protected cage around the box. The woman having absolutely no reaction to the item. She just doesn’t care, not at this hour and probably not at any other hour either. 

You look for some money to pay for the makeup and the things you picked out but before you can he puts his card in the machine, reaching his arm around your waist to press the numbers. His chest pressing to your back slightly. You watch the thick black card go into the machine. The numbers going in and the ding when it accepts easily. “Thank you, have a nice night.” The woman says, her voice low and gravelly but she’s been kind overall. 

“Thank you.” Miguel nods and grabs the bag off the counter after taking his card back. “Thanks!” You smile and start walking, with him right beside you. “Where’s the receipt? I can give you some cash for my things…”

“Don’t worry about it.” He assures. Shaking his head and holding the bag of items in his good hand. 

“If you say so…” You sigh, walking beside him as you both leave the drug store. “Thank you…” 

The sun is just starting to light up the early morning sky now that it’s about 5 am. Birds starting to chirp. “I need to sleep.” You sigh, getting in the driver's seat. And Miguel in the passenger seat with the bag of things on his lap. “I can drive if you want…” He offers again with a yawn, stretching his back slightly, his head against the headrest. “No it’s fine, it’s only a few minutes…” You assure him, buckling up and starting the car to get back to the dorms. 

You start driving, pulling out of the parking lot and turning through the city streets. There are a few cars out but nothing compared to the morning rush to start in a few hours. The city slowly starts to light up with the sun. It’s not even over the horizon yet, just lighting the sky with anticipatory sunshine. He’s stealing small glances at you as you drive. Feeling funny inside. He doesn’t know quite how to place this feeling. It doesn’t feel bad, he knows that much.

“So it says… take two of these… and one of these morning and night.” You read the prescription bottles for acetaminophen and antibiotics. Standing at the door of his dorm room, in the doorway and giving him the slip from the doctor to have. “Thank you.” He nods softly, genuinely. Although that one thank you doesn’t even cut it. He doesn’t think so. 

“I can’t believe we literally stayed up all night doing that.” He sighs, walking into his dorm. Glancing back at you and trying to be subtle, wanting to see if you’ll follow him inside. Only wanting you to do it if you want to. You follow him in, replying in similar disbelief, not noticing his glancing and watchful eye. “I know, well we had to wait so long for everything.” You huff, sitting on the edge of his bed and grabbing the bag of things when he drops it next to you. 

You grab the pack of twizzlers and watch him take the prescription bottles to swallow his pills. Eyes widening in realization when he takes a pair of round framed glasses out of a case on his desk. He puts them on, reading the small print on the bottle. And you try to suppress the biggest smile. He wears glasses? How did you not figure this out? Regardless, he’s adorable. 

“Do you need any help?” You ask softly. Watching him trying to maneuver the lock top with one hand, eventually trying to hold it between his knees and undo it with his good hand. “No thanks, I got it.” He looks over at you, instantly doing a double take seeing the way you’re smiling at him. Or the way you’re obviously trying not to smile. What’s got you smiling all pretty like that?

“I like your frames…” You smile and comment, his cheeks instantly reddening when he realizes that’s why you’re smiling. Looking over at you like a deer caught in headlights and the top of the bottle finally pops off, he flinches trying to keep the pills from spilling all over the floor. “Oh, thanks.” He smiles bashfully, feeling a bit embarrassed but he can’t help stealing glances at your face when you're smiling like that.

You smile softly, feeling a bit sympathetic to him having to learn a whole new way of doing things. Only a little bit though since he is the one that punched his own locker in. 

“Sorry if your sleep is fucked for the rest of the week…” He clears his throat, getting some water to swallow his pills. Turning for a second and trying to stop the hot blush on his cheeks. You’re the only person who’s ever made him blush like that. Just by looking at him. You watch him from the bed, biting and pulling the strawberry licorice candy, the only thing you’ve eaten all night. “It’s fine… it needed to be done.” You nod. Not feeling resentful or upset with him. It was your choice to show up after all. 

“Well thank you” he smiles over at you, situating a few things before walking over to the bed, sitting next to you on the edge and grabbing a piece of candy for himself, biting a piece off and sighing, flopping back to lay down on top of the blankets. You do the same, mirroring his action, laying down on your back and biting your candy as well. The two of you just lying in silence and exhaustion. 

“So… we can be friends right?” He suddenly asks, you look over to see he’s on his side facing you. You take a moment to think. Friends is better than what’s been going on for months. You roll over too to face him, biting your licorice and thinking. “Yeah… I think so.” 

He smiles softly, nodding with relief. 

“Just don’t lie to me again.” You say and his expression turns serious, understanding. “Just be honest with me and I’ll do the same. Tell me how you’re feeling. I’m not the kind of person to… judge you for your feelings, y’know?” You say like it’s some casual thing. Not seeing how it’s affecting him. But he could cry if he let himself. He feels like he’s dreaming.

I should tell you how I’m feeling. I should tell you that I’m in love with you. I love you. I love the way you speak to me. The way you make me feel. I love the way you care for me. The way you think of me even when I can’t think for myself. The sound of your voice, the feeling of your hair between my fingers. The memory of your heartbeat against my chest, your fingers on my back, your breath on my neck. The look in your eyes when you’re laughing; your smile. The tone of your voice when you sigh my name. I thought I wanted you to be mine. And that might have been true. But I wanted to be yours all the more. 

But he doesn’t say any of that. He just nods and smiles softly, grabbing another piece of candy and stealing small glances your way. Laying beside one another as the early morning goes by, the exhaustion overtaking the both of you in time. Soon you’re both asleep. 5 am. 6 am. 7 am and into the morning. Catching up on the lost hours. But not regretting a single moment of this night. 8 am. 9 am. 10 am. 11 am. Noon. Morning classes are long passed and forgotten. Sleeping beside one another on top of his soft blankets. Not even the daylight through the window could wake you from this slumber. 

To be continued...

Reblogs and comments very much appreciated!!

Taglist (hopefully I got everyone let me know if you want to be dropped/added):

@miguels-cock-piercings @queerponcho @club-danger-zone @bossva @softcrayon

@nommingonfood @bruhhvv

@jessies-unrelagated-thoughts @mauvecherie-writes @haveclayeveryday @kimivixen

@jadeloverxd @chiikasevennn @mvlanchqly @resident-cryptid

@x0tw0d57 @vampyboys @miguelspriscilla

@francesca-the-1st @migueloharasbbm @razertail18 @laysmt

@tojiragdoll @maiyart @wazawazooo @mun-2996 @marshhbs

@curious-randomlr @safixiovi @daddyfroglegs @theplaid-wearingmoose @reader-1290

@yeanika @elysiumsangel @rinnako @mangoslushcrush @twwcs

@izakopanyi2 @migueloharasoulmate @slut4oscarissac23

@miss-loomis @genny101

@aphinthestars @webshooterrr9 @m4dyy

@jdbxws @roserfz27 @ohara-whore @oharaslove @daisy-artfield

@mooreaey6yem @peachey-pie @migueloharacumslut @pxtched

@yougavemeyourheartyouknow @julia4today

[novasintheroom]

126. Enjoy

♡ Pairing - Vash x Reader

♡ Word count - 1k

♡ Warnings - none

Part of the 150 Bullets drabble series on AO3

Part 1 ---- Part 2 ---- Part 3 ---- Part 4 (you are here!)

It’s market day, and Gerard’s Way is the central location for several towns to meet up. Toma pull heavy carts, men and women put up stalls in the town square, and kids run around with small kites and new blunted metal toy men in their grimy hands.

Clat…clat…clat…clat. Your crutch taps the dirt as you walk through town. You’d insisted; being cooped up in the small hospital for the past month was fraying your nerves. Vash, as ever, was by your side, a hand placed in the crook of your elbow both to keep close and pull you out of the way of any large group of market goers trampling through.

“How you doing?” He asks after a cart rolled by. His free hand comes up and waves the dust away. “Need a break yet?”

Doc Ren would say ‘yes,’ but she isn’t here right now. And you’re too excited to see things to care about the stitch in your side. “Nah, I’m good. Look! They’re selling hot buns!”

Vash’s head snaps toward the smell. Even over the din, you can hear his stomach. He’d been better about eating the past couple weeks – mostly to keep up appearances of being human – but you’d hoped to get him to eat a bit more now that you were on the up and up. Not waiting for his go-ahead, you clat-clatted over to the stall. A middle-aged woman with streaks of gray in her black hair nodded a greeting, taking out more hot cross buns from the portable oven in the back of her stall. “Raspberry, pistachio, chocolate, and red bean,” she said. Her hand waved at the display. “Two double-dollars each.”

You lick your lips and pat at Vash’s side pocket. “We’ll take a chocolate and…what do you want?”

Vash smiles and swats your hand away, pulling out the tattered wallet from his coat. “I’ll try a pistachio, sure.”

A sense of victory washes over you. He’s going to eat! When the buns are in Vash’s hands, he leads you toward a bench sitting in front of the barber’s shop. You sit bodily, wincing. The stitch in your side is getting worse. Maybe you should have cooled it ten minutes ago. And Vash, ever observant, gives you a look. “We should probably head back to the med building after this. You’ve been going for almost an hour.”

You wave a hand and take your chocolate bun from him. “Just need to rest, don’t worry. All part of healing.”

He purses his lips. “Mayfly, Doc Ren said we have to be careful how much you move for a while.”

You only hum, deigning to ignore his worry. “I want to be out of that room for as long as possible.”

Vash finally says, “We’re going back in ten minutes.”

“Fifteen.”

“Twelve.”

“Thirteen and a half.” You stick out your hand and wait for him to shake it.

Vash sighs but takes your hand with a smirk. “Thirteen and a half.” He finally sits by you. His smile comes back as he watches the masses cross the roads and walkways of the town. He loves to people watch. He laughs when a couple of teenagers run past, one chasing the other. Another smile appears as an old couple shuffles by. The man tips his hat at the two of you while the wife smiles beatifically.

“Think that’ll be us one day?” You ask, biting into your roll. A tube of chocolate goo comes out of the side slowly.

Vash hums and bites into his own roll. His mouth salivates with the taste, and soon he’s too focused on food to answer. It’s alright. You prefer him to eat than to answer your silly question anyway. You laugh when his own tube of green pistachio cream leaves its side and brushes against his cheek. He hurries to eat it, humming again at the taste. “This…is...really good,” he says between a mouthful.

“Lemme try a bite,” you say. He hands you the bun, taking your own to try his own bite of chocolate goodness. The pistachio cream with the bun is delightfully delicious, creamy and sweet and nutty at the same time. Vash could say the same about the chocolate, licking his fingers of the cream.

“We should get some more,” Vash says, looking longingly at the bun stall. “For the trip back!”

You grin. That’s what you like to see – him eating instead of moping. “We can try the other flavors too.” Looking down at your half-eaten food, you say quietly, “Thanks for letting me get out, birdie. I know you were worried about it.”

Vash laughs bashfully, looking down at his feet. “Well, can’t keep you cooped up all the time, right? You would have found a way to sneak out eventually anyway. You like markets too much.”

It’s true. Markets are fun to walk around. “Still, thanks for letting me. And thanks for being with me.”

He leans down and kisses you on the cheek. “Anything for you, Mayfly.” He pauses, then snorts and wipes off your cheek of green pistachio. “Sorry.”

You grin and kiss his cheek, leaving bits of chocolate on it. “I’m not.”

And you aren’t. Not for the chocolate kiss, not the situation you’re in, not for staying with him through it all. You want to tell him this. You will, one day. He needs to hear it. But doing it in the middle of a market day seems droll and unimportant. So you enjoy the rest of your thirteen and a half minutes, both of you pointing out odd-looking or interesting people and their activities, or watching street performers dance down the road, looking for c-cents thrown their way for the act. And maybe you exchange some pistachio-chocolate kisses too. Just for the enjoyment as well.

[peonierose]

Once (3/5)

Book: The Nanny Affair & Open Heart Crossover / AU

**This story takes place before it was revealed that Addison would come back/is alive **

Part III of IV / Miniseries

Characters mentioned: Sam Dalton (M!MC), Addison Dalton (F!MC) and Ethan Ramsey (M!MC)

Words: 2,000+

TW: Cancer, character death, mental illness

Rating: Angst / Mature

Summary: Addison has stage four ovarian cancer. So Sam and Addi seek a consultation with Dr. Ethan Ramsey at Edenbrook. Will they make it in time?

Part III

Hours passed. While doctors in white lab coats and green scrubs rushed by. Yelling out commands.

Steering in patients on gurneys. Every time a door opens I look up. Hoping against hope, that this is the person who will deliver news about Addi.

But no one does.

Everything is a blur.

It’s almost as if I was standing in a massive group of people. Everybody is moving and or running to get to their destination. Getting shoved to the side and shouted at. Standing in the middle not knowing which way to go. Feeling completely lost.

The hard plastic of the hospital chair dug into my skin, making me aware of my surroundings.

Damn these chairs are uncomfortable. Moving from side to side to find a comfortable position. No luck. I lean forward, staring at the blue and white linoleum floor as I hear footsteps approaching and stopping next to my chair.

A slender woman in green scrubs stands next to me. With brown hair and exhausted-looking brown eyes. She takes off her surgical mask. I get up from my chair.

“Mr. Dalton?“ She speaks in a soft, lilting voice.

“Are you the surgeon who operated on my wife? I’m sorry I don’t remember your name…“ I ramble on. My head and heart were only filled with worry.

She smiles gently and puts a hand on my arm.

“I’m Dr. Emery. Under the circumstances, it’s okay not to remember names. Your concern lies elsewhere,“ she smiles sweetly. Though I detect a thread of pity and sadness in her voice.

I just nod.

“Is she…I mean…Did she make it?“ Hearing her answer will be harder than anything I've had to face, but I have to know. I exhale roughly, draw in a new breath, and square my shoulders. Not letting anything on my face show how I am feeling inside.

She takes a look at me and I can see worry and sadness in her kind brown eyes.

“We did everything we could. All we can do now is wait. Her injuries were severe, but she got here just in time so that we could help her,“ she explains.

Oh god. When I hear those words. It’s as if a weight has lifted from my shoulders.

Overcome by emotions I hug her. Probably crushing her. But I couldn’t help it. She just saved her. That’s all I needed to hear.

“I don’t know how to thank you.“

I’m at a loss for words. Smelling disinfectant and lavender help me to calm down for some insane reason.

She takes a step back and just smiles kindly.

“She’s not out of the woods yet. Her state is still critical. We will keep her here for observation so that we can monitor her and detect any changes,“ she says.

I nod again like an idiot.

“Can I see her?“

My eyebrows drew together in concern. The worry and anxiety must have shown on my face, as she seems to debate that for a second, drawing in her bottom lip, sighing, and then nods.

“Alright. Though she’s in ICU. So only a couple of minutes,“ she pats my shoulder.

“Try and get some rest, Mr. Dalton. You won’t help her if you fall apart,“ she nods one last time and leaves on tired feet. The hallway was emptier than I thought. Eerily quiet.

For a couple of seconds, I stand there. Like I’m frozen. Trying to calm my rapid heartbeat and sending out a prayer to whoever gave her another shot at life.

I head in the direction of the ICU. Feeling anxious about entering the room.

Halting before her room I take in a slow and deliberate breath and push down the door handle, feeling the cold metal press into my hand.

Upon entering her room I see Addi lying in that hospital bed with all those machines and tubes attached to her body. She seems smaller than her 5’10 feet would suggest. The only sound is the beeping of the machines.

As quietly as possible I drag a chair next to her bed. I sit down, take her small hand in mine, and bring it to my lips. Closing my eyes and just breathed in her scent of jasmine.

That sort of always clings to her. Shuddering as if suddenly cold. Realizing with a start that I didn’t take a jacket with me when I rushed out.

I squeezed her hand but there is no response. As if she already moved on to the next life. No. I refuse to let that happen. ______________________________

Disoriented and with blurry eyes I wake up with a crank in my neck and a stripe on my cheek from my uncomfortable sleeping position. I lift my head and open my eyes further, realizing I fell asleep with my head on the hospital bed.

Checking to see if she has woken up. But she’s lying still. She looks so young. As if all the pain just left her body.

Her soft breathing fills the air, together with the constant beeping of the monitor. My mouth dry I look around for a glass of water. Not finding any I get up and stretch myself. Feeling older than 32. About to open the door when I hear soft moaning. I turn around sharply.

“Sam…“ I was never more elated to hear her say my name than at this moment right here. I walk over to her bed and cup her face in my hands to brush her lips softly against mine. Like the feathers of a butterfly.

I look at her my eyebrows drawn together. Her eyes were unfocused and her pupils dilated. That’s when the heart monitor starts beating loudly.

“I don’t feel so good…“ her head rolls to the side.

“Addi!“ I shout her name in a panic and touch her cheek but she doesn’t respond.

“Where is everyone? I need some help.“

That’s when the door bangs open and some nurses and a doctor I don’t recognize rush in.

I try to rush to her side but I’m being pushed away. All I can do is watch my wife lying there and the doctors trying to bring her back.

“Sir, please let us do our job,“ the nurse says firmly but resolutely.

“What is happening to her? She was fine a minute ago, I don’t understand…“

Words seem to fail me.

Struggling to make sense of this whole scenario that’s unfolding in front of me. Like this is a horrible dream I can’t wake up from.

Suddenly they stop and stand on her bed. Their grim faces all say the same thing. She is dead.

“Death occurred at 6:32 a.m.“ a deep male voice says from the bedside.

Looking from one person to the other I say.

“She’s not dead. If you won’t help her I will.“

I roll up my sleeves and start with chest compressions. Remembering this from my first-aid-course.

“Come on, Addi.“

Sweat coating my forehead. My breathing ragged.

“Don’t leave me like this, please come on. Mickey and Mason need you. I need you.“ Not even noticing the tears running down my flushed cheeks.

Wanting to continue, when strong arms pull me away from the bed.

“That’s enough.“

A voice says. Turning my head aside looking into wild blue eyes.

“Enough? Are you fucking kidding me? That’s my wife. I’m trying to help her. Why aren’t you doing your job? Huh?“ My voice getting louder, eyeing everyone.

“Dr. Ramsey, should we..?“

A nurse hesitantly speaks up.

Dr. Ramsey doesn’t bother looking in her direction. His eyes are focused solely on me.

“I’ve got this, Hannah. Leave me and Mr. Dalton alone.“

When nobody makes a move to leave.

He turns his head.

“I said leave. Don’t you have other patients to look after?“ He says through gritted teeth. His eyes were stormy like the deep blue sea.

With those words, everyone files out of the room. Exchanging nervous looks with each other.

Leaving me alone with that prick of a doctor who, instead of helping Addie just stands around.

When I realize he’s still holding me by my elbow I shake off his hand.

He puts his hands on his hips and hangs his head.

When he looks up, his expression is neutral except for his eyes, who reveal a pain I’m not prepared for.

“Mr. Dalton…I…“ He lets out a deep sigh. Lost for words he starts anew.

“There’s nothing we could have done to save your wife. I’m deeply sorry.“

When I see pity, that’s when I start seeing red. I grab him by his white coat lapels and bring his face close to mine.

“She’s not dead. We can still save her….“ I say pleadingly.

He shakes his head resolutely

“If there was a way. Do you think, I and everyone else wouldn’t have already done something about it?“

His lips spread into a thin line. My hands fall off.

That’s when reality sets in and the fog I was walking through lifted its dark and depressing veil, to reveal what I didn’t want to see.

I absently rub at my heart. As if someone ripped it out, and left me bleeding. Creating a wide gaping hole.

Searing pain slashing through me. My shoulders sag. All the fight left my body. I cover my mouth with my hands. Shaking my head several times. Not wanting this to be true.

I walk back to her bed. Trying to imprint everything into memory. Closing my eyes I drop a soft kiss on her forehead. Stroking her cheek feeling colder to the touch. Turning my head away.

I stand up straight and school my features into revealing nothing. Sensing Dr. Ramsey's gaze at my back I turn around and say

“I’d like to take my wife home, and arrange for her funeral.“ I swallow.

He just looks at me, seeing far much more than I’m letting on. He’s probably had his fair share of outbursts like these. If he thinks I’m cold-hearted for saying this, he doesn’t let on. If he’s surprised, he covers it well. He nods.

“Of course. We can arrange everything.“

He stops outside and offers me his hand. I stare at it and take it. He has a firm grip.

“I’m very sorry for your loss, Mr. Dalton. I wish we could’ve helped your wife, not just now, but with her cancer.“

I look at him, surprised that he remembered her.

He smiles at that.

“What? Did you think I was some heartless asshole, who doesn’t care about his patients?“ His tone almost dares to contradict him.

I ruefully shake my head.

“No. Of course not.“ I reply

Rubbing my neck, feeling the embarrassment rising in my cheeks. Realizing I’m still holding his hand and letting it go.

I look at him as if I was seeing him for the first time.

“I…I don’t think that. I mean I don’t know you. But like you said if there was anything that you could’ve done you would have. My only regret is that I took it out on you. You were trying to help and I was a dick.“ I say facing him full-on.

“Is that your way of an apology? Because that was a shitty one.“ Ethan smirks.

I smile despite myself.

“You’re right that was a poor excuse,“ wetting my lips.

He waves his hand.

“If I had a penny every time people called me names. Well let’s just say I wouldn’t have to work as a doctor anymore.“

That is all he says before sobering up.

“Again I’m sorry. I know that won’t do any good but it’s all I can offer.“ He squeezes my shoulder.

“It means a lot. Under different circumstances, I’d offer to buy you a drink…“ He perks up.

“Hopefully not the cheap stuff.“

He raises an eyebrow.

I laugh.

“Of course not.“

“I’ll take you up on that next time you’re here.“

With that, he walks away. His tall silhouette getting smaller and smaller in the dimly lit hallway.

I make my way to the reception area to make all the arrangements for the….I try to swallow past the lump in my throat.

Funeral. For Addie's funeral.

[writersmorgue]

Day 28 - you're safe now

Day 25 on Ao3

Day 28 on Ao3

word count: 1048

TWs in tags

note: this is a continuation of day 25! I recommend reading that one before this. Thank you for bearing with me this month! Proud to say I completed my second year of Febuwhump <3

╞╪╪╪╪╪╪╪╪╪╪╪╪╪╪╪╪╡

Katsuki awakes to darkness. 

Godsfucking- another escape nightmare. He shifts, adjusting himself in his restraints. 

“Katsuki?”

“Wait, son-”

“No- you promised you wouldn’t touch my parents!” He growls, arms flexing where they’re strapped to the… bed?

Since when did he get a bed?

The blindfold is removed from his face, revealed to be fluffy gauze taped over his eyes. 

He squints, head jerking backward, “Wh-”

A figure comes into view, out of focus and way too close. “Hey, fuckin’ get away, asshole.” 

“Katsuki, you’re in the hospital baby.” The woman, his mother, says softly. Definitely Toga, there’s no way his mom would sound like that. 

The straps holding him down release altogether, and he pops his quirk a few times. 

“Now hold on, they’re going to re-strap you if you do that.” A man says from his side. 

He turns his head, blinking as everything begins to focus, “Dad?”

“Gosh brat, your hair got so long. They stuck you in a fuckin’ ponytail.”

Well the league doesn’t have two Togas which means maybe-

“Katsuki, brat, you’re at UA. You came back two days ago in the middle of the godsdamn night.” His mother sniffs, dabbing a tissue to her eyes. “An’ If you ever bring this up again we’ll fuckin’ bury you again and we’re not undoing it this time.”

She lunges forward, managing to not activate Katsuki’s fight or flight in a way only his mother could. 

Shit, he really is home. 

“Wait,” He frowns as she digs her face into his shoulder, “it’s been two days?”

His dad nods, looking teary-eyed, “Yeah, you slept a long time, bud.”

“Well, after they pumped you full of meds,” His mom snorts, leaning back and wiping Katsuki’s face where she probably got him all gross and snotty. Eugh, emotions. 

“Right,” He mumbles, examining the room for the first time since he woke, “What day is it?”

“Sunday, October 12th. You’ve been gone awhile, Kat.” Masaru smiles sadly, “Izuku was so worried about you he forgot his own birthday.”

Katsuki hums, “Speaking of the nerd, Is everyone ok? I don’t remember much about when they took me, but I know I was out with fr- classmates.”

“Yet another reason why I’m never letting you out of my sight again, Bakugo.” A deep voice comes from the doorway. 

Aizawa’s scruffy face observes him, any emotions carefully hidden under a layer of annoyance, “I’m pretty sure I told you to be safe before you left.”

Katsuki scoffs, “Unlikely.”

“I brought some of your friends if you want to entertain them for a moment.” He gestures to the hallway behind him, where Katsuki can already hear the idiots whispering to each other.

He nods, propping himself onto a pillow. His parents excuse themselves to make room (and probably avoid the noise).

Kirishima flies in first, darting straight to Katsuki’s bed to crush him in a hug. 

“Shitty- Can’t- brEATHE!” He wheezes after a few moments, patting the guy’s back a few times. 

His red eyes are overflowing with emotion when he pulls back, and his sharp teeth are worrying his bottom lip. “Bakugo you have no idea,we thought you were dead man…” The dam breaks and he begins to cry in earnest, “I didn’t know what to do- we didn’t know where you were!”

“BLASTYYYYY!!!!” Another body slams into his side, curly pink hair tickling his cheek when Mina hugs him, “Blasty if you ever do that again I’ll kill you!” She sniffs.

“Awe c’mon, are you all crying?” Katsuki grimaces when Mina grabs his arm, clinging like a small child.

It’s not… unwelcome.

“Sero’s not!” Kaminari chimes, also covered in snot and tears.

Sero nods, waving casually, “I did my crying when you were kidnapped, I’m afraid I can’t get it up anymore.”

Mina nods solemnly, “It’s true, he was a mess.” She stares at him, reaching a manicured hand out to caress his face, “We were really worried, Bakubabe. Kind felt like our fault since we’d been the last to see you, but you said you wanted quiet, and when we went to get you you were gone and-” She sobs, pressing his palm to her forehead. 

“Hey, c’mon horns, I’m here now.”

“Yeah,” She agrees tearily.

Kirishima takes his other hand, staring at the empty space, “Is your hand okay? We knew they sent something, but Aizawa wouldn’t let us see so we assumed it was bad, especially when they said it was pretty likely you were dead.” 

Katsuki shrugs, tugging his hand away softly, “It’s not infected if that’s what you mean. It just feels weird, like it’s still there but it’s not. It’ll take some getting used to, but my quirk still works fine.”

“Are you coming back to class soon?” Sero asks, sitting on the edge of his bed with Kaminari.

“I dunno, probably just for the boring stuff ‘til I gain some weight back. Lost all my progress.” He grumbles, staring at his noodle arm with disdain, “It’ll be back to normal soon, and the next time I see Toga I can punch her fuckin’ teeth in.”

“That’s the spirit!” Mina cheers.

Denki smiles sadly, picking at the ratty hospital blanket, “I’m really glad you’re back, dude, we were- it was really rough.”

The rest of them nod, and Katsuki can only feel so tired before he just collapses. 

“Well, I want a fuckin’ nap.”

“Oh!” Kirishima nods, standing, “Right, we can come back la-”

“So you guys better fuckin’ get comfortable, cuz I ain’t movin’.” He grins, sinking back into his pillow expectantly. 

Mina’s black eyes go wide, “You mean-”

“I ain’t fuckin’ sayin’ it.”

“SQUAD CUDDLE!!!” Denki shouts, leaping onto Katsuki’s legs and curling up like a cat. 

There are only so many people you can fit on a hospital bed, but somehow they make it work. 

Mina curls up to his side, Kirishima on his chest, Sero on his other side, and Kaminari by his legs. He’s completely surrounded by the people he cares about most. 

He doesn’t even care if it’s a dream anymore, this is the happiest he’s been. 

Kirishima nuzzles into his chest, grunting sleepily. Katsuki lets his eyes slip shut, and he doesn’t even bother yelling when his parents sneak in to take pictures.

Yeah, he's finally safe.

[inariter]

Stay With Me- 1

Masterlist:

Stay With Me-1

Stay With Me-2

Stay With Me-3

Stay With Me-4

Stay With Me-5

Stay with Me-6

                                                          -------

It all happened so fast. One moment they’re walking peacefully down the street, OA twisting his ring- a habit he never could break. A bumbling question tossing and turning in his mind, wanting nothing more than to spit it out.

“(Y/n)...” OA mutters, his heart going crazy. For a FBI agent who so easily faces danger around each corner, he wasn’t sure why this was so hard to ask. It was a simple question. It almost felt like he was back in school again, trying to ask a girl to the next big dance.

And when she turns around, flashing that smile of hers, OA could feel his word just stop. His breathe caught in his throat, his heart finally calm, and the words just seem so easy now. They were on the tip of his tounge, ready to roll out no matter the response.

Then it happens. Brought back to the world by a familiar sound, feeling that crimson fluid splatter across his face. It takes a moment for OA to react, before reality comes crashing down on him. Until he truly begins to see his entire world just slip through his fingers.

When he does snap back, OA is right there by her side, trying to keep her alive by any means necessary. Using what little he had as a makeshift bandage, putting the right amount of pressue on the wound. He knew he shoukd have looked for the shooter, for the bastard who dared to do this, it was what he trained to do. Always observe, always know your surroundings, always be ready. But that was far from mind, his sole focus on keeping the woman he love alive.

“Stay with me. Please stay with me.” OA says, repeating it again and again, just hoping things might change, that this was just some nightmare. But the more the seconds ticked by, the more real this was getting. Nearby people already called 9-1-1, crowding around and gasping at the sight. Unsure what to do in sceanario, after all this was something out of a crime show. “(Y/n), look at me. Just keep looking at me. Alright? It’s going to be alright, so just stay with me.”

OA wasn’t sure if he was trying to convince himself of that at this point. He wasn’t sure of anything at this point.

(Y/n) was just a general surgeon at a nearby hospital. Nothing much that should ilicit any grudge. She helped people everyday, without fail. She was always looking for the next person to help, always. No matter if it meant staying a bit longer or taking on extra shifts even if it meant no overtime. (Y/n) was the most generous and caring person he knew, in his mind, no one should be out to get her. 

Which OA knew it was because of him that she was like this. That because of her relation to him, she was in danger. Of course (Y/n) knew his job, what it entailed, but it never mattered, despite OA’s fears. Because he knew if anything happened (Y/n) because of him, he could never forgive himself. 

And this was just his biggest nightmare come true.

“Omar..” (Y/n) sputtered out, reaching her hand out and cupping his blood riddened face. With a small smile, she tried to tell OA it would be fine, hoping it might get that look off his face. Those sorrow and guilt ridden eyes which tears threaten to fall, his jaw clenched tightly just trying to hold back the sobs. “I wanted to tell you, I-.”

“Shh, don’t talk.” OA could see it in her eyes, the life that was fading from them. He wondered where the ambulance were.

“You know, ever since I met you in the hospital that day. I just knew.” 

“(Y/n), please don’t talk. Save your strength, alright? Please, for me.” The sirens finally in ear shot. They just needed to wait a big longer, just a bit.

“Omar, you’ve made me feel so much. Things I never thought I could again. I can’t thank you enough.”

“(Y/n), I’m begging you. Stop talking, the paramedics are almost here, you’ll be okay.”

“So many times, I wanted to tell you. Omar Adom Zidan, I..love...you.” As (Y/n) uttered those words, she felt herself slip out of consciouness, slipping into the dark. OA could hear himself shout a few things as the paramedics swept in, trying to keep her heart beating as they rushed to the hospital. While OA, covered in her blood, wanting nothing more than to go with, was held back by his own duties. Police already swarmed the scene, his fellow agents there with solemn expressions, trying to sympatize.

“We’ll find who did this.” Maggie, his partner through and through, said placing her hand on his shoulder. Though all OA wanted was to see (Y/n) alive and kicking once more.              

[hajimeiwaswife]

SECOND CHANCES |CHAPTER 2

Masterlist

Chapter 1 Chapter 3

Warnings: mentions of death, cursing, nudity.

Summary: When Shinichiro scapes from Death’s grasp after being nearly murdered by his brother’s friends at his shop, he meets a lovely woman at his hospital room. No one seems to see nor hear her, and she assures to be his “guardian spirit”. Is there time and place for love?

Wc: +2K

Ao3 link Playlist

Two nights after your first interaction, Shinichiro leaves the hospital with two pre-teens hanging themselves off their brother’s arms. You are right behind him, listening to his grandfather scoll the two kids.

“Stop! Manjiro! Emma! Get down!” can be heard while poor Shinichiro just whines, tired and done with life.

He can feel you staring, walking right behind him. Three nights he’s told you to leave, three nights you’ve stayed, stubborn about your duty as his spirit guardian. ‘What the hell is even that?’ he wonders, completely annoyed. He hates the feelings you awaken on him, those of confusion, irritation and grumpiness. He’s always been proud of the kind person he tries to be, a delinquent in his younger years, but never bad at heart. Old women love him because he always offers to help them cross the street or bring the shopping bags to their portals.

And then, you appear claiming to be someone who must follow him. No one can see you, no one can hear you, but he can. It drives him mad. Privacy? What 's that? He has you up his ass every single minute of the day. Even when he goes to the bathroom! That memory mortifies him, feeling the blood in his cheeks and neck once again when he recalls the first time it happened two nights ago.

Shinichiro feels his bladder blowing up, the doctor prescribed him to drink water and Mikey had made him swallow it with a funnel. The consequences are there, he needs to go to the bathroom as soon as his concussed brain lets him. Trying to get up without peeing himself he feels a hand throwing him to the mattress once again. “What the—?”

“You have to stay in bed, you moron.” his grandfather mumbles, tching at the persistence of the black haired man of standing up once again. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“To the bathroom.” he explains, feet touching the cold floor.

“You shitting?” Manjiro asks from the chair at the corner of the room, just next to the window, where coincidentally you are standing too.

“You little menace,” Shinichiro grumbles, cutting himself out because of the presence of the older man. “I just need to pee.”

At that statement, his grandfather lets him get up at last, watching how he puts some slippers on before starting to walk to the bathroom. “Do you need help?”

“Nah, no worries.”

It’s not until he enters the room and closes the door that he feels your stare. He gasps, jumping backwards with wide eyes, arms in front of him to keep you at a safe distance. You just observe him curiously, tilting your head to the side with a small smile on your face. Shinichiro looks pale, gaze going from the closed door to you again and again, trying to understand when you have entered the room.

“What are you doing here!?” he screams.

“Making sure you’re safe.” you just shrug your shoulders.

“Shinichiro? Everything okay?” he hears his grandpa ask, cursing in silence.

“Yes!” he shouts so he can hear him, and then turns his head to you again and whispers. “I told you to leave!”

“But I can’t do that.” you reply lifting your arms with your palms upwards, signaling that nothing could be done about it.

“Yes, you can! Get out and never come back!” you don’t react, looking at him with a blank expression and he passes his hands through his face in frustration. “Look, I didn’t mean to talk to you like that, but please, leave.”

“It’s okay, but I’m staying, though.” you say and walk to the toilet, waiting for him.

He doesn’t want to, he really doesn’t, but his bladder can’t stand it anymore. He walks to where you are standing and pulls the white robe up, completely ashamed when he grabs his soft cock and starts peeing. He can feel your eyes on him, a big blush on his face at the thought that you are watching him shamelessly, observing how he shakes his dick once he’s finished to get rid of any drops that could be left. He then pulls the robe down and goes to the sink to wash his hands without sparing a glance at you.

“I hate you.” he murmurs, embarrassment the only feeling he’s able to feel.

Such a beautiful woman, he has to admit, following him everywhere sounds like a dream come true, but it isn't. You’re like a ghost, someone he doesn’t want near, bile comes up his throat when he sees you in that white dress and ethereal aura. However, nobody seems to notice, you’re hidden from them, transparent, mythological in some brains.

He thought at first that once the morphine exited his organism you would disappear, like some hallucination, but there you are, behind him. He wants to confront you, snap at you again and order you to leave, but he can’t, not in the middle of the street and less with his family present.

His house is just a few meters away and his siblings run to it, leaving his aching arms alone at last. His grandpa pats his back comfortingly before going ahead to open the gate, leaving him with the ‘guardian spirit’.

“Aren’t you going?” you ask, placing yourself next to him and giving him an encouraging smile.

He ignores you, huffing and entering his property, closing the gate quickly in hopes of locking you out. A pang of guilt runs a path momentarily from his heart to the bottom of his soul, considering how cruel he’s behaving, but the scene at the bathroom comes to his mind again and he thinks you actually deserve to be left behind.

Happy with his work, he enters his house and drops at the couch face up and with his eyes closed, sighing in content. He has got rid of you and he can lay at the comfort of his house, the only thing that bothers him now is the amount of paperwork he has to do.

“Handle the hospital paperwork, the shop insurance, going to court, ahh…” he sighs again, now stressed.

“Don’t think about that now, you need to rest.” a sweet and, at the same time, annoying voice suggests. The hair at his nape stands up like hooks, eyes going wide and incorporating enough to be half sat.

“H-how—? What—? How have you come in!?” he shouts, exasperated. He thought he had left you behind, but the kind look on your face shows him you’re very much in his living room.

“Through the door.” you reply innocently, smiling at him reassuringly, not knowing your smile is making him dizzy in a very negative way.

“Shinichiro? Who are you talking to?” His grandpa enters the room, looking around in search of the intruder his grandson was shouting about a few seconds ago, finding no one other than the already mentioned boy.

“N-no one, grandpa. Was talking in my sleep, probably.” he tries to come up with an excuse, smiling nervously while eyeing you, who are in the middle of the living room observing the two men.

“Asleep? Dear Lord, boy, you just came in.” the old man grumbles, furrowing his brows. “This youth, sloths they are, all of them!” he says as he exits to go to the kitchen.

“Of course, grandpa.” Shinichiro says, defeated. Once he’s sure his grandfather is out of reach, he turns his attention to you again. “See? You only cause me trouble.” he murmurs, already grumpy.

“I didn’t do anything, though.” you try to explain yourself, confusion on your features in a way that has Shinichiro feeling guilty again.

He sighs for the tenth time in the spare time of two minutes and says “Just leave.”

You were doing a huge effort in keeping up your patience, understanding his feelings towards you and what just happened to him. You comprehend it can be traumatic to have been dead for a few minutes, nearly murdered by kids he’s seen grow up and then wake up with a paranormal girl watching after him. But the way he’s treating you stings a little, harsh words being harsh words after all.

“I can’t, I’m sorry.” you give him a pitiful look and make your way to the place you usually sit in at his house: the old couch by the window that no one uses.

He huffs, laying on the couch again and trying to ignore your presence. You don’t mind, until three days ago he couldn’t see you or hear you, you’re used to it. So you keep quiet, as quiet as you can so he can enjoy a few minutes of solitude and privacy, even if they have never been real in the first place.

You know it will take a while for him to adjust to this, there’s no turning back to where he was oblivious to your existence. If you could, you would gladly disappear from his sight and make him believe you’re not there. What a pity that’s not a possibility.

So, until he becomes familiar with you and your presence, you will be patient and wait for him to warm up to you. He’ll learn to live with you being visible to him.

“Stop it.” Shinichiro mumbles to you while walking down the street, heading to his shop while you walk next to him.

“Stop what?”

“Stop following me.”

You let him rant, though you sometimes remind him that people think he’s speaking alone. After a day of rest, he had decided to go to his shop to start working again. The insurance has covered the attempted robbery, so he can use the establishment again.

Manjiro and Emma are at school, his grandfather is working at the dojo and Shinichiro couldn’t stand being alone with you again. Luckily for him, you didn’t stay there while he slept, not being creepy enough to scare the shit out of him by waking up to a white-dressed paranormal creature. Or that’s what he thinks, because the moment you heard his breath come even, you stepped inside the room and watched after him, as you had done his whole life.

While he rumbles and grumbles about how what you’re doing is considered harassment and stalking, you prevent him from dying run over by a car, from a pot falling on his head and from slipping and splitting the back of his head as a consequence. Oblivious to it, he continues:

“Following me like a creeper, if you were a real girl I would be flattered, but dude you’re a ghost. Don’t you have ghost friends to be with? A ghost family?” a pickpocket tries to steal his wallet while he gasps with his hands and you push him to the left without him noticing, preventing that, too. “...maybe you guys have like a College of Guardians you can attend to? But forever if it’s possible, please.”

You nod, happy that you have arrived at his shop. He unlocks the door and enters, still ranting about you. You sigh, taking a sit at a stool he has near the counter, watching as he starts cleaning the place a bit. Actually, it’s pristine, and you furrow your brows, amazed at the level of cleanliness there is, Shinichiro is not the most organized person exactly.

“Wow, what happened to this place?” you ask absentmindedly, smiling and with wide eyes.

“Wakasa and Benkei came to clean.” he explains grumpily. “If you’re staying, at least take a mop and clean.”

You pop your lips and decide to wait for him in the stool. He was starting to get on your nerves with his ‘bad-boy mad at the girl he can’t pull off’ attitude. It reminds you of that TV series Shinichiro watches, ‘The Office’. He’s treating you as the boss, Michael, treats Toby. Maybe you should suggest for him to watch something else, definitely he was imitating an irritating character.

‘From the biggest gang’s leader to a grumpy 23-year-old.’ you think to yourself, watching him start to repair a bike. You laugh to yourself, you never thought that facet of him existed, always being a caring and kind person. And he shows it again when the first customer of the day comes in.

Shinichiro’s characteristic bright smile takes over his face. “Hello! How can I help you?” he asks with a more gentle tone and non-verbal language.

That’s the Shinichiro you’re used to seeing, maybe someday he’ll treat you like that, too. Meanwhile, you’ll prevent his imminent death every minute of the day while he attends his customers.

Tag list: @sunahyejin @sano-obsessed @night-shadowblood-writes2 @simpfully-heartbroken @lvtora @rinsie @wakasagurl

2022 © All rights are reserved to Hajimeiwaswife. Do not copy, repost or translate my work.

[princehrry-writings]

Angel with a Shotgun

here we go. this popped into my head after i watched a tiktok about angel shots. if you go on a date and don't feel safe for any reason, please please please find a safe way to remove yourself!! asking for an angel shot is a great way to do that!!

WARNING: tw mentions of implied SA, stalking, harassment, police, EMT's, hospitals, alcohol, being drugged, swearing,

please don't read this if any of this stuff makes you uncomfortable. i don't get graphic with anything but still, put yourself first and be safe!! i love you <3

wordcount: 1907

Harry Styles x Reader

masterlist

.

.

.

It started off as a normal night. Y/n had met this guy in class and he’d asked her out for drinks. She didn’t get any bad vibes from him, none of her friends had heard anything bad about him, so she deemed him a suitable guy to go have a fun night with.

She’d met him at a bar just off campus and was having a really great night! The pair were dancing and talking and laughing, genuinely enjoying herself for the first time in a long time on a first date.

In Y/n’s experience, usually guys were creeps and girls never decided she was what they were looking for, so she had a hard time in the dating world. This guy, Jack his name is, seemed ok. Keyword being seemed.

She should have known. When he asked to meet her at a bar all the way across town, she should have put it together that he wasn’t what she was looking for. He didn’t put up too big of a fight when she insisted they meet at the bar closer to campus, that way she would know people there and be in a familiar place if she needed to get away from him quickly.

When he started making comments that were off putting to her, things she doesn’t really want to repeat in fear of actually vomiting all over the table, she starts looking for a way out. He keeps trying to play footsie with her under the table and is getting visibly frustrated at her lack of participation, so she tells him she’s going to get them another round of drinks after finishing the one that was already on the table and quickly exits the booth before he can protest.

Harry had been watching from across the room at the bar, seeing this couple who looked like they were on a first date. He watched as they laughed and talked, getting to know each other. But as the night went on, it seemed the woman was getting more and more uncomfortable.

He had told his coworkers to keep an eye out for the two in case anything was to go down, and when he sees her get up and make her way over to his bar, he has a feeling he knows where this is going.

“What can I get for you, love?” He asks her, leaning over the counter to hear her better. She sniffles a little, and takes a deep breath. Leans in before timidly asking.

“Can I get an angel shot?”

Harry’s senses are quickly kicked into gear and he nods, gesturing to his coworker that he’s gonna get this taken care of before meeting her on the other side of the bar. What neither of them had realized was that 1. Jack was walking up to them and 2. he had slipped something into her drink apparently because suddenly she could barely hold her own body weight. Harry caught her before she hit the ground and Jack rushed over, playing the part of concerned boyfriend but the bartender saw right through it.

“Sir, I’m gonna have to ask you to back up.” He tells the man, authority very present in his voice. Jack doesn’t take well to this, eyebrows furrowing and voice lowering in defense.

“S’cuse me mate, but I’m gonna take my girl home. She’s had a few too many, f’you know what I mean.” He chuckles and goes to scoop her up. Harry stops him, putting a hand on the guy's chest, stepping between the girl and this guy.

“You'll do no such thing. This girl has obviously been roofied and it’s you she was running away from. The only thing you’ll be doing tonight is talking to the police, who are making their way in right now to do with you what they will.” Harry says, watching the color drain from this bloke's face. He turned around, ready to make a full run for it but was stopped by not only the police but also a crowd of other guys who heard what was going down and were ready to step in if assistance was needed.

“I didn’t do anything wrong here! She was trying to take advantage of me!” He cries as he’s put in handcuffs and taken away.

“Yeah, it’s obvious the one who’s passed out cold because she was drugged was trying to take advantage of you.” Harry yells after him before turning around and scooping the girl into his arms. Due to the commotion and the presence of not only police but also paramedics, the premises was cleared and the bar was shut down for the night. Harry held the passed out girl close to his body, having had his coworker fetch his jacket from the break room to keep her warm now that the club wasn’t filled with body heat, and waited for the paramedics to come in for her.

When they come in and place her on the gurney, she starts to stir. Little whines and groans escape from her and the EMT’s check her vitals, deeming her stable and letting Harry know she’s going to be ok. He decided to follow to the hospital just so she has a familiar face when she wakes up and has someone to explain her situation that isn’t a scary doctor.

. *

.

It’s a few hours of unrestful sleep at her bedside and his co-worker showing up with a change of clothes for him when she finally starts to come to.

Groaning and reaching up to hold her head but realizing her arms are too heavy to move, she rasps out, “Where am I?”

“You’re in the hospital,” Harry explains, wanting to reach out and hold her hand but not wanting to startle her, “You’re ok but the doctors wanted to keep you overnight for observation.”

“You’re the bartender I asked for the angel shot aren’t you?” She questions after a pregnant pause. He hums a confirmation and she looks over his face a few times, before tears well in her eyes.

“What happened?” A few tears fall from her eyes. She can’t remember much after leaving the table, just the sight of green eyes and curly brown hair nodding at her when she asked for the shot. The rest is pretty much a blur, just random flashes of scenes she can’t quite make out in her head.

“You came over and asked me for the shot and then a few minutes later you passed out. The bloke you were with slipped something in your drink. And unless something happened at the table that I didn’t see, then nothing else happened. Do you remember anything happening at the table?” He explains, hoping her answer is no.

He’d learned her name from the EMT’s who checked your ID once you were loaded into the ambulance but he didn’t know the name of the man she was with. He realizes she doesn’t know his name either.

“No, was just being a sleazy dick. I don’t know how he could have slipped me something, I didn’t get up before I went to you. Must’ve turned my head for a bit too long. God, I should’ve known this was gonna happen!” She groans but he shakes his head.

“You can’t blame yourself for this, darling! He’s a sleazeball, a no good lowlife. S’not your fault.”

“What’s your name?” She voices, peering into his pretty green eyes.

“M’Harry,” he smiles, timidly reaching for her hand, rubbing his thumb soothingly across the soft skin.

“Thank you for staying with me Harry! For helping me…” Y/n says quietly. He shakes his head with a small smile.

“No need to thank me, pet. Would do it over and over again.”

Her smile, while tired and defeated, was enough to show him her gratitude. She feels a weight lift off her chest, hearing that nothing bad happened after she got to him.

She knows it’s probably just nightingale syndrome, but Y/n thinks Harry is terribly adorable. With his messy brown curls and tired green eyes that make it look like he hasn’t slept in ages. She thinks she could see herself going out with him, which is an odd thought considering what happened last night. You’d think that would be enough to turn her off to men for good, but there's just something about him. But now isn’t the time to bring any of that up.

“I’ll call a nurse, tell em’ you’re awake.” He voiced, making his way to the door after gently placing her hand back on the bed.

. * .

“Ms. I’m just calling to let you know the restraining order has gone through. You won’t have to worry about him anymore.”

Y/n felt a weight lift off her chest. After months of being harassed and stalked, she would finally be left alone. Harry leaned in, pressing a kiss to her cheek, stroking the loose hair out of her face.

“S’ finally over, lovie. It’s all over!.” He whispered in her ear, pulling her closer to him, rubbing up and down her thighs. She felt tears spring to her eyes, tears of relief, tears of joy, but also tears of sadness because the last few months had been some of the hardest of her life. She was ready to move on and be done with this nightmare.

When Jack had found out Y/n and Harry got together after that night, it’s like it activated something inside him. Like he thought she was just playing hard to get and he had to literally stalk her to get her attention. He seemed to think she was playing a game. Somewhere in his twisted little mind he had the audacity to think she actually wanted him.

He’d sit right next to her every single class period and would get up and move next to her when she tried to get away with him. He’d show up at her house, sitting across the street just watching her front door, he’d call her phone and text her, he’d wait outside her other classes and follow her around campus. She complained to her university, told them what was going on and they didn’t really do anything. She went to campus security and they brushed it off because “She wasn’t in any danger. He just wants to get to know you.”

So she finally was forced to file a restraining order. Her case was still open, from when he got arrested that night at the bar. They're charging him with second degree assault and criminal harassment because apparently she’s not the only girl he’s done this to. Many other women had spoken up since news of that night had spread around campus. Yet still, the university did nothing.

Harry stood by you every step of the way, picking up the shattered pieces on hard days. He wanted to beat the shit out of this guy and he would if it wouldn’t interfere with the case. He knew you needed him and he didn’t want to chance anything.

There was a pregnant silence between the two lovers. Just letting the silence wash over them, letting themselves breath freely without this weight suffocating them, they basked in it.

It wasn’t completely over, because there was still a trial, but he wouldn’t be coming around without getting arrested again.

That was enough for Y/n to breathe easy.

[comfortbucky]

I asked for the doctor!bucky andd you don't have to write but I forgot to ask... He is like a really busy doctor and it surprises the female reader that he is going to do her stitches... Wanda is his assistant. He has to give you a pain numbing shot in your cut and he comforts you when you scream and writh in pain... Thanks xxx

𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯 ⋆｡˚ ☁︎ ˚｡⋆｡˚☽˚｡⋆ ｡˚ ☁︎ ˚｡⋆｡˚ ⋆ ⋆｡˚

pairing: doctor!bucky x fem!reader

warnings: descriptions of bloody injuries, medical settings, stitches, needles

A/N: omg i’ve never written for doctor!bucky before so i’m excited hehe :) thank u for ur request! // i changed around who was administering the numbing agent and doing the stitches btw i hope u don't mind, just made more sense in my head for bucky to be able to comfort her if his hands are free!

hope u enjoy! <3 sorry if this isn't that good asjdfhaldf

Y/L/N = your last name

also let me just indulge myself and sprinkle some of my own experiences in this bc a couple months ago i literally slammed my head into a wall and cut my eyelid😃nothing bad enough to get stitches but i do have a scar💗

word count: 2k

my masterlist!

completed requests!

“Y/N! Come quick!”

Y/N was digging through her dresser for a sweater when her roommate, Darcy, called out for her. She lifted her head up and spun it without thinking, completely forgetting that her dresser was situated in the corner of her room, slamming her head into the wall.

Her ears started to ring and she bent over in laughter, her natural response to pain, as tears threatened to fall down her face.

“Y/N?” Darcy was met by silence, Y/N struggling to respond, her body overcome with laughter so hard she was inaudible. Concerned that Y/N had knocked herself out cold, Darcy peeked her head around the corner of Y/N’s doorway, to find her hurled over, a hand over her left eye, drops of crimson blood on the ground.

“Holy shit, are you okay?” Y/N lifted her head, calming down from her fit of laughter, and nodded.

“Yeah, of course, this would happen to me,” she replied chuckling, taking a tissue from Darcy to put pressure on her cut.

Carefully making her way to a mirror, Y/N grabbed her phone on the way. She stared at her reflection and slowly removed the tissue from her face to examine the extent of her injury. It was steadily bleeding, most likely a bad sign. Y/N placed her tissue back over her cut and reached for her phone and Facetimed her friend Matt, an EMT.

“Hello- What the fuck happened to you?”

“Hi Matt,” she replied, shooting him a grin through the screen. “Slammed my head against the wall, by accident.”

“I would hope so,” he sighed. “Let me guess, you’re wondering whether you should go to the ER or not?”

“You know me so well, Matty.”

“Has it stopped bleeding?” Y/N removed the tissue and felt a warm liquid trail down the side of her face.

“No.”

“Go to the ER, please.” She groaned.

If there was one place in the world she despised, it was a hospital. But Y/N knew she wouldn’t be able to convince either of her friends otherwise, and dragged her feet as she reluctantly followed Darcy to her car.

It was a normal night in the ER, which meant a fury of organized chaos. Bucky found himself needed in 6 places, all at the same time. But this was an environment that he had become accustomed to, almost finding comfort in the madness of it all. Although the ER was bustling with patients, there weren’t any injuries that were very severe, mostly just broken bones and lacerations. Simple enough to the point where Bucky felt like he was operating on autopilot mode. Going through the motions of whatever task he needed to do, but not anything more than that. He felt numb. For the last several years of his life, the hospital was all that he knew. Bucky kept himself busy with work, leaving him with only a small social circle and his cat, Alpine. It was enough for him, but he never really felt complete. Which is why he threw himself into his work, drowning out his inner thoughts about a missing piece he never thought he’d find.

“Dr. Barnes, paging Dr. Barnes to bed 25.”

Bucky took a quick sip of his coffee and sighed before heading off to see his next patient. Wanda appeared from around the corner and started walking with him.

“This one’s a simple laceration, just might need stitches.” Bucky nodded in response to her, keeping his eyes straight ahead.

She was one of the select few who he considered a friend. Which was a little odd considering he was an attending and she was only a resident. But she was a good student, a fast learner, and one of the only residents he was ever willing to work with. He took her under his wing, fostering a friendship by spending time together in his office, reviewing various medical cases and files.

“Alright, you up to do them?”

Wanda came to a halt, Bucky taking a couple steps before looking back at her, tilting his head, waiting for a response.

“Y-Yeah, yes!” She stammered. “T-thank you, Dr. Barnes.” He nodded his head and turned back around to continue walking, Wanda close behind.

Y/N was sat on the edge of the bed, one hand holding a blood-soaked tissue over her left eye. Her leg was bouncing, a nervous tic she had developed from a young age. The adrenaline had worn off, forcing her to feel a throbbing pain, her eyes brimming with tears. She avoided crying in front of people whenever possible, so as soon as Darcy left to grab some coffee and snacks from the cafeteria, she let the floodgates open. The sound of footsteps approaching made her freeze and she used her sleeves to sloppily wipe away the tears that were streaming down her face.

“Ms. Y/L/N?”

A firm, but somehow also gentle, voice called out to her before the curtain was pulled open to reveal a tall man with dark brown hair, a stubbly beard, and stunningly blue eyes standing next to a woman with blazing red hair and contrasting green eyes. Y/N’s gaze was immediately fixated on the man’s eyes, unable to look away for a moment, before she realized she was staring. She quickly looked down and cleared her throat.

“Y/N, you can just call me Y/N.”

The man nodded and set down his clipboard at the end of the bed before speaking.

“I’m Dr. Barnes and this is Dr. Maximoff.” The woman gave a slight wave as she began charting on a computer. “Can I take a look at your eye?”

Y/N nodded, feeling her anxiety rise as the doctor pulled some gloves on and approached her.

He pulled over a stool to sit on and carefully removed the tissue that Y/N had been holding in place to assess the injury. While Bucky looked at her cut, he stole a glance to study the rest of her face. He couldn't help but take note of the pained look on her face, her eyes still watery and her button nose red from crying. It was the first time in a long time that he felt a twinge of pain while looking at someone's injury, that he felt practically anything at all during a shift. She felt his warm breaths on her face for a moment before he pulled away and replaced her bloody tissue with some gauze.

“Do you mind if she takes a look as well?” Y/N nodded again. Bucky got up from the stool, allowing Wanda to take his spot and assess her eye.

“So it looks like you just need 2 or 3 stitches, very simple procedure.”

Y/N felt her entire body tense up at Wanda's conclusion. She could barely stand sitting in a hospital bed alone and now she was about to get poked and prodded with needles. Bucky noticed and attempted to ease her worries.

"We'll administer a numbing agent, so you won't feel any pain, just pressure at the site."

She looked up at Bucky, who had a kind, tired expression on his face. It looked like he was having a long night and she didn't want to make his job any more difficult than it probably already was. Y/N gave him a small nod and Wanda started to gather the necessary supplies.

She laid back in bed with Wanda and Bucky sitting next to each other on her left. Her hands were folded on her stomach, eyes shut.

"You're gonna feel a slight pinch, okay?" She nodded and bit her lip to try and distract herself.

Wanda proceeded to administer the numbing shot and Y/N squeezed her hands tight, whimpering in pain. Bucky observed the pained expression on her face and placed a hand on her forearm, reflexively rubbing his thumb in small circles. When Wanda pulled the needle out, Y/N slowly fluttered her eyes open and was greeted by Bucky's warm smile. A blush crept to her cheeks and she turned her attention to the ceiling. Immediately, Bucky realized how unprofessional his action was and removed his hand. He had no idea what had come over him, but he'd never felt so drawn to someone like this before.

"Now I'm going to do the stitches, okay? You should just feel a slight pressure." Just as before, Y/N shut her eyes after Wanda spoke and gripped her hands tight. She felt the pressure that Wanda was talking about and couldn't help but squirm at the feeling. Another wave of anxiety rushed over her and she felt herself start to hyperventilate.

Wanda removed the needle and quickly turned to Bucky, a panicked look on her face. He gave her a reassuring look before speaking softly.

"Y/N? Do you think you could hold still for just a little longer?" She opened her eyes, brimming with tears.

"Sorry, I just, I hate needles." Y/N fiddled with her hands as she kept her gaze up, trying to avoid the tears from escaping. Bucky felt his heart sink in his chest at the sight.

"What do you think would help you relax?"

Thoughts ran through her head as she tried to find a solution to relieve her anxiety. Y/N thought back to when she was young and chuckled, remembering a stuffed whale that she got at an aquarium, that went everywhere with her.

"This is stupid but, when I was a kid, I would carry around this stuffed animal around and it helped to hold it whenever I had to get shots."

Bucky thought for a moment and ran a hand through his hair, wondering if he was going to regret the words about to leave his mouth.

"You could hold my hand."

Y/N and Wanda both looked at him with surprised expressions, regret instantly hitting him.

"If you're comfortable with it," he quickly clarified. Y/N felt the corner of her mouth curve into a smile as she nodded.

She laid back down and Bucky took her hand in his. The instant transfer of heat soothed Y/N and she shut her eyes to allow Wanda to get to work.

When she felt the pressure on her eye again, her hand automatically gripped Bucky's tighter, and he squeezed it back to help calm her. Y/N focused on the callousness of his hands, how his hand seemed to fit into hers perfectly. Suddenly, she was thinking about his eyes again, those glimmering blue eyes. Blue was always a calming color for her, reminiscent of her trip to the aquarium where she got her beloved stuffed whale. As she felt Bucky's thumb gently rub the top of her hand, she realized that her whale could never provide as much comfort as he did.

Bucky felt a sense of pride as he watched the tension in Y/N's face disappear. Suddenly, he found his eyes wandering, looking at the loose strands of hair on the right side of her face, the rosiness of her cheeks, how she glowed. His heart started to palpate and Bucky realized a flame had kindled inside him. He was feeling again.

"All done!" Wanda chirped, stepping aside to let Bucky check her work. He smiled at her patted her on the back with his free hand.

"You did good." Wanda beamed and thanked him, walking away to complete her charting.

Y/N's eyes fluttered open, still feeling the warmth of Bucky's hand in hers. He greeted her with a tender smile and slowly helped her up, placing his other hand on the small of her back.

"See? Wasn't that bad after all," he grinned, releasing her hand. Y/N's smile faltered, missing his touch, and nodded.

"Thank you, Dr. Barnes."

"Bucky," he stated. She raised an eyebrow. "Call me Bucky."

The pair stared at each other in silence, enjoying each other's presence before the PA system snapped them both out of their trance.

"Dr. Barnes, paging Dr. Barnes to bed 16."

Bucky sighed, slowly getting up from his seat.

"Well, it was a pleasure meeting you, Y/N."

"You too, Bucky."

He turned around and was about to pull the curtain open when he paused, turning back around to face Y/N, scratching the back of his head. It took one look at her face and Bucky knew he didn't want to let her go just yet.

"Would you like to get coffee sometime?" She beamed up at him and Bucky felt his knees go weak.

"I would like that very much." He chuckled in disbelief and smiled.

Bucky had finally found his missing piece.

[nathanbatemanfucker]

Back To You - Part 5

summary: you’re consulting on a case with reid when he introduces you to his boss, aka, your high school best friend and the love of your life who previously chose haley over you. is reconciliation possible?

pairing: fem!reader x hotch

warnings: 18+, mention of injury/brief hospital stay, fluff, SMUT - years of longing and build up smut

AN: this is the last bit of this series but i was convinced by some besties to write at least a few more things for this. those will just be bonuses all taking place after this part. there will be 2 maybe 3 total. pls god let there be no typos

word count: 3.2k

read part 4: here.

Being woken up at all hours of the night wasn’t new for you. As a psychologist, you were listed as emergency contacts for high risk clients and so getting a call from the hospital needing you to come down was not out of the ordinary. What was out of the ordinary was that the person who listed you wasn’t a client; it was Aaron Hotchner, the you’d just decided to give a chance.

The two of you were supposed to go on a date a couple days ago, your first really date, but that never happened because he was called away on a case. Here you were, two days later frantically calling Talia at 2 a.m. to see if she could watch Crissana. Luckily, Talia was used to this and immediately came over.

You reassured Crissana that everything was okay but you ducked out in your matching pajamas and winter coat. The case was close, only in Richmond, and you sped the whole way, shaving 30 minutes off the expected 2 hours.

From what they told you, he was stable, but unconscious. He’d been inside a building when it was blown up by a pair of unsubs. By all accounts he was lucky to be alive and you felt lucky that you were on your way to him. When you get there you park with haste and run inside.

“I’m here for Hotchner. Aaron Hotchner, I mean.” The words rush out of you, but his first name still feels foreign on your tongue. The woman at the front desk tells you that he’s on the 5th floor and you thank her before taking the elevator. You sit in the waiting room, surprised that you don’t see Spencer somewhere. It feels like you’ve sat there for hours when a nurse finally comes in.

“Anyone here for Hotchner.” The nurse calls out and you spring to your feet, almost running into her.

“I am."

“We are.” The black man who was sitting next to a dark haired woman speaks up, coming up to stand next to you.

“Okay, you all can’t go back at once. He’s asking specifically for a Y/n/n.” The nurse looks down at her clipboard.

“That’s me." You give the pair next to you a weak smile in response to their questioning looks. "I won’t take up too much of your time guys.”

“Thanks, but who are you?” The dark haired woman asks, looking you up and down. It was a look that you learned was how profilers observed so you weren't offended.

“I’m Hotchner’s…" You think of the right word, "...friend. We’ve known each other since high school.”

The nurse blows out an impatient breath. “Let’s chitchat later, he’s been really insistent.”

The nurse takes you down a long hallway before you all step into a room. Hotch is looking at his phone, no doubt probably reassuring Jack in some way.

“Here’s Y/n/n for you Agent Hotchner.” The nurse says before stepping out of the room and closing the door.

The relief in his eyes is reflected in yours. You were so so happy to see him. So glad to know that he was okay.

You pull a chair from the corner and plop down next to him, grasping his hand in yours. “You look fucked Hotchner.”

He chuckles, wincing in pain before he replies with, “I feel fucked, and not in the good way.”

His comment sends you into full blown laughter, though you try to stop once he joins you, knowing that your laugh will just continue his painful bout. There's a sense of calm in the way your eyes hold his once the laughter dies down and he squeezes your hand, reassuring you before you even had to say anything to him.

“You listed me as your emergency contact?” You whisper, looking anywhere but at him. You knew that starting this conversation would open up the door to more, and though you were nervous, you almost felt ready. Ready to see what life with him could be like.

“About that...whenever I get hurt I know that Jessica and Jack will be notified. Since our relationship is private I needed a way for the person I love to know I was injured. I’m sorry if it was too much.”

“It wasn't, I'm glad you wanted me to know. I mean, I’m just glad you’re okay, that you’re not…” You try to keep your voice level at the thought of him being gone.

His hand tightens around yours and he leans forward so that his lips brush your forehead. “Don't, its alright, I'm alright. I understand how you're feeling, I just got you back. You were all I could thinking about when I entered the building.”

“I wish I could make you promise you’d never do it again but I know that this is your job, and this is just what I have to be okay signing up for.”

A deafening silence floods the room. When he speaks again its so low you feel like you're imagining his words but the contents of them having you listening attentively. “I almost quit for her you know. If you wanted me to…if you need me to I-“

You cut him off before he can even finish. “No, the only person you ever need to quit for is yourself. Through everything I’ve only ever wanted you to be happy Hotchner, even if it wasn’t with me.”

“I’ve never been happier.” He pulls back to look at you, his eyes shining with adoration and you feel your heart thump in your chest.

You could tell him. Say those words right now, the words you both knew were true. You go for a variation, not quite ready.

“Me too, and I think-“

The door flies open at that moment, and a brightly dressed blonde stumbles in. “Oh, sir, am I, we can, I’ll shut up now.”

“No, Garcia it’s okay. Sweetheart, do you want to meet the rest of my team?” He regards you patiently. Up until now, your friendship with Hotchner was need to know. This would change things. Moving forward was just a theme tonight you guess, but the man you loved almost dying in an explosion does that.

“Are you sure?”

“100%. Are you?" You nod timidly and a smile spreads across his face. “Come on in. All of you, I know you’re there.”

Meeting the team is a flurry of handshakes, unexpected hugs, and gentle flirting. The latter comes from, Morgan, the man who was with the dark haired woman you now know as Emily. You've decided that Garcia is simply the sweetest human to ever grace this earth, and you adore the maternal aura that JJ exudes. You are a bit disappointed that Spencer isn't here and that you don't get to meet the infamous David Rossi but you know that time will come. Once the team leaves you sit down next to him again, your hand finding his.

There’s no doubt in your mind when you say, “I think it’s time for you to meet my daughter.”

“Really?” His eyebrows shoot up to his hairline and you almost laugh at how he looks like a cartoon character.

“Yes, really. You can meet her when you pick me up for our date.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. You know, I should get blown up more often.” He jokes and you shoot him a glare.

“Sorry to interrupt but we need to take Agent Hotchner back to run a couple more tests.”

“Of course. I’ll be in the waiting room if you need me.” You stand up to leave but he doesn't loosen his grip on your hand. You look back at him confusion.

“I love you.” He says in a way that somehow is strong enough to take your breath away, yet gentle enough to breathe it back into you.

Bending down you give him a passionate kiss, one that says everything you're feeling better than any words you could ever formulate. By the way he kisses you back, you know that he understands.

*

Crissana is in your arms when you open the door. Much to your surprise she flails in excitement towards Hotch, causing you to almost drop her and his eyes go wide. You clutch her a bit closer to no avail, though she does stay in your arms.

Before either of you can say anything, she squeals, "Hotcher!"

His mouth drops open in surprise but he quickly recovers, "Well, hi there baby girl."

Your face is warm with embarrassment from her overfamiliarity with him. "Crissana, honey, relax, you can't just go attaching yourself to people." You scold as she lunges for him again. This time he's ready for her, taking her into his arms.

"Everything okay?" Talia comes out of the kitchen from behind you and you introduce her to Hotch. Her face is smug but you ignore her.

Letting Hotch in, you can and can't believe how effortless things are between Crissana and him. She was an easy toddler, she got along with everyone so that's no surprise, but it was like she knew him. Granted, you'd talk to her about Hotchner before, especially since you'd let him back into your life and she had seen a multitude of pictures but this was different. This felt like...fate.

Home.

Watching him with your daughter, the last part of Chris you had alive, brought up all these emotions that you now know you were trying to avoid when keeping the two of them apart. Some where hard to identify, others like guilt and shame not so much, but then there were the overwhelming ones. Love and happiness and belonging.

“Give me on second, I forgot something.” You lie smoothly, heading back into your bedroom. You were ready to tell him you loved him but you weren’t sure if your body would allow you to say the words. The last time you said those words to him, he shattered your heart beyond repair. You’d never been the same after that night, it has made you the guarded, cautious woman you are today. But you were ready to jump and you weren’t sure how. So here you were, hyperventilating in your bedroom because he’d done it, he’d proved himself to you in his patience, care and the way he interacted with your daughter.

Inspiration hits you and you open your purse and then your wallet, staring at the locket that had haunted you for all these years. You could change it symbolism if you just took a chance. You’re clasping the locket around your neck when there’s a knock on your door.

“Everything okay in there, honey?” His voice is worried.

You quickly tuck the locket into the collar of your shirt so it looks like a simple chain, before you reply. “Yes, coming.” You give yourself one last once over and take a deep, encouraging breath before stepping out into the hall. “Sorry.”

“You alright?”

“Mhmm, I’m fine Hotchner.” You face breaks into an unconvincing smile but he can’t respond because Crissana comes crashing into your legs. Looking down at her you say, “Mommy will be back in the morning, okay? Talia’s gonna stay with you overnight. I love you so so much.”

“Love you mommy. Bye Hotcher!”

“Goodbye, Crissana it was nice to meet you, you’ll have to tell me more about dinosaurs later.” He affectionately smooths Crissana’s hair before he turns to Talia. “You as well, Talia.”

“Be safe. Have fun. Do you have con-“ Begins but you stop her quickly.

“We’re covered, thanks.” You squeal, glaring at her. That smug grin spreads across her face as she watches you leave.

*

The tension inside of you is something you’ve never felt before. You know what wanting someone is like, you’ve experience love and lust, but not in the way it bubbled furiously in you tonight. The ride back to his apartment is silent besides the soft music billowing out of the speakers and your heart beating loudly in your chest. You were convinced he could hear it and the way you throbbed between your legs for him.

Desperate. You were desperate for him, to feel just a inkling of what you felt when he nestled between your legs that night. It was silly how needy you were, like some horny teenager that hadn’t ever gotten off. You hadn’t been with anyone since Chris passed but you knew how to take care of yourself. Yet here you were, your mind racing with the filthiest thoughts that had ever flit through it as he pulled you from the car and up the steps.

By the way he moves slowly, leisurely almost he couldn’t know how deep the desire was festering inside of you. Once inside the two of you shed yourselves of your coats. You’re about to go to the bathroom to splash your face with water and muster some composure when he calls after you.

You turn around slowly, your head tilted slightly. “Hmm?” Your eyes widen as he quickly closes the space between you, taking your face into his hands.

His eyes search yours, a mixture of emotions you can’t quite identify in his as you maintain the eye contact. “I love you, and I’m sorry that it took us so long to make it to this moment.”

You become aware of his erection that’s pressed against your stomach. Knowing now that he was just as turned on as you were, you want to tease him just one last time.

“Yeah, you should be.” You say defiantly and a knowing smile spreads across his face.

“I’m the stupidest man to walk this earth.” He states and you can’t help the laugh that leaves you.

You fist your hands into his shirt at your hips, pulling him closer to you. “I think you’ve come to your senses.”

“Can I…could I possibly hold you?”

“What does this tell you?” You dip your hand into your collar and put the locket around your neck on display.

His eyes fall onto the locket, his mouth slightly ajar in shock. He looks up at you and then back down at the locket and then at you, swallowing loudly. “I just wasn’t…I didn’t want overstep. We’ve been taking things slow and I wanted to be respectful. I mean you haven’t even said I love-“

“Hotchner, you’re rambling, you don’t ramble. Just kiss me okay?”

You words spar him on and he pushes you into the wall roughly, his mouth capturing yours. This kiss is nothing like your previous kisses; it’s sloppy and desperate and bruising. His fingers pull up on your shirt, taking it out of your skirt and up over your head. His lips find yours again in an instant, his tongue fighting it’s way into your mouth. The aggression makes you squeeze legs together, the heat between them almost too much.

“I’ve thought about you like this for so long.” He breathes against your neck as he slides your skirt down from your hips.

“Me too.” You look down at him, watching him suck and kiss down your naked stomach.

“I wanted you that night I just-“ He whispers against your flesh but you stop him.

“Don’t, it’s okay, we’re together now.”

He peels your underwear down your legs, an animalistic groan leaving the back of his throat as his eyes take in your naked body. “You’re so fucking beautiful.”

The words cease and the two of you go at each other, nothing but lips and hands that roam, caress, and kiss the other. All of the pent up longing and pinning finally released as you bare yourselves before each other. He grabs your waist, pulling you back down the hall and into his bedroom, his mouth never leaving yours. Your hands make quick work of his buttons dress shirt. At the same time his fingers nimbly undo his belt and he pushes his trousers and boxer down with one motion. Once he's completely naked he picks you up and throws you onto the bed, causing you to squeal. He’s on top of you and between your legs in an instant.

“A condom.” He grumbles impatiently, turning to get out of bed but you wrap your legs around his waist.

“We don’t have to, I trust you Hotchner.” You wrap your arms around his neck, leaning up to kiss him fiercely.

“Are you sure?” His murmurs against yours lips, his hands splaying across your breast, his fingers slowly brushing over your nipples.

“I’ve never been more sure, I just want to feel you.”

“You too, baby.” His seductive whisper sends a chill down your spine, which morphs into a shudder when he plunges deeply inside you.

“Oh! Aaron.”

“There it is, there’s my name on that pretty mouth of yours. Say it again, please. Please, Y/n.” His voice is needy and breathless.

“Aaron. Fuck. Just like that.” You whine, tilting your hips to meet his every thrust. You’re building, the tension between your legs growing tighter and tighter when he pulls out of you. You groan in protest but he flips you over onto your knees, slamming deep inside you again. “Oh!”

His hand is around your chest, pulling your back to his chest. His lips are at your ear, kissing and sucking just beneath it before he asks, “You think you know what you need, but it’s better like this isn’t it sweet girl?”

You push back against him, your eyes rolling in the back of your head at just how sexy his deep voice sounds in your ear as he fucks you. “Oh god.” Is all you can manage at the exquisite feeling of your bodies together.

“Isn’t it?” He demands again, his hold on you tightening as he rams into you even harder.

“Yes. Yes, so good.” You hiss as he hits that spot inside you just right repeatedly. “Aaron, I’m-“

“You’re close?”

“Yes. God, yes. Don’t stop, please.”

His hand snakes down your body, two fingers attaching to your clit and rubbing with just the right amount of pressure. “Let go, it’s okay, I’ve got you.”

And with one last thrust into you, your body clenches tightly around him, your orgasm running through your veins like an electric current with a loud cry leaving your lips. The sound that leaves his body is unrecognizable, some combination of swearing and your name as he pours into you, meeting his own release right after yours. He keeps his promise, even through his own orgasm, holding you tightly against him as you twitch and writhe through your intense release.

He pulls out of you and somehow flips you over so he’s laying in the bed and you’re on top of him. You’re rendered useless, barely able to get your breathing under control. That was utterly mind blowing and you can’t even form a coherent thought behind the one that’s burned into your brain. The one that consists of three words you’d been holding back since your eyes met his in his office. His arms circle you, his knuckles rubbing your back.

“You alright?” He ask gently.

“Yes.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.” You plant a kiss on the mound of curly hair in his chest.

He laughs, tightening his hold on you. “More than one syllable please.”

Finally looking up at him the words spill out of you. “I love you, Aaron.”

His face softens, and you see tears pool in his eyes. He leans forward, pressing a sweet kiss to your lips. “I love you too.”

read bonus here.

tagged: @ssa-hotchswhore, @ssahotchie, @hotchwhore15, @azenpal, @hyacinthhotch, @averyhotchner

[juminsmysticmc]

Pregnancy Series - Part 4.2

Going through the pregnancy

⚠️ Sensitive content -> mention of: pain, miscarriage scare, angst insecurities   -> every scenario ends with a happy end! ⚠️

Pregnancy Series: Part 1 // Part 2  // Part 3 // Part 4.1

Hello! A lot of you seemed to wait for the next scenario so I decided to post it earlier than usually ( most of the time it’s almost midnight for me, sleep pattern, are you planning to be normal again?) Whatever! I hope you like this one, please  keep telling me your opinion! 

Jumin

The times where your husband worked from home were becoming more and more frequent.

Ever since he found out about your pregnancy and noticed that you couldn’t come to work with him anymore, he made sure to stay more at home.

Even Jaehee got her own little place in his big office because now that you, his second secretary, couldn’t help him anymore, she had to take more work again. 

,,I am so sorry, Jaehee,’’ you whined when you stood in the frame, some coffee on a counter with some cookies.

,,Mc! We’re friends! Please don’t worry! I’m glad that I can help you. Besides, Mr. Han is taking a lot of my work too,’’ she smiled as she approached you to help you carry the stuff you bought them.

Jumin looked up and smiled.

He loved to see you with the baby bump. Soon he wanted to have his boy in his arms, feel the baby and his warmth, hear his cries, but he also wished that you could stay like this.

Although, the only thing he didn’t really like about the pregnancy were the little pains you had.

You often laid in bed the whole day because your back hurt or because you felt sick.

Ever since your baby began to move, you had the feeling that your baby kicked all your organs away.

But still, he loved this time so much.

But today was a day where you just stayed in bed, unable to move because you felt so fatigued.

Maybe you also didn’t dare to move because you felt an odd pain in your abdomen.

You softly shook your belly, noticing that your baby didn’t move at all, even though this was the time where he was the most active.

Jumin and Jaehee were in the room next to you, so you decided to finally tell him.

,,Jumin…?’’ you softly called him, trying to get up on your own.

Suddenly a sharp pain hit you, making you bow over, holding your belly.

,,Ugh, J-JUMIN!’’ you now screamed.

You could hear something fall when he rushed into the room, the sight of you making his heart stop.

,,My love?! What’s wrong, Mc?!’’ he asked you, placing his hand on your belly.

,,It… it hurts!’’ you groaned and began to sob.

Jumin looked down, seeing that the bedsheets were tainted red.

However, he had the feeling that you still didn’t notice which was good, as to not scare you even more.

,,Call the doctor, Assistant Kang!’’ he hissed, seeing that she stood next to the bed.

The doctor came a few seconds afterwards. Jumin made sure that there was always someone in the penthouse for cases like this.

,,It was a miscarriage scare. We could save the baby and your wife is well too. However, we need to put her on bed rest,’’ he whispered, making Jumin look at your bed.

,,Thank you. I will take care of her,’’ he whispered and laid next to you. Before you were put back in bed, he asked someone to change the bedsheets. He was more than happy that everything seemed to have gone well.

Zen

,,I hope we can see the gender today,’’ Zen said as he walked hand in hand with you towards the doctor where the both of you had your appointment.

You were already 24 weeks pregnant, but whenever the doctor wanted to tell you the gender of your baby, it was never visible.

,,Maybe my baby is just shy?’’ you chuckled as you rubbed your belly.

,,It’s mine too!’’ Zen whined and held your hand tighter, looking at every step, scared that you could trip.

You laughed as you heard his words. He was already so overprotective.

Both of you entered the room and told the lady at the reception that you had an appointment.

You and Zen had to wait for a few minutes until a nurse approached you and asked you guys to follow her.

You changed your clothes into a hospital gown so the doctor could see better and then sat on the chair.

,,Hello, Mrs. Ryu, how are we feeling today?’’ she asked you, greeting Zen too.

,,I’m nervous. I hope we can see the gender today,’’ you said and pulled the end of your gown.

The doctor nodded as she warned you. ,,It will be a bit cold, don’t startle,’’ she said with a soft voice.

You nodded as the cold gel met your belly.

She rubbed it with the gadget around your belly and stopped at some point, looking closely at the screen.

,,Do you want to know the gender?’’ she asked you.

Both you and Zen nodded, excited to hear what it would be.

,,Your baby girl is here, see?’’ she asked you, showing you the picture.

As soon as she said baby girl, you began to sob as you held Zen’s hand closer to your chest.

,,It’s a girl!’’ you sobbed.

Zen nodded. ,,Oh my God! I won’t let her have a boyfriend until I die! She will make everyone go crazy with her beauty!’’ he whined and kissed your head.

,,Thank you,’’ he kept sobbing while you laughed.

,,We will spend more money on pads,’’ you laughed.

,,And chocolate,’’ he laughed too, rubbing your arm.

,,I will print a picture. Everything looks good,’’ the doctor said with a bright smile.

As soon as you agreed on an appointment, you both left to post a picture on his Instagram.

Zen put on the caption, ,,Wife went from being a Princess to a Queen as we are accepting a new princess.’’

Immediately after the picture was posted, Jaehee called you to congratulate you. She was also sobbing into the phone.

The day ended with you and Zen buying a lot of cute, pink, glitter toys and decorations.

,,I can’t wait to style her hair… and to see how her first love will turn out!’’ you giggled.

,,No first love!’’ he whined and observed you as you tried to decide between a few more baby clothes.

Yoosung

Excited to learn your baby's gender, you and Yoosung entered the room after a nurse called you, his hand in yours as you laid down on the bed, pulling up your shirt as you knew what the doctor would soon do with you.

A young woman entered the room a few seconds later, making the nurse bow and leave.

,,Hello, my name is Dr. Lee and I will tend to you today. I will first take an ultrasound and check your baby’s heartbeat and then I will tell you the gender. Is there a person you would like me to tell you the gender?’’ she asked you, since nowadays, it was normal that couples planned gender reveal parties.

But you and Yoosung decided to enjoy the news of the gender on your own, so there was no need to tell anybody.

,,Are you perhaps new, sorry for asking,’’ you smiled.

The doctor nodded. ,,Freshly graduated, I am still unsure with the old things they use here. In the other hospital, we were totally modern,’’ she laughed as she watched the screen.

You pressed your lips together. There wasn’t much she could do wrong, right?

Well, at least you thought.

She soon began her checkup while Yoosung was still holding your hand as he too got nervous.

The doctor soon also began to look worried, rolling the stick she had in her hand from one side of your belly to the other side without saying a word.

,,Is there something wrong?’’ you asked her. Honestly, you didn’t want to know the answer. Deep in your heart, you just didn’t want to know what she had to say.

But your fear ended up coming to life. ,,I… can’t find the heartbeat,’’ she whispered.

You immediately began to cry. Hot tears began to flow out of your eyes as you began to uncontrollably sob. ,,But, I am sure it’s because I’m not used to the technology here. Let me call your doctor. Please don’t worry!’’ she whined, feeling guilty for your emotional outbreak.

However, you didn’t stop.

By now Yoosung too began to cry as he held your hand, his other hand on your belly, sticky with the gel as he begged and prayed in his head for his baby's well being.

Your doctor quickly hurried inside. ,,Mrs Kim,’’ she gasped as she saw you in tears.

,,Please don’t worry. I will check,’’ she said to try to calm you down as she pushed some buttons and placed the stick on your belly again.

,,Here,’’ she whispered. Soon, the room was shortly filled with familiar sounds.

You stopped crying as someone reassured you that nothing was wrong. Your tears stopped flowing.

,,Your baby girl is alright,’’ your doctor whispered, making you blink a few times. 

,,Baby girl?’’ Yoosung asked again to make sure.

,,I’m sorry if my young doctor worried you. She didn’t press the button for the sound. Please forgive her, I will teach her better, I’m sure this is a mistake she will never ever do again. I’m sorry you guys had to be the people she had her first experience with,’’ your doctor said.

,,It’s okay,’’ you said. A hiccup still left your mouth as your voice was cracking.

,,We all were young and trainees. It can happen,’’ you nodded.

It was a shock, but you felt much better and Yoosung was with you, now that he knew that you were expecting a girl...

Jaehee

You were in your 30th week.

Currently you were laying on the couch, a paper plate on your belly as you licked every single finger of your right hand after eating a few chips you were craving for.

The plate was still on your big belly as it suddenly twitched, causing the chips to lose balance and fall on the floor.

You groaned as you noticed that you just made a mess in your living room.

And of course Jaehee noticed the fall, coming immediately into the room to check on you.

,,What happened?’’ she asked you with her big, almost scared eyes.

,,Nothing,’’ you laughed and waved with your hand, calling her to your side.

She approached you, a bit scared as she finally sat down next to you, ignoring the chips on the floor for now.

You took her hand and put it on your belly. She loved to feel the movements of your boy, but this time there was no little hand or foot.

Instead, your big round belly began to twitch.

Jaehee quickly withdrew her hand and held the hand which was laying on your belly with the other one.

,,What was that?’’ she asked you and placed her hand on the spot again, feeling the twitch again.

,,Our boy hiccuped,’’ you chuckled and placed your hand next to hers on your belly, feeling the movements in your belly.

Jaehee’s eyes were showing pure love as her eyes rested on your belly. Your son was growing inside of you and this hiccup she felt as a twitch, was already a sign of a living creature.

,,I can’t wait to meet him,’’ she whispered.

,,Me neither… And I can’t wait to have my body back,’’ you laughed and tried to get up. Of course Jaehee quickly took her hand away from your belly and tried to help you up, her hand on your back as she lightly pushed you up.

,,Thank you,’’ you smiled and stepped on a chip, making a cracking sound.

,,I will clean it up,’’ Jaehee told you with a smile.

,,Oh, thank you, cause I think I’m on the verge of peeing myself!’’ you responded and quickly approached the toilet.

Jaehee looked at your back. Her smile never disappeared as she cleaned up the mess your son made.

Saeyoung

You were entering your 36th week when something you were already prepared for happened - labor.

You were cooking when you had the feeling that you were kind of kicked.

You stopped everything and placed your hand on your belly, feeling the pain again, this time sharper and more painful. You gasped for air and slowly tried to exhale the pain.

,,S-Saeyoung?’’ you called him, your voice filled with pain and fear. You weren’t sure what was happening but you just needed Saeyoung, your support.

,,Mh? Wanna make me taste the vegetables?’’ he asked you, busy chatting with someone in the chatroom without looking up.

,,Mh-mh,’’ you said, shaking your head.

Saeyoung looked up. He didn’t understand what you were telling him. ,,I-I’m in pain, Saeyoung,’’ you groaned.

The pain came back, even worse than before, making you fall into your knees. Luckily, Saeyoung caught you, supporting you below your arms as he called loudly for Saeran, who loudly approached you guys, gasping for air.

It was a moment of fear and adrenaline as the two boys somehow dragged you to your room, your painful cries in their ears as you finally laid back,

Saeyoung couldn’t think straight and Saeran decided to prepare everything, calling a doctor and turning off the stove to not burn the food and set the house on fire.

The doctor quickly arrived. He wasn’t surprised by the symptomes you were having.

,,Twins usually come earlier which is totally normal, but we will try to hold off the labor.

She has to be on bed rest. She isn’t allowed to get up, move around, or do anything else. She’s doing okay now, but make sure to go to the hospital as soon as she feels pain again,’’ he said.

Saeyoung nodded as he stared at the closed door of your room.

,,Okay, at least we can make them stay inside a bit longer,’’ you whispered as you stroked your belly.

Saeyoung stayed silent as he observed you. It was time for him to pack your bag just in case you had to go to the hospital.

But before that, his first step was to feed you since your tummy was growling.

,,I’m sorry, I have to eat for three!’’ you called back as he walked off, laughing.

,,Yes yes!’’ he kept on laughing, turning on the stove again.

Saeran

After you felt sick, you were much better which was something Saeran enjoyed a lot.

He loved to feel every movement of his twins and to see your belly twitch as someone had to hiccup. He loved to see the little bump on your big belly as one of the twins moved.

Today, you and Saeran had an appointment with your doctor. By now it was checked daily since you were 38 weeks pregnant and twins were known to come early, but Saeran was happy that you already passed the 36th week.

He was helping you to put on your dress and helping you put on your shoes as he grabbed your purse and held out his hand to walk with you to the place you were awaited.

,,I can’t wait to hear their heartbeat again,’’ Saeran said, smiling.

The last time, he asked to save the sound on his phone, but it was always different to hear the sound of his twins in person rather than on his phone.

You chuckled and patted his hand as he walked slower.

,,Didn’t you just hear it yesterday?’’ you asked him and already knew that he would be the most loving father.

,,You know,’’ he began, ,,I can never get enough of it,’’ he confessed, making you emotional.

You wondered how it would be as soon as the babies would be in your arms instead of growing in your belly.

You were happy to have your own body back and that you were soon able to do more things on your own, but you also knew that you would probably miss the movements, the feeling, patting, and stroking your belly, knowing that there was someone you were keeping safe in there.

But on the other hand, you could finally meet those two wonderful human beings you already loved even though you still didn’t know them.

,,I can’t wait to meet them,’’ Saeran said, almost reading your thoughts and opening the door for you.

,,I now know for sure that we are soulmates! You just said what I was thinking!’’ you laughed as you confessed at the same time, opening the next door, already inhaling the smell of the disinfectants.

,,You just noticed now?’’ he asked you, joking and looking at the wall filled with pictures of new born babies, imagining how cute his own would look as soon as they were born.

Jihyun

If there was something Lucy was the best at, it was coaxing the whole RFA into things like asking Zen to give her and Jaehee, as well as yourself, some DVDs of his, Yoosung to take her to a convention, Saeyoung to hack into a toy store and send her toys.

The one she had the most around her finger was her godfather, Jumin Han.

After two weeks of coaxing, begging, and whining he finally did what she asked for - building an indoor swimming pool.

Well, now that he built it, you guys had to visit him and use it, forcing you to go along.

And of course you also had to go into the pool because the little girl wanted to splash into the water with her mom.

But you just didn’t feel like it. To be honest, you wanted to hide the stretch marks on your body that were all around your belly.

The amount of rather red marks increased and that was making you feel… ugly.

You wanted to have your body back and you wanted this to stop.

Not even the baby oil you were using could help you.

To hide your feelings, you decided to never show them to Jihyun, scared that he would find you disgusting.

Today too, you tried to hide the hate, sadness, and bad feelings you felt towards those stretch marks.

But you were too late to put on a bathing suit and Jihyun saw how you sniffled in front of the mirror.

,,Mc?“ he called you, making you wake up from your trance and look at him, feeling caught.

,,Wow, now you will leave us!“ you groaned, waving with your hands nervously and angrily.

,,Why should I?“ he asked you, sitting down on the edge of the bed and pulling you between his legs.

You were already tearing up as you mumbled, ,,Ugly!“

,,What?“ he asked you again, coming closer to you.

,,I’m ugly!“ you repeated. ,,Look at my stretch marks!“ You pointed at your body.

Jihyun smiled, feeling bad as he rubbed your swollen belly.

,,Why do you think you’re ugly? You’re the most wonderful woman I’ve ever seen!“

,,These,“ you sobbed.

Jihyun knew that you felt unsure about your stretch marks for a while and now you broke down.

,,They are a symbol of the pregnancy we fought so hard for and so long for. Every one of these stands for one negative pregnancy test and hope. I know that you don’t like them, but to me, they mean a lot and besides, this isn‘t and never will be a reason for me to leave you!“ he told you honestly.

,,I would never leave you guys,“ he swore and kissed your belly.

,,Really?“ you asked him again.

,,Really,“ he said honestly and took your hand, kissing your belly again.

Suddenly the door flew open. ,,Mommy!“ Lucy called you, seeing you in your underwear.

,,Can we go now please?“ she asked you.

,,Will you go like that? No bikini?“ she asked you, puzzled.

You and Jihyun both laughed as you let go of your husband and went to get your swim suit.

,,I’ll be ready in a bit, baby,“ you told her and slowly got into it while Jihyun helped you so that you didn’t lose balance.

Vanderwood

After the shock of the other day, Vanderwood didn’t let you get up for the whole week, being busy with cleaning the house, packing some things for the move, and also taking care of you.

But finally, after you rested enough, to be more precise, after you told him how bad you felt and that you were better now and wanted to go out again, he decided that it was time to finally buy more things for the baby you were going to be welcoming soon.

Now that you knew you were going to have a girl, you kind of saw the toys in a different light.

You imagined how funny it would be to play with her, style her hair, dress her in cute clothes or make her look really cool, just like the posts you saw on Pinterest.

While you were daydreaming about the future, someone else was checking the baby clothes and bottles, making sure to take high quality products only.

,,Awwee, look, Vanderwood!’’ you giggled and showed him a little princess dress.

,,She will be too little for this, you know?’’ he asked you, making you laugh.

,,I know!’’ you smiled, but still decided to buy it.

,,No, honestly, I don’t think we need to buy Barbies and cars. She won’t use them so young,’’ Vanderwood said, looking at all the toys you wanted to buy.

,,Maybe I want to play with the cars. As a child I hated playing with dolls. I would rather play with cars!’’ you laughed and put the toys back, instead going for some other toys for a newborn, such as a teddy bear.

,,These shoes are so tiny,’’ you smiled and took the baby shoes in your hand, placing the pair on your belly and tapping on it with them as if someone was walking over your belly.

Vanderwood observed you. He almost enjoyed that moment.

You were in your own little world and he loved to see how in love you were with the thought of becoming a mother.

The both of you decided to buy some more things before returning home.

Vanderwood noticed that you already felt a bit sleepy and that you were walking a bit odd because your feet were throbbing in pain.

Once at home, you sat back on your couch and leaned your head against the pillow, closing your eyes for a short moment while Vanderwood placed the bags filled with the baby stuff in the hall, checking on you first.

,,Just a few seconds,’’ you said, making him smile and walk towards you.

,,If you are exhausted, feel free to sleep a bit,’’ he approved, patting your head.

,,I had fun today, thank you,’’ you said out of the blue, making Vanderwood feel… loved.

,,This wasn’t the last time, I promise, and I had fun too…’’ he whispered and decided that today he also could enjoy your warmth and lay down next to you...

Part 5 of my pregnancy series

MASTERLIST 1

MASTERLIST 2

MASTERLIST 3

🤰🏻ᴘʀᴇɢɴᴀɴᴄʏ sᴇʀɪᴇs🤰🏻Masterlist here

19.05.2021// 21:44 MEST

[falcor-thee-luck-dragon]

Let Chaos Reign

Chapter 4- People Of Earth

Summary: On the run from the Avengers in your search for a way off Earth, you meet some mortal annoyances along the way until a certain blue eyed human is able to find you wandering in the forest. But can he convince you to come back to the Avenger’s base with him?

Warning: action, blood, fighting, Bucky doing his best, slight fluff

Masterlist - Chapter 3

So Bucky had been thinking.

If finding Y/N was only as easy as looking at her red dot on the tracker, then damn, he could just teleport to her no problem. Unfortunately the worlds technology hasn't yet reached Star Trek technological advancements, nor can he teleport. It's been a long hectic couple days trying to find her which is starting to drive Bucky up a wall, how is she so sneaky? He can literally see her location at all times but yet she's evaded him at all costs without even trying, she doesn't even know a tracker is attached to the inside of her jacket.

And the team, they haven't been much help at all. They've decided to listen to Fury's orders and stay clear of Bucky's mission when it comes to finding the escaped demigod and bringing her back to the Avenger's base. A lot of help they are. At least Steve checks in for updates when he's not getting pulled into a training session by any particular person of the hour. Maybe the tracker doesn't even work. Maybe?

No, it's Stark made. It has to work, this problem is simply Y/N.

Bucky pulls off to the side of the road near a little park in some rural town way outside of New York City where he knows Y/N went through not even twenty-three hours ago. He opens his door, slamming it shut in frustration before taking in a big breath of fresh air. The day is slightly overcast yet he doesn't appear to mind it at all, having the hot sun blaring down upon him never feels very pleasant. Then again, maybe he's just more familiar with colder temperatures.

A crow flies down across the vacant road from him, it ignores Bucky as it jumps onto the road in order to pick at some road kill of a dead flattened squirrel. Bucky reverts his gaze when his eyes soon land upon a bent wooden telephone line further up the road where it looks like a car ran right into it. Wanting to stretch his legs for a bit and feed into his curiosity, Bucky jogs across the street and over to the area of flattened grass and wood splinters.

He observes the wreckage. Its just as he saw from farther away, a splintered post with pieces of wood spread across the grass from the impact. A couple glass chunks shimmer in the few rays of sunlight peeking out from behind the clouds. There are tire marks imprinted into the mudded ground leading up to the post, he crouches down to get a better look at the source of impact.

A dog barks in the background, its legs getting closer and closer to Bucky until a wet slobbery nose finds its way onto Bucky's right arm. The face of a golden retriever greets him as a young man races to the spot looking very embarrassed.

"Trout! Get away from the man, be nice! Be nice! He might not want your kisses!" He shouts desperately, "Trout!"

Bucky pets the friendly dog while his owner runs to their spot before standing to greet him, "He's fine, don't worry about it."

The red faced man smiles shyly, "I'm so sorry. He gets so excited whenever there's a stranger around I just don't understand it."

Bucky shakes his head, "It's fine, really. I like dogs."

The dog sniffs around Bucky's boots before sniffing the skid marks, "Oh I'm Gio by the way, sorry about my boy Trout. I love him but he can be a lot."

"Hi." Mutters Bucky, "I'm James."

"Nice to meet you..oh..Trout drop that piece of wood you nucklehead it's sharp!" The dog stops before dropping the wood, it starts sniffing around the grounds again. Gio looks at Bucky, "It's too bad what happened here, just last night too. Thank God nobody died! It's just unfortunate."

"What happened?"

Gio nods towards the splintered pole, "Some nutcase ran out in front of the guy driving and then bam, he just swerved to miss 'em and ended up totaling his car and getting a bruised collar bone. He's my neighbor. Poor guy, never got a proper look at the idiot who did it either so there's no one to blame."

Bucky's brows furrow, "No one saw who ran in front of your friend?"

Gio stops a second to think harder on the matter, "Hmm...okay wait a second Nick did say this person moved like faster then a frickin' deer. They were here one second and gone the next, right into the woods."

"Where is Nick now? Is he okay?"

"Oh yeah he's fine, just chillin' in his hospital bed for another day until his headache goes away. Guess he also got a concussion or something, some shit luck I tell you."

"Thank you, I gotta go." Says Bucky quickly before turning on his heels and jogging across the street. Leaving a very confused Gio to go run after his dog again.

There's a hefty possibility that Y/N had absolutely nothing to do with anything surrounding that crash, however, Bucky has to know. He pulls into the Westonville Hospital before Winter Soldier sneaking his way inside and now here he stands on the other side of the door to Nick's room, 213. He knocks, a man answers and says to come in, Bucky does. Shutting the door right after.

The man lays upright in bed, sipping on a juice box as he quickly locks eyes with Bucky. "Hello." Says the twenty-something year old, "You a nurse?"

Bucky could have laughed, "No. Just here to ask you a couple questions."

"Listen man, the police already got my statement. I wasn't drunk...nor on anything at the time. I don't do that shit while driving, I wanna stay alive okay?"

"Right." Mutters Bucky, "I just want to know if you saw this person who caused you to wreck."

He eyes Bucky suspiciously, "Dude are you with the FBI or something? Cause the police think I just saw a deer but I'm telling you it wasn't a deer okay?"

"What was it then?"

The man looks from the door then back to Bucky, he makes a waving motion for him to walk closer, "Dude, this was some lady. She was so fast I never even saw her till she was almost road kill...then....and you're not gonna believe me....then I swear to God, she pushed my car." Whispers Nick before nodding, "Dude that's how I went into the pole, she pushed me and I lost control and BAM! Right into a pole. Asshole, my damn car is fucked."

"Do you know what she looked like?" Nick then proceeds to give an accurate description of you and all your beautiful chaotic-ness, who's apparently still not very fond of human transportation vehicles.  

Bucky then glances from Nick still rambling about you and what a dickhead you must be, to the window showing the woods and half a parking lot. He can't let you escape him again, you might end up killing someone next time and that absolutely cannot happen.

——

Stupid men! Stupid humans getting in your way! These people are irritating and bothersome, all you wanted was to search for the Ancient One in peace. All you want is to find her and get the fuck off this planet so you can confront your brother and...

"Miss are you okay?" A scratchy voice speaks to you from the car to your left, you turn your head to meet the face of a young woman looking at you with kind eyes, "You need a ride?"

"No."

She gives you a look, your appearance is admittedly more roughed up then you would like, but it's been a rough couple days since your last shower and you're technically on the run from Earth's Avengers. "You sure? I got room in here, and a nice place to stay with food and a shower too. Just tryna be nice to someone who looks like they could use a hand." You look like you could use a hand to the face.

Your brows furrow, she reeks of too much perfume and something else, "What kind of food?" You technically do need a ride and this may be your only chance to get one somewhere away from this place in the middle of nowhere. Also a place to stay for the night would be admittedly very nice considering you've been sleeping in trees and behind people's sheds.

Her eyes light up in surprise, "Anything you want. Just tell me and I got you."

"Good."

She unlocks the door, "Come on in. I'm Ava by the way. Nice to meet you, now I hope you don't mind but back at my place I got a couple roommates. But don't worry they come and go, they won't bother you I promise." You don't believe her, but hop in next to her anyways. She looks like she could use a better friend then whoever she stays with. You can smell at least one of them on her.

She gives you a strange faltering smile when you take notice of a nose piercing; she wears a jacket and jeans, although an odd tattoo showing off some line of numbers keeps itself on her right wrist hidden by some colorful bracelets. All in all she is an attractive woman. But her car is no better then her person, the scent is vulgar and repulsive but you're admittedly too hungry to care. Too much perfume.

The ride to her apartment complex takes about twenty minutes, in this time Ava has explained to you how her favorite food, chicken alfredo, is made. She also won't stop looking at the long mirror above your heads, it's like something keeps drawing her attention but there's nothing behind the car of any important significance. Maybe that's just a human thing?

Eventually she takes a couple turns that passes more street stores, houses, and apartments until she drives near a gas station and takes a left for an apartment building of reddish brick that looks like a shitty castle.

It's nestled within the town, with its rear to a small park, oddly enough she claims you can see the city from the roof. Getting out, you watch as she shuts her door before jogging to the back and pulling out a couple groceries. "Oh hey there, can you get the waters, there's like three packs here but we can come back for them later."

You quickly walk to the back of her trunk and lean down to pick up all three waters with ease, her eyes go big, "Oh wow..okay yeah, that'll work." She shuts the back, you begin following her across the parking lot. Stomach growling.

Her wary eyes fall onto you, "So uh, you lift?"

"No."

She nods, "Cool cool, uh you from around here?"

"No."

"Okay cool, I am, well not originally...I was actually from Arizona but then I ran away when I was thirteen because my home life was pretty shit and then I met my boyfriend Jed and he took me here and..." Her face shifts into a frown before it regains it's half smile once more, "Doesn't matter now I guess, it's not fantastic here...with him. But I got a place to stay and a roof over my head and he gets me anything I want really. So it's not so bad."

You can't help but feel somethings not right with her, and this bothers you deeply, "So uh, how's your lover? Jed."

She frowns, "Oh he's nice....I wouldn't say lover I guess....and he's kinda older then me but it's fine really. You might see him, he comes and goes yunno?"

She opens the glass doors for you to walk inside, the area smells of stale air and smoke, "How old?"

She purses her lips together, "Not that much older, I'm seventeen he's just a little above that. But it works for us, he's got me a nice place and he loves me so that's nice." Her smile falters, you can tell something isn't right here but can't quite place your finger on it.

Ava keeps silent for the rest of the trek upstairs until she leads you down a long hallway to a tall white door reading A8 on the front, a small glass porthole in the center. She gets her keys out, "Try not to touch anything, he doesn't like messes okay? Just uh, follow me okay, he might have a friend here."

"Alright then. Proceed." She gives a little nod before unlocking the door and opening it up to reveal a large apartment as clean as a button, with the exception of a few tall thin glass bottles empty of all liquid laying on the short glass table in the lounging area. A large screen is on showcasing something of little importance to you.

Ava sets the groceries on the kitchen counter before racing over to the short table, "Oh sorry about the mess, please just set the waters down by the trash can. Give me a moment." You look down to find a tall thin metal can, doesn't look like a trash can but you set the three cases of water down anyways.

Standing in the middle of her kitchen she hastily rushes in to drop the bottles in the trash can, "I'll put the stuff away, do you-do you want anything?"

"Whatever gives me enough strength to continue on my journey."

"Right. Yeah okay uh we got," She opens up the fridge, "we got some burritos from last night. And fruit....a lot of beer....you don't want that. Here, I'll heat this up for you okay." She shuts the fridge and takes the assumed burrito to another square object hanging from the wall. She pops open the door before placing the food inside and shutting it.

She turns it on. "What is that device?" You ask a sit makes a strange vacuum sound.

She raises a brow, "A microwave." Voice on the tinge of humor, the microwave beeps and she soon opens it back up. "Here ya go! It's a day old so don't worry, still fresh."

She hands it to you, you look down at the warm thing wrapped in a brown paper, "Appreciated."

Your meal is well received and admittedly pretty delicious, once finished do you walk over to the giant glass window to have a look outside, you can see the tops of many trees and farther away across the greenery lays a city just as Ava had spoken of.

Maybe the Ancient One resides somewhere in there, hidden, but within the ginormous labyrinth of steel, cement, and glass. Farther down the hallway a door swings open and the pattering of bare feet is heard walking down the tiled floors of shiny white. This place really is clean, like a small palace for the mortals.

The man stops at the end of the halls archway though you don't care to look at him, "Ava who's the bitch over there? I thought Jed wasn't buying anymore for a few weeks." Whispers the man to the kind woman, Ava, who stands frozen in the kitchen.

You immediately don't like him, but stay your ground to listen, she whispers back, "She's a friend. Needed somewhere to stay for a day or so."

He walks over to her, "He's gonna be pissed when he sees your new friend here. If she's not here to sell, get her the fuck out before your man comes home tonight."

"Tonight?"

"Yeah tonight. His trip to Vegas ended yesterday, he's on his way. Don't you know how time works?"

She shakes her head, "Guess I just forgot is all. I'll make sure she's gone."

He looks over to give you a proper once over, you can hear his heartbeat quicken, "Not too bad either. Nice ass, she looks good..real good, it's a damn shame she's not here to stay for the fun. I wouldn't mind a couple of rounds with her myself."

Your fists clench, you've had enough of this jabbering animal, "Oh really?" You turn around to watch as his eyes go wide when they take notice of the golden color of your irises, "What filth you spill off of that thing you call a mouth is repulsive and disgusting. Who are you may I ask?"

He quickly retains his swagger once again, he takes a step forward, "I'm Jed's right hand man, Antonio, I run this bitch when he's away and I don't like how you're talking to me."

"I'm not entirely fond of your existence. Leave us, I want to speak with Ava alone."

Antonio's face shows bewildered rejection, "Excuse me?"

You take a threatening step forward, "I don't believe my tongue slipped. You heard me correctly. Leave." He keeps still as a statue, mind still processing your words. Clearly no on had ever bothered to talk to him like this before.

He blinks and points a hand up for emphasis, "No whore tells me what I can and can't do in my own goddamn house!" He immediately rushes past Ava to grab something under the kitchen bar.

She gasps in surprise, "Tony no! Don't do this! Put it away she didn't mean it, she doesn't I swear! I swear!"

He walks back around to shove her into the couch, "Shut up." He throws up his arm to reveal a black hand held object that could be nothing else but a small gun, you stare at it in curiosity, expression interested and unfazed.

He doesn't like that, he tilts the gun at you angrily, "What's up now huh! You ain't telling me to do nothin' I run this fucker up in here! So you're gonna fuckin' listen to me you whore! I'll fu.." Antonio's body stiffens, his eyes go wide as saucers when he realizes he's not able to move, not able to speak.

Hands kept to your sides, you curl the fingers of your right hand to bloodbend this imbecile. Moving this hand to the right, Antonio's grasp is forced open and the gun clatters to the floor. "What are you doing!?" Shouts Ava fearfully.

"Teaching a dog a lesson."

Curling the fingers of your other hand, Antonio is forced to walk in staggered painful steps across the carpet at your will, Ava gasps in fright as she watches your little horror show. "Men don't treat their people like animals, you want to act like a beast. Then you'll be one."

His throat makes a dry crackly sound as he tries to scream when you move your hands to orchestrate a new action, Antonio is forced to his knees where he crawls like a dog across the clean carpet. A frightened man he becomes, his movements choppy and forced, body awkward and stiff as he moves on all fours. Proud of your work, you walk over to the man and crouch down to reach his level, "You see, the universe has created us all for a reason. Whether we are powerful or not, that control we have can be taken as it can be given."

He mumbles a reply that cannot be heard properly even by your hears.

"You know of your power?" He shakes his head as you smirk, "Your strength is built from fear and hatred. That is no way to find your place in the world, that is how tyrants lead."

Drool runs down the side of his mouth as his eyes look up to you pleadingly. "Stop it! You're hurting him!" Shouts Ava.

You give Antonio a pitiful look, "I know. And this creature deserves more then I'm willing him to do, but because you've gained my respect. I will release him." Standing, you flick your hands and Antonio is released from your trance. He coughs and sputters in a curled up heap on the floor like a beaten old dog.

"Pathetic." You mutter dryly as Ava breaths heavily from the couch.

"Wh-what are you?" She whispers, "Are you a witch?"

"No. But I am someone who is done with this place." You give her a respectful tilt of your head, "Ava, I thank you for your hospitality, but I must leave." She watches as you take one last look around the room before walking towards the closed door. Turning the handle you're prepared to exit when she screams. "Antonio no!"

Boom!

The bullet stops three inches from the back of your head, whipping around to face your assailant, he fires two more rounds as you halt the bullets in their tracks. He registers what's happening and quickly chooses to pull the trigger again. As a plethora of steel flies your way, you raise an open palm that causes them all to freeze in place.

The room goes deathly silent before Antonio takes a single step and you've sent all five bullets straight through his vulnerable flesh. Blood flies across the walls as he slumps to the ground while Ava gasps in terror, too afraid to make a sound.

You frown, gaze set on Ava, "I'm sorry I had to do this in front of you. He gave me no choice, but I think this loss will not be mourned over." Your golden eyes flicker back down at the bullet ridden body, "A quick death is more then he deserved. So long Ava, be brave."

The door opens.

"What the fuck happened here?!" Speaks a man most certainly in his late thirties as he sets something on the ground, "Who's this bitch?"

Ava's expression shifts to fear as you let out a tired sigh, eyes set to the man you know as Jed, "An old friend." ——

Crouched down by a river, you rub off flecks of blood that dissipate into the murky water like forgotten memories. You just wanted to eat and rest a while as you gathered your thoughts. But here you are, you've killed two humans and have damaged a couple busses in the process of it all. Not to mention that one car the other night...at least that man kept his life.

This realm is complicated and busy, there's not enough wilderness to hide in and there are certainly too many prying eyes that can catch you with their small square devices easier then you'd like. Thankfully Ava had not seen your rampage on the internet so she wasn't able to instantly recognize you. Then again you weren't wearing your armor.

However your eye color certainly doesn't aid you in finding a way into the city close by, that's still too far for your liking, people will undoubtedly stare. At this point you don't trust a single soul, and anyone close enough to see your face would most likely report you to the authorities in an instant.

Your goal has been thwarted one too many times and that shit does not fly with you one bit. Find the Ancient One, have her open a portal to your realm, and from there kick your brothers ass. It's all very simple, well at least it should be. Stupid Midgardians.

Hrrrrr Hrrrrrrrr! A loud horn blares from within the woods to your back right, twisting around and standing at attention, your fists emit flame when a huge lumbering mass of metal rolls through the trees practically making the ground shake.

It sounds like a tiny thunderstorm, you've never seen anything like it except for when you where in Norway but that vehicle was significantly smaller and less loud. "God this place is insufferable." You mutter, annoyed by the less then peaceful atmosphere of Midgard.

So far you've evaded the watchful eyes of the Avengers for the past three days and have gotten nowhere on your quest for vengeance. And now this thing just adds to your stirred up pot of frustration.

Taking a breath, you decide to wander through the trees until you've found the tracks where that metal vessel was drawing its power from, oddly enough the steel bars attached to plates of wood does not give off energy. Strange.

Figuring it must be the vehicle itself, you sway your mind from pondering the idea as your thoughts drift to that of home and the necklace hidden around your neck. This valued object was your dying mother's, a heirloom of your linage, and a damn powerful piece of jewelry.

But your brother and his wicked ideas, he wanted to use it for his grant thoughts of tyranny and power over the nine realms. A fool, no one could ever claim such a feat, no place needs rules like such from one being calling all the shots. It's madness.

It's insane.

Shaking your head, you keep following down the tracks as you listen to the sounds of cars in the far off distance. Birds chirp and flutter by while minding their business in the forest, although you could have sworn you heard a soft thud in the dirt behind you. A shuffle of stones maybe?

A deer perhaps? No, this is no deer; halting your trek to the city, you place your hands upon your hips before slowly turning around, "I'd expected as much. You are a clever man after all....Bucky."

The dark haired man greets you with a shy grin as he stands there off to the side of the tracks, dressed in casual attire like that when you saw him in Norway. He seems genuinely happy to see you, "I wish I could stay away." Replies Bucky in a playful tone, "But you've killed two human traffickers and I gotta make sure you don't hurt anyone else. Even if they deserve it."

You scoff, "I could end your life right now if I wanted to, kill all your friends next and then burn this world to ash and dust trying to get what I want. No matter the cowards I've killed."

He shrugs, "That sounds harsh. I'd rather you didn't actually, kinda like being alive." He's such a smartass in the best way, yet you hold back a smile to keep your noble aurora about you.

"Fair point I suppose. This Earth may be greatly flawed, but I have no qualms with the people here but that of my own business."

"Right. Your own business, finding the Ancient One and dealing with your brother and all that stuff." Nods Bucky, "Y/N, you know we could help you..."

"I don't need it! I'll find my way through this planet myself.  Alone!" You shout, causing the trees to creak and moan from a surplus of wind that blows Bucky's hair about. He knows what you're capable of, but he has to try and persuade you anyways.

He looks almost apprehensive to approach you, "Y/N please. I know we all got off on the wrong foot, probably by a lot. But my friends are good people, we want to help you find what you're looking for. I promise you that." Says Bucky with a pleading look, "No lies. I promise."

You give him a conflicted glare as you think of your options; he found you somehow, he legitimately wants to help, and you desperately need a way off this damn planet. Maybe they do know a way, maybe they'll actually be able to help you, maybe Bucky is truthful?

He goes to take a step forward when you throw a hand out, "Stop." He keeps still as you take a breath, "Bucky, you give me your word?"

"I do."

"Promise!"

Raising his hands up, he gives you a sincere look, "I promise Y/N."

Taking a long moment to think over his words, you finally nod, "Good." He watches as you walk across the tracks until you're within a couple feet of him, he swallows, unsure if you might have just lied and are about to set him on fire. Instead he's relieved when you gift him a tight lipped grin, "Fine then, let us leave this place."

"Awesome.....yeah, okay good...well I'm parked back that way. We can just walk on the tracks instead of through the woods. Easier that way." He takes a couple steps back the way you came, when you don't move does Bucky stop and reach a hand out for you to take, "I'm not going to hurt you Y/N, I promised I'd help you remember?"

"I haven't forgotten." You quickly answer him.

"Good because I intend to keep it." He smiles softly, beautiful stormy blues focused all on you with a gloved hand ready for you to take.

You shake your head before walking past him, "Fine but I'm not shaking your hand."

Bucky chuckles to himself as he watches you practically swagger down the side of the tracks away from him. Quickly does he break from his staring trance to jog over to your side. The two of you walk for a little ways in complete silence until you glance over at him when your curiosity gets the better of you. There's just one tiny question you still need answered, "Well, how'd you find me?"

Bucky holds back a grin, "Your pocket." He points down towards your jackets pocket. Giving him a look of confusion, you reach down and feel inside for whatever he's on about, suddenly your fingers touch something round and metal attached to the inside wall.

Taking a hold of this odd device, you tug it loose before bringing your hand into the open, "What the hell is this?" You ask.

Bucky reaches out to take the object from you, he holds it up, "This. Is a tracker."

"That thing? It's like a thick coin, how does it manage to do such a feat?"

"Technology, radio waves. It's not my design, but with it I was able to follow where you went. Granted you're more elusive with your traveling then I'd first realized, but it did it's job...and now I'm here."

"Yes, now you're here. Maybe you really are braver then I first thought, or just a plain fool. I could have stuck to my word and killed you." You snap your fingers, "Just like that."

He chuckles, "I had a feeling you wouldn't."

"Oh really? What made you assume I would be merciful?"

"When we met for the first time in Norway, and later at the base. You didn't hurt me, well I guess I should say you didn't try and squeeze the life out of me. Or set me on fire.."

"I set your jacket on fire." You point out as he smiles.

"You did. I liked that jacket too." Muses Bucky, "Still, you let me live both times. Even let my friends live too, Y/N, I don't think you're so bad at all."

You hum in thought, "Your words are kind and humbling. But I do not feel worthy of such claims." He has no idea who you are, what you've done. So much he doesn't know.

Bucky frowns, "Why not?"

"I have done nothing but add more chaos to this realm with my existence here, I have been betrayed and for that I was filled with rage taken out on innocent people living their lives. I want to be worthy of what you say I am, but I am not." His heart hurts at your valiantly honest words, if only he could understand completely.

"Believe me Y/N, you aren't nearly as bad as you think you are. There's been way worse people throughout history here before you ever showed up."

"I believe your words though my personal occurrence's chance to lessen these people compared to what I have done centuries ago. Do not misinterpret all of what I speak, I understand there are always beings harming others for their own sick pleasure, however I did not frighten for enjoyment. Quite the opposite."

He could just about give up his metal arm forever just to know what the hell you're talking about. What kind of life did you live before all of this? Bucky soon takes out a small square device with his one gloved hand, "I trust your word on that. And hopefully we're able to help you...I just gotta get us a ride out of here first." He turns on a black screen and slides his finger across to unlock, "I have where I parked pin pointed via another tracker."

"You don't recall where you've come from?"

"Yeah, I mean no..no, I do remember the direction I came in, it's just I was running so fast to find you I forget exactly where my car is. Don't worry this will only take a moment."

Holding back a grin at the way he muddles around on that screen of his, you divert your gaze elsewhere to look around at the trees and other various greenery spread about as usual on a planet such as this one. It's fascinating, almost like that of your home world in Vanaheim. How you miss that place. The vast mountains spread throughout the landscape, huge lumbering trees taller then the cellphone towers you've passed, and great skies of blue where dragons fly at will.

Suddenly a stick cracks in the trees to your right, you turn while Bucky pays little attention, a crow flies out and into the blue sky it goes. Easy now, just a bird, nothing more. The wind picks up for a second and you can almost catch the scent of sulfur when a ball of fire erupts from the trees ready to kill.

The spherical flame screams towards you and Bucky, who's by now dropped his phone onto the tracks, "Y/N watch out!" He shouts fearfully, hand gripping onto your shoulder as you keep a strong fearless stance to the approaching flame.

Throwing a hand out, you divert the ball into the gravel where it bursts like a small firework, rocks flying everywhere as you stand at the ready for whatever happens next. "Y/N! What the hell was that!" Shouts Bucky.

"A scout. I think one of my brother's loyalists found me."

"A scou..." Another ball of flame soars towards the two of you and then another right behind it as you maneuver your body to deflect each of them in quick succession when out of the scorched trees does a smirking woman reveal herself. Her smile is proud and wicked, taller then Bucky she stands and impeccably strong she appears.

She wears armor closely resembling your own, but instead of blues, silver, and white. Her armor is black and red, silver replaced with shimmering obsidian as she walks into the evening light. Her eyes flicker gold like your own, she tilts her head at you, "Princess Y/N of Vanaheim. An honor to meet you, truly." She bows with mockery, you immediately despise her.

"What dog is this who speaks to me?"

She grimaces, "Aüla, master of flame, Phoenix of Vanaheim, I am here to bring what stolen jewelry lays upon your neck. What belongs to King Leyondros." She points a sharp nailed finger to your neck, "That, is a house Lavpranthus family heirloom."

"You think I was born yesterday? That incompetent tyrant who dare claim himself as king does not deserve what treasure I possess. He is barely a brother to me now, and you, what business do you serve?"

She smirks, gifting Bucky with a wink as she wiggles her fingers with flame, "He's sent his best out to find your whereabouts since he's exiled you. I just happened to be lucky enough to land on Midgard where wouldn't you know it, here keeps the banished Princess herself. I couldn't be more fortunate." She opens up her palm like a needy child, "Now Y/N, the object I so desire."

"You will die trying."

She holds up a threatening fist of hot flame, "I will be bathed in riches! I will be loved! King Leyondros will welcome his champion with open arms as I present him with the necklace stolen by his traitor sister! With grand tidings of her annihilation!"

You share a dark look with Aüle as you step in front of Bucky, "I do not care to know what bargaining from the beasts of this realm you made to find me. And I certainly do not care for the false promises my brother has warped into your mind, you cannot take my life and you cannot have this necklace."

She calls flame into both hands, "Then I'll take it off your burnt corpse!" She thrusts her hands forward causing a burst of hot orange flames to shoot like dragon fire straight for yourself and Bucky.

Anticipating this action, you create a wall of your own fire that shatters her advances, you turn to the wide eyed brunette, "Bucky forgive me for not handling this sooner. I hadn't realized she was here."

"It's fine." Mumbles Bucky, chest rising and falling with heavy breaths as he stares fearfully at the angry woman spewing fire at you still.

Focused back on Aüla, she suddenly begins creating whips of flame that crack and slash at the air. She throws a whip towards Bucky but you're able to deflect it easily, in retaliation of her advances, you thrust a burst of dusty wind knocking her backwards.

She tumbles across the gravel like a discarded sack of potatoes, jumping gracefully down from the high point of the tracks, you land nearby this hellfire spawn who staggers to her feet. Rubbing the dust from out of her eyes, she coughs, "Foul play Princess, I should have guessed you'd cheap shot."

"You still believe you're leaving here with my necklace?"

Leaving her charcoal stained eyes be, she opens her palms to flame, "Well I certainly don't intend on perishing at your hand. I will get what I came for."

You throw a quizzical look, is she insane? Not wanting to ponder her mental stability, you use the gravel to crawl it up to her knees where it fuses and roots itself into the ground, she flails her arms trying to regain balance. Angered by this, Aüla clenches her fists, tightly hugging them to her chest as she concentrates.

A small orange glow emits from the center of her chest before she screams while opening her arms to the sky and with that her whole body erupts with flame like that of a Phoenix reborn. Tree branches and leaves alike are burnt and singed nearby while her anchor is melted.  Aüla levitates freely now, body a mass of hot flames as she stares furiously down at you with eyes of black charcoal.

"Behold the Phoenix! Now you will obey by law of the one true king!" Fire is thrown like thin arrows towards your face, again, easily deflected into the gravel below.

She chuckles darkly, thrusting a hand of intense flame that causes you to fall backwards across the ground. Pushing yourself up by the pads of your hands, she takes this vulnerable moment to race after Bucky with wings of fire.

Face contorted like a melted candle, her arms open wide as she prepares to embrace Bucky to the flames. Jumping up, you bend your arms, moving them in opposite directions on a linear path to conjure some type of protection. Aüla slams into an enchanted force field of dark blues that sends her flailing backwards like a bursting firework.

Regaining her balance, she levitates, scowling in disgust, "You? Would protect this mortal man?"

Your gaze falls onto Bucky, he's standing there, expression fearful and wide as he looks at you desperately. You take a step forward, "I will."

"But why? He is nothing compared to you, to us, he's simply an insect on a leaf."

"He is someone who has showed me more kindness in the last couple days then some of my own people have in the past hundred years!" You shout furiously before using your magic to paralyze her like you did with Wanda and Vision.

She struggles to move but all efforts are unfruitful, "Do not! Don't. You. Dare!" She screams as you take another fearless step towards her, raising your hands in a beautiful fluid motion, her obsidian irises flash with terror.

"Aüla, Phoenix of Vanaheim, I admire your efforts and valor. But I am not so merciful when my life as been threatened, as someone of these nine realms with some type of authority still. I, Y/N Lavpranthus of Vanaheim, condemn you to die." Your golden eyes flash with a noble flair of judgment while your hands sway like subtle waves on a beach.

"No. No. Nooo..." Her screams are eradicated when a burst of water consumes her entire vessel, she sizzles and smokes as you draw the river water away to reveal nothing but discarded broken armor. She never even noticed you were doing this.

As a plethora of water dissipates into steam from where she once stood, more liquid fills through the cracks in the gravel while you slowly wander over to the dark spot stained onto the center tracks. Kneeling down, you pick up an obsidian gauntlet cracked down the middle curve. "Who was that?" Asks Bucky from behind you.

"One of my brothers scouts. His best fire-bender.." You study the intricate markings that dance like vines around the metalwork, "..a phoenix in human form."

There is a long pause before he asks, "Why are you being hunted Y/N?"

You sigh, head bowed to the earth, "It's a long story."

Bucky frowns down at you, he's not sure what to do, but he knows you're deeply troubled by whatever events have led you to this point. A comforting hand rests upon your shoulder, "You don't have to tell me now. But I think we should go."

Dropping the broken gauntlet onto the dark stained wood, you stand, "Perhaps you're right. Who knows what else lurks in the shadows waiting to pounce. I'd rather not have you injured on my behalf."

Bucky shares a lopsided grin, "Appreciated. Now come on, I know the way home." Directs Bucky as the two of you begin walking down the tracks for wherever he speaks of.

Maybe these people aren't as bad as you'd first thought, unfortunately there are still evils that are desperate to find you. Until that time comes again.

-

Tagged:  @buckylokisimp​ @diegos-butt​ @minigranger​ @bibliophilewednesday​ @holyhumorliteraturelight​ @lilacs-lavender​  @a-girl-who-loves-disney​ @bizarrebibitch​ @starkssnarks​ @vikingqueen28​ @jmstz​ @thehornytitties​ @staygoldsquatchling02​ @cleverzonkwombatsludge​ @mischiefmanaged71​​ @noragracebrewer​   @atomicpersonacheesecake  @thescarlettvvitch @shawnartmendes​

[ravennm84]

Serafina II

Part 1     Part 3

The 2nd installment of the “Marinette’s Haunted Doll” series. I was seriously shocked by how much response I got from part one, so I hope this lives up to your expectations. Blood, gore, and death are coming, along with some mental freak-outs. You have been warned. 

Part II

Despite wanting to stay with Marinette to comfort the girl after the tearful apologies by Mylene and Ivan, Serafina couldn’t return until her work was finished. There was still much to do and people to punish. 

She arrived early with Mylene, which allowed her to observe the others that entered the classroom. Kim had returned to school that day in a wheelchair. The cast on his leg went up to his waist and the one on his arm went up to his bicep. His face and exposed skin were covered in bruises and his right eye looked like it had blood in it. 

“How are you feeling, dude?” Nino asked him as he entered alongside Adrien.

“Really sore,” the boy admitted. “Doctors had to reset my leg at the knee and said that my arm was a three piece offset fracture, so they had to use screws to put it back in place. Other than that; had a concussion, a lot of bruises, and a couple cuts; but no internal bleeding or ruptured organs. They said after a few months and some physical therapy, I should be as good as new.”

Nino gave him a solemn nod. “Glad to hear you’re going to be okay, dude.”

Kim’s expression dropped a bit. “I heard about Alya, I’m really sorry, man.”

The boy lowered his head while Adrien patted his back. “I really… I can’t believe she’s gone because of some freak accident. It makes no sense!” Nino jumped to his feet and started pacing as more students filed in. “I mean, she wasn’t supposed to die like that! Getting caught up in an akuma battle, childhood disease, there would be a reason for that! But that was just pointless!”

Mme. Bustier did attempt to calm him down, but her kind words fell on deaf ears before he grabbed his bag and left the room. No one could blame him, and only Adrien followed to make sure he would be alright, and to make sure he wasn’t akumatized.

Lila came in not long after with a curious bag in her hands. Serafina watched the liar as she looked around the room. She had a feeling that the liar would try something after her last attempt to frame Marinette had failed. When the girl tried speaking to Mylene, the doll was proud to see the girl refuse to acknowledge her as she continued to speak with Rose and Juleka. When it was clear that she was being ignored, she tried speaking to Ivan, only for him to give her a harsh glare that had her shuffling backwards. With Max and Alix still at the hospital and Adrien not in the room, that left her with Sabrina. The redhead had been sitting alone at the front of the room since Chloe had transferred schools after the Miracle Queen incident.

“Hi Sabrina, how are you doing?”

The girl smiled up at the italian, glad to still have a friend. “I’m doing okay, at least a lot better than a lot of our class. I heard Max lost sight in his one eye from the chemicals and Alix might have to have cosmetic surgery to get her face back to normal. At least Kim might be back to normal in a few months after going through physical therapy. But Alya…”

Lila faked her tears at the mention of her lost follower. She was really more annoyed than sad, Alya was easily manipulated, went along with everything she said, and Lila had been able to use her blog to build up her popularity. And the girl had been a decent attack dog, just point her at someone and off she went. Now that she was dead, maybe she could turn Sabrina into her new lead follower, she was already partially trained and it wasn’t like the blonde bitch was around anymore.

“I know, it’s so terrible. She was my first friend when I moved here, it’ll be so hard without her,” she faked a few more tears. And just like that, Sabrina took her hand in comfort and said a bunch of soothing words while she continued to fake cry. 

After a moment, Lila placed the bag she’d been holding on the desk and pushed it away from her, making sure the action caught Sabrina’s attention. “What’s that?”

Lila fake sobbed even harder, hiding her face in her hands. “Ma-Marinette, she-she said it was m-my fault that Alya’s dead. She practically threw that bag at me and said to use it,” she said before breaking down in more fake sobs.

Carefully opening the bag, she gasped when she saw it was full of razor blades and a couple of kitchen knives. Sure, she knew that Marinette didn’t get along with Lila, but to actually give this to her and tell her to ‘use it’? How could she be so cruel?

Serafina scowled as the red head hugged the liar and promised her that she would take care of it. Her anger erupted as Sabrina stood from her desk with the bag in hand, and began walking towards Mme. Bustier’s desk. The girl didn't take two steps before tripping over nothing and falling onto her side. Luckily, she did not land on the bag. Unluckily, she gripped it too tight and the impact forced the knives and razors through the bag and deep into her hands.

The girl screamed and cried as blood rushed out of the wounds and down into her sleeves. She begged Lila to help her, but the italian backed away from the girl in shock. Mme. Bustier gripped her head between her hands and began saying “not again, not again” before running out of the room. The only ones that helped her were Juleka, Rose and Ivan; the smaller girl sprinting off to alert the nurse and the principal, while Juleka and Ivan got Sabrina to her feet. Ivan kept the girl upright and moving out the door while Juleka held the girl’s hands above the level of her heart to keep her from bleeding too much.

Those left in the classroom were in shock as they stared at either the door or at the blood staining the floor. No one said anything for a long time, not even Lila. She hadn’t thought anyone would get hurt. She just thought she would get Marinette suspended and everyone would be on her side again. Adrien returned before the others, completely shocked when he saw the blood and Kim explained to him what had happened. The blonde sent a scathing look at Lila but said nothing.

It was a while later before Rose, Ivan, and Juleka returned to class, along with M. Rupere. He informed them that their classes were cancelled for today. “After everything that has occurred this week, I’ve decided that all of you will be meeting with the counselor today. He will decide if more sessions are necessary and for who, but his door and mine are open if you need to talk. M. Deveraux will come to speak with you one at a time. Kim Le Chien, he had requested to speak with you first. Mlle. Rossi,” he looked sternly at the girl, “would you please follow me, we need to talk about the incident with Sabrina Raincomprix.”

Serafina smiled as the liar trudged out of the room after the man. She was satisfied with Sabrina’s punishment and doubted if Mme. Bustier would last another day before having a total mental breakdown. She also knew that Lila would be in even more trouble after M. Rupere looked into the girl a bit more. But just to make sure, Serafina touched her on the way out. To most people, that would do nothing; but to someone like Lila, it would cause her to become more and more unhinged until she did something drastic. Very soon, Lila would be out of the picture and those deserving of punishment will have paid their debts.

~oOo~

It was more difficult sneaking home with Adrien than she had expected, especially with the tiny god of Chaos and Destruction in his bag. Plagg was his name, and he was very defensive of his kitten and had threatened to cataclysm her. Serafina told him that she would not purposefully harm his ‘kitten’, but there was something she had to take care of at the Agreste Mansion. The doll had long suspected that Gabriel Agreste is Hawkmoth and she was going to find out tonight if it was true. Plagg was reluctant to agree since it would hurt Adrien; but if it was true, they had to put an end to it.

After arriving at the mansion, Plagg easily convinced the boy to sneak out and check on Nino. After he left, Serafina sensed something on Adrien’s desk. Being an enchanted/haunted object, she could sense other objects like herself… such as Miraculous jewels. And right there on the desk was a pin shaped like a peacock, one of the jewels that had been missing and used by Mayura. If there had been any doubts before about who had been terrorizing Marinette, they were gone. 

Tucking the pin into her small outfit, she began to search the building, starting with Gabriel’s office. She had expected the man to be present, but he was missing. And given that Hawkmoth was a very active user, she had no doubt that he kept his jewel on him at all times. So, she waited.

It was about an hour later that Gabriel Agrest entered the room, and not from the door Serafina had expected. The man had a secret entry in the floor in front of a portrait of a woman. He was muttering on knowing better than to use Bubbler again, but that the negative emotions had been too strong to ignore. She also saw the purple kwami hovering over his shoulder, but the creature stopped when it sensed her. Gabriel strode out of the room, barely noticing that Nooroo had stayed behind and flew over to the doll hiding behind the desk.

“What are you doing here? If the Master finds you, he will destroy you.” The kwami said with worry.

The doll conveyed that she knew that his master was Hawkmoth, just as her human was Ladybug. She was here to protect her and return the butterfly and peacock miraculous to their rightful place. Also knowing that Gabriel had become too corrupted for his miraculous.

“I’ve tried to tell him that the wish would be dangerous,” Nooroo told her with downcast eyes. “He wants to make a wish to revive his wife, but he doesn’t realize that the cost would be to put Adrien, someone he loves equally as much as Emilie, into the same state of death. She isn’t even truly alive anymore, her body only lives because of the machine she is in.”

An idea spawned in Serafina’s thoughts and she barely kept herself from smiling. She asked Nooroo to help her activate the secret passage so she could get to his wife, but the little kwami shook his head. “Even if I could get you down there, the motion sensors would trip and he would attack you.”

Smiling this time, Serafina promised the little god that Gabriel would not attack her. That she would make sure that Adrien would be safe and the two kwami’s would go to their rightful place. All he had to do was help her open the door. Although reluctant and slightly scared, the little god opened the door, hoping that the nightmare would finally end. 

Down in the lair, the doll saw the mechanical coffin placed in the center of the room and went to it. The motion sensors caught her quickly, but she had been planning on moving fast anyway. Opening the coffin, she settled herself into the woman’s arms. Nooroo had been right, Serafina could sense that the woman’s soul had departed from her body a while ago and it was only the machine that was keeping her body alive. With no other soul to contend with, this would make what she was about to do next all the easier.

Nathalie had called to alert him the moment the alarms went off in the lair while she and Simone were out on an errand. He was moving faster than he could remember with Nooroo following close behind. Gabriel transformed on the way down, prepared to attack whoever had stumbled in, but his breath caught in his throat halfway down when he got a good view of the room. 

The coffin was empty.

Rushing forward, he began frantically searching the room for his wife, calling her name. He turned to rush back upstairs and froze. Standing behind him, looking dazed, was his wife. Her eyes were unfocused and her arms were hugging her middle, but it was her. Dropping his transformation, Gabriel cautiously approached her and she flinched back from him. It took a few minutes and a lot of gentle coaxing before he was able to wrap an arm around her shoulders and lead her to the elevator. When they got to his office, he watched her carefully as she began walking around the room. He wanted her to sit down and rest, but he was still in shock that she was awake and standing in front of him.

Eventually, her green eyes met his. “Where’s Adrien?”

“I… I don’t know, he should be up in his room.”

Emilie’s head tilted slightly, her eyes searching his. “What have you done? Did you make the wish?”

“No, my love. I was going to when I got the jewels, but Ladybug and Chat Noir evaded me.”

Tears grew in her eyes as she continued to stare at him. “You tried to make the wish? Knowing that it would have cost our son’s life?” 

Gabriel froze. He hadn’t known that wishing Emilie to come back would cost Adrien’s… but Nooroo had tried to tell him. He remembered the kwami trying to tell him about the cost and he had forced him to not speak. “I’m sorry, Emilie. I didn’t-”

“You knew,” she interrupted, her voice lacking any emotion as she continued to stare at him. “You knew from the beginning that what you were doing was wrong, evil. You chose to ignore what it would cost.”

“Emilie, my love, please don’t say such things,” Gabriel begged as he rushed forward to wrap his arms around her. “All I have wanted since the day I lost you, was to hold you in my arms again and hear your voice. I was lost without you and was willing to go to the ends of the earth to bring you back. Is that so wrong?”

He had just barely met her eyes when he felt the twin pains in his arms. Jumping back, he looked down to see both wrists had been cut deeply with a pair of his fabric cutting scissors. Blood was draining from the wounds at an alarming rate. His hands were shaking and he was already feeling light headed as he grabbed a handful for fabric from his work table in an attempt to slow the blood. He wanted to call out for help, but they were alone. 

His eyes grew hazed as he looked to Emilie, surprised that she was staring at him with such contempt. “I know what you’ve been doing while I was in that coffin. Tormenting the city and people I love, isolating our son and treating him like a burden. If you had ever succeeded in getting the Cat and Ladybug miraculous, it would have destroyed Paris. But you didn’t care. As you said, all you cared about was hearing my voice and holding me in your arms. Congratulations, your wish came true, and you will be the one to pay the price. Not Adrien.”

His legs gave out from under him as the fabrics dripped from the excess blood. He couldn’t understand how this had happened, Emilie would have never done something like this… but was this really her? With his vision fading, he took a hard look at his wife, only now noticing the dullness of her eyes, the greying pallor of her skin, and the fact that she only seemed to breathe when she spoke… “Who are you?”

Her head tilted again, the corner of her mouth lifting slightly. “Serafina. Quite astute of you to figure that out in your state. Your wife’s soul passed on a long time ago, all you have been doing is preserving a corpse. And I was telling the truth; even if you had made the wish, it would have cost Adrien his life.” Her hand shot forward, removing the butterfly miraculous before he could stop her. “Your actions have hurt someone close to me and I could no longer stand back and allow it to happen.”

She stood, walking to his desk to pull out a piece of paper and writing something down before neatly folding it and leaving it on his desk.

“Wh… What…”

“You just wrote a letter to Adrien; admitting what happened to his mother, that you were Hawkmoth, and the reason why you did what you did.” She said calmly before looking back at him. “Whether he tells the rest of the world is up to him. As for the miraculous, I will give him a chance at redemption. Though if he should fail, you may be seeing him sooner rather than later. Either way, they will soon be back where they belong, with the guardian. And you, good sir, have just committed suicide after bringing your wife’s body upstairs, so you would be able to hold her in your arms as you died.”

Unable to sit upright anymore, Gabriel barely felt his body collapse to the floor. He was hardly aware of Emilie lifting one of his arms to tuck her body to his side. The last thing he was aware of was something that he swore would haunt him in the afterlife; a porcelain doll emerging from the folds of her clothes and standing beside them. It stood there on its own, watching him until he could no longer keep his eyes open and he took his final breath.

Taglist (even longer):

@themagicmistic​ @andromeda612​ @ramos123​ @t1dwarrior-of-earth​ @justanotherweirdo277​ @irisfox​ @thestrangestofthemall​ @plz-excuse-my-inner-ravenclaw​ @certainmuffinbagelcalzone​ @the-fandom-girl @wisecolorthing @mewwitch​ @luxurioushellgirl97​ @seraphichana @fantasiame​ @whydoexamsexist​ @wispyrainbow​ @legodetectivemalsblog​ @kindasoundslikealien​ @shadowangelreborn​ @kazedancer @unmaskedagain​ @7-sage-7​ @irontimetravelflower​ @ghostmaster83​ @izang​ @ulmban​ @plushbookworm​ @corabeth11​ @darkened-flame​ @caffeinetheory​ @iamablinkmarvelarmy​ @raiderofthelostbooks​ @cheshire5210 @chocolateherringtacofan​ @city-of-all-tunas​ @aadnrsstar​ @kitten12113​ @interobanginyourmom​ @pandacatxd​ @nerd-nowandforever​ @jesussavedevenme​ @zoiechance​ @the-smallest-kittenz @wonderbat91939​ @maskedpainter​ @tazer6787​ @that-girl-sakea @seesea22​ @with-forward-motion​ @ola-is-dead​ @thecrazyfantrollshasmoved @bayball​ @2confused-2doanything​ @queen-in-a-flower-crown​ @sabrina1414 @ceres-zephyr​ @if-you-give-a-chat-a-cookie​ @zalladane​ @tails-and-scales​ @rumbelle18​ @sam-spectra​ @collegefae​ @pale-lady-dreamer​ @animegirlweeb​ @evaraux @consumeconstantly​ @iz-bell-saiah​ @puspa-san​ @wishing-to-be-a-fictional-chara​ @sassakitty​ @miraculous-ninja​ @fandom-trapped-03​ @idontfuking​ @sillyfishrubberducky​ @anonymousreviewer-t​ @i-am-fallen-angel​ @zotinha456​ @throneoffirebreathingbitchqueen​ @chocolatecatstheron​ @crypticsabbat @startouchedqueen1318 @para-dox-normal​ @marinettepotterandplagg​ @incredulous-reader​ @professionalfangirl1738​ @fangirlnerd001​ @redscarlet95​ @sixtyeightdays​ @iamtotalfandomtrash​ @tazanna-blythe​ @animehime94​ @mysticsoulgirl​ @miraculouspenta​ @local-witch-of-mn​ @roseinbloom02​ @senpaiweird​ @iggy-of-fans​ @tropestropestropes​ @sleep-deprived-aroace​ @comteqfr @neromerp13​ @prudencerika​ @galaxylightmoon @c-s-stars @spartanxhunterx @shadowhex99 @abrx2002 @lunartaravlar @theymakeupfairies @myazael @wannajointhecrabcult @some-weird-multifandom-girl @marvel--unsolved @kuroko26 @mcheang @nach0ava @syrencall @mexicantttt @insomniac-nerd-posts-things @enchanted-nerd @actual-disaster-human @mashmallow619 @clumsy-owl-4178 @hollowwisteria @kanamexzeroyaoifangirl @fandom-trapped-03 @lunataravlar @lady-phoenix-of-tardis @tishwinchesterannabethjackson @mariposa-macaroon @starlightshield @255940g

[just-dreaming-marvel]

Love and Medicine ~ 14

MASTERLIST

< previous chapter

Word Count: 5,000ish

Summary: Just another day at the medical center, right? (Based off Grey’s Anatomy)

Heading back into the hospital, you went straight for Natasha’s room. The other interns were already in there, surrounding her bed.

“Hey,” you smiled, walking over to her. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay,” she responded. “I’m okay.”

You grabbed her hand and gave it a slight squeeze. She needed to know that you were there for her, but you weren’t going to push her into talking about something she wasn’t ready to talk about.

~~~

You slammed down a shot, needing to feel the alcohol rush down your throat. 

“How was Nat when you left, Scott?” Val asked, bringing more drinks over.

“She said she was okay, again,” he responded with a slight shrug.

“Nobody goes what she went through and is totally over it by now.”

“Natasha can.”

“She’s fine,” you added, taking another shot.

“Too fine,” Val said. “She’s cold.”

“No, she’s hardcore,” Clint said. “She’s got ice in her veins. She does what she has to do to get through it.”

“She lost a baby. She lost a fallopian tube and she’s acting like she doesn’t even care. She’s acting like she has no emotions or warmth, like she’s missing a soul.”

“She’s gonna make a great surgeon.”

“Clint!”

“It’s true. You show no weakness, you make it to the top.”

“Some people just keep their feelings to themselves,” you commented.

Your eyes were on the door, where Steve had just walked in. If he noticed you, he didn’t make it noticeable. You watched as he walked over to the bar and sat beside Gamora. Steve ordered a drink from Happy before talking to Gamora. Too bad you were too far away to hear them.

“Y/N kissed me,” Steve told Gamora. “Peggy kissed me… My wife and my girlfriend kissed me on the same day.”

“Happy, do I look friend to you?” Gamora asked.

“Oh, you’re a tiny little kitten of joy and love,” Happy responded, only for Gamora to make a face. “What? He saved my life.”

“His first mistake.” She took a sip of her drink. “Captain McDreamy, go sit by someone who cares.”

“Oh gee,” Steve mocks hurt, but doesn’t make a move to go. “Everything’s gonna be fine. Peggy will leave. Y/N and I will start over. Everything’s gonna be fine. Right?”

“You are so damn stupid.”

~~~

“With Natasha out, I need everyone focused today,” Gamora told her group of interns as you all headed off to rounds. “I have a feeling it’s gonna be be one of those days and since we’re short an intern, you do not want to get on my bad side.”

“When are we not on her bad side?” You whispered to Clint.

“Speak for yourself,” he replied with a scoff. “Scott and I are her favorites.”

The group walked into their first patients room. The woman was sitting on the bed, enthralling a group of hospital workers with a tell.

“So we're in the middle of the Belizean jungle and this jaguarondi jumps out and bites one of the guides,” the woman says. “They all look at me. They're yelling, "You're a doctor, help him!" This is one time a PhD does no good.” The people laugh.

“Sorry,” Gamora interrupted, “did I miss the memo about social hour?” Everyone quickly began leaving besides your group.

“Tales of missionary life,” the woman explained.

“You’re a missionary?” Val asked.

“No, my parents. We traveled a lot. Well, they still do.”

“Lang, tell me about our patient,” Gamora ordered.

“Okay, um, this is Dr. Banner’s patient, Talya,” Scott explained. “She, uh, presents with multiple syncopal episodes and ventricular arrhythmias.”

“So you’ve been passing out?” Gamora asked.

“Yeah,” Talya confirmed, “and having palpitations.”

“Talya has past medical history of rheumatic heart disease with mitral valve stenosis,” Scott added.

“They had to ship me from Zambia to the States for 3 months of treatment when I was 8,” Tayla said. “Rheumatic fever almost killed me.”

“Someone please tell me what the primary causes of ventricular arrhythmias are,” Gamora said.

Before anyone in the room could responded, Natasha appeared in the doorway. She leaned up against it in her hospital gown with her IV stand.

“Valvular disease, mitral valve prolapse, stimulants, drugs, and metabolic abnormalities,” Natasha answered.

“Out!” Gamora ordered.

“I’m fine.”

“Out! And you better be in your bed by the time we round on you!”

“And when will that be?”

“In 15 seconds. 14. 13. 13. 11.” 

Natasha turned around to head to her room, revealing her underwear through her nightgown. The group of interned laughed.

“Nice panties, Romanoff!” Peter laughed.

Natasha flips him the bird as she keeps waking. “In your dreams, Quill.”

They followed Natasha into the room, where she huffed as she got back into bed.

“L/N,” Gamora called.

“Right,” you responded. “Natasha Romanoff. Post-op day 3 from a unilateral salpingectomy.”

“And ready to get back to work,” Natasha said. “I'm taking solids and my pain is controlled with oral meds. I'm ready.”

“Well, it says here on your chart on you had a fever?”

“Y/N,” Nat growled.

“Natasha, did you have a fever?” Gamora questioned.

“Temp spiked to 101 last night. Big deal.”

“She worked 2 shifts last month with a 102 degree flu,” Clint added.

“Yes! Exactly, Clint. Thank you.”

“And we appreciate your dedication but you're staying in bed until it normalizes,” Gamora said. “You need to relax, shut up, and get better. You're a patient this week so you can be a doctor next week. Understand?”

“I understand,” Natasha grumbled.

~~~

Rounds had finished as you were heading to your assignment when you ran into Steve near the elevators.

“Skipping rounds?” He wondered.

“No,” you replied. “They just finished.” You kept walking, when Steve took your arm to stop you.

“Y/N…”

“You’ve got a wife.”

“Yes.”

“You’re life is complicated.”

“Yes.”

“I don’t need more complicated. I have that all on my own.”

“Yes.”

“Stop saying yes.”

Steve smiled. “I’m trying not to make any sudden movements.”

“You think this is funny?”

“Peggy’s leaving. She doesn’t have any more patients. There’s no reason for her to be here.”

“No reason? Really?”

“No really whatsoever.”

Steve stepped closer, bringing his hand up to brush your cheek. You stood there, trying to not let it get to your head or, well, anywhere else. Suddenly, Peggy appeared.

“Well now, isn’t this cozy?” She said. “Can I join in or are you not into threesomes?”

“I have to go,” you said, rushing away. You didn’t go too far, interested to watch everything unfold.

“Y/N…” Steve called with a sign. He turned to Peggy. “You really are Satan. You realize that right? If Satan were to take physical form, he'd be you. Everywhere, all the time.”

“I am so not Satan,” Peggy responded.

“How come you haven't got on your broomstick and gone back to where you belong?”

“Stop being petty.”

“Stop being an adulterous bitch.”

“You know, you are going forgive me eventually, right? I mean you can't just ... I mean there was a time when you thought of me as your best friend.”

“There was a time where I thought you were the love of my life. Things change.”

Peggy sighed and pulled some papers out of her bag, handing them to Steve. Steve quickly flipped through them.

“Divorce papers,” he said.

“Your lawyer said they're ok. I haven't signed them yet. The ball's in your court. If you sign, I'll sign. I'll sign and be on the first plane out of here.”

“I'll sign them immediately. I want you out of here as soon as possible.”

“Steve, have you ever thought that, even if I am Satan and an adulterous bitch, that I still might be the love of your life?”

Not answering, Steve walks away, completely not noticing you listening in from behind a pillar.

“What are we looking at?” Tony asked, appearing out of nowhere.

“Ah!” You exclaimed, jumping slightly. “Don’t do that!” You playfully hit him. “You scared me.”

“Sorry,” he laughed. “I just saw you over here and I was interested in seeing what you were observing.”

“I think… I think Peggy just handed Steve divorce papers.”

“Really? That actually surprises me. I thought she would put in a little more of a fight.”

“Yeah…”

“I guess that’s good news for you, right?”

“I guess.”

“You guess?”

“I want him to choose me because of me, not because of a divorce.”

“In my ever humble opinion, I think it will always be you. Trust me. That man is whipped.”

~~~

Natasha snuck out of her room and stole her chart. She sat in her bed as she made changes to it. Walking by, Banner looked in and noticed that no one else was in there. He quickly took the chart of Nat.

“Hey! That’s my chart,” Natasha complained.

“You're the patient. Not the doctor. Act like one,” Bruce reprimands as he studies her chart. “It's been tough finding you alone.”

“Yeah? Well…”

“How are you doing?”

“Well, you have my chart, you tell me.”

He sighed. “Natasha, how are you doing?”

“I’m fine. Perfectly okay.”

“I had a right to know.”

“Well, now you do.”

“Natasha—“

“Look. Now you know. It’s over. There’ soothing for you to deal with. So I don’t know what else there really is left to say.”

“Plenty. For starters you could've come to me—“

“And what? We could have raised it together? Or you could have held my hand when I got the abortion? I did not need any of that. I’m an intern.”

“Nat—“

“Can you just go? I need to rest. Doctor’s orders.”

~~~

Gamora called you to help her with a patient. You two walked into the patient room together, revealing a younger man on the bed.

“I thought I told you I never want to see you again,” Gamora said to the patient.

“That's only cause you're too lazy to learn anything more,” the man responded.

“Dr. Y/N L/N, this is Nick Tate. He thinks he knows so much cause he was one of my first patient's as an intern.”

“I knew as much as she did. She was clueless about how to treat cystic fibrosis. A simple cholecystectomy turned into a month-long stay.”

“Better not be alleging malpractice. Guy raises about a 100 grand a year for cystic fibrosis, running triathlons. Thinks he's a big shot.”

“Wait, you run triathlons?” You questioned, confused how it could as a patient with cystic fibrosis.

“Yeah, why not?” He responded.

“It’s a pain for one,” Gamora replied, flipping through the chart. “Says here you're finally admitting to feeling a little unwell?”

“A little.”

“How little? Truth.”

“Oh, enough to keep me awake at night. Had some seizures. Um, too weak to work out.”

“Anyone been through here with your CT results?”

“No. It's probably just my pancreatitis kicking up again.”

“All right then. We'll be back. With your results and a plan.” Gamora walked to the door, with you following. She glanced back at Nick. “Huh, where do your parents think you are this time?”

He smiled. “Hmm, San Diego.”

Gamora shakes her head as you follow her the rest of the way out of the room.

“What about his parents?” You asked. “Shouldn’t he, or we, tell them?”

“No, he doesn't like to bother them until he's well or about to get discharged. He understands his reality. He just chooses to ignore it. Denial works for him, L/N.”

~~~

After Bruce had left, it only took Natasha two minutes to have found blue scrubs and change into them. She took out her IV and snuck out to the nurses station. She began looking through patient charts. The head nurse, Phil Coulson, found her like that.

“Where’s your IV?” He asked, looking at her with a disappointed father face.

“I've taken solids. I HEP-locked it,” Natasha replied.

“On whose orders?”

“Mine.”

“Okay.” Phil quickly found her chart and began reading it. “Romanoff. How about this order: best rest, out of bed to chair, bathroom privileges. Nothing about stealing charts at the nurses station.”

“Okay, you know what….” She quickly looked around to find a nearby empty wheelchair. She brought it over and sat down in it. “There, satisfied? I’m out of bed to chair.”

“I’m telling your intent on you.”

“Y/N?”

“Yeah.”

“Oooh, I’m so scared.”

She wheeled off with a patient chart, heading to Tayla’s room. When she arrived, she witnessed Tayla, by herself, taking a pill.

“I saw that!” Natasha exclaimed from her wheelchair in the doorway. “I saw you take that pill.”

“Oh it's, it's my pill,” Tayla excused. “You know... the pill.”

Natasha quickly looked over the chart. “It’s not at all in your chart and you are supposed to tell us the meds you are on.”

“You’re not my doctor. You shouldn't even be here.”

“She’s right,” Val said, appearing from behind. “You shouldn’t be here.”

“I saw her take unauthorized medication!” Natasha continued.

“Well, you’re unauthorized to be here.”

“I’m on the pill and I had grapefruit juice this morning,” Tayla explained. “Since the juice inhibits enzymes involved in the metabolism of OCPs, I thought I'd avoid the interaction by taking it two hours after my meal.”

“She's has a doctorate in neuropharmacology, Natasha.”

Natasha huffed, “Well, Val, I don’t see any place where oral contra—“

“Okay so now you will. Will you just go back to bed and stop bothering the other patients?”

Tayla’s heart monitor suddenly started racing, bringing the other women attentions to her. She fell to the floor, unconscious, and Val rushed to her.

“She’s in V-FIB!” Natasha said. 

“Call the code,” Val ordered as she began compressions.

Natasha practically jumped out of her chair to call a code, which didn’t feel good. Val got Tayla back as the code team arrived.

“No code?” The nurse questioned.

“Not anymore,” Val answered. “Can you help get her back into bed.

“I’ll—I’ll help,” Natasha breathed got, struggling to get back to her wheelchair. “Just give me a minute.”

“Would you just go back to bed? Seriously, please just go.”

Natasha nodded as she finally made it to the wheelchair. “Just… if she’s on OCP’s, mark it down. Okay, Val?”

“Yeah.”

~~~

You had gotten Nick’s x-ray’s back and were currently putting them up to view them with Gamora by your side.

“Nick’s got a mass in his midepigastrium,” you explained. “Diffused enlargement of the pancreas. That, with his hypoglycemic seizures—“

“He's going to need an exploratory laparotomy. But, despite his triathlons, his lungs still make me hesitant to cut,” Gamora added.

“What are we going to do?”

“I haven’t gotten that far yet.”

“Doctors,” Peggy greeted.

“Dr. Carter-Rogers.”

“How old is he?” Peggy asked, studying the x-rays.

“26.”

“Survivor, huh?”

“And them some. My patient for at least 5 years. I'm not gonna lose him now.”

“You planning a laparotomy?”

“Hmm. You know, I think I could help you with this. I've seen one case like this before in a 9 year old. We ended up having to do a total pancreotectomy.”

“I'd be honored to take any help you can give me.”

“You’re a neonatal specialist,” you said. “What, uh… this isn’t your area.” Gamora looked at you, annoyed, as she shock her head. “I’m just saying that—“

“I did 2 years genetic research in cystic fibrosis,” Peggy told you. “I've pretty much seen it all, Dr. L/N.”

“Oh.”

~~~

Walking down the hall, Steve found you. Always trying his best to make a conversation with you. This time it was easy.

“Are you sure your wife is leaving?” You questioned. “She offered to help on the case Gamora has me working on.”

“Just because she offered her services doesn't mean she intends to stay,” Steve responded.

“Well, what does it mean? Because it seems to me—“

“It means that she's a good doctor.”

“Huh… why are you suddenly defending her?”

“I’m not. Y/N, she gave me divorce papers. She filed.”

“Good for you.”

“All I have to do is sign, and I’m free… We’re free.”

“Is there anything to think about?”

“No,” he shook his head, “of course not. I have to read through them, sign, then Peggy’s on the next plane out of here.” He grabbed your hands. “This is going to work.”

~~~

After the conversation he had with you, Steve immediately went searching for Gamora.

“Of all the fine doctors in the city, you accept a consult from Peggy Carter,” Steve said, angrily.

“Carter-Rogers, isn’t it?” Gamora retorted.

“The point is she should be on her way home. Are you purposefully trying to drive me crazy?”

“You think this has something to do with you?” Gamora’s voice was loud and upset. “You think I’m even thinking about you and your romantic problems? I’m trying to help a patient very near and dear to my heart. And if consulting with your wife—your ex—your mistress, what ever it is that she becomes! If that’s the thing I have to do to save my patient, them I’m damn well gonna do it.”

“I understand… and I totally deserve the yelling. It’s just that—“

“Just, you look! You have put yourself between two very fine women and you looking for an easy way out and you wanna use me, and the hospital and... somebody to make the decision for you, and it's not gonna happen!”

“Could I just… could I just say a couple of things?”

“No.” Gamora stormed off.

~~~

You found Natasha sitting in her bed, in her room. Thankfully. Though she was looking through another patient’s chart. You pulled a chair up to her bedside and sat down in it with a sigh.

“What’s your problem?” Natasha asked.

“Peggy gave Steve divorce papers, which is good. I mean she’s still here, being Peggy, but it’s not like I’m jealous or anything.”

“That’s odd.”

“It’s odd I’m not jealous?”

“No, you have every right to be jealous. It's your territory and she's peeing all over it.” Natasha went back to focusing on the chart in her hands. “What’s odd is Banner’s patient.”

“Tayla?”

“Yeah. She’s been in 4 other hospitals this year. You know something’s not right.”

“You seem awfully interested in Banner’s patient.”

“This has nothing to do with Bruce.”

“Natasha, you lost a fallopian tube, a baby and a boyfriend all in one day. You have the right to be upset.”

“And you’re losing Captain McDreamy to his perfect wife. You have the right to be jealous.”

“I did not lose Captain McDreamy. Divorce papers, remember? And I’m not jealous.”

“And I’m not upset. I really need to get out of here.”

“You’re on bedrest, remember?”

“Okay, if the situation was reversed, would you wanna spend time with your mother in a confined room with one window?”

“No. I guess not. But still. You need to stay put.” 

Before Natasha could respond, your pager beeped. You looked down at it and groaned.

“I got to go,” you muttered, leaving.

“Good luck!”

~~~

Peggy and Gamora met you in Nick’s room. There you began explaining the surgery to him.

“We won't know for sure until we go in there, but it looks like that I'm going to have to take out your pancreas and re-route your intestines,” Peggy said.

Nick looked at Gamora. “Did you tell her that my lungs don't do well with anesthesia?”

“Don’t I always have your back?” Gamora retorted.

“Your kidney function is decreasing rapidly and I'm afraid you're gonna go into multi-system organ failure if we don't operate,” Peggy continued.

“If I say no?” Nick wondered.

“There’s no guarantees, Nick. You know that,” Gamora answered. “It's gonna be a long, hard surgery and put a lot of stress on your body.”

“Yeah,” he smiled, “but I’m me.”

She smiled back. “But you’re you.”

“So if we don’t operate, I die. And if… we do operate, I may die.”

“Basically, yes,” Peggy responded.

“Well, I like those odds. And 26 years with this disease is awesome. And that's the reality. So if I get lucky ... great. And if I don’t…” Nick grabbed Gamora’s hand, “it’s been sweet.”

“It’s gonna stay sweet,” she replied.

~~~

Natasha was laying on her bed with her harm over her eyes when Clint walked into the room. Tayla’s chart was laid out on top of her.

“Why do you have that?” He asked.

“I’m working,” Nat answered. “Trying to figure out what’s going on with the crazy woman on four.”

“You are the crazy woman on four. Though, I have to say, you have a better patina than me and you don’t even really have a patient.” Clint plopped down in the chair next to her bed. “Y/N’s got a CF case. Peter has a gunshot wound. Val’s got the mystery arrhythmias. I have babysitting a crazy old lady! I’d rather do scut with Scott than this! I’m a surgeon. A cutter. I don’t want to be a fake surgeon! I want to be a real one!”

“She’s faking it,” Nat repeated to herself. She quickly got off the bed. “The missionary. Talya… Thank you!” 

She patted Clint’s head as she walked by. Natasha headed straight for the nurses station, where she saw Val looking around for something.

“Val!” Natasha called. “How how Talya’s studies been?”

“Hey!” Val responded, not pleasantly as she took the chart from Nat. “I’ve been looking everywhere for that!”

“Negative, right?”

“Oh! The echo tests showed mild mitral stenosis, the tilt test was negative. We're doing EP studies.”

“I can tell you what's wrong with her without sticking electrodes in her heart.”

“Really. Just by the chart?”

“No, from the pill she took.”

“They were contraceptives, Natasha! Why are you so obsessed with this? Just go back to bed!”

“I think she’s doing this to herself.”

“You think she's inducing ventricular arrhythmias? She'd have to be crazy to do—“

“No, no, no. She'd have to have Munchausen’s.”

“Okay wait. You think she's secretly ingesting something to produce real symptoms? Seriously?”

“Yes. Run it by Banner and tell me what he thinks.”

“Why don’t you tell him yourself. He is standing right behind you.” Val made eye contact with the man. “Dr. Banner.” 

Then Val left. Leaving Natasha will Bruce. She sighed as Bruce guided her into the small office nearby before listening to her.

“I mean, she obviously loves the patient role. She practically lives in hospitals. And... and, and we're like an imaginary family to her because her really family blows her off to go take care of other people.... And, and I saw her take something.”

“It's not enough,” Bruce said, shaking his head. “We have to rule out everything else. Everything physical.”

“She even lied about her job. She's a pharmacy tech, not a PhD.”

“So she's a liar. I've been lied to before.”

“Hey, we're not talking about us here.”

“Maybe we should be.”

“I didn’t lie!”

“You withheld the truth from me. How was00”

“Okay, you know what? I distinctly remember you breaking things off with me. And you didn't seem so upset about it. And this?” She motioned between herself and Bruce. “This is, this is not a relationship. This is not real.”

“Natasha…”

“Okay, and, and so what's with the big display of fake hurt and drama?” She began walking out of the room.

“Natasha!”

“I’m supposed to be in bed.”

~~~

You absolutely did not want to be in surgery with Peggy. Yet there you were.

“I need more traction,” Peggy stated. “Dr. Y/N?” You quickly did as you were told.

“Here,” Gamora called, “give me some suction there.” So you did. “Now L/N, retract the duodenum. Good. How’s he doing Vis?”

Vis was keeping watch over Nick’s vitals and such. “Harder to ventilate and no urine output since we started,” Vis informed.

Peggy shook her head, “he’s shutting down.”

“Did you increase his peak pressures?” Gamora asked.

“Any higher, I blow his lungs,” Vis responded before the monitor beeped. “Bradycardia. Pushing 1 of atropine.”

“Try ventilating him manually,” Peggy ordered, “see if he starts coming back up.” Vis began pushing on a bag.

“Did we miss any bleeders?” Gamora wondered.

“The surgical field is clear.”

The monitor began beeping faster. “Agonal rhythm,” you said.

“Any pulse with that?” Gamora asked.

“No carotid,” Vis answered.

“Okay, starting CPR.” Gamora handed over her tools and begun CPR. “Push one of EPI.”

“No extraordinary measures, Gamora,” Peggy warned. “He’s DNR.”

“No this is just good medicine.” Sh continued CPR, almost frantically. “Come on! Come on! Don’t give up. Come on.”

“You’re getting tired,” you noted. “Let me take over, Dr. Gamora.” She nodded, letting you quickly switch her places.

“Gamora, his intestines are cyanotic,” Peggy stated. “There’s no blood circulating.”

“It’s been shunted to his brain where he needs it,” Gamora responded as she studied your CPR form. “You call those compressions.” She shoved you to the side and took over CPR. You and Peggy made eye contact, worried. “Fight it. Come on.” Peggy looked around, shaking her head, and everyone stopped what they were doing. All but Gamora. “Why isn’t anyone moving? Whose recording?”

“It's been ten minutes since we've had a perfusing rhythm.” Peggy goes to stop Gamora but is shrugged off. The monitor flat lines. “It’s your call, Gamora.”

Taking a shaky inhale, Gamora stopped. She pulled off her mask as the monitor continues to flat line. “Asystole.” She looked up at the clock. “Time of death: 19:35.”

Gamora rushed out of the OR, trying not to cry. She went straight to the sinks and began cleaning her hands furiously. She paused when she noticed people covering up Nick’s body. Peggy walked in and started washing her hands as well, with you following. You both eyed Gamora a few times, worried. Soon, she left.

Peggy sighed. “It’s hard to accept the end when you’re too close.” She looked down as she slipped her wedding ring back onto her finger. She noticed you watching. “Look, I don't want someone who doesn't want me, Y/N. But if there's the slightest chance that he does, I'm not leaving New York.”

~~~

Val walked into Natasha’s room, not excited for the news she was about to tell her.

“Well?” Natasha asked.

“You were right,” Val sighed. “Talya definitely suffers from Munchausen’s.”

“See I was right…. I was right…” She closed her eyes. “I was right…” Nat began to cry. “I was right. I was… I was right. Oh… I’m—I’m—“ She let out a sob. “I’m right. I’m—I’m right.”

Val looked out of the room to see Clint walking by. “Clint! Page Y/N!”

Clint hurried in. “Why? What—what’s happening? What did you do to her?”

“She just started crying and I don’t know what to do!”

“I’ll get one of the nurses to page, Y/N.” Clint rushed out.

“Natasha,” Val tried, slowly coming closer. “Natasha, calm down.”

“The nurses paged her!” Clint came rushing back in.

“It’s okay, Nat.” Val went in for a hug, only for Nat to shrink away and cry harder. “Okay, okay. I won’t hug you.”

“What’s going on?” You came running in, panicked.

“I can’t stop!” Nat cried. “I can’t—-I can’t stop…”

“Crying,” Val finished for her. “She can’t stop crying.”

“I can’t see that!” You replied. “What did you guys do to her?”

“Nothing!”

“She’s going to dehydrate,” Clint said. “Nat, do you want some water?”

Nat shook her head, “no, no…” You tried to go in for a hug, only to be pulled away.

“NO!” Clint and Val exclaimed.

“I already tried that,” Val said. “It just made it worse.” Clint tentatively handed Nat a tissue.

“Natasha,” you tried again.

“Make—make it stop,” Natasha sobbed. “Make it stop… Somebody sedate me!”

“What’s going on in here?” Bruce asked, walking in. He was dressed like he was about to leave. There was clear concern etched on his face. 

“We can’t get her to stop crying,” you replied.

“Y/N, get everyone else out of here.” Bruce was taking off his jacket. “Watch the door.”

You nodded, quickly ushering Clint and Val out. They voiced protests, but willing left. You shut the door behind you and watched. Peeking through the window, you watched as Bruce got in the bed beside Nat. He wrapped his arms around her and brought her close, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. Natasha willingly curled into him, welcoming his comfort. You sighed and turned away, leaning against the door to keep watch. Steve noticed you and came up.

“Hey,” he smiled.”

“Hey.”

“When are you off?”

“Uh,” you glanced at your watch, “in about an hour. Why?”

“Meet me at Happy’s when you get off.” He started walking backwards, sly smirk on his lips. “Don’t be late.”

~~~

Steve and you arrived at Happy’s bar at the same time. He gave you a smile as he held the door open for you. You walked over to an empty table, Steve close behind.

“I’m glad we’re doing this,” you said.

“Me too,” Steve replied. He set it briefcase on his chair. “Want a drink?”

“Yes, please.”

Turning around, Steve knocked his briefcase onto the ground. A stack of papers slipped out.

“I’ve got it,” Steve quickly said, bending down.

“I’ll get it,” you said, picking up the papers.

You glance at the papers as you stand back up. There his divorce papers, that he has yet to sign.

next chapter >

If you want to be added to the tag list, please dm me or send in an ask.

LOVE AND MEDICINE TAG LIST

@fyreball66 (won’t link)

@alwaysnervousturtles​

@anxiousgoldengirl​

@lahoete​

@hersilencedscreams​

@elenaxoxo22​

@marvelfan29 (won’t link)

@wanniiieeee​

@a-little-counter-esperanto​

@aikeia​

@coldmuffinbanditshoe​

@aubreeskailynn (won’t link)

@austynparksandpizza​

@fandom-life-12​

@illyrianprincess​

@osugahunnyicedtea​​

@taliarosej00​

@bellamy-barnes​

@hallecarey1​

[officialsporkintheroad]

here’s a prompt :) — tom and hermione dance at the yule ball. tom comes to terms w/ his feelings for hermione but does not confess right away. the next morning, she is gone (she went back to her own timeline). he wants to find answers.

(A/N: I know it's been literally months, but I finally got around to this prompt and I had so much fun writing a little snippet for it. Hope you like it, love, and thank you so much for sending in the prompt <3 )

warnings: brief violent/murderous thoughts, toxic relationships, possessive behavior, Tom being a little bit of a creep in general

The whole ordeal is tedious.

All parties, in Tom’s opinion, possess a certain dullness that seems utterly inescapable once you reach a certain point in society, and while the Yule Ball is a school function—and therefore not quite on the same level as, say, the Malfoy’s annual Yule party or even Slughorn’s more exclusive events—it’s still burdened by the same rules of propriety and small talk that Tom loathes.

Therefore, tedious.

Made worse, still, by the fact that Hermione Granger is floating around the dancefloor in a pale blue, satin gown that flatters her lithe body and delicate curves, her riotous hair half-pinned up, pearls peeking out between the wild curls. In the silvery atmospheric lighting, she looks ethereal, an otherworldliness that suits her bizarre personality. She is not the most graceful dancer nor the most practiced, but there’s always a confidence to Hermione that seems almost daring, as if to say, “My faults are irrelevant in the face of my accomplishments.”

And she is accomplished, Tom will admit that now. Four months of watching her breeze through classes, mastering spells on the first try and giving him a run for his money with her theory work. He has seen her do things that he had previously only thought himself capable of, has watched her match him wit for wit, barb for barb.

She is the only woman—the only person—that comes even close to being his equal, and yes, he had resisted that at first, but now…

But now, he can’t stand the thought of her dancing with anyone but him.

His feet are moving before he’s even really finished the thought, slipping through the crowd of dancing couples with ease as he makes his way to her. She sees him, of course, because no matter how hard Tom has tried, it seems like Hermione always sees him—or more specifically, sees through him. Her eyes—caramel brown, thick lashes, wary and angry and curious all at once—narrow, but she doesn’t stop him when he taps on the shoulder of her current partner and asks to cut in.

The boy pales a bit, throws Hermione an apologetic smile, and bows out. It’s nice, Tom thinks, how even now, with few knowing even half of what he’s truly capable of, there’s still an understanding that when Tom Riddle asks for something, he’s not really asking.

“You’ve given poor Adrian a heart attack,” Hermione comments idly, casually, like it’s just an observation and she couldn’t care less. He isn’t fooled into a false sense of security—they have been playing this back-and-forth for months now, and he knows her anger is always ready, always burning just beneath the surface—but admittedly, he enjoys it too much to ever back down.

“Perhaps you should have acquired a date that doesn’t startle so easily,” he muses, enjoying the subtle twitch of her jaw.

“Perhaps you should learn to wait until the next song to ask for a dance. I hear patience is a virtue.”

It burns, a little, that she’s right. He could have waited for the song to end, waited to approach her during the lull in music. It would have caused less of a scene, certainly. Would have seemed more gentlemanly, less…desperate.

But then, it hadn’t really been a conscious choice in the first place.

“And you could have refused,” he tosses back, because he’s petty and it’s true anyway.

The pause that follows is one that Tom doesn’t expect. What he expects is for her to push back, snarl some insult about Tom being childish and greedy, or snark that she could never dare to refuse the great Tom Riddle—all said with the heaviest, driest sarcasm he’s ever heard in his life. Instead, she sighs.

“I’m tired of fighting useless battles,” she says, and there’s something so bitter and sad and…and tired in her voice that it makes him stare. Because she’s definitely not just talking about the dance he stole from her.

Because maybe… Maybe, despite all the anger and derision and sheer viciousness that has tainted their every interaction since she arrived the beginning of September, maybe she, too, feels that he has worn her down in the way that she has done with him.

It is not love—Tom is absolutely certain of that—but it is something startlingly closer to it than Tom ever imagined he’d feel: a sort of raw possessiveness over her that pisses him off nearly as much as it gratifies him, an understanding that she is likely the only person alive that could ever satisfy him on an intellectual level, and the only person he has ever wanted like this, even if he’s half tempted some days to strangle her and throw her carcass down in the Chamber so no one finds the body.

It is strangely compelling that he can see hints of that same violent and conflicting desire in her.

When the song ends, she disappears into the crowd and Tom lets her go. After all, he doesn’t need to chase after something that is already halfway his.

*****************************************

Hermione is not at breakfast. She is not part of the group of students that Tom escorts to the train platform, and she is not at lunch when he returns. He asks the Ravenclaw 5th year prefect if he’s seen her, checks in at the Hospital Wing, and finally ends up at the library—where, truthfully, he really expects her to be.

The library is empty.

Almost.

“She’s not here,” a voice says, and Tom stiffens at the sound, an automatic response he can’t control no matter how he tries.

Dumbledore, always poking his nose in where it’s not wanted.

“Sir?”

“Miss Granger left this morning.”

Tom frowns, because he knows she didn’t get on the train, and the deputy headmaster must realize this because he sighs.

“She returned home, Tom.”

“Home,” he repeats flatly, because Dumbledore is lying. He’s sure of it.

Because Hermione doesn’t have a home to go back to. She told him as much—parents dead, all her distant family either deceased or estranged, and even if she could get in touch with them, none of them wanted to take in a war orphan. She was alone and lost when she came to Hogwarts. She can’t have gone home, because Hogwarts is home. For her, and for him.

“Miss Granger was only here on a temporary basis, Tom. You know that,” Dumbledore is saying. “Arrangements have been made with her mother’s cousins in America…”

That’s around the time Tom stops listening. It’s all bullshit, every word. It’s funny. As much as Dumbledore has always managed to know when Tom’s up to something, it goes both ways. It always has.

“I see,” Tom says eventually. “I…am sorry I wasn’t there to wish her off. We had been getting on better these past few weeks. You don’t happen to have an address for her, do you? I’d like to write her, if I can.”

“Ah, unfortunately not, my boy. Her relatives are travelling people, I believe.”

They both know they’re both lying. Neither of them blinks.

“I see,” he says again. “Well, thank you for informing me, professor. I’ll be off to dinner now, though.”

Dumbledore watches him with undisguised suspicion for a good minute before smiling. “Of course, Tom. It’s shepherd’s pie tonight. You certainly wouldn’t want to miss it.”

Tom holds his calm, impersonally polite smile through dinner, relieved that at least most of his peers in Slytherin have gone home for the holidays so he’s not subjected to their inane chatter. He keeps it in place through evening rounds, through his nightly routine. It’s only later, having sneaked down to the Chamber a little after midnight, that he lets the façade crack, firing off spells at the wall with a vicious, raging anger while he shouts his frustration.

Impulsive and erratic as it is, it does make him feel better. Steadier. Clearer.

He’s Tom Riddle, he reminds himself: prodigiously talented, sharp and clever and determined, the brightest mind of the century. And then he smiles.

There’s nowhere Dumbledore can hide her that Tom can’t find.

send me prompts if you want <3

[mochegato]

Nannyette

Chapter 4 – It Couldn’t Hurt

Chapter 1       Chapter 3

Tim shifted uncomfortably in the hallway.  He was not looking forward to this despite having volunteered for it.  He took a deep breath to steel himself for the confrontation.  Despite Dick and Kori checking in on Marinette in the hospital (and taking care of her hospital bill) and Dick, Kori, and Mar’i calling her a few days later, nobody had yet broached the identity discussion.  He looked up at the door and knocked.

He tapped his thighs restlessly while he waited for Marinette to open the door for him.  He barely kept his face from registering his surprise when the door was opened by a man.  Was Marinette dating someone?  Was she married?  It never occurred to him to think about her with someone else already.  It made sense though.  Someone as amazing as Marinette was bound to be with someone already.

“Can I help you?”  The man prompted him with a smile.

Tim almost jumped at the sound.  “Hi.  I was looking for Marinette Dupain-Cheng?”

“You sound unsure if that’s who you’re looking for.” The man looked at him unsure.

“No.  Sorry. My name is Tim Drake.  I’m Dick Grayson’s brother.  Marinette was watching my niece when the attack on the zoo happened.  We wanted to check in on her and make sure she is still doing okay.”  He said more confidently.  “Dick would have come but he wanted to stay with his family and I pass by here on my way home anyway.” Tim lied easily.

“Ahh, so you’re Tim.” Adrien smiled at him.  Tim stared at him unsure what to say.  What did that mean?  Had she been talking about him?  She must have talked about him, how else would her boyfriend…husband? have heard of him. “It’s nice to meet you.  I’m Adrien.  I’m Marinette’s roommate/best friend/brother whichever you want to go with.” Adrien gave him a disarming smile and holding out a hand to him.  Noticing Tim’s expression he added, “Don’t worry, she’s only said good things about you.”

Tim shook his hand as another voice sounded from behind Adrien, “Did you say Tim?”  The voice didn’t sound like Marinette’s though.  Adrien chuckled and pushed the door open a bit to reveal a woman walking toward them.  “She was right, he is cute.  Hi, I’m Luz.  I’m Marinette’s friend and this idiot’s girlfriend.  It is very nice to meet you.”

“Love you too, Luz.” Adrien grinned pulling her over to him and kissing the top of her short black hair.

“Sorry, you were asking about Marinette.” Luz prompted. “She’ll be really happy to hear you were so interested.”

“Right,” Adrien interjected before Tim could respond. Tim looked over to Adrien and immediately was on guard.  Adrien had the same look in his eyes as Dick before he interfered in one of their lives. “You know, Luz and I were just talking about cancelling our plans tonight so we could stay home and watch Marinette. Today was harder on her than she had expected it to be.” He gave Tim an overly happy smile.  “But, if someone else could stay with her, that would help us out a lot.  I don’t suppose you would have time tonight.”

Luz’ eyes bugged out at Adrien and she slapped his arm.  “You can’t ask him to do that!  That is so rude.”  

Adrien pouted at her but Tim interrupted before she could lecture him more.  “No!” Tim cleared his throat.  “No,” he started, calmer this time, “I… uh… I can do that.  If you don’t think Marinette would mind.  We wanted to talk to her about a few logistical things anyway.”

Adrien’s eyes lit up and his smile grew impossibly wider.  “Perfect!” He exclaimed, grabbing his and Luz’ coats.  “She’s just getting out of the shower.  Feel free to get comfortable.  There’s food and drinks in the fridge.  I don’t know if she’ll be up for discussing logistics tonight though.  Like I said, she wasn’t expecting today to be as hard on her as it was and she’s pretty tired.  I think a nice relaxing night is all she can handle.”

Luz looked at Adrien incredulously but didn’t try to stop him.  She shook her head and turned to Tim as she put on her coat.  “Thank you for this.  We should only be a few hours, but don’t feel like you have to wait for us. She should be fine, we were really just going to stay to keep her company.  It’s not like she’s in any danger.  She’s past the danger period.”

“Not a problem.” Tim smiled reassuringly at them. “After everything she did for Mar’i, we are more than happy to help any way we can.”

Tim closed the door behind them with a deep breath. He really hoped Marinette wouldn’t get upset about him being there.  It couldn’t hurt, right?  She’d understand why he wanted to talk with her.  He turned to take off his coat and observe the apartment.  It was a warm feeling apartment with lots of pictures of Marinette and Adrien, together and in groups of their friends.  It was clear they were extremely close and had been for a very long time.  He smiled at a picture of Marinette when she was a teenager from high above Paris.  He studied the picture closer.  If he didn’t know better, he’d swear it was taken from the top of the Eifel Tower…

He was startled out of his focus when he heard a door opening and another closing.  He wondered if she was going to come out or just fall asleep.  He sighed, plopped down on the couch, and pulled out his laptop.  If he was going to be waiting alone for a while, he might as well get some work done.

A few minutes later he heard bare feet padding towards him from behind.  He was going to look up to see Marinette as she walked in, but he wanted to send the email he had just finished writing first.  He finally looked up when she rounded the corner of the couch.  Her eyes were closed and she was wrapped in a thick blanket. She plopped on the couch and fell over. He just barely got his laptop out of the way before her head hit his lap.

“I told you guys to go out.” She grumbled at him. “I don’t need a babysitter.  I am a babysitter.  I’m just tired and a pillow would be more comfortable than your lap anyway.”

Tim chuckled at her.  He grabbed one of the couch pillows and gently tucked it under her head.  “Better?” He asked quietly.

“Hmmm,” she responded affirmatively, eyes still closed. “Now go.  I’ll turn on a show and fall asleep to the sound in a few minutes anyway.  There is no reason for you to stay.  Go on your date.”

“I would but I don’t have a date tonight.” Tim said with a smile.  “My only plans for tonight were to come check on you.”

Marinette’s eyes flew open and she slowly turned her head to him, apprehension clear in her eyes.  As soon as she saw him she squeaked and sat up straight.  She swayed slightly in response to the rapid change in blood pressure.  Tim moved quickly to grab her and guide her slowly back to lay down on the pillow.

“I’m so sorry.  I saw short black hair and assumed you were Luz.  I’m so sorry.  I didn’t even really look.”  Marinette rushed out.

Tim smiled kindly at her and gently shushed her. He started carding his fingers through her hair to calm her down.  Adrien had told him that her body had already gone through a lot of stress today, he didn’t want to add any more.  “It’s okay. I got that.  You need to lay down though and let your body relax.  Do you want me to leave?”

She wanted to object but his hands felt too good in her hair.  It felt like they were pulling away the tension with each stroke.  “No,” she admitted closing her eyes again.  “I don’t want to keep you here if you have places to go though.  I really don’t need a babysitter.  Adrien’s just… Hey, where are Adrien and Luz anyway?  And how did you get in here?”

“I came by to check on you.  Adrien answered the door and let me in.  He and Luz went out on their date and asked if I’d be okay with staying for a little while.”  Tim said calmly, trying to assure her he was more than okay with staying with her.  “I would just go home and work on some paperwork alone anyway so I really don’t mind.  It’s nice to have someone else with me for a change.”

Marinette looked up at him unconvinced.  “Are you sure?  Adrien really shouldn’t have imposed on you like that.”

“I’m fine,” he assured her again.  “I might order some food, but I wanted to talk with you alone anyway.  Are you hungry for anything?”

“No, I’m just tired.”  She closed her eyes and turned on her side to get in a more comfortable position.  

“Have you eaten anything since lunch?” Tim asked knowingly.

She sighed.  “No, but I’m really not that hungry.”

“Did you eat anything at lunch?”

She turned to glare at him “No...”

“I’ll order food for us,” he decided with a determined nod.  “What do you feel like?  Pizza? Sushi?  Chinese?  Italian? Indian?”

She huffed at him.  “Fine.  Chinese, please.”

Tim nodded at her and after getting her order, called one of his favorite places to deliver for them.  He started stroking her hair to help her relax as he ordered. After a few minutes of silence and evened out breathing, Tim was convinced she was asleep and turned back to his laptop.  Marinette sighed contentedly and snuggled a bit further into the pillow.  “I suppose you want to talk about me knowing your identities.” She said tiredly.  “I haven’t told anyone, and I won’t.  I know how important secret identities are.”

He looked back at her surprised.  “Yes, but it can wait.  You’re too tired right now.  Maybe we can talk about where you learned those moves and how to stay that calm when we discuss the identities.  We saw the security video.  You were really impressive.  It looked like you had training.  I think you could probably keep up with us.”

She blushed at the compliment and angled her face more into the pillow trying to hide the blush.  “It’s not my first time in a dangerous situation.  We had them almost constantly in Paris for a few years. The goons were practically easy compared to some of the stuff we went through.”

“Yeah, we’re definitely talking about that comment later.” He stated with concern.  “For now, sleep.  Adrien said you had a rough day and I can wake you up when the food gets here.”

“Pft,” she scoffed.  “It wasn’t rough, my body is just a wimp right now.  All I had to do was give a presentation that I already had prepared.  I just had to talk and point and that kicked my ass.”

Tim chuckled at her and continued stroking her hair.  “Yeah, concussions tend to do that.”

They were quiet for a few minutes relaxing with each other’s presence until Marinette spoke up quietly.  “Is Dick firing me?”

“What?” Tim exclaimed louder than he meant to, jerking up and knocking Marinette off the pillow.  “Sorry, sorry,” he apologized as he tried to get her resituated. “Absolutely not.  He’s so impressed and happy with you I think he’s going to try to add you to the family.  I’m pretty sure I saw ‘how to adopt a legal adult’ in his search history.”

Marinette smiled in relief.  “Good.  I was afraid you guys were going to be upset with me or want to distance yourselves from me. But it wasn’t my fault.  Dick said it was okay to hide anywhere in the apartment when we played hide and seek and he left his suit in his closet.  I mean, I suspected before, but that was pretty definitive.” She babbled out quickly.

“Yeah, that… sounds like Dick.” Tim sighed.  

“I’d really miss Mar’i and you… all of you.” She added quickly.

“We’d miss you too.” He promised her.  “Mar’i would be heartbroken… and she wouldn’t be the only one.” He added quietly, continuing threading his fingers through her hair as he stroked it.

She hummed at him and sighed happily again, her breathing evening out again.  Tim opened his laptop on the side and started finishing some work. "That feels nice" she mumbled sleepily after a few minutes. "I like the way your hands feel."  He paused his ministrations and gaped at her, wondering how much of what she said he should take seriously. She was pretty out of it and concussions make you say strange things… but she had seemed pretty cognizant earlier and she did seem to enjoy him running his fingers through her hair. Did she like it because it was him or was it just the motion she enjoyed and anyone doing it would get the same reaction?  But she did say his hands… A blush took over his face as he started carding his fingers through her hair again.

After seemingly no time at all, the food arrived.  Tim jumped up to get the food, after carefully extracting himself from under Marinette, and set it all out for her, not allowing her to help with anything.  She rolled her eyes, but let him finish.  He watched her intently as she took her first bite.  She was determined not to give him the satisfaction of knowing he was right and eating was actually what she needed, more than sleep at that moment. But against her will, she let out a happy groan as soon as the food touched her tongue.  “So you like that food,” he commented with a smug smile.

She looked up at him with narrowed eyes, “I’m going to return this favor, you know.  Next time you’re so caught up in something you forget to eat, I’m going to find you and make you eat.”

He chuckled at her, “I’m sure Dick and Kon would appreciate the help forcing me into healthy eating and sleeping habits.”

She quirked her head to the side.  “Is Kon another brother?”

He smiled, looking down at his food, “No, no. He’s my partner.”

“Oh,” Marinette said quietly, lowering her eyes to her food.  So Tim hadn’t meant all those things he said, or rather, he did but as just a friend.  But that was okay… well no, it sucked really badly.  She had really loved the idea of them together and had been fantasizing about kissing his perfect lips.  But it made sense.  Tim was amazing, so of course he was already with someone.  

But still, he was fun to be around and he was Mar’i’s uncle, so if friends was how he wanted the relationship to progress, she’d agree.  She just needed to adjust how she reacted to his comments and stop thinking of how much she wanted to kiss him.  He didn’t want her like that.  She looked back up at him with a strained smile, “I’d love to meet him sometime.”  He smiled back excitedly, happily anticipating incorporating her into his life.

Chapter 5          

Tags:

@timari-month-event, @ichigorose @stainedglassm @better-toast @theymakeupfairies @trippingovermyfeet