#i'm still pretty sick and snotty but seem to be getting better

[vladdyissues]

have you ever seen this video of Fiona Apple reacting to the intertwining mating ritual of leopard slugs? ( https://youtu.be/kl7TP1hmdKw?feature=shared ) because it's a little how I picture Syndis when you describe it in Familiar and is also my euphoric reaction to it omg

(also hope you're feeling okay!! ♡⊂⁠(⁠´⁠･⁠◡⁠･⁠⊂⁠ ⁠))

I was not expecting to receive Fiona Apple getting emotional over slug mating in my inbox but this has literally made my entire weekend thank you 😂😂😂

No seriously like. I didn't expect it to be actually beautiful. I mean. That shade of blue. And then a frigging flower? Made out of penises?

I am taking notes.

Here's the BBC video in question (with unsurpassed narration by David Attenborough and a score that would make Howard Shore weep; video starts at the good part):

The excerpt (for reference):

Between his waist and Vlad’s hung a dazzling mass of pure energy, crackling and spitting sparks like severed high-tension wires. From one side of the mass sprouted a plait of glimmering blue tendrils, which disappeared through Danny’s t-shirt and into his belly. On Vlad’s side, a similar braid, slightly thicker and glowing red, emerged from his abdomen and joined the fulgent knot that bound them together. The knot radiated silvery purple light, augmented with splashes of shifting color, like an aurora. The blue and red tendrils moved as if alive, tightening their clasp on one another. It brought to mind images of two deep-sea creatures locked in either coitus or combat; boneless, brainless organisms, nothing but a gnarl of nerve endings and rudimentary intellect. Patterns of light pulsed down the translucent coils. It was grotesque. It was beautiful. And Danny reacted like any other sane, well-adjusted person when confronted with such mortifying paranormal phenomena.

He went berserk.

[mapis-putellas]

I’ve got you

Another amazing collab with the awesome @goldenempyrean!

Pairings: Natasha x you

Words: 1600 (ish)

Warnings: none

Summary: It was early into your relationship with Nat when you wound up sick but you didn't have the heart to tell her, unsure of how she'd react. Despite your claims, it seems Nat's a little more concerned about your health than you first thought

It started with a persistent tickle in the back of your throat. A little irritating but nothing a little water and chamomile tea couldn't fix. But then came the runny nose and stuffed up sinuses, and no matter how many times you blew your nose, it would return with a vengeance every. freaking. time.

You end up going through two boxes of tissues in just a day, and your poor nose was red raw.

You didn't often get sick. Maybe once or twice a year and it was never anything more than the casual cold.

You’d get the sniffles, maybe a sore throat. You'd take a day off work to recoup knowing that your boss wouldn't want you at anything less than your best, and that was that.

But you had a sinking feeling that this time, that wouldn't be the case. You felt absolutely horrible, and that was only amplified by a thousand when you realise that tonight was the night that Natasha was driving down to see you and you'd have to pretend you were completely fine.

You'd only been dating for a little under seven  weeks, so things were still pretty new to the both of you. That includes the affection front. Sure you kissed and occasionally cuddled, but you were no where near close enough to being comfortable with her looking after your sick self. Especially not when you were all snotty and full of germs.

It was why tonight would suck, because not only would you have to pretend you weren't sick, you'd also have to hide every sniffle, every cough every sneeze. All of which you knew would next to impossible because you had an former ex-KGB assassin as your girlfriend.

You tried everything to make yourself look and feel better. You even went to extent of gargling with salt water and taking some over-the-counter medicine (which you were usually against) to relieve your symptoms. But nothing seemed to work.

As the hours ticked by, you found yourself feeling worse and worse. Your head was pounding, your body aching, and you couldn't stop coughing. You tried to distract yourself by cleaning up the apartment and making some dinner, but it was a struggle to even stand up for more than a few minutes at a time.

You tried to make yourself look as presentable as possible, despite feeling like death warmed over. You took a hot shower, hoping that it would clear out your sinuses, but it only seemed to make things worse. Ignoring the pleasing urge to shove on some warm, comforting pyjamas, you forced yourself to changed into some nicer looking clothes, hoping to distract Natasha from your symptoms, but you knew deep down that it was a lost cause.

When Natasha finally arrived, you put on your best smile and greeted her at the door. She hugged you tightly, and you felt guilty for not being able to reciprocate as enthusiastically as you wanted to.

As you hugged Natasha, you felt a sneeze building up. You tried to suppress it, but your efforts were in vain. You felt your nostrils flare and your eyes start to water, and you knew there was no way to hide it.

You quickly pulled away from Natasha, turning your head and sneezing into your elbow. You tried to play it off as a small cough, but you knew she had heard you.

"Are you okay?" she asked, concern etched across her features. There was also a look of knowing in her eyes, but you were too busy trying to stifle another sneeze to notice it.

After managing to get yourself under control, you send her what you hoped was a reassuring smile as you nod your head.

"I'm okay. Just allergies." You lie, pulling open the front door to properly welcome her inside.

Natasha eyes you suspiciously as she steps inside your apartment, kicking off her shoes and and setting down her overnight bag.  "I'm okay. Really." You reaffirm as you close and lock your front door, turning to face Natasha who was already staring at you with a doubtful look on her face.

She thankfully says nothing, simply taking you by the hand and leading you over to the couch. You sniffle softly as you sit, trying to be as subtle as you could about wiping your nose with the sleeve of your shirt.

There was no tissues near you -not that you could blow your nose even if you wanted to because that would definitely give you away. So you resort to suffering in silence, bringing your attention over to Natasha who was telling you how her drive here had gone. 

As Natasha talks, you feel the telltale tickle in your nose and you know that you're about to sneeze again. You desperately try to hold it in, clamping your mouth shut and scrunching up your face. You focus all your energy on keeping the sneeze at bay, hoping that Natasha won't notice.

But just as she finishes her story, you can't hold it in any longer.

A loud "Hh'iishoo!" echoes through the room, and you cringe, feeling embarrassed and self-conscious.

Natasha looks at you with concern. "Are you sure you're okay?" she asks.

You nod, feeling guilty for lying to her. "It's just allergies," you repeat. "I'll be fine."

Natasha studies you for a moment before nodding. "Okay," she says, still sounding unsure. "But if you need anything, let me know."

You smile gratefully at her, feeling relieved that she doesn't press the issue any further. You try to focus on the conversation, but it's getting harder to concentrate with your nose running and your head feeling heavy.

You excuse yourself to go to the bathroom, hoping that a few minutes alone will help you regain your composure. As soon as you're inside, you let out a series of sneezes, finally letting your guard down.

You blow your nose and splash some water on your face, trying to feel better. But as you stare at your reflection in the mirror, you realize that you look terrible. Your eyes are red and watery, your nose is bright red, and you're sweating despite feeling cold.

You take a deep breath and try to compose yourself, knowing that you can't let Natasha see you like this. You splash some more water on your face and take a few deep breaths before returning to the living room.

When you get there, Natasha was stood up again, eyebrow raised pointedly with her arms crossed against her chest. That same look of knowing was back on her face, and you immediately knew the gig was up.

She knew.

"You're sick." She states, and you sigh softly as you tuck a loose strand of hair behind your ear before sitting yourself back down onto the couch. You don't deny her accusations, knowing full well you wouldn't get anywhere.

"It's not even allergy season," she adds as she sits down on the coffee table in front of you. "You lied to me."

"I'm sorry," you immediately apologise, the guilt you were feeling suddenly amplified by a thousand. "I just didn't want you to have to deal with me like this. All sick, congested and gross." You trail off in an unsure murmur, using the sleeve of your shirt to wipe of your nose.

You grimace slightly when Natasha takes that same sleeve without issue and folds it up so the soiled part of it was out of sight. Apparently germs didn't bother her like you thought.

"Look at me," she murmurs, giving your hand in her own a soft squeeze. You cough slightly in the bend of your arm before complying. When you see that Natasha's lips had quirked up into a soft grin, you couldn't help but mimic it despite how crappy you were feeling.

"I know it hasn't been very long, but I promise it's okay to let yourself be vulnerable with me." She starts, trailing the pad of her thumb across the back of your hand.

You nod weakly at her words, feeling a wave of relief wash over you. You had been trying so hard to hide your sickness from Natasha, afraid that she would think less of you for being weak and vulnerable. But her words were like a balm to your soul, soothing your worries and reminding you that you weren't alone.

Natasha stands up from the coffee table and disappears into the kitchen, only to return a few moments later with a steaming cup of tea and a plate of crackers. She sets them down on the table in front of you and urges you to eat and drink, knowing that it would help you feel better.

You take a sip of the tea, letting the warm liquid soothe your sore throat and ease your congested sinuses. You feel a little better already, and it was all thanks to Natasha's care and concern.

As you eat the crackers and drink the tea, Natasha sits down next to you on the couch and wraps an arm around your shoulders. You lean into her embrace, feeling safe and protected in her arms. You close your eyes and take a deep breath, savoring the feeling of being cared for and loved.

Natasha continues to hold you, her fingers tracing soothing patterns on your arm as you drift off to sleep. You dream of being wrapped in her arms, of feeling her warmth and comfort, and of knowing that you were never, ever alone.

**

Thank you for reading!

@mywitchy-assassin @romanoffsbish @goldenempyrean

[crystalsnow95z]

can i request jimin coming down down with a cold (snz) during their world tour? +worried OT7 caretakers :). it would be really nice if you could include him struggling on stage and backstage as well. thank you!

(I wrote it in sections then pasted them together.I'm sorry if it seems out of order. I'm pretty sure I got it fixed.. but it doesn't have a proper ending. Sorry)

"He'tcgh!" Jimin quickly turns his head to avoid sneezing on the staff member trying to do his makeup for the show. "Sorry.." Jimin tries to wipe his nose with an already crumpled tissue from his pocket.

"Jiminie, you're sneezing more than usual. Are you okay? Did you catch a cold?" J-hope calls from across the room, trying to look in his direction without disturbing the staff member working on his hair.

Jimin was doing so well to hide his sneezing from the others, discreetly sneezing only when the members were loud or excusing himself to the bathroom when the feeling became unbearable. They assumed he just had an upset stomach from nerves. It's been almost a year since they performed in front of this many people.

"No, no. I'm fine. Don't worry. The brush just tickled my nose. " Jimin refused to admit it.

"You were sneezing during practice, too." Jungkook notes with a worried expression, getting up from his chair, making the makeup artist follow him."Your nose is turning red Hyungie, searching the room for a box of tissues. Did you take any medicine?"

"I took some cold medicine before I left the hotel, I'm fine." Jimin's nose scrunched up as another sneeze was threatening to come. He thought he was going unnoticed, but the worried members have been keep an eye on him for hours.

"That was this morning. It's almost evening now. Did you bring it with you?" J-hope questions.

"No.. but I'm..Heh'hich!" Jimin sneezes into his hands, knocking the makeup brush from the woman's hand. "Ah! I'm sorry!" Jimin bends down to get it, his nose dripping when he looks down, covering his face. (I don't know what's worse, it being stuffy but not coming out or being a snotty mess..)

Jungkook gives him a tissue box. "Here hyung. It's better to get it out. It might help."

"Thanks, Koo.." Jimin tries to blow his nose, but as soon as he touches, a strong tickle returns, sending him into a fit of sneezes."Hehitch! I'ich..! Hehiytchi! He'iychiugh.." Jimin, let's out an annoyed whine at the end, feeling the sinus pressure building up.

"I read somewhere that it helps some people stop sneezing if you tickle the roof of your mouth with your tongue." Yoongi offers advice.

"Huh? That sounds weird, but I'll try it.." Jimin was willing to try anything if it meant he could still perform tonight. Jimin sniffles to try to let staff continue working.

"Jiminie, are you sure you want to perform?" Namjoon asks gently. "It sounds like you're starting to lose your voice a bit. No one will blame you for being sick. It happens. We're only human."

"Of course, I'm sure. Even if I have a little cold, I'll be..be...ah..hitchieck..!" Jimin sneezes into his elbow. "I can do it, I'll just ask for more medicine. It helped this morning."

"My poor Minnie.." Taehyung hugs him from behind. "You can do it then. Fighting. I'll go ask around to see if I can find any.."

Jimin smiles. "Thanks Tete.." he turns to the staff member, bowing to her. "I'm sorry about this."

"It's okay. You can't help it. I'm almost done." The woman smiles warmly at the kind-hearted vocalist, fixing the makeup around his nose again, adding a little extra to try to hide the reddness.

"Five minutes." A staff member calls to the members.

"Thank you." Namjoon bows, doing a final check that his team is prepared. "Is everyone ready?"

Jimin checks himself out in the mirror, noticing even with the makeup that he still looks tired, the darkness under his eyes still poking through. (I just have to avoid close ups..) He sighs. "I'm ready."

"You still look handsome." Jin says, patting his back. "Don't be so hard on yourself."

"Thanks hyung.." Jimin smiles everyone gathering to have a final pep talk before getting in position on stage. Jimin tried to pay attention to Namjoon, trying to ignore the itch forming, flaring his nostrils to try to make it stop, sneezing anyway. "Hee'itcchu!" Jimin turns away from the others, quickly putting his two fingers in the pile.

"If you need to stop please tell me, okay?" Namjoon says in a serious tone when he hears Jimin sniffling. "I wish you told me earlier.."

"I can do..heh..itchiiyu" Jimin sneezes.

"Here you go Jimin-ssi." One of the male staff offers him some cold medicine.

"Ah, thank you so much.." Jimin quickly takes it, coughing when he swallow it down.

"Here hyungie." Jungkook opens a water bottle for him.

"Thanks, Gukkie.." Jimin felt pain when he swallowed, but tried his best to hide it, starting to doubt if he really could sing.

"One minute." The voice of staff calls again, the members rushing to position. It was too late to back out now. It was show time.

The boys went right into the performance as soon as the music started, going into position just like they did hundreds of times, not a single finger out of place, but soon the familiar itch burned inside Jimin's nose. (No..not now.. my part is right after Jungkook..)

Jimin gently rubs his tongue over the top of his mouth, feeling satification when it worked, allowing him to do his part before the feeling returning giving him no time to react. Hih'..etichff.." he sneezes with his mouth clamped closed to try to muffle it, letting out a high-pitched squeak, cursing internally when he hears it through his in-ear, the mic catching it.

The members all look at him, Jin almost missing his part. Everyone kept a close eye on him, the vocal line preparing to step in if another sneeze stopped him from singing.

(Sh*t..I'm becoming a burden...)Jimin sniffles, trying to clear his airway so he could sing his part, moving the mic by his mouth just in time to sing, heart dropping when he hears his congested voice come through his in-ear. Jin sings along with him, trying to cover up his mistake.

He feels Namjoon briefly touch him while they go past each other to get into position. "Fighting.." he mouths the words when Jimin checks who touched him.

(I'm sorry, hyung...)Jimin tries to clear his throat to try to improve his voice, but when he tries to harmonize with Jungkook, his pitch is off. Tears threatened to swell up in his eyes, Taehyung quickly breaking formation to comfort him, holding Jimin from behind as he sang his own part.

Taehyung removes one of Jimin's in ear to try to comfort him."It'll be easier when the medicine kicks in.. just hang on a little longer.." He whispers into his ear.

Jimin nods, dabbing his eyes with his sleeve. "Get back into position, I'm fine.." Jimin tells Taehyung, gently pushing him off and getting to his own spot.

Every member was watching Jimin. (I'm ruining everyone's focus.. I'm messing up as it is, I don't want them messing up, too..) He pushed himself harder. If he couldn't sing well, at least he'd perfect every single step.

His plan failed.

The urge to sneeze wasn't going away no matter what he did to try to stop it. Pinching his nose, pressing his tongue against his two front teeth, holding his breath. Nothing worked. The pressure was building, making his head throb painfully against his eyes. "Hee'itcch..Heh'tichi..Heitchi..Heh' Itchiiu.." Jimin lost his balance, the force of his sneezes making him tumble into J-hope, knocking him over, Jimin falling on top of him. (Oh no Hobi-hyung..) Guilt wormed in his belly making him feel sick when he saw J-hope's face twist in pain, trying to rub the pain away.

"Aiish..Hobi-hyung..I'm sorry..!" Jimin tried to pull J-hope to his feet, offering his hand, but the sneezes started up again. "Ah...heh'tichi! Heit' chu! Heh'ah.." Jimin covered his face with both of his hands, muffling the sneeze, running off stage, tears streaming. (I messed up the performance..)

Yoongi runs after him, following him backstage. "Jimin-ah wait!" He calls to him, quickly removing his mic with an annoyed hiss when he hears his voice echo back to him.

"I can't do it, Hy..hyung.. I messed up, so ma..many times, and we're oon..onnly halfway through the perfor..for..formance.. I'm disappoi..disapoint..pointing e..everyone.. i could've really hurt Hobi-hyung, but I couldn't even help him to his feet..and.." Jimin's words came out in hiccupy sobs stammering over his words.

Yoongi puts his finger over Jimin's lips."shh.. Jimin, Jimin, stop. It's okay. So you fu*ked up. No one out there cares about that. They just care about you."

"No, no its noaa..aah..heh'itch!" Jimin sneezes, screaming in frustration.

"Come here.." Yoongi pulls Jimin to his chest, letting Jimin soak his shirt with tears, caressing his hair. "Stop talking Jimin-ah, you need to calm down.. you'll only make yourself worse if you keep stressing yourself out.

The other members rush down the steps as soon as the song ends and the VCR clip plays.

"Jiminie, I'm okay. Don't cry. It was an accident.." J-hope rubs his hand against Jimin's back. "Just a sore tailbone."

Jimin peeks to look at J-hope, feeling a little better to see him standing in front of him."I..I could've real..ah..autchuu!" He sneezes into Yoongi, afraid to lift his face.

"Someone get a tissue.." Yoongi could feel the snot through his shirt.

"Imb sorry hyumb.." Jimin tries to sniffle it back, only making himself cough.

"My poor baby.." J-hope frowns. "Do you just want to stay back here, Minnie?"

"No.. no.. I can't. I have to do this.. maybe. Maybe we can try a different medicine like a nasal..heh'tichik.." jimin sneezes again.

Jin gently pulls Jimin from Jimin's chest, using a tissue to clean the line of snot that connected him to Yoongi. "Here, blow your nose baby."

Jimin blows his nose, jumping at Jungkook's sudden outburst.

"Ah! I have some! Hang on Hyungie" Jungkook quickly remembers packing some to help with his rhinitis, running to find his back, ripping out all the contents until he found what he was looking for.

"That would've been helpful earlier, Jungkook." Yoongi states. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"Yoongi-hyung, Hoba we need to get changed. We don't have much time before the medley. Jinnie-hyung?" Namjoon had went to get ready, trusting his team to take care of Jimin.

"Don't worry. We'll take care of Jiminah. You guys get ready."

"I'm sorry.. I forgot I bought some after the flowers in my hotel room made me stuffy.." Jungkook uses a waterbottle to do the best he can to clean the tip. "Here, Jiminie-hyung."

Jimin tries to use it, but as soon as it touched his nose, it brought out another batch of sneezes. "Heh'tcch!..Heh'tichi..ah..Hehichughh.."

"Here, let me help.." Taehyung takes it from Jimin, quickly spraying it into Jimin's nostril pulling away when another round of sneezes come.

"Hesiich..heh'ichu..hah'titchnnm.." Jimin whines, eyes watering.

"One more Jiminah.. okay?" Taehyung tells him, taking his hand as he does the other one, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Jimin tickles the roof of his mouth with his tongue, relieved it worked to stop him from sneezing directly on Taehyung. "Thanks Tete.."

"No problem. Anytime.." Taehyung closes his eyes, looking down.

"What are you doing? Are you okay..?" Jimin asks, confused by his soulmate's action.

"I'm praying to the angels, asking them to help you get better quicker." Taehyung whispers, keeping his eyes closed.

Jimin gives him a small smile. "Thanks Tete.."

"They're almost done.. pied piper is next.. Are you sure you want to do this Jiminah?" Jin asks,trying to rub the tension from Jimin's shoulders. "Namjoon asked staff to set up the vocals on the track for your parts."

"No, no, I'm feeling better.. I can do this..I'm just so embarrassed.." jimin takes a deep breath, trying to ease his nerves, rubbing his hand across his knotting stomach.

"It's okay Jimin, army are kind. They'll cheer really loud for you. I know it. Once you hear them chanting your name, the fear will melt away."

"Promise?" Jimin asks in a soft voice.

Taehyung offers his pinkie to Jimin, doing their special pinkie swear. Even if his friend couldn't actually promise his nerves away, he still felt comforted.

Taehyung kept a hold of Jimin's hand leading him back on stage, giving his hand a squeeze when he feels his hesitant stride. "You got this.." he whispers, walking out singing his part. The crowd screams loudly when they see that Jimin was back.

"Park Jimin! Park Jimin! Park Jimin!" They chanted his name loudly as he sang his part, giving him the confidence he needed, he managed to make it to his part, sneezing right after. "He'itcchu.." Jimin sneezes into his chest.

Jungkook holds up one finger, smiling. "Sneeze.." he mouths.

(They're slowing down..) Jimin smiles back, joining the others for the chorus. They make it through three more songs before exhaustion started setting in. Despite the sneezes slowing down, the flashing of all the lights made his headache worsen.. leaving him feeling dizzy.

Jin hugs Jimin from behind, steadying him. (Oh no..Jimin's pushing himself too hard..) Jimin feels warm to the touch, feeling the smaller vocalist shake as he coughs.

Namjoon looks over at them, chewing on his bottom lip. (Should I pull him?)

"Heh..itchii..!" Jimin sneezes, licking his lips to clear the dripping snot, quickly jumping into his part like nothing happened. He knew every single one of the members was watching him. (I need to do better.. we're almost finished.. just three more songs..)

J-hope quickly moves close to Namjoon, removing his earpiece to talk urgently into his ear. "What should we do? Jiminie isn't doing well, but he's not taking it easy.."

"I know, but it looks like the idea of us making him leave is just making him push harder. Make sure someone stays by him at all the time." Namjoon tells him. J-hope nods, quickly moving across the stage to the other members.

Jimin felt freezing even under the hot stage lights, his movements starting to become slower. (We just need to get through magic shop and For youth.. They're both slow songs..I can do this..)

Jimin stays in place as the others walk around, singing their parts. "Heh'itchii.. Heh..heh'itch..." he sneezes, feeling weak in the knees, taking a seat on the stage as he sings his part. (That was so bad..)

Jimin listens to the other boys sing, closing his eyes. (I'm feeling so tired..) he places his hands over his face, rubbing his eyes to try to ease the pressure. (I don't think I'll make it through for youth..)

Jungkook sits right next to him, throwing his arm around his shoulder as he sings, his voice drowning out Jimin's. (Hyungie's had enough.. he can't keep singing..)

"Heh' heh..itchii..." Jimin sniffles.

Taehyung comes up on Jimins other side to sing the bridge, putting a finger to Jimin's lips to silence him before he starts singing. Taehyung wasn't singing alone, though. Thousands of voices joined him.

Jimin feels tears swelling up, making the voices change.

"Don't cry Jimin.." they all started chanting as if they planned it ahead of time. "It's okay..It's okay.."

"Thank you army.." Jimin sobs into the mic. "I swear next time I'll do better.."

Jungkook and Taehyungie squish Jimin between them. "Just focus on getting better. Let's get you offstage, okay?" Jungkook tries to pull him to his feet, but Jimin refuses to budge.

Jimin shakes his head. "Please.. I want to listen to..Heh'heh..ktchitxh!" Jimin sneezes.

"Alright, but no singing Jiminie.. Army will sing for you..and so will I." Taehyung takes Jimin's hand.

Jimin's eyes swell up when he hears Army, setting off another round of sneezes. "Hih..heh..itch..Hi..heh'tichi..."

"Poor Hyungie.. don't cry.." Jungkook wipes his tears away with his thumb. "You'll make me cry too.."

"It's okay.. I'm happy.." Jimin sniffles. (I have the best fans..and the best Brothers.. I'll do better tomorrow..)

[pink-peony-princess]

Laughter is the best medicine

"Oh baby, what's the matter?" Shawn asked softly as he walked into his young daughter's room for the third time in the space of an hour. It had been one of those nights, and Shawn found himself resenting the fact that after a long day of work at the local hospital as an emergency doctor he couldn't just sit and enjoy a night on the sofa with his wife.

However as he turned the corner into his daughter's room, any hint of this lingering feeling feel away. Instead replaced with extreme concern as he made eye contact with the little girl, laying pitifully on the small bed.

He felt a lump rise in his throat. He was worried, Skylar his three year old daughter was his world and he and his wife Gracie had tried for so long for this precious little girl.

This worry only magified, a sick pit churning his insides as he took in the bright red, wet and snotty face of his distraught girl. The expression on the small girl's face would pull at the heart strings of anyone, but for Shawn this was coupled by the knowledge that something had to be seriously wrong for Sky to cry like this. She was normally such a happy child. And she had been anything but that today.

Initially Shawn wasn't too worried, as much as he detested seeing his daughter under the weather, he also knew it was flu season and being too small still to get a vaccine and attending kindergarten put her at risk. This was different though. This wasn't the cry of a child that was a little uncomfortable from the flu, this was full unchecked sobbing.

"Sky, sweetheart, Daddy needs you to take a big breath okay?" He whispered, sitting on the bed and wrapping the small girl in his embrace. He could feel her curling and uncurling her hands as she grabbed fist fulls of his worn-out pyjama shirt, something she did when she was trying to comfort herself. She was so tiny compared to his nearly 6'2" frame, yet she seemed to instantly melt into her father's warmth. Her little face was hot with the tears she cried, now buried in his chest, damp hair stuck to forehead from sweat.

Shawn hummed softly as her cries turned to soft whimpers. He tried not to move even as she fidgeted, trying to find a comfortable position. It was now almost nine PM and Gracie had put Sky to bed almost 3 hours ago in the hope that the two of them might get to have a rare, movie and cuddle night, something that seemed so rare these days with Shawn's job as an Internal Medicine resident. Before marriage four years ago he and Gracie would spend every weekend together watching their favourite movies, but then life got busy. Shawn had really been hoping for this night, but somehow both he and Gracie knew that it wasn't going to happen.

Sky hadn't really moved from her bed all day, something which both her parents found extremely worrying considering the usual boistirus energy that seemed so endless. And now here they were, Shawn trying desperately to comfort the small girl.

"How is she?" He heard Gracie ask from the doorway. Her voice shook, clearly she was trying not to cry and Shawn's heart gave another pang as he wished he had the ability to comfort his overwhelmed and exhausted wife and ill daughter simultaneously.

He wished nothing more than to be able to take both of his girl's pain, to make everything alright again.

"Feel sick," the small girl spoke before he had the chance to answer Gracie.

"I know pretty girl. Can you tell daddy where it hurts?" He asked, placing a hand on his daughter's forehead, feeling the heat of a raging temperature. 3 years as an internal medicine resident told him that her fever had to be over 100. Worryingly warm for anyone, especially someone as young as Skylar.

"Gracie, he spoke, turning to the door, "Will you bring an ice pack and the children's tylonol please."

His wife nodded, smiling at Sky, but Shawn saw the way she wiped a tear from her face surreptitiously as she left the room, her footsteps on the stairs the only other sound than his little girl's soft cries.

The little girl on the bed whimpered, confirming what he knew already. She was feeling miserable.

"Sky-sky, will you let daddy make you feel better? Can I use the boom-boom tool to listen to your chest?" He asked softly, using the name his daughter used to refer to his stethoscope.

She nodded mutely. Her cries softening ever a tiny bit, helping to ease some fo the hurt Shawn was feeling. He felt so helpless, something he was not used to. He was accustomed to being able to deal with issues, to staying calm under pressure when everyone else was a mess, to being clinical, methodical. This was different though, this was his little girl, his pride and joy, his precious little bundle. He couldn't help but pull the small girl just a little closer as he called down to his wife.

"Gracie will you grab my bag off the counter?" He requested, loud enough that he hoped she'd hear, but not too loud to startle Sky, who was finally starting to settle slightly.

Moments later Gracie re- appeared, ice-pack, Tylenol and, his work bag in hand.

"Want me to take her?"She whispered, nodding to Sky.

Shawn nodded, gently passing his daughter to her mother, earning a small whine.

"It's all right Sky-sky," she soothed kissing her head as Shawn had done earlier.

Shawn stood up and dug through his bag quicky, pulling out his stethoscope, otoscope and a few other bits he thought he might need before letting the bag drop to the floor- his ID badge falling out in the process. He didn't care though, his only thoughts on his little girl.

By the time his was sitting on the bed again (a mere 30 seconds later) small tears were rolling down Sky's cheeks, the familiar pang of hurt and worry reappeared as he tried fruitlessly to calm down the small girl.

"I know honey. I know," He murmured, gently rubbing circles onto her back as Gracie held her. "Daddy make it better okay."

Finally when she was calm enough he picked up his stethoscope and placed in gently to Sky's back, listening to her lungs.

"Gracie can you turn her to face me?" He asked. His wife turned Sky, earning another whine, but Shawn was quick to make her laugh, sticking his tongue out at her as he sat and listened.

He was quick to finish the rest of the exam, listening to her heart, looking in her nose, throat and ears before finally taking her temperature.

"All done princess." He smiled at his daughter, while showing his wife the thermometer which read 104. He and Gracie shared a worried glance as Sky held her arms out, making grabby hands at her father, Shawn not hesitating to take the small girl again.

"Someone's popular!" Gracie laughed as Sky rested her head on her father's chest.

"What do ya think it is?" Gracie asked watching as her daughter drifted in and out of sleep, moving restlessly on her husband's lap.

"I'm fairly certain it's just some sort of tummy bug she's picked up from kindy,"Shawn replied as he stroked his thumb down the side of his daughter's face. Nothing major, but I really want to get some medicine in her system to break this fever. If it doesn't break by morning I'll take her in to see Connor," He added, referring to one of his colleagues, and the only one he trusted with his daughter's health.

Half an hour later they'd somehow convinced Shy to take the dose of Tylenol, the ice-pack resting on her forehead as she slept peacefully in her father's arms in her bed, Gracie asleep in the across the room Shawn having managed to let him take 'this shift' though Gracie didn't need to know that her husband had no intentions of letting her be stuck awake with their daughter any longer. He knew she was exhausted and needed sleep.

Shawn wasnt overly concerned, pleased that she was getting the rest she needed, however this was broken and the two parents were on high alert once more as Sky began moving, twisting in her father's soft grasp and whimpering in her sleep.

"Sky?" Shawn spoke softly so as not to scare her. Her small eyes opened immediately whelling with tears alarming Shawn. Gracie rushed over from the rocking chair- tripping sleepily on Shawn's bag which lay in the same spot as earlier- where she had been sleeping uncomfortsbly, trying in vein to help. "What's wrong Sky?" Shawn asked again."Sick," She groaned and before either Shawn or Gracie had a chance to react she had thrown up- all over the bed, herself and Shawn , wailing as she realised what she'd done.

"SSH, it's okay bubba," Shawn tried to calm the child down as he wiped some of the sick from his sweat pants.

"Go and get changed, I'll bathe her and change the sheets," Gracie sighed, stiffling a laugh as she took in her husband. Even in this state he STILL managed to look hot. How he did it, she didn't know.

Shawn nodded greatfully, getting up and leaving his wife to deal with the remaining mess.

By the time Shawn returned, doning a fresh set of sleepwear, his hair slightly damp from the shower he had been forced to take, his little girl was laughing. And not just a little bit, she was laughing hysterically at something.

",What's so funny?" He inquired only getting more laughter. It was another two minutes before Gracie pulled herself together enough to explain.

" Sky was laughing at having vomitted on Daddy,clearly the shock of the situation has warn off," She grinned.

"So youre laughing at Daddy getting puke on me?" Shawn smiled shaking his head. "You're puke I might add," he shock his head as his daughter giggled even more.

"I'm glad she seems to be feeling a bit brighter, Shawn spoke softly to his wife as they watched as their little girl, calmed, going from laughing hysterically to soft snores in no more than a minute and a half.

"I'd feel better if she was in our room tonight." He added.

"Me too, " Gracie agreed, watching as Shawn carefully picked up their sleep oh daughter.

"Apparently laughter is the best medicine." Shawn smiled down at his little girk, sound asleep in his arms.

"That it is." Gracie agreed, the two sharing a quick kiss, before the two made their way to their bedroom, their precious bundle cuddled up between them... A bucket sat at the side if the bed just in case.

[pinkpeonyprincessblog]

Laughter is the Best Medicine

"Oh baby, what's the matter?" Shawn asked softly as he walked into his young daughter's room for the third time in the space of an hour. It had been one of those nights, and Shawn found himself resenting the fact that after a long day of work at the local hospital as an emergency doctor he couldn't just sit and enjoy a night on the sofa with his wife.

However as he turned the corner into his daughter's room, any hint of this lingering feeling feel away. Instead replaced with extreme concern as he made eye contact with the little girl, laying pitifully on the small bed.

He felt a lump rise in his throat. He was worried, Skylar his three year old daughter was his world and he and his wife Gracie had tried for so long for this precious little girl.

This worry only magified, a sick pit churning his insides as he took in the bright red, wet and snotty face of his distraught girl. The expression on the small girl's face would pull at the heart strings of anyone, but for Shawn this was coupled by the knowledge that something had to be seriously wrong for Sky to cry like this. She was normally such a happy child. And she had been anything but that today.

Initially Shawn wasn't too worried, as much as he detested seeing his daughter under the weather, he also knew it was flu season and being too small still to get a vaccine and attending kindergarten put her at risk. This was different though. This wasn't the cry of a child that was a little uncomfortable from the flu, this was full unchecked sobbing.

"Sky, sweetheart, Daddy needs you to take a big breath okay?" He whispered, sitting on the bed and wrapping the small girl in his embrace. He could feel her curling and uncurling her hands as she grabbed fist fulls of his worn-out pyjama shirt, something she did when she was trying to comfort herself. She was so tiny compared to his nearly 6'2" frame, yet she seemed to instantly melt into her father's warmth. Her little face was hot with the tears she cried, now buried in his chest, damp hair stuck to forehead from sweat.

Shawn hummed softly as her cries turned to soft whimpers. He tried not to move even as she fidgeted, trying to find a comfortable position. It was now almost nine PM and Gracie had put Sky to bed almost 3 hours ago in the hope that the two of them might get to have a rare, movie and cuddle night, something that seemed so rare these days with Shawn's job as an Internal Medicine resident. Before marriage four years ago he and Gracie would spend every weekend together watching their favourite movies, but then life got busy. Shawn had really been hoping for this night, but somehow both he and Gracie knew that it wasn't going to happen.

Sky hadn't really moved from her bed all day, something which both her parents found extremely worrying considering the usual boistirus energy that seemed so endless. And now here they were, Shawn trying desperately to comfort the small girl.

"How is she?" He heard Gracie ask from the doorway. Her voice shook, clearly she was trying not to cry and Shawn's heart gave another pang as he wished he had the ability to comfort his overwhelmed and exhausted wife and ill daughter simultaneously.

He wished nothing more than to be able to take both of his girl's pain, to make everything alright again.

"Feel sick," the small girl spoke before he had the chance to answer Gracie.

"I know pretty girl. Can you tell daddy where it hurts?" He asked, placing a hand on his daughter's forehead, feeling the heat of a raging temperature. 3 years as an internal medicine resident told him that her fever had to be over 100. Worryingly warm for anyone, especially someone as young as Skylar.

"Gracie, he spoke, turning to the door, "Will you bring an ice pack and the children's tylonol please."

His wife nodded, smiling at Sky, but Shawn saw the way she wiped a tear from her face surreptitiously as she left the room, her footsteps on the stairs the only other sound than his little girl's soft cries.

The little girl on the bed whimpered, confirming what he knew already. She was feeling miserable.

"Sky-sky, will you let daddy make you feel better? Can I use the boom-boom tool to listen to your chest?" He asked softly, using the name his daughter used to refer to his stethoscope.

She nodded mutely. Her cries softening ever a tiny bit, helping to ease some fo the hurt Shawn was feeling. He felt so helpless, something he was not used to. He was accustomed to being able to deal with issues, to staying calm under pressure when everyone else was a mess, to being clinical, methodical. This was different though, this was his little girl, his pride and joy, his precious little bundle. He couldn't help but pull the small girl just a little closer as he called down to his wife.

"Gracie will you grab my bag off the counter?" He requested, loud enough that he hoped she'd hear, but not too loud to startle Sky, who was finally starting to settle slightly.

Moments later Gracie re- appeared, ice-pack, Tylenol and, his work bag in hand.

"Want me to take her?"She whispered, nodding to Sky.

Shawn nodded, gently passing his daughter to her mother, earning a small whine.

"It's all right Sky-sky," she soothed kissing her head as Shawn had done earlier.

Shawn stood up and dug through his bag quicky, pulling out his stethoscope, otoscope and a few other bits he thought he might need before letting the bag drop to the floor- his ID badge falling out in the process. He didn't care though, his only thoughts on his little girl.

By the time his was sitting on the bed again (a mere 30 seconds later) small tears were rolling down Sky's cheeks, the familiar pang of hurt and worry reappeared as he tried fruitlessly to calm down the small girl.

"I know honey. I know," He murmured, gently rubbing circles onto her back as Gracie held her. "Daddy make it better okay."

Finally when she was calm enough he picked up his stethoscope and placed in gently to Sky's back, listening to her lungs.

"Gracie can you turn her to face me?" He asked. His wife turned Sky, earning another whine, but Shawn was quick to make her laugh, sticking his tongue out at her as he sat and listened.

He was quick to finish the rest of the exam, listening to her heart, looking in her nose, throat and ears before finally taking her temperature.

"All done princess." He smiled at his daughter, while showing his wife the thermometer which read 104. He and Gracie shared a worried glance as Sky held her arms out, making grabby hands at her father, Shawn not hesitating to take the small girl again.

"Someone's popular!" Gracie laughed as Sky rested her head on her father's chest.

"What do ya think it is?" Gracie asked watching as her daughter drifted in and out of sleep, moving restlessly on her husband's lap.

"I'm fairly certain it's just some sort of tummy bug she's picked up from kindy,"Shawn replied as he stroked his thumb down the side of his daughter's face. Nothing major, but I really want to get some medicine in her system to break this fever. If it doesn't break by morning I'll take her in to see Connor," He added, referring to one of his colleagues, and the only one he trusted with his daughter's health.

Half an hour later they'd somehow convinced Shy to take the dose of Tylenol, the ice-pack resting on her forehead as she slept peacefully in her father's arms in her bed, Gracie asleep in the across the room Shawn having managed to let him take 'this shift' though Gracie didn't need to know that her husband had no intentions of letting her be stuck awake with their daughter any longer. He knew she was exhausted and needed sleep.

Shawn wasnt overly concerned, pleased that she was getting the rest she needed, however this was broken and the two parents were on high alert once more as Sky began moving, twisting in her father's soft grasp and whimpering in her sleep.

"Sky?" Shawn spoke softly so as not to scare her. Her small eyes opened immediately whelling with tears alarming Shawn. Gracie rushed over from the rocking chair- tripping sleepily on Shawn's bag which lay in the same spot as earlier- where she had been sleeping uncomfortsbly, trying in vein to help. "What's wrong Sky?" Shawn asked again."Sick," She groaned and before either Shawn or Gracie had a chance to react she had thrown up- all over the bed, herself and Shawn , wailing as she realised what she'd done.

"SSH, it's okay bubba," Shawn tried to calm the child down as he wiped some of the sick from his sweat pants.

"Go and get changed, I'll bathe her and change the sheets," Gracie sighed, stiffling a laugh as she took in her husband. Even in this state he STILL managed to look hot. How he did it, she didn't know.

Shawn nodded greatfully, getting up and leaving his wife to deal with the remaining mess.

By the time Shawn returned, doning a fresh set of sleepwear, his hair slightly damp from the shower he had been forced to take, his little girl was laughing. And not just a little bit, she was laughing hysterically at something.

",What's so funny?" He inquired only getting more laughter. It was another two minutes before Gracie pulled herself together enough to explain.

" Sky was laughing at having vomitted on Daddy,clearly the shock of the situation has warn off," She grinned.

"So youre laughing at Daddy getting puke on me?" Shawn smiled shaking his head. "You're puke I might add," he shock his head as his daughter giggled even more.

"I'm glad she seems to be feeling a bit brighter, Shawn spoke softly to his wife as they watched as their little girl, calmed, going from laughing hysterically to soft snores in no more than a minute and a half.

"I'd feel better if she was in our room tonight." He added.

"Me too, " Gracie agreed, watching as Shawn carefully picked up their sleep oh daughter.

"Apparently laughter is the best medicine." Shawn smiled down at his little girk, sound asleep in his arms.

"That it is." Gracie agreed, the two sharing a quick kiss, before the two made their way to their bedroom, their precious bundle cuddled up between them... A bucket sat at the side if the bed just in case.

[every-jai]

Catching a Storm

Chapter 3

After a nearly sleepless night, Tom woke me up. For the first time, he smiled at me sincerely. "Good morning, (Y/N)! I hope you slept at least a little." I smiled back, "More or less." He holds a Cup of tea out for me that I gladly took. "You're lucky. The storm had died down, and you can go home safe now." A second later, a dark shadow flew into my arms. With an "Omph," I felt down back on my Bed. "Miss (Y/N) you are still here! I thought you were already gone! How are the Baby birds doing?" Mike snuggled into my Armes. "Are you going to stay with us today?" The little Boy asked curiously. I looked at him a bit sad ,, I wish, but I have to go home. I need to prepare your lessons for next week. But we see each other Monday morning 7- o'clock straight" I said with a little wink to his Father, who smirked slightly at my comment.

Back in Goolwa, I was met with a scolding look from Mrs. Barnaby. "Miss (Y/L/N), you are back," she said coldly. I decided to ignore it, maybe she just had a bad day. "You had a nice night?"

Now she sounded downright judgmental. I stopped and looking at her in Question "Is there something you want to say, Mrs. Barnaby? If not, I would really appreciate going to Bed now, it was a very short night"

Her eyes go wide, and she nearly dropped her book. I had to hold back a snicker because I knew very well what she was insisting.

But that was ridiculous. Mike was the main and only reason I was down at the Beach. Ok, his Father was a good looking man, tall, brought shoulders, slight curls on his head and a nicely trimmed Beard. He was a grieving widower, the last thing he needed was his Son's teacher swooning over him. Albeit I had to admit that his touch the previous night, that little caress of my Hand... had stirred something in me.

Mrs. Barnaby left me alone for the rest of the day and even didn't take me to church with her. I used the whole Sunday to correct Mike's work, finishing my latest report to the school's council and prepare the new week.

Still, I couldn't stop thinking about Tom. It got even worse at night when I started dreaming about him, his hands on my Body, his lips softly kissing down my throat, along my collarbone and his incredible blue eyes looking into my soul.

He softly whispered my name with his deep voice.... and then a little louder. I moaned while his strong hands dipped under the waistband of my trousers. Again he said my name... but why he was suddenly back to my last name?

I looked at him in question. He now nearly screamed at me." Miss (Y/L/N) wake up! You are roughly oversleeping,"

I opened my eyes and looked into Mrs. Barnaby's angry face. Turning beet red, I hoped she hadn't realized what I was dreaming about.

"It is already 6:30. I would say you should get up to see your pupil" Her snotty tone told me that she still thought that I was down there for Tom, which of course I wasn't.... right?

Nearly two hours later, I was back at the Shack. Thankfully Tom was already on his boat because I wasn't sure if I was able to look him in the eyes without blushing furiously.

In the next few weeks, the birds grew tremendously, not only in size but also in personality. Mr. Ponder, Mr. Pround, and Mr, Percival lived pretty much up to their names and took over the Kingley household very fast. I nearly died of laughter one day, when Tom told me that the cheeky birds had followed him to the outhouse to demand their breakfast.

Besides that, Tom and I became much closer.

We often sat on the porch after the lessons and talked, laughed, and enjoyed the presence of each other. Sometimes I think he even was flirting with me a little.

Today Mike and I made an excursion into the Dunes to see how the Pelicans live in their natural habitat. Of course, Mike had seen it plenty of times, but now we would see it with the proper knowledge.

We strutted thru the nests when we suddenly heard a shot rang thru the air. The hunters were back again and even shot the birds while they breed! I took Mike's Hand. "We should go back, it's not safe here any longer." He nodded, and we went back to the Shack.

Just before we arrived at the end of the Dunes, another shot rang, and a sudden white-hot pain exploded thru my left thigh. Moaning I sank to my knees and Mike screamed my name in panic, throwing himself into my arms ,,No! Miss (Y/N)!" I clenched my teeth and looked at my leg, where Blood was already seeping through the fabric of my dress "It's all right Mike, let's get back home, ok?"

The Boy helped me up, and I tried to stand on the Injured leg. It hurts like a bitch, but it was possible, so I assumed that the bone wasn't affected.

With clenched teeth and Mike's help, we made it to the hut.

I let myself down on one of the chairs. My thigh was still bleeding, and I pressed my Hand on the wound to stop it, so the Boy wouldn't see too much "Mike, honey, can you do me a favor and fetch Fingerbone for me?" He nodded eagerly and stormed out. Hissing I lifted my Hand up. The wound looked deep and was as big as a one-pound coin. I sighed and closed my eyes, pressing my Hand on the wound again.

Suddenly the door was opened, and Tom came inside. "(Y/N), is everything ok? Where is Mike?" His sight felt on my leg. The bucket of fishes he was carrying fell out of his hands, and he leaped towards me. "Oh god, what... what happened? Is that a gun-shot wound? Where the heck is my Son??"

I swallowed slowly, the pain started to make me dizzy. "Your Son is all right, I've sent him to Fingerbone Bill. I know he has some medical skills, so he might help."

Tom rubbed his eyes, tiredly, "How the heck did you managed to get shot?" I shook my head lightly to stayed focused "We.... we were in the Dunes to look at the Birds... Birds nests, when we heard someone shoot. I'm...I'm... "I felt like I was fainting.

"Tom, can I have a glass of water please I... "After that, everything went black. The last thing I heard was Tom screaming my name.

The next time I woke up, I felt terrible. Everything was hot and cold at the same time, and my leg burned like it was on fire. I didn't know what time or date it was. My throat was dry as the desert. I tried to look around and saw Tom sitting by my side, napping.

It took almost all my power to lift my Hand to touch him. He instantly wakes up "(Y/N)!" he whispered and took my Hand carefully.

A little smile crept on to his worried face. "Hey little one, how are you doing?" I felt way too sick to comment on him using a nickname for me.

I tried to speak, but all that came out was a croaked noise. "Shhh. don't speak, you want some water?" I nodded weakly, and Tom stood up to get me a glass.

When he came back, he carefully grabbed my head to bend it a bit so I could drink. I took a big gulp, and Tom put the glass back on the nightstand. "what... what happened?" I managed to whisper. He took my Hand, caressed it softly, and sighed. "You fainted because of pain and blood loss. For a moment I thought you were dead" Tears started to glisten in his eyes as he continued.

"Bill came in a minute or so later and took care of your wound. He retrieved the bullet and closed the wound as good as possible. Still, you caught an infection. Bill says he can help with it, but it would be better to go to a hospital,"

I shook my head "No, no hospital!" I took a deep breath ,,They would ask too many questions and... and maybe report it to the child service. They might deem it also danger...dangerous for a child and take him away from you!"

Tom closed his eyes, bend his head down to me, and our foreheads touched. "Please, (Y/N) you need professional help! I..." He swallowed hard "I couldn't stand losing you too" I tried to smile a little "Everything will be all right... all... right" Exhaustion took over, and I fell back to a dreamless sleep.

For the next few days (I think it was days, I had no real feeling for time) I slipped in and out of consciousness. Sometimes there was Tom, giving me something to drink again, sometimes it was Bill, who forced me to eat something very bitter and awful. I even remember Mike coming by and telling me about the Pelicans.

One day, he stood up from the chair beside me and gave me a little kiss on my cheek "Please, Miss (Y/N) get well soon! My Daddy needs you!" he whispered in my ear and ran out of the Room.

Finally, after 5 days - that's what Bill told me- I felt a lot better when I woke up. I was able to sit on the Bed and stay awake. Bill was proud of my progress. He bought me a box with small packages, made of leaves, "You need to take them twice a day for the next two weeks. It's a remedy my tribe uses for centuries, something similar to your antibiotics." I nodded and put the box aside.

Bill looked at the wound on my leg ,,It looks much better now"He said "No more fever and only a slight redness. What do you think? Should we try to stand you up on your own two feet?" I nodded eagerly and carefully, with Bill's help, I stood up.

My legs were still wobbly, and the right one hurt a lot. In this Moment I heard the front door "Bill? Mike? anyone home?" It was Tom.

Slowly I started to walk to the door. Suddenly Tom looked in my direction. "(Y/N)!" He yelled and darted towards me. Tom wrapped his arms around me. "It's so good to see you on your own two feet!"

He cupped my cheek with one hand and slung the other one around my lower back.  When I looked into his eyes, I saw pure relief "I was so afraid..." He whispered, and the next Moment I felt his lips hard on mine.

I was so shocked that I didn't react at all. Was that real? Was I still dreaming in a fever? You know what? I don't care! If this is a dream, it's the best one I've ever had.

Slowly I laid my Hand on his and kissed back. Unfortunately, my action seems to get him back to reality. He stopped immediately and looked at me with wide eyes. "I'm... I'm sorry, so sorry! I didn't mean to..I can't.." He stumbled backward and out the door again. Slowly I let myself down on the Bed. "Well, that was awkward," I stated.

Bill laughed lightly. "He's confused. Tom was at your side the whole time. He nearly never left you. It's obvious he has feelings for you and now feels guilty for his late wife."

I looked at him with wide eyes "I.. I don't ... I mean," He held his Hand up to stop me and smiled. "Please, even my ancestors could see how much you like each other."

I laughed too and looked at my feet. "It is that obvious, yes? "Bill shrugged his shoulders "But he's still grieving. He's not ready, and I'm not sure if he ever will"

Bill laid his big Hand on my shoulder "Give him some time, he's nearly there. Believe me, everything will be as it should."

In the next few days, I slowly came to my old strength. Tom acted as nothing ever happened, but also hold his distance again. I was despondent about that. Maybe I was too fast and shouldn't have kissed him back.

Mike, on the other Hand, clings to me like glue. He always took my Hand or cuddled up to me.

The Pelicans were no longer skinny little chicks now. They've grown a lot and ate more solid food. Tom was a bit worried about their ever-growing appetite but helped as much as he could.

Because my leg wasn't right enough for cycling yet, Tom was so kind to travel up to the Port every morning to take me to the Beach, and every night to get me back to my Room.

On my first day back at Mrs. Barnaby, she looked me up and down scrutinizing as always. "I never thought you would be like that!" I sighed and looked at the ceiling. "What is it this time, Mrs. Barnaby? If you want to tell me something, shoot!"

I was absolutely fed up. My leg hurt, I was tired like never bevor, and that tension between Tom and me was absolutely exhausting. She looked at me with utter disgust. "He is a widower! You should take care of his Son, teach him, keep him and his Father friendly company. But not like that! Overnight? Someone like you shouldn't teach children."

All my books felt down. "Some... someone like me? What do you think I am?" She nearly spat on the floor before me, "Not a good Christian woman, like I thought. I'm sorry I have to remove you from my house, I don't rent to... to harlots!"

I felt like I was hit by a Truck. Did she really called me a Harlot?? Breathing deep I bent down, got my Books up from the floor and smiled widely at my former Landlady

"Well, then maybe you should leave me alone, so I can pack all my promiscuous clothing and my erotic Books and can go to offer my service to a few of the townsmen" Mrs. Barnaby looked liked she might get a stroke.

I snickered when she left the Room in a hurry and started packing my few bags. In some way, I was relieved. I hadn't moved out of my parent's house, only to be watched over again.

15 Minutes later and without a goodbye from that old Dragon, I stood back on the street. Down the road was

a little hotel. The friendly owner Mr. James smiled at me knowingly. "Yes, Mrs. Barnaby. She has some very old believing, but I know times have changed. You got lucky, I've got one nice Room left. You can have it as long as you need it for 15,- a week?"

I thanked him and was on my way upstairs when his voice stopped me one more time ,,Miss (Y/n), I know you do your best for the Boy AND his Father. They both need you" I nodded at him thankfully and went on my way.

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Yeah, I'm still here! Hope you like this part of the story! Please read and comment! Love ya all!!