#medical center cleaning in botany

[mega-aulover]

A S. W. A. N. Story

This is for the wonderful @alwayseverlark who is always finding ways for this fandom to unite. I am grateful for your friendship and for your encouragement. Thank you for all that you do!

Special thanks to @lemonluvgirl87 for betaing :)

T rating for some bullying family disputes - family drama-meet cute - elitism - A modern AU of an Everlarked Cinderella....but with out the whole shoe thing.

Summary: Katniss Everdeen is a smart girl. Brilliant, actually. She has more degrees than she has fingers on one hand. But she has never felt beautiful or interesting. When she is asked to be Madge's maid of honor Katniss has serious doubts she'll fit in with her childhood glamorous friend. Will she survive the wedding and find love? Or will she be a total embarrassment.

Katniss sighed as she looked at her image in the mirror. At 24 she wasn't the typical girl in her mid-twenties. For one, she had a masters in the field of botany and another in Environmental Biology, with two minors- one in Paleontology and another in Genetics. She had several papers published in prestigious medical and scientific papers and was one month away from getting her doctoral thesis reviewed.

Though none of her academic success wouldn't have happened had it not been for Mrs. Swanson. At the age of eleven Mrs. Swanson saw that Katniss wasn't interested in what was being taught. Her teacher suggested Katniss take an aptitude test to see if she had any learning difficulties. Her scores for the test showed that Katniss did not have learning difficulties, she was in fact a smart brilliant child.

Katniss was next given the national IQ test to see her acumen. Mrs. Sawanon believed Katniss was smart. Her high scores were surprising. As a result she was skipped from the sixth grade to high school. Katniss qualified to be instantly enrolled to the University of Panem on a scholarship when she turned sixteen.

Because of her genius, Katniss often found it difficult to interact with people. Unless she was truly comfortable, she didn't talk, and she often felt left out in social situations.

The weekend wedding, she was going to be part of, scared the living daylights out of her. It's why it was important this weekend, everything went smoothly.

Critically she examined herself in the mirror. She wore comfortable green cargo pants with the hems rolled up because she was short. Her white t-shirt was clean, her sneakers were new. Katniss slipped on a loose heather gray knit sweater as they were going to take a flight and planes were often cold.

Katniss grimaced at her reflection one more time giving herself a pep talk. "You're going to be alright, Everdeen. If it gets too much you can always take a walk."

Walking helped center her and it would also help her not stuff her face. Food was her drug of choice, when things became bad.

Katniss still had about ten pounds to lose. She'd gained a lot of weight during her undergraduate years. The University of Panem, located in the heart of the Capitol of Panem, was surrounded by an urban concrete jungle and she didn't have the ability to hunt or hike.

During that time Katniss learned she needed the outdoors to help her cope with the stressors of life. The gym wasn't something that motivated her and so she gained a lot of weight on her petite frame.

"Don't forget to pack your contacts," Prim yelled from the guest bedroom. "Madge does not want you to wear your glasses!"

Katniss rolled her eyes pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. Her contacts were packed, as Madge dictated. Anyone who was considered a plane Jane knew that removing their eyeglasses didn't turn them into automatic beautiful swans. She wasn't pretty, she was dull and uninspiring. No one would ever wax poetically about her physical appearance. Though, with a bow and an arrow in her hands, Katniss transformed into something powerful and unstoppable.

She sighed, "Too bad there isn't going to be an archery contest this weekend."

Katniss turned around and walked into her bedroom. She lived alone in the Capitol these past two years. Her sister traveled from the university she attended in District One so that they could travel together to the wedding destination. Katniss hoped that this weekend things would change for her and Prim. She wanted them to somehow grow closer. This wedding could be the jumping point for new horizons. Things had been rough between Prim and Katniss. Katniss hoped being accepted by Madge and her sister's friends, maybe just maybe Prim would see she was worthy.

Katniss sat on the bed briefly and picked up the framed photo of her parents. It was one of the few mementos she had of her fathers. Her father, the late great Jackson Everdeen was a well-respected archaeologist, and he took them on adventures all over the world. He wore a hat and leather jacket like Indiana Jones.

Then he became ill.

When he died, Katniss's entire world turned upside down.

Turning sixteen and losing her father while finishing her last year of school was not easy. Her mother became depressed, and the bills piled up. It was up to her to take the mantle of adulthood. Katniss learned how to budget for money. She sold things on Craig's list to make ends meet. While most girls her age were at the beach, she was preparing dinner and lunches for the week, mowing neighbor's lawns for extra cash, and buying groceries. With the help of a friend of the family, Katniss convinced her mother to get help. Her mother slowly came back but she was never the same.

By the time August came around, Katniss was considering not entering University. Things were just starting to turn around, and her mother's mental health was important. But her mother pushed her to leave. Katniss suspected her mother was relieved when she left to study at the Capitol. Her mother never cried when Katniss left. There wasn't pride that her eldest was going to university. There was a feverish desire to get rid of her.

Katniss supposed that she was a living reminder of her father Jack, and her mother hurt to see her. It was this discovery that caused her to leave her home.

While her mother recovered and blossomed; for Katniss, living in the Capitol was hard. It was a stressful transition from the gentle rolling hills and mountains of her home district to the frenetic energy of a city full of towering buildings made up of glass, steel, and concrete. The only green to be found was in the clothing people wore.

Katniss threw herself into studying and working to maintain herself while in the Capitol. She made sure to put aside any extra money for her sister. Katniss saved a nest egg to fund Prim's education.

"Is that what you're wearing?" Prim asked, frowning. She placed her hand on her hip. Prim was clad in a short bubbly-pink slip dress, and mile high heels.

"It's freezing outside."

"But we're going to a tropical island."

"We're going to be in the air for nearly five hours. And we'll land at like five in the morning. I want to be comfortable."

"You'll look like one of the servants."

Katniss looked down at her outfit and sighed. She wondered where her sweet little sister had gone. When she graduated and came home Prim was all grown up. Her sister had transformed into a great beauty just like their mother. "But I'm comfy…"

"It's horrible," Prim said, her fist curling. "You've got to change, or at least take your hair out of that stupid childish braid."

"There isn't time."

"Just don't embarrass me," Prim huffed.

Katniss looked down at the picture in her hand. "I'll stay out of your way, don't worry."

Prim stomped away. Katniss could hear her sister say, "I don't know why Madge made you a bridesmaid."

Katniss expelled a deep breath before putting her picture back on her bedside table.

Madge had asked both Prim and Katniss to be in her bridal party. Katniss was surprised. She and the Mayor's daughter sat together during lunch back in high school, they didn't talk but they were friendly. Katniss was flattered until she met the other bridesmaids. All of the bridesmaids including her baby sister were tall slender modelesque blondes, with fair complexions and pale blue eyes. In contrast Katniss was short, with dark hair, gray eyes, and olive skin complexion.

Once again, she felt as if she didn't belong. The first time she'd felt this way was the spring she'd graduated from her undergraduate program and returned home for one summer.

Prim and her mother were a team, Prim inherited her mother's looks and bubbly personality. Katniss looked like their father and had his fire and frightening intelligence. Her mother refused to engage with Katniss. Instead, their mother focused on Prim. She showered her baby sister with everything, while Katniss was pushed to the side.

Katniss was a fish looking out of the fishbowl not being able to participate in the life her mother and sister had outside of the bowl.

"Come on Catnip," Prim sang, knowing Katniss hated that nickname. Prim bounded out of the house. "The car is here!"

"I'm coming," Katniss muttered, she loathed being called catnip.

"HURRY!" Prim bellowed from the car.

"Okay, okay," Katniss said. It was so cold outside her breath came out in puffy white clouds. Locking up the door she ran to the car and got in. The warmth stung her cold cheeks.

"I can't wait to get glammed up," Prim said as she put her seat belt on.

The car pulled out of Katniss's driveway.

Katniss smiled thinly, wanting the three-day weekend to go well, as she had hoped.

"I can't believe Madge is getting married tomorrow night," Prim said as she hummed along to the bubbly song. "She was so welcoming to me when I was pledging to her sorority. Took me under her wing, and so did Glimmer and Cashmere who are cousins. I can't wait to see them."

"I'm glad you've made great friends," Katniss quietly said.

"I know you don't care but I can't wait to get into my dress," Prim squealed.

Katniss said nothing, as the car slipped into the highway.

"Madge said that Cinna was hand-making the dresses, it's why he sent his assistants to take the measurements," Prim chirped happily.

Katniss frowned. No assistant came to take her measurements. As per the instructions she received via email she was to take her own measurements and send them to the provided address. She'd made sure that followed all the directions to the letter, she didn't want to make anyone upset with her.

"Can you imagine, me, putting on a couture gown that's worth ten thousand coins?" Prim smiled, her eyes were bright with happiness.

Katniss didn't say anything. She settled back in her seat and tried to relax letting what Prim said go over her head.

When they pulled up to the private airport that was going to take them to the wedding destination.

Katniss's smile faltered as they got out and saw the other women who were giants, one was named Glimmer, and the other Cashmere. These women were always frosty to Katniss, but for the sake of her sister Katniss squared her shoulders and plastered a smile on her face.

Prim squealed when she saw them.

"Have you met any of the groomsmen?" Cashmere asked.

"No, I haven't met any of them," Prim said.

"They're gorgeous," Glimmer said.

No one had met their partner; Madge had gotten engaged less than two months ago. It was a whirlwind romance that led to a quickly planned wedding.

Katniss tried to keep her calm when she was left behind to take care of the luggage. All three women were talking at the same time. Their voices were a cacophony of vain prattle. On the plane, Katniss sat by herself as it took off. Five hours later they landed at the exclusive island Madge was going to get married at.

A car drove them to the house, and Katniss's jaw dropped. The white house was enormous, and it was set amongst lush landscapes. The air smelled sweet with tropical fauna. The botanist in Katniss wanted to investigate what flowers produced such a sweet scent. The elegant front porch with its roof supported by four tall columns was welcoming. The elaborate doorway was made from a native rich wood. The elegant large windows had shutters, which were merely decorative.

There was a woman waiting for them with three frosty fruity drinks.

Katniss was about to reach for one when Glimmer shoved her to the side.

"Oh, my goodness these are delicious," Glimmer said.

"I know," Prim squealed. "I'm legal here I can drink!"

"I really need to relax. I've been so stressed," Cashmere said giggling.

Katniss watched her sister giggle and nod.

Madge came out and she grinned when she saw them. "Hi, I'm glad you're here. We've got to get you guys ready for tonight. Cinna is here with his team. The guys are getting ready as we speak. Helene will take you to Cinna's prep team," Madge said.

Katniss was going to follow when Madge pulled her back.

"Katniss, thank goodness you're here, I need you to help with the flower arrangements, they're a nightmare."

Katniss smiled. "Sure."

While the others were whisked away for mani-pedis, and facials Katniss was put to work. Even though she didn't know much about bridal floral arrangements, Madge was right, the arrangements were a hot mess. Using her phone she looked up wild plants. Katniss found a few species of plants outside that could be used to better the decorations.

When she was finished with her first task, a message was sent down from Madge. Katniss was to assist the staff set up the reception, next she was told she was to help set up the cocktail hour, she was made to help while everyone was getting ready. That is how she found herself hauling chairs down to the patio.

As she was tying the decorations on the chairs that lined the wedding aisle, she heard the distinctive voices of men. She looked up to see four men dressed in tuxedos standing by the backyard entrance of the house.

One was tall with a slight build with sandy brown hair, another had thick meaty fingers, and there was another that was bronzed with green eyes. They were all handsome, but in her opinion, it was the last guy that was the best-looking one.

He had warm blue eyes and was athletic like the other guys, but his movements were graceful. There was something about him that caused her to want to give him a flirty smile. And Katniss did not flirt.

"Hey, Marvel, maybe she can get us some drinks," the one with the meaty fingers said as he pointed to Katniss.

"Cato, I don't think she'd know, she looks like she's here with the vendors," Marvel said.

"I don't think Madge would like for us to get drunk, until after we have taken the pictures," the one with the warm blue eyes said.

"Peeta's right, Madge would have our arse if we looked drunk in those pictures," the bronzed one said.

"Come on, live a little, Finnick," Cato said. Turning to Katniss the one called Cato said, "You wouldn't happen to know where the drinks are would you?"

Katniss shook her head, she was a bundle of nerves, and she couldn't answer their simple question. She brushed by them entering the house, hoping she wouldn't have to speak to them. She took her sweater and tied it around her middle. Her hair was piled up into a messy bun. She was sweaty and tired, and she still needed to take a shower and put on the dress she was sure would not fit her.

Katniss felt like she always looked like a frumpy potato sack, even when she tried her best. To her embarrassment her cousin Gale had taken her to her winter formal dance when she was sixteen. It was her father's last wish. The dress her mother had secured her was a tiered silky pink ruffled dress with high lace collar and long sleeves that were also ruffled. It was one size too big, and the color was supposed to be pink but in the pictures, it looked brown.

"Are you sure you don't know where the drinks are?" Cato pulled out a stack of coins and asked, "I can make it worth your while?"

Katniss took a step back not knowing how to make these men know that she had no idea where they would keep the alcohol.

"See I told you she wouldn't know," Marvel said.

These were the times Katniss wished she had her bow and arrow. These entitled pricks always thought they had the right to objectify women and treat them like crap.

"Leave her alone Cato," Peeta said. "Look she's just trying to earn a living okay? Just leave her alone."

"Peeta's right," Finnick said.

"She probably doesn't speak English." Marvel then proceeded to shout, "HABLA ENGLISH! ENGLISH!"

"Come on, we're wasting our time," Cato said. "We better get back."

Katniss was glad they were leaving, Marvel and Cato were idiots. Money did not buy people class.

Peeta stayed behind, as he watched the guys move on to the other side of the room. They cornered one of the waiters. Peeta turned to Katniss, "I'm sorry about them. They're not even my friends. You did a great job."

"It's okay really," she said.

"They're real jerks. I guess that makes me a jerk too, but I'm sorry. You shouldn't have to deal with guys like me, like us." He slipped his hand in his pocket and he looked full of energy as if uncomfortable.

"Thank you," Katniss said. She smiled politely. He was a nice guy and she wished that someone like him would one day pay attention to her. She knew that it was useless to want something like this. A gorgeous guy like him would never really pay attention to someone like her. She was the help in his eyes.

"So what…"

"There you are," Prim said, looking resplendent in a floor-length chiffon gown with open crisscross back and sweetheart neckline with spaghetti straps in a lovely peach shade. "Why aren't you dressed!"

Katniss was about to respond.

"Prim," Cato exclaimed.

"Cato, I didn't know you'd be one of the groomsmen," Prim said breathily.

Katniss rolled her eyes when she realized this was the guy Prim had saved in her phone contacts as Steak. She hung back.

"So…" Peeta said. "Do you work here or are you with the rental companies?"

Katniss cleared her throat, took a deep breath, and said, "No."

"Will you be at the wedding?"

Katniss nodded, her heart racing in her chest.

He smiled at her and Katniss swore time slowed down, like in the movies.

"Do you think you'll save a dance for me?"

Dumbfounded, Katniss stared into his eyes. She saw that he was a gentle soul. Katniss felt her cheeks heat up. He wanted to dance with her and that itself was a miracle. She gave him a crooked smile, unsure what to say. It figured she'd finally meet a guy when she looked and smelled her worst. He was in a tux, looking like a gift from the gods.

Before she could answer, her sister's head snapped to Katniss. She gave her a venomous look.

"So, I'll see you later?" Cato asked Prim.

Katniss glanced to her side wondering what she had done wrong.

Her sister giggled, before purring, "I've got to go, but I'll see you later." Her sister wrapped her hand around Katniss's arm and then dragged her away.

"Prim, would you mind slowing down," Katniss said as she was dragged to a corner. Katniss could see the guys from where she stood hidden in the shadows.

"You're not supposed to speak to anyone," her sister hissed.

What her sister said didn't make sense."Prim, I was…"

Prim pushed her away and pointed at her chest."Where have you been?"

Her tone denoted more of a demand than a question. "I've been working, while you and the rest of the girls were getting dressed."

"Madge…"

"Madge was the one who sent me down there to work."

"Madge would never do that," Prim huffed.

"You know I don't lie Prim."

"I don't believe you."

"When have I ever lied to you, Primrose? Besides, didn't you notice I wasn't there with you guys?"

"You know what, it doesn't matter. What does matter is the photographer is here to take pictures and here you are ruining Madge's day."

"I was only doing what she asked me to do." Katniss wished her sister would believe her. "Prim…"

"Instead of arguing you should be worried about getting ready. Though I doubt there is anything Cinna and his team can do to make you look better."

Katniss ignored her sister's insult, having an argument would be counterproductive. Her shoulders slumped, as she took a deep sigh. "Just point me to my room so that I can take a shower."

"Fine," Prim huffed.

Katniss followed Prim down a flight of stairs down a long corridor to a room far away from the rest of the guest's rooms. In fact, it wasn't even in the same wing. "Madge didn't want you disturbing everyone's fun this weekend," Prim smirked.

The room was smaller than her college dorm room. But at least it offered privacy. "Where is the bathroom?"

"It's in the hallway." Prim crossed her arms. "You'll be sharing it with the staff."

"Okay," Katniss said. It didn't matter; she was only going to be here a few days. "I can be ready in ten, fifteen max."

"You only have five minutes."

"Okay." Katniss was trying not to get annoyed by her sisters' curt responses. She opened her suitcase and took out her shower kit.

"Don't get upset. It's not my fault you don't have time, because you were wasting time downstairs."

"Prim I wasn't wasting time-"

"You know, Madge didn't even want you to be part of her bridal party. She knew you were going to do something to ruin her day. And she was right."

"Then why am I here?" Katniss asked, shocked and dismayed by her sister's vitriol. Her eyes watered up, but she tempered down her sadness.

"The only reason you're here is because Madge's father was a friend of his…"

"You mean our father, Prim, Jackson Everdeen."

At the mention of their father's name Prim's face became stormy.

That summer Katniss lived at home; Prim never mentioned their father. There were no pictures of their father in the house. In fact, Katniss noticed their mother had taken down any pictures of Katniss as well. Any time Katniss brought up their father, Prim became upset. Katniss tried to broach the subject with their mother, but their mother shut her down.

With rage Prim ground out, "He abandoned us."

"He was sick, Prim, for a long time. He fought to get better to stay alive. I don't know what lie you've told yourself but our father didn't want to die…he loved us."

"He wasn't even a father to me."

Katniss was going to respond but Madge and Glimmer came into the room. Madge was wearing a white robe with the word bride in pink crystals, and she also had a pink sash that said the same thing. Glimmer wore the same dress Prim was wearing except she wasn't wearing heels she was wearing fuzzy slippers. It was such a silly thing for Katniss to notice as she looked into Glimmer's steely eyes.

"Prim," Madge said, looking at Primrose with kindness. Her frosty eyes flickered to Katniss momentarily. "I came to get you. I'm about to put my dress on and I wanted you to be in the picture..." Madge said with compassion, "Primypooh, Are you okay?"

Prim stood there; her face twisted in anger. "No, I'm not! She always does this…like a dog with a bone."

Madge turned to Katniss and then spat, "I don't know why my father idolizes you. You're a freak of nature, you smell like dead things, you're fat, and you're not even that pretty."

Katniss opened her mouth and shut it. She turned to her sister, silently pleading for some sort of benevolence.

She didn't understand why her sister was so mean and caustic with her.

"That man messed up my mother. Fucked her up in the head! He was selfish. He filled mother's head with the life they would have. But in the end, all she did was suffer. Our mother could have married into a reputable family. A family with means, a name, like the Mellarks or the Johnstons. Mother had her choice of men to choose from, but she made one mistake. She got knocked up with her…" Prim pointed at Katniss. "She's just like him, ugly as fuck, and always ruining things!" Prim sneered at her with so much malice, Katniss was taken aback. "My mother regretted her life with that man. Regretted having you. She said she should've gotten rid of you when she had the chance!"

Katniss stood there numb. It was like being pelted in the face with a frozen snowball multiple times.

"I told you that she's a disaster," Glimmer said.

"Ladies," a gentle voice called from the doorway.

Katniss balled her hands trying to displace her pain and hurt into that part of her body so that they wouldn't be witnesses to her tears. Part of her acknowledged she should have stayed home, said no to Madge, and made an excuse. However, the drive to fix her relationship with her sister prompted her to say yes and come.

"Oh, Cinna!" Madge's tone of voice changed, and in an instant, the countenance of all three blondes changed from irate, to ambassadors of light and happiness. "What are you doing here?'

"I'm here to get Miss Everdeen ready," Cinna said calmly.

There was a woman with him, she had aqua-spiked hair and gold tattoos above her eyebrows. Her face did not belay the tension that had to be swirling in the room.

"I'm assuming you're Katniss?" Cinna asked.

Katniss nodded, she didn't expect Cinna to be so young for a man who'd already made a huge mark in the fashion industry. Even though she wasn't a fashionista, Katniss was aware of who Cinna was. He dressed one of her colleagues when their suit was ruined. Unlike the woman who stood next to him the only decoration he had was a thin gold line over his eyelids. He was dressed in an elegant black dress shirt with gold-colored buttons and crisply pleated pants. He glanced at Katniss and his smile was gentle, and his eyes were reassuring.

"Venia, tell the others to get everything ready," Cinna said.

Venia nodded.

"There's no need…I'm afraid plans have changed." Madge smiled thinly, but Venia didn't listen to Madge, she left.

"Oh," Cinna breathed out.

"I just don't have time for…besides you've dressed my cousin who I sent you the measurements for, she looks amazing in the dress. Plus, I'm sure, you don't have anything that will fit her."

"You know, your father was the one who made the request," Cinna said. "Mayor Undersea told me, it was important to him that Jack Everdeen's eldest be present in the wedding because he saved his life."

"My father?" Madge said.

"He did?" Prim questioned harshly.

Katniss had no idea, but it was a balsam to hear that her father was a good kind man, and not the monster Primrose painted him to be to Madge and the rest of the entourage.

"Yes," Cinna said, "He and your mother were excited that Miss Everdeen was the maid of honor."

"He did," Madge squeaked out.

"So, if you do not mind, I have to make sure your father's wishes are taken care of."

"I…" Madge stammered.

Cinna smiled.

"But she has no dress!"

"Do not worry, I will make sure your pictures are wonderful. Also, Caesar Flickerman is here."

"Caesar Flickerman!" Madge squealed.

"Upon my invitation, he came to interview you and your family," Cinna said charmingly. "Your wedding is the event of the season. You are, after all, marrying a Highbottom."

"OMG, Caesar Flickerman," Glimmer exclaimed. "My mother loves him!"

Katniss wasn't sure what was going on.

"You're needed downstairs," Cinna said, winking at Katniss. "Caesar is going to set up his cameras in the bridal suite so that he can have footage of you in your dress."

"Madge, forget about her," Glimmer urged. "You have to be camera perfect."

Madge turned to Prim, "I want you to be there for the interview."

"Of course, you're going to be famous," Prim said.

Madge turned to Cinna, "Thank you so much." She turned to Katniss and her face soured. "There isn't enough magic to make her look good, but if you can do something to make her less embarrassing that would be wonderful."

Madge, Glimmer, and Prim left in a hurry.

Katniss expelled the breath she was holding.

"I'm sorry," Katniss apologized; she never intended to cause problems.

"I heard everything," Cinna said quietly.

"Oh." She was mortified that strangers had heard everything. It was one thing to be known as the black sheep of the family, it was another to have it be known to strangers. Especially important ones.

"I am going to make you look resplendent," Cinna promised.

"You don't have to, I'm not going down there." The words were thick in her throat as it closed up with emotion.

"No, don't let them win," Cinna said. "Don't let your sister treat you like that."

"But, she…" Katniss stammered as the tears she'd been battling slipped from her eyes.

"She's a bratty bitch," Cinna said. "I've met plenty of girls like her, however, I've not met a woman like you…Mayor Undersee told me how you kept your family afloat after your father died. He told me how you are the one who is paying for your sister's education, and still sending your mother a part of your paycheck. The Mayor is very proud of you, he showed me the articles you've written, and the accolades you've received."

Katniss bit the bottom of her lip to keep from balling.

"I also heard the way you worked downstairs, pitching in…" Cinna said. "You're quite admirable."

"How?"

"My friend Portia was supposed to be downstairs doing the decorations. Her plane was late, when she arrived she said she saw you handling things. You're unique, and if they could remove the stick out of their asses they'd be able to see it."

"I'm not…" Katniss was going to say she wasn't worthy, but Cinna spoke over her words.

"You are," Cinna gently smiled.

"Thank you for your kind words," Katniss sighed. She blinked and then taking a tissue from her pocket blew her nose.

"No need," Cinna said. "Just leave that behind, I have everything you need."

Katniss blinked, she believed him and left her shower kit behind. She blindly followed Cinna. Part of her wanted to run and hide. The small hope Katniss held to possibly fix her relationship fizzled. Once more she felt unloved and an outsider.

When she arrived in his suite of rooms, his assistants were all ready for her. "Everyone I'm guessing you heard what this brilliant young lady has been put through."

Venia smiled and her eyes sparkled, as she approached. "We're going to make you look better than the bride. And when this weekend is over, everyone is going to love you!"

Katniss swallowed, the fiercely determined look in the eyes of the group of people, it made her tremble. No one had ever looked at her that way. Even though she was fantastic in her field she never attended social events. Katniss was terrified to be called a phony.

"Trust me?" Cinna said.

Katniss nodded. Instantly she was whisked away to the bathroom that was twice the size of her apartment bedroom. For the rest of the time she was soaked in luxurious scented water, buffed, polished, perfumed, and peeled. The peeling wasn't great but her skin had never been softer.

She sat in a chair, her hair in a towel having lost track of time.

"What do you want to do with her Cinna?" Venia asked.

"With those eyes, smokey and dangerous," Flavius said.

"I think we should keep it basic," Cinna said, tipping her chin up. "Amplify her classic beauty," Cinna said.

Katniss couldn't believe that Cinna was saying she was beautiful. Physically she wasn't pretty but Katniss knew in the woods, she shone like a diamond.

"Oh yes," Octavia breathed. "She's such an exotic beauty, we can play up her eyes, and her skin tone. Ugh…I wish I had your olive skin tone."

"You think I'm pretty?" Katniss blurted.

They laughed.

"You really don't know do you?" Venia said.

"You're a treasure!" Flavius exclaimed. "You are so gorgeous you make all of the girls ripe with jealousy."

Venia added, "And you have a banging bod!"

"I always thought…" Katniss didn't finish her sentence, instead, she peered at her reflection. The pert nose, the weird color of eyes, the extra weight. She was forever comparing her darker skin to her mother's and Prim's fair one.

"Did you bring contacts?" Venia asked.

"Yes, Madge said I should," Katniss said. "It's in my shower kit, but I left it on the bed."

"Kist," Venia said to her assistant. "Go get all of her stuff."

"Sure thing," Kist said.

"Well young lady, it's time to get your hair done," Flavius said.

Katniss watched as Flavius quickly transformed her thick straight dark locks into bouncy waves of perfection. He parted her hair to the side and then explained he was giving her a relaxed finger wave. Her hair looked fantastic.

After putting on her contacts Venia applied her makeup as Octavia finished up her nails. Katniss wasn't allowed to look at herself while they worked on her face. When they finished Cinna held out the dress. It left her speechless.

"What do you think?"

"Cinna's it's your best design to date," Venia breathed.

The dress looked like a soft sunset. It was a floor-length strapless gown with silk organza draped over one shoulder creating a small cape.

"Are those polka dots made from fabric?" Katniss asked.

"Actually, tiny crystals were woven into little pockets throughout the dress so that when it moves," Cinna said, moving the gown. "It glitters."

Katniss gasped as the dress shimmered in the light.

"She's going to look like a Grecian goddess," Flavius whispered.

"Let's get you dressed," Cinna said.

The dress slipped over her head and within moments she was ready. Katniss wondered what she looked like. They didn't have time to do a reveal because Madge was calling.

"Just trust me you look amazing," Cinne said, winking at her. Katniss nodded and stood straighter feeling it. The dress felt amazing, softer than her favorite cotton tee-shirt.

Cinna leaned in close and whispered into her ear, "It might hurt but sometimes you have to cut the toxic people from your life."

Katniss looked at him wide-eyed. She could never cut her sister out of her life. She was so alone and having her sister and her mother even if it was hurtful made her feel part of a family.

"Ready?" Cinna said.

Lifting her chin in the air Katniss nodded and followed them downstairs.

She could hear the women talking and laughing as they were congregated by the doors. None noticed her and for once Katniss didn't care.

"Katniss Everdeen," Mayor Undersea said, coming forward with his wife.

"You look wonderful," Roberta Undersea said.

"Thank you Mrs. Undersea," Katniss said. Roberta was Edward Undersea's second wife. Madge's mother passed away a few years ago due to a botched-up plastic surgery accident. She was smart and it was well known that Madge and her stepmother didn't get along.

"I am so happy Madge had the sense to put you as her maid of honor," Mayor Undersea said. "Come and see me. I want to introduce you to a few people here. They've read your articles and want to meet the young lady who is making our world a better place."

"Thank you, sir," Katniss said.

"Oh Peeta, have you met the young lady you are going to walk down the aisle with?" Roberta said, pulling the blond man from before. Katniss could feel her cheeks warming up at the sight of him.

"Uh hi again," Peeta stammered.

"Again?" Roberta said grinning.

"Well she was helping out before," Peeta said pointing to the outdoors.

"Of course, she was," Mayor Undersea said. "That's the type of lovely young lady she is, Muriel," he called over to someone.

A woman with a dour face and critical blue eyes came over. "This is Jack Everdeen's oldest. This is Katniss."

Muriel's face turned wide with surprise. "Oh, she's the one that saved us all of that money."

"Mom," Peeta said.

"Shut up, boy. This is the type of woman I wanted for one of your brothers, not one of those bottle died blondes with the botox-injected faces. I read your article on how to save money while going green. We saved millions because of that article."

Katniss hid her smile.

"Mom," Peeta said. "She's the girl who I'm supposed to be…"

"Don't lose sight of her, she's a peach," Muriel said. "I shudder to think of you with that Glitter girl."

Mayor Undersea laughed, "Muriel we'll do lunch next week. Catch up on that golf game?"

"Why not? You'll lose," Muriel said. Turning to her son she said, "Now just stand there, give her a compliment Peeta."

"Mom," Peeta looked at her. "She's right…I mean you're gorgeous and I'd like to know if you'd go out with me this weekend?" Peeta said, rushing through his words.

"Really?"

"He's the best of the Mellarks," Roberta whispered to Katniss encouragingly.

"Well you don't have to say yes, but I just thought you should know that I also think you're also amazing. She fixed the decor earlier this afternoon."

"They had you working?" Mayor Undersee asked.

"I was helping out," Katniss said softly.

"You were the only one. I can't even tell you where the other bridesmaids were," Peeta said.

"Father, Father…" Madge called out.

"Madge dear," Mayor Undersea greeted.

Madge's lips were thinned. Despite her unpleasant attitude, Madge looked gorgeous in her princess-cut cathedral-length ball gown. It looked like she had sparkly white coral motifs on her dress. Cinna had done an extraordinary job on her gown. It was masterful, it made her look regal. "You cannot expect me to have…that woman in my wedding party."

"Now Madge," Mayor Undersee began.

"Father, I have to tolerate having her here, but now my pictures will be ruined. I mean have you seen her, she's an unattractive troll."

"Madge," her father said.

"Why can't cousin Mavey take her place, she is after all family?" Madge argued.

Katniss realized Madge didn't recognize her and she decided to keep quiet and see what happened.

"Madge, you will do what your father wants," Roberta said, and winked at Katniss. She too had come to the same conclusion as Katniss. "He is paying for this entire affair after all."

Katniss could see Madge formulating the all too familiar you're not my mother when her father cut her off.

"I told you. I did not agree with you marrying that young man, but you wanted him. So out of love, I have done all of this. However, per our agreement, Highbottom signed an ironclad prenuptial agreement. And you were to have Katniss as your maid of honor and Prim as a bridesmaid."

"But…at least Prim is presentable. My pictures will be fine with her in the back…but Katniss…" Madge looked and finally spotted Katniss.

Katniss was sure Madge would recognize her.

"Ugh, I'd rather have this woman here. She's better looking than Katniss. She will even look good standing next to Peeta."

Muriel snickered.

"Madge," her father opened his mouth and shut it, he gave Katniss an apologetic smile.

"Fine," Madge ground out. She huffed away her gown, nearly knocking down the easel with an image of her and her fiance.

"Just like her mother," Muriel muttered.

Roberta chuckled.

"I am sorry for my daughter's rude behavior." The Mayor rubbed his face. "It's my fault for spoiling her after her mother's death."

"People do funny things while grieving," Katniss replied.

"You know it was me who introduced your father and mother. He was so brilliant, like you. I was lucky to have known him."

"And if not for you, I wouldn't have married Peeta's father," Muriel said.

Gentle music began to play. A sign for all of the guests to go to their seats.

"I think I better grab my seat. Remember Peeta don't let this one out of your sight," Muriel said to Peeta.

"I think I'll join you. Edward honey, you better join Madge I think they're about to start." Roberta left with Muriel. Mayor Undersee walked away to find his daughter.

Peeta glanced around, his face was red. "I'm sorry I thought you were an employee…I didn't know you were that Katniss."

"How many Katniss's do you know?" The cheeky words slipped out of her mouth before she could stop them.

"Not many," Peeta chuckled.

"So how long have you known the groom?"

"To be honest the only guy I know is Finnick. He's in the fraternity that my brother went to. I've known those guys but never really hung out with them. Truthfully I think they picked me because I'll look good in the pictures."

Katniss found herself laughing.

"Honestly I'm glad the pictures are over with. I think after this I'm going to get a ticket and go back home."

"Why?"

"I'm not wanted here. I'm not going to stick around to be around people who don't like me."

"What if one of those people were your sibling?" The question slipped out of Katniss's mouth before she could even stop them.

"I overheard the way your sister spoke to you. You were only trying to help out the bride, not ruin her day. If anything without you the decor wouldn't have been finished."

"You heard all of that," Katniss felt her face become heated. It was embarrassing for her to know others had heard her sister's demeaning words.

"My older brother was that way. I love him but we don't get along. He disapproved of everything I did. I had to walk away."

Peeta's words were like a revelation to her. Her eyes found her sister. She loved her baby sister with every bone in her body but at the moment their relationship was toxic to Katniss. The words Primrose had spoken about their father hurt. The way Prim perceived Katniss hurt. Katniss looked up at Peeta.

"I learned a long time ago that family doesn't have to be blood-related," Peeta said.

Her sister threw her head back and laughed. It was a girlish yet feminine laugh intended to allure Cato. Cinna's words came to her in that instance. Both men were correct. As she watched Prim flirt with a tipsy Cato it dawned on Katniss that her sister was no longer a defenseless little girl. She was an adult.

Her mother was an adult.

They were all adults and her mother and sister didn't need her as much as she needed them. Katniss wanted more out of life. She wanted to feel safe again like when her dad was alive. She wanted that sense of family. Peeta was right she didn't have to be related to someone to call them family.

Prim was able to care for herself. Cato leaned over and whispered something in her sister's ears and her sister gave him a lusty look. Cato grinned and as he leaned back he nearly tripped over Finnick.

"Finn, you're cramping my style…" Cato looked flushed and his eyes were a little watery.

Marvel handed Cato a flask and the man drank from it and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Both of them chuckled. As they took more swigs from the flask. Marvel and Cato were clearly intoxicated.

"Marvel, Cato please find your partners," The wedding planner said. She was a redhead that looked like a fox. She wore sensible low-heeled shoes as she briskly put everyone in order.

She hovered over the group, her eyes quickly darted from looking at the tablet and looking about wildly at the group assembled.

"Peeta, would you happen to know where I can find Katniss Everdeen," the woman asked as soon as she reached them.

"I'm Katniss." Katniss said.

"Oh, I thought you were…well they said you…" The woman stammered.

"You thought I was ugly?" Katniss prompted.

"The way the bride described you…" she stammered then she took a deep breath. "We need you and Peeta to be ready to walk. I'll give you a signal to line up in front of the doors and then you march down the aisle."

Katniss smiled.

"Alright everyone please take your places," the woman shouted.

The procession began and Katniss watched a stately couple make their way through the doors. Katniss hung back as she watched the harried wedding planner try to wrangle the bridal party and the groomsmen. Katniss watched as her sister left with a drunk Cato followed by the other bridesmaids. It was finally her turn.

Katniss put her hand over Peeta's arm before taking a deep breath. There was a brief flicker of recognition as Prim recognized Katniss. Her sister's look was glacial, to say the least. Katniss stood waiting for the bride unaware of the appreciative glances she was getting from the groomsmen.

Madge floated down the aisle and did not pay any attention to Katniss; Madge was too busy hamming it up for the cameras and the audience. When the ceremony was over Katniss was glad that the reception was followed immediately by the cocktail hour and the dinner. They were waiting for the meals and Katniss was starving.

The meals were late and so the dance floor had opened up and people were dancing, and the drinks were flowing. Cato and Marvel were getting progressively louder. Waiters were walking around with small little hors d'oeuvres.

Mr. Undersea had been introducing Katniss around the room. She had more business cards in her hand than there were flowers in Madge's bouquet. Katniss saw a waiter with a silver platter loaded with bacon-wrapped scallops.

"I wouldn't eat those if I were you," Peeta said by her side.

Katniss turned around to ask why not when she saw that he had a slider in his hand. "Unless you're willing to lose some fingers I suggest you move that away from my face."

"Actually this is for you," Peeta offered.

"Oh, you're my hero," Katniss snatched the slider and with two bites it was gone.

"Katniss," Mayor Undersea called her.

"Hide me," Katniss whispered.

"Tell you what, I'll go get you food. Talk to the Mayor then meet me by the ice sculpture of Madge."

"As long as the food doesn't make me sick I'll eat anything," Katniss said.

"I'll take it you're not one of those salad queens."

"Either you cough up a salad or stop talking. I'm about to go outside and munch on the grass."

Peeta laughed. "Point taken."

"Katniss," the Mayor waived her over.

Katniss watched another waiter walk by.

"Trust me I get you the food." He winked and said, "I'll see you soon."

Katniss was headed to the mayor when a waiter got close. She was about to get an hors d'oeuvres when she was pulled back. Prim pulled her into a room where Madge was with the other girls.

"What are you doing wearing that!" Prim whispered furiously.

"Are you trying to upstage the bride?" Glimmer accused.

"Yeah," Cashmere said narrowing her eyes. 

This was a little too reminiscent of every movie where the Cinderella character was confronted by the antagonists. Over the years it could be the evil stepsisters, the mean co-workers, the popular 'it' crowd, or the disappointed family members. Katniss stood straight; she wasn't going to be beaten down.

"I'm not going to justify your behavior by letting you beat up on me. I've done nothing wrong. Madge congratulations on your nuptials. I hope you have a pleasant life and that you will never need the prenuptial agreement your father put in place. Primrose, I think it's time you grow up. I love you but I've been killing myself paying for your expenses and your education and all I seem to get from you is rotten vitriol. It's time for you to grow up. I'm not paying for your education or your lifestyle."

"Doesn't matter, mom will take care of me."

"Our mother. She can't afford it," Katniss "You're such a big fat liar. Mom…"

"Why would I lie? Do the math. Numbers do not lie. Mother hasn't worked in years. Where do you think she gets the money?" Katniss felt no victory at her words but they were truthful and were coming from a place where she put herself first for once.

"From her family. Our grandfather left her a small inheritance."

"Oh Primrose, there is no inheritance. It's been me…" Katniss wondered what lies her mother had put inside Primrose's head. "I've been the one sending money home. The one who has paid for your education, and the one who has spoiled you rotten. It's time that I stopped and let you be an adult."

"I don't believe you," Primrose spat.

"Don't," Made said. "She's only doing this because she's jealous. Jealous of you, of me, of how hot I am."

Katniss smirked, "Right."

"The only reason you're here is because of my father. I think it's time you left. Glimmer, call security. I don't want this riff-raff in my wedding."

It didn't matter at this point. Katniss was ready to leave.

The door to the room opened, and Peeta walked in. The music blasted in, and there was shouting. The room became quiet when Peeta shut the door. "Hey there you are, I was looking for you." Peeta took a look around the room, "Are you alright?"

"Yep." Katniss felt lighter than in years. She smiled at Peeta. "I was about to leave."

Peeta offered her his arm and she gratefully took it.

"Oh Madge, I forgot to tell you. You need to go speak to Cato and Marvel. They're trying to hit on the officiant's wife."

"What?" Madge said.

Peeta opened the door and there was Cato and Marvel grinding against Madge's ice sculpture.

"No!" Madge screeched as she got up and walked out with her group. Prim wouldn't look Katniss in the face.

Katniss felt a stab of pain in her heart. At this moment she wouldn't cry, she'd save that for private time. Peeta put his hand on hers and gently squeezed.

"One day your sister is going to see that her friends are not supportive and she's going to regret this moment."

"I know but it still hurts. I love her so much," Katniss said.

There was a loud yell and both looked out of the door to see Madge falling into her cake. Marvel and Cato were on the table laughing as the only thing that could be seen was her red-bottomed shoes sticking out from a mountain of cake.

"I think this is our cue to leave," Katniss said.

As he walked with her out of the room Peeta turned to her and said. "I know this is going to sound very douchey. But I flew here with my mother. She's got her bags already packed and ready to leave. I wouldn't mind giving you a ride home or having you forever with me. Did I say there was a bounty of food aboard my plane? I have cheese buns."

"That is quite the request?"

"So I take it forever, is off the table?"

"I didn't say it wasn't…" Katniss was contemplating what a cheese bun was.

"Okay, so I got my swan chance?"

"Swan?" Katniss frowned as they walked across the reception to exit. Peeta pulled her into a dance. From the distance, she saw Mayor Undersee nod at her

"You know a story without a name, this is our meet cute…"

Katniss laughed. This was her Swan story.

The End….

Epilogue Sort of…

Katniss sat aboard Peeta's private plane. After the wedding, Katniss and Peeta started dating. They were going out for a few months. Katniss had never been so happy. She missed her sister and mother, but she knew they had to learn to defend themselves and learn to live on their own two feet.

"Are we ready," Peeta's father said, clasping his hands and walking into the cockpit.

Peeta and his father were going to fly his mother and father on a small vacation in another district. She bit into one of the flaky morsels of bread. The fragrance of the melting cheese and herbs made her mouth water as she moaned. This was her third one.

"Good huh," Muriel said.

"I'd marry your son for just these," Katniss said with her mouth full of food.

"I think that can be arranged," Muriel said.

Katniss's eyes widened. "Um…"

"Mom," Peeta said as he walked on board.

"She's a good girl, and smart to boot," Peeta's father yelled from the co-pilot's seat.

"My husband is right, plus, I need some intelligent grandbabies."

"MOM! DAD!" Peeta exclaimed. His face was red.

Muriel smiled and waved the plate in front of her face. "He made them from scratch."

Peeta gave his mother that please-stop-look before saying, "I wanted to have something to eat on the flight. I was nervous about the trip."

"Oh, I'm sorry." Katniss felt guilty. "I'm eating your food."

"No don't worry, I don't mind," Peeta grinned, taking one from her hand. "Just save me one or two."

"Don't worry Everdeen…you can keep your name if you want…I just want a grandbaby, in return."

"MOM!" Peeta exclaimed.

Peeta turned to her his hand rubbing his neck, his face red, "Don't…listen…unless you know… that forever thing…that's still on the table."

Katniss grinned. "If you promised to make me cheese buns, I'll take it into consideration."

Muriel laughed. "I told you she's a keeper from the get-go, I don't know what you're waiting for."

"Mom, please…"

Katniss couldn't help chuckling. Peeta and his family were always this way. His mother was right, though about the women his brothers married. Those women were only interested in the money, that's why they were not invited.

Peeta was going to head for the cockpit when his mother winked at Katniss but addressed Peeta. "Son, why don't I fly with your father? You come back here and get to know this lovely girl, entertained."

"Are you sure?'

"I don't mind, besides this'll be a bonding time for your father and me, and your dad gets a thrill when I fly." His mother saucily said.

"I think I need my ears checked. Do you know if it's possible for that memory to be erased?"

Katniss laughed. As Peeta leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. "I've been dying to do that all morning."

"Mmmm…" Katniss hummed contentedly.

"Sorry about my mom and her pushing for a wedding and a grandbaby."

"No need, she's just trying to take care of you."

"I just wish they'd let me woo you on my own," Peeta said.

"You're doing just fine, wooing me," Katniss said.

"I am?" He grinned.

"You are, and if you keep me feeding me I won't even notice the wedding."

Peeta laughed. "Alright duly noted. Just remember this moment when I propose. Because forever is on the table for us."

Katniss settled back with her plate, like a dragon hoarding a golden treasure. Her swan story was a beautiful one.

[ask-the-monoverse]

Monoverse Divisions!

⚠️Under Construction⚠️

M.E.D.S. (Medical & Emergency Division of Scientists) -Led by Sci -This division is widely centered on medical science, keeping the hospital open day and night in case of emergency. However, they also look into engineering projects to improve quality of life, botany to research what plans are and are not edible, and similar projects

D.N.A.A.C. (Division of Nutrition, Agriculture, & Animal Care) -this division is in charge of supplying the survivors with food. Due to the hostile nature of the monoverse's weather, this division often collaborates with M.E.D.S to keep the crops alive

C.E.D. (Caretaking & Education Division) -this division is in charge of caring for children, especially those who have been orphaned by The Great Devastation. Along with the standard school curriculum, new courses on survival, edible plants, and what to do in case of a natural disaster have been added and expanded upon

F.C.P.A. (Force for Cooperative & Protective Action) -Led by Blue -this division functions similarly to the royal guard, working to keep all of the surviving humans and monsters safe. Blue does his best to keep scope on the entire populace, but there are some things he can't stop from slipping under his radar

D.S.S.H. (Division for Sanitation, Sterilization, & Habitability) -this division is in charge of making sure none of the surviving humans or monsters get sick from unsafe environments. This includes cleaning out unused buildings, disease control, and containment of contaminated areas

D.C.R. (Division for Construction & Rebuilding) -Led By Nightmare -this division is in charge of repurposing the broken buildings present in the monoverse to be safe and stable. While the vast majority of these are converted into homes, school spaces, or other such utilities, some are too dangerous and have to be knocked down entirely

Send in an ask if you have any questions! -Mod Ash

[greatlydelirious]

𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞

Karl Heisenberg x F!Reader

wordcount: 6.5k words

summary: As the town’s only healer (the title “Witch” used by your detractors) you try your best to save those under the foot of a false prophet. A wicked agenda was growing its roots and unbeknownst to you, you were at the center of it all. This is a tale of two unlikely people coming together in the name of lust, love, and retribution.

chapter warnings: smut, semi-public sex, light angst, porn with plot

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I: Into the Woods

“The wolf is carnivore incarnate and he's as cunning as he is ferocious; once he's had a taste of flesh then nothing else will do.”

A young woman lived alone in the midst of a cold, bitter winter. Some speculated that she drained the energy of the vulnerable to keep herself warm. For the only way to explain her survival was the doings of dark magic.

Your roaring fireplace and tired eyes would refute those claims, however.

From the outside, your cabin looked like every other residential one in town. The only thing that distinguished yours was the small wooden sign on the door, “Wounded and Ill Welcomed”. Inside lay a makeshift hospital. You considered yourself more of a healer than a doctor though.

Jars of different herbs, salves, and disinfectant fluids were strewn about. There were also tools you collected over the years and homemade bandages/ wraps you made from various cloths. Although it wasn’t much, it was effective enough. Your kitchen also ended up storing more of your supplies than actual food. Even your “work” seemed to seep into your small bedroom.

Books upon books sat atop your dresser and desk. Many of them were botany and medical books The Duke was able to obtain for you. At this point, you had probably read each one five times. You craved to learn more. Before the village was under the control of the Black God it was a pleasant place to live.

That’s what your grandmother used to tell you at least. She was the one who fed your thirst for knowledge. You would always find old books she snuck under your covers. It was your own little secret. Unfortunately, it had to be. It was important for people not to know your mind wasn’t focused on the prophet Mother Miranda. Those same books sat on your nightstand to this day.

Small sniffles fill the space of your home. A boy from the village came running to you in such a crying mess you were barely able to understand what he was saying. Turns out he had gotten a little too adventurous for his own good and gave himself some deep scrapes. You move the child’s leg back and forth to test his freshly bandaged knee.

Plucking the last piece of candy from your jar you hold it out to the little boy. “Let this be your lesson as to why you need to stay away from the Reservoir. Next time a giant sea creature might gobble you up.” The boy finally rewards you with a giggle as he takes the candy from you. Fishing around in his pocket he produces a pouch that holds 50 lei.

You’re surprised that during his tumble he managed to not lose the coin. After you take the payment you mother the boy one more time, “Stay out of trouble now!’’ He leaves you with a meek “yes ma’am” before scurrying back home. A heavy sigh rushes out your nose. You couldn’t figure out who injured themselves more; the kids or the town drunks. One was definitely better to tolerate than the other though.

You bask in the newfound silence as you clean everything up. Today was full of people coming in and out. Although it was good for your pockets, it concerned you. Not only were Lycan attacks taking their toll on the village, but people have been letting their fear cause them to obtain easily avoidable injuries.

You take stock of your inventory and put together a list of everything you would to gathering the next day. Some stuff you were able to forage, while others only The Duke could supply. That included your coveted bowl of sweets. It was something you did for the younger people of the village. (Or it was used to convince some sniveling men to stop squirming.)

Life as the only healer in town was far from easy. Even so, your conscious wouldn’t let you turn your back. Not again.

Locking the front door, you decide to turn in for the day. You had a lot of work to do tomorrow. Not even bothering to change you flop on top of your bed and knock out the second you close your eyes.

-

Sun shining onto your face through your dingy bedroom window wakes you. A groan slips past your lips as you squint your eyes. If only you could sleep the whole day away. Sadly, days off weren’t a thing you could afford. It takes all your willpower to pull yourself out of bed and get changed.

You pull on a cropped sleeve brown dress that has a V-shaped neckline. The dress flowed down to just above your shins. Short by conservative standards, but the perfect length for traveling through the woods. If the fabric was any longer it would snag on all the overgrown plant life. You learned that lesson when you almost ripped your skirt to shreds on a broken branch. The thought of having to run back through town in only your undergarments was enough to dissuade you.

To keep your modesty, you tie your black cloak around your neck. You had the item since you were a teenager. It was a gift from your mother on the last birthday you got to spend with her. No matter how many times you attempted to be convinced to get something warmer, you couldn’t get yourself to get rid of it.

With only slight difficulty you synch a darker brown corset around your waist. There wasn’t a lot you had control over, so you tried to with the way you dressed. Some older women of the village gave you judgmental stares, but when did they not? Almost stumbling out the door you manage to pull your boots on. Stupid clunky things.

Wrapping your cloak tightly around your body you try to shield yourself from the harsh cold as you start your errands. On your path to the altar, a friendly face pops into view. “Look who decided to see the light of day!”

You shack your head at the young woman Elena. Not only did you grow up with her, but her father Leonardo came to you with a new injury nearly every week. The man worked hard to provide for himself and his daughter. You respected him for that.

“Just because I don’t skip around the village doesn’t mean I don’t go outside Elena.” The girl’s smile doesn’t falter. “That would be quite a sight.” She wasn’t wrong though. You were so busy either healing people or reading books that you didn’t venture outside unless you had to.

Continuing forward, you notice how she takes the liberty to join your walk. You were successful at keeping other people at arm’s length; however, you couldn’t help but have a soft spot for Elena. How could you not when she was always so eager to talk to you? It could get very lonely in such a secluded place, especially with the lack of people your age.

For a while, you enjoyed each other’s company in silence. That was until Elena leaned towards you, her voice just above a whisper. “Rumor has it that when you’re not healing people, you are repeating incantations in the dark.” At her tone, you can tell she is merely teasing you, but those rumors were actual whispers around town.

The locals took slight issue with your makeshift clinical. Someone even yelled at you once about how you were a non-believer and Mother Miranda was all the village needed to bring them good health. Many who had this mindset were too far gone to even try to convince them otherwise. Not you though, never.

Suspicions of your intentions never ceased to loom over you. The old hag of the village even paid you a visit once. She was the last thing you expected when you turned around to the sound of the door of your home opening.

“I’ve heard a lot about you lately my dear. I trust you’ve been holding your faith in Mother Miranda close.” The hag gestures to your shrine that was tucked in the corner. Despite your disdain, you knew how to play the game. Was it the nicest one you could have made? Not by a longshot; but it served its purpose.

Almost like she was analyzing you the older woman walks slowly up to you. “Your ability to heal shines bright. Do you covet that gift?” You could tell where she was going with this. There was no such thing as someone creating their own success. “I am only a conduit of Mother Miranda’s blessing. I gratefully collect from the land she graced us with and help the village to assist in her vision.”

The words were masked in a fake softness. On the inside, you wanted to tell her that Mother Miranda only brought death to the village she supposedly protected. Of course, you weren’t brain-dead enough to even mutter those words alone. As much as you wanted to lash out you shifted the energy to other outlets. The smile that spread across the old hag’s face at your answer gave you chills to this day.

Despite her devotion to Mother Miranda, Elena is a smart enough girl to see the difference between fact and fiction. “Ah, I see. I’ll make sure to be a little quieter next time. Be careful talking with me, Elena. You don’t want to be my next blood sacrifice.” Your heart warms at the laugh that racks her body.

Looking up you notice that you’ve reached the gates that lead into the area of the altar. “Tell your father that I miss him, but wish not to see him anytime soon.” You tense slightly when you’re enveloped in a tight hug. When Elena pulls back you smooth out your clothes. “I will!” You watch the girl for a moment as she heads off. She was too nice for her own good.

It takes your whole-body weight to push the gate open. You’re greeted with a large caravan and an even larger man as you round the corner. “How lovely to see you, my dear! I trust that business is going well?” A genuine smile is sent your way. Happiness, or jolliness rather, was a rare thing to come by. It felt nice to be on the receiving end of it.

“Too well for my liking. It seems as the days drift by people are becoming more stupid or careless or both.” Extending your hand, you pass The Duke your list. He scans the paper before tucking it in his breast pocket. Some items you could purchase today, but others he would need to purposely seek out for you. “I would injure myself frequently as well if it meant a beautiful woman would be taking care of me.” You laugh at The Duke’s friendly teasing. Strangely the large man was the most normal person you interact with. He always had a friendly smile, great jokes, and even better merchandise. No wonder he was such a great salesman.

“Oh, hush. I bet you have a harem of women from all over the world Duke.” Two bags full of the items you requested are placed in front of you. You note how fast and efficient The Duke always is. It would have freaked you out if you paid too much attention to it.

“Are you trying to flatter your way to a discount?” Double-checking your lei, you hand the merchant the pouch they sit in. “If only it was ever that easy.” That earns a laugh from him. “I shall acquire the additional items you requested by the end of the week. I hope that is satisfactory.” The timing was perfect. You always made sure to ask for certain items when they run low and not when they run out. It was too risky to gamble about.

In a rare gesture, you smile at the man. “Of course. I don’t know what I would do without you.” When you turn to head back from where you came from a small cough catches your attention. “Do stay safe my dear. Wolves like to wear wool this time of year.” Without another word, you make haste back home.

You considered The Duke’s words carefully. What he told you always hinted at something deeper. Someone had it out for you, that was apparent enough. Figuring out who was the difficult part. Unfortunately, you had ruffled quite a few feathers over time. In your “line of work,” you interacted with the entire village.

You were still grateful for The Duke’s concern though. At this point, the two of you had a good understanding of the other. It was great to have someone who watched your back. Everyone was out for themselves, and you had to keep reminding yourself of that.

Halfway back home the load in your arm starts to wear on you. This was a workout in itself. When you try to juggle both bags while unlocking your door, one slips out of your arm. You watch in horror as it falls to the ground. Before it can hit the mud two hands swoop in to catch it just in time.

Looking up you go to thank the person over and over until you see who it is. Anton is standing in front of you with the cockiest grin you’ve seen on him yet. If only you had the courage to just smack it clean off. “Looks like I’m your knight in shining armor.”

Your mouth makes a thin line in a small attempt at a smile, “Looks so.” Of all people why did he have to be the one milling around? You go to take the other bag from him, but he steps out of reach. “A fragile thing like yourself shouldn’t be carrying so much. That’s why you need a strong man to help you.” Strong man? That descriptor wasn’t accurate for Anton. Fat asshole with an even bigger superiority complex? Now that was more like it.

The poor excuse of a man had been trying to get with you for longer than you could remember. To be fair you were really the only eligible option. Thankfully for Elena, her father scared any creeps off. You didn’t have such a luxury.

Finally getting the door open, Anton follows you inside. Was there a giant sign over your head today that said, “please talk to me” that you didn’t know about? When he stands next to you to put your bag down the pungent stench of alcohol wafts toward you. Anton was a notorious drunk.

“I’m surprised your head isn’t shoved inside an outhouse at this time.” To your dismay, Anton laughs at your comment that was meant to be a dig. One of his hands comes to rest on the table so he can lean closer to you. “Aren’t you going to show your gratitude?”

Nerves start to consume you. “T-thank you for being useful for once.” Anton narrows his eyes at you. He normally wasn’t this pushy, but he wasn’t drunk enough yet to be aggressive. “I think you can do better than that.” You try to think fast. As he goes to move closer you quickly pull out a piece of candy and hold it in front of his face. He is taken by surprise but accepts it anyway. “Playing hard to get? We’ll see how that goes next time.” His words come out more threatening than playful.

Before he leaves Anton takes ahold of your hand that still sat in the air. He kisses the back of it swiftly enough so you can’t move out of the way. You try your best to suppress a grimace. Seemingly satisfied with himself, Anton sees his way out.

Right when the door closes you practically rip open the new bottle of disinfectant you bought and lather your hand in it. That man had to have SOME kind of disease; you were sure of it.

After a few minutes, you finally can collect yourself. Although that was by far not the worst thing that has ever happened to you, the look in his eyes always made your stomach churn in the worst way imaginable. You pray that someday he finally drinks himself into the grave.

Shaking your head, you start to put away everything you bought. Something at the bottom of the bag catches your eye. Pulling the item out you smile. It was a new book. The Duke had given you a novel titled “Pride and Prejudice.” Glancing over the contents you see that it’s a romance novel. Your collection was large, but you had very few of those. They tended to get you too hot and bothered. Even so, you decide to read it tonight. You had to thank The Duke the next time you saw him.

Maybe today wouldn’t be so bad after all.

-

It’s mid-evening by the time you make it deep into the woods. Your last “errand” of the day was to gather herbs and plant life you had run low of. Although your visits to the town merchant were frequent, similar could not be said about venturing away from the village. Distant howls were all you needed to have you stay away for as long as possible.

Alas, some things were too necessary for your practice for you to go even a day without. You made sure to grip your knife tightly in your hand. It was small, but it was also very sharp.

Scanning the ground, you notice a growth of what your books called, “Anethum graveolens”. It was commonly just called dill though; that first word was too much of a mouthful. The plant was one of your favorites. You often boiled the dill seeds to treat stomach aches. The tea it created was quite nice; it had a flavor similar to citrus with slightly earthy undertones. Even the stems of the dill could be used to treat kidney and heart diseases. Studying and collecting plants were the only thing to bring you excitement nowadays, but you were content with that.

You set your cloth-lined basket on the ground and bend over to cut off pieces of the dill. To make sure the plants keep growing you only take what you need and nothing more. Lost in your task you hum aimlessly. The song was an old Romanian lullaby your grandmother would sing to you every night before bed. It was a soft melody that helped distract you from the world around you.

It seems as though you get too distracted because the interruption of another voice almost makes you scream in surprise.

“Well, well. Look at what we have here. You look like your straight out of a fable, doll.” The hair on the back of your neck stands up. That voice was unmistakable. Nothing good ever came to anyway who encountered Lord Heisenberg. At least that’s what you had always been told.

An elder of the village once told you to be cautious, because the Lord and his domineering sister captured, “pretty little things like you.” That warning feels all too real when your knife is pulled from your hand by an invisible force and thrown in the basket beside you.

Despite your nerves, you straighten up and turn towards the man. “Were you never taught that it’s not polite to stare OR sneak up on women, especially in the woods of all places.” You had the same tone you saved for scolding the children of the village.

A surprised laugh leaves Lord Heisenberg. You would be lying if you said he wasn’t a sight to behold. He lifted a leather-clad finger to wipe a stray tear that fell from under his dark shades. Defined lines and veins protruded from his skin that trailed underneath his many layers. Heisenberg’s hammer was slung on top of his shoulders, the metal items around his neck shaking slightly. You couldn’t help but tighten your thighs together.

Heisenberg pulls himself together after a full minute. “Spunky and a nice ass? What a pleasant surprise. Do you always collect flowers like that?” This is the one time you wished you had worn that damned skirt. Your face heats with a mix of arousal and anger. “I’ll have you know that I’m not just collecting flowers. I’m an experienced healer who is foraging. Not that it’s any of your business anyway.”

When he laughs again you catch a glint of canines that were much larger than the average man. At that moment you’re reminded of have dangerous he is. “You’ve got fight. Not many people have the balls to talk back. Well, and live afterward that is.”

Why couldn’t you have just kept your mouth shut?

When Lord Heisenberg advances you step back. Leaves crunch under your feet at each backward step you take. Before you know it your backed up into the tree behind you. Sharp bark bites into your back, but you don’t dare to move even an inch.

Heisenberg moves his hammer off his shoulders. Instead of smashing your head in, he merely tosses the giant creation of metal beside you. “You’re lucky I was the one to find you. Would have been a shame if a Lycan tore into that pretty body of yours.” In an instant, he is invading your personal space. His hand comes up to easily pull the knot of string holding your cloak up.

When it falls to rest on top of the leaves below your feet, Heisenberg touches the curve of your waist. The Lord smelled of heavy tobacco and metal. It should have turned you off, but the masculine scent only added to your attraction. Logic screamed at you to get away, but your body shuttered in anticipation.

He seems to mistake your reaction for fear. “No, ‘I’m so sorry my dear Lord Heisenberg?’ or ‘I shall pray to Mother Miranda for your forgiveness my Lord?’” Pure disdain is laced in his questions. It was clear that he loathed the brainwashed fools who spent their life worshipping the so-called God. You were raised to be better than that though.

“If you expect me to grovel at your knees, you’d be sorely mistaken. I don’t kneel for anyone; especially not false prophets.”

At your words, Heisenberg tears off his shades and throws them haphazardly near his hammer. Green eyes meet yours in a heated stare-off. “Is that so?” His gaze on you is so strong it makes you squirm. You’ll definitely come back to this memory when you’re alone in bed.

Lips descend on you to glide against your jaw. You try your best to suppress your quickening breaths. The swell of your breasts doesn’t go unnoticed, however. “Oh, I like you, little healer.” He only breaks away from you to assess your body.

It was no mistake the type of state you were in. Your pupils were blown wide, face flushed, thighs clenched, and chest heaving. Despite all the sanity still left in your brain, you wanted him.

“Where have you been hiding? You’re clearly local. I would remember you, especially dressed like this.” Heisenberg’s voice came out deeper than it did before.

Even though you were trembling you try to regain some confidence. “What are you trying to imply? If you’re trying to give me fashion advice…“ You make a show of looking over his outfit, “I don’t think you have the credentials to do so.”

Heisenberg puts a hand to his chest in mock offense. “Not a fan? I’m sure you’ll change your mind when you see what’s underneath.” You have to suppress a gasp when you trail down to where he motioned. A large bulge was straining against the front of his pants. Any snarky remarks that appear in your head melt out of your mind. “Cat got your tongue doll?” More like a wolf got your tongue. At this point, a Lycan would be more merciful than him. The look in your eyes must have said enough because he grins wide and proud.

You watch as Heisenberg uses his teeth to slide off one of his gloves. Just that image alone causes a new wave of heat to travel through you. You felt almost embarrassed. When was the last time you even had sex? You were propositioned many times, but you prided yourself in having standards. The rugged and primal nature of Lord Heisenberg was stirring something deep inside you that you thought didn’t even exist anymore.

Calloused fingers trail up your thigh. Without having to be asked you spread your legs for him. Heisenberg slides across your clothed slit. Even with little to no contact you were already soaked. Something that can only be compared to a growl comes from the man. “Holy shit. Today must be my lucky fucking day. Are you always this wet? I could slip into you right now.” The vulgarity of his words makes you blush. There was no way you were going to answer his question though. The shame running through you was already bad enough.

Heisenberg grabs your hand and moves it to the hem of your dress. Getting the message, you pull the fabric until you’re in full view of his greedy eyes. You had to be bright red by this point. Without another word, Heisenberg slides your panties aside before pushing a digit inside of you.

A grunt comes from the Lord at how tightly you wrap around him. “I guess you don’t dislike me that much, huh?” You moan in response when he starts pumping his finger. Fabric crumples in your white-knuckled grip as you revel in the foreign feeling.

Your lack of a filter has gotten you into many situations, but none like this. Due to years of abstaining from sex, the small friction is enough to make you pant. Before you’ve fully adjusted another digit slips inside you at the same time Heisenberg’s thumb brushes against your sensitive clit. Incoherent moans are all you can manage. That mixed with the sounds of your wetness coating his fingers is beyond obscene.

Heisenberg buries his face in your neck as he fucks you. His fingers were much thicker than your own. They gave you a sharp burn that quickly melted into pure pleasure. Not minding your surroundings, you cry out when he hits the most sensitive spot inside you. In your haze, you reach a hand down to palm his erection. You were so close it almost hurt. The second your walls start to quiver around Heisenberg he stops.

A curse leaves him before he pulls out of your slick sex. Before you can protest wet kisses are trailed along your neck. “If you’re going to cum it’s going to be on my cock.” You whimper when sharp teeth graze your skin. Heisenberg’s words gust out through warm breath, “Hop on.”

Not waiting for you to respond Heisenberg pulls you up and you instinctually wrap your legs around him. Your hands scramble to his shoulders for some type of leverage. Rough lips crash onto your own as you’re slammed against the bark.

Heisenberg’s hips trap you against the tree. Not that you planned on going anywhere. It had been so long since you let yourself indulge in your desire. You reason with yourself that with all the hard work you do for the village you deserve this.

You gasp when Heisenberg grinds into you so hard you can practically feel his full length. This gives him the opportunity to push his tongue into your mouth. Each slide of his tongue made it feel like he was trying to savor the taste of you. All the wanted attention was intoxicating.

His touch doesn’t leave you as you hear his belt and zipper come undone. Metal manipulation could be more convenient than you originally imagined. Leaning back Heisenberg pulls himself free from the confines of his clothing. You can’t help but moan at the size of his manhood.

Not only was he long, but so thick. It was bigger than his personality, which was already huge. Your conversation seemed to have riled him up because he was already rock-hard.

“Nothing to say doll?” A cocky grin is set on his face while he fists himself. Only one comment from earlier is thumping around your overheated brain. “I-I’m a fan.” Your comment comes out meek, but still gets the heated reaction you hoped for.

The sound of fabric being torn echoes around the woods. You only realize what just happened when a cool breeze hits your now-exposed sex. Heisenberg tore your panties off.

“H-hey! I liked those!” Any frustration quickly melts away when his cock glides in between your folds. “Not as much as you’re going to like this.”

He didn’t have a shameful bone in his body. The unshakeable confidence was doing something to you. Not even needing to use his hand he pushes just the tip inside.

You throw your head back and try to suck in any air you could get. Heisenberg was almost too big. As though he read your mind, Heisenberg brings his thumb back to your clit. You moan when he slips in more. A groan of his own tumbles out. “That’s it. You can take it.” Not long after that, his groin is flush against you. Something noticeably shifts in Heisenberg. “Hold on tight, doll.”

He pulls all the way out only to slam back in again. Heisenberg pounds into you with manic force. One of his hands moves up to cup the back of your head. This gives him better leverage to thrust into you without hitting your head against the harsh wood. Your nails dig into his jacket. Every high-pitched whine you give spurs him on even more. You were truly being fucked like an animal.

A familiar pleasure builds inside you. Each time he pushed deeper you felt more and more like you were going to burst. “I’m going to, oh fuck, cum Lord-“

“Heisenberg.” His name comes out deep and raw. The sound was like an untamed beast. “Call me fucking Heisenberg.” You answer by nodding your head. That doesn’t seem to be sufficient enough. The hand that’s holding the back of your head flexes tightly into your hair.

“Say it.” Heisenberg tugs your head forward. Warm breath swirls together as your lips sit mere inches apart. His hips still snapped into you at an unrelenting speed. “Say my name with that pretty little mouth of yours.”

This man was going to be the death of you. “Please, Heisenberg! I’m so close!” Fingers rub and press against your pulsing clit. Your breath catches at the same time your walls squeeze around Heisenberg. At that exact moment, you are enveloped in his body.

You could feel him almost tremble as he chased his high. A noise comes out of Heisenberg that for a second, scares you. Teeth meet your neck again. This time they lay their claim when sharp canines break through the skin. The pain made a sinful concoction with the overwhelming pleasure. You tighten your arms around his shoulders when your orgasm finally hits.

Each wave of your release is euphoric. Any stress that sat on your shoulders was lifted even if it was just for a moment. This felt too good. He felt too good.

Moans and cries of Heisenberg’s name fill the woods. Cawing birds and howls can be heard in the distance. Heisenberg’s nails dig into the flesh of your hips. Loud groans vibrate your neck as warmth spreads in your groin. Even through the process of coming down from your orgasm, he continues to rock into you.

Your brain feels like pliable mush. Never did you ever imagine that sex could be like this. Reality washes back over you when you feel Heisenberg pull out of you. Coldness washes over you at the loss. Metal clatters as he tucks himself back in his pants. When he leans back you slide your legs off his hips, only to almost crumple to the ground. Strong hands grab your waist to steady you.

Well. There goes your ability to move for the rest of the week.

You narrow your eyes when Heisenberg laughs. “Careful now little healer. We don’t need you messing yourself up anymore now do we?” His knuckles move to ghost against the dark bruise that is already forming on your neck. Thankfully you had the right ingredients to fix that problem. The last thing you need is to give more fuel to the rumor fire.

Using the tree behind you as support, you stand straight. Wetness soaks down to your inner thighs. When you scan the ground for your undergarment a cough makes you look up. Heisenberg puffs away at a cigar in one hand while he dangles your panties in between his fingers. “Looking for this?”

“Yes.” No humor is evident in your tone. The thought of walking home with no barrier makes a chill run down your spine. That is far from your definition of a nice stroll. Before you can go to snatch it from him, Heisenberg shoves the material in the pocket of his coat.

Pervert.

“Lighten up little healer. They were ripped. Wouldn’t have done you much good either way.” To your dismay, he seemed to enjoy the nickname he picked out for you. At least it was way more friendly than the name the other villagers call you.

You mentally curse at yourself that simply watching him smoke and taunt you was making you earn a warm flush again. How much more pathetic could you get? Reaching down you smooth out your dress and pick up your cloak with a shaky hand.

“What am I supposed to do now? I have a long walk back.” Okay, maybe it would be more of a hobble than a walk. Heisenberg’s small smirk exposes that he is likely thinking the same thing. To all things good and holy left in this world you swore you would get him back somehow.

“Don’t worry that pretty head of yours. Let’s just say that my… scent will keep any stragglers away from you.” You blink dumbly at his response. Stragglers? Gears slowly turn in your head as your brain works its way out of its fucked-out state. Oh. He must mean the Lycans that tend to wander close to the village.

That wasn’t what you were asking, but the concept intrigues you. His scent on you is all you need to keep them at bay? The thought is oddly comforting.

You sit in silence for a moment not knowing what to say. Thank you for the best sex of my life see you around? You didn’t know the protocol for this kind of stuff. Especially concerning the most powerful man in the entire village.

Staying against the tree you watch as Heisenberg puts his shades back on. His hammer levitates back to its original place on his shoulder. Smoke billows from him while he regards you one last time. “That was fun. I’ll leave you to go back to your… what was it?” He gestures his hand as if he was trying to pluck the answer from the air. “Foraging! That’s right. Foraging. Till we meet again, little healer.”

At the end of his sentence, he gives a comical bow before turning around. And just like that, he left from whence he came. Your mind grapples to process what the fuck just happened. One minute you were fangirling over some dill you found and the next you were being pounded into a tree by Lord Heisenberg. Just when you thought your life couldn’t get any crazier.

A small part of you wished it all didn’t happen so quickly. You knew it was silly, but you would have liked for him to stay with you longer. Soreness flares in your body when you bend down to grab your discarded items. You fasten your cloak around your neck and rest your basket in the crook of your arm. Sighing you smooth a hand over your face.

You couldn’t deny that you loved every second of what he did to you. It irked you to admit that you were already craving more. Not even bothering to fix your hair, you pull the hood of your cloak over your head. You did not look forward to the walk you had ahead of you.

By the time you made it to the village, the sun was starting to go down. With a sore neck and shaky legs, you manage to only stumble a couple of times on your way back home. You even managed to harvest a couple more plants along the path. Thankfully, whatever real God was out there made sure that no one decided to come up to you again as you approached your home.

Placing your basket on the supplies counter you sigh. The amount you were able to forage was sufficient, but not as much as you would have hoped for. It wasn’t like it was entirely your fault though. If Heisenberg hadn’t introduced himself with his dick, you could have collected more.

A new sense of self-loathing washes over you. In retrospect you let yourself get fucked like a whore by a man you quite literally only met seconds prior. Putting your face in your hand you let yourself laugh. At least it was good sex.

When you shift your body, you’re reminded of the sticky sensation between your legs. Thankfully, you had a showerhead that was controlled by a pull-down handle. It was often used to quickly rinse off people with more severe injuries. Or it was used for times like now when bathing outside felt less than savory.

Grabbing an old towel, you are more than happy to strip off your clothing. Once you are finished washing up you tend to the bruising, soreness, and light scratches. The light pangs of pain are a teasing reminder of the pleasure that outweighed it. If someone stumbled on you like this, they would think you got into a fight.

Not wanting to dwell on your afternoon, you lock yourself in your room and slip on a night dress. Although it wasn’t too late for you to be working, you couldn’t be bothered. Exhaustion had finally sunk its claws into you.

“Pride and Prejudice” is nestled in your hands as you climb into bed. You can’t help but groan when your soar body makes contact with the sheets. No medicine you owned could do anything about that.

Sinking further into your bed, you let yourself relax. The quiet moments before going to sleep were your favorite. That was prime reading time. The oil lamp on your nightstand kept you company as you read the new book.

On more than one occasion you find your thoughts drifting from the page to somewhere else; Mr. Darcy morphed into Heisenberg and Elizabeth Bennet into you. It wasn’t a crime to let yourself drift into fantasy land. Not long after that your body finally succumbs to sleep. The book lays forgotten on your lap as light snores slip past your lips.

Something flutters nearby. The sound makes you slightly shift, but you were too deep in your sleep to be alerted. Unbeknownst to you, a single crow sits just outside your window. Watching.

Any and all interactions are greatly appreciated.

a/n: The dill thing is a real fact by the way. I did light research on Romanian plants used for medicine just for this lol. It was an interesting read.

[the-insomniac-emporium]

TROPHIES: Dimitrescu Family HCs

{Hunting, regardless of the nature of the prey, is a favorite activity for the Dimitrescu family. They care not for the sanctions of morality, and freely take reminders from the bodies of their victims. But what do each of them harvest? What do they cherish most among their collections?} {Characters: Lady Alcina Dimitrescu, Bela Dimitrescu, Cassandra Dimitrescu, Daniela Dimitrescu, Bonus!Avaskian Caldwell (Jokingly) {-Under read more for length, 1.3k words (EDIT: forgot the decimal point. definitely 1,300 words, not 13,000)-}

Admittedly, Bela's is a little shorter than the others, but I don't see her as being as interested in trophies as her family.

Lady Alcina Dimitrescu:

A dragon hoards, but a businesswoman? An entrepreneur? Oh, she invests. The trophies that Lady Dimitrescu collects go far beyond mere wealth. She does not simply conquer and display, she recycles, she reinvents, she expands every part of her collection. Those she hunts may be torn to shreds, but every piece has a use.

Silver, gold, other valuable metals all get melted down, to be recast into jewelry befitting one of the four Lords… or one of her daughters. Cassandra is an artist, you see, and Lady Dimitrescu is more than happy to supply her with materials. Bela tends to be more subtle with her fashion, but a gift from her mother never fails to bring her a smile. And Daniela? Well, her attention is as fleeting as sparks on an anvil, and glittering gems are a surefire way to draw her gaze back where it belongs.

Pelts and exquisite fabrics (cut to ribbons, pulled apart from the remains of clothes, no doubt) find their place easy enough, decorating the many halls of her beloved home. To think that these walls were once barren…

Although her maidens are not captured through hunts, their “employment” is still representative of her wealth, and Alcina takes pride in her collection. They sustain the castle, her daughters, her business, and even herself. For each maiden drained of all blood, for either feeding or wine-making, Alcina saves a single vial. Small enough to seem meaningless in her hands, with labels she can’t read without glasses. But she can tell the difference- tell you everything about each donor- simply by sampling the blood’s scent. When she’s not reminiscing about the sweetest screams and the finest flavors, she keeps the vials safely secured in an ornate cabinet.

Favorite Trophy: A simple, worn-down locket, made of relatively cheap metal. Inside is a faded photo of a woman unfamiliar to Alcina. It’s a rather plain object, but the sentimental value trumps all other trophies, as it was obtained during the first official Dimitrescu family hunt.

Bela Dimitrescu:

Scientifically minded, Bela does not care (much) for common trinkets or grisly mementos from her victims. Instead, she collects the most fascinating remnants, only the well preserved pieces. Perfectly intact skulls, bones with signs of both breakage and mending, medical braces or implants removed from her prey. She lines them up on display in her personal study, taking care to ensure that they remain in flawless condition. Few servants are allowed to touch her favorite trophies. Although her sisters find it odd, Bela has no qualms with cleaning her shelves herself, for the sake of her collection.

Additionally, Bela makes a habit of taking scraps of flesh from her victims, to be added to her homemade fertilizer, to be lovingly fed to her plant children. Of course, not all the scraps are good enough for her garden. Those that fail to meet her (botany-related) standards usually end up getting fed to the hounds. Or the crows. Or the weird mutant fish in one of the local ponds.

Favorite Trophy: The skull of her (former) favorite hunting dog, who had to be put down after cancer diagnosis. While it wasn’t obtained in the pursuit of a hunt, it still takes its place among her trophies, front and center. In Bela’s mind, the skull still serves the purpose of a trophy: An icon to commemorate a struggle, an effort, a triumph. Though the hound did not triumph over death, it shared many victories in life, and deserves to be remembered.

Cassandra Dimitrescu:

BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD QUEEN, SKULLS FOR THE SKULL THRONE! Art, baby, art! Or, well, anything for art. Cassandra loots anything she can craft with, from scrap metal to blood-soaked fabric, and everything in between. Bones are equally valuable to her, regardless of any damage they received during the hunt. Phalanges are great for jewelry, while larger bones work well for sculptures or weapon handles.

While Cassandra does pick up the most out of her family, she’s surprisingly picky about what she actually keeps and displays. Despite working on an overwhelmingly large variety of projects, essentially constantly, she doesn’t actually end up using the majority of supplies she gathers. Every once in a while, Cassandra moves unwanted plunder to one of the castle’s storerooms. At that point, it becomes “up for grabs”, with her sisters able to take whatever they desire. Unfortunately for them, Cassandra rarely bothers to separate the wet/messy from the dry/clean… which also means that maidens must frequently clean out her stockpile.

On the topic of messes… the other half of Cassandra’s collection tends to be what most would consider “excessive”. These trophies are kept fairly close to their original condition- that condition being “recently removed from a corpse”. Cassandra prefers to showcase gory pieces that represent her greatest battles. Bloodstained hides from overly mutated Lycans, skulls with shards of broken blades still stuck in them, tattered remains from the armor of cult traitors.

Favorite Trophy: If you were to ask Cassandra to show her favorite, she would likely point out a massive lycan skull, with a normal human skull posed inside its grizzly jaws. “It was one hell of a fight,” she’d explain, “and I was the one who made the killing blow.” But her gaze would flicker to the side, to her true favorite trophy: A shattered dagger, resting within an undecorated display case. Someone had come dangerously close to maiming Bela, once, on a freezing cold day. Protecting her almost cost Cassandra her own life, but she managed, and the dagger was proof.

Daniela Dimitrescu:

One not terribly well acquainted with the Dimitrescus might believe Daniela to be eccentric, if only in the most generic, clearly trying-too-hard sort of way. They would glance at her odd collection, every bit as disorganized as it is mismatched, and assume that she was maddeningly performative. “Skulls turned into candle holders? Worthless, old knick knacks representing memories that aren’t your own? Supposedly mystical rocks?” They’d say, judgement clear in their tone. And then Daniela would kill them, obviously. From their corpse she’d fish out the contents of their pockets, checking for anything mildly interesting.

Because the truth is this: Daniela is entirely genuine in her love of things, her passion for all sorts of oddities, her appreciation of literally anything that piques her interest- and gods, her interest is easy to pique. Even if she doesn’t understand the history of most of the items she collects, she loves them all the same. Sometimes she tells stories inside her head, inventing backstories for her trinkets, trying to imagine what their previous owners were like. After all, she usually doesn’t get a chance to talk to those she hunts.

Unlike her sisters, Daniela’s collection frequently changes, with items on display rotating out, or being replaced entirely. Though her lovers tend to be short-lived, she does frequently give them trophies as a “gift” (said trophies usually find their way back to her, in the end). Other items get traded to the Duke for new objects, some are merely lost in the mess that is her personal study, and some just… lose their charm.

Favorite Trophy: A pocket flask, unknown metal, engraved with an unfamiliar house sigil. On the bottom, someone has messily scratched “T <3 C”. There’s a large dent on the unengraved side, which appears to be from a small caliber firearm.

Bonus!Avaskian Caldwell, Honorary Dimitrescu:

“Trophies?... I got a first place ribbon at a science fair once?” Ava seems confused, unsure of why you’d ask the question in the first place. After you try to elaborate, explaining that you meant, like, hunting trophies, xe gives you a blank stare. “Not really my style.”

Xe is more than willing to tell you about xer science fair project, though…

[howtobeapersonwithfibro]

Disabled Sci-Fi: Internship-seeking Veronica

Here (below the cut) is the next short story in my Disabled Sci-Fi series. It centers around Veronica Lee, a wheelchair user living on a colony spaceship. She’s just finished high school and is looking for an intern position in her favorite field: science.

Feedback (and suggestions for future stories) always welcome :) I just really enjoy writing about disabled characters using the knowledge I’ve picked up about experiences from spoonie/disability tumblr and being disabled myself. 

*****

Veronica takes a deep breath. She adjusts her position in her wheelchair to be a bit more comfortable. Tries to resist the urge to strangle the woman across the table. 

“As you know, Ms. Lee,” the woman in the stiff, gray clothes continues, “Everyone has a role to play on the ship. We begin to look for career matches at age sixteen so that everyone can find their ideal role. I just imagine that our choices will be… limited… given your situation.” 

Inwardly, Veronica rolls her eyes. Sometimes she may as well have three heads, for the way people struggle to talk to her like a normal person. Like being unable to walk is a situation and not just another detail of her life, like having straight hair. “I know why you might think that,” Veronica replies, choosing her words carefully. This woman is the only career counselor for the entire ship, so she doesn’t have the option of pissing her off. “But I think that accommodations can be made for most of the jobs around here. It’s not like I’m asking to be a zero-gravity engineer. And my chair can get almost anywhere, with all the ramps.”

The gray woman gives a small, forced smile, and says, “Alright then. What are your areas of interest?”

“I’m most interested in biology,” Veronica says, relieved to be talking about something else. “Whether it’s working in the medical wing or in a lab, I’m just really interested in those kinds of things.” 

“Hmm,” the woman mutters, scrolling through a document on the screen in front of her. “There’s an open trainee position in the botany lab. Job description includes… let’s see here… working with microscopes and other various tools to alter plants and fight disease…” 

“Sounds great. I was good with microscopes in my classes.” Maybe this is actually going to be fine, Veronica thinks. 

“I’m looking over the images of the lab,” the woman goes on, “and all of the counters are standard-height. I’m not sure if you’d be able to reach everything you needed to--”

“Adjustments can be made,” Veronica interrupts. 

“It’s just that the lab has very strict rules about what kind of furniture can be present, due to cleaning procedures, and…” she sighs. “I’m sorry. The system is quite inflexible sometimes, but the procedures are important for optimal plant growth.”

“The system is only as inflexible as we make it,” Veronica argues. “Please, just put me down for the trial position. I can talk to my trainer about making things work.” 

The woman sighs. “I suppose I can do that. If it’s not a good fit, we can always try something else. I hear the food service wing has a variety of opportunities.”

Yes, Veronica thinks, because my perfect grades and area of interest just scream “food service”. But she’s getting a shot at what she wants, so she’s going to do her best to tolerate this prejudiced woman. “Um, thank you. I’ll see how the botany job goes first.”

“Wonderful,” the woman says, in a rehearsed, not-very-wonderful tone. “All of the information has been sent to your messages app. The position starts next week, but you’ll want to look over everything to make sure you’re prepared.” 

***

The next day, Veronica has an appointment to meet her training supervisor and talk with him about the lab and the work they do there. When she arrives at the lab wing and wheels through the sliding doors, she is faced with a bored-looking receptionist who barely glances up from his screen. Once he sees her chair, he looks up again, muttering, “Can I help you with something? Are you lost?”

Lost, she inwardly huffs, desperately trying not to roll her eyes. Because they’re not used to seeing someone who looks like me around here. She takes a breath, then says, “Um, actually, I’m here to meet with Dr. Stonecroft about the trainee position. Veronica Lee? Meeting set for 10:30?”

The young man takes a moment to process this, then says, “Oh, right, I see it in here. I’ll send a message to Dr. Stonecroft that you’re here.”

As she waits, Veronica mentally steels herself for the argument she expects will come. She spent most of the night lying awake thinking of her rebuttals to various questions, and obsessing about it via messaging with her friend Lila until she fell asleep and stopped responding. 

Veronica wanted this job so badly. She couldn’t imagine being stuck somewhere like food service her entire life, not when she had such an interest in science. 

A door behind the receptionists’ desk slid open, and through it walked a short, brown-skinned man with round glasses and a lab coat. “You must be Veronica,” he said, greeting her with a smile and extending his hand down to shake hers. “Herman Stonecroft, glad to finally meet you. Please, come with me.”

She followed him eagerly, squeezing carefully through a narrow doorway that barely allowed room for her fingers to move the wheelchair without getting squished. When it widened into a hallway, Dr. Stonecroft slowed to walk by her side, guiding her first into the greenhouse. 

It was one of the most beautiful places Veronica had ever seen. Most of the places on the ship were dull shades of gray, sparingly decorated because supplies had to be conserved. But this room was alive with color: Red tomatoes and berries hanging on vines, nearly ripe enough to pick; yellow peppers and another plant that Veronica couldn’t identify; and green, green everywhere, from the early sprouts in their hydroponic rows to the leaves of fruit trees and tall corn stalks. 

“This is amazing,” Veronica said. “I’ve never seen so many plants in one place. And it smells so… fresh,” she added, trying out a word she hadn’t had much cause to use before. Little in life was fresh when you lived in space.

Dr. Stonecroft smiled. “I remember thinking that the first time I came here too. The greenhouse is lovely, of course, and very showy, but most of our work is done back in the labs. We’ll come to water the plants, but other workers harvest them. We spend most of our time managing disease and keeping our plants strong. Our effort is vital to maintain food supply.”

“Right, of course,” she replied, not discouraged. “It’s just a privilege to be able to see all of this. They let us each grow a bean plant in science class, and I thought that was cool.”

“I’ll show you to the labs now,” Dr. Stonecroft said, leading her through a large set of double doors at the back of the room. They led into a hallway with a few other doors, and she could see through the glass walls that each contained lab benches with microscopes and other instruments. 

He scanned his badge at one of the doors, and it slid open to allow them through. Veronica noticed that all of the countertops were slightly above eye level for her; she couldn’t imagine getting her arms up there to work productively, let alone looking into a microscope that sat even higher. But Dr. Stonecroft didn’t seem to notice the disparity. He continued right on with his enthusiastic introduction as a few scientists turned from their work to stare at her. 

“We start most of our interns out with basic microscopy - slide preparation, cell counting, studying images to learn signs of abnormal growth. You’ll help tend some of the plants as well. And of course you’d be led through this by another team member when I’m not available. You wouldn’t be expected to do anything on your own for some time - I know that the school’s science department was a bit lacking in resources.”

“That sounds great,” Veronica said. “I thought microscopy was really cool, but we only had two microscopes for the whole class to use, and they were pretty old. So I’ll be happy to learn as much as possible here.” 

Dr. Stonecroft smiled. He was fairly soft spoken, and Veronica had decided already that she would enjoy learning from him - if this worked out. “I’m glad to hear that, Veronica,” he began. “I wish more students had your interest in this area. I’ve had several trainees think that they were here to water plans and pick fruit, and decided to quit when they learned it was much more.”

Veronica nodded. It seemed like this was a really promising opportunity. “Right. But, Dr. Stonecroft, we should probably talk about -- I mean, I’m sure you noticed. I’m in a wheelchair. I can’t exactly reach the lab countertops, or the ground-level planters. The lady at the career center mentioned that sometimes regulations don’t allow certain furniture, but--”

“Veronica,” he said, stopping her. “Let me tell you something. I have never turned an interested student away, and I don’t plan to now. I will saw the legs off of some lab benches myself if necessary.” He gave her a small but knowing smile. “As long as you like it here, we will be lucky to have you.”

It felt like a weight had been lifted off of Veronica’s chest. Sure, she could still see a couple of the scientists side-eyeing her as they pretended to get on with their work. Sure, not everyone would be used to her at first. But her mentor was open-minded and friendly. And everyone else would get used to her and her chair, especially once she showed them the kind of work she could do. 

She hadn’t met someone like Dr. Stonecroft in a long time - someone who just treated her like a person, instead of a person in a wheelchair. She felt pressure behind her eyes, excited and happy tears, and hurried to wipe one away before he could notice. “Thank you so much, Dr. Stonecroft. I’m so excited to start here.”

Dr. Stonecroft escorted her back to the entrance. “We will see you Monday, Veronica.” 

Once the sliding door to the lab wing closed behind her, she let her smile break open wide and wheeled as fast as she could down the quiet hallways, barely able to contain herself. When she was finally home, the door closed behind her, she screeched with delight. “Yes! I did it!” she yelled to no one in particular. For once, she thought with a contented sigh, something finally worked out. 

[mrcoolcleaning-blog]

Cleaning Services in Strathfield

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[plantanarchy]

Hey man, this may seem like a very naive question, but I was wondering if you had advice about entering into a career in horticulture. I am currently hating doing a PhD and thinking constantly about a complete career switch - I've become disillusioned with medical research but having got this far I don't know what other job I'd enjoy. The thing I love outside of work is growing plants, reading up on botany and working with my hands. Is it just pastoral fantasy to want to work in horticulture?

Well, to be fair, botany and horticulture are two entirely different fields. Botany is plant science, while horticulture is more... how to apply bits of that science to grow plants and usually how to make those plants profitable. So horticulture jobs include nursery work like I do or work in plant breeding, distributing, farming and orchards, garden trials, etc. Botanists are more likely to work at university or research settings with or without field work and do more theoretical study that may sometimes inform horticulture practices but isn’t directly about growing plants.

If you have an educational foundation in biology, botany/plant science would probably not be a hard shift. Though as somebody who literally hasn’t taken a bio class since 10th grade, I don’t have any experience at all on that side of things. A lot of botany programs are graduate programs that require an undergraduate degree in biology. Horticulture degrees have a completelyyyy different focus and are more about practical application. Which, to be fair, I also don’t have much experience with because I’ve never actually had any formal horticulture training because so much of hort really is just... getting your hands dirty.

The thing is, the face of the horticulture industry is changing pretty fast so right now it’s not a sure thing what it will even look like in a decade or two. A lot of smaller, traditional businesses are starting to go under as corporate wholesale horticulture giants replace them and as people’s priorities change. People my age and younger definitely still like plants and gardening but not in the same ways that our parents and grandparents did. So yeah, I think it’s a cool field to work in from a lot of angles and due to my retail horticulture experience, I know there would be a (potentially seasonal) job for me anywhere I went buuut that may not always be the case as the industry changes.

So yeah, advice for getting into horticulture is to just try to find a job somewhere. A horticulture degree or certification may help but definitely isn’t necessary. And depending on where you live, most jobs will be seasonal. A lotttt of my coworkers are only part time employees actively working in spring and early summer and then get let go until next year. I’m one of three full-time greenhouse workers and even I’m currently laid off. A lot of that seasonal work is just menial labor like watering, plugging, pinching, transplanting, hauling and cleaning plants.

So good thing is you could definitely try to get a seasonal nursery/greenhouse/farm job for the spring and see if you enjoy it? And then if you don’t, they won’t need you long anyway. The best time to start looking is late winter, very early spring.

And then beyond retail/wholesale jobs there are also jobs such as... reps for big hort companies who have to know a whole lot about growing the crops in order to troubleshoot for clients, working for your local agriculture extension which offers resources for farmers and garden centers in the region and serves as educational outreach, and a whole bunch of marketing and communications type work (which I also do despite being absolutely not trained in it). So idk it depends.

[brightlycoloredteacups]

Her Name Is Flora

Pairing: Poe Dameron x OFC

Series: TBA

Summary: The keeper of the garden just so happens to BB-8′s best friend, and he’s determined to get her more. 

Warnings: None for this Chapter.

Tags: None

BB-8 had a secret. Poe wasn’t so sure he liked his friend keeping secrets from him. His best friend, flying partner, the one constant in his ever-changing life, was keeping something from him. It sat like a bad taste in his mouth. Still, Poe didn’t ask, it wasn’t his right. If BB wanted to share that information with him, it would have done so a long time ago.

           Every night, at exactly midnight the little droid would roll off to some unknown corner of the base and stay out until the crack of dawn. It would bring back a single dried flower each time. In their shared room, BB-8 had its own little corner, completely with a shelf to put stuff it enjoyed on. This shelf was now entirely covered with the flowers. Some big, some small, some medium sized, all different colors. The robot would lovingly rearrange it each day, giving each blossom it’s time to shine.

           Poe had to wonder if BB had a droid it was particularly fond of that returned it’s feelings. But he figured droids wouldn’t give each other flowers, maybe something else, but not flowers. Then he figured BB had a human admirer. Human-droid romance were unusual, but not unheard of. If it made his friend happy, who was he to judge? Still, he had to ask, he was too curious not to. He made a promise to himself, if BB-8 didn’t want to talk about it’s little secret, he wouldn’t push it.

           “Hey buddy,” Poe says, looking at the droid getting ready to leave. “Where, uh, where do you keep getting those flowers from?” BB’s happy chirps relieved him of the worry he was prying into his friend’s privacy. Flora! BB-8 tells him. Her name is Flora, and she’s my bestest friend in the entire galaxy, aside from you, of course…and Rey, and Finn. “Flora, huh?” BB gives an affirmative chirp. Poe feels like he knows that name. Someone mentioned it a million times somewhere before. He simply can’t put his finger on it. Maybe he’ll think of it much later, when he’s half asleep. “Well, why don’t you invite Flora over for dinner sometime? I’d love to meet her.” BB excitedly agrees, rushing out of the room, going to ask this mystery woman right away.

*

           Flora is the only living thing allowed to tend the plants in the Garden Center. She has an innate skill to bring life, seemingly from thin air. Some of the herbage that had been planted required a delicate touch, and a massive amount of knowhow to grow efficiently and effectively. Soldiers needed food, recreational activities, and medicine, thus, the Garden Center was born. The center was sectioned off into three parts, two of them open to the public. Each was affectionately named by Flora. The Viewing Gardens, the Farmers Corner, and Medical Site.

           The Farmers Corner was a place for people to pick their own food. Fat fruits hung from trees, vegetables grew luscious in the deep rich earth, herbs a plenty were found in cute little pots labeled accordingly. There was a plant for everyone’s taste, alien and human alike. One could often see children darting between vegetables, playing games of tag, or squirting each other with water guns. Parents often watched with a sense of peace and joy.

           The Medical Site was where all the medicinal plants grew. It was closed off from the public. Only she and her droids were allowed there. Every medical breakthrough in the galaxy had some basis in botany. What the medical droids couldn’t give the Resistance, she could. Her tonics cured the worst strains flu in a few hours, her poultices knit skin back together almost as quickly as a Jedi, her powders killed pain without the consequence of addiction. Through the careful compounding and innate understanding of chemistry, she’d helped keep the Resistance running for as long as she could.

           The Viewing Gardens, however, where her pride and joy. It had a dream-like quality to it, thanks to artfully low lighting, heavily scented air, and beautiful bright colors. Lovers came to this section to kiss under artificial stars. They declared ever lasting loyalty to each other. The haunted wraiths war made of people came there to find a moments peace from their demons. Those that had lost someone, came to grieve in the warm embrace of mother nature. It was a place of calm, warming love that she’d worked hard to create.

           Currently, she was in the Medical Site, having finished her routine chores. She’s tending to a thick, slimy mass of blue algae, floating rather bloatedly across the scummy surface of an artificial pond. She’d been trying for months to get the algae to bloom, they were essential in a lotion that soothed the aches of muscles. A great deal of soldiers needed it for their feet, backs, and arms. Only was it today that the algae had come through for her, and with what magnificence! Not one inch of the glowing green water on which the algae grew could be seen. She checks her notes, figuring it must have been the protein mix she’d cooked up that did it.

           She’s scribbling away in her notebook when BB-8 comes rolling up to her, chirping happily. She looks up, smiling at him. “Hello my friend,” She says, watching the ball come to a stop next to her. “They’re doing wonderful today.” She continues, nodding towards her blooming algae. “I’ll collect them later on, for right now, I have research to conduct.”

           She stands, grabbing the cane place beside her. BB beeps in concern. “Just a little stiffness.” She says, soothing its worries. They walk together in silence. Her laboratory is on the other side of the compound. It’s slow going for her, but she likes it underneath the stars. The infinite black of space mottled with stars and moons and suns always gave her comfort. It reminded her that she wasn’t so alone after all.

           As is her custom, she stops at the door, looking up. She closes her eyes and sends a wish out to the stars. It’s the same wish, night after night. A friend, I want a friend. Then, she slips into the cool, white expanse of her lab.

           Her droids come online as she hits the light switch. The room is filled with happy whirring, being, and even screeching. She says hello to each of her companions. “Hello,” She says, smiling, “Hello Starlight, hello Sunray, hello Moonbeam. And a special hello to you, Whiskey.” The aged droid in question grunts but doesn’t say hello back.

           Like the well-oiled machine they are, they all roll into their stations and get to work. Whiskey brews a pot of tea for Flora to drink through the night. Flora settles in to look over the data. Even though she has old droids with top of the line processing, they can only interpret data, tell her the facts. She’s the one that puts it all into practice. Whiskey sets the pot of tea in its usual spot, pouring her a cup. “Flo,” He says. “When are you going to take me out among the stars?”

“As soon as General Organa allows me to borrow an X-wing.” Whiskey growls, mechanical and menacing. “Sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness rather than for permission.”

“Whis, the general has done a lot for us over the years, the least we can do is not cause her any trouble. We’d still be in that trash heap if it weren’t for her.” Whiskey gives another annoyed groan but leaves her alone. He totters off to his own corner to paint. BB settles next to her, watching everything that goes on.

           It likes being in the lab. The calming drone of intense work, Flora’s humming, sometimes singing, allows the droid to relax. Not to mention the sheer gentleness with which Flora treats it endears it to her. It will often simply roll around, looking at the work others are doing. It’s so different from the hustle and bustle usually surrounded by its other friends.

           Tonight, however, Flora notices BB’s restlessness. “How was your day BB?” She asks. BB is delighted to tell her all about it. She tries as best to tune it out, feeling guilty as she did so. BB’s stories were all about Poe Dameron, the one man she had the unfortunate pleasure of having the hugest crush on.

           Poe was everything she’d ever read about in stories. Charming, handsome, clever, quick witted, intelligent, and most importantly of all, he was kind. He’d come in the viewing gardens late at night. As the Commander of the Resistance, he had the clearance to do so. He’d wander the plants, brow furrowed in angry thoughts. Sometimes, he’d just sit for hours upon hours, looking a head of him, remembering things he didn’t want to remember. Flora longed to kiss that furrowed brow smooth. She wanted to tell him things would be alright, and that he could always find comfort and warmth in her, he could tell her anything he liked, and she wouldn’t shy away from it.

           More times than she liked he sent her diving for the nearest cover of foliage. She hated sitting there, watching him, feeling creepy all the while, but if she moved, he’d discover her. And that would be a fate worse than death. She’d watch from the shadows as he’d take a new flame and introduce them to his favorite tree. “Shara Bey,” He’d tell them. “That’s her name.” They laughed at him, thinking he was just trying to be funny. Things would get awkward when they’d figured out he was serious. He kissed a few of them before he told them. It always sent jealous pangs through her heart. They wouldn’t last long. Silly little Flora, she’d tell herself, silly, silly little Flora. Poe Dameron doesn’t even know you exist. There was simply no use in getting all riled over him. Besides, he deserves to be happy.

           BB pulls her from her reverie rather forcefully by inviting her to dinner. She chokes and sputters on her tea. Whiskey looks up, concern lacing his mechanical voice, “Are you alright?”

“Fine,” She gasps, holding her chest, “Fine, I’m fine. Everything’s fine.” She looks about her for a towel to clean the splashes of tea. Once she regains her composure, she looks at BB, trying to think of how best to answer him. “I would love to go to dinner with you,” She admits, “But I can’t.” Well, why ever not? “You know why,” she says, not bothering to point out the obvious flaws that covered every inch of her.

           She could handle the stares of pity, horror, and hatred from strangers, but to have Poe look at her like that? She’d wither and die on the spot. She couldn’t risk it, her dreams were more important to her than reality, in dreams she was allowed a measure of comfort. BB-8 beings to protest. Poe wasn’t like others, he’d like her, because she was BB’s bestest friend, and Poe was BB’s friend too and that automatically made her Poe’s friend, and would she please, please, pretty please come with him to dinner? Poe would love her, it was sure of it.

           Poe would love her. The thought was laughable. Even if it was possible, the rumors that would circulate the relationship. She can hear them now. “Poor Commander Dameron, tied to that useless little thing.” Other hurtful things clouded her mind. She knew first hand what rumors could do to a relationship. Best not put Poe through that, not even being just friends was an option. “No, BB-8, I’m sorry. I won’t go to dinner with you.” A sad beep follows it argues no more. BB settles in for the night, quietly wracking its processors for an excuse to get her to eat dinner with him and Poe. By the time the night is over, and the droids are all in their charging stations, BB hasn’t come up with a single idea.

*

           When BB rolls in at dawn the next morning, Poe is still rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He has a long day ahead of him, but he wanted to wait until his friend came in with the good news. “Well?” He asked, letting out an incredible yawn. She won’t come, is BB’s response. Poe watches as the droid dejectedly takes out it’s dried flower. With the same loving tenderness as the mornings before, BB-8 arranges the flowers in a new configuration. “Aw, buddy, I’m sorry. Did she say why?” BB freezes in the middle of its arrangement, trying to figure out the best way to answer his question.

           She doesn’t think she’s pretty like you. Poe laughs. “I’m far from pretty BB, but thanks for the compliment.” The bot whirrs annoyedly. You know what I meant! It snaps. It goes to it’s charging station, done with this conversation. “Well, is she?” Poe asks, finally getting up. “Not as pretty as me?” No! BB argues, running into his leg in irritation. She’s amazing and beautiful and perfect. She’s super smart and kind and gentle and I really, really wanted you to meet her. Poe looks at the droid in surprise. The only other person BB ever gushed about was Rey or Finn. This Flora person must be rather important to it. Poe was impressed.

           “Maybe we should bring dinner to her then?” BB’s piercing shriek of acceptance is all Poe needs to know. “Alright, how’s tonight sound?” It’s sounds great. Poe nods. “Look BB, I have to get some work done, but you come up with a plan, and when I get back, we’ll go ahead and cook up the biggest, most delicious dinner the Resistance has ever seen.”   BB-8 agrees happily, then settles in for a few hours of charging. Tonight was going to be spectacular.

[greenwichvillagehq-blog]

"Just living is never enough...one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower."

STATS

FACECLAIM: Madelaine Petsch CHARACTER NAME: Caireann MacDiarmada PRONOUNS: she/her BIRTHPLACE: Galway, Ireland DATE OF BIRTH: February 22nd, 1997 AGE: 21 OCCUPATION: Student & Part-Time Waitress at By Chloe.

IN THE VILLAGE

CHARACTER LABEL: The Alienator HOUSING: Bleecker Street Studio Apartments FREQUENTED LOCATIONS: By Chloe, Pier 45, Star Struck Vintage Clothing, Washington Square Park, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, New York University, Barcade, Goods for the Study

BIOGRAPHY

She was born and raised in Galway, Ireland. When she was two, her parents got a divorce after her mother caught her father having an affair with her Aunt Eloisa (Ingla’s identical twin sister). Her father packed up his things right after the divorce was settled, and along with Aunt Eloisa, moved to New York City, where he continued his dream of being a Broadway play writer. Shortly after, he and Eloisa got married. It was like Seamus, Shane and Caireann didn’t even exist to him anymore after that, as he never, not once, called or visited to check up on his children. No birthday or holiday gifts or cards, nothing.

Life with her brothers and mother in Galway was alright. They got by well enough. Ingla was a biomedical engineer and got paid a fair bit of money for her work in developing new medical devices and equipment. Caireann admired her mother’s work ethics and her ability to juggle single parenthood and a full career. Especially since she knew that her brothers (and herself, though she’d never admit it) were quite the handful.

When Caireann was fifteen, her mother died in a horrific accident - she’d struggled with epilepsy her whole life, and she ended up having a seizure while bathing, which resulted in her drowning. Caireann had been at school at the time, and her brothers away in college, so there had been nobody around to help her.

Her death left the MacDiarmada kids devastated. Particularly Caireann, who was quite close with her mother. 

In the wake of Ingla’s death, Caireann was sent to New York City, to live with her father and his wife (her aunt). Seamus and Shane followed shortly after, not wanting the three of them completely split between continents.

To say that she had been livid in having to breathe the same air as her father and step-mother again, was an understatement. Caireann didn’t say a single word to either Garrett or Eloisa for months after moving in, and when she finally did speak, it was with short and snappish relies that dripped in derision and not an ounce of respect. She hated them for fucking her poor mother, and her and her brothers, over. The only thing she could be thankful for was that the two of them never had any children together. She hadn’t been sure if she could have handled living with half-siblings that were also her half-cousins, on top of everything else.

Graduating high school at seventeen, Caireann immediately packed up and left for university and to start her new life on her own. She honestly couldn’t have left her father’s home quick enough. Moving into the Village was giving her the freedome and the room to finally breathe, which she so clearly needed. She no longer had to grit her teeth together everytime she was spoken too, which in the end, helped with her stress level. After nearly four years, she has yet to return ‘home’. She instead spends holidays and breaks with her beloved brothers.

Her studio apartment looks like a freaking greenhouse - no joke. It’s full of plants of all shapes and sizes. Succulents, philodendrons, herbs, etc. Most of them are indoor plants, seeing as the apartment does’t bring in much sunlight. On her fire escape, it’s a full-on garden in the spring and summer months. She grows her own herbs, succulents and several fruits and veggies all year-round by way of grow-lights.

Her walls, the spaces that are plant-free, she decorates with her own embroidery pieces, which she’s framed. They’re mostly of flowers and nice little sayings like ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ or ’Do No Harm, But Take No Shit’.

She’s very clean, almost to the point of being OCD. Although she has lots of plants in her apartment, it’s still arranged tastefully, and is well-kept.

Caireann is in her last year of university, where she is pursuing degrees in Botany and Horticulture. They are two different career-paths, but she’s studying both, as she wants to incorporate both science and landscaping into her future career. After university, she wants to open a shop where she can sell plants, spices and her own oils and organic body products.

She has no social skills whatsoever. She avoids people when she can, and when she can’t, she’s not exactly the most friendly or inviting. The vibe she gives off is ’Don’t Fucking Bother Me’. She intentionally (and unintentionally, sometimes) alientates others by her unpleasant attitude.

She alientates people by being so standoffish, uncairing and closed off. They label her a stuck-up, or a self-centered bitch and though she’s neither truly stuck up or self-involved, she usually just shrugs it off. She knew her flaws, and wasn’t looking to change anytime soon. Caireann hates others getting too friendly, or too nosy in her business, anyways. She can be nice, and thoughtful, but that’s only when you’ve won her over. She cares literally for only two people in her life, and they are her brothers Seamus and Shane. 

Caireann also alientates people due to her odd nature. She has quirks that others might deem strange - like her obsession with plants, and veganism. She’s more hippy than even she realizes.

( — Caireann MacDiarmada is played by Krista, she/her, 24, PST )

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Can you imagine life without blood banks, personal computers, or touch-tone telephones? These innovative creations—and more—wouldn’t exist today if it weren’t for the brilliant minds of these 11 African American inventors.

1. THOMAS L. JENNINGS

Chaloner Woods, Getty Images

Thomas L. Jennings (1791-1859) was the first African American person to receive a patent in the U.S., paving the way for future inventors of color to gain exclusive rights to their inventions. Born in 1791, Jennings lived and worked in New York City as a tailor and dry cleaner. He invented an early method of dry cleaning called “dry scouring” and patented it in 1821—four years before Paris tailor Jean Baptiste Jolly refined his own chemical technique and established what many people claim was history’s first dry cleaning business.

People objected to an African American citizen receiving a patent, but Jennings had a loophole: He was a free man. At the time, U.S. patent laws said that the “[slavemaster] is the owner of the fruits of the labor of the slave both manual and intellectual”—meaning slaves couldn’t legally own their ideas or inventions, but nothing was stopping Jennings. Several decades later, Congress extended patent rights to all African American individuals, both slaves and freedmen.

Jennings used the money from his invention to free the rest of his family and donate to abolitionist causes.

2. MARK E. DEAN

If you ever owned the original IBM personal computer, you can partially credit its existence to Mark E. Dean (born 1957). The computer scientist/engineer worked for IBM, where he led the team that designed the ISA bus—the hardware interface that allows multiple devices like printers, modems, and keyboards to be plugged into a computer. This innovation helped pave the way for the personal computer’s use in office and business settings.

Dean also helped develop the first color computer monitor, and in 1999 he led the team of programmers that created the world’s first gigahertz chip. Today, the computer scientist holds three of the company’s original nine patents, and more than 20 overall.

Dean was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1997. He’s currently a computer science professor at the University of Tennessee.

3. MADAM C.J. WALKER

Craig Barritt, Getty Images for Essence

Madam C. J. Walker is often referred to as America’s first self-made female millionaire—a far cry from her roots as the daughter of Louisiana sharecroppers. The entrepreneur was born Sarah Breedlove in 1867, and her early life was filled with hardships: By the age of 20, she was both an orphan and a widow.

Breedlove’s fortunes changed after she moved to St. Louis, where her brothers worked as barbers. She suffered from hair loss, and experimented with various products, including hair care recipes developed by an African American businesswoman named Annie Malone.

Breedlove became a sales representative for Malone and relocated to Denver, where she also married her husband, Charles Joseph Walker, a St. Louis newspaperman. Soon after, she began selling her own hair-growing formula developed specifically for African American women.

Breedlove renamed herself “Madam C.J. Walker,” heavily promoted her products, and established beauty schools, salons, training facilities across America. She died a famous millionaire and is today considered to be one of the founders of the African American hair-care and cosmetics industry.

4. DR. SHIRLEY JACKSON

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Dr. Shirley Jackson is a theoretical physicist who currently serves as president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. While working at the former AT&T Bell Laboratories, she helped develop technologies that led to the invention of the portable fax, touch-tone telephone, solar cells, fiber optic cables, and the technology enabling caller ID and call waiting. Jackson was also the first black woman to graduate with a Ph.D. from M.I.T., and the first to be named chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

5. CHARLES RICHARD DREW

Associated Photographic Services, Inc., Wikimedia Commons // Courtesy of the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center

Countless individuals owe their lives to Charles Richard Drew (1904-1950), the physician responsible for America’s first major blood banks. Drew attended McGill University College of Medicine in Montreal, where he specialized in surgery. During a post-graduate internship and residency, the young doctor studied transfusion medicine—and later, while studying at Columbia University on fellowship, he refined key methods of collecting, processing, and storing plasma.

In 1940, World War II was in full swing, and Drew was put in charge of a project called “Blood for Britain.” He helped collect thousands of pints of plasma from New York hospitals, and shipped them overseas to treat European soldiers. Drew is also responsible for introducing the use of “bloodmobiles”—refrigerated trucks that transport blood.

The following year, Drew developed another blood bank for military personnel, under the American Red Cross—an effort that grew into the American Red Cross Blood Donor Service. Eventually, he resigned in protest after he learned that the military separated blood donations according to race.

Drew spent the remainder of his life working as a surgeon and a professor, and in 1943, he became the first African American doctor to be chosen as a member of the American Board of Surgery.

6. MARIE VAN BRITTAN BROWN

Homeowners can rest a little easier thanks to Marie Van Brittan Brown (1922-1999), a nurse and inventor who invented a precursor to the modern home TV security system. The crime rate was high in Brown’s New York City neighborhood, and the local police didn’t always respond to emergencies. To feel safer, Brown and her husband developed a way for a motorized camera to peer through a set of peepholes and project images onto a TV monitor. The device also included a two-way microphone to speak with a person outside, and an emergency alarm button to notify the police.

The Browns filed a patent for their closed circuit television security system in 1966, and it was approved on December 2, 1969.

7. GEORGE CARRUTHERS

Brendan Hoffman, Getty Images

George Carruthers (born in 1939) is an astrophysicist who spent much of his career working with the Space Science Division of the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in Washington, D.C. He’s most famous for creating the ultraviolet camera/spectograph, which NASA used when it launched Apollo 16 in 1972. It helped prove that molecular hydrogen existed in interstellar space, and in 1974 space scientists used a new model version of the camera to observe Halley’s Comet and other celestial phenomena on the U.S.’s first space station, Skylab.

Carruthers was inducted into the National Inventor’s Hall of Fame in 2003.

8. DR. PATRICIA BATH

Jemal Countess, Getty Images

Dr. Patricia Bath (born 1942) revolutionized the field of ophthalmology when she invented a device that refined laser cataract surgery, called the Laserphaco Probe. She patented the invention in 1988, and today she’s recognized as the first African American woman doctor to receive a medical patent.

Bath is a trailblazer in other areas, too: She was the first African American to finish a residency in ophthalmology; the first woman to chair an ophthalmology residency program in the U.S.; and she co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness. If that weren’t enough, Bath’s research on health disparities between African American patients and other patients gave birth to a new discipline, “community ophthalmology,” in which volunteer eye workers offer primary care and treatment to underserved populations.

9. JAN ERNST MATZELIGER

The average 19th-century person couldn’t afford shoes. This changed thanks to Jan Ernst Matzeliger, an immigrant from Dutch Guiana (today called Surinam) who worked as an apprentice in a Massachusetts shoe factory. Matzeliger invented an automated shoemaking machine that attached a shoe’s upper part to its sole. Once it was refined, the device could make 700 pairs of shoes each day—a far cry from the 50 per day that the average worker once sewed by hand. Matzeliger’s creation led to lower shoe prices, making them finally within financial reach for the average person.

10. ALEXANDER MILES

Not too much is known about Alexander Miles’s life (1830s–1918), but we do know that the inventor was living in Duluth, Minnesota, when he designed an important safety feature for elevators: their automatic doors. During the 19th century, passengers had to manually open—and close—doors to both the elevator and its shaft. If a rider forgot to close the shaft door, other people risked accidentally falling down the long, vertical hole. Miles’s design—which he patented in 1867—allowed both of these doors to close at once, preventing unfortunate accidents in the making. Today’s elevators still employ a similar technology.

11. GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER

George Washington Carver (1860s-1943) was born into slavery in Missouri. The Civil War ended when he was a boy, allowing the young man the chance to receive an education. Higher education opportunities for African Americans were limited at the time, but Carver eventually received his undergraduate and master’s degrees in botany at Iowa State Agricultural College.

After graduation, Carver was hired by Booker T. Washington to run the Tuskegee Institute’s agricultural department, in southeastern Alabama. He helped poor agrarians by teaching them about fertilization and crop rotation—and since the region’s primary crop was cotton, which drains nutrients from the soil, the scientist conducted studies to determine which crops naturally thrived in the region. Legumes and sweet potatoes enriched the fields, but there wasn’t much of a demand for either. So Carver used the humble peanut to create more than 300 products, ranging from laundry soaps to plastics and diesel fuel. By 1940 it was the South’s second-largest cash crop.

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