#new type of test tube baby just dropped

[realcowboysdrinkjuice]

idk why i waited to say this but lmao it would suck if emizel died and shilo doesnt like sorry bud you’re never getting your normal unfucked up spine back good luck with that king also new teeth also shorter ears like you guys look even more similar but at what cost lmao pov your brother borrows your body parts and then dies with them and they get replaced w a new set of his

[personwithatophat]

Founder Theory

do you like generation loss? do you see a neat person with vague background implications? well! good news! That Person Right There Could Be The Founder!

in honor of this id like to introduce a game TOP FIVE GEN LOSS CHARACTERS WHO ARE SECRETLY THE FOUNDER

#5 SecuriTV

This Is A Collection Of Sentience "Maybe Flesh" And Technology!! also known as literally everything that we relate to the founder! the SecuriTV could be the first attempts at making the founder a digital person and this is what remains!

#4 Charlie

The Slime demon! The Patient! The Villain! but could any of these titles have more significant meanings?? charlie is the only other character outside of our hero who has been theorized in the past to be related more internally! charlies character as the slime demon takes yeild from the 1800s, possibly during The Lostfield incident??? and has also been rumored to be a test tube baby! what a wacky, goopy, sludgy guy that could just be the root of narrative evil, always right behind the hero and out of suspicion!

#3 Squiggles

The loveable showfall mascot! Squiggles being the founder in of itself is generally ridiculous, however. its VERY noteworthy that our favorite faceless figurehead of darkness has taken a personal intrest in this project! and could for all potential be using squiggles as a type of surrogate for communications or else wise has a piece of themself as squiggles if youre a supporter of the AI theories. that being said heres some things that squiggles has said live on show "I love rats" "Nightmares of Bart The Vorer intensify" "nyyyyyyaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrwwww *crash"

#2 Zero

What a Mysterious Lady we have! Recently Zero has been getting more attention with the bonus addition of the name "Miss Roads" and many like to speculate the connection of Gen 0, Cron 0, and the founder! Could chronicle zero our local A/V shop retail stooge secretly be using those dusty 20% off tape recorders to start her media manipulation empire?? do we have THE founders diary posted live on twitter?? Or is Miss Roads a truman character with a placed therapist? the answer might surprise us!

#1 Ranboo

Our Very Own Hero! Ranboo being the founder is truely a crowd favorite of these times! spanning through the casual viewers, to the general theorists. The concept of it being a case of memory manipulation and full beginnings although the Ranboo as Founder theory took a significant drop in popularity after matpat made a theory not even picking up on the main plot of the show, there are things that make it still have significance !! This spans from a love of the memory lost protagonist being the main villain and a comforting circle of life deal they have going on where the founder ends up killed by the horrors of his own creation in a cruel circle of fate! This will likely never cease ANYWAY here's a fun challenge! who do YOU think is the founder? o r who do you think is even a little bit suspicious? they can be the founder too!

/lh -Tophat

[tiffyfoundsomething]

I haven’t been excited by a new toy in a while, but MGA’s new Miniverse got my attention.

These are available everywhere, including Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GGeEIt

However, that’s not always a good thing. It’s not always a positive aspect of a toy that catches my eye.

The big “what???” of these is that they’re marketed to kids age 8 and up, and contain UV resin.

Now..... Resin is

well it’s

...

It’s not for kids.

Allergies to uncured resin are common (both 2-part epoxy and UV resins) and can be severe.

There are lots of warnings in the packaging. I didn’t read them.

You should wear gloves and a respirator when working with any resin, even in a well ventilated area. There aren’t many proper respirators that fit kids....

Froggy on YouTube was too afraid to open her resin and instead used tinted Mod Podge which worked just as well.

I, however, am old and experienced with both types of resin (though no expert), unafraid of the possible reaction I could endure (I’m familiar with resin allergy and how it can be, so a good test subject) so I figured I’d give these a look to see just how bad an idea they might be for kids.

I did NOT wear gloves or a respirator while working on these kits in the name of science.

My first order was 3x of the Diner balls (there are 3x of the Cafe ones on the way).

I wanted a blueberry cheesecake.

None of my three were any type of cheesecake. I got this strawberry and cake parfait, choco-hazelnut spread and strawberry toast, and key lime pie.

First warning on this one:  When I opened the little plastic bag that contained the “vanilla cream”, it smelled of UV resin and left my finger sticky. Some resin must have gotten on the outside of the bottle before it was bagged. It did make me itch at the time, which I was like “oh no....” but I’ll get back to that. One of the other balls had the same experience, but not all three.

The positives:  Wow this is cute. There are screened veins on the strawberries, the whole berries have painted leaves, and the cake cubes are textured. These are very nice little minis, if a little under-detailed and obviously plastic.

Excellent for doll houses.

Every tiny bottle of resin has a big DO NOT EAT THIS sticker on it with information if you peel it off and unfold it.

The negatives:  resin

You get tools, but they’re insufficient. I’ll address that later, also.

The little fruit and cake packages are difficult to open and I tossed my cake cubes across the desk. I am clumsy.

The resin bottle is VERY difficult to open. While this is good to prevent leaks (presumably), it did result in me and various tools being covered in resin trying to get it open.

Most of these items are a good scale for 1/6th dolls (Mini Me is a Live Action Beauty and the Beast Belle head on a curvy Barbie body). That bread is kind of big, those are bulk peanut butter, and that’s a LOT of vanilla cream.

Speaking of the bread...

I am NEVER opening this. Never. It’s too cute as it is. There is a TINY. BREAD. TAB.

Never.

That freed up one kit’s stuff to mix with the others.

These limes are transparent like they’ve been baked.

The whipped cream tube opens and there are all of these dollops inside, but I’m not the only one that thought they looked like little garlic! With a little toasty-colored dry brushing they could also be meringues.

Anyway, this was my “I’ve done this before.” set up. I didn’t tape down my tape (that’s a vinyl flooring sample, it’s an excellent base for working on UV resin), but it was fine for this small project.

I like to work on baby wipes because the damp, rough texture stops things from rolling or sliding around (it’s especially handy if you’re playing with glitter) and I keep another on hand to wipe my tools or my fingers as needed with the container nearby because I do go through a lot of wipes. Negative to baby wipes is that they’re prone to dropping strings everywhere.

Back to the tools.

You don’t want to touch uncured resin. The tools that come with these kits are playscale. Imagine trying to dig the key lime pie goo out of this jar with that tiny knife (though that set comes with a spoon). You’re going to be covered in resin.

There’s only about 1/3 of the jar full.

I used my normal resin doing spoon which is long and still had to stop to wipe my fingers a few times because I am clumsy.

The same with the tweezers.

These longer ones are much safer.

Each of these three kits has a different texture of resin. This is the “Nutella” which is thick and spreadable. I was using it as chocolate sauce since I didn’t want to use the bread. The vanilla cream was runny, and the key lime pie goo was in the middle.

I was doing this at 5 am in the winter so there was no sun. I used my nail lamp, so I can’t say whether these would set properly in the sun.

Having experience with UV resin, I did the key lime pie in two layers, curing the lower layer of just lime goo first so that the pieces wouldn’t get pushed too deep into said goo, then adding a second, thinner layer to set the fruit into.

I got this all over myself even with my longer, more appropriate tools.

Because the deco is plastic you can’t hit the resin with a flame to get rid of bubbles. Sometimes you can get them to pop if you blow on it hard and fast (POOF!) but I didn’t bother.

Obviously I switched mine up and made a strawberry limeade pie instead, using some of the Nutella to make a chocolate dipped strawberry on top.

As for the parfait, I am disappointed that the cake cubes on the bottom are obscured by the resin. It is very runny, ran down and around and covered them right up.

I also did this one in layers. I was wondering if the white resin would be able to cure because sometimes opaque tinted UV resin, especially white, can’t cure and you end up with a thin, cured crust and then that can be easily broken and uncured resin comes out everywhere.

This white resin cured fine. It’s not opaque.

I’m wishing I’d skipped the whipped cream on the parfait because the bright white of the whipped cream makes the transparency of the vanilla cream resin more obvious.

And this is what I’m left with!

If I hadn’t put the big strawberry on the key lime pie, it all would have fit into the pie crust container.

I cured the mostly empty insides of the vanilla cream and key lime goo containers but not the Nutella because I might come back and use that some day.

Whipped cream bits are back into the can.

I didn’t want to have empty fruit packaging so I pulled out some polyclay canes and refilled them.

Final thoughts

If you were to do these kits as intended, you’d be throwing away most of them. There was a TON of plastic bags inside, three layers of plastic outside, the pie crust and fruit containers and resin bottles/jars would be empty, there are many, many papers inside telling how to use the resin and warnings and the checklist and MGA’s usual “Give us your toy ideas for free!” flyer they include in everything these days.

I didn’t put them in the pictures but each kit does come with a small table that can snap into the ball to use as a dust-free display, and a doily or place mat depending on what you’re making.

I DID get resin all over my fingers. The resin DOES smell, but not as strong as my usual UV resin and it doesn’t sting my nose like my usual UV resin. If I were allergic, I’d be in pretty bad shape right now. As it is, I just feel kind of gross even though I’ve gotten as much off of my hands as I can.

Washing your hands won’t get this off, you need rubbing alcohol, which is where baby wipes come in handy.

Are these for kids 8+?

no

I mean, it depends on the kid. I’ve seen kids that can outcook adults.

Giving this to me at that age or even as a teen would be a mistake. It would end up in my hair, up my nose, on the dog, in my mom’s purse somehow.... I am clumsy.

It depends on the kid, but in general, no. There are very few respirators that properly fit children.

This is for teens and adults who already know how to handle UV resin.

[saintobio]

sincerely not. (12)

↳ gojou satoru/reader

with an arranged marriage set in place, the sacred bond is doomed with a wife who wants to make the relationship work and a husband who’s ready to ruin it all. unbeknown to him, a tragic fate already lies within the pages of his romance book.

genre. heavy angst, unrequited love, arranged marriage, modern au, 18+

tags/warnings. profanity, mentions of pregnancy, mentions of miscarriage, mentions of infidelity, mentions of death, physical abuse (not to reader), violence, blood

notes. 14k wc longest chapter yet. my savior @suhkusa tysm for the consistent beta <3 the RE parallels go hard on this one, i hope u guys enjoy!! do not spoil on the replies pls

series masterlist -> episode thirteen

Ieiri had seen all types of reactions from her patients before. Some women would visit her clinic with huge smiles on their faces while learning about their pregnancy, while others would spend the next nine months forlornly because having a baby inside their womb was not something that they had prepared for. Not everyone who came to her were expectants, either. There were those who have been trying to conceive for months, but could not seem to find the luck, so they wanted to check if anything specific was preventing their chances. Infertility was not uncommon and many women tend to suffer from underlying factors such as having polycystic ovarian syndrome, hormonal fluctuations, or endometriosis. Certain times, when a woman does end up conceiving a baby, not all bodies were healthy enough to carry the fetus for nine months. This was why the topic of pregnancy could be very sensitive to some people because it carried many negative connotations that could range from infertility to miscarriage. As an obstetrician-gynecologist, she had been accustomed to the spectrum of emotions that her patients would show and today was just another one of those experiences for her.

Except, while Ieiri was looking at Sera, all she could think of was you. She thought of how this news could damage you, especially since you had a heart condition that could be fatally dangerous once you found out that Gojou had possibly gotten another woman pregnant. Shoko was never supportive of her best friend’s affair and had she known that Satoru was going to mess up, she would have placed more effort into criticizing his actions rather than just ‘not meddling with his business’. Because now every time her eyes met Sera, the very image of infidelity came to her mind. If only the two lovers had the decency to break up prior to the marriage, none of this would have happened and you would never have had to deal with the painful consequences.

“Are you nervous?”

“Not at all,” Sera answered, evidently lying as she sat still with her hands clenched above her lap.

She must be anxious. Ieiri picked up the white plastic cup from her table and walked towards the cabinet where she kept all the pregnancy test tubes hidden. And just to make sure, she grabbed two and heard Sera take a deep breath as she watched how the doctor dropped urine on both tubes before leaning against the counter to look back at her. “Shouldn’t you have taken a pregnancy test at home?”

“I did, didn’t I say that already? It was positive and Satoru doesn’t wanna believe it,” she snapped, furrowing her brows as she spoke. Unlike before, Sera was visibly aloof towards her now. They used to be appropriately casual around each other, but it was pretty obvious that Sera knew where Ieiri's loyalty was and that the latter didn’t support their extramarital relationship, hence her biased opinion was what prompted Sera to not pretend and act all nice around her anymore. In her head, Ieiri was nothing but a traitor.

Sighing, Shoko reached for her stethoscope and pulled a stool to sit in front of the woman. “Let me check.” She could see the frustration on her eyes that never vanished even as Ieiri began pressing the diaphragm against her chest. And as they waited for the result while simultaneously checking Sera’s breathing, Ieiri thought it was the perfect opportunity to give her an insight of the relationship between you and your husband. “Were you aware that they’re childhood lovers?”

The speed of her patient’s heartbeat suddenly increased. “Huh?”

“Y/N and Satoru,” Ieiri continued, moving the medical device on other places of her chest, “they’ve been paired since they were born. Their families have had close ties for the longest time, so they spent most of their lives together. He was very fond of her when they were kids.”

There was a flicker of anger and perplexity that appeared on Sera’s face before she masked it with a mirthless smile. “That’s in the past. He loves me now.”

Shoko pulled the stethoscope away from the woman and let it dangle around her neck. “In the past, sure. But don’t you think it’d be easier to fall in love with someone you’ve already loved before? They know each other more than anyone else in the world, they just lost each other’s sight after—”

“Why are you saying all this?” Sera cut her off, irritation streaked her voice. “Do you think I wanna hear it?! Who told you all this nonsense?”

“Your boyfriend,” she answered with an unbothered look on her face. It was a good thing that Ieiri had a perpetual calm exterior because she would have aggravated Sera more had she said it with an evil smirk. No, Ieiri wasn’t like that. But still, the woman deserved to know why her best friend’s marriage to you was not just any random marriage.

However, instead of seeing the light, Sera tauntingly raised an eyebrow up at her. “How can someone who apparently loved his childhood friend be stupid enough to stay with his current girlfriend?” Along with that, she added, “Satoru constantly tells me that he’s not even happy with their bullshit marriage. He insults her whenever he’s with me. Did he say that to you, too?”

Ieiri wasn’t even the wife, but she was at a loss of words with the audacity of this mistress to talk proudly. Why has Sera become unreasonably hostile? Ieiri wouldn’t put it past Satoru to say those things in the beginning of your marriage, but she was doubtful that he still felt the same antagonism towards you at all. “You must’ve been on cloud nine whenever he spoke ill of her.”

“Of course,” Sera spitefully replied. Shoko must have hit the nail for the woman to act inimical around her like this. “She’s actually so naive and pathetic. I feel sorry for her.”

Unbelievable. Was Satoru aware that his mistress could be this vile? That this was her true nature without her cloak of innocence? To think of it, Ieiri couldn’t even remember what he liked about this woman and she wasn’t really interested to hear about their fairytale. She was more concerned in knowing whether her best friend would actually have to suffer having Sera as the mother of his child. Tragic, she thought as she ignored Sera’s words by checking the tubes that were placed atop the counter.

The moment of truth. Shoko’s eyes widened as she finally saw the results that could change the lives of the people around her. Despite her calmness, her lips had then stretched into a thin smile.

Karma.

She wasn’t carrying his child.

It was pure, savory karma when the test tubes read only one red line each. Aside from that, a nurse came at the perfect timing by entering the clinic to hand out Sera’s blood test results. Shoko now had all the results on her hands while her patient looked at her with hopeful but anxious eyes that wanted good news for her sake and not anyone else’s. Unfortunately, these tests couldn’t be wrong.

“Sera,” Ieiri carefully said after the nurse closed the door to give them some privacy, “I think this is the heavens’ way of telling you that you’re not meant to have his baby.”

Her angelic face instantly turned white as paper while she placed a hand on her baby-less tummy, concurrently shaking her head and holding her breath. The whites of her eyes had become more visible now that she took this news with great surprise. Did she really want a baby with him that bad while he was married? This girl was truly something else. It was even pitiful how she immediately refused the results. “That can’t be possible! I’m late, I swear I’m—I was having morning sickness and other symptoms.”

“High levels of progesterone, particularly during PMS, can cause symptoms that mimic pregnancy,” she explained to her with medical facts. “Even if you were ovulating that day, there are many factors that could have prevented your conception. You seem to be under a lot of stress. When you have high levels of cortisol, it can negatively affect your ovulation and fertility. Besides, these test results are accurate and we cannot lie to our patients.”

Ieiri didn’t expect tears to quickly build up in Sera's eyes who looked absolutely devastated to hear that she was not carrying her lover’s baby. Just a minute ago, she was all lofty and defensive despite learning about yours and Satoru’s childhood relationship, yet here she was on the verge of crying as though life has been nothing but unfair to her. As if she was the neglected wife who got cheated on by her husband. Did she ever put herself in your shoes to see how awful it actually was to have a husband but with another woman in the same picture?

While Sera contained her tears, Shoko tried sliding the envelope that carried her result, but the former snatched it harshly and read the contents with the desperate belief that things would change if her eyes went over it a thousand times. “This is… This isn’t real.”

“Why do you want a baby with him so bad?” Shoko decided to ask. “He’s already married, Sera. I’m sure you’ll find someone else who can give you the family you want. Someone who doesn’t already have a wife.”

She didn’t even bother listening to Ieiri’s words when she got up and wiped her tear-stained cheeks, later pulling up a rigid face before stomping out of the clinic. Now that was a little dramatic, was it? Ieiri had to press the tips of her fingers on her temple when she followed her out of the clinic, only to see her standing face to face with an extremely nervous and restless Gojou.

“What’s the result?” he asked with eager eyes that clearly wanted a negative result. He looked back and forth between her and Sera, holding his breath as he waited in anticipation. “Is Sera pregnant? Ieiri, tell me—”

The answer wasn’t a straight yes or no. The answer was Sera ripping the results of her blood test, causing shock on both Shoko and Satoru’s faces. “I’m not,” she admitted, swallowing her pride and looking at him as if to say ‘Are you happy now?’.

Ieiri wanted to palm her face when she saw Satoru’s reaction, because it was clear that he had to at least comfort Sera from the disappointment she felt, but the man had no ounce of care when he sighed out of relief knowing how this had been burdening him all week. A curve was even tugging at his lips as he internally celebrated the idea that his and Sera’s child was nonexistent. The man looked absolutely like someone who won the lottery.

He could have at least spared his so-called mistress from this reaction.

“Thank fuck,” he mumbled under his breath with all the anxiety leaving his body completely. Somehow, Ieiri was fulfilled to have done her part by confirming that that Sera truly was not pregnant. If this had turned out otherwise, she had no idea what would happen to them or how Satoru would deal with it. At least, he no longer had to worry about it and all that he could say was, “I appreciate it, Ieiri.”

Sera, on the other hand, was great at holding her tears back in. Her eyes were red when she looked at the very man that she loved. “You’re such an insensitive prick.” With that, she walked out leaving Gojou dumbfounded by her choice of words. It was Ieiri who urged him to chase after her.

“End things with her now,” she reminded her best friend. “This is the perfect opportunity to choose your wife. If you really wanna be with Y/N, be devoted to her.”

How could this happen? Sera wanted to scream when she walked out of the hospital, wiping the ceaseless tears that gushed out of her eyes for the past few minutes. She stalled about taking the test for a whole week because she thought that Satoru would change his mind about demanding legitimate proof from her. Why was Satoru so goddamn adamant about getting Ieiri to verify her pregnancy? Didn’t he love her enough to believe her words alone? This scenario could have been ideal had he not cornered her into setting up an appointment with his best friend. What happened to trust that he had given her throughout their relationship? Why was he suddenly throwing all of that away?

“Sera, let’s talk.”

Her breathing became steady upon hearing his voice, but she didn’t bother to turn around and look at his face. It was painful, too painful to see just how candid he was at being happy about her misfortune in exchange for you. “Then, talk,” she then answered through gritted teeth.

Gojou placed his gentle hands on her shoulders and made her face him. This time around, his eyes were more sympathetic than joyous. “Sera, I’m sorry. It wasn’t meant to be,” he tried to console, pulling her for an embrace that only made her tear up even more. Having herself wrapped around his arms was breaking her heart so much more than she expected. “You’ll have a baby soon. At the right time with the right person.”

Although, despite his attempt to comfort her, his last statement led her to push him by the chest. Anger was clouding her mind at his willingness to let her go that easily. “What do you mean ‘the right person’? Did you forget what you said to me before you married that… that entitled woman?”

He sighed and did not bother pulling her for a hug again. “My wife isn’t entitled,” was his initial answer before going straight to the point, “and I already told you last time, I made promises to you that I can’t fulfill. I’m sorry for hurting you and for dragging you into this, Sera. It’s… It’s better that we stop seeing each other.”

A week ago, Satoru had no idea how much she sobbed on her pillow when he brought up the fact that he wanted you. He was not aware that Sera did not eat her meals at the right time, that she did not have the strength to get up every single day, dreading that she really was not pregnant with his child and that he would no longer have anything to hold onto. He didn’t know that she couldn’t sleep well at night as his torturous words rang in her ears like a broken record.

‘When I hurt my wife, I hurt myself, too.’ What a liar. ��I want her. I can’t think straight when I’m not with her.’

Sera threw her fist on his chest because of the rage that was building inside her heart. “Why didn’t you tell me that you’ve known her since you were kids?” she questioned with tearful eyes. She slammed her fist harsher against him, causing the man to flinch from the pain that she was inflicting. “You made a fool out of me! Did you enjoy playing with me? It’s because I’m not rich, right? You’re ashamed of me, that’s why you’re dropping me so easily! How dare you… H-How dare you!”

Her accusations were followed with the continuous slam of her balled hands. With the amount of frustration that settled on her mind, she did not hold back from hitting him everywhere—his chest, his arm, his cheek. She was ruthless with how she slapped his face hard enough that the ring on her finger left a bleeding cut on his cheekbone. Even at that, she couldn’t refrain herself from being violent because her anger had already consumed her.

The abused, while refusing to fight back, looked at her with absolute hurt in his eyes. Still, he allowed her to hit him so she could release all of her pent-up anger while he wiped the blood on his cheek. “I’ve done worse things to my wife, but she was never this physically violent to me.”

It was only until she heard his words when Sera froze, remembering the gravity of Satoru’s trauma when it came to physical abuse. His trembling fingers and heavy breathing woke her up from the pique that arose within her—placing her in a state of momentary shock before she gathered herself together by taking a step back. In spite of her guilt, she didn’t apologize. “Don’t paint me as a bad person. I’m the one who’s always suffering here.”

“Yeah, this is all my fault,” he agreed, exhaling deeply. “Hurt me as much as you want, but don’t place the same resentment towards my wife. She’s done nothing but understand us both.”

Was she supposed to feel sorry for her? Sera released a laugh of disbelief. “You’re defending her now? You can’t be devoted overnight, Gojou. Cut the act. You know you’re just gonna end up running back to me.”

His stance remained stiff. It was clear in his eyes that there was no way for Sera to convince him to stay anymore and it was upsetting her twice as much as the last conversation that they had in the parking lot just a week ago. “I can still change and lessen the damage. I’ll do it for her.”

Ridiculous. Satoru has truly changed. She wasn’t crying because she was jealous, she was tearing up because she couldn’t accept the fact that her man had turned into another person. It felt as though she had lost the lover that showed what happiness felt like to her. The man who made her believe that dreams could turn into reality and how love could feel so magical that it would take you into another world that was ideal in every way that she imagined. But this, all of it got taken away from her because of you. “She’s not gonna be happy,” she said, gazing up at him with determination. “I assure you she won’t.”

“Is that a threat?”

“It’s a reminder.”

For the next minute, they stood in front of each other while engulfed with cold silence. Silence that felt like eternity as she stared at him and he stared at her. It was hard to believe that the man who declared his utmost love for her was now the same man who would choose someone that was not even on par with her aside from her status and wealth. Nothing was special about you except your ability to fool people with your pretentious innocence.

“Why choose her?” she asked, once and for all. “I don’t care if she’s your wife or not. Why did you suddenly change your mind?”

He reached for her face and wiped the tears on her cheek—the comfort was within his actions, but not within his words when he answered, “It’s always been her.”

“Will she be alright? Nee-chan, what if she doesn’t wake up?”

That voice came from a girl.

“Don’t be ridiculous! She’s breathing.”

And another one.

“I’ll wake her up.”

No, that was from a boy this time.

While struggling to open your eyes, you heard the familiar voices getting louder and louder as they argued about either leaving you be or waking you up from your seemingly long slumber. Was it evening already? You felt the rush of a headache when you finally managed to open your eyes, seeing an unfamiliar beige ceiling accented with gold colors. By the time you sat up, you nearly gasped when your gaze landed on the three teenagers standing at the edge of your spacious bed.

“H-Hey, guys,” you spoke with a raspy voice, attempting your best to sit up as nausea kicked back in. At the Zen’in estate was where you found yourself, but… how did you end up lying insensate in their household? “What happened? Why am I here?”

Maki, Mai, and Megumi traded glances with each other before the latter took the initiative to answer your question. “You drove here, Mrs. Gojou,” he politely confirmed, “but you passed out as soon as my dad rushed to your car.”

Christ. Because you had been sobbing nonstop while you were driving, you were no longer in the right mind as you headed to their place without prior notice after the situation that you discovered back in the hospital. All the crying was what made you feel queasy and you felt absolutely sorry for the unnecessary trouble that you’ve caused. “This is so embarrassing. I-I’m sorry, you guys—”

“No, no. It’s okay, nee-chan!” Mai immediately sat on your side and gave you a glass of water that you didn’t notice she was carrying. “Drink some water. How are you feeling?”

While you took a few gulps from the glass, the same worry could be seen in Maki’s visage. “We got so worried. Should we take you to the hospital?”

Right. The hospital. Satoru has a baby with Sera. You remembered why you came here now. Being around this young trio was what gave you solace when you first visited them back then, and you wanted an excuse to distract your pain by supposedly seeking the same peace of mind. It just so happened that you passed out, again, after shedding tears because of your husband and his mistress. This wasn’t the first time that you fainted because of the two people that constantly tormented your soul.

And now they were about to have a family together.

The thought pricked your heart with small needles, painful enough that it sent beeps to your smartwatch to signal your abnormal heartbeat. You had to quickly press the button and shut it down as you returned the twins’ concerned gazes. “I’m feeling fine, don’t worry. How long have I been unconscious?”

“About an hour,” said Megumi, assessing your face carefully. “You looked a little pale when you arrived.”

Mai rubbed your back, sadness plastering her face as she looked at you. “Are you okay? Is there anything that’s bothering you?”

“Did you have a fight with Satoru?” Maki asked, dropping any formality attached to your husband. They were all showing utmost concern as though they were ready to fight the whole world for you. How could you not love them?

But as much as you wanted to pour your feelings out to them, you stood firm with the thought that they weren’t at the right age to be exposed to the toxicity of your marriage. All you wanted was to be surrounded by the positive atmosphere that their family has, and thinking about it now, you were just going to ruin it if you ever brought up your failing relationship with your husband. They shouldn’t be burdened by your unhappiness because it was none of their concern. Your life, your marriage—you should know where to set boundaries instead of being an unwanted liability. The onus was on you, and always would be, to salvage your supposed marital bond. What even made you think that you could just barge in their home and hope that you would be free of agony in a blink of an eye? You were a hopeless case.

You opened your mouth to respond, but the sudden knock on the door held you back from further apologizing. There, standing at the corner, was Toji Zen’in who looked at the trio with communicative eyes. “Kids? Can you leave us for a while?”

It looked like the three of them were hesitant to leave you alone, but believed that it was better to give you and Toji some privacy so you could openly explain why you appeared at their house in such a pitiful state. If you were honest, you felt ashamed for having to be seen with swollen eyes and a colorless face, but you were grateful for their understanding when they all gave you a reassuring smile before completely heading out of the room. Toji only took the chance to approach you closer once the trio was out of earshot.

“Hi,” you awkwardly greeted, sitting upright as he found his own seat at the edge of the bed. “Is this your room?”

He offered a small smile while watching your emotions intently. “Guest room. How are you?”

You didn’t have to say it. You knew Toji was able to discern just through your expression alone and it was all he needed to see to conclude that you were having troubles concerning your marriage. Again. It must be tiring for him to hear, but you didn’t know who else to confide in. You couldn’t exactly tell Gen or your father about it, you couldn’t talk to Ieiri, and you had no one else but yourself. It was hard enough to explain the situation straight to the point, so you decided to beat around the bush and ask the man about something else. “Toji, do you…” you paused, keeping your eyes set on his verdant ones, “did you ever do anything unforgivable to your wife, yet she still found a way to forgive you?”

For a few minutes, his eyes were glued to the floor and you were about to apologize for unintentionally prying into his married life, but the man was quick to return your gaze with certain gentleness. “We didn’t have the same problems like you did,” he revealed, pressing his palm against the mattress as he leaned back and pushed his weight onto it, “but we did deal with my family’s scrutiny. You see, I got my wife pregnant when we were barely twenty. It was an accidental pregnancy. I wasn’t exactly an established businessman back then, and we had a shotgun marriage because my parents didn’t want Megumi to be born out of wedlock.”

You hugged your knees as you listened to his orotund voice. It was only now that you were hearing this story and you were grateful that he was allowing you to learn about it. “But you loved her, right?”

“I still do, so much.” You recognized the loneliness in his voice and could feel, for the first time since you met, that this was Toji’s vulnerable side. A side that would only come out whenever he was thinking of his late wife. “She… she didn’t make it after giving birth. I couldn’t save her. That was the moment I felt useless that I couldn’t even do anything to keep my wife by my side. She suffered with so much stress from putting up with my family, you know? If I had done anything unforgivable, it was the fact that I involved myself with her life in the first place.”

You weren’t exactly sure of what the right words were to say to provide him with the same comfort that he always gave you. You never wished so badly to have had the same ability to give the best advice like he did. Toji was a man who tragically lost a wife, not from another man, but from the separation between life and death. Seeing his situation and juxtaposing it from yours made your pain seem minuscule compared to the vast amount in his. Even though he suffered through such a colossal heartache, it was inspiring to see how Toji could still go on and live through the halcyon days of sunshine. Does time truly heal? While you couldn’t give him any comforting words, what you did was to pull him for a soft embrace.

There was warmth from his body that assuaged your throbbing heart and you hoped that he could at least get the same feeling from you. “I’m sorry to hear that, Toji.” Resting your head on his shoulder, you let out a deep breath. “I’m sure your wife doesn’t regret being with you and I know that she would’ve wanted you to be happy even when she’s no longer by your side.”

He pulled away by holding both of your arms to give you a rueful smile. “Hey, now. Weren’t you the one who came here for consolation?” Although there was a hint of playfulness in his tone, you understood that he was trying to divert from the pain of losing his wife by focusing on you instead.

Toji had done enough to try and understand you. You realized that there was no need to sugarcoat things when you finally admitted to the truth because you would have to tell him one way or another.

“Satoru got his mistress pregnant.”

It was a normal reaction to see how he widened his eyes at your revelation, but it wasn’t the best feeling in the world to think about your husband starting a family with another woman outside of your marriage. It was crushing you into pieces that couldn’t be mended. You knew that he didn’t love you. You knew that he loved Sera. You knew that he was always bound to end up with her regardless of the ties that made you husband and wife. However, you would not deny the fact that Satoru was an important person in your life. People could call you a martyr, an empath, a pitiful wife, but none of them could ever understand how hard it was to be in a position where letting go may be more painful than staying. No other pain in the world was tantamount to how you were feeling. You had your health to think about, you had your families to worry about—everything was a domino effect to the comeuppance that awaited you and Satoru.

“How sure are you?” Toji asked after a while. It was visible in his face how confused and frustrated he was on behalf of you. “Did he tell you?”

You shook your head, preventing the oncoming surge of tears that were threatening to spill from your eyes. “I saw them at the hospital. Why else would he take her to a gynecologist?”

His response was a heavy exhale. “That’s… There could be many other reasons. Don’t you wanna clear the air and talk to him about it first?”

“If he wanted to tell me, he would have already done it, you know?” You pressed your lips together. “He’s probably already thinking of divorcing me so he could marry her. He already has a reason to stay with her.”

Toji’s eyes were full of sympathy for you, but knowing your hardships and the lows you’ve been through, he was in no position to question how you were overthinking the next things that would happen because of Sera’s pregnancy. “What are you planning to do?”

You could ask yourself the same question. What am I planning to do? You’ve said it a million times that Satoru getting another woman pregnant was the last straw, but you didn’t exactly prepare the next steps that you would be taking now that you jinxed the result of his infidelity into reality. Should you take things further by legal means? You could only imagine the amount of stress that it would put both of your families in.

Before you answered, you placed a hand on your chest and rubbed the sore spot before the pain could dominate your entire body. “I’m gonna leave him.” And you meant it. You meant it even if it hurt to say it. You weren’t sure about how exactly you would leave, but you would find a way to do so. There was nothing else to hold onto and there was no marriage to fix. Only constant heartaches and recurring tears.

Upon hearing your decision, Toji glanced at your lips and held his breath. “If that’s what you—”

“Dad.” Megumi’s voice nearly startled you as the boy peeked through the door. “Sorry to interrupt, but her husband’s looking for her. He’s waiting outside.”

Oh, God. This situation. Satoru came here? Instead of feeling aggravated, you were more embarrassed that you were unexpectedly causing such a scene in the Zen’in household. Even Naoya, who emerged from the other room, was smiling in intrigue as if the situation was his daily dose of reality TV.

“I should leave.” You hurriedly got up from bed while Toji assisted you like a gentleman, and you didn’t miss his questions of whether you could walk fine or if you were still experiencing headaches. Truth be told, you were too nauseous that you wanted to throw up, but decided to just continue walking next to him until you’ve reached the grand foyer. “I’m just a little dizzy, I’ll be fine. I’m really, really sorry for troubling you and your family.”

Toji placed a hand on your back as he guided you out to the front door. He must have noticed how anxious you were to see your husband’s face again after what happened this afternoon, because you couldn’t stop chewing on your lip��a habit that you often did when you were agitated. How did Gojou even find out that you were here? You drew in a deep breath and exhaled. Act cold, you reminded yourself. Don’t show any weakness.

“I got you,” Toji whispered, matching your footsteps as you finally reached the outdoor fountain.

You immediately spotted Satoru who got out of his car with a heavy frown directed towards his business rival. He was approaching the man closer, looking back and forth between you two as he made accusations inside his head. It was easy to put malice in the situation because it wasn’t a good look for a married woman to stay at another man’s house at eight in the evening. But then again, wasn’t he the one who got another woman pregnant?

Come to think of it, you didn’t even get an explanation. All of these thoughts had awoken you from your previously anxious state, now shifting into a defensive stance in front of your husband who was visibly upset at the sight of you next to Toji.

“Before you accuse her, she didn’t cheat on you,” the raven-haired man clarified, keeping a firm countenance to uphold your dignity. “She was just here to visit the kids.”

“Hell! I’m not accusing my wife. I know her better than anyone.” You were surprised when Satoru ignored him and instead turned to you with a pleading look on his pale face. “You weren’t answering my calls. I got worried.”

“Who told you I was here?” you questioned rather curtly. The more you stared at his face, the more you could feel your ire growing each second.

“Naoya,” your husband answered, earning Toji’s huff while Satoru attempted to reach for your hand. “Where’s your car key?”

You pulled your hand away. “I’m staying at my dad’s place tonight.”

Confusion quickly bathed his eyes as if he couldn’t understand your antipathy. Was he simply clueless as to why you were acting hostile around him? He, of all people, should know that you have already reached your limit. “Y/N… If you’re mad about something, we can talk at home.”

“No.”

“But I promised you movie night, remember?”

It was absurd how he even had the audacity to bring up the movie night that he planned with you this morning when he was out all afternoon catering to his pregnant mistress. You felt sick. “Don’t you have somewhere else to be?”

“Yes,” he immediately responded like a docile puppy who was ready to listen to his owner, “with you.”

What game is he playing? You couldn’t understand his behavior, yet you still ended up suppressing a scoff. “You can go.”

“Baby, please. Let’s go home.” Gojou reached his hand out, but your feet were stuck on the concrete floor deciding whether or not you could sleep in his arms for another night.

After everything, you were surprisingly numb. His presence was a gasoline that ignited flames of 15,000 degrees Fahrenheit within your soul. Even when you were ice cold around him, his fire still burned through your heart.

Toji saw through your facial expression and quickly understood the dilemma that you had inside of your head. So instead of keeping his silence, he shot a grim stare towards your husband. “You want her to come home, but do things that drive her away. Make up your mind.”

As much as he tried to contain his frustration, Toji’s words were the only thing that made Satoru livid. “Our marriage is none of your damn business.”

“Marriage?” Toji smiled. “I don’t see a ring on her finger.”

You already saw it coming. You were prepared as you watched how a triggered Satoru charged at the older guy, but you got in between before he could attempt to grab Toji’s collar. You’ve caused enough disturbance in their estate and having them fighting like this was the last thing you wanted. Unfortunately, the only way to prevent it was to keep your adulterous husband away.

“Stop!” you raised your voice at him, placing your hands on his chest to hold him back. “Don’t make a scene.”

He didn’t listen. Although he wrapped an arm around your waist, he was still too angry when he looked at Toji with gritted teeth. “Ring or not, she’s still my wife. And I don’t want my wife around a womanizer like you.”

Instead of taking umbrage from your husband’s words, Toji was guffawing. “You’re one to talk.”

“Watch your—”

“Satoru, that’s enough!” Compared to Toji, he was acting like such a kid. You had no other choice but to grab his hand and drag him back into his car, opening his door and urging him to hop inside. If he was going to act like a child, you might as well treat him like one. “Get in. I’ll drive my own car.”

He gave you a look of protest. “What if you don’t follow me?”

“I’ll follow your car, just get in.” You stomped away and headed towards the white Corvette from where Toji stood, waiting for you with an amused grin displayed on his face. You were thankful that he found it entertaining at the very least because you didn’t mean to put him in such an uncomfortable spot. “I’m really sorry, Toji.”

He pinched your nose teasingly. “Stop apologizing,” and as he glanced at Gojou, his expression changed when he met your eyes with his worried ones. “You sure you can handle being around him?”

The answer was no, but it wasn’t like you had many options. This was your marriage and you would have to talk to him one way or another. “It’s fine,” you lied, opening the door to see the package atop the passenger seat. The shoes. “Oh, wait… Toji.”

The man waited in curiosity as you reached for the paper bag, pulling it out of the car before handing it to him. To say that he was surprised was an understatement, but it brought a temporary smile on your face to see him taking the gift that you purchased out of gratitude for his kindness. “What’s…?” he trailed off, peeking through the paper bag.

“It’s a gift. I thought it would look good on you,” you said as you watched how his eyes coruscated with a glint of appreciation. “Thanks for always being there for me.”

You didn’t know what was hurting you more—the fact that Gojou was pretending that nothing happened or the fact that he still didn’t bother to tell you about Sera’s pregnancy. You already spent half an hour in the bathtub for the sake of keeping your mind at peace, ruminating about how to act around a husband who had gotten his mistress pregnant. With the continuous crying that you did this afternoon, you felt like a dried prune with no more tears left to shed. You were at a point where you were choosing not to sob over your husband any longer. He didn’t deserve a single drop of your tears after all the anguish that he has put you through.

How funny would it be that he was actually hiding Sera’s pregnancy so you could raise the baby as yours instead? Perhaps he wasn’t aiming to divorce you, but would want you to remain by his side and keep Sera next to him for the rest of your lives. Your dignity was close to nonexistent since the beginning of this marriage and your husband seemed to know very well that you would always find a reason to forgive him for every hurtful thing that he could do. When has he ever shown genuine love and affection for you? It was hard enough to recognize if his actions were genuine or if he had any other underlying intentions behind it. While he did say that he would make it up to you, why did he still do things that recklessly hammered your heart to a beaten pulp?

It must be fun for him to play all these games with you. It must be entertaining how he could casually walk around your shared bedroom while you lacked the energy to argue with him. He probably believed that he had already won—that you were once again submitting to the downsides of this pathetic marriage because you cared for him more than you expected.

You were a fool for falling into his trap over and over again that it was hard to find an escape where things wouldn’t be half as painful as you imagined. Whatever Satoru’s plan was for him and Sera, did he intend to make you a side character to their romance until the day you would die?

You couldn’t blame the child that she was carrying, but it would be hard to love the same child whose mother was one of the reasons for your misery.

There was not another word spoken as you climbed into bed while your husband entered the room in a PJ set matching yours. Had this been a different situation, you would have gushed at how much of a real couple you two were acting like. Had you been the same person when this marriage first began, you would have immediately nestled up in his arms and given him the sweetest kisses on the lips.

Right now, all you could feel was resentment.

You didn’t talk as you settled into bed, resting your back against the headboard as you could see in the corner of your eyes that your husband sat on his side of the bed. He was the first one who tried to cut the tension by randomly asking, “Do you still wanna watch movies with me?”

Why was there innocence in his eyes? Why did he look happy without any trace of guilt for knocking up another woman behind your back? He told you that he was going to settle things for the both of you, but why did he seem so guiltless for ruining this marriage all the more? It even looked like he was celebrating something inside his head without any regard to your human feelings. He must hate you so much that he was not revealing Sera’s pregnancy to you.

“No.” Your expression remained stern even as he scooted closer to wrap an arm around your waist. “Get off me.”

Surprised by your attitude, he pulled away and looked at your eyes following a sigh that escaped his lips. You noticed that there was a small wound on his cheekbone as he moved inches away from your face. “Are you still mad about earlier? I’m sorry for throwing a fit. I just… get very jealous when you’re around him.”

That’s it? Toji wasn’t even the issue here. It was him and Sera. Always him and her.

“Do you have anything else to say to me?” you asked, rigid and austere as you sent him a piercing gaze. “I’d rather you tell me now than later.”

He blinked slowly as if he wasn’t ready to see this antagonism from you—as if he couldn’t believe that his gentle and loving wife was capable of being cold-hearted. You considered that if he was honest to you about his child, you would be more forgiving. All he had to do was admit everything to you. “You sound a bit angry.” On the other hand, he surprised you by planting a soft kiss on your forehead and on your cheek. “You need to calm down and get some rest.”

In the end, even if he didn’t admit to it, he already gave you an answer. His reluctance to tell you the truth was a clear sign that you were nothing but a joke to him.

“I would have been happier if I married someone else,” you spoke your own truth, only to see the wave of heartbreak that washed over his face.

Despite his ruined ego, he still buried his face on the crook of your neck. “Baby, don’t say that. I’m trying.”

Trying? You laughed inwardly. Where?

How ironic was it that you were initially the one who was hopelessly trying to make this marriage work even if you knew that your efforts were all futile in the end?

Wasn’t he the one who hated you since the very beginning? His whole ‘I never asked for you’ and ‘You’ll never be Sera’ still left bruises on your heart even if he tried his best to win you now. And yet again, there was an ache in your chest as you pushed him off, turning your back on him after you tucked yourself under the duvet. This was the moment where you had finally decided that you were done.

“Y/N—”

“Sleep on the couch. I’m not sharing a bed with you.”

Sera’s eyes were already red and swollen after crying for the past two days. Because she wasn’t ready to come to work in such a devastated state, she decided to call-in sick and stay at home for the rest of the day. Her room was a mess after she wrecked everything out of extreme frustration because it was hard to accept that she lost the only man she ever loved this much.

Satoru, the Satoru she fell deeply in love with. The Satoru who promised to divorce his wife to be with her. The Satoru who vowed to give her a beautiful life and a luxurious mansion once he was an established businessman. Was this part of his plans at all? It must be. There was no reason for him to pick you over her regardless if you had been childhood friends. He was probably saying all that so he could play his role better.

That must be the reason. He could never pick you.

These thoughts stayed with her until high noon when she finally had the strength to get up and prepare for her day. She stared at herself in the mirror and thought of how she would look in those clothes that you often wore, convinced that she could pull them off far better than you ever would. Why not? She had the perfect figure. Her face was flawless. The only thing she lacked was enough money.

“It’s always about the fucking money,” she angrily muttered under breath as she slammed her lipstick down. Soon enough, there was a knock on her door and she looked up to see her mother peeking through. “What do you want?”

The woman’s eyes were full of worry. “Are you going somewhere, my daughter? You haven’t eaten much for the past two days.”

Sera furrowed her brows and grabbed her purse. “Maybe if you cooked better food, I will.”

“But—”

“Why can’t all of you just leave me the hell alone?” she snapped, getting up from her seat to choose the best pair of sandals that she owned. “Go check on Jiro instead! You’re always all up in my face like you’ve done anything to help me earn enough money.”

The mother was hurt by her own daughter’s cruel words, but she tried to look past it by picking up the clothes that were strewn across her room. “Sera, are you having problems with your boyfriend?”

She took a deep breath, rage boiling inside her head. “What’s it to you?”

“It’s just that…” Her mom folded her clothes neatly as she talked. “You seem to be really stressed lately. I’m worried about you. You’ve never allowed us to meet your boyfriend until now, so I wanna know if he’s treating you well. Maybe you should invite him over so your father and I can get to know him.”

The simple thought of letting her family meet Satoru made her cringe. “Let him meet you? Do you see how ugly our house is? Even if we did move into a better house, this is probably just the size of his bedroom!”

The daughter glared at her mom despite the latter’s attempt at comforting her. “Sera, if he really loves you then he’ll accept you for who you are no matter how big your house is or how much money you have in your bank account.”

Funny. Sera scoffed, raising an eyebrow up at her. “If that’s so true, then why did you end up with a useless husband like our dad? Why didn’t you get to marry someone richer and more responsible?”

“That’s…”

“Don’t meddle with my personal life again,” she spoke those words carefully, grabbing her coat from the rack before walking past her mom. That woman had no right to butt in and lecture her about how to deal with men when she was not in a good position in life herself. Why did she even assume that Sera needed her advice?

On the bright side, today should be better. Sera had planned it all out after giving Miss Eula a call the night prior and the woman was very kind at reassuring her that Satoru may just be confused right now. She was told that he was only acting this way because the merger was going to be announced at the 50th Anniversary soon, so he was desperate to keep you by his side. This further confirmed Sera’s theory that Satoru only broke up with her because he had to play his part.

A smile crept up on her lips. “How pitiful.” She thought of how shattered you would be once you found out that your own husband was only using you. She couldn’t wait to talk to Satoru’s stepmom and hear some advice on how to handle her situation now that her ‘ex-boyfriend’ had decided to distance himself.

However, by the time she walked into the café, it wasn’t Miss Eula who came to their meeting place. It was一strangely一Naoya Zen’in.

Sera had to double take the sight to make sure that she wasn’t dreaming, but the man was already waving at her from his table, urging her to join him with a handsome grin on his face. It appeared that he already ordered lavish pastries and freshly brewed coffees when she did take her seat across from him. “Why are you… Where’s Miss Eula?”

“Hm?” Naoya looked up after sipping his coffee—eyes turning into moon crescents as he smiled. “Don’t worry about it. She had a last minute golf club event with her husband so it’s just you and me. Sera, right? I’m sure you already know who I am.”

This was confusing. Sera couldn’t seem to connect the dots. “Yeah. How are you related to Miss Eula?”

“Ah, that… She’s like a second mom to me.” There was no hint of dishonesty in Naoya’s playful eyes. Although the man was a known casanova, his friendliness could not be mistaken as flirting. Or perhaps Sera had taken his interest? Either way, the man went straight to the point when he spoke again. “You don’t have to feel uncomfortable around me. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Sera tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ear and grabbed the cup of coffee. “Like what?”

“That you’re the woman that captured Satoru-kun’s heart?” he casually brought up, gazing at her every feature as if he was mesmerized by her beauty. “I can see why. Aside from being hardworking, you’re incredibly gorgeous. It’s a shame he’s married to someone like Y/N, you know? She may have the status and the wealth, but that’s all that she has.”

So he could understand her point very well. That’s great. Sera was already too engaged in the conversation before she knew it. “Why did you wanna meet me?”

Naoya comfortably leaned back on his seat and tapped the mahogany table as he responded, “I admire people like Eula—I mean, Mrs. Gojou. She didn’t come from an affluent family so she worked her way up and achieved everything that she wanted because she deserved it. After hearing about you from her, I instantly wanted to partake in helping you out.”

“Helping me?” The Americano coffee left a bitter taste on her tongue as she looked at him in curiosity.

The man chuckled at how innocent her eyes were. Since she had such an angelic face, he must be starstruck with her immense beauty. “Yeah, like giving you advice on how to win Satoru-kun back and secure him in your life. You can’t let that awful woman take him away just because she’s rich. You had him first, so you need to stake your claim.” He then sighed dramatically before adding, “Damn, I hate it when people like you get treated unfairly.”

He’s right. He’s so right. Sera leaned forward as her interest in the conversation spiked up even more. “Shouldn’t you hate Satoru? You’re a business rival.”

“But we’re not talking about business, are we?” Naoya shrugged. “We’re good acquaintances outside of the business world. I actually admire him and wish him the best. His stepmom wouldn’t be talking to me if I was someone to be wary of, don’t you think?”

She considered the thought and agreed because Naoya didn’t seem to raise any suspicions from her. In fact, he gained her trust the minute he spoke about her exact sentiments. It was the first time she had ever heard someone with the same status and wealth like Naoya openly acknowledge her struggles and just how unfair life was to average people like her. He was kind, perceptive, and sagacious. He was a man of good judgement and character. Taking all of those into consideration, she finally decided to open up. “He actually broke up with me,” the words left her mouth with distinct sadness, “I think it’s very timely that the merger is coming up which is why he did it, but it also made me wonder if he really does like her.”

“Doubt it,” Naoya affirmed without a second to spare. “There’s nothing much to like about her, and even if he was blinded, it’s all on the surface. He’s probably just able to relate to her more than he can with you. Think about it, Y/N-chan wears Chanel, her bags are Birkin, and her shoes are Stuart Weitzman. Satoru-kun wears Zegna, his shoes are Ferragamo. They fit together, so where does that fit you and your no-name clothes?”

Sera furrowed her brows and held the cup tighter. “You’re so mean.”

“I’m just stating my point, beautiful. Honesty is better than sugar-coating things.” He looked at her, unfazed by her pout. “If you wanna get his attention back, you need to change some things, be it the way you dress or the way you talk. Satoru-kun may not say it, but he likes women with class.” The man smirked as he made his point. “Technically, that’s Y/N-chan’s domain. She exudes grace like royalty and that’s because she was treated like a princess since she was born. It’s second nature to her.”

She wasn’t enjoying the praises that Naoya was giving you so she placed her own judgement on top of his. “Well, she never really understood other people’s struggles and is acting all righteous. She literally has the whole world bowing at her feet and she wants to take Satoru away from me, too. That’s not classy to me. It makes her look cheap and obsessive.”

“Fair point.” Naoya hummed in agreement, seemingly amused by Sera’s choice of words. “But talking trash about her shouldn’t be your goal. That’s the one thing you should never do when you’re talking to Satoru. It’s all reverse psychology一praise her when you’re around him and he’ll start to think highly of you. You also shouldn’t act hostile around her, especially in public, because she’s a woman who cares about her family’s image. You’d look like the bad guy in that situation.”

For Sera, everything that Naoya said actually made so much sense, and she never truly realized things in that perspective until now. Perhaps keeping him around would be really beneficial to her in the long run. “It’s gonna be difficult not to confront her since we’re gonna bump into each other again soon.”

The blond nodded in remembrance. “Right, the anniversary? That’s a huge event. She’s gonna be the star of the show.”

For sure. She had no doubt that you would be flaunting yourself again to let everyone know that you were the wife of the Chairman’s son. “I bet she has everything prepared. Her dress, her shoes…”

“What do you have?” Naoya inquired. “Have you chosen a dress?

“Well, Miss Eula was actually supposed to meet me today so she could lend me one of her Dior dresses,” she said, now recalling that she had nothing to wear since the woman didn’t show up today.

As she pondered on how she was going to find a last minute dress, Naoya seemed to have a better idea than she did because the man was quickly proposing a deal, “I have this friend who manages the boutique for Elie Saab. Let me take you there.”

Was she Cinderella?

Sera couldn’t believe that she was surrounded by men who would willingly buy things for her just to make her feel like the most beautiful princess in the world. She barely knew Naoya personally, but she couldn’t doubt the genuineness that he was showing when he took her to one of their luxury malls. It completely left her mind just how wealthy the man was for being one of the Zen’in heirs, and she was feeling powerful even by standing next to him alone. Shop assistants would bow at her with respect and greet her like she was a VIP because Naoya’s presence also gave her the appeal of an elite.

She hadn’t felt this way before because Gojou never took her out on dates publicly, so she couldn’t enjoy the benefits of being regarded like an aristocrat. And frankly? She enjoyed this. She basked in the feeling of being envied by the low-status people around her—of being seen as part of the upper echelon. It gave her the confidence to hold her chin up high as she followed Naoya inside the store, eyes wandering on the voluminous space that housed a palette of light-toned gowns and dresses that were worth more than she could ever afford.

“Naoya,” a rich-looking woman, assumingly in her early 30’s, came out of the back office to greet the man with a cheek-kiss. “Are you doing rounds?”

Just as Sera expected, Naoya was a social butterfly. He was all smiles when he talked to the woman as though it was easy for him to form any sort of conversation to all kinds of people. Didn’t he study marketing? He seemed to excel with his interpersonal skills. “Meredith, this is Sera,” he introduced the two women with a smile, “Sera, this is Meredith Cho. She’s the General Manager for Elie Saab in Japan.”

It was a little intimidating for Sera to have conversations with a woman like her, so she kept to herself and only greeted her with a courteous smile. “Nice to meet you.”

“Is this your new girlfriend?” the woman asked, grinning at Naoya. Her stance and her lack of acknowledgement made Sera believe that the woman was not interested in her, but was only being polite because of Naoya. What a bitch.

The blond quickly erupted into a cackle. “Come on, Meredith. Not all girls I hang out with are my girlfriends. Sera’s a new friend of mine.” He briefly glanced at her before clearing his throat. “Listen, she needs a dress for a really big event. I’m just wondering if you still have the one that you mentioned to me before?”

Meredith’s eyes widened. “Oh, you mean the one for—”

“Yeah,” Naoya hastily nodded. “That dress. I need it for her. Can you get it for me?”

While she did smile awkwardly, Meredith seemed to have no other choice but to agree. Sera has never felt the urge to pull someone’s hair before. Did this girl actually think that Sera was not worthy to wear the special dress that Naoya was talking about? Because she looked at her from head-to-toe and gave her the fakest smile she had ever seen. “Right, I think it’ll fit her perfectly. Do you wanna come to the back and check it with me first, Naoya?”

The message was clear with her countenance alone. Meredith was certainly going to speak to Naoya in private and ask her what the hell was going through his head to offer such a luxurious dress for a nobody.

“I’ll follow you in a minute,” Naoya told her, watching her fade into the back room while the man turned to Sera. “Can you wait for a while? It’s going to be worth it.”

She hesitated. “That dress seems expensive. I don’t have the money.”

His grin was as smug as ever. “It’s worth four million, but we’re not gonna buy it. We’re just gonna rent it. You have nothing to worry about.”

Sera wasn’t aware that you could rent gowns from high fashion designers like Elie Saab. Or perhaps it was only possible for special requests? Since Naoya was technically the owner of the mall where this boutique resided in, it was only polite to grant his request especially that Meredith was apparently ‘a good friend’ of his or whatever.

She simply waited as Naoya finally left and took interest at the nearby mirror to look at her reflection. From an outsider perspective, Sera’s chosen clothes were already giving her the appeal of an above-average person who seemed to have a decent professional job. But this, she pivoted her body as she stared at herself, this isn’t enough. Your style wasn’t even original, so why couldn’t Sera do the same? She was probably going to look tons better in those clothes than you ever would.

Surprisingly, while she was assessing herself in the mirror, she saw a reflection of a familiar man coming into the boutique with two bodyguards following him behind. His deep voice echoed through the place as all shop assistants lined up to give him a ninety-degree bow until his eyes met Sera’s in great surprise.

It was Toji Zen’in. Luck must be on her side for her to have the chance to befriend both Naoya and Toji on the same day without expecting it. Before she knew it, she turned around and walked closer to him. It was the perfect chance to make these connections. Since Toji seemed to be close to you, Sera wanted to make sure that she could ruin whatever image he had of you in his head.

“Hi,” she began, holding out her hand as an attempt to introduce herself. “I wasn’t able to greet you last time. My name’s Sera.”

It’s impossible that he doesn’t give in. He's a man. Sera realized how dignified he appeared to be—even better than Satoru could ever show in his lifetime. Aside from the fact that he was more powerful and influential in the business world, he also seemed to treat women well. Perhaps he was just feeling bad for you after all.

And while she waited for him to return the gesture, Toji’s eyes did a quick scan of her face before he waved a dismissive hand. “Not interested.”

Huh? Sera stood like a statue caught off guard by the man’s blatant disregard. She was barely processing the way he brushed her off as she watched how the man proceeded to speak to one of the staff.

“I heard Naoya’s in here?” he asked, earning the nod of every store staff member.

And just on cue, the man of honorable mention walked out of the back room in utter surprise. “Toji-kun?” he asked, glancing at Sera then back at him. “Are you doing fieldwork?”

The man nodded once. “I’m taking the kids out for a dinner cruise. Do you wanna come?”

Naoya let out an awkward laugh. Sera was initially very impressed by his domineering personality just a while ago, but Toji clearly has the position of being the most powerful Zen’in in the family. The distinction was too obvious between them. “Ah, I’m kinda in the middle of something, you know.”

Toji didn’t have to look at Sera for her to know that his eyes briefly went to her. “Fine. Don’t cause trouble,” was the last thing he said to Naoya before he walked out of the boutique with his bodyguards trailing behind.

Interesting. Instead of being offended, Toji’s presence roused excitement in her. Sera considered that the man may only be putting up the ‘hard to get’ act. She wouldn’t be surprised if you seduced him just to get him on your side because how else could you make a stoic man have a soft spot for you?

Perhaps you weren’t as innocent as people thought after all.

On the day of the Gojou Group’s 50th Anniversary, you had an excuse to be away from your husband the night prior. Given that he was busy with the preparations, you’ve decided to stay at your dad’s mansion since you were going to attend the event together in the same car. Still, even one night away from your husband didn’t stop him from bombarding you with several messages that did not receive a single reply throughout the night.

Satoru: I miss you. I had a really long and tiring day

Satoru: I can’t sleep when you’re not with me

Satoru: Have you had dinner? Please take care of yourself

Satoru: Good night. I’ll see you tomorrow.

You frowned as you browsed through the text messages that he left you, confused at how he was acting clingy when he could have taken advantage of your absence to go visit the mother of his child. In fact, you hated that he was trying to be affectionate at all because it was giving you a hard time to stick to your decision. No amount of sweet-talking could ever sway your resolve to end things with him once and for all. If he believed that he could cajole you into becoming his affectionate wife again, he should consider himself a clown for thinking so.

All of your negative thoughts must have reflected on your face because your father noticed it when he took a few seconds to glance at you. “Everything alright, darling?”

You offered a small smile and looked outside the window while the car was en route to the InterContinental. “Yes, dad. Are you pushing through with the merger today?”

Your father exhaled and stretched his legs out. “Mhm. That’s the plan. We haven’t finalized the contract but the official announcement will be held tonight as a surprise. Expect it to be on the main headlines the next morning.”

“That’s good.” Tilting your head to look at your dad, you reached out to squeeze his hand. “I’m so glad that I get to come with you to that event, dad.”

There was a look of confusion that lingered on his eyes. “Come on, now. Your husband probably would have wanted you to go together.” Although he was smiling, he also didn’t forget to point out the dress you were wearing. “But I’m not sure if he’ll be pleased to see you in that dress.”

If anything, it would be euphoric to see Satoru’s reaction to the revealing dress that you were wearing. “I’m twenty-five, dad. I’m allowed to wear whatever I want without my husband’s permission.” Besides, you’ve been coordinating with your seamstress for the past two weeks just to make sure that the black dress would look exactly as you envisioned. It oozed of both sophistication and sexiness—meticulously cut to show peekaboo placements within your cleavage and your midriff, added by the risque double slit that accentuated your figure perfectly.

As you expected, the dress was an eye-catcher.

You noted the faces of the company employees and the photographers as soon as you stepped out of the sedan, an arm looped around your father’s while you walked further into the red carpet. There were gasps from the bystanders who were all in awe at your presence as they stood mesmerized by your arrival. You could hear murmurs of how good you looked, of how bold your choice of dress was, and of how they never expected you to wear something so revealing. You also didn’t miss the hushed voices of some women wondering who the designer of your dress was. But the most priceless reaction was from your husband who met you halfway on the red carpet—cerulean eyes bulging out of their sockets as he gaped at you entirely. He had to halt his footsteps, eyeing every inch of skin that was shown from your dress, before continuing to approach you with a perplexed face.

His expression was saying, ‘What the hell are you wearing?’ but he did not voice it out when he leaned in to give you a kiss on the cheek. “You look gorgeous, babe.” And while locking a protective arm around your waist, he then greeted your father. “Dad, thank you for coming.”

“Pleasure is mine, son.” After patting your husband’s back, your dad’s attention was quickly snatched away by your father-in-law and all the other businessmen that were in attendance for tonight’s grandiose celebration.

You ended up having your photos snapped by photographers as you stood next to your husband who never once removed his arm around your waist—a clear move of claiming you in front of all the people in the venue. “Do you have to stand too close?” you mumbled, flashes of white blinding your sight as you heard the shutter go off from every corner. This all felt like a movie premiere and that you were an A-list celebrity whose attention was sought by the audience that surrounded you.

“Did you have to wear that dress?” was Satoru’s rebuttal, though he kept his composure by caressing his thumb on your hip.

“What can I say,” you smiled at one of the photographers as you spoke under your breath, “I love being an attention-seeker.”

Since all eyes were on the both of you everywhere you went, Gojou couldn’t argue with you about anything except to stick by your side for the whole night. It was strange that he didn’t bother to leave unnecessary comments to you just like he did back at the auction event, and instead, he was acting like a complete gentleman for holding your hand and guiding your steps inside the grand ballroom. He took the initiative to introduce you to some of the known businessmen in the industry who all praised you for being the best looking couple to come out since Brad Pitt and Angeline Jolie.

You may be impassive towards him, but you still found him ridiculously handsome tonight with his custom-tailored navy blue Brioni suit, emphasizing his lean but muscular physique that was proportionate to his towering height. You could understand the women that looked at your husband’s way because his godly features were out of this world, but all of the compliments that you had for him inside your head had vanished as soon as you caught sight of Sera standing near one of the cocktail tables from a few meters away.

At first, you were surprised. No, stunned. Perhaps even baffled as you eyed her chosen formal attire when she turned to your way while talking to some of her coworkers.

And then you wanted to snort of laughter after getting a full view of her dress. Even Satoru himself had a visible frown when he caught a glimpse of her from a distance. She was wearing such an elaborate pearl satin dress with light gold threads and sewn beads that made her look like she was attending a wedding instead of a company event. But even more, her dress was—

“Y/N, Satoru!”

Turning to the owner of the voice, you were greeted by Mei Mei who was wearing a Zuhair Murad long-sleeved purple gown that you recognized from a recent collection. She exchanged cheek-kisses between you and your husband before walking with you to your designated table. “Feels like a movie premiere, huh? I organized this whole event.”

“No, you didn’t.” Satoru grinned at her while intertwining his fingers with yours. “You just took care of the budget.”

You tried to ignore your husband by acknowledging Mei. “I love your dress, Mei. You look beautiful.”

“I love your dress,” she corrected, “You’re leaving such an impression with how sexy you look. I think every person in this place will remember you after tonight. I wonder how Satoru feels about that?”

Your husband was shaking his head in displeasure. “Wife’s body is for my eyes only.”

Jesus. You wanted to roll your eyes as you looked around to see Yuuta next to his mother. Nana’s absence made you realize that she must have retired trying to attend social gatherings like this because of her old age. On the other hand, you weren’t surprised to see your husband’s stepmom wearing a fancy beige embellished gown with purple patterns and an ostentatious fur resting on her shoulders. You couldn’t understand why she felt the need to wear excessive jewelry when the dress was already glamorous in itself. Honestly, if you were going to round up all the attendees tonight, you would place her and Sera as the most ridiculously dressed. It seemed like they were competing for a pageant, afraid to be overshadowed by anyone else.

To think of it, how could Sera possibly afford that dress? You weren’t trying to demean her, but realistically, it was an exclusive piece from Elie Saab. Realizing that Satoru may have bought it for her suddenly allowed your rage to come back. He couldn’t have done it to insult you, right? You released his hand out of spite as you watched Sera from afar. Her bump wasn’t visible at this stage, so how long could she be pregnant? Three weeks? Four?

Gojou took notice of how stern your gaze was and lifted your chin. “Look at me only,” he said, leaning in to kiss you.

But you dodged his lips before they landed on your lips. “Can you not kiss me in front of everyone?”

Did he expect you to still play the part of a devoted wife just to hide his infidelity? Was he trying to protect the mother of his child by using you as a decoy? He was nuts.

You didn’t talk to him for the rest of the night. Even as you were seated next to each other on a round table along with both of your fathers, his stepmom, and Yuuta—not once did you try to hold another conversation with your own husband. You had an excuse of being too focused on the presentations and the performances that were on-going during the event, trying as much as possible to pay no single attention to the hand that was on your thigh each time your eyes wandered around the place.

At some point, you saw Sera again and she was engaged in a conversation with a man—perhaps a colleague—who appeared to have taken an interest in your husband’s mistress. First of all, you pitied that man for being attracted to a woman who was already about to have a family with a married man. Second, you expected that Satoru would jump on his feet and yell at the guy to back off.

Contrarily, he did none of that.

Was he not jealous? All your husband did was look at Sera and the other man before turning his attention back to you and your untouched food. “You don’t like the food?” he asked, rubbing your back. “Do you want something else?”

You suppressed an exhale from coming out. “I don’t have the appetite.” Those were not lies, either. The dishes were great, but your taste buds just didn’t seem to enjoy the decadent meals except for the lemon bars that you’ve happily eaten.

Satoru noticed your food preference and immediately called for a waiter and asked him to bring you more lemon bars.

“You didn’t have to do that,” you muttered, averting your eyes away. When he was showing care and affection like this, when he was being perceptive to your likes and dislikes, when he was being a normal husband under all his facade—you were only hurting more and more inside. You couldn’t stop the sudden pounding in your chest as you thought about the days that would come after this night. The next weeks, months, and years. Would you still feel the same anguish that you were experiencing now?

Despite the growing pain in your chest, you were momentarily distracted when your father-in-law walked up to the stage to give his welcoming speech.

“As we commemorate our 50th founding anniversary, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone in this company for their commendable performance. I am very proud of the way the company has evolved and risen to the challenge even in the face of adversity. Your professionalism, dedication, and patience served as an inspiration to each and every person, including myself as the Chairman and CEO, and for my son, Satoru, who is the current Vice President and the future of the Gojou Group.”

You felt guilty. Guilty, because you didn’t wish to ruin the smile on Satoru’s face as he finally received a well-deserved recognition from his father. Guilty, because this night was meant to be celebrated after half a century of competitive business and market growth.

But to recall all the moments you’ve suffered as a wife to your husband, to see his mistress in the same room without any ounce of repentance on her face, to sit beside the man who vowed to stay with you until death do you part—you realized that your choice should always be yourself. Not him, not the business, and certainly not Sera.

At the end of the day, this was going to happen whether you wanted it or not. This marriage was doomed ever since you met Satoru on the altar and continued exchanging vows with him, even as his eyes refused you of the love a groom was meant to have for his bride.

I have to protect me, you reminded yourself. My heart, my soul. You should be spared of this pain from hereafter.

When your father-in-law returned to his seat and joined the rest of you in the round table, your face was solemn as you wiped your mouth with a napkin. You could see your father and your in-laws expressing their excitement over the announcement of the merger that would soon come up in a few minutes. You could see Yuuta congratulating Satoru for his contribution to the company’s success. Everyone had their own reasons to smile except for you.

“I want a divorce.”

The reaction was just as you expected. Someone choking on their drink, someone dropping a fork, but the common reaction that everyone in that round table all shared was to look at you in great shock.

“My goodness!”

“Nee-chan…”

“Y/N…”

Satoru was as pale as a ghost. His eyes were wide and his breathing became still as if your announcement had put him into a daze. He was speechless, caught off guard while processing the words that flew out of your mouth. He couldn’t even blink, speak, or do anything but to turn his head to look at you with shiny eyes.

Strangely enough, your father-in-law’s initial reaction was to glare at his son before he looked back and forth between you and your husband. Your father, on one hand, remained calm and collected even if he was just as confused. Your stepmother pretended to be surprised, but you recognized it when someone was faking their reactions. As for Yuuta, well… he looked worried for his stepbrother.

“Baby,” Satoru pleaded, squeezing your hand and desperately shaking his head as though he was convincing you to not proceed with this. The brokenness in his voice and the stretch of pain evident from his face almost made your heart pump heavier than normal.

Your father-in-law laughed awkwardly. It seemed that he, too, was about to lose his sanity from your sudden request. “Are you… Are you sure about this, Y/N? It’s too soon. I don’t think this is the perfect time to—”

“Darling,” your father chimed in with his serious, domineering voice that overpowered your dad-in-law’s. It was for the first time in a long while that your dad showed this kind of dour expression. This version of your dad was scary, but you knew that he would support you with whatever you choose to do. “Are you sure you want a divorce?”

“Yes. I’m sure.” You held your chin up high. There was no time to feel sorrow right now. You could cry when you were alone in your room, but tonight you had to show a different side of you. “I’ll draw up the papers as soon as possible. As for the reason for the divorce, your son can speak for himself.”

Your job was done here.

Despite the devastation that casted your husband’s face, you tried to not to give in as you got up from your seat and paid a courteous bow towards your father and in-laws before you left all of them completely stupefied at the round table.

Your footsteps were small, but haste as you walked past the guests who had no single idea what occurred between you and your family. They all had no idea that their Vice President was in an extramarital relationship with one of the company’s receptionists and that your marriage had fallen apart because of them.

And just how timely it was that you came across Sera just before you could make an exit out of the grand ballroom as she looked at you with her full lashes and brown doe eyes. You couldn’t help but glance at her stomach and feel absolutely sickened by the image of infidelity that plagued your mind with the most heartbreaking thoughts.

She raised an eyebrow up at you and crossed her arms. “Are you happy that you got everyone’s attention with your dress?”

What? You remained level-headed despite her taunting remark.

“Just so you know… Your dress,” your voice was calmer than the sea, but your eyes were as cold as ice when you looked at her from head-to-toe, “is the same dress I had rejected for my wedding reception. Don’t embarrass yourself in front of me again.”

You had no idea why Sera would pick a dress that was specifically tailored for you, but it seemed that she wanted to ridicule you with it not knowing that it was her who looked pitiful.

“You seem to want everything that I have, Sera.”

Your husband, your marriage, and your life as a mother of his child. What else did she want? Your house, your car, and your jewelry? You didn’t stay to see her reaction when you walked out of that godforsaken place to leave her standing immobile from where she stood.

You didn’t stay to hear Satoru calling for your name because you knew that if you showed even the tiniest bit of weakness, all the walls you’ve built around yourself would just come crashing back down to ground zero.

Maybe the most tragic part of this was the fact that you really did love Satoru a lot more than you allowed yourself to.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

jjk general taglist: @kity @deeznutss @wonyoschubs @the-golden-jhope @6mattsun9 @hokageyamz @ermahgerd-larry-and-ziam @crashica @aizawap @juniorhooter @atsumusoup @gxtitobxby @strawberries-en-cream @dora-the-grownup @softy-woo @tsumume @kac-chowsballs @anime-nymph @kageyamakock @onlyonew @underratedmage @katsulovee @crapimahuman @alicia-1725 @fatal-impact @drippedcream

sincerely not taglist: @itsnotsoni @pluviophilefangirl @daphnxy @Icveaesop @choso-bee @sparklingblacktea @omisemi @captainchrisstan @http-strawbebbies @buttercups145 @xllance @jonsncws @and-you-found-me @tobiotetsu @jeonjungkookismyfuture @d-efend @honouredsatoru @my-reality-is-in-my-head @blueowl51 @misslovingpearl @cuteissei @japanesevenom @borpcorp @ushi-bakatoshi @idyllicodyssea

[rumblelibrary]

Hello 👀❤️

So... I don't know if this will work or not, but I thought why not, I send it in... And if you don't like it, that's completely fine ❤️🔥

I really like how you write the characters' mind... What they are thinking or how they act... I was thinking, maybe a new mechanic (Reader) at Ferrari (yes, it's a Niki Lauda fic, you know me❤️🔥) who is really shy, but very good at their job, and Niki likes them and he is an asshole with everyone (which is normal from him) EXCEPT with the Reader... And like... Maybe at first he doesn't realize this, but then he does, and gets all conflicted like why is he getting soft suddenly, out of nowhere... (It is obvious, but not for him)... I'm curious how you would see this, write this... The ending of this story is up to you ❤️❤️

Love you ❤️🔥👀

What Is This Feeling [Niki Lauda x Mechanic!Reader]

Word count: 2.5k Warnings: lot of swearing by our favourite Rat King Author’s note: Niki is quickly turning into my comfort character to unleash my sass, thank you for giving me the chance to write him!

Part 2

On your first day at Ferrari nobody took you seriously, but to be a mechanic wasn’t exactly typing letters, it was not a place where somebody high up in the ranks would set a lover to give her some benefit and a free pay check.

You didn’t talk a lot, you stood your ground from the moment you put hands on any part of the car, but you weren’t exactly the chatty type and, being the only woman, it took you time to be allowed to the after work beer, to the birthdays and all the balancing that came with a good team spirit.

In a world full of bias about women, you were spared thanks to your abilities and knowledge. Or maybe, because the mechanics team had someone bigger to fight: Niki Lauda.

To work with him was thrilling, but stressful.

He would walk in at any hour of the day, break some egos, pile up an amount of changes that to make a brand new car would be a faster option.

You sat on the floor beside the baby, yes baby was the car, it wasn’t like you had to stay on the floor, there were more than plenty working stations, but it felt more comfortable for you: it gave you the chance to stand and look at things from afar, you were in need to touch, to understand, to put things together. It was your skill, but also your curse, because it was hard to gain yourself a space on the floor in such a fast paced environment like the one at Ferrari. You were working on the ignition when he stormed inside, the soft chats died fast and the noise of the radio was the only thing left, but he didn’t seem to mind the effect he had on people.

In a couple of long steps he was in front of one of your colleagues.

“What is this?” The man looked down to his sandwich like it was self explanatory, but the following silence brought him to answer “my lunch”

“Nice” Niki said, his lips curling downward in a very sarcastic amusement “well, take your lunch out of my garage because I don’t want your crumbles in my engine” he hissed picking the crumbles that effectively fell on the working table and sprinkling them like salt on the man’s face.

The man frowned and left to eat outside and avoid to punch him as Niki proceeded to his next victim.

“And you call this a design development? I call this dog shit”

“If this is a well done job, I’d better retire already before I get your good job to crack my skull open”

“Just begin again, don’t even ask”

“Are you sure you don’t work for McLaren? Because by the quality of your work I am starting to wonder”

One after the other all your colleagues fell under the axe of Niki’s commentary.

Nobody was spared, it was a butchery.

“So? What is this?”

You looked up at him as he towered over you, Satan himself would be less scary, and probably less attractive, to your eyes. His standing figure with rebel curls and his Ray-ban glasses in his left hand, the polo shirt under the fancy jacket, even his bad character gave him the edge so many men more conventionally attractive lack.

“I am working on the ignition” you said as he bent down crouching beside you as you showed him, his cologne filling your nostrils like the best smell your nose ever encountered.

“Okay, in what way?” He asked resting his elbows on his knees.

You gulped softly “Well, I am trying to experiment if I change this in here” and you pointed to a section in particular “maybe the car will have a better performance at the beginning of the race”

“Have you considered that it could over work the battery?”

“I did, but I wanted to see if I make here something like this” and you took a little tube showing how you lace it around the section “if I use this to push the cooler to work into this part as well, we might avoid over heating”

He listened touching his chin with the edge of his glasses thoughtfully.

“Give it a try”

He just said standing up.

Your colleagues looked at you shaking their heads as he turned around and everybody looked down to their tasks again, so then he left.

______________________________________________________________________ This wasn’t the first time, he wasn’t letting you do things he didn’t approve, but he always listened to you, he advised you, and the harshest thing he said was probably “I think you’re not looking at the bigger picture”

Nobody commented on it and beside some joke here and there, the little preference he had over you seemed to pass unnoticed mostly by him.

“You know, you really need a girlfriend” Clay, the other driver of the Ferrari alongside him, said during some tests.

Niki looked at him.

“Why? Do I look like one that has to fuck a woman to be fine?”

He laughed as Niki was always so overaggressive “No, but you treat everyone like bullshit beside the new girl, so you either can be an asshole only with men or your seduction technique needs a real check”

He frowned, eyebrows furrowing together as his lips parted in disbelief

“You nuts”

“Maybe, but I haven’t heard you complain about her as much as you complain about the rest of the world”

He shook his head “You are just letting you Italian genes getting your head stupid”

Clay laughed at him nodding knowingly “Sure, sure” he patted harshly on Niki’s back knowing how much he hated to be patted around like that as he moved to talk to one of the mechanics working on his car.

Niki crossed his arms resting against the wall of the garage, his eyes instinctively looking for your figure finding you to one of the working table writing down some notes over the changes applied while looking at the projects.

His eyes dropping on your ass like it was the first time he checked it, realising it wasn’t the first time he mentally noted it.

Well, he couldn’t really say you were unattractive, or not his type, or a good mechanic.

His thought process was suddenly interrupted as Clay himself approached you and you moved on side showing him the papers you were just writing on.

He nodded and said something to you, his hand casually resting on the small of your back making Niki’s jaw almost snap for how much he was gritting his teeth.

You shuffled on side avoiding the touch with a casual smile, but Clay kept talking to you and from afar Niki saw him say something and wave his pointed finger between himself and you. You shook your head and smiled turning down whatever he just offered with all the politeness you had, Niki pursued his lips slightly in amusement for his best girl’s behaviour.

Wait a second. Best girl?

He glared at Clay that smirked at him from afar, a big ‘I knew it’ smirk on his lips.

Niki bit the inside of his cheek not liking it.

He was with you like with everybody else, what the hell.

Niki ignored you all day, when you showed him something he himself requested to be shown, he shuffled away, when you handed him something he was looking for, he looked for it somewhere else, he just wasn’t meeting your eyes and hell and thunderstorm fell upon anyone that even tried to engage a talk with him on that day.

“I can’t with your boyfriend anymore, I swear” one of your colleagues muttered to you.

“He is not my boyfriend” 

He looked at you “Then he’d better be soon, maybe he’ll chill out”

“Are you even paid to stand and do nothing?” Niki shouted from afar and you two parted ways faster than two kids smuggling candies during class. ______________________________________________________________________

The next day was the judgment day for all the changes done on the car, your nerves were cracking as Niki arrived in his driving suit and your eyes immediately snapped a mental photo on his figure.

Did you ever went home wishing to have his company? Yes.

Did you ever wondered if he was so aggressive ever in the intimate times? Way too much.

Did you have any chance? Probably no.

You let out a big sigh as your colleagues reassured you “Hey, if it doesn’t work we either get rid of the rat or have some more time to work on it” he joked but you didn’t feel any better.

Niki looked up as he noticed your worried look, your lips nibbling down on your lips, your foot tapping rhythmically and nervously, the sudden instinct to lean his hand on that waist of yours, to rest his leg beside yours to make it stop that nerve wracking dance, to forbid your lips any more damage not caused by him.

All of that crowded his mind and he growled tiredly.

Stupid Clay, with his stupid theories.

He finished getting ready and put on his helmet settling down in his spot rolling his shoulders back, he needed to focus.

The head mechanic came over him repeating all the changes and just annoying the hell out of him, he is not always around the car only to check you out.

“When you're done telling me what I know, tell me something I don’t, I beg you”

The head mechanic did a big effort not to spit into his face and just left him waving his arms in the air.

You touched on your forehead nervously, if you failed it would show in the timings or maybe the car won’t even start.

You looked at him, seconds before he pulled down the dark lid of his helmet, his dark eyes so focused a shiver creeped over you.

You gasped as the signal was given and the car started.

Your fingers finding their way to your mouth as you nibbled your skin.

The car was fast, that was sure, you leaned beside the head mechanic that was taking the time. You breathed heavily, your mind going through all the changes you did, all the small settlements, the little details.

An eternal list that kept repeating itself.

Then the question as he was halfway through the leap, what if you disappointed him?

What if he asked you to be sent away?

Then you looked down to the chronometer, he was already almost two seconds earlier than usual.

A smile started to grow on you, the excitement filling your veins.

The sound of the engine roaring beautifully, you made it!

Then it happened, some smoke raised up to the sky, one of the wheels snapped, the breath died in your throat.

The car flexed on side but Niki controlled it and guided it against the sandy side of the track that slowed it down until it stopped.

“He was breaking his record” the head mechanic sighed “now he is just going to break our balls”

Niki moved out of the car throwing his helmet on the ground pushing off roughly anyone that tried to help him or check if he was hurt, some of the mechanics moving to the tow truck to recollect the car, Niki moving past you, his face tense and his posture of someone ready to snap some necks. You didn’t see him for the rest of the day, nobody talked about him, nobody mentioned anything as the storm will fall on all of the team the next day.

Now it was the head mechanic to face it for all of you.

______________________________________________________________________

That night you stayed over time, the other colleagues told you to just go home, to not let the thing sink of you, to look at it with fresh eyes and all those circumstantial phrases people gift you when they try to cheer you up. 

As always on the floor, you had now the chance to spread the pieces out, collect them into branches of types and use. You pulled closer your notebook writing down the ideas and things to remember to check, the image of Niki almost crashing gutting you even if you soon realised it wasn’t your change that set off the wheel, but it was part of the cause, the car was now too powerful and the stress on the suspensions was deadly.

You yawned lightly pulling a catalogue of replacements parts trying to find the best mix you could manage, but you surely had to make up something about it. You didn’t expect to solve the problem or to find the solution for everything with a creative twist, but to, at least, plan a sequence of possibilities to present to your chief the next day.

A hand slowly leaning a mug of steaming coffee beside you.

You looked up to find Niki there, another cup in his hand, those messy curls calling to be touched, his impeccable style always winning you over with a dark turtleneck and his tweed jacket.

“Found the problem?” He asked sharply as always.

He was surprised to see you there, he spent the rest of the afternoon after the malfunction with the head mechanic and some of the administrators as he needed a solution in time for the upcoming race.

So he decided he couldn’t trust their promises and reassurances, but take the matter in his own hand, for a change. But when he arrived he saw the lights still on and you there. He was almost tempted to leave, it wasn’t a good moment to screw things with one of his most talented mechanics.

But you, again, were so into it, you looked so beautiful with your working jumpsuit and the hair messed up nibbling on that pen like it was a matter of life and death.

He couldn’t just let you stay so beautiful and alone, who knows who could approach you.

You nodded “I think so” you said showing him the piece, he leaned his head on side studying it 

“May I?”

You nodded as he took off his blazer before joining you on the floor, he crossed his legs, your knees touching as he stole those papers from your hand.

“Signal to the administration this night shift, or they won’t ever pay you” he muttered without looking away from the papers.

You smirked “I know, but it is more a matter of principle than money, I didn’t like the heart attack you gave me today”

You were surprised by your own words, maybe it was because you really were over caffeinated or just realising how it was the first time you were alone and how you felt comfortable around him. No, not comfort, it was trust, you trusted him.

He looked up from the papers up at you, he didn’t replied to your comment straightaway, he let it sink in, he let your presence sink in.

A one-sides smirk appeared on his lips

“It is going to be a long night, then” Tagged @cazzyimagines @lieutenantn @handmaiden-of-mischief@thesunflowersutra Let me know if you want to get added <3

[beauvibaby]

hospital - m.barzal

requested [] yes [x] no

a/n: so no one requested this, but (prepare for a little rant) the idea came to me while I was thinking of my next dr appointment, as someone who struggles with PCOS, and never see it spoken about especially among young women, I figured I’d write this as a little something to just make myself feel like I made a small difference in normalizing it. This is based on my experience from when I had my first ruptured cyst when I was 16, it was the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life (and that’s from someone who’s dislocated their shoulder 2x), I could barely stand, and the ultrasound was undoubtedly excruciating, yet I was never really diagnosed until just a couple of months ago, and as frustrating as it is because there really is no treatment for PCOS, I feel better at least knowing that there’s a name for the issues I have, rather than just having them and no definition for it... sorry for the long note hah, I hope you enjoy the fic!

warnings: hospitals, reader pain, mentions of sex (idk if I should warn that but I did anyways)

You finally managed to trudge out of the bedroom, you’d been feeling a little crampy all morning, even though you were still well over a week away from your period, you brushed it off, thinking at the worst you caught a little stomach bug. But it couldn’t be ignored anymore, “Mat?” You squeaked out, barely able to look up long enough to see that he wasn’t there, Tito looked over. “He ran down to the corner store.” He spoke up, glancing over and doing a double take when your hands gripped your side. You hunched over in pain, nearly falling to your knees, “Y/N!” Tito shot up, rushing over to you, he knew you hadn’t felt good, which is why Mat made him stay here while he ran out to get you some stuff. “Call him please.” You whispered, leaning against the wall, blinking away the tears in your eyes, Tito moved you to the couch, apologizing repeatedly every time you winced or groaned. This wasn’t a type of pain you ever felt before, it was sharp, and nauseating. Just as you sat on the couch, finally letting the tears fall, you couldn’t be bothered to feel embarrassed, this was the worst pain you’ve felt of your life thus far, the front door opened and Mat walked in. He took in the sight of Tito kneeling beside you, phone in hand as he was about to call Mat. “Baby, hey, talk to me.” Mat rushed over, dropping the bag on the couch, he took Tito’s spot in front of you. He watched as you shook your head, crying to hard to speak coherently, “she needs to go to the hospital, she could hardly walk.” Tito explained shortly, “come on.” Mat didn’t hesitate to stand, sliding one arm under your shoulders to steady you. He walked slowly, alongside you, a million thoughts and worries going through his head but he didn’t express any of them, knowing you were thinking the same. “You gotta tell me where it hurts, princess.” He whispered as you hid in his chest in the elevator, you placed his hand on your lower left stomach, he rubbed slightly to see if it helped but yanked his hand away when you let out a strangled cry. “I’m sorry.” He rushed, sloppily tying your hair back, knowing you hated when it stuck to your face with tears.

Finally, you got to the emergency room and they took you back almost instantly, saying they needed to make sure it wasn’t appendicitis, which only made you more nervous, although they quickly ruled that out, thankfully, but the next concern was kidney stones. “We want to do a CT scan to check, they’ll be in to take you back shortly.” The doctor, who had zero bedside manner, disappeared the second he was done speaking, you had stopped crying, the pain not really subsiding but it was a mix of adjusting to it, and finally being stuck in one position long enough to not agitate it. “Hey, calm down.” You sighed rolling your head to the side, Mat’s knee was bouncing furiously, his chin resting in his hands. Kidney stones, if that’s what it was, you’d be fine, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t. “Sorry, sorry.” Mat whispered, sliding his chair closer, he leaned up, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead, “you’ll be alright.” He assured you, hating the pain you were in. “I’d switch places with you if I could baby.” He added, and you chuckled softly at the thought, he raised a brow at you, “why is that so funny?” He retorted, taking advantage of your momentary smile. “Because, you’re so whiny when you get a cold, if you went through this you’d go insane.” You giggled, stopping when it made your side shoot in pain again. Mat’s smile died down as well, pouting softly when you sighed, closing your eyes, only to be interrupted again by the nurse coming in to take you for the scan. Mat spent the whole fifteen minutes you were gone, texting Tito freaking out about how much pain you were in, Tito having to continuously tell him you’d be fine, you were in a hospital after all, they could give you strong pain meds once they figured out what was wrong.

When you returned, Mat helped you sit back on the bed, wiping at the fresh layer of tears on your face. The nurse smiled at you when his back was turned, you got that look a lot, especially from the older ladies when they saw how Mat would tend to you. “The doctor will be in soon to go over the results.” She spoke walking out the door, “that tube is so small.” You mumbled after a short silence, Mat laughed softly, “I know.” He’s had his fair share of scans over the years for injuries, “at least you didn’t have to go head first.” He pointed out and you shivered at the thought, “no way, not ever gonna happen.” You mumbled, you weren’t really claustrophobic, but the thought of being stuck in that tube with your arms forced behind your head made you cringe. “Well hopefully you don’t need anything from the hospital for a long, long time.” He sighed, neither of you liked hospitals, not many people did, but growing up you’d seen your fair share of them and preferred to stay as far away from them as you could.

***

“Good news.” A new doctor walked in, a female doctor, instantly your eyes shot to her badge, OB/GYN sewn into her white coat, you went wide eyed, Mat was too worried about what she was going to say to notice. You had a million thoughts running through your head, even though you knew you weren’t pregnant, they had done a test before the CT scan, but still for a second you panicked. “It’s not kidney stones, but we did find a couple of cysts on your ovaries.” She explained, you let out a sigh of relief before your next concerns started kicking in, Mat shifted awkwardly in his seat, even though you’ve been together for years, he still got a little pink at such topics. She started explaining how they couldn’t really confirm if you had a larger one that ruptured, causing your pain, but she was pretty confident based on your symptoms, then she started asking some questions, to which you could tell Mat was tuning out. But then one in particular made his eyes shoot over to you when you took longer to answer, “any pain or discomfort during intercourse?” She looked up from her clipboard when you didn’t answer immediately, her eyes darted between you and Mat, your cheeks a little pink as you gave her a look, that silently answered her question. “Not pain, but discomfort definitely.” You admitted making Mat go wide eyed, he staid silent until the doctor left, telling you that she’d be back with discharge papers soon. “Y/N.” He started, you looked down to your hands in your lap, picking at your nail polish. “Why didn’t you tell me? Jesus, how long has this been going on? Did I hurt you?” He rushed his questions together, you felt even worse for not telling him how, but you didn’t think much of it, thinking it was just an odd phase your body was going through. He felt terrible, suddenly feeling like he was forcing you to have sex, even though it didn’t feel right. “I didn’t want to say anything, it’s not your fault, I just knew you’d be worried.” You whispered, it was a stupid excuse but it was true. “Of course I would be worried! Do you really think I’d be so selfish about my own needs? How long?” He stood, getting a little wigged out over the sudden revelation, you looked away, only making him more stressed. “Like a month and a half?” You whispered, he froze, mid pace. “A month and a half?!” He whisper shouted, being mindful of the fact you were in a hospital. “I’m sorry.” You sighed, looking at him with apologetic eyes, he shook his head softly, sitting back down in the chair when he heard the doctor coming back in. She went over a few quick instructions, the usual if it gets worse or you get a fever come back, but she told you to schedule a follow up with your gynecologist, which you assured her, and Mat that you would do. The doctor could sense the tension, she looked over to Mat. “Don’t be so hard on yourself, plenty of women go through this and don’t say anything to their partners.” Her words visibly eased his shoulders, although in his mind he was still reeling in the fact that you wouldn’t say anything, especially for that long, he’d thought of all the times you’d been intimate and felt worried that he had caused you any discomfort.

The short trip back to the apartment was silent, he had his hand glued to yours the whole time though, which told you he wasn’t mad, but you still felt guilty, it was stupid, childish to not say anything. His phone rang as you walked into the apartment, he dropped your hand, you glanced back. “Go ahead, I’m going to shower.” You whispered, smiling softly, you really did need a shower, especially after sitting in the hospital all afternoon, it made you feel dirty.

“Hello?” Mat answered the phone, softly shutting the door behind him, he heard the water turn on in the bathroom, “hey, I just wanted to see how you guys were.” Tito spoke, oblivious to the bomb he had just stepped on. Mat couldn’t help but scoff, “let’s just say she was having issues and didn’t tell me, and I was possibly making it worse.” He explained without divulging any too personal information. “I’m sure she didn’t tell you for good reasons.” Tito responded, as best as he could without knowing the whole situation, “you sound like her.” Mat grumbled, earning a chuckle from his friend. “She knows how worked up you get, and with the season starting back up soon she probably didn’t want to distract you.” He assured him, “I get that, but I’m her boyfriend, she’s supposed to tell me these things, if this had happened during the season I would’ve been more distracted.” Mat rambled, Tito being the voice of reason for him. “Dude, you just have to calm down, it’s over now, don’t be a jerk, I’m sure she’s beating herself up for it now. The last thing she needs is you making her feel worse.” And with that Mat came to his senses, muttering a quick goodbye before going to the bathroom to check on you. He knocked softly on the door, making his presence known before he tried turning the knob, he furrowed his brows together when he realized it was locked. He couldn’t think of a time in your relationship where it had ever been locked. “Y/N?” He called, knocking again, he heard you gasp softly, scrambling around in the bathroom. “Almost done.” You called out, rushing to wash the conditioner out of your hair as you begged the tears to stop.

You wrapped a towel around yourself and looked in the mirror, grimacing at the puffy face staring back at you, it was no use trying to hide it, the knob jiggled again. “Baby, are you okay?” He had concern lacing his voice, you nodded, more for yourself, clearly since he couldn’t see you. “Yeah.” You mumbled, unlocking the door, he opened it immediately, the steam from your shower flowing out of the room. “What’s wrong?” He mumbled cupping your face, eyes searching yours for any pain, “you’re mad at me.” You spoke sheepishly, he shook his head. “Baby, I’m not mad, I was just shocked you didn’t tell me.” Mat assured you, feeling guilty for letting you think he was actually mad. “I guess I understand why you didn’t tell me, but you should’ve, you could’ve gone to the doctor earlier and maybe this wouldn’t have happened, I just feel bad for causing you pain.” He explained, lips landing softly on your forehead. Your gripped him a little tighter at the action. “I know, it was stupid, I’m sorry.” You sighed, he nodded, giving you a quick kiss. “Still hurt?” He asked, following you around like a lost puppy, you nodded silently, brushing your hair out. “You didn’t hurt me, you know? If it had hurt I would’ve told you, it was just different?” You tried to explain, seeing the wheels turning in his head. He met your eyes in the mirror, “I don’t know how to explain it, you wouldn’t understand.” You added lightening the mood with a laugh. He smiled, “no I don’t think I would.” He agreed, relieved to at least see you joking around. “Just promise me you’ll tell me if anything like that happens again?” He came up behind you, “of course bub.” You winced lightly, sighing at the continuing pain, they told you it would be bad for a couple of days, so you weren’t surprised. Mat on the other hand grew more frustrated every time it hurt, wishing he could do something. “I just want to lay down, please.” You whispered when he kissed the top of your head. He nodded and walked you to the bed, even though you were fully capable, you allowed him to have his moment of feeling like he helped. Which he did, just by being there, he always helped. It’s safe to say he was very hesitant to touch you for a while after that.

Taglist: @mtkachuk​ @softstarkey​ @literarycharleton​ @thathockeygirl​

[crockettmarcel]

terminal | last light!au

wc: 816

prompts: medtober 2021, day two, “terminal”

warnings: hospital admission, sick baby, mentions of death (I mean, the prompt is “terminal” like. what are you expecting)

It feels like forever that Sarah’s been sat in the ED, waiting for someone to come back with news. Her daughter’s asleep in the cot next to her, too tiny to be suffering so much, and Sarah has to blink back tears at the thought of what could be wrong. She’s been sick for a while, that much is obvious, and all Sarah can do is try and ignore the voice in her head telling her she’s a bad mom for not bringing Em in sooner.

Another ten minutes pass, and just as Sarah’s typing out a text to her mom, letting her know that Em’s in hospital, Dr Alexander, the doctor they saw earlier, appears in the doorway. There are stickers on her scrubs that weren’t there before — animals and flowers stuck haphazardly across her abdomen — and Sarah smiles at the image her brain conjures up of a child sick enough to be in hospital but still taking the time to share their stickers. That’s the type of kid she hopes Em will be.

“Hey, Sarah. How’s Em doing now?”

“She’s- she’s okay, I think. No more seizures so far, so that’s a good sign, right?”

Dr Alexander hesitates before nodding, and immediately Sarah’s stomach drops.

“What’s wrong with her? What’s wrong with my baby?”

There’s another chair on the opposite side of the crib, and Dr Alexander pulls it around so she’s sitting facing Sarah.

“I’m afraid Em’s test results weren’t good. They revealed that she has a rare genetic condition called Krabbe Disease — a degenerative disorder caused by a breakdown of the protective sheath around her nerves.”

Even before Dr Alexander came back, Sarah had known deep down that it wasn’t going to be good news, but being able to prepare herself hasn’t made this any easier. Cancer, she could cope with. There are so many treatments, and even from her brief time in med school, she knows that clinical trials are popping up all over the place. But this, a degenerative disorder so rare she hasn’t even heard of it? She feels ill at the thought.

“Degenerative? That means she’ll get worse, right?”

“That’s correct. The disease causes muscle weakness that will affect her ability to move, chew, swallow, and eventually breathe. At this point, she will need to be put on a ventilator.”

Sarah blinks back tears and offers a weak nod in response. “So she- how long does she have?”

“Based on her age and symptoms, anywhere up to two years.”

“But there- there are treatments for it, aren’t there? She can’t die from this.” She’s given up trying to stop herself from crying, and instead just sits there, tears rolling down her cheeks as she stares pleadingly at Dr Alexander, desperate for any glimmer of hope she has to offer.

“I’m afraid not. For Em, it’s going to be about managing her symptoms and relieving discomfort. This may include a feeding tube, anticonvulsant medications for her seizures, and physical therapy, but it’s something you’ll be able to discuss with her doctor in more detail later.”

It’s so much information all at once. Em isn’t just sick, she’s dying, and there’s nothing anyone can do to stop it. Her sweet baby girl might not even see her second birthday, and Sarah doesn’t know how to process the grief that comes with news like this.

She’s about to say something when she’s distracted by movement in the crib next to her. Em’s awake, reaching one of her tiny arms out towards her mom, and Sarah chokes back a sob at the sight of her lying there. Everything about her is perfect, and Sarah can’t resist the urge to stick her hand through the bars of the crib for Em to grab.

“This thing she has-” Sarah says, turning back to face Dr Alexander.

“Krabbe Disease.”

“Yeah. Uh, you said it’s genetic. Did I… Did I do this to her?”

“She would have to have inherited it from both of her parents, so her father must also be a carrier.”

Somehow, this is worse. After everything Sarah’s ex put her through, he’s now hurting their daughter as well, and he doesn’t even know it. If she’d chosen anyone else, maybe this wouldn’t be happening.

“I’d like to be alone now, if that’s okay.”

“Of course.” Dr Alexander stands up and moves the chair back to where it came from. “If you have any questions, or just want someone to talk to, feel free to ask for me.”

Sarah thanks her, and almost as soon as the door slides shut, her phone vibrates in her back pocket. With her free hand, she manages to retrieve it without dropping it, and sees that her mom has just replied to her text from earlier.

I’m sure she’ll be fine! Babies are a lot tougher than you think <3 love you, Mom xx

[thotsforvillainrights]

Hi, I was wondering if you’d mind doing a scenario of Lady Nagant trying to go about telling her S/O she’s pregnant with their kid

(This one is a bit specific so I apologize to the readers that don’t have baby gravy to contribute to this. I’m sorry!!!)

~Parents to Be~

headcanon|scenario|imagine|match-up

“Cmon C’mon C’mon...” She sighed impatiently ad she watched the little stick on the counter as if her life depended on it. That little three minute wait felt like an eternity but then again, she was never a patient woman to begin with. As she waited she ended up pacing in the small bathroom space, scratching her arms when there was no itch, and nearly grinding her teeth when finally the timer went off on her phone effectively letting her know that it was time to check the stick. She sighed, closed her eyes, and took in a deep breath before moving to pick up the pregnancy test and scan it with both eyes. “FUCK! eep!” She quickly dropped the stick and covered her mouth with her hands before quickly opening the door to peek at you. Still sleeping comfortably in the bed you rolled over and snuggled further into the blanket warmth while a war raged in the bathroom.

She quietly closed the door back and locked it before realizing her hands touched her face. “shit! ugh, disgusting.” She whispered to herself as she began washing her hands in a frenzy. She grabbed a bit of the toilet paper and used it as a makeshift glove to pick up the test and reread it. 

Positive...AGAIN...

This was her 4th pregnancy test in the past 2 days. She should’ve known something was wrong by the way her favorite foods had been making her sick lately. On top of that, her normal insomnia was interrupted by a new wave of fatigue/exhaustion. All of this was coupled by soreness in her boobs, and also dizziness. Now at first she figured she wasn’t eating or drinking properly so she began going on a self care regimen since she had a way about her that included putting too many peoples’ health before her own. When that didn’t work, she opted for googling her symptoms instead of going to the hospital. She was worried about the results there that ended up being the same thing both google and the pregnancy tests confirmed: Nagant was pregnant. “fucking how???” She whispered in shock and annoyance as she slid her back down the wall so she could come to a seat on the cold floor. She was mainly left wondering how in the hell this could’ve happened with all the precautions she took. The pull-out method WITH a condom, on top of tracking the days she wasn’t ovulating, AND being on birth control? She literally had no ideal how this was possible at the moment and finally opted for scheduling an appointment with her primary care doctor in the morning. 

When the next day came and you left to work, she took a day off and snuck to the clinic. After the evaluation, she told Nagant everything she already knew to be true. “Well to be honest, nothing is 100% sure about pregnancy prevention but abstinence, a vasectomy, or getting your entire womb removed or tubes tied. In fact, I’ve even seen some cases where patients came in pregnant even after their tubes had been tied for years! Even though this is distressing to you, please remember there are other options out there. Adoption or Termination are options too.” Her doctor explained as she handed Nagant some pamphlets on adoption centers and abortion doctors. Nagant left the appointment with the intent to get rid of the unwanted thing 100%. She had no intention to tell you that the pregnancy even happened either. Stepping into the car she had a child free life on mind. Making it to the driveway and stepping out of the car, she began planning out motherhood immediately. Her curiosity got the better of her on the way home and she even ended up speaking to her stomach as she drove. “You’re a fighter huh? You really made it through the birth control and everything didn’t you, asshole? Well whatever I guess....” Her mind even wandered to what the baby might look like. Brilliant imagery flashed through her mind of a mixture between the two of you. Maybe a baby girl with your hair and smile, or a boy with her eyes and the same birthmark on his ankle. After she started imagining her life with the baby in her arms it was all over with. She found herself searching online for nursery ideas and baby wipes for sensitive skin when you entered through the door and her blood ran cold. Usually she was happy to see you but now she was a nervous wreck as she tried to hide behind a smile. 

She never saw herself as being perfect or even being good enough for anyone to ever truly love until you came into her life. For you to pick her up at her darkest moments in life and to cherish her like she was some type of found treasure was something entirely new to her. You loved her as you said, but she wondered if you were going to stay after telling you the news. 3 days passed by before she knew it and she still hadn’t decided on how to tell you. Part of her insecurities told her to just to leave you and take off in the night. You would be so much happier without the sudden burden of dealing with her brokenness and a sudden child all at the same time as well. Yet she stayed, eventually not even looking you in the eyes often times. Finally at dinner one night you sighed and had enough. You got up from your spot at the table and went to where she was lounging on the couch. You kneeled on the ground and gently grabbed her confused face so it would nestle comfortably as you forced her to make eye contact with you. “Listen, I know for a fact after being with you for so long that you haven’t been happy for a bit. Now either you’re sick, having those insecure thoughts again, or I pissed you off by not finishing some random chore around here. For whatever reason that it is, I’m begging you to look at me again...talk to me again please? I love you so much and I hate to see you like this. Please speak to me love?”

She stared you in the eyes before sighing in defeat. “Well I’m not sick but you’re pretty damn close...” She swallowed all her fear as she slowly went to point at her stomach. 

“Dia...diarrhea?”

“No you fucking ding dong!”

“...wait...” You slowly reached out to rub her stomach gently before looking up and seeing her nervous gaze shifted everywhere but you, her eyes watering just slight. Suddenly everything clicked into place. “Nagant...are you...are you pregnant???” There it was. That word was thrown around for the past few days but it never held as much weight as it did when you spoke about it out loud. “Yes.” She said shortly as you continued rubbing her stomach gently. “How long? I mean how long before you decided to tell me? Wait, were you even going to tell me?” You asked with a tiny bit of betrayal on your face. She finally looked at you and took a long sigh. “It’s been a few days. I didn’t tell you because I wasn’t sure how you’d react. I can understand if you don’t want to do this whole relationship thing with me anymore. I’m not going to force you into parenthood when we never planned this to begin with.”

“Are you insane? I’d never leave you over anything unless it was cheating. For the past few days you’ve really been moping around this as if you weren’t granting me a great gift to begin with? I mean sure I never talked about being a parent with you or even considering it myself to begin with. I was just going with the flow for the most part! Just because of that it doesn’t mean I would just toss you aside if it ever happened. I love you and I mean that with all of my heart. I could never let you go. I want to be the one to spend the rest of our lives together no matter what. I’d only want little snot nosed crusted demons with one person and that has to be you, got it?” You smiled softly and playfully reached up to poke her nose. She sniffled a bit and wiped away a few tears with a smile. “Yeah, I guess. And please don’t bring this up, it’s just something in my eyes.” She brushed it aside as she continued silently crying. “Sure thing.” You laughed lightly as you moved to hug her. Parenthood would never be as bad as long as it was with her by your side.

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Instagram: @pastelbattydraws & @pastelbattystore

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[heavenunderthemoon]

omg i’m imagining morgan with a kid!! i think he’d be a chill parent tbh

-he’s so careful

-Savannah has to tell him to hurry up bc when Derek holds Hank and walks around the house he refuses to go faster than two miles per hour bc he’s afraid he might drop the baby

-“but he’s so little”

-send Penelope pictures every time he puts Hank in new clothes

-originally, he had Hank signed up for sports but Hank is asthmatic AND absolutely HATES sports. Actually, he really likes science and everything about it (he takes after Savannah)

-science clubs and science fairs and Christmas gifts of beakers and test tubes and textbooks because Derek doesn’t really care what his son does as long as he’s happy and safe

-he dances around the house a lot and Hank is embarrassed but eventually he gets him to join in

-“you didn’t break this vase?” “Nope.” “Oh okay, well then I imagine that it just broke itself, right?” “Yup.”

-he CANNOT cook, and so he’s like “breakfast for dinner” which is literally just eggs and pancakes but Hank loves it until Savannah finds out and Derek gets into trouble

-Derek looks really intimidating when he attends science fairs bc he shows up in all leather with his badge and gun (he just got off work) but when he sees Hank his face lights up and then he turns into a big ol teddy bear

-“that’s my boy!! That’s my boy right there!” He’s cheering like he’s at a football game and usually these things are quiet and everyone’s looking at him strangely but Hank is just grinning from ear to ear because his dad is so supportive

-Derek tries to tell him how to talk to ladies and Hank politely says he isn’t into that and Derek immediately switches up

-“oh that’s cool, this will work on the guys just fine too”

-he should know bc of Spencer

-the most loving and supportive father, his hugs are heavenly

-every Fourth of July until Hank is like ten he just grabs his son like he weighs nothing and perched him on his shoulders so he can see better

-Hank likes when Derek sings so he’s always begging for one more song before bed and Derek tries to fight him off but “oh my god have you seen that face, Penelope??? I can’t say no” and then he’s diving into a rendition of ‘you’ll be in my heart’

-definitely the type of dad to pass out on the couch with his hands folded LMFAOO

-he notes really loudly and one time Hank decided to plug Derek’s nose to see if it would get him to stop and Derek is springing awake with a yell

[rpd-rookie]

Pollen - Chris Redfield x Fem!Reader (NSFW)

Summary: A new type of mutamycete has been discovered in a remote region of South America. As a scientist working for Blue Umbrella, you are sent along with BSAA Captain Chris Redfield and his team to conduct research on it. Unfortunately, everything goes to hell when the infection goes out of control and start contaminating the unit ...

Author’s Notes: This is a request sent by the Queen of Headcanons (@missmamacitaoliveira​). It is basically porn with a plot and I chose to characterise it as "mild dub!con" because the sexual interaction depicted in this one shot is definitely the result of an arousal both characters (Chris and Reader) experience because of the mutamycete that contaminated them. Consent is given but the sexual act in itself is still a mix of fear and lustfulness at least at the beginning of it. Read at your own risk.

Warning: Sex Pollen / Smut / Mildly Dubious Consent / Rough Sex / Masturbation / Language 

           Golden spore-like particles were beautifully floating and dancing in the air outside the sterile plastic tent, shining like millions of innocent little fireflies but killing like a deadly swarm of wasps. They were covering the surrounding forest in yellow, from the trunks of the trees up to their tops, rotting the bark and the leaves, turning them into a thick yellowish mold capable of liquefying even the most solid of steels. A one-of-a-kind fascinating spectacle you had never thought to witness one day.   Incredible – yet scary - what this new type of fungus was capable of doing.  

Your earpiece crackled loudly in your ear, making you grimace and you dropped your leather notebook on your desk. “We’ve …sot … bit of sit…tion.” was all you could make out, the words sounding like gibberish because of the permanent interferences caused by the large cloud of mutamycete that had spread and contaminated the ambient air and the flora in the forest area by the riverside. “What kind of situation?” You asked, already removing a white Hazmat suit from a hanger. A never-ending sizzling was buzzing in your ear now, making it impossible to ear whoever was trying to communicate with you. “Hello?” You said as you adjusted the device to restore the communication. But all of a sudden, some static electricity – probably generated by the interferences - fried your earpiece in your ear, making you squeal in pain and fear and troubling your vision for a second. “Shit.” You cursed as your threw the broken earpiece to the ground, a low buzzing echoing in your head. “Why does it always happen to me?”             You quickly slipped on the rubber suit, put on some chemical overshoe boots and grabbed Umbrella’s latest air-filter helmet before heading towards the exit.             Luckily for you, you didn’t have to wander outside for too long as an officer rushed towards you, pointing at the military green tent that happened to belong to the medical unit that accompanied you on this mission. “Hurry, please.” He said with an alarmed voice that sent shivers down your spine. Something was definitely wrong.

           You ungraciously followed him to the tent, your uncomfortable get-up making it hard for you to run properly. After all, it was made to work in a lab, not play commando in a remote tropical region of South America.             Once in there, you immediately noticed two soldiers convulsing hard on their medical beds, struggling to breathe in spite of the oxygen the mechanical ventilators were providing them. Their faces were bright red, covered with pustules and blisters; their skin peeling off as if some acid had splashed on them.             “What happened?” You dared ask, your widened eyes staring in shock at the poor men whose painful screams where muffled by the masks covering their melting faces. “Unsuitable gear. Thank your corporate overlords for that.” You glanced at the man who had answered, recognizing the angry powerful husky voice in spite of the deformation caused by the gas helmet he was wearing. “Captain Redfield, I’m sure…” He waved you to shut up and you obeyed, knowing that now was not the time to start an argument with him. It would not end up well, Redfield being too impulsive and stubborn to have a calm conversation with you even in more peaceful circumstances. His reluctance to work with Umbrella Co., you supposed. “How can I help?”   “You’ve been studying this new mold, haven’t you?” Chris asked as he rushed to immobilise one of his men to allow a medic to sedate him with a syringe of morphine. “Might care to explain what’s happening?”         “I’ve only studied the infection on the nearby vegetation. I don’t know what’s happening to them.”    You mumbled, trying to keep your composure and ignore your growing concern and panic caused by the gut-churning vision before you.       “Just tell what you know!” Chris growled as he pinned his struggling teammate down on the white mattress with an incredible strength you found scarily impressive. “It’s basically the same mutamycete that we collected at the Baker’s except that it was somehow genetically modified to have a reproductive morphology similar to plants and flowers. That’s why it looks so much like pollen.”         “Make it understandable for a 5 years old, Y/LN, please.” Chris demanded with an annoyed sigh and you nodded though you didn’t really know how explain days and days of complex scientific research in a few simple sentences.     “Alright. The previous mutamycete permitted to turn dead people into Molded, sort of. This new version does the same but it can also reproduce … breed if you prefer. A simple contact with a compatible host can lead to fecundation that can ultimately lead to lots of Molded babies. But I don’t need to develop that part, do I? Everyone in this tent knows how to make babies, I believe.” You scoffed, finding a certain comfort and some safety in sarcasm. But now was not the time for humour and you understood it perfectly when Captain Redfield glared at you. “Sorry. I tend to make bad jokes when I freak out.” And you were definitely freaking out right now. “But to sum up, this new mutamycete basically mimics the primary instinct of a G- virus infectee.”     “Meaning?” Chris asked, his voice sounding an octave lower certainly because of the knot in his throat the simple mention of the G-virus had created.       “It basically has a vital need to procreate, relentlessly searching for the right host to fecundate.” “So you’re saying that my men are what … pregnant with Molded?”          He frowned and you could hear all his worries in his voice. He genuinely cared about his men. Very admirable and honourable. “I don’t know, Captain. I’m just telling you how it works on plants. Might be different for humans… I hope. Do you have an ultrasound scanner?” “ No, but we have one at the lab.” The doctor said. “ Then we need to evacuate quickly. And I …” You took some surgical pliers from a medical trolley and a test tube from your pocket. “…am going to need a sample to study all this.”

You approached one of the soldiers who was now basically dozing because of the morphine and slowly removed one of his gloves to cut one of his nails in order to later study his DNA. But as soon as your fingers touched him, he woke up with a start and jumped you, growling like a beast and grabbing you by the waist with a superhuman strength, almost digging his nails in your flesh through your clothes.         You first instinct was to scream. Not the most efficient thing to do, you agreed. But, fortunately for you, you were accompanied by men who had better first instincts and reflexes than you. Chris pushed his man away from you and pounced on him, grabbing him almost brutally by the wrists to slam him down against the bed. You put a hand over your pounding heart and stared, terrified and powerless, at the enraged man squirming to get up. His eyes were dark and hungry and fixed upon you as if he was unable to focus his attention on anything else. “What the fuck, Carter?” Chris roared as he used all his weight to keep his soldier in place. But Carter didn’t care. Carter didn’t even look human anymore. And watching those two men struggling on this bed was like watching two lions fighting on National Geographic. Except that it was terrifying. Fucking terrifying.

           Twenty-four hours later, Carter and his teammate were dead and their bodies still burning up like hot ember had been placed in the morgue section of the lab for you and your colleagues to study. But, in spite of the disgusting bloody experiments you led on them, you couldn’t take your mind out of the near-death experience you had been through at the camp. It haunted you, making it almost impossible for you to focus exclusively on your work. Those eyes. That darkness in them. That hunger that looked more and more sexual and lustful the more you thought about it. It was making you shiver in fear and discomfort. You had never seen anything like it before.       You shook your head to make the images go away and concentrated again on your researches. You had been studying fours little rats in a glass cage for hours, trying to see how their systems reacted to the new mutamycete. But for now, six hours after injection, only an unusual high body temperature could be noticed.

The automatic sliding door of your lab opened with a hiss, making you slightly jump. You briefly checked the clock on the wall. 10:38pm. You didn’t expect any visit that late especially not a visit from Chris Redfield. “Captain Redfield. What are you doing … here?” You furrowed, staring at him with concern. He didn’t look so well.     “Something’s happening to me.” His voice was cavernous and raspy and he sounded almost out of breath as if he was chocking under his black turtle neck.             You immediately got up, resisting the instinctive urge to come closer to check up on him and took a few steps back. “Alright. Why don’t you tell me what’s wrong and I’ll see what …” You weren’t able to finish your sentence as Chris crumbled to the floor beneath him, growling as if he was trying to resist something, his nails dug in the grooves of the white tiles. “Oh my god, Chris.” “I feel like I’m burning up.” He struggled to say. And this time you rushed towards him. You couldn’t leave him like that. You had to do something.          

Knelt onto the floor, you grabbed his broad shoulders to help him lean his back against a lab bench. His face was scarlet red and pearls of sweat were dripping along his forehead. You wiped them away with your sleeve. They felt weirdly sticky and had a strange sour smell. But what worried you the most was the heat radiating from Chris’s body. You could feel it brushing your face. It looked like the man had been microwaved. “Don’t move. I’ll call for help.” You tried to get up but Chris’ hand caught your arm in a firm strong grip that made you wince. “You don’t… understand.” He managed to say, panting, his extremely dilated brown eyes staring at your (colour) confused ones.

Without forewarning, he placed your hand over his crotch, a gesture you found disgusting, salacious and incredibly inappropriate and that instinctively made you squeal and try to get away from Chris’ grasp. He was incredibly hard. “What the fuck?” You gasped, horrified as you tried to quickly get up. But you lost your balance and clumsily fell on your rear. “I don’t know what’s happening to me.” He confessed, suffocating. “I’ve been like this for the past hour or so.”         “The past hour?” You repeated, not knowing how to react or what to do. “Please tell me you can do something.” Chris begged, truly shamed and panicked and perfectly aware of the how indecent and degrading his behaviour must feel to you.   You stood up to focus on your breathing and regain your calm. “Okay. Everything’s going to be fine. Breathe.” You needed to have your mind clear if you wanted to help Chris. You needed your scientist mind back. “Are you … aroused?” You said, genuinely uncomfortable to ask something so intimate.           “Fuck, Y/LN!” Chris growled, glancing down at his pants. “ Isn’t it obvious? I’m freaking hard!” “Clearly.” You cleared your throat. “Don’t move.” You rushed towards your cupboard to rummage in it. “I’m going to give you GnRH antagonists. They can suppress hormones like testosterone. It should ease your pain for a while, or at least long enough to be able to find something that might help you. It’s possibly an effect linked to a long exposure to the mutamycete. Got you.” You took the vial with your trembling hands and turned around to go back to Chris. But what you didn’t realised was that Chris was just right behind you.

You bumped into his large chest and accidentally dropped the vial onto the floor. It broke into a thousand pieces as it landed on the tiles and you cursed, internally blaming yourself for your stupid clumsiness and your panic. “Please don’t tell me that’s what I needed.”       You grimaced, scared to tell him the truth as you could tell he was getting angry again. Then again, who wouldn’t?       “There might be another way.” You tried to reassure him but you knew it was vain. “Another way?” He harrumphed with a growl of pain as he leaned against your desk to breathe deeply. “What way?”     “ Well, have you tried to … you know…” You mimicked a pumping motion with your hand, not daring to say the word. “Masturbate?”         “You’re serious?” Chris’ darkened eyes widened, refusing to believe you were actually serious. “This is your medical advice? You want me to jerk off!”           “Yes, that’s what I want … I mean advise.” You corrected, probably as uncomfortable than him right now, if not more.           “Are you guys at Umbrella all dumb or is it just you? I don’t even know how I still can walk, Y/LN. I’ve never been that sensitive in my entire life. I feel like if I touch myself I will actually explode, like literally. I can’t jerk off right now!”  

There was an awkward silence that didn’t last long as Chris turned around to shout his suffering again. Though this time it was mixed with an animalistic rage whose cause was still blurry to you. Was it mad at you? At himself? At his condition? At Umbrella? … All of it?     You sighed and approached him. Hands on his back you helped him face you. “I can’t believe I’m about to do this.”   You told yourself.      

You put your hand over Chris’ male parts, making him wince and hiss, to blindly look for the zipper, staring away from him on purpose. “What the fuck are you doing?” He asked, slapping your hand away from him. “You got a better idea, soldier boy?!” You retorted, wishing there was another solution and that this all situation was merely a nightmare. You opened Chris’ trousers and disgustedly slid your hand in his briefs. “Ouch, easy!” He grumbled the second your fingertips touched him. His member was so sensitive and aching right now.       “This is the worse day of my life.” You admitted as you delicately took his hot swelling length, which was thicker and heavier than what you expected, in a limp grip. “Pff. I’m sure part of you enjoys it” Chris said in between two guttural moans, a sensation of both suffering and pleasure tensing his abs and clenching his jaw. “You must think it is karma for all the times I’ve been an ass to you.”             “What?” You harrumphed as you stopped moving your hand, genuinely offended. “How can you believe I’m enjoying it? You’re sick.”           “Then why are you all flushed?” He asked.

All this panic and concern for Chris had made forget about your safety and yourself in general. You touched your cheeks. They were abnormally hot and you could feel their sudden redness tickling your skin. “Embarrassment and panic.” You retorted, trying to convince yourself more than Chris. After all, wasn’t it the most plausible reason? Unless… “Or the mutamycete and in that case it’s all your fault and if I die I’ll come and kill you.” You started panting and Chris stared at you silently. “What? You think that masturbating you arouses me? Pff, you should know better than anyone right now what it means to be aroused.”         “Y/N” He called out by your first name. He had never done that before.   “What?!” You screamed, pissed at him.         “Shut the fuck up and keep going.” He ordered with a severity worthy of his military status. “Seriously?” He didn’t reply, seeing no need for an answer, and you reluctantly resumed your soft motion on his engorged cock, feeling the prominent thick veins throbbing against your palm as Chris suddenly began removing his military vest and his turtleneck “Are you kidding me?” You mumbled in between your teeth, definitely not liking this situation. “I’m burning up. I can’t stand my clothes anymore.” But soon your eyes occasionally started glancing towards Chris’ broad and hairy chest. He had a formidable body. God, what the hell were you thinking?   “Please tell me you’re gonna cum soon.” You begged but he didn’t respond. A bad sign. “Gosh, I must be doomed.”     “Perhaps if you actually put some effort in it.” Your eyes widened at him. Was it really criticizing the way you were jerking him off? “Seriously, Mister ‘Ouch I’m too sensitive’?”     “Don’t mind me. I get it. You’d rather do something else than help me right now. And I know this must feel very degrading. Well guess what? I’d rather do something else than being jerked off by you.” You stepped back. You had had enough of it. “Then go ahead.” You waved at the door. “Leave and get out of your bloody mess on your own. I don’t give a fuck. Actually you should have done that from the very beginning instead of coming to me. Why did you come here anyway?”             “I have no fucking idea, Y/N. I was in my quarters and seconds later I was here. I can’t explain it. I was like … guided here. ” You frowned, finding this honest confession extremely weird and yet not so absurd, your scientific brain making a parallel between Chris’s words and the way the mutamycete was permanently searching for a host to breed. The conclusion that Chris might want the same thing froze you to the spot, scared and apprehensive, a bit like a deer caught in headlights. Why hadn’t you thought about that earlier?  “And the more I look at you, the more I stay with you… I wanna fuck you so bad. And I hate myself for it.”

You gulped, finding yourself unable to regain control over your paralysed body as an instantaneous wet hotness formed in between your legs. You tried to repress it but Chris came closer, his darkened chocolate brown eyes staring at you the same way Agent Carter’s eyes had stared at you under that tent. It made you shake, expecting with a certain amount of fear what was bound to happen.     “Fuck! You have no fucking idea how hard it is to resist the urge to just slam you against that desk and shove my cock into you.” Your heart skipped a bit and the air got stuck in your lungs. You couldn’t breathe anymore. Terrified and yet so atrociously aroused it was making you want to hurl. A strange sensation – certainly a result of the contamination - you had never experienced in your entire life and you didn’t know how to process.     “I’m calling security.” You announced as you somehow managed to rush towards your desk. “They’re going to place you under quarantine. That’s what I should have done from the very beginning.” You tried to seize your phone but it was immediately taken away from away from you and thrown across the room before you could even push a single button.  

You trembled again when you suddenly felt Chris’s towering body press against your back, his hardened member pushing against your butt as his muscular arms were forming a caging embrace to prevent you from escaping. “Then why haven’t you?”  He whispered in you ear, his hot breath tickling your neck and making you shiver, this time more in arousal than in fear. “I don’t know.” You mumbled in a whisper, feeling your heart pounding like crazy in your chest because of the exquisite proximity between Chris’ strong body and yours. This was insane.

You moaned when you felt Chris softly grazing his teeth against the sensitive skin of your neck and then gasped with a certain apprehension when his large hand grabbed your throat to squeeze it, knowing he could choke you to death with ease right now without giving you a chance to fight back. “Tell me you want this.” He murmured, rubbing his pelvis against your rear hoping teasing you would convince you to give in to him. “I won’t touch you unless you want me to. But please, please, tell me you want me to.” You looked back at him to stare at his eyes. In their hungry darkness, you could notice that Chris was still in there, spotting his integrity slightly gleaming behind the veiled pupils. He was fighting the temptation caused by this stupid fungus. But how long could he resist? Or better question, how long could you resist judging by the wetness growing in your panties. The answer? Not long.

“Do it.” You whispered so low, hoping he would not hear you and let go of you. But he did hear you and he didn’t wait. He pulled your skirt up to your waist and ripped your panties with a swift powerful motion that made you squeal and hold on tight to your desk.     “I don’t think it’ll take long.” Chris said with a raspy voice as he dropped his trousers and briefs to his feet, finally freeing his throbbing cock that sprang erected and hard as a stone pillar. He watched it for a second, admiring it twitching and begging to be relieved. Then he stared at you, at your naked butt and your glistening red lips. “Gosh, you look delicious.” He said to himself before spitting on his finger to lube his length. Last thing he wanted was to hurt you. “You’re sure you’re up for this?” He asked again, not knowing how he would react if you said no. “I’m sure. Just fuck me, please.” You whimpered and Chris smiled as he guided himself towards your entrance. He moved briefly in between your half-closed thighs, right against your tight lips, to spread your juices along his shaft before kicking your calves to make you spread your legs for him.       Once the access granted, he finally pushed himself deep into you, sliding him member so deep it almost disappeared in you. You winced and moaned, nails dug in the wood of the desk, when you felt him stretching you, definitely not used to welcome such girth inside your pussy. “Holy shit.” You cursed, with a small tear in the corner of your eye. “You’re so big.”           “I know. Sorry.” He chuckled, his hand wandering down your back. “You’ll get used to it.” You cried out when Chris suddenly pulled out to push himself back inside of you with one single hard move. The force of his thrust made you fall flat on the desk. “You got nothing against rough sex, right baby girl?” Baby girl? The pet name made you furrow. What was next? You calling him daddy? “Cause I’m in that kind of mood right now.” He growled as he repeated the same motion, making you muffle a new loud moan in the leather notebook on which your head was resting. “Let’s get this over with.” You growled, already breathless.

Chris’ pelvis smacked loudly against your ass, making it bounce, as his heavy balls hit your swollen clit. “Fuck!” You shouted, hating the sensation as much as you were liking it. And he did this over and over. With time, you grew accustomed to the brutality and even happened to find a blissful pleasure in his roughness. Hell, you could even hear how wet your pussy was. “You like that? You want it faster?” You nodded and he grabbed your hips to pull you even closer to him and started relentlessly pounding you from behind. You screamed his name, wondering how he could still be that rough and yet that fast. His cock was literally a jackhammer hitting you hard inside, not that you minded. “Yes, just like that.” You said as you brought your fingers to your swollen clit. “Do you want to cum already?” You heard the cheekiness in his voice. He was amused.   “Aren’t you the one who said it wouldn’t last long?” You retorted with a mocking smile that he definitely noticed in the tone of your voice since he grasped a handful of your hair to pull you back against his chest. “You’re going to regret this tone, young lady.” He bit your lips, making you almost bleed and kissed you with a hunger and a ferocious passion that would certainly let your lips bruised for days.

And as he did, his fingers crawled towards the buttons of your white shirt to violently tear the clothe apart, reducing it to rags and making the small metallic buttons fly in the lab. “Let me see those boobs.” Chris ordered as his hands squeezed your breasts, feeling the hard nipples pointing through your laced bra that he ultimately removed with the same burning ardour he had shown while removing your shirt. “So perky and pretty.” He confessed in a whisper as he pinched the rosy teats between his fingers. “Do you like them?” You asked, biting your sored lips           “More than I like you. That’s for sure.” The rebuke made you sourly laugh. “I don’t like you either.”     “Good.” He turned you over to face him and pushed you against your desk to make you sit on it, throwing all your stuff to the ground before laying you down on it. You instinctively wrapped your legs around his waist but that’s apparently not what Chris wanted as he put both your feet above his left shoulder with a grunt. “And don’t move.” He commanded and his hand slapped your breasts. They reddened almost instantly but the overall sensation was exhilarating, making you clenched your walls around Chris’s cock. “Fuck, don’t squeeze me like that.” He complained and you chuckled. But your laugh was brief since Chris caught you by your legs again and resumed his previous pounding.

You head tilted to the side and a stream of OHs and AHs escaped your mouth. You were completely at Chris’ mercy, lost in an intense bliss that made you completely unaware of the world around you. There was only pleasure. Pleasure and Chris.         You toes went to feel Chris’ muscular pectorals, curling up more and more by the second. “I think I’m gonna cum.” You confessed with half-lidded eyes that you could barely keep open now. “Yeah?” You nodded. “You want me to help you?”       “Please.” You whined, desperately wanting to let the ticking bomb of pleasure between your legs explode. “Alright then.” His arms circled your waist and he hoisted you up against his chest with an incredible ease. You were certainly very light for a man as strong as Chris.         His small dark hair tickled your breasts, making you shiver and you wrapped your legs against him as well as your arms around his neck. You could feel it still inside of you and you were waiting eagerly to se how he would manage fucking you in that position which was far from easy. “Hold on tight.” He announced as he squeezed your ass to make you slide up and down his penis. The first moves were sloppy and clumsy but what followed drove you back in intense delight. The perks of being fucked by a man who had definitely been spoiled by Mother Nature.

Your body perfectly angled against Chris’, hands now holding on tight to his large shoulders, you could feel your clit rub atrociously well against the bush surrounding his member that your pussy had excessively creamed. “Chris. I’m cumming.” You shut your eyes and cradled against his body to keep yourself in place when the exhilarating moment you had been longing for finally happened.             You shouted so loud as you clenched your walls against Chris’s cock you wondered how no one rushed in your lab to see what was happening in there. “That’s it baby girl. Cum for me.” Chris hissed, his mind split between your pussy squeezing him tightly and your nails scratching his shoulders to the blood. “Fuck, Chris!” Your climax knocked you out, rendering you dizzy and limp, and you let yourself slump against Chris, head over his shoulder.             “Alright time to truly finish this.” He chuckled and knelt to the floor where he laid you hot body on the tiles. The coldness made you tremble but you were too giddy and tired to mind. Nevertheless, you sensed Chris lie on top of you, his massive body sprawled over yours almost crushing it under his weight.

His shaft found his way back in your relaxed pussy and he weaved his hand in your soft hair to pound you for the last time. Only soft almost soundless moans escaped your mouth but you could tell that the effect of your powerful orgasm was slowly fading away as your energy was slowly growing back and regaining your limbs. “I’m gonna cum in you.”         This was a terrible idea, risky even, and you knew it. But you didn’t know how – or didn’t want – to fight back, actually desiring to feel Chris’s hot sperm spurt inside of you. So instinctively, you managed to circle his waist with your legs and spur his hard rear to make him go deeper inside of you. “Eager girl. You want to take my cum so bad, don’t you?” He scoffed and kissed your lips hard as he pinned your wrists up your head to finally release his sticky white seed in your vagina with a guttural animalistic grunt that echoed in the lab. “Take it.” He growled as he kept pushing himself hard inside of you to be sure not to waist a single drop of his semen.

Chris pulled out of you and gazed at you glistening red pussy, glad to see that his cum was not oozing out of you. “That felt so good.” He admitted before allowing himself to fall next to you with a sigh of content and enjoy the coldness of the tiles against his sweaty body. “And you know what? I actually feel a lot better.” You didn’t answer, exhausted but more especially lost in your thoughts. Gosh, what have you done?           “You’re alright?” Chris asked, his voice finally back to normal. You glanced at him and noticed even his eyes had found their sweet chocolate colour back. “ Y/N”   Your name echoed in your head and you suddenly got the impression that your body was abnormally convulsing. “Y/LN! Y/N” Chris repeated as he urged to hold you. “Y/LN. Hello?” You felt your mind slowly dozing off, finding yourself unable to answer. What the hell was happening? That was the last thing that came to your mind before it completely shut off. Then everything went dark and only Chris’ voice calling your name remained. “Y/LN! Open your eyes. Wake up!”

           You woke up with a start, lost and wondering where you were, your startled eyes scanning your surroundings in search of something familiar. It took you a couple of seconds to realise you were laying on the ground and that you actually were in your tent, a the camp. “Y/LN” Your eyes met Chris’. He was staring at you with concern, his hands firmly holding your shoulders. “You’re alright?” You stared at him, still very astonished and then, you spontaneously jumped in his arms. “Chris! You’re okay!” The relief in your voice made Chis frowned and he slowly pushed you away. “Yes. You?” You nodded with a smile.   “So it was a dream?” You asked, expecting an answer from Chris which was completely absurd. “A dream?” He repeated. “Are you sure you’re okay? Did you bump your head or something? Hurt yourself?”     “No.” You shook your head, not getting why he looked so worried.         “But your ear.” He pointed at it, not daring to touch it and you brought your fingertips to it. A thick liquid was pouring out of it. It was pus and blood. You were bleeding. Why were you bleeding? “What the fuck?” You looked around you only to spot the fried earpiece on the ground next to you.           The interferences. The static electricity. It had certainly burst your eardrum and made you faint and … “It was all a dream.”

[crybabytoy59]

My Begging letter PT7.

Nearly but not Yet !” As her words rang though my head I had not noticed Master Daddy leaving , he came back just as she was taking her clothes off with her back to me slipping on a black Lycra wet look top with a short pleated skirt bottom half that only just covered her rear. She walked to her hubby & took the black case from him with the tens unit, setting a small table at my side she set about plugging all the wires back into it. Master Daddy lifted what looked like a wooden half round table with a strange frame from it, this he put on the bed behind me then stood at my side ...he spoke “Now Crybaby headie as far forward as you can Cutie”

I felt him fixing something to the heavy bed post behind me, then he pushed my chin up as my head went back my neck was met by something that cupped my neck from this he pulled a stretch rubber flap around my neck, then lifting the table part he set it to my neck clicking it home firmly. It felt Very solid around my neck, I whimpered again thinking they were going to feed me again & this was some sort of high chair type affair?....but he lifted a second frame and set it around me stepping back I could now see it was a set of small stairs !

Happy with his task he turned & kissed his wife “That’s her set up Sweetheart am going off for a shower & the other thing we discussed for her Night Nights lullaby !”

They both giggled as he left to shower....

Mistress Mummy said nothing just set on the tens unit lifting the remote control, she then came up the steps stopping to remove the steel jaw clamp but not the eye ones, next she put some sort of cream from a small tube into my eyelids ! Then gently massaged My eyelids..my vision was now Very blurry & everything was getting darker..

I was now genuinely scared again as I thought she was blinding me ! Next she removed the sponge...it was her climbing the step to straddle the platform that had made it go dark, her legs over my back..I could smell her sex at my nose “Open Wide For Mistress Mummy Crybaby & Make her nice & clean...That’s a Clever girlie licking the sides first I could feel the rubber laces in my mouth getting in the way,as if reading my mind she cooed “Mistress Mummy Hold these for You Babyslave, Now In you go nice & Deep Mistress Mummy is going to set the pace for you Cutie”

I felt the pads come to life shocking me in a slow pattern I made my mouth & tongue follow it as I didn’t want to give her reason to shock me Hard, this seemed to Please her, as she started grinning her pelvis into my face over & over,then suddenly she clamped her legs around my head tightly, it was so tight I yelled !

“Yes Crybaby..Squeal For Mistress Mummy....Do it Squeal You wee shit Pot !” The pads shocked me far harder as I squealed she shouted again “Crybaby YOU SCREAM FOR MISTRESS MUMMY OR NO AIR ...FIUCK TOY !!!....SWALLOW SWALLOW IT ALL EVERY DROP......YOU DIRTY WEE CRYBABY !!!!”...

I was gasping for air as she sat back....”My My Crybaby so many tears...we’re almost done then Baby can rest for the night Cutie”

She got down as Master Daddy returned from showering with just a towel around him, he kissed her & asked how I had behaved ? Smiling to him she said I had been a Clever girlie & had even went more poopies again ! I had not even felt it such was the pain from the shocks !

Lifting the hood Master Daddy Spoke “Right Crybaby Let’s Get You Finnished Up As it’s been a long day & we need to sleep” he finally removed the eye clamps my eyes stung like crazy as I blinked trying to relive the sting, pulling the hood over my head “Close your eyes Crybaby!” He pushed the inner eye pads over my eyes then zipped up the rear as Mistress Mummy pulled the first of the buckles through tightly six in all down the rear, one over my eyes, one over my mouth that she had put the sponge back in with the taste of Master Daddy’s seed ! The last strap he did as Mistress Mummy left to shower, I was now alone with him, I felt tugging at my rear ?

“Let’s Get your special pants done up properly Crybaby that’s it sob for me..But Louder or I can put Mistress Mummy’s machine on If your a Bad girlie? That’s better Clever Baby !!” The seat of the pants tightened more and more squeezing me uncomfortably, then the front did the same over my cage & Higgins tube, then under My crotch!

I heard the door open as Mistress Mummy came in after her shower, he spoke to her ..

“Hi Darling your just in time as Crybaby is about to get her Botty filled”

Lifting a tube from the leather pants he started pumping a hand pump...

I started crying as the rubber tube pushed its way up into my rear once inside it started to expand ! Looking at the gauge he chuckled “That will keep her nicely stretched as we really do need to work on her botty for her Big Toys”

They both laughed as they got into bed...I hung still sobbing in my bonds my arms up my back were starting to hurt....Then I felt the bed moving They we’re making Love !!!!!!!! With Me trussed up to There bed post !!......

As the shaking of the bed stopped I started to settle to just shallowing whimpering...

Then I could feel something at my face ....

Mistress Mummy very slowly & ever so gently pulled the rubber ties through the surgical mask slowly sealing it to Babyslaves face hood, nodding to hubby he put the small fan on in the box....then they both got gently into bed cuddling as they waited for the reaction from there New Play Thing.....it didn’t take long they could first hear Babyslave testing the bonds this became more rapid as the whimpering got louder again...she kissed him “Fuck Darling sissy is such a turn on...ave not met a Slave that cry’s so Much....Fuck it’s amazing!...listen there She go’s”

As I pulled at the bonds trying to get away from the acrid stench invading my nostrils it was No good I slumped exhausted Crying myself to sleep, my arms felt like they were no longer attached to me ...Unknown’s to me they had lowered them slightly to avoid any damage till morning.....

After all they didn’t want to break there New Toy....Sunday night?? Well that would be a whole different world Babyslave would have to come to terms with.....before sissy’s Big Decision, on Monday morning......but that was two days away...Babyslave had to get to then.....Debs put the light out listening to Crybaby as the lullaby started....

Tomorrow morning she would ask two simple questions....Key words that would have Babyslave sing her lullaby in front of Mistress Dee....debs love showing off her new slaves to her friends.....She drifted off to sleep as the sobbing subsided.....

[siren07tucker]

Incorrect time DOOM/Hermit Craft

Part 22 getting ready

Look at me spoiling you guys with such a fluffy chapter :) I don’t think there’s any trigger warnings if there is anything please tell me 

“Void has been stable for a few weeks now the slayer has been out securing some components we need that we can’t make here… your father is well! How are the hermits? Well that’s odd you know Xisuma if anything like that continues you can always inform us and we will help deal with the threat … I know, I know, I suppose I just worry. All right Don’t forget to visit! now go to your chaotic block man things! … you know I will inform you if anything happens to void… yes good night Xisuma”

Vega Loved Xisuma like a son That made sense right he did practically raised the two boys after the Slayer Lost contact, so it wasn’t peculiar that he worried or cared for him, The AI cared for all the slayers in different ways so it was frustrating and all of them seem to be in danger constantly in short if Vega was actually human he would have went insane long ago.

“Hhhhhhaaaaa~ God’s I love all of you crazy idiots” Vega ran his hands through his synthetic hair, The action felt calming in a odd way. A Notification startled Vega ‘The slayer will be arriving soon’ the Android smiled him and DG have been getting closer over the few weeks they dropped most formalities and it wasn’t uncommon for Vega to use a nickname for the slayer. Vega always knew he had feelings for the slayer, or as most people in a meme formatting would say, it’s pretty gay when A demigod and the first sentient AI living together in a space castle and raising the Demigods kids that are actually his clones, especially when the AI becomes an android and for the first couple days of existing hast to wear the demigods oversized shirts… not gonna lie! (yes Vega is a meme Lord fight me!)

The Doom Slayer was not a social man by any means he still question why Vega couldn’t do this, or at least come with him. DG was bound to forget what the doctors told him. “you have to sterilize everything before and after you use it. That should be all you need to know!” The scientist went on to complement him. the slayer was not used to complements coming from anyone other than his family so it just was awkward. DG still have no clue why people considered him a God?

The Slayer nodded before gently grabbing the two boxes single-handedly to most people they would’ve been heavy but to the slayer it was like caring two jugs of milk. DG walked through the portal, he was a bit excited the two boxes he was holding had the chemicals and equipment they needed to save his son.

DG made it to the medical lab with a goofy grin on his face. “ha you look happy!” Vega chuckled, DG Just smiled more as he rolled his eyes. The Slayer please the two boxes down gently when Vega walked closer, he ripped the top of the crate off in excitement The action made Vega chuckle as he rummaged through the box checking if they had everything.

“hum It seems that we have everything we need to start the procedure” The android looked up at the Warrior “are you ready” The slayer nodded without hesitation he’s been ready. since the moment Vega told him what the procedure needed from him, The procedure needed blood lots and lots of blood, and The slayer was OK with that he had lots and lots of blood. And this legend of a man would do anything for his children!

Surprisingly Vega was the most impatient when it came to setting things up, preparing The chemicals and running tests were infuriating to him. The slayer left a Vega to his work The man wanted to see his son, DG walked in to the small room it was bland besides the pots of flowers and other small gifts on the table and a couple of chairs sat next to the bed.

DG sat in the larger chair and stared at his son, void it was still pale and Small it didn’t help that he was hooked up to machines or that he looked peaceful sleeping. DG Took off his gauntlets, the father carefully maneuvered his son into a sitting position, keeping in mind the wires and tubes that were connected to his baby.

The slayer opened The drawer of the nightstand next to him, DG Pulled out a collection of pastel colored hair Products. DG grabbed a pink spray bottle of detangler he gently sprayed the product in his sons hair, after that he grabbed a Red and pink hairbrush.

The slayer was gentle as he started from the tips of his sons hair and made his way up gently working through the knots. The slayer pulled out a comb and A pink ribbon, gently he parted his sons hair into three sections, then he started to braid void’s hair. DG was proud to say he gotten better at braiding hair now it came naturally, he could probably do it with his eyes closed now.

When DG was done he wondered why it didn’t look right? the braid itself was nice, the ribbon was tightly tied onto the end of The braid, The slayer’s eyes wander to the flowers and he figured out what it was. DG rummaged through a bag of hair pins and accessories until he found little flower pins, they were perfect he gently pinned up void bangs with the pins and Dotted them throughout the braid. DG smiled as he laid a void back onto the bed he’s Bunny looked more like himself.

The father gently grabbed his sons small hand he gently rubbed his knuckles trying to provide some type of comfort. A couple of weeks ago Vega discovered that void was still vaguely aware of his surroundings it was more like a dream or sometimes a nightmare that he struggled to wake up from. When the slayer Heard that he wanted to make sure void New he was safe so he started doing small things like brushing his sons hair we’re playing music or just being there, Vega did similar things like reading books to void, or talking about different topics. they didn’t know if it helped but it brought them more comfort if anything.

[hypnotica-ships]

3x3

So, thanks to some A+++ enabling from the discord server, I've decided to post my BNHA self insert fanfic. I haven't really talked about my insert, but I plan to sometime in the future, but for now I"ll leave ya'll in the dark.

This whole thing was made just to make me and my friends feel good and give us some much needed self indulgence.

Word Count- 1,550

Hypnotica- My S/I

Grafight- @fictional-characters-are-hot's S/I

Slasher- @alwayslovestruck's S/I

It's been 3 hours.

4 hours since the hero team Discorded was asked to help out with a capturing some drug smugglers.

3 1/2 hours since they found the drug den.

3 hours since Hypnotica sent in Grafight and Slasher to covertly search the place.

3 hours since he's heard a response.

It was a loud, shrill scream that made his blood go cold. Expecting the worst, he decided to find some loiters and use his quirk to get some backup.

After being only able to scour up 2 shadows for his mask alts to posses, he realized the longer he spends time looking for people, the more harm could come to his friends...*family*. Dolly, taking the form of a Harpy, and Dylan taking a shape of a Lion man, will have to do for backup. Hoping that it won't be needed, he finds an open window and heads into the den.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Look! They're opening the crates. That must be how they ship the quirk enhancing drugs."

"Slasher. I can't see shit, it's too dark in here and I don't have dope cat eyes like yo-....wait a sec..."

The younger of the heroes takes out a sketch book and quickly draws our some night vision binoculars and they suddenly 'pop' out into a physical object. After giving a thumbs up, in order to stay quite, Grafight uses the goggles.

"Oh shiiiiiiiiiiiiit....that's a lot of powder. How the hell do they sell it all?"

Slasher just shrugs it off and continues watching the group of men, tail swaying as they do.

All of a sudden, all of the men stop moving. A few moments later they all turn to the gurder that the hero duo were perched on.

"Hey! Lookey here fellas, some new 'test subjects' to try the new mix on."

"Oh as if you'd even come close to touching us! You won't even get a chance to lay a finger on us. Right Grafight?"

"Right! Good luck fuckers!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Slasher! Grafight! What's going o-...."

"We won!'

Hypnotica was greeted by the sight of Slasher triumphantly standing with one foot on top of a human mound of passed out thugs while Grafight was looking over the crate of drugs, kicking one of the thugs that started move on the ground.

"Wha- Then who the hell screamed?!"

Grafight, grabbing the thug she kicked by his collar and threatening to punch him again.

"This guy did. I think he's like...the kingpin or something. Screams like a little bitch though."

"We managed to take these guys out super easily, like it was nothing! Can't believe they were talkin' smack like they could beat us..."

Still a bit shaken up from his worry, Hypnotica headed over to check out the crate. Noticing a strange metal box buried slightly underneath some of the drugs, he pulls it out and begins to question the kingpin about it.

"This your tracker? Is this the thing that you use to keep an eye on your 'supplies'?"

"You better answer. Grafight is pretty liberal with bodily harm."

Slasher says as she walks over to look at the box better, poking it with one of her claws.

"...it....it...he.....hehaha..."

"Punching time?" Grafight asks looking up at Hypnotica.

"Not yet. He needs to be conscious to answer our questions."

"Talk then, asshat."

"...doesn't matter....we....we were gunna..."

"Gunna what, idiot?!"

"d....die...die anways..."

"...Punch him Grafight."

Hypnotica grumbles while Dolly pried open the box with her talons.

"Gladly!"

"...I don't think he meant, like, *80 times Grafight...*"

Slasher now worriedly watches as the kingpin get's absolutely destroyed by fists.

"..."

Hypnotica seems frozen as he looks down at the box, unmoving, and holding his breath. Cocking her head, Slasher notices that somethings wrong with him.

"Hey....you alright big bro?"

"..."

Finally stopping her onslaught on the kingpin, Grafight looks over to Hypnotica.

"Cat got your tongue or something?"

Still not saying a word, Hypnotica turns the box so the others can see. In the box is a small glowing green tube with wires attached to it, there's also a countdown screen slightly below it. It's only got 3 seconds left on it.

As her tail drops, so does her heart, with only a few second to accept her fate Slasher meekly gasps as she starts to speak.

'Oh..'

'Shit'

Grafight finishes Slasher's thought, right before everything goes white.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sirens are blaring as the green mist clears from the rubble of what's left of the warehouse. Various bodies are strewn all about, policemen and EMTs were able to arrive on the scene fairly quickly. Not that it mattered, the damage was done. From the looks of everything, there was no survivors, all thugs and kingpin were either crushed by the rubble or suffered from some strange type of asphyxiation. Death seemed to encompass the area, until one of the EMTs discovered a lion like shadowy figure seemingly protecting a group of still breathing bodies. The figure soon dissipated leaving a strange mask in it's place.

The bodies were still alive, but barely, and they needed medical attention and fast.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"-Sources say that the 'hero' team were incapable of apprehending the group and had to resort to extreme measures to stop the-"

"Horseshit! Why would we set off a bomb? We had it covered already, it wouldn't kill them to get their facts straight..."

"Calm down Gummybear, the doc said you shouldn't strain yourself..."

It's been 4 days since Grafight was released from the hospital, suffering from 2 broken arms, rendering her unable to use her quirk...among other things. Fatgum, her partner, had insisted to stay by her side until things healed, neglecting his own hero duties in the process.

"The doc can shove it as far I care! These newscasters have no right to spew out garbage lies like that! It's gunna hurt our rep.... Sure we might not be the nicest, safest, smartest heroes in the game, but we aren't villainous either!"

"...You...you do have a point, but don't worry about it, I"m sure one of the others will give them a piece of their mind and sort things out. Right now you and I have dinner to eat!"

Grumbling as she rose from the couch, Grafight followed her partner to the kitchen, sitting down at the small round dinning table that the family usually shared. This dinner was different though. The table had a nice white satin cloth draped over it, with 2 light candles on top. It seemed that this time these two will be dinning alone.

"Take a seat baby, I'll go grab our meal."

"It better be something good, the meals at the hospital were utter shit..."

She lets her sentence trail on as a covered plate is placed ever so gently in front of her.

"Oh? Did you plan on surprising me? ....Babe, my arms, I can't open it."

"Yeah, my bad, here ya go my sweet Gummy."

Fatgum slowly removes the cover for maximum surprise effect. Once it's off, Grafight can't help but smiley widely as she notices one of her favorite meals, but with a culinary twist. Hotdogs sliced up into star shapes, surrounded by a circle of mashed potatoes, topped with melted cheese, a dash or salt, and a glob of ketchup in the middle of it all.

"So? Ya like?"

"..."

Grafight's eye's start to tear up, but her smile still stays plastered on her face. Fatgum notices right away and goes to quickly grab some tissues.

"Oh Gummy, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to upset you! I just...I just thought I could do something special for ya...I...I-"

"Oh baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaabe! I love it! Omg, I love it so much, you're the best, you know that right?"

"I...yeah....no. Wait. YOU'RE the best, you're so strong and special to me, I...I"m just so happy that I didn't lose you...you mean the universe to me."

"Stop...I'm already crying, let's just...let's just enjoy this meal together, okay?"

"Okay. I"m starving anyways..."

Fatgum takes his place across from Grafight, and starts to devour his meal.

"Uh....Ahem...."

"Oh! Yeah, my bad, let me help ya."

The two enjoy their meal together, never breaking their love filled eye contact.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Slow down Mochi, you shouldn't be over-exerting yourself."

"But Kano, I want to dance! I really like this song...cough cough...it's a total....total banger, and I deserve to have some.....fun after what happened. Everyone else has been so....gloomy since then....I just....want to bring some life.....back into the house is all...."

"I know, I know...but, you won't be able to do much joy-spreading if you can barely walk to the mailbox without getting winded halfway there."

"Hmph, stupid bomb chemicals getting.....getting into my lungs...fucking up my whole system...did they ever figure out what...what was in that tube...anyways?"

"They still haven't called us back about the results yet, but they said the inhaler they gave you was working well enough for us not to worry. So we won't, right Mochi?"

"...Yeah...I guess...I just hate...feeling weak like this...I wanna cry but.... I don't want the others to...to see....they've been through enough....I don't wan them to worry about me...me too..."

Kano takes a moment to think, after a moment he takes Slasher's paw and leads her into the living room.

"Sweety...what are you doing?"

After he gets Slasher to relax on the couch, he walks over the Hypnotica's advance sound system and grabs a homemade looking CD. Putting it in he looks to Slasher.

"The good doctor said YOU shouldn't exert yourself, but....he never said anything about me."

As soon as the music starts, Kano begins to dance in a way that's all to familiar to Slasher. It's a dance they've grown to call the 'Humpty Dance', and no one else in the house can quite get it right like these two.

"Oh Kano! This....this makes me so....happy! Keep...keep going! Maybe...maybe you could...put in some...Slipknot next? Pwetty Pwease?"

"Anything for you my Mochi."

Slasher enjoys the show Kano puts on for almost 2 hours, by the time he gets done, Kano is just about as winded as Slasher has been recently. The two then cuddle on the couch, just taking in each other's slow and labored breathes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You will most certainly not."

Sir Nighteye slams his hand down on the counter to emphasize his point, making Hypntoica jump a little.

"And why the fuck not? The need to get their facts straight. I will not stand for all of this fucking slander."

Sir sighs and pushes his glasses up, trying to calm himself down.

"I understand that, but 'kidnapping the newsroom executive' is not the most ideal way to go about it. You can barely walk, even with the crutches!"

Motioning to Hypnotica's broken left leg, and the sprain in his other. Hypnotica just huffs and looks off to the side, still with an angered expression plastered on his face.

"So. Fucking. What? Okay, maybe kidnapping is a bit extreme, but..."

Sir's own angry expression starts to soften as he notices the tears that begin to fall from his partner's face. Wondering how long he's been holding it in.

"...I can't let my family take the blame for a stupid mistake that I made!"

Hypnotica's body begins to shudder as more tears fall, Sir walks over to him and embraces him in a way to try to calm him down.

"It's not your fault...all of you did what you could to try and handle the situation."

"That doesn't excuse all of the death and destruction that happened, and not to mention all the hurt my family is going through because of it!"

"No. It doesn't. But how is any of that your doing, hmm?"

"...I...I..."

"Shh, just stay, and relax. I'll make up a fully detailed report and send out a few copies to some of the stations. They'll most likely use those facts since my name does carry some weight..."

While still holding him with his right hand, Sir uses his left to tilt Hypnotica's chin up to meet his eyes. After a few seconds go by, he rests his head on his partner's.

"...Trust me dear. Everything will turn out just fine."

"Promise?"

"I promise. I saw it."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"A trusted source, who has decided to stay anonymous, has confirmed that the deaths in the Discorded Warehouse accident were not the before mentioned teams fault, but the fault of-"

"Thank you! Finally, a news channel that checks their facts. Even though I'm fine with a few deaths under my belt, but whatever I guess."

"Oh! Look Gummy! That's me! Saving all of those orphans was quite the task, I'll have to tell you all about it later."

"Kano my love! Let me help you with those dishes, there is far to many for one man to clean."

"Thank you Mochi! I kinda went all out with the meal this time, it was a celebration for everyone recovering so quickly....well, mostly everyone..."

"I call bullshit. Of course right after I get healed I trip down the stairs and end up right back to square one."

"Guess that means I'll have play nurse bit longer my dear."

~~*Cue Laugh Track*~~

[artisticestheticreads]

Summertime Magic VIII

A/N: Sorry, it’s late but I have had no sleep because insomnia is a bxtch and my sanity is being tested. But I hope y’all enjoy.

WARNING: Angst, blood and teary moments

SONG RECOMMENDATION: TOO DEEP TO TURN BACK by Daniel Caesar

    N’Jadaka was home, fresh out of the shower when he looked through his neatly organized closet. He decided to slip on a navy blue thin tee with jeans and matching converse. He put his father’s chain on and his gold Rolex with diamond studs in to complete the look. He took a look in the mirror by his front door before he left. “Fuck, can’t wait to get my shit blessed. Lookin’ like a pretty ass bummy nigga.” On his way to Y/N’s place, he got a call and grinned as he answered through the BlueTooth system in his car. “What up, cuz?”

   On the other side, Shuri was in her lab as everyone slept. She sported her white lab coat with protective goggles and shoes as well. “Hello, prince. I am calling to see if you are ready for the youth center.” N’Jadaka steered the wheel with his left hand. “Yeah, but why the hell you up so late?” She held up a test tube with a glowing liquid that subtly changed colors. “You should know by now that rarely sleep. Just like you, dear cousin. Besides, I am working on a new cure for ones who do not have the bones of their former selves. This will be perfect for the elderly or just a child with a sprained ankle. I used one of the healing herbs from Zuri’s garden with a touch of vibranium.”

“That couldn’t wait until the morning. You need all the sleep you can get, Shuri.”

“I can sleep when I am dead, N’Jadaka. But I will be down to look at the youth center. T’Challa and Okoye will be in New York, planning for the center out there.” N’Jadaka nodded stopping at the red light when he turned to the right to see his baby’s future shop. “When you gonna be here?”

“I will be there in 72 hours so I want my room set for me. Clean sheets and all.”

“Don’t push it, cuz”, he said with a straight face pulling up to the liquor store. “Aye, cuz. Ima call ya back. Love you, sis.” She smiled and said, “love you too.” He stepped in the store and grabbed a hand cart; walking over to the chip section to grab a few things that were Y/N’s favorite. He strolled over to the cooler when he felt like he was being watched. He rose his brow paying no mind when he felt a target on his back. He put the drinks in the cart and looked through the glass door to see a figure mirrored against it. When he was about to get over to the icee section, a man stood beside him, just a few inches shorter than the prince. “What up, my nigga? You a little too close”, N’Jadaka said with a brow rose. 

  The man wore a floral jersey with jean shorts that stopped passed his knees. His skin was light skin and fairly toned with red beaming through. “You the nigga with homegirl down the street?” N’Jadaka turned faced to him with the cart beside on the counter, arms folded in front of his crotch. “Why da fuck you wanna know?”

“ ’Cause you with my homie’s girl? Dat’s why, nigga?” N’Jadaka looked him up, down, and chuckled which the man didn’t like. “The fuck you laughing at?” N’Jadaka looked at him in the eye inching closer to him. “Nigga, have you looked at ya self in the mirror, hm? You look like a Chris Brown background dancer reject. You look like the type of nigga that lipsyncs Trey Songz and lick ya ashy ass lips every two seconds on Instagram live and shit. Nigga, just moonwalk ya ass to where you ever you claim to be from and tell ya nigga that if he did his muthafucking job, like a real ass nigga like me, his ass would have never been demoted and I wouldn’t have got promoted.” He placed the icee in a drink tray when the guy still stood there. Without looking at him, he asked: “you still here, little nigga?” The man walked away and N’Jadaka paid for his stuff and left when he noticed a man selling flowers on the corner.

  He pulled up to the house getting his stuff and knocked on the door with the stuff behind his back. Y/N opened the door with a smile and her hair under a hair wrap. She wore a black short bodysuit and damn, did she look good. He leaned down to kiss her forehead and then her lips softly. “Mmm mmm, lips are magically delicious”, he told her; that made her giggle with a small snort. “Come in, silly.” When they walked in, N’Jadaka saw CJ in the chair with a cape around his neck for his cut. “Aye, what up bruh,” Daka said and CJ gave him a nod. “Good. Good.”

“Oh, Daka. What is behind ya back”, Y/N asked as she stood in front of him with her hands on her hips. “Choose a hand”, he said with his brow rose and she smiled, pointing to the left. He pulled it from behind his back and revealed her favorite snacks and icee. Y/N shimmed and did her happy dance getting the stuff. “Too bad you ain’t pick the right”, he told her as he pulled out the right from his back, watching her eyes get big with a pout. He held out the beautiful bouquet of rainbow daises that were wrapped in yellow tissue paper. “You can have them but you gotta do something for me.”

“And what is that?”

“You gotta do that thing I love so much.” She rolled her eyes and smiled a little scrunching her nose for him. He chuckled as he handed her the flowers and she kissed his lips. “Thank youuuu, Daka.” She put them in a vase and placed them on her coffee table. He kicked his shoes off by the door and sat on the couch waiting. Soon, CJ was gone and N’Jadaka took his place at the sink for his hair to be washed. “Don't’ be falling asleep like last time.” After she washed his hair, she began twisting and finally got to the shape up. As she stood in front of him, he rubbed the back up her plush thighs and looked up to her. She kissed his forehead and smiled against his skin. 

   Once she was done, she cleaned up with his help and they sat on the couch, feeling comfortable as they ate snacks up until someone opened the door. Kesha wore a hoodie with a pair of shorts and sandals. “Hey, girl”, she said as she saw the couple on the couch. “N’Daka.” He rolled his eyes still looking up at the screen. “Koolio.” Kesha walked over the other side of the couch and sat in the styling chair. “Shay, your appointment isn’t for another hour.” 

“I know but we can get a head start.” N’Jadaka held her down closer to him and she giggled before finally getting out of his arms. Y/N flopped the cape out and was about to wrap it around her neck when Shay stopped her. “Is it clean?” Y/N gave her look that N’Jadaka also gave her at the same time. Y/N wrapped the cape around and began to blow dry her hair better before flat ironing it. They sat in silence as the TV played in the background. Y/N looked over at N’Jadaka who watched her. “Yes, Mista Man. Can I help you?”

“Why you so damn pretty, huh? Old thick, cocoa butter self.” He leaned back and continued. “Ya got a man? I know yo cute ass do.” She looked at him with a smile and said “I mean I do but don’t you got a girl? You all handsome over there so I know you got one somewhere.” He stood, making his way to the kitchen and leaned into her ear. “I don’t have a girl. I got a princess.” He kissed the crook of her neck before getting to the fridge. Kesha sat there being irritated and aggravated at the cuteness. “Don’t burn me, Y/N.”

“When have I ever burned you, Kesha”; silence. “Exactly”. N’Jadaka pulled out the popcorn of the microwave and sat at the counter, watching Kesha being more bitter than ever. “Baby, guess what?”

“What, love?” He kissed her cheek and sat on the couch, eating. “Shuri gonna be in town in a couple of days.” Y/N looked over at him and asked: “so I finally get to meet Shuri in person?” He nodded. “Yeah. She coming out to look at the center we got up. Someplace in downtown and whatnot.” Y/N nodded and added “bet.” Kesha looked between them with something to say but kept it quiet. After her hair was done in a slick ponytail and side part. She handed the money to Y/N and watched her as she walked into her room. 

  When Y/N turned, she saw Kesha staring at her. “Y/N, we need to talk.” Y/N locked her safe and sat on the bed. “What’s up?” Shay beside her and said, “he changin’ you.” Baby Girl side eyed her and said: “the fuck are you talking about?”

“You changed. You don’t even call me anymore.”

“Seriously? I’ve been working.”

“And being with him 24/7″.

“Well, excuse me for spending too much time with my man, Kesha.”

“Well, you being a clingy ass bug-a-boo. A nigga shows you attention and you hop on him quick as fuck.” Y/N rolled her eyes and chuckled. “Look, I don’t know what is up with you but this is not the bitch I know and love.”

“If you love me Shay, then ya ass will be happy I’m with a man like him.”

“Psh. He just like any otha nigga from the hood.” Y/N stood and folded her arms, eyebrow raised up. “No, he ain’t. He a real man. He helps me a lot. Have you noticed that or have you been selfish?” Kesha stood and asked “excuse me? But I am only looking out for you.” Y/N asked “how, Sway? How?” 

“I mean..” She stopped to think of what to say next. “Ima just come out and say it. He using you but you too stupid to see it.”

“Did you forget that I can snatch that fucking ponytail out ya raggedy-ass head?” Shay rolled her eyes and said “girl, bye. Do you see how that nigga looks? I mean....why you think he with you, sis? He can be fucking otha bitches half ya size.” That cut Y/N to her core. Her expression had dropped along with her hands. She was in such a deep thought, trying to fight tears. She always on the heavy side but when she got older, her body matured before everyone. She had to keep herself covered with big clothes to keep the boys’ wandering eyes away from her frame. Girls called her fat, chunky, disgusting and all. Kesha was there to make her feel better but Y/N slowly realized that Kesha had become one of the girls she hated.  She walked up as she told her “you are just jealous.”

“Jealous of what, exactly? Look at me.”

  “Ya jealous because Y/N got a real man who loves the way she is while you fucking otha bitches’ niggas”, they heard from the door. N’Jadaka stood there, arms folded and made his way over. He wrapped his arms around Y/N and told Kesha “you just another bitter ass skinny ass female who hatin’ on her homegirl because she got someone who cares. Y/N is a full ass package while you just the little envelope that muthafuckas toss away on the ground and step all over. Ya just another trash ass person with nothing to offer anymore.” Y/N stood still rubbing his arms and looking down. He held her chin up with a single finger and asked his lady, “you want her to leave, baby girl?” She nodded to stop her crying from coming through. He looked at Kesha then to the door and back at her. “Go. Now.”

“Whatever. nigga.” Before she left, she said “watch. He gonna break ya heart like everyone and ya know it.” Y/N looked to her and said: “add ya self to the list.” Y/N held her hand out and said: “I want my key back.” Kesha tried to not show how shook she was but it didn’t work as she struggled to take it. When she finally did, she threw it on the bed and stormed out the home. N’Jadaka had let her go to lock up and came back to see her sitting on the bed beside the key. “Baby Girl, you okay?” She looked up to him then down. He stood quietly watching her as she sat there, head to the ground until he held his hands out. She looked to him as he smirked and said “get up. I got you, baby. Always will.” She took his hands and he held her to his chest before they walked to the bathroom.

   “Alright, little one. Look in the mirror, shoulders back and chin up.” She did as she was told he said “very good. Now, repeat after me, aight?” She nodded and he began. “I am beautiful.”

“I am beautiful.”

“Good. I am powerful.”

“I am powerful.”

“I am strong.”

“I am strong.”

  He looked to her in the mirror and kissed her head. “Say I am loved.” She looked up to him to see his smirk and she copied. “I am loved.” He smiled and added, “and I matter.” When she repeated and he kissed her temple, they stood for a while warm embrace. The next day, Y/N and Daka stood in front of her store and said “I can’t believe I did it. This will all be mine next week.” N’Jadaka pulled her closer and rubbed her shoulder. “I’m proud of you, baby girl. In these couple of months, you did so much.” He kissed the top of her head as she wrapped her arms around his waist. “I can’t wait to get everything ready. Black tables, gold, and black furniture,  cream and gray walls and a cute reception desk on the right side of the corner. Clean stations and everyone lined up.” N’Jadaka chuckled and said, “wanna hit the supply store again?” 

 “Yeah. I can see if the cha-”, she was cut off by her phone vibrating; she smiled when she saw it was her mother calling. “Hey, ma-”. Her smile suddenly dropped into a frown. N’Jadaka looked at her as she hung up; she was just frozen. “Daka, take me to Cedars.” They hurried to the hospital and when the doors open, she ran into her brother’s arms. “Where is pa?” He led them down to a room where her dad was sitting up watching TV, in a hospital bed. “There goes my baby girl.” She ran to him and held him. “Awe, baby. I’m okay.” She looked at his legs and asked what happened; he just chuckled. “Baby girl, I was working and I guess someone forgot to put up the wet floor sign and I fell.”

“Both knees are swollen and completely out of place”, her mom said to his other side. “How do you feel”, Y/N asked and he looked to her. “I’ll be fine.” Her mom added, “they wanna start the surgery right away but we don’t have enough.” Y/N looked to her wallet and nodded. “Let me go talk them.” N’Jadaka followed as they went to the desk. “I’m sorry, Miss Y/L/N but we have no choice but do the procedure now.”

“My folks cant afford it. What happens if he doesn’t get it right away?”

“Then he’ll be in more pain than before.” Y/N rolled her eyes away from the woman and thought about something. “How much do they need?” N’Jadaka looked at her as the woman said “5,000 more.” Y/N took a deep breath and nodded. It was either her shop or her father’s health. She pulled out her checkbook and wrote a check, handing it to the woman. She nodded as she left the couple alone. N’Jadaka watched as she sat down and made his way over. “Baby Girl-”.

“I guess the shop is gonna be on hold. I’ll have to cancel my appointment with the guy tomorrow. I can’t watch my dad in pain no more. I can’t.” She had tears fall down her cheeks and he sat beside her, cradling her. “Baby, I can help.” She looked up to him and shook her head. “It’s okay, Daka. Thanks. It can wait. I promise.” A few minutes later, she went to tell her parents as N’Jadaka. He thought it was great that she helped her father but then she had to go back to square one. “Hey, baby girl. I’m going to the cafeteria. Do any of yall want anything?” They declined but he offered to get them something to drink. When he got to the cafeteria, he got an incoming call.

  “Hey, princess.” Shuri can sense the tone of his voice and was worried. “Everything okay, cousin?” N’Jadaka took a deep breath and said “I’ll be aight. Y/N’s pop is having his surgery and she used half her money to pay.” That’s when he got the idea. “Hey, cuz. When does your flight land again?” Later on in the day, Okoye met him in front of the hospital. She wore regular civilian clothes. He did the salute and said “you good?” She placed her hand on his shoulder and said “yes, I am. When does it start?”

“In a couple of hours. Y/N and her mom is still here but the brother went home. Did she give it to you?” She dug in her jacket pocket and handed him a tablet. “Cut it in half and put it in each of their glasses. Shuri said that they will be out all night until we are done. Shuri is bringing everything we need for tonight.” He nodded held the baggy. “What would I do without you, Ye?” 

“What are best friends for, Prince? Good luck. I will be back in a few with Shuri and Ayo.” He went back and saw them standing beside him, backs turned to the door. He pulled out his swiss army knife to cut the thick pill, dripped each piece into their drinks and watched as the suds dissolved. He walked up to them, unsuspicious and said: “how you feeling, sir?”

“I will be alright because of my firstborn. Thank you, baby girl. I promise we will pay you back. She shook her head and held his hand. “It’s the least I can do, pa. Don’t worry. Just get better.” She kissed his cheek as N’Jadaka watched. Later that night, everyone was sleeping when N’Jadaka waited outside. Shuri, Okoye, and Ayo arrived in a rent a jeep and parked. They hopped out, Shuri had a backpack and walked over to him. “So, I guess they already did it, right?”

“Yeah, but they put a metal plate in his knees.”

“Ugh, amateurs. Metal is so hard to move with and the healing process will way too long. Let’s go.” They walked past the woman at the desk who was occupied and made it to the room. “Ayo and Okoye, stand out here and watch for anyone.” They followed orders and Shuri went over to the women. “Wow, they are really knocked out.” She knelt down to look at Y/N and lifted her arm. “Yeah, she is knocked out cold. She is really beautiful in person.” 

“I know that, little one. Now, get ya ass over here”. She placed her bag on the hook beside the bed and dug info her kit, handing him a syringe. “Ok, this is the liquid form of the pill. Put it in his vein on his arm and he will be knocked out completely.” She whispered to Y/N’s dad as N’Jadaka finished. “You won’t be in pain anymore, sir. Thank me later.” She nodded as she sanitized her hands and put some gloves on, followed by a mask. She did a small incision on his right knee and pulled the plate out; she pulled out another syringe with the formula she made when they talked on the phone and inserted the liquid in his joints. “Okay, let’s see. What we can do?” 

~

  The next morning, the sun shined against their skin as Y/N stretched and yawned. “Wow, I was knocked out”, she said but when she looked to the bed, she got worried. She shook her mom’s shoulder to wake her. “Ma, where is pa?” All of a sudden, they heard the toilet flush. Y/N stood when she noticed her dad walked out, completely fine. Better than that actually. Her eyes felt misty as she watched. “Pa, how-why are you outta bed?”

“I had to piss.” He walked over to the bed to sit, not struggling. Her mom walked over to his side and asked: “Tommy, how do you feel?” He kissed her hand and said “I’m good, baby. I feel like I can play football again.” She had a few tears falling and her dad wiped them off. Y/N kissed her dad’s cheek as he thanked her and felt her phone vibrate. “Hey, babe. Left earlier today to shower and get Shuri. Don’t worry. I’m giving the dude the rundown for your shop. You will get a better one, one day.”

  On the other died of town, N’Jadaka stood outside of his car and wore a pair of burgundy, pinstripe trousers with a white button-down, gold plate necklace, watch his gold-rimmed glasses paired with velvet black loafers. An Asian man parked beside him and stepped out in a full navy suit. “Steven Lu?” The man nodded and they shook hands. They walked into the store, looking around as N’Jadaka explained the details to him.

~

*𝒯𝒜𝒢𝒢𝐸𝒟 𝐿𝒪𝒱𝐸𝒮*

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[stormcrawler75]

A New Kind of Experiment Chapter 3: Making Music

Summary: It’s time for Logan and Roman to give the Human his first test.

Characters: Logan, Roman, Virgil, and Nate (Procrastination)

Warnings: None, I believe

                                                              ~                

                                                              ~

Roman hummed under his breath softly as he went over the first test for his and Logan’s new subject. It was the day after the Explorers had delivered the young Human to them and while they had given the Human the first day to get used to his new space, it was time to start the actual observation and tests.

Roman circled the tank with the test inside. It was a much larger tank than the Human’s primary one since it was meant to be used for the human to exercise and run tests in. There was a soft floor like the kind inside the human’s primary tank and the first test had been placed inside right in the center.

“Thanks for the help, Nate,” Roman glanced back at his friend gratefully. The ravanette Merman grinned back at him from where he was leaning against the wall with his bright red tail swishing lazily behind him.

“No problem,” the magic user said. “Was happy to help. How else were you going to get that thing in there?” Roman laughed and nodded in agreement.

While Atlantis was a city of science, magic had never been forgotten. It was rare for any Atlanteans to be born anymore with the gift but there were always massive celebrations to those babies who had it.

Nate just happened to be one of those babies. He was 26 now and an expert in his field of magic that just happened to be Molecular Teleportation which made him a huge asset for experiments and observations like this one. He had been the one who had teleported all of the water out of the human’s tank once it had been built and was in charge of putting the tests in the proper place in the tank. Food and the human himself could be brought in and out using tubes and a small box attached to the side of the tank that opened on both sides.

Nate pushed away from the wall and swam to the door. “Well, if that’s all I’m needed for, I’ll be leaving. I don’t want to disturb your, uh, test.”

Roman waved at him, only half paying attention, more focused on looking over the tank one last time. “I’ll see you, Nate!” He watched Nate swim out of the room from the corner of his eye. He looked down at the checklist he was going through on his pad and grinned. All down. All that was left was for Logan to bring the Human.

Roman settled down on the floor and let his tail curl around him. Finally, they could get started. They gave the human the day before to get used to his new surroundings and get an early start on the study the next day. And here Roman was now, at 6 o’clock in the morning, waiting for Logan to finish giving the human his food and getting him into his portable tank.

Roman scratched at the bright red scales on his waist, right under his shirt and right above his tail. He wondered what the Human thought about his tail. After all, Roman thought in slight disgust and pity, Humans had legs not tails. Weird tails split into two that they used to walk around on land. And they didn’t even have scales! It had to be such a treat for their Human to be in the presence of Roman’s beautiful tail! And Logan’s own dark blue tail was nothing to sneeze at either, of course.

Roman perked up and pushed himself up from the floor when the door slid open and Logan swam in, pulling the Human’s tank in behind him. “It’s about time!”

Logan gave him a dry look. “I’m sorry but the Human was having a fit. He refused to eat his food until I had him give it back to me and eat a small piece myself.”

Roman snorted in amusement. “You ate cooked fish?”

Logan nodded and scrunched his face. “Yes, unfortunately. I had to show him that it was safe to eat though I wish there had been another way besides eating it.”

Roman dissolved into loud laughter and Logan glared at him. “If you could stop laughing at my misfortune,” he hissed, “I’d be greatly appreciative. You’ll scare the human.”

Roman’s laughter immediately stopped as he took in the little human watching him in trepidation. Roman winced and nodded. “Right, right. Sorry about that.” He turned to the larger tank where the tube was halfway set up and started to attach it to the portable one. “Help me with this, will you?”

With both scientists working, it didn’t take long for the tube to be set up and drained. Roman pulled Logan back to the wall to watch. Logan grabbed his own pad from a half-open drawer and opened up a document to write up a report.

The human crawled through the tube and slid down into the large tank. He seemed happy to be out of the portable tank and bounced a little on the soft floor. The Human looked around and glared at Logan and Roman when he saw them watching him.

Logan huffed out a laugh. “He looks like your guppy cousin when he glares like that,” he whispered to his partner.

Roman thought about the six-year-old Merperson Elliot being raised by his other cousin Emile and grinned. “They do look alike, don’t they?” He swallowed back a laugh when the human turned on his heel and crossed his arms petulantly. “I wonder when he’s going to find the test?”

Logan hummed. “Right now, it seems.” The human had looked over at the toy that Nate had teleported inside the tank. It was a toy that was square in shape and was a shade of silver. It was a toy for small Mers and it was perfect for the first test.

The human approached the toy hesitantly. He circled it and stared at the object, like it was something a lot more fascinating than a simple toy, like a new and beautiful treasure. Which it probably was to him.

Logan leaned forward and watched intently as the Human crouched down and picked up the toy, bringing it up to his face. Roman made a small sound of interest and the human must’ve heard because he gave them both a sharp look and turned so his back was facing them.

The two Mermen quickly swam around the tank so they could get a good look at the human’s face. The human was staring down at the toy in frustration and curiosity. Roman wished he could tell what the human was thinking right now. When the human pressed down on one of the side and a small musical note came out, the human yelped and flung the toy away from him. It hit the side of the tank with a thud and fell to the ground.

Logan was typing out notes frantically on his pad, glancing back and forth from his pad and the human. Roman was gripping his own pad tightly. The human was staring at the toy fearfully with his hands close to his chest. He didn’t make a move for about a minute, but then slowly stepped close to the toy. He poked it with his foot and it was only was when nothing happen did he crouch down again.

The Human picked up the toy gingerly and pressed another side. Roman watched the human flinch when another musical note was made but the human didn’t throw it this time at least. Instead, he folded into a more comfortable sitting position and pulled the toy into his lap.

The toy was designed to get small Mers to get used to a simple concept of causation. They press one side and a note comes out. They press another and a different note comes out. Whatever note comes depended solely on the action the child made.

And, yes, Roman and Logan knew that as a whole, humans were “smart” in their own way. Adult humans could build primitive machines that any Mer could build as children. But, how smart were they really? The goal of giving the human the toy was to see how he responded to simple concepts and then progress slowly. They wanted to see how far his intelligence went.

Logan paused in his frantic typing and glanced up. “See how fascinated he is,” Logan whispered to his partner. “He is so intrigued by the toy.”

He was certainly right, Roman thought. The human was pressing the sides of the cube curiously with his mouth forming a little o. After about a minute of hearing all six side’s notes, the human closed his eyes and started to press certain sides one after another slowly. It took Roman a second to figure out what he was doing, but when he did his jaw dropped.

“Is he,” Roman asked softly, “making music?”

Logan was just as speechless as Roman. The two scientists watched the human press note after note on the cube, making a small little tune that the human was rocking his head back and forth to slowly with a little smile on his face.

Roman never thought that the human would be making music after just getting the toy! Older Mers, around 2 or 3, did that all the time but Roman had been sure that the human would be just like the younger ones! He had thought that the human would just press the sides willy nilly to amuse himself with the pretty sounds but to actually make music! To recognize the different sounds and string them together!? This was amazing!

Logan lowered his pad down and shook his head in awe. “I cannot believe this,” he said softly. “I cannot believe this.”

Roman laughed in amazement. “Looks like humans may be smarter than we thought. We might have to start seeing if he could learn to read at this point.”

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A New Kind of An Experiment

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[huphilpuffs]

flares

chapter: 28/? summary: Dan’s body has been broken for as long as he can remember, and he’s long since learned to deal with it. Sort of. But when his symptoms force him to leave uni and move into a new flat with a stranger named Phil, he finds that ignoring the pain isn’t the way to make himself happy. word count: 3232 rating: mature warnings: chronic illness, chronic pain, medicine a/n: My apologies for any inaccuracies in the MRI scene. It is, despite my best efforts, one of the tests I’ve never had done and the research I did varied a lot by hospital. Huge thanks to @obsessivelymoody for beta’ing!

Ao3 link || read from beginning

Taylor comes to pick him up early.

She has a red flannel wrapped around her waist and her hair in a bun and he feels like a right mess standing in front of her in his joggers and old t-shirt. It was the most hospital appropriate outfit he could think of. The internet says you need to wear a gown for an MRI and Dan’s not particularly interested interested in changing in and out of skinny jeans today.

He’s not particularly interested in much today. His mum would call it depression. Dan’s pretty sure it has more to do with the sleepless night full of bad memories echoing in the back of his brain.

“Wanna stop somewhere for lunch before we head over?” asks Taylor. She’s leaning against the door frame now, staring up at him like she can tell his mind is elsewhere.

Dan’s never been that great at hiding it from her.

“Can’t,” he says. “I need to be fasting for blood work.”

“Damn,” says Taylor. “Guess we’ll have to gorge on gross hospital cafeteria food between tests then, huh?”

The reminder that he has more than one test to get through makes Dan’s stomach go tight. His whole morning has been a mantra of just get to blood work, over and over again. He’s had blood work before. He can handle blood work. It’s what comes after that has nausea erasing whatever hunger he might feel from fasting.

He doesn’t think he’d be particularly inclined to eat, hospital cafeteria food or not. 

“Guess so,” he says. “Sucks to be us.”

The corner of Taylor’s mouth quirks up in a bitter sort of smile. She steps back, motioning out the door with one arm. “Sucks to be us, indeed.”

---

The blood work clinic is a small room in the far corner of the hospital. There’s a bunch of plastic chairs pressed too close together and partitions made of cloth that look entirely too cheap. 

Dan’s sitting between a mum with a baby and an older lady who’s been tapping her cane against the floor since before he arrived. He can’t complain, though. His leg has been bouncing frantically since the moment he sat down. 

Taylor’s standing by the door, leaning against the wall with her phone in one hand and gaze locked on him instead of the screen. He wishes she was sitting next to him. Her presence would probably be more calming than the wriggling baby that keeps accidentally kicking him in the leg.

Really, he wishes Phil were here. Phil would hold his hand, press their feet together, whisper–

“Daniel Howell?”

He looks up. A nurse in red scrubs is standing at the desk with a clipboard in her hand, smiling. 

His knees wobble when he pushes himself to stand. All the leg vibrating has left his one foot feeling vaguely numb. He takes a stumbly step forward. He’s not sure if the shakiness is because his body is broken, or because his brain is yelling at him that he doesn’t want to be doing this. 

The woman who was sitting next to him knocks her cane against the floor. 

“Excuse me,” she says, voice too loud and shrill. “I’ve been waiting longer than him. A young healthy lad like him can certainly handle the wait.”

Dan swallows. His chest has gone even tighter. Part of him wants to yell at her that he’s by no means healthy and maybe she should stop assuming things just because he’s young. Mostly, though, he wants to curl in on himself, sink into his chair and tell her to just fucking go first, it’s not like he cares.

He almost does, but then the nurse is saying, “His appointment was just booked earlier, ma’am. I’m sure it won’t be long before you’re called in.”

The old lady huffs. The nurse smiles sympathetically. Taylor calls out to tell him she’ll be waiting in the hall.

Dan just trudges forward, and slips into cubicle number three when the nurse tells him too.

---

She arranges her colour coded vials on the table as she says, “I’m sorry about that.”

Dan shrugs, just the arm that isn’t laid out, waiting for her to do whatever she has to. “I’m used to it,” he says. The corner of her mouth quirks up like she has no doubt that it’s true.

He watches her pull an elastic from a box on the desk. She tugs it between her gloved hands before slipping it around his arm, tying it far too tightly for Dan’s nerves to handle. It snaps against his skin, squeezing his arm painfully, and he has to dig his teeth into his lip to keep from making a sound.

“Have you had blood work done before?” she asks.

He hums. It sounds strained. “A time or twenty.”

Her response is a laugh. She tugs an alcohol swab from another box and tears the top of it open. It’s cold and wet against his inner arm. It fades to lukewarm pretty quickly.

“Okay, then you know it’s going to pinch a bit.” She grabs the needle this time. “You’ll probably want to look away.”

Dan doesn’t. He watches her press her finger against the bubble of his vein. Watches her press the tip of the needle against where his skin’s a sickly shade of white. 

It stings. Dan’s long since learned how not to wince through this kind of pain.

“You good?” says the nurse.

He nods. There’s a click as she presses the test tube into place. Dan watches his blood bubble up into the clear plastic.

He wonders if there’s actually something wrong with it this time.

---

“You should at least have a cookie,” says Taylor.

She’s gotten a disgusting looking sandwich from the hospital cafeteria and has a bottle of orange juice clutched in one hand. They’re standing in line to pay now, in front of a cash manned by a woman with a hair net who looks like she’s been mindlessly scanning things for hours. 

In front of them, there’s a couple holding each other close who look terribly worried. Then, a man in a suit who looks like he would rather be literally anywhere else.

“I’m not hungry,” mumbles Dan.

“Yeah, well, you should still eat,” she says. “Aren’t you supposed to after you get blood drawn?”

“That’s after you donate blood. They take more,” he says. It’s barely a whisper.

He snags a double chocolate chip cookie off the shelf next to them anyway. And then a second one, because double chocolate chip sounds like a flavour Phil would like, even if it is atrocious hospital food.

Taylor just smiles. 

---

The nurse in diagnostic imaging hands him a clipboard full of paperwork and a pen. 

He sits down on another uncomfortable plastic chair to fill it out. There’s no baby next to him this time, no grumpy old lady to get mad at him for needing care, just Taylor and the near silent tap of her finger against the screen of her phone.

All the paperwork is about various types of metal that might be implanted in his body. He checks no for all of it and hopes his mum never forgot to tell him about a bone he needed set as a toddler or anything. 

With his luck, she probably did and the MRI is going to go horribly wrong and–

“Stop shaking so much,” whispers Taylor. “It doesn’t actually help, you know.”

“I know.”

His leg keeps bouncing anyway, just a little slower.

Taylor nudges her elbow against his. “Go hand in your paperwork. It’ll occupy your mind for, like, at least thirty seconds,” she says.

Dan does, still unsteady and shaky. He’s decided it’s probably the anxiety by now, the bitter clutch of fear that always comes when he steps into buildings full of doctors. He almost drops the pen as he hands it over. The lady just smiles at him and tells him the MRI tech should be here to get him shortly.

When he sits back down, his legs starts bouncing again.

Taylor looks up at him, offering a sad smile. “Play some Angry Birds?” she offers, like she’s decided it’s hopeless to distract him.

Dan tries anyway.

---

He’s about to lose this level for the sixth time in a row when his phone starts vibrating.

Dan almost drops it in surprise, but the screen lights up with Phil’s contact photo and the ache between his ribs fades just a bit. He flashes the screen at Taylor quickly before standing, rushing off to an emptier corner of the hospital as he swipes his thumb across the screen to answer.

“Hi?” he says. It’s a whisper, wavering. 

Phil’s response sounds like a relieved sigh, just a quiet breath of, “Dan.”

It makes him smile. He was asleep when Phil left for work this morning. This is the first time he’s heard his voice today.

“Yeah?”

“I wanted to catch you before your MRI,”says Phil. “I was all worried I’d gotten the wrong time and you’d already be in the test and I wouldn’t get to talk to you.”

He’s rambling. That makes Dan breathe easier, too.

“Aren’t you supposed to be working?” he says.

Phil chuckles. “I’m hiding in the loo.”

“Oh,” says Dan, because, well, that’s quite sweet. It’s quite Phil. “You’re hiding in the loo just to talk to me?”

“I know you’re anxious,” says Phil. “And I know Taylor’s there but this feels, like, big? And I wish I could be. There. With you.”

Dan almost says I wish you could be, too, but he doesn’t want to make Phil feel bad. He hopes it can go unspoken. Or maybe he’ll tell Phil later, when he won’t need to spend the rest of the day feeling guilty that he can’t leave.

Right now he just says: “I got you a gross hospital cookie.”

Phil laughs again, happy and surprised. “You did?”

Dan hums. “It has two whole types of chocolate,” he says. And then, quieter, “It made me think of you.”

Phil doesn’t respond to that. He stays quiet. Only his breathing can be heard over the line and it’s probably stupid that Dan finds that comforting, but he does. He leans against the white wall in the far corner of diagnostic imaging, staring at where Taylor’s looking back at him, and tries to make his own breaths match Phil’s.

He imagines Phil counting for him, like he used to do when Dan’s chest spasmed and his breathing stopped. It helps.

Even when he’s not here, Phil manages to help.

Dan’s trying to come up with some way to tell him that when Phil whispers, “How are you holding up?” His voice cracks halfway through, goes as soft as it was when he’d count.

It makes Dan’s eyes sting. “I’m trying,” he says.

“You can do this,” says Phil. “We’ll order pizza when I get home and pretend this never happened, okay?”

Dan smiles. “Okay.”

And he stands there, listening to the steadiness of Phil’s breathing, until Phil decides he’s been in the loo a suspiciously long time and has to say goodbye.

When Dan sits down again, his leg isn’t bouncing.

---

The MRI tech is a man who hands Dan a gown and tells him in no uncertain terms to take every piece of metal off his body or else he might die.

Well, he’s kinder about it than that, but that’s the gist of it and the morbid part of Dan’s brain finds it oddly funny.

It takes him way too long to put the gown on. His limbs feel awkward. He almost steps out of the room with his ass fully out until he realizes it’s meant to loop around him a second time. It’s just enough to have a laugh bubbling out of his chest, past the angry bubble of anxiety. 

The MRI tech is standing in the hall when Dan steps out. “I’m Alex, by the way,” he says. “I’m gonna explain the test to you before we begin, if that’s okay?”

Dan nods, even though he’s not sure he wants to know.

Alex leads him into the room. It’s almost empty, save for the giant tube and bed in the center of it. There’s a pillow on the bed, and a weird stand looking thing right at the head. That’s it. It looks horribly uncomfortable. Dan’s back already aches at the thought.

Alex starts explaining everything. Dan tunes him out halfway through.

---

The MRI bed is in fact uncomfortable.

Dan’s shoulder blades feel pointy against it, despite the pillow wedged beneath them. His head is resting in the stand, not quite at an awkward angle, but not exactly natural either. He stares up at the ceiling as Alex wedges a second pillow under his legs. It takes some of the pressure of his hips, but just barely.

Still, when Alex asks if he’s comfortable enough to stay still for the whole examination, Dan nods.

A set of foam earbuds is pressed into his hand. Alex just watches him as he clumsily shoves them into his ears.

Then the bed is moving upwards and back just a little. Alex reaches for something behind Dan’s head. It’s a giant thing that looks sort of like a cage and makes Dan’s chest go tight, an exhale getting stuck there as Alex situates the stupid thing right over his head.

“I know it looks scary. I promise it just sits here, though,” says Alex, his voice muffled by the ear plugs.

Dan nods. He’s pretty sure he’s still not breathing. Suddenly, all he can see is Alex’s scrubs and white walls and giant white bars obstructing his vision and he kind of wants to just get up and run.

“You’re gonna be okay,” says Alex. He presses something else into Dan’s hand. “This button will call me if you need anything, okay?”

He nods again. The lump in his throat is too big to speak.

His eyes feel wide as he watches Alex reach over to the machine, pressing a button that makes the bed move backwards until Dan’s in the middle of a dark tunnel, surrounded by metal on every side. He never thought he was claustrophobic but maybe it’s the fact that the MRI machine looks like it belongs perfectly in a hospital.

Dan’s never been good with hospitals. 

He doesn’t hear Alex say anything before he walks away, doesn’t hear any footsteps or anything else until the exam room door is slamming shut.

The next time he hears Alex speak, his voice is scratchy over the intercom.

“Are you ready to begin the test?” he says. “Remember, once it starts, you can request to take a break at any time. I need you to stay as still as possible while the test is progress. The machine will make loud noises. That’s normal. The ear plugs should help.”

Dan swallows. He stares up at the two bars of metal hanging right above his face and says, “I’m ready.”

“Okay,” says Alex. “If you get nervous, just close your eyes and think of somewhere you feel safe.”

---

Dan spends the entire MRI thinking of Phil.

He imagines the drape of Phil’s arm over his shoulders, the press his lips to Dan’s hair. He pretends it’s the soft blanket Phil bought him pressed against his skin, instead of whatever itchy thing the hospital gave him. He tries to convince himself all the noises the MRI makes are just sound effects in a movie.

He thinks of how soft Phil’s voice was when he first found out Dan was sick.

Of how gentle Phil’s touch is when he knows Dan’s sore.

It helps. The pressure in his chest eases and it takes less effort to keep his eyes closed and when Alex steps back into the room, Dan’s surprised a whole forty-five minutes has passed.

His chest feels achy for a whole new reason afterwards, a strange sort of empty he hasn’t felt in a while. He changes out of the gown and into his clothes while staring blankly at a spot of grey on the hospital’s white walls. When Taylor asks how the test went, he just shrugs and tells her it was as expected.

Not that he really had any expectations.

She drives him home in silence and offers to stay until Phil gets home, but Dan tells her he’s fine, just a little tired. The anxiety and anticipation kept him up last night and he could really use a nap, is what he tells her.

After she leaves, Dan settles on the sofa. 

He runs his hand over the softness of the blanket for a while, letting his brain get lost in the memories of the day Phil got it for him. After a moment, he gives in and tugs it tight around his shoulders, wrapping it over his chest like he used to do with his duvet when he was little.

The fabric smells like him and—faintly—of Phil.

Dan sits there, enjoying it, and tries to figure out what the warm feeling in his chest really means. 

What he told Taylor must have been true, because he’s still sitting like that when he falls asleep.

---

Phil wakes him up by running his fingers through Dan’s hair.

There’s a smile on his face when Dan blinks his eyes open, a softness in his eyes that makes Dan smile back. The blanket is still wrapped tight around him. He’s too warm and the heat makes a dull ache throb under his skin but part of him doesn’t want to untangle himself from it. 

“Smells like pizza,” he mumbles.

The corner of Phil’s mouth quirks up, amused. “That’s ‘cause I got pizza,” he says. “And some of those cookies you like but never want me to order.”

Dan pouts. Phil just runs his fingers through his hair again, so very gentle, before pulling away.

He sets up the box of pizza on the coffee table, and brings Dan a plate so he can eat without leaning forward too much. Dan unravels himself from the blanket just so Phil can sit next to him properly, their legs pressed together without the thick fabric between them.

Normally, they’d watch TV while eating.

Today, Phil asks, “How were the tests?”

Dan shrugs. He knows Phil can probably tell it’s a lie when he says, “Fine.”

They eat in silence after that. Phil lets Dan have both the Domino’s cookies in favour of eating the shitty one Dan brought him from the hospital. It should make him happy. It does, except the quiet gives his brain space to process the day and suddenly his whole body feels heavy again.

It feels like after his doctor’s appointment. Dan feels, stupidly, like he could cry.

There’s a bruise blooming on his arm, and his bones ache from the harsh press of the MRI bed against his body and the lingering tightness of anxiety in his chest. Phil just snags his plate from between his weak fingers, sets it on the table, and settles back onto the sofa next to him. He drapes his arm around Dan’s shoulders, just as Dan had imagined earlier, and pulls him closer.

“Is it dumb that I missed you today?” he murmurs.

Maybe it should be, but Dan missed him, too.